The winter sun peeked it's face out of the clouds. The wind swirled through the sky of Air Temple Island. Sokka was awake, lying in bed next to his beloved, but there was something bothering him. His life had been utter chaos since he'd come back from the South. He could barely get a moment to breathe until yesterday. He thought about all of the changes taking place in his life. So many new exciting adventures to journey through. He knew times ahead were foggy and he needed to be the searchlight to lead the way. He was very careful to get out of bed and not wake Toph. He quietly changed his clothes and went outside into the backyard. The wind whipped his hair back and forth. He braced himself and slowly walked towad the source. Aang was sitting on a stone slab, eyes closed, and moving his hands about swirling the wind this way and then another.
"Aang." Sokka called. His friend lowered his hands and slowly opened his eyes.
"Ah, good morning, Sokka. Nice to see you up so early." Sokka sat on the ground next to him.
"Aang, I've been thinking. I think we'd ought to put Commander Zei in charge of the force while Toph is gone."
"That's an interesting idea." Aang repsponded.
"I mean Toph and I both trust him. I know he's fairly new to Republic City, but we all are really. I think it could help lay low while the chief is out. Plus, I'd like to stay at home with Toph and help out with the baby. Of course I could come in if there was a situation, but I'd really like to be with her for those first months. "
"I think we need to talk to Toph first." Aang slowly replied.
"Oh, of course. I just wanted to tell you so we could convince her together." Sokka chuckled and slugged Aang's shoulder. They were quiet for a moment.
"I'm also going to take her home today."
"What?"
"I think she'll feel so much more comfortable in her own house, y'know? I mean she's made great recovery in the last two days that I've been here. She needs to feel the comfort of her own bed."
"You'll need to get the 'ok' from Katara, you know that don't you?"
"Yeah, but I'm sure she'll see my way." Sokka stood. "We'll leave after breakfast." He then walked inside. Aang thought to himself. Maybe it would be best for them to move to Toph's home. He sighed and closed his eyes and continued his meditation.
A couple of hours later, Toph woke up. She could sense someone in the room, but didn't know who it was.
"Hello?' She softly spoke.
"Good morning, Toph." Sokka was standing by the window reading the newspaper. He folded the pages and walked over and gave Toph a kiss. "How are you feeling today?"
"Um, fine I think." he said a little groggily. Her left arm stretched high above her head and she yawned.
"Toph, think we should take you home today."
"What?" she asked.
"Don't you think you'd feel better in your own bed? In your own house?" He sat down next to her and gently brushed her face.
"Yes, I would. I'd really like to go home."
"Good, I guess we have to get the 'ok' from Katara though." He half rolled his eyes. "I think you're perfectly fine, but we have to at least tell her."
There was a knock at the door.
'Come in." Toph replied.
"I just wanted to let you two know that breakfast will be ready soon. Toph, will you eat with us?" Aang asked. Toph felt her stomach cave in.
"Yes, I'm really hungry." She smiled.
"Ok, then I'll see you in a few minutes." Aang quietly closed the door.
"Sokka, will you help me sit up?" Toph asked. Sokka nodded and set his paper down. He slid one of his arms underneath her back and swiftly scooped her up.
"Thanks." She swung her legs to the side of the bed and slowly stood. Sokka watched intently to see if she needed assistance, but she didn't. She stood by herself and then smiled.
"Ready?" Toph held out her hand to Sokka.
"What's gotten itno you? You seem very happy this morning? But yes, I'm ready." Sokka took her hand and opened the door.
"I guess I'm just happy to be alive today." She softly told him. She rested her head on his shoulder.
"So am I, Toph. So unbelievably happy."
"So, we actually had a question for you Toph." Sokka said aloud.
Toph looked up from her plate. The whole family was sitting at the table eating breakfast. Kya and Bummi had just woken up and were still yawning at the table.
"We were thinking of asking Commander Zei to temporarily take your position while you're at home, recovering. And then, also until you come back to work after you've had your baby." Sokka asked Toph.
Toph thought for a moment.
Aang added, "Sokka and I both believe he can be trusted to do the work in your place. He's been with us only a short time, but I think he has the common sense and the wits to keep our city on the down low."
"Alright." Toph finally said. Sokka and Aang were shocked. No argument? No yelling? "As long as he gives me weekly reports by phone, I'll give him the job." Toph added.
"Yes, that should be fine!" Aang exclaimed, extremely relieved. "You're very agreeable this morning."
Toph shot him a look and squinted her eyes.
"I-I just mean…" he stammered
"Oh, excuse me!" Katara, who hadn't said a word this morning, suddenly covered her mouth and dashed away from the table. Aang looked at Sokka in terror.
"I'm going to go help her-" Aang said as he quickly excused himself from the table as well.
Toph began muttering to herself, "oh, so agreeable…"
"Ah, come on Toph, he didn't mean it that way. We just know how protective you are about the force and we didn't know if you'd like the idea of someone taking your job." He slightly rubbed her shoulder. Somehow, Sokka always knew how to calm her down.
"I know, and I think he'd be a great candidate. I would actually would like to take the time off and rest a bit." she sighed. "The thought of having to wear that uniform again right now makes me cringe." Sokka smiled and kissed her. Toph put both hands on her stomach and felt her baby squirming inside of her.
Katara and Aang arrived back at the breakfast table.
"Gosh, I don't know why I feel so sick. I didn't feel this way when I was pregnant with Bummi or Kya." Katara sad out loud. Aang sat next to her and rubbed her back.
"The commander will be fine." Toph said quietly.
Aang looked up at her. "Thank you, Toph." Aang stood and took some plates and carried them to the kitchen.
"Katara, I think I'm going to take Toph home today." Sokka told her.
"Take her home? Toph do you want to go home?"
Toph slightly nodded.
"I just think she'd be much more comfortable in her own bed, in her own home." Sokka replied.
"Alright, well I'll check your condition this morning and we'll see how much recovery is made.
After they had cleaned up breakfast, Katara took Toph into the bedroom to check on her. Katara checked all of her vitals including ears, eyes, and then began unwrapping her sling.
"Toph, I'm going to have to have you take off your shirt so I can see the condition of your shoulder." Katara explained. Sokka helped Toph take off her shirt and then covered her chest with a blanket. After she had unwrapped the sling, Katara slowly began to take off the cloths on her shoulder. Once everything was off, Katara examined her shoulder.
"Wow, the swelling has gone completely. There's just a little bruising, but it's looking very good." Katara said happily. "Can you try to move your arm?'
Toph ever so slightly began to move her arm up and down. "Do you feel any pain?" Katara asked.
"Not really, no." Toph replied.
"Here, I'll have you straighten your arm." Katara gently guided her arm straight.
"Anything?" she asked. Toph shook her head. Katara then slowly lifted it up.
"Ah" Toph winced when her arm was sticking out in front of her.
"Alright, I see. Your shoulder is healing very well, but you might need to rest it for a few more days. Just make sure not to put any weight on it and it will be fine. You don't need any more bandages, but I'm going to send you home with the sling in case your arm starts to feel heavy."
"Thank you, Katara."
"I'm happy I could help. Of course you need plenty of rest with your baby due so soon. I'm estimating only a week or two. Other than that, it looks like your physical recovery is looking great." Katara gave Toph a slight hug and then began to pack up her things.
About an hour later, Sokka and Toph were waiting by the docks for the ferry to travel back to her own home. Katara and Aang stood beside them, along with Kya and Bummi giving out hugs and support.
"Have a safe trip! And don't forget you can call me if you have any questions." Katara was teary-eyed as she hugged Toph.
"Ok, I will, thank you, Katara."
Toph and Sokka boarded the ferry and were on their way home.