Scandals (ZUTARA)

Chapter 22 : Aang 💨 | Let The Festivities Begin

Winter is the most magical time of the year. Everything about it mesmerises me. The snow, the festivity, the fashion of layering up but not looking stupid. Hot chocolate and gingerbread completed my morning as I helped Monk Gyatso prepare a spectacular Winter Solstices feast for the monks. It consists of fresh spring rolls, buttery white rice and whipped cinnamon yoghurt. A few nuns arrived at the Air Temple yesterday and introduced me to a girl named Yarla; She is the first female air-acolyte I'd ever properly talked to, and probably the most attractive. Yarla is pale, with gorgeous grey epicanthic-fold eyes. Her cheeks are rosy and round, a complete contrast to her hair, which is almost black, but too dark to be considered brown.

I haven't told Gyatso about my affair with Luya. I don't think it's allowed, but I don't care because to tell you the truth, I like her too much to lose her over some silly monk protocol...

💨

When I enter the school foyer, I feel underdressed in my hoodie and jean combo. Everyone else is head-to-toe in festive clothing. The school is decorated too. Silver tinsel is tied nearly everywhere, and there are colourful baubles hung on ever door knob in sight. 

"Hey Aang," Luya whispers from behind; I pretend to be surprised, although I'd sensed her behind me ages ago. I guess Toph's lessons are pretty useful.

"Hey Luya, nice to see you," I say and she smiles.

"Why so formal Aang?" Luya teases.

"I-"

"Twinkle toes!" Toph interrupts and Luya burns pink. How did I not sense Toph running up to me?

"Hi Toph," Luya says, her smile fading away. "You look nice."

"Thanks," Toph replies. Her eyelashes look different today, but as a male, I have no place to comment. "I'd say you too but I don't know what you look like."

I hold back a laugh. "Who are you all dressed up for?" asks Luya spitefully, ignoring Toph's rude comment.

"Can't a girl just dress up for her self?" Toph says squeakily and Luya rolls the hell out of her eyes. 

"Not really," she mumbles over the bell and Toph gives her a very dirty look.

"Well, that's the bell. Me and Aang have to go to class," Toph says quickly, pulling me by the sleeve.

"Bye!" I shout over the hubbub of students and Luya waves indecisively. What can I say? not everyone can get along swimmingly. 

💨

"You're late," Miss Joo-dee yells furiously as me and Toph enter the class room. Unfortunately, we are the last ones  to arrive so everyone is awkwardly  staring at us as we walk to our seats.  "Sit down and get your text books out to page 104." 

Irritated, I slowly open my text book, turning to page 104 as instructed. "Aang, please read lines 8 to 14," Miss Joo-dee requests to my annoyance. 

I look at her, and with as much hatred as I can muster, nod. "The winter solstice is a natural astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the sun is at its greatest angular distance from the equator, making it the shortest day of the year in that hemisphere. As the solstice approaches, the line between the natural world and the Spirit World is blurred as the two grow closer together; consequently, during the solstices, the spirits can exert incredible power in the natural world. This is also the time during which it is easiest for people to enter the Spirit World, either by their own abilities or with the aid of a spirit," I read accurately. For once, I actually learned something in school.

💨

SUKI'S POV

"I'm so excited for the dance," Katara says for the eight time this week. "Thanks for asking me Zuko."

I almost choke. Zuko asked Kat to the dance? Why did no one tell me about this!

"No worries," Zuko replies nervously. " My Mum says Azula, Mai and Ty Lee are coming over to mine to get ready. I can't wait." He rolls his eyes.

"I saw them on the paper today," I say casually, slurping my spaghetti. "I didn't know the famous Fire Nation Angels model for Fire Look, Fan Girl, Moon-child and Muchi!"

"Mai told me about that. She didn't model for Moon-child though. That was just Ty Lee and Azula," Zuko says in his usual grumpy tone and I cringe.

"Where did you girls get your dresses from? My mum insisted on getting mine from Muchi, but I ended up choosing a silk dress from Lo and Li," Toph says and I think she is clueless to the fact that they are expensive designer brands.

"I got mine via Fire Look," I say plainly, thinking back to this morning when my sister, Shora, advised I buy designer.

"Who are you going with to the dance?" Zuko asks me.

"Did you know your sister is dating Ty Lee?" I say randomly, trying to avoid talking about Mai.

"No?" Zuko exclaims, quite surprised. "You think my sister tells me these things? All she ever asks to do is take pictures of her."

"Mai asked if I wanted to go with her and I said yes," I blurt, and Zuko gapes at me. "Is that ok?"

"Your bi?" Zuko assumes vaguely. 

"I think so," I reply, unsure myself.

"Suki, Kat- I need you girls to come with me," Aang says in a rush and I look up at him, completely baffled.

"What? Why?"

"Can somebody please tell me why we just left Sokka and Toph all by themselves?" Katara asks cluelessly. 

"Sokka-is-asking-Toph," Aang explains.

My eyes widen in genuine joy. "Oh my god yes! He was telling me about it earlier and-"

"Look," Kat hisses, shoving playfully. Toph sits on the edge of the table, admiringly staring at Sokka, who is on his knees, presenting her with an open jewellery box. Inside is charm bracelet, shimmering brightly I can barely see it clearly.

"Toph Beifong, will you do me the honour of taking you to your first Winter formal?" Sokka asks with a charming smile.

Toph's face is unreadable and pink. I know she can't see him right now, but I know that she still finds this once in a life time experience very magical.

"Of course," Toph manages to croak and Sokka stands up, slipping the bracelet through her hand.