Chapter 7: Open Door Policy
Aang and Toph boarded the pedal cab in silence, the quiet clatter of the city slipping away as the night deepened. The ride was longer than anticipated, with the streets mostly empty, adding an eerie calm that neither wanted to break. The cab driver pedaled steadily, navigating the labyrinth of Ba Sing Se with practiced ease. Aang felt the tension of the day slowly drain away, though his mind still buzzed with thoughts of Azula, now safely in the hands of the Water Tribe healers.
Eventually, the cab came to a halt in front of Toph's modest apartment building. Aang, still absorbed in his thoughts, paid the driver and insisted on walking Toph to her door. The cab driver, assuming his job was done, left without further ado, leaving them both standing in front of the building, the sound of the cab's wheels fading into the distance.
"Uh, did you need that cab to get to your hotel?" Toph asked, the realization dawning on her.
Aang blinked, looking down the deserted street. "I… yeah, I guess I did."
"Closest motel is about a 45-minute walk, and it's not exactly a palace," Toph noted, leaning against the doorframe.
"I could just glide over there," Aang suggested, but Toph quickly shook her head.
"No one's supposed to know you're even in the city, remember? Not a great idea to start flying around."
Aang sighed, running a hand through where his hair would be. "Looks like I'm staying here tonight, then. I'll just take the sofa."
"Yeah, that's probably for the best. It's late, anyway."
They entered the apartment, and Toph flicked on the lights, revealing the cozy yet sparsely decorated space. Aang took a seat on the worn-out sofa while Toph busied herself in the small kitchen.
"Want some tea?" Toph offered, already pulling down a couple of cups.
"Sure, that'd be nice," Aang replied, grateful for the warmth and comfort of her home after the day's harrowing events. "Do you have a bath I can use?"
"Shower, actually. You can use it after I do. I need to wash off some of that Azula stench," Toph joked, her voice light despite the tension that still lingered from their earlier encounter.
"Thanks," Aang said, realizing his clothes and toiletries were still packed with Appa at the boarding stall. "But my stuff is with Appa, and I don't have anything to change into."
"I've probably got a robe somewhere in the closet that'll fit you," Toph offered. "It's not exactly stylish, but it'll do for tonight."
They sipped their tea in companionable silence, the events of the day slowly receding as the warmth of the tea spread through them. Eventually, the conversation turned to lighter topics.
"So, how's everything going with Katara?" Toph asked, her tone casual but curious.
Aang sighed, staring into his cup. "It's… complicated. We're both so busy with our own responsibilities that it feels like we're drifting apart. I can't wait until things settle down with Republic City so I can get out of the Southern Water Tribe. It's hard being a vegetarian where nothing grows."
Toph nodded sympathetically. "I hear you. I had a falling out with my parents recently. My mom still tries to visit, but my dad… he's more stubborn. They don't really get why I want to be a police officer."
"Your parents just want what they think is best for you," Aang said gently. "But it sounds like you've found your own path."
"Yeah, I guess I have," Toph replied, her voice softer than usual. "But enough about that. I need to wash off the grime from today."
She stood up, stretching, and made her way to the bathroom. Aang nodded, watching her go before picking up a book from the table. He turned it over in his hands, curious about why Toph would have a book when she couldn't see. The thought was interrupted by a sudden clatter, and Aang's head snapped towards the bathroom. Toph was bending over to pick up something she'd dropped, completely nude.
Aang yelped in surprise, his eyes wide. "Uh, Toph!"
Toph straightened up, confused by his tone. "What's going on?"
"I-I didn't look!" Aang stammered, his face burning as he quickly turned away.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Toph asked, still bewildered.
"D-door!" Aang croaked out, his voice cracking.
There was a moment of silence, and then Toph's face turned bright red as she realized what had happened. She slammed the bathroom door shut with a loud thud.
"Oh, spirits, I'm sorry!" Toph called out from behind the door, her voice a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. "I never have anyone over, so I'm not used to closing the door. It messes with my ability to see while I'm, you know… vulnerable."
"It's okay!" Aang called back, still facing the opposite direction, his heart racing. "Really, it's fine. I wasn't… I didn't…"
After a few more awkward minutes, Toph emerged from the bathroom, her hair damp and her body wrapped in a towel. Aang glanced at her, trying to keep his gaze above her shoulders, but the tension in the room was palpable. Toph could sense it too.
"Your heart is racing right now," Toph observed, her tone half-teasing, half-concerned.
Aang swallowed hard, his mind whirling as he tried to find something to say. But the words wouldn't come, and he could only nod, feeling a confusing mix of emotions. The tension between them was undeniable, and for a moment, neither of them knew what to do next.