#ATLA trifecta modern au week 2021

[stitch1830]

The Place To Be

Hi everyone, and happy Day 1 of @atla-trifecta-modern-au-week :D

Gonna try something different and I wrote this an hour ago, so hopefully it's not terrible 0-0. Still, I hope you enjoy, and thank you for reading! This story can also be found on AO3, just as an FYI LOL.

......

Of all the places for friends to gather, none held a flame next to the infamous coffee shop in Ba Sing Se University. Its small footprint but mighty atmosphere gave visitors the feeling that they were at home, even if home was miles and miles away.

Perhaps it was the warm and inviting decor that invited everyone in. The way the place felt like somebody's uncle’s home. Or maybe it was the fabulous aroma, the roasting of beans and the brewing of fresh tea that kept visitors lingering by the register for just a minute longer, hoping to capture all the delightful scents. Or quite possibly, it was the lovely owners that served their passion brews and blends with a smile that kept patrons coming and staying at the shop.

But at a certain point, why people visited the Jasmine Dragon didn’t matter. Soon it was just… the place to be.

It was the place to be after classes, the place to study until it closed at midnight and reopened at dawn. The place where friends gathered and caught up, it was the place where couples sat and sipped on their morning brew.

And for six of the coffee shop’s regulars, the institution was a sort of sanctuary for the group. A place where they felt loved and were loved by the owners of the shop, as well as each other.

But these six individuals weren’t just strangers in a shop. No, they were three distinct couples that found love in the most ordinary of places, and even the most hopeless of places. Each had their own love story, trials and tribulations along the way, and a moment in a story that somehow connected the whole group with one another and made them practically inseparable.

Because they were Toph and Aang, the dynamic duo, never one without the other, so cheeky and mischievous it was hard to discern which of the two wreaked more havoc. They were Zuko and Katara, the ones who have seen it all and were selfless through it all, but somewhere along the way, found time to take care of each other and more importantly, trust one another. They were Sokka and Suki, the sweethearts that went through thick and thin to stay together, and even when they were apart, they always managed to come back to each other.

And while all of this begins and ends in a quaint coffee shop at a university, this story in particular, is the story of how those couples came to be.

[mycomfortblanket]

Works of Art

All of my stories in one place just for your convenience. You’re welcome. 

These are mostly Taang, however, if you would like, I can try writing for whatever ship your heart desires. 

No Title Yet, Something Will Come To Me: Aang wakes up with a massive hangover to find Toph in his bed. Naked. What the hell happened last night. COMPLETED Rating: Mature for sexual themes. 9.7k words. Finished Sept. 26, 2020. X X X X

Under the Night Sky: Aang hears the chattering of teeth during a cold night. Original Prompt: We have to go camping together and share a sleeping bag even though we are complete strangers. COMPLETED. Rating: General Audiences. 5.3k words. Finished Nov. 26, 2020 X X

A Snowy Start: Sokka and Zuko sleep on the couch together. Snuggles. ATLA Winter Fest 2020 for @i-love-your-light. COMPLETED. Rating: General Audiences. 2.2k Words. Finished Jan. 02, 2021.

Cute Guy From Bar: Bored and alone at the bar, Toph is going through her contacts looking for someone she can maybe call and talk to. She comes across 'Cute Guy From Bar' and has no memory of adding that to her phone. Bored with nothing else to do, she calls the number. Original Prompt: I have no idea where I am and your name was 'cute guy from bar' in my phone and I just moved here so you're the only one I thought to call and wow drunk me was right you are kinda cute @theboywhocriedlupin COMPLETED. Rating: General Audiences. 2.2k words. Finished Feb. 21, 2021. X

Thunderstorms: The sound of thunder scares the strongest of them all and she curls up on the couch with Aang. Original Prompt: Idk but if this could be a cute taang prompt: falling asleep on the couch, waking up to not only a blanket around them, but their partner squeezed in behind them. It's up to you who's gonna be the one looking for warmth. For @layzhe-06 COMPLETED. Rating: General Audiences. 873 words. Finished Feb. 23, 2021. X

You're Not Dating?: Sokka and Katara mistakenly think that Aang and Toph are dating. Feelings start to grow and things occur. I dunno. I suck at summaries. COMPLETED. Rating: Explicit for strong sexual themes and slight drug use (marijuana). 35.7k words. Finished March 10, 2021

The Wedding: An hour before her wedding, Toph and Aang are together for the last time. For @layzhe-06. COMPLETED. Rating: General Audiences. 1.3k words. Finished Feb. 24, 2021. X

The Blood on Her Hands- A battle that took all of them by surprise has left one of them wounded. COMPLETED. Rating: Teen for Major Character Death. 1.1k words. Finished March 29, 2021. X

Unfamiliar Territory: Azula can’t be sure that Aang is flirting. COMPLETED Rating: General Audiences. 890 words. Finished May 11, 2021

About That Night: After an amazing night of sex, Toph meets Aang once again in the most awkward way. For @Viciouso @ZophToko on ao3. STILL IN PROGRESS Rating: Explicit for strong sexual content. 10k words.  X  X

Could Be More: At the beach, Aang convinces Toph to go into the water. For @Zophtoko on ao3. COMPLETED. Rating: Teen for language and some sexual themes. 1.1k words. Finished June 12, 2021. X

Taangst Week 2021

Day 2: Loss X Day 3: Star Crossed Lovers  X Day 4: Arranged Marriage 

Taang Fluff Week 2021

Day 1: First Date Couldn’t Be Too Bad  X Day 5: Family Just One X Day 4: Comfort What Happened Never Leaves

If I Lose Him Like This: At Aang's wedding, Toph is drinking the pain away. Rating: Mature for strong sexual themes, cheating, and underage drinking STILL IN PROGRESS. X X X X X X

Written in Ink: Soulmate AU. When their soulmate’s name finally appears on their skin, both Aang and Toph are filled with dread but for different reasons. STILL IN PROGRESS. Rating: General Audiences but may change. X X X X

Could We?: Toph helps Aang realize what’s missing from his relationship. STILL IN PROGRESS. Rating: Explicit for strong sexual themes, will change X X

I Could Get You If I Wanted: Sokka finally meets his sister’s roommate, Toph, and rises to one of her challenges. STILL IN PROGRESS. Rating: Teen for some sexual themes X X X

Let’s Channel All Our Sadness Into This: Toph is suffering from heartbreak and Aang just wants to see her smile again STILL IN PROGRESS X

ATLA Trifecta Modern Au Week 2021

Day 1: (Taang) Coffee Shop Play it Cool X

Why Are You so Afraid of Loving Zuko and Toph come up with a plan to save the both of them. STILL IN PROGRESS. Rating: Teen for language.  X X

Oh, It’s Gonna be a Long Night Sitting at a bar, Zuko sees the open piano and pours his heartbreak into it COMPLETE. Rating: Teen for mentions of sexual themes X

The Box at the Back of the Closet While playing dress up in Toph’s closet, Lin and Suyin find a box that contains items that Sokka had sent Toph in the past. POSSIBLY CONTINUING. Rating: Teen for some mentions of sex. X X

Without Interruptions When Aang sees Toph dancing with some faceless stranger, jealousy comes out. COMPLETE. Rating: Explicit for strong sexual themes. 4.5k words  X 

Sweater After a breakup that completely destroyed Sokka, Katara decides to throw him a party in hopes of cheering him up a little. Things do not go as planned. TW: mentions of marijuana usage. COMPLETE. Rating: Teen for suggestive themes and marijuana usage. 8.4k words. X

Publicist Set Up Sokka comments something on Zuko’s public page and his publicist ships it. STILL IN PROGRESS. Rating: Mature for suggestive themes X

Link to Achieve of Our Own

Prompts are accepted and welcomed as is constructive criticism

Will be updated as stories are posted

[stitch1830]

Now and Forever

@atla-trifecta-modern-au-week Day 4 is a tad late, but I still hope y'all enjoy! Little Sukka for the dash :)

......

“You can’t play with us!”

The words stung, but Suki didn’t back down. “I can play with you!”

“You can’t outrun me!”

Suki frowned and gritted her little teeth. “Yes I can!” “Prove it! Race me, right now.”

She did, and she won.

To the boy’s credit, he didn’t cry, he didn’t whine. He actually…

Apologized?

“I’m sorry I was mean to you. You can play with us. I’m Sokka.”

Suki looked at the boy, surprised by the change of events. She took his outstretched hand and shook it. “I’m Suki.”

The boy’s grin went from one ear to the other. And when Suki saw Sokka’s smile, it was familiar. It felt warm and sweet and she knew that she needed to make him smile again. “Let’s play!”

……

Seven years later…

“Leave him alone!” she growled.

“What are you gonna do about it,” the kid mocked.

She didn’t bother to reply with words. Instead, she found a knuckle sandwich proved most effective, knocking the bully flat on his ass. Suki turned to face Sokka, and by the look on his face, he was either impressed, shocked, scared, or a combination of all three. “Are you okay?” she asked.

He smiled at her, the smile that made her straighten her posture and the corners of her lip twitch up with his. “You’re always gonna have my back, aren’t ya?”

“For now and forever,” she confirmed.

Sokka nodded, but the grin turned smirk told her that he was going to lighten the mood. “That was so cool, Suki. You gotta teach me that!”

Suki laughed, because even in stressful situations, he never ceased to make her smile. “Sure thing, Sokka. But, later. Let’s get out of here!”

“After you!”

……

Four years later…

She couldn’t stop crying.

They all knew this day was coming, but losing her grandmother was such a foreign concept to her. She didn’t realize how finite life was until she ran out of time with one of her favorite people.

It wasn’t fair.

It wasn’t fair, and of all the people that understood that, it was him. Because he held her as she cried, caring for her the way no one else could in her time of need. She didn’t want family, not a partner, not a colleague or a counselor or a classmate.

She wanted him. Her best friend.

He said nothing, because there was nothing to say. But she held his hand as it rested on her shoulder, because his hands were warm and supportive and they were always there to help her up when she needed it.

And for that, she was grateful, now and forever.

……

Two years later…

“Will you please tell me what’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing is wrong,” she replied curtly.

“Doesn’t sound like it.” Sokka wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her closer to him. “C’mon, babe. It’s gonna be fine! It’s only for the summer.”

And that was when she had it. For months, fear bubbled inside of her, and she managed to keep it at bay for this long.

Not anymore, though.

She pried his hands off of her and snapped at him. “That’s what you say now! But then college starts, and it’s gonna be another month here! An internship there, another summer lost. And what happens when you graduate?? You’re gonna move away and find someone else.”

“Wow, you really planned out my whole life after my study abroad program,” he teased.

Suki glared at him, and Sokka went to placate her. “Hey, Suki. You don’t have to worry, it really is just for the summer.”

“But everything else could still happen. You could leave, go off to school a thousand miles away.”

“I could, but I won’t,” he promised.

“Sokka, you can’t hold yourself back because of me—”

“I’m not. Listen, you said you’d have my back now and forever, and while I never told you this, but I made a promise that day you kicked that bully’s ass.

“I promised I’d have your back, now and forever. No matter how far away I am, I’ve got you.” He tilted her head up to face his, and she saw that smile. That smile that pulled her in when she was five, the one that made her smile through the best of times and the worst.

And when she stared at him, marveling at his dazzling grin, she knew that even if they were miles away for the summer, she’d be okay.

They would be okay.

Now and forever.

……

Four years later…

“I’ll take mine to go, please,” Sokka said to the cashier, then directed his attention to his friend. “Cheer up, buddy, you’ll find someone!”

“I’m not so sure Sokka,” Aang commented with a sigh. “We can’t all find our partner at the ripe old age of 5…��

“Okay, Mr. Gloom and Doom,” he mumbled with an eye roll. “Suki and I are a rare case. But don’t fret, friend! My sister found her boyfriend in the weirdest way, you know?”

“True,” Aang admitted.

“If she can find love at therapy, I’m sure you can find someone.”

“But where?” he asked. “I just feel like it’s been forever since I looked for dates or anything, and—I don’t know.”

Sokka took a sip of his latte, then said, “Just get active in different activities! You know, my sister is going to a Swing Dance class with her boyfriend tomorrow, you should go! Probably time you meet her and everything. How you haven’t met her yet is beyond me…”

“You’re her brother, you tell me,” Aang jabbed.

“Yeah, yeah,” Sokka replied with a flippant hand. “But listen, I gotta go. I’ve got a hot date tonight. We’ll talk later, yeah?”

Aang waved at Sokka as he sat down in his usual table. “Sounds good. I’ll see you around, buddy. Say hi to Suki for me!”

“See ya bud!”

But as Aang watched his friend exit the Jasmine Dragon, his heart jumped out of his chest when he saw her...

[stitch1830]

A Smashing First Encounter

Hey everyone! @atla-trifecta-modern-au-week Day 3 was a little late for me, but still. This story is also found on AO3. Thanks for reading :)

This is kind of a meet ugly. Kind of LOL.

......

He couldn’t stop bouncing his leg.

Like, good grief it was just one appointment, he could handle a shrink.

But really, he didn’t want to. And he really didn’t know why he even agreed to meet this Dr. Lee in the first place. Perhaps it was to get the patrons of the coffee shop to stop staring at him, or maybe he felt a sense of obligation to the woman in blue...

She was the calm in the storm, the voice of reason as he lashed out in the coffee shop, tossing his computer off the table. It was nothing to get upset over, but after a terrible conversation with his father and school wearing down on him with each passing week, Zuko momentarily lost it when he couldn’t figure out his stupid homework assignment.

Unfortunately for him, it seemed that every patron in the Jasmine Dragon saw his computer’s… uh… demise.

While he expected to get kicked out or to gather up the pieces of his laptop or perhaps get called a freak, the woman in blue just… helped him. She said nothing as she wiped away the spilled coffee and helped him clean up the mess, and when Zuko apologized to the cashier about his outburst, the woman in blue followed him out.

“Are you—” the woman paused. “Um, are you feeling better?”

Zuko stared at the woman, a little surprised at her question, but also, he kind of expected it. But before he could even answer her, he hesitated.

Her eyes were… sparkling. A piercing, fierce blue that actually matched her sweater. And her lips curled into a sincere smile as she waited for him to answer her. Her head, tilted ever so slightly to the right made her look… sweet. The combination of it all made Zuko pause. Here he was, throwing expensive pieces of technology in a tiny coffee shop in front of such a beautiful woman.

Not his best moment, to say the least, and he felt his cheeks redden.

It got worse when she raised an eyebrow at him, and then he realized that he’d been staring at her.

“Oh,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Um, yeah. I’m fine. Rough week is all. I’m good now, though. Although I do need a new laptop, so… That’s unfortunate.”

“Yeah,” she laughed quietly with him. “Alright, well, if you’re okay, then I’ll leave you be.”

The woman in blue started to walk away, but then she turned around to say one final thing. “Actually, and this is definitely—you don’t have to take this or anything. But…” She pulled out a business card. “I know it’s not my place, and—and like I said feel free to ignore me. But you ever want to talk to someone…”

She said nothing else, just placed the card in Zuko’s hand when he met hers, and walked away. For real, this time.

He had the urge to tear up the card and toss it to the wind. He didn’t need help, he was fine!

Then again, talking to someone did seem nice… and perhaps the woman in blue worked there…

And there he was, sitting in Dr. Lee’s office, waiting for his appointment. But he couldn’t stop bouncing his leg.

It was only when she entered the room and he nearly gasped that his leg stopped bouncing.

The woman in blue.

Her smile lit up the room when she saw him. “Hey!”

“Uh, hey,” he replied sheepishly. “Do you work here or something?”

She didn’t stop smiling as she replied, “Nah, Dr. Lee is my therapist.”

“Wait. Really?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She leaned toward his ear and mumbled, “You’re not the only one who has freaked out in the Jasmine Dragon.”

For some reason when she straightened, he couldn’t stop grinning at her. Goodness, she lit up a room, even a small, dingy waiting room for therapy.

Zuko snapped back to reality when it was his appointment time and his name was called out. He stood up and faced her, still grinning like a fool, he assumed. “Well, better get going.”

“Yeah. I guess I’ll see you around… Zuko. Is that your name?”

“Yes, Zuko,” he confirmed. “I’ll see you around…” Zuko paused, hoping the woman in blue would become a name.

“Katara,” she finished for him.

“Katara,” Zuko repeated. “I’ll see you around, Katara.”

And in the back of his mind, he hoped and prayed that the statement would come true.

……

Next year…

“We’re planning on doing a fun and free date by going to Oasis Hall for the Swing Dance lessons tomorrow,” Zuko told her.

“Is that so?” Toph asked as they walked to the Jasmine Dragon.

“Yeah, it’s been really nice to try different things that campus has to offer.”

“Sounds to me like you just don’t want to pay for shit.”

“That too, but don’t tell Katara that.”

Toph laughed as she looped her arm around Zuko. “Still baffles me that you literally picked her up in the waiting room at therapy.”

“Technically, it was after I had a temper tantrum in the coffee shop.”

“Even worse, my friend,” she jabbed, turning her head so that Zuko could see her smirk.

Zuko chuckled. “Laugh all you want, because I’ve got a dance partner for Swing Dance and you don’t.”

“Wait, what?”

“Katara wants you to come to Swing Dance with us.”

The shock on Toph’s face was absolutely worth it when they entered the Jasmine Dragon and she stuttered out, “Fuck no!”

Zuko couldn’t help but smile at her outburst. Perhaps she’d get lucky and find a dance partner before tomorrow...

[stitch1830]

Dance With Me, Partner

Happy Day 2 of @atla-trifecta-modern-au-week ! Here we've got the prompt college, and this features Taang :) Thanks for reading!

The story is also continued on AO3 :D

......

The first thing he noticed about her was her hair.

Long, beautiful raven locks either tumbled down her shoulders or was hastily thrown in an updo, and Aang always found himself marveling at its stunning length.

And then he heard her voice, throwing him back to reality as he sat at the table next to the register of the Jasmine Dragon.

“I am not joining that stupid club!” she practically roared. Her friend, who stood in line next to her hissed, “Keep your voice down, Toph! And yes, you are joining the dance club. With me. After this.”

“Just because you're being a nice boyfriend, does not mean I have to subject myself to torture by joining a dance class.” She tapped her cane impatiently, and the scowl on her face deepened.

So, Toph was her name?

Aang liked it.

Parts of their conversation became too muffled for Aang to overhear, but after they ordered their drinks and waited by the counter, he couldn’t help but hear the rest.

“So what am I supposed to do? Just stand in the corner while you go dance with Sugar Queen?”

“I’ll dance with you too,” the friend offered.

Toph shook her head. “No way. I’m not gonna the mopey girl in the corner that has to wait for their friend to leave his girlfriend so that she can dance.”

Toph’s friend shrugged as he grabbed their drinks. “Maybe someone else won’t come with a partner.”

And before he knew what he was doing, before he could even stop himself, Aang stood up (rather clumsily, he must admit), and spoke to the two individuals. “I’ll be your partner!”

The man and Toph blinked at him, and he felt his face turn red. Toph raised an eyebrow at him, then turned her attention to her friend. “Zuko, who the fuck is this?”

Aang flinched at the crass language, but the man—Zuko—shrugged. “No idea.”

His wits finally came back. “Oh, sorry. I’m Aang, and I couldn’t help but overhear your dilemma?”

“You wanna go to the Swing Dance class. With me,” Toph asked, her eyes narrowing as she spoke to Aang.

“Um, sure! I love to dance, I’m even getting a minor in it.”

The woman raised an eyebrow. “A minor in dance?”

“Yeah, I had some free time to fill.”

“And what’s in it for you?”

Aang shrugged his shoulders, but smiled. “A fun night dancing? Getting to know people? All are positive things in my book.”

“And you think you can do a partner dance with a blind chick? Won’t make me seem like an idiot with two left feet and two terrible eyes?”

“I promise I’ll be the very best partner,” he replied. “If not, I’m here everyday after class, I’ll buy your favorite brew of Uncle’s.”

The two friends gave skeptical looks to Aang, but after a moment, both seemed to push away any hesitations toward the situation.

Toph waved her hand in the air, then said, “Ah, what the hell. If you ditch me, I know your voice and I’ll beat your ass.”

“She will,” Zuko added.

“I won’t ditch,” Aang promised. “Is the class tomorrow night?”

“Tomorrow at 7, in Oasis Hall,” Zuko replied.

“Don’t be late, Wang,” Toph added.

“It’s actually Aang—”

But his comment went unheard, for the two friends left the Jasmine Dragon.

Still, nothing could bring down Aang’s spirits, he couldn’t wait until tomorrow came.

…….

Six months later...

“C’mon, Twinkletoes, we’re gonna be late!”

Aang chuckled as he ran after Toph. “We’re not gonna be late, and even if we are, what are they gonna do? Kick us out of the club?”

“Definitely not,” she replied with a grin. “But I am sick and tired of hearing Hahn bitching at us every time we walk in a minute late. I only have so many clap backs stowed away in my back pocket.”

“You know what would be faster?” Aang asked.

“What?”

“If we skipped to class!”

“Oh wow, great idea! Let me just tap my cane on the ground as we skip in the air! Sounds delightful!”

“Or perhaps we triple step into class? Then it’s like we’re not missing a beat!”

“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” she retorted. But before she could walk briskly to Oasis Hall, Aang grabbed her hand and pulled her into his chest, pressing a light and warm kiss to her lips.

Toph smiled when they parted. “What was that for?”

“Just thanks,” he grinned. “Thanks for taking a chance on me, for finally learning by name but then properly ignoring it."

"Twinkletoes suits you better!"

"I'm not denying it," Aang defended. "And perhaps most importantly, for being my dance partner. And, you know, your actual partner.”

She chuckled as she held onto him tightly. “Well, thanks for dancing with me, partner.”

And then they kissed again, forgetting about their responsibilities, or the fact that they were in the middle of a sidewalk, forcing pedestrians to walk on either side of them. They kissed and relished the quiet moment before reality came back to them and they’d have to dash off to swing class.

Luckily, Toph and Aang were never known for their punctuality.

When they parted, Aang smiled against her lips and asked, “So, you wanna dance into class and disrupt the whole lesson?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”