Zuko smacked his forehead. "You're hopeless," he said as Sokka stepped on his other foot. He sighed in frustration. "Suki will be lucky if you don't break her foot." Toph laughed, ignoring the two boys' glances. Sokka's footwork was pathetic; even Zuko could use a little work.

"What?" they both asked, their voices defensive. Toph smiled - no wonder why Katara paired them together.

"You've got your work cut out for you, Zuko." She blew a strand of hair out of her face. "I've seen platypusbears with more grace." She pet Momo, who sat in her lap, ears up as he looked at the two men with curiosity.

"Like you could do any better!" Sokka replied huffily.

"She probably could," Zuko mumbled. Zuko shook his head, picking up his war armor. "Look, Sokka, I have a meeting to go to, but Toph seems willing - why don't you let her teach you?" Sokka's mouth dropped, but before he could protest Toph spoke.

"Don't you know? Sokka only likes men to teach him how to dance." She smirked. Zuko rubbed his temples. Sokka and Toph in one afternoon were too much for the young Fire Lord to handle.

"You'll be the perfect substitute," Sokka grumbled. Already giving up on begging Zuko to stay, he too began to pack up. Toph stood up, and Zuko decided he'd change when he got there. The only thing worse than his darling wife upset was Toph on a rampage.

"Come here!" she demanded.

"You can't teach me! You're blin-" He was interrupted by a rock pushing him towards her. When he stopped abruptly in front of her, she grabbed both of his hands, squeezing them tightly.

"It takes two to tango, dumbass," she said icily. Her voice was hard, and Sokka blinked - he had offended her. "I'll lead until you get it, and if you step on my feet you're dead."

He gulped. "Okay."

- - -

It was hard work, but he was starting to glide across the floor. At times he would stumble, which would provoke a sarcastic remark from her, and they'd run through it again - and again, until he could do it perfectly. And, when he didn't watch his feet, Toph let him lead. They would chatter about the dance and whatever else would run through their heads. He enjoyed spending time with Toph in the gardens of the Fire Nation palace.

One afternoon, however, she didn't show up - instead was Aang. Sokka tried to hide his disappointment, but it showed.

Aang just chuckled. "Don't answer to Twinkletoes. It's not manly." Sokka smiled. Aang always knew how to lighten the mood. "She said you're good enough - just keep practicing." For what? Sokka blinked. "You know - the ball for Zuko's wife." He grimaced as he said it. Sokka shrugged. It was Katara's choice.

Suki. Right. That was tonight, wasn't it? "Thanks, Aang." He went off to find her. He found himself in a rush.

- - -

"Sokka," she said flatly when she saw him. He turned and grinned - his racing heart surprised her. She thought she was just another one of his 'guys' to him.

"C'mon!" He grabbed her arm, pulling her towards him.

"What about Suki?" she asked, jerking back her arm. He laughed, taking both of her hands. She flushed - he had never touched her so tenderly.

"It takes two to tango," he whispered.