9. Feelings Realized

The following morning Toph and Lin got up extra early to meet Sokka behind Zuko's house. With her promised sword already in her hands Lin, ecstatic about her sword training didn't waste any time and ran to the Councilman's side.

"So what do we do first?! Lin shouted, "I still can't believe you're doing this Sokka- ooh! Are we going to start fighting now?"

Sokka laughed. "Slow down Lin, we'll get to fighting soon. And not so loud, I'm pretty sure everyone else is still asleep."

Lin shut her mouth while Toph earthbended herself a seat and sat down. "Well, I'll be on the sidelines if you need any help."

"I don't see how you can help," Sokka replied, "you don't even know how to sword fight."

"Hey, who's been teaching Lin earth and metalbending since she was six years old?"

Sokka's lips fell into a thin line. "Yes, earth and metalbending Toph, that's completely different from learning how to use a sword." He pulled out his sword. "Now Lin, the first thing you need to know is that you should think of the sword as another part of your body."

Lin nodded.

"And," he continued, "the sword is also the most versitle of weapons."

"So now we can start fighting?" Lin asked, excited.

Sokka sighed. "Well, we can start practicing now." In the next hour Sokka was surprised at how fast Lin was able to learn how to use the sword so quickly. Since the end of the war he's taught a number of people how to sword fight, and out of all his pupils, Lin has proven to be the most advanced.

"Wow Lin," he praised, "I'm amazed you picked up on this so fast."

She smiled. "Well, I used to always watch you practicing with Bumi and your other students whenever I could."

"Don't forget Sokka," Toph called out, "my daughter here is a prodigy."

The Councilman wiped the sweat from his face. "Well, since you mastered the basics, we can spar a little if you want."

"Sweet!" Lin cheered.

Once the two got into the right stances they started sparring, although Sokka did hold back a little since Lin was new to sword fighting. With her daughter and friend busy, Toph used this opportunity to do absolutely nothing, and it was nice. For the first time since they had started this vacation she was really glad to be there. True it was under unusual circumstances, but she really was enjoying herself, for once she was actually glad she took Aang's advice. To get more comfortable, Toph actually let her hair down and took off her sleeveless vest, this unfortunately for Sokka didn't go unnoticed by him. The second he set his sights on his best friend he watched in awe how her thick long hair blew with the wind, cascading over her milky white shoulders, how the thick belt she was wearing emphasized her perfect figure...

"Look out Sokka!" Toph shouted.

Sokka quickly turned his head and let out a loud yelp as Lin charged at him with her sword, he countered by blocking her sword with his. As Lin took a few steps back, Toph rose to her feet and approached the Councilman.

"What the hell's wrong with you? Lin was one step away from cutting you in half and you were just standing there?" She questioned.

Lin shot a mischievious smirk towards the Councilman. "He was too busy looking at y-"

"Nothing!" Sokka cut off, "It was nothing, I- uh- I just got distracted."

Toph raised an eyebrow. "Distracted by what?"

"It's not important, come on Lin let's finish our lesson."

Lin looked from her mother to the Councilman as her lips curved into a small smile. "You know, I'm kind of tired." She yawned. "I think I'm going to take a break."

"A break?" Said Sokka, "But what about-"

"We can finish the lesson later Uncle Sokka," she interrupted, "besides, I am a little hungry. I think I'm going to head back inside and see if breakfast is ready." As the young earthbender made her way back inside Toph and Sokka just stood there, perplexed.

"What was that about?" Sokka asked.

"Isn't it obvious," Toph replied, "she set us up."

His eyes widened. "What? Set us up? You mean like on a date?"

Toph smiled. "Who said anything about a date? We're just two friends hanging out, remember?"

This caused a nervous laugh to escape Sokka's lips as Toph nudged him in his elbow. "Well- uh... I'm sure breakfast is ready by now, we should probably join everyone inside." Sokka walked past his friend but stopped when she grabbed his arm.

"Or we could stay out here and talk," She suggested.

"S-sure." Sokka and Toph sat down and for a while said nothing. The cool spring breeze, the salty sea air, the calming sounds of the waves as they crashed against the ocean, it was all so relaxing.

"So," Toph said, finally breaking the silence, "how have you been?"

Sokka turned his sights from the clouds and faced the woman beside him. "I'm fine."

"No, I don't mean now, I mean in your life." Toph frowned. "I feel like I've been in a hole ever since Satoru died. Up until now all anyone would do was ask if me and Lin were okay. So tell me, what's been going on with you these past months?"

A warm smile spread across the Councilman's face. "Seriously Toph, I'm fine. And you didn't exactly miss out on much, everything for me has been pretty much the same."

"Really? What about your personal life? There's no woman back home you're interested in?"

In that moment Sokka couldn't be more grateful that Toph was blind, there was no way he could explain his face from turning crimson without her finding out the truth. "Uh- you know Toph, maybe we should talk about something else?"

"Why?"

"B- because it's not important," he replied quickly, "can you just drop it?"

A sly grin appeared on Toph's face as the sudden realization hit her. "Oh, I get it now. There is someone, you just don't want to tell me."

"I said drop it, Toph."

The blind woman leaned in her seat and crossed her arms. "If you don't tell me I'll just guess who it is."

Sokka groaned. "Please, let's talk about something else."

"Fine," Toph sighed, "describe her to me." Her face scrunched in confusion the second she heard Sokka's heart beat quicken.

"What?"

"If you don't want to tell me who this mystery woman is at least describe her to me," she replied, "that way I'll know if she's good enough for you."

A moment of silence stretched between the two as Sokka kept his gaze away from his friend. After what felt like an eternity, the Councilman let out a long sigh and leaned back some in his seat. "I don't really know how to describe her," he said softly.

"Just describe her," Toph said, "it doesn't have to be anything visual, it's not like I'd know what she looks like."

Sokka frowned. "Well, she's persistent, stubborn as all hell, and sometimes she's a real pain in the ass." His face softened. "But she'll always say something that will make me forget all that."

"Is she funny?" Toph asked.

"She's hilarious. She tells the funniest jokes, better than mine. And she's so courageous, I've never in my life seen anyone so brave."

Toph placed her hands by the sides of her hips. Is she pretty?"

"She's one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen, inside and out." Sokka smiled. "And she has this smile,... and this laugh that lights up my whole day, no matter how shitty it is."

For some reason hearing about Sokka's mystery woman was putting Toph in a funk. Who was this woman who Sokka was smitten with? And why didn't he tell her about her from the beginning? Toph felt a pinch of jealousy stir in the pit of her stomach, wait- jealous? Why would she be jealous? She and Sokka were just friends, they've been friends for thirty years. Toph shook away the rest of her... weird feelings and turned her head in the direction of Sokka's voice.

"Well if this woman's so perfect why haven't you asked her out yet?"

"It's not that simple, Toph," he sighed, "she's unavailable."

Toph raised an eyebrow. "She's married?"

"She was... but he's not in the picture anymore," Sokka said in almost a whisper.

"Then what's the problem?" Toph's eyes widened when she felt Sokka place his hand over her's.

"How can I know if she's ready to move on?" Without realizing, Sokka had grabbed hold of Toph's shoulders and began to lean in a little closer. "I haven't felt this way about someone in so long, what would I say to her?"

Heat rose to Toph's cheeks as Sokka held her in his arms, she could feel his breath moving closer to her face. What is happening right now? She thought, Is Sokka talking about me? Does he really have feelings for me? Toph didn't know how to feel about this, her heart was thundering in her chest yet, she felt in a way she was betraying Satoru.

"Why don't you tell her what you just told me," she replied softly. Sheer panic pumped through Toph's body as she felt the Councilman lean in even closer to her, his lips were practically an inch away from her's. Her own hands were betraying her by grasping onto the collar of Sokka's shirt. This was all happening too fast, she still didn't know how she felt about Sokka,and it wouldn't be fair to lead him on when she wasn't ready.

"Sokka, I..."

"Yes."

"I think we should talk about something else."

Almost as if he were snapped out of a trance, Sokka released Toph from his grasp and scooted over to give themselves some space. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice low from embarrassment.

"No, it's fine..." There was a moment of awkward silence as the two tried desperately not to think about what was not being said, or better yet, what just happened. Sokka for one was berating himself by this point. Why did Toph have to push him to admit his feelings? Now he did just what he was trying to avoid. He knew Toph was still getting over Satoru's death, confessing his feelings to her now would only confuse her, which he just did. The only way to solve this is to change the subject and pretend like nothing happened, he thought.

"Toph, I-"

"Sokka-"

The two laughed as they quickly recovered. "You go first," Sokka said.

For a while Toph said nothing, she wasn't sure what was the right thing to say to her friend at this point. Sokka, her best friend of thirty years had in a way confessed to having feelings for her. Did she have feelings for him? She honestly didn't know, she never even thought about it until now.

"Do you want to take a walk?" She asked softly.

"...Okay."

As the two walked side by side on the shore in awkward silence, Toph's mind continued to wander back to Sokka. How could she not have noticed he had feelings for her? It all made sense now, what with his strange behavior the previous day, but the big question that plagued Toph's mind was; did she share the same feelings for him? True, when she was a kid she had feelings for him, but that was just a silly childhood crush. She's a grown woman now, and Sokka is a grown man. She sighed as the thought of her late husband entered her mind. When Satoru died Toph never so much as entertained the thought of remarrying, or just being with another man, but what about Sokka? Throughout the years Sokka was always the friend she could really turn to. I mean yes, she had Aang, Katara, Zuko, and Mai, but there were some things she could only tell Sokka, and vice versa. They knew each other better than anyone else, he's her best friend yet, so much more.

A long exhausted sigh escaped Toph's lips as she continued to think of the subject. This was so complicated. Yes she loves Sokka, but he's her best friend, how can she truly know what that love means? Or if those feelings go deeper than just the love of a good friend? She thought about how she feels whenever she's around Sokka, how he always makes her laugh, how things were just better whenever he's around, but that doesn't mean she's in love with him. Toph thought about when her and Satoru separated, how devastated she was, and how Sokka did everything in his power to be there for her. He practically moved in with her, and if she were to be honest with herself, those were some of the best times of her life. And after Yakone's trial, when she woke up in the hospital Sokka was right there. A sad smile appeared on Toph's face as she continued to harp on the matter, even though all these things were true she still didn't know how she felt about Sokka.

As Toph thought of her feelings, Sokka's own mind was racing, he wanted to do something to break this awkward silence, or say something that will make Toph forget what he said. Something to talk about, he thought, think of something to talk about.

"Um, it sure is a beautiful day today," he said finally.

You idiot! She's blind!

The Councilman literally slapped himself in the face for his stupidity.

"I'll have to take your word for it," Toph replied.

"I'm sorry," he said quickly, "that was insensitive of me-"

"No it's okay, I mean it's not like you've never done it before."

"Right..."

The two continued to walk together in silence, and Sokka felt like he was going to lose it. Say something, this awkward silence will only continue if you don't say something. As the Councilman racked his brain for inspiration, he was finally struck with something, and immediately burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Toph asked, "I hope it's not another one of your stupid jokes."

"No," he replied, "it's just being here at the beach reminds me of that time when we were first attacked by Combustion Man."

Toph raised an eyebrow. "You think that was funny? That guy almost blew us to smitherines."

"Well of course it wasn't funny then, but come on, you have to think it's funny now."

Toph thought about it and much to her surprise she started laughing. "I guess it is kind of funny, ha!- remember when we were in Ba Sing Se, Long Feng's whole conspiracy with the dai lee."

Sokka laughed. "Yeah, and remember Joo Dee? What a whack job!"

"I know."

For the next several hours Sokka and Toph continued to walk together, reminiscing about their adventures during the war, laughing at every crazy twist and turn that happened. All the weird awkwardness that clouded the air was long forgotten, and the two just continued to enjoy each other's company. However, once the sun began to set, Sokka turned around and was shocked to find that he and Toph had traveled all the way to the other side of the island.

"Why didn't you tell me we traveled so far?" said Sokka.

Toph shrugged. "You're the one with the working eyes, besides I asked you if you wanted to go back when we stopped in that tea shop two hours ago."

"You're right," he sighed, "we should head back, it will be dinner time by the time we reach Zuko's house."

Mai was the first person to greet Sokka and Toph when they returned to the house. While Toph went inside to check on Lin, Sokka remained outside, unaware of the strange look Mai was giving him.

"You two were gone a long time," she said, what were you guys doing?"

"We just talked," Sokka replied without looking at the Fire Lady.

Annoyed by his lack of giving information, Mai went to the Councilman's side and shoved him in his shoulder a little. "Oh come on, you're seriously not going to tell me what's going on? The day you arrived here you two were at each other's throats, now you're practically on top of each other."

"We're not on top of each other, we were just talking, it's what friends do." Though he was firm in his words, there was a defeat in his voice, which didn't go unnoticed by Mai.

"I see... well, did you talk to her about it?"

"Yeah, but she changed the subject," he muttered.

"Maybe she just needs time."

"Maybe..."

Mai went over and approached Sokka, patting his shoulder with her hand. "Don't stress yourself over it, you never know this could be the night where you might get the answer you're looking for."

Sokka raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"They say that Ember Island in itself is a magical place, and if you keep an open mind it may help you and Toph understand yourselves and each other."

Confusion struck the Councilman's face as he stared at his friend. "Okay, I think someone must have hung around their husband's uncle for too long."

Mai barked in laughter. "Just keep in mind what I said." She headed toward the house but faced her old friend before she went inside. "Dinner should be ready in five minutes."

Dinner went by smoothly. Everyone, including Toph and Sokka engaged in cheerful conversations with everyone at the table. Zuko for one was in total shock. Just a few days ago Toph was barely speaking to Sokka, now she's joking, laughing, and,... flirting with him? What am I thinking? They're just pretending, right? Even if they were, the Firelord was glad to see his old friend being herself again. When Toph is in good spirits she really can be the life of the party. Once everyone finished their meal, Zuko asked everyone to join him and Mai on the beach for a bonfire.

As soon as everyone found a seat around the fire (all couples together of course), Suki stood up and cleared her throat for everyone's attention.

"Alright, now for those who are new here, we have a little tradition, which during one of our nights all us couples each share what we love most about our spouses."

Ursa groaned and faced her parents. "Dad, do we really have to stay for this? No offense, but watching you, Mom, and other adults making out isn't high on my list of things to look at. I did just finish eating." She said the last part under her breath.

"I heard that, young lady," Mai said, "and if it bothers you that much, look the other way. I can't wait to see you when you fall in love and get married."

"Which will be a very long time from now," Zuko interjected.

Ursa rolled her eyes while crossing her arms. "Whatever."

Suki bit her lower lip to keep from giggling at the young teenager. "Anyway, since they're new to our couples retreat I think it's only befitting that Sokka and Toph go first."

Both Sokka and Toph's eyes widened while Lin, Ursa, Mai, and Zuko shot the 'couple' strange looks.

A faint blush stained the Councilman's cheeks as he tried to come up with a reasonable response. "I- I don't know if I'm comfortable with sharing-"

"It's nothing to be embarrassed about," Suki encouraged, "you don't even have to stand up, you can stay seated if you want to."

Sokka sighed at this. He and Toph were finally having a good time, the last thing he wanted was to cause weirdness between them, especially sense they just got over the awkwardness of his 'sort of' confession that morning. His hands trembled as they took hold of Toph's. For a brief second, Sokka watched how the light of the fire reflected off his best friend, she looked so beautiful...

"Uh," he coughed nervously while facing Toph, "well, what I love about you is your fearlessness and strength."

"Okay Toph, your turn," Suki said.

Toph was quiet for a moment. What do I say? She cleared her throat. "I... I love you're... you're intelligence, and your brilliant, but sometimes stupid ideas." This earned her a laugh from everyone.

"Okay, that's good," Suki replied, " but you two can say more if you want."

At first Sokka thought to keep quiet, but as he looked at Toph he felt his emotions, his longing overcome him, he just couldn't find it in himself to hold back anymore. His grip on Toph's hands tightened as he swallowed the lump in his throat. "And I love how whenever I'm down you know just what to say to get me right back up."

Toph felt a surge of emotions sweep over her. She could tell what Sokka was saying was true and sincere, and though she wasn't very comfortable with it, she herself couldn't hold back anymore. The love Toph held for her best friend of thiry years, along with these strange new feelings she's developed the past few days have quickly become something else, something much deeper, and in this moment, Toph couldn't bring herself to deny it.

"And," she replied softly, "I love how you know just what to say to make me laugh."

"I love your laugh," Sokka said, "and I love waking up and seeing you every morning."

"And I love that even when I'm at my worst, you still make me feel... special," Toph continued. When Sokka didn't respond right away she became a little concerned.

"Sokka?-"

He silenced her by capturing her lips with his, while using his hands to cup her cheeks. Sokka knew he shouldn't, he knew originally it was against their 'rules,' but he just couldn't ignore his feelings anymore. Oh crap! What am I doing? What am I thinking? Fortunately for him, and much to his surprise, instead of pushing him away, Toph closed her eyes and returned the kiss.

Toph couldn't believe what she was doing, she didn't even know why, well, that's not exactly true. True, she still wasn't a hundred percent sure of her feelings for Sokka, but what he said, and what she said, it was all true. She wanted Sokka to kiss her, and she wanted him to know her feelings, whatever they are. For the moment, they didn't think about anybody else but each other, as if they were the only two people left in the world. Sokka's blood roared, his heart was racing, for two years he dreamed of being with Toph like this, only this time it wasn't a dream, it was real, and she wasn't stopping him.

When Sokka and Toph started kissing, the first reaction they got from the others was pure shock, but with an 'aw' response. However, the aw's soon became ew's when Sokka pulled Toph onto his lap, and if that weren't enough, along with the moans they were making, you could here the clinking sound of their teeth together as they continued to make out in front of everyone. Though they were repulsed, they couldn't bring themselves to look away, Lin, however couldn't take it anymore.

The young earthbender coughed to get their attention. "Um, Mom, Dad, you can stop now."

They didn't hear her.

"Hello, earth to Mom, w-we get it, okay."

When they still didn't hear her, Lin stomped her foot hard on the ground she causes a minor earthquake.

"Knock it off Mom! You're giving us all the oogies!" She shouted, finally getting their attention.

As soon as she heard her daughter, Toph returned to reality and pulled away as she quickly got off Sokka's lap, her face completely flushed. Sokka, who's own cheeks were just as red stared at his feet as he awkwardly cleared his throat. "Sorry about that," he said to the others.

"Uh,... it- it's fine," Mai stammered, "we'll just... move on, uh- Chief Kohana, Shima, why don't you guys go next."

As the other couples around the fire shared, Sokka, once again berated himself for his actions. The look on Toph's face when she pulled away from him still burned in his memory. Why did he have to kiss her? Why? Now he's totally screwed up his relationship with her, but she kissed him back, that has to mean something, right? The Councilman turned to face Toph, who was sitting quietly next to him, her face unreadable. He casually placed his hand over Toph's only to have her jerk her hand away, he sighed at this. Now what do I do? He figured the best thing to do is pretend like it never happened.

Once the bonfire was over everyone decided to go to bed. Lin, Toph, and Sokka were the last ones to turn in, that is until Lin kissed her mother goodnight, leaving her alone with Sokka. As the two walked silently to their rooms Toph's head, as well as her emotions were spinning. She still couldn't believe she kissed Sokka, how much she wanted to kiss him again, and yet she still felt something holding her back from doing so. This is all happening too fast, she thought, maybe if we just talk about it we can work everything out. Toph wasn't exactly keen on discussing her feelings, but she knew in situations like this it's better to face them head on instead of avoiding them. As soon as Sokka walked Toph to her room he turned around to go to his, but stopped when he felt her grab his arm.

"Listen Sokka," she said softly, "we need to talk."

The Councilman placed his hand over the one Toph was using to cease his movement. "It's okay Toph, you don't have to explain."

"Well I think we do."

"No, we don't."

Toph's face fell. "Sokka, are you really going to pretend like it didn't happen?-"

"Look, it was just in the heat of the moment," he interrupted, "I know that's what you're going to say, so now you don't have to."

"That's not what I was going to say, Sokka."

"Then what?"

Toph let out a frustrated groan and turned her back to him.

"Look Toph I'm telling you it's fine, alright? You don't have to worry about hurting my feelings because you're not."

"Just forget it," Toph said harshly, doing her up most to mask the hurt in her voice as she opened her door and entered her room.

"Wait, so are we okay?" He asked.

Toph sighed. "I don't know, Sokka, I really don't."

"Why don't you know? Toph, I told you that-"

"Goodnight Sokka." She slammed the door in his face without another word, leaving the Councilman to stare at her door for what felt like an eternity. What was her problem? If anything he's the one who should be upset. He was just trying to save himself the heartache, what was so wrong about that? However, unbeknowist to Sokka, Toph was standing on the other side of her door. Her fingers grazed over her lips, the very lips Sokka had kissed not so long ago, she could still feel his warmth, his hands, his love, and now... now he wants to act like it never happened.

"Sokka, you really are an idiot," she said under her breath, as a lone tear fell down her cheek.

A/N: Sorry this took so long :( I was half way done with this chapter when I suddenly had some idea changes. To be honest, I've really been dragging my feet with this chapter because after this one there's only going to be two more left- and I don't want this story to end! But anyways, to all the reviewers and follwers, thank you! The next chapter will be titled The Truth's Out, so expect lots of confessions to finally be revealed. Until next time, happy reading! :)

By the way, let me know how you like the kiss scene, if you like it at all. I thought it would be fun for Sokka and Toph to be that kind of couple who have those passionate, yet gross kind of kisses that other people are forced to watch.

Free-Spirited Dreamer