Toph and Sokka stepped out of the taxi and below the steps to Toph's apartment.

"Why are there so many stairs in my life?" Toph put her hands on her hips and huffed.

"I got it." Sokka told her. He bent down and swiftly scooped her up into his arms.

"Eragh!" Sokka grunted.

"Oh!" She squealed. "Um, thank you." She said still slightly confused. Sokka stomped up each of her stairs and slowly set her down at the top. Panting, he smiled at her.

She was going to thank him, but suddenly gripped Sokka's arm.

"Ah!" she grimaced and held her stomach.

"What's wrong? Are you in pain?"

"No…" she squeezed out, "It's not too bad. My stomach is so tight though!" She took a couple of deep breaths. "Ok, it passed."

"Let's get you to bed, huh?" Sokka swung his arm over her and they walked inside together.

"Sokka, will you come lay with me?" she asked.

"Of course, let me just set all my stuff down. I'll meet you in there." Toph nodded. She wobbled over to her bedroom and collapsed on top of her covers.

"Ah, this feels so much better already!" she said aloud to no one in particular. Just to be off of her feet alone was better, but to actually be laying down? That was heaven on earth! She turned to face the middle of the bed. She took a deep breath and smiled.

Sokka slowly stripped all of his layers until he was in some loose pants and a shirt. He dumped all of his things by the bedroom door, knowing he would put them away later. He walked over to the bathroom. After he'd used the bathroom, he joined Toph in the bedroom.

"You didn't even take your shoes off?" he laughed.

"Sokka, I can't even reach my feet. How am I supposed to take off my shoes?"Sokka smiled. He unlaced her shoes and pulled them off of her feet.

"Do you want to be under the covers?" Toph nodded yes. Sokka slowly pulled the covers out from underneath her and crawled into bed with her. Sokka turned and faced her.

"Toph, when do you think the baby will be born? I have a feeling it will be born very soon. I'm so excited to meet this little one!" Sokka smiled.

"Yeah, maybe." Toph said quietly as she started to rub her stomach.

"You're not excited?" he asked,

"Of course I am, but I guess I'm also…a little nervous." Toph added shyly.

"I know there's a lot to think about, and to tell you the truth, I'm nervous too, Toph."

"Really?" she said with relief.

"Yes, definitely. A baby will change your whole life, but I do know that the first time I became an uncle was one of the happiest days of my life."

Sokka gently pulled her shirt off of her stomach and softly placed his hand on top. Toph immediately felt the heat from his hand circulating inside her. She smiled. Sokka then softly moved his hand in a circle around the whole circumference.

"Hello, baby. This is Sokka speaking. I'm not your real pa, but hopefully I can teach you a thing or two. We're very excited to meet you." He looked over at Toph, but the next thing Sokka knew, Toph was asleep. He smiled and kissed her forehead. He pulled the covers back and turned to his side, also slowly falling asleep. It had been a long day.

Later that evening, Sokka was standing in the kitchen when all of the sudden he heard some moaning from the bedroom. He set down the spoon he was holding and walked over to see Toph. He knocked on the door.

"Toph?" he asked, but there was no answer only another moan. He opened the door to see Toph still in bed. He walked around to the other side of the bed and notice that Toph was still asleep, but she was crying.

"No, no…" she sobbed quietly. She had a pained look on her face. "Stop!" she wailed suddenly. Sokka sat on the edge of the bed and scoped her upper half into his arms. He hugged her there and whispered, "Top, you're safe here with me, Sokka." He kept saying it over and over again until he felt a slight squeeze on his arm.

"Toph, you had another nightmare." he said without letting go. Toph slightly sniffed and nestled her head further into Sokka.

She took a deep breath.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No." she whispered back.

"I think we should. It's obvious something is still clearly bothering you, and that's ok. What you went through was terrifying and no one should ever have to go through something like that. I just want you to know that it's not your fault." Toph didn't answer.

"I know better than to wake you up when you're sleeping, but since you are awake do you want some dinner? I made some turtle-chicken and potatoes." She slightly raised her head. "Come on, let's go eat. I know you don't want to, but we're going to go have a long, long talk."

It was the middle of the night when Toph felt Sokka get out of bed. Still half asleep, she felt around with her hand, but she was sure he had gone. She turned toward his side and heard his footsteps leave the room and open a door out onto the patio. Why is he going out there? She needed to know. She forced her body to move. Toph unwillingly pushed herself in a sitting position. She swung her feet over and placed them on the floor. She stood and yawned. It was a cold night, so she also put on her robe before heading out the door. She waddled out into her living room and opened the door that led out to the patio.

"Sokka?" She quietly asked.

"Toph? What are you doing out here?"

"What am I doing? What are you doing?" She crossed her arms.

"Well, I was looking at the moon." He said quietly. "It sure is beautiful tonight."

"Oh, yeah, it really is, isn't it?" Toph said sarcastically. "The way it's all shiny and stuff."

"Hey, you, don't tease me!" Sokka smiled and then put his arm around her waist and pulled her in a little closer. "I was talking to Yue."

"Who?"

"Oh, that's right, you never met her. Yue was the Northern Water Tribe princess, but then the fire nation sort of attacked and she had been given life from the moon and then this general guy stole the fish and long story short, she turned into the moon spirit."

"Uhhh…" Toph replied.

"Anyway, I talk to Yue sometimes when I, well, need someone to talk to."

"And what was this you two were talking about?"

"I was telling her how happy I am that you're alive. I was also telling her that I'm so happy to have you in my life again." He leaned in and kissed Toph's forehead and she slightly gasped.

She put a hand on her stomach and slightly tightened her grip on Sokka.

"You're my best friend." He spoke quietly. He wrapped her in for a hug. He rested his chin atop of her head. He noticed she felt a little lifeless in his arms. He pulled away and said, "Toph?" Sokka asked and looked downat her. Her mouth was slightly open and her eyes were squeezed shut. She held the bottom of her belly and quickened her breathing. "What's going on?" Sokka said a little more alert. Toph groaned, then let out a big breath of air. She panted. Sokka rubbed her back.

"I think-." Toph stopped and placed one hand on her back. "I think the baby…oh!" She grimaced and closed her eyes. "Oww…"

"Is this like the pain you had earlier today at the party?"

"Yes, but worse!"

Sokka froze.

"You think it's baby time?" he gulped.

"Yeah." Toph trembled. She was shaking like a leaf and Sokka could feel it. He thought for a minute.

"Ok, here's what we're going to do. Let's get you inside on the bed and I'm going to call Katara." He walked her inside and made sure she got into her bed just fine. She didn't bother taking off her robe. Toph was silent the entire time. Sokka ran out into the kitchen and quickly dialed Katara. He waited, but there was no answer. He hung up the phone and tried again. Still no answer. He slammed the phone and crossed his fingers the third time he dialed.

"H'lo?" A voice followed by a big yawn asked on the other line.

"It's baby time, Katara!" Sokka practically yelled. "It's baby time!" He spoke into the phone once more.

"Yes, I understand. Did Toph have any other contractions?"

"Um, well I think she had one earlier today? I don't know."

"Why don't you go ask her? I'll wait."

Sokka rushed into the room. "Katara asked if you've had any other contractions."

"I don't know, Sokka. I was asleep. The only one I remember was the one from when we got home."

Sokka ran back over to the phone.

"She says she doesn't know, she was asleep."

"Well, if she didn't wake up from them, I'm going to say they're probably not strong enough yet, and there's nothing to worry about. There's still a few hours until daylight. Why don't the two of you get some more sleep and we'll talk in the morning."

In the morning?" Sokka almost yelled into the phone. "I don't get-"

"Sokka, labor is unfortunately a long, drawn out process. It'll be a while until things get serious. I'll talk to you tomorrow." She hung up the phone. 'Well that was a little rude'. Sokka thought. He walked to the bedroom and stood in the doorway.

He told everything to Toph. She nodded her head once again and Sokka could hear a curious sound coming from her. He couldn't see much in the dark without the moonlight. He walked a little closer and heard it very clearly.

"Are you crying?" Sokka heard a sob from Toph.

"No…" he heard a shaky voice say. He went to sit beside her and wrapped her in a hug. "Sokka, I can't do this. I don't want to do this!" Her voice trembled. She rubbed her stomach nervously. Sokka rocked her slightly. "Hey, you're going to be just fine."

"That's easy for you to say! You don't have to push a baby out of you!" She suddenly snapped. "How is this going to get out?" Her voice quaked with every syllable. She leaned in and rested her head on Sokka's chest and sobbed some more.

"Toph, you're the strongest, bravest person I know." He stroked her hair. "I know you've got this. Katara said it would be a while, right? Should we lie down together?" Toph slightly nodded and the two of them cuddled up into bed together. Deep down, Sokka was almost as nervous as she was, but he knew he had to be brave for her.

"I know you can do it." He said lovingly. He hugged Toph a little tighter and looked into her murky eyes. He rubbed her back slightly and just as he was about to say something, she muttered, "Thanks." She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand and then closed them, still very nervous, but hopeful since she knew Sokka would be right there for her. Toph slightly calmed down and tried to fall back asleep, but it was no use. She was suddenly thinking about everything that was happening and couldn't put her mind at ease.

Toph laid motionless on the bed. Sokka was pacing back and forth on the other side.

"Sokka, you know I can see you, right?"

"Sorry, I guess I'm just feeling like I wish I could help you in some way, but I don't really know what I could do." He sheepishly sat on the end of the bed. Toph said nothing and rolled over. Sokka put his hand on his forehead. He knew Toph was feeling anxious, but he wanted to help ease her worries. He quickly looked up and suddenly knew what to do. He stood up and walked out of the room. Toph slightly turned her head, but put it back down.

Meanwhile, Sokka was in the bathroom busily working on preparations.

About thirty minutes later, he walked back into Toph's room.

"Toph?" he quietly asked.

"Hmm?" she groaned.

"Ah, you're awake. I've prepared a hot bath for you. It's cold outside and I thought it might help you feel better. How does that sound? Would you like to take a nice, warm bath?"

Toph turned her head toward Sokka and nodded.

"Great!" Sokka walked over and scooped her up. He gave her a gently kiss on her forehead and helped her to the bathroom. The bathroom was spacious for the size of her apartment and both of them could be inside comfortably. There was a medium-sized window with a counter underneath and a stone bathtub. Toph had specifically asked for a stone bathtub instead of a wooden one.

Sokka saw Toph take a wide stance and slowly begin to move her hands.

"Toph, what are you doing?

He then saw the bathtub slowly transform from a rectangle into a square. "Oh, I see."

"Sokka, will you sit with me? I'd like you to be near me now." Toph felt slightly embarrassed, but she felt like that's what she really needed.

"Of course I can!" Sokka said happily. Sokka helped Toph get fully undressed (even her hair was down) and helped her step into the tub. The water barely touched the top of her hips.

"I guess I've got to add some more water though..." He walked into the other room, and brought some more warm water. Then he undressed and joined Toph in the bath. Toph leaned over and scooted in front of Sokka. Sokka shifted around so she could lean back onto him.

Toph's hands were resting on the top of her stomach and her eyes were closed.

"How does this feel Toph?"

"Very nice and warm. I can feel my baby moving around a lot. It's definitely getting ready."

"That's great news, Toph."

Toph suddenly jerked forward with a pained look on her face. "Ah, ah.." she groaned to herself.

"What is it?" Sokka asked.

"A contraction. It's not bad though, it just feels really tight." She told Sokka. After it was over, she took a couple of deep breaths.

"Is it over?"

"Yeah." she leaned back into Sokka.

Sokka smiled and placed one of his hands on her stomach. He turned his head and kissed her neck, but noticed she didn't react. He waited for her, but realized she was dozing off. Her head was slightly drooping downwards and her hands had gone limp in the water. Sokka made an empathetic face. Sokka understood. It was the middle of the night after all. He still hadn't fallen asleep after talking with Yue either. Sokka closed his eyes and yawned. He wrapped both of his arms around Toph, and sighed, slowly drifting off himself.

A tight sensation in her lower back stirred Toph awake.

"Ahh," she mumbled to herself. She opened her eyes. She took in a deep breath and tried to relax through it. It was very uncomfortable and felt like a corset she couldn't escape, but it wasn't awful. She imagined it would get much worse. A chill ran down her spine and Toph realized how cold she was! She could feel the hairs on her arm sticking up. The only warmth she could feel was Sokka behind her.

"Sokka?" She slapped his thigh. "Sokka!" She said aloud. "We're still in the tub and it's freezing!"

Sokka stirred awake and yawned. "Oh, I guess we both fell asleep. You said you're cold?"

"Yes, aren't you?" She crossed her arms and rubbed her skin.

"I'm from the Southern Water tribe, so I don't really get cold unless it's extreme conditions." Sokka stated. "But if you're cold, let's get out." Sokka moved away from Toph and stood up. He grabbed a towel and dried himself, then wrapped it around his waist. He then grabbed a towel for Toph.

"Here, take my hands." He held out his hands and helped Toph stand up. She shivered while Sokka put a towel over her shoulders.

"Thanks." Toph buried her face in the fluffy towel. "What time is it?"

"I have no idea, but it looks as though dawn is about to break. We were in there for quite a while." Sokka said as he looked out the window.

"My fingers feel all wrinkly."

"Let's get you dry!" Sokka joked as he rubbed a towel all over Toph. He hugged her from behind and gave her a small kiss.

Suddenly the window flew open and a cold breeze blew right through the bathroom.

Toph held her towel as tight as she could.

"I'll get it!" Sokka leaped over to the window. "Boy, we need to get better latches for these windows. They always blow open." Before he closed the window, he had an familiar feeling. He paused for a minute.

"Sokka, close the window!" Toph yelled.

"Sorry, got it!" he shook himself out of it and tugged at the frame, slamming it shut.

"S-S-Sokka, I'm s-s-so c-c-cold.." Toph panted.

"Let's go sit by the fire then! Warm you up!" They both shuffled out into the living room. Toph didn't bother putting her clothes back on, but instead wrapped herself in a large blanket that she kept on the couch. She fully cocooned herself and plopped down in front of the fireplace. With a bit of a struggle, Sokka managed to light the fire and joined Toph on the floor.

"No, blanket for me, eh?" Sokka teased.

"No, the baby and I need it all." Toph said with a warm tone to her voice. Sokka got up and went to get another blanket out of the cupboard. He wrapped it around his waist and once again joined Toph on the floor.

"And so it is." he chuckled.

"Ah, Sokka, here comes another one!" Toph spit out without warning. Sokka sat straight up and turned towards Toph.

"What can I do for you?" he asked with a hint of panic in his voice.

"Uh, I don't know, nothing I guess.." Toph was leaning one of her arms on the floor and holding her belly with the other. Her eyes were open and was slowly rubbing her stomach back and forth.

"Is this one like the last time?"

"Yes, almost exactly."

"So it's not that painful?"

"A lttle. Just suddenly very uncomfortable." she answered as the feeling slowly passed. Sokka put and arm around Toph and kissed the top of her head. Toph rolled over and laid her body on the ground. Sokka joined and faced her on the floor and yawned. They both felt the warmth of the fire envelop them.

"Sokka, will you tell me a story?"

Sokka chuckled at the suggestion. "What kind of story?"

"A nice story." Toph said as she yawned loudly and closed her eyes.

Sokka began, "Hm, well, how about this one. Once upon a time…"

Riinngg! Riinngg!

Toph slowly opened her eyes.

Riinngg! Riinngg!

She lifted her head at the sound of the phone. She struggled, but pulled herself up to a sitting position.

"Sokka." she nudged the man sleeping next to her on the floor. He gave no answer.

Riinngg! Riinngg!

Toph rolled her eyes and started to crawl over to the kitchen, where the phone was. She had made it all the way to the table and reached up to grab the phone. She pulled the cord and brought the phone base to the floor with her.

"Beifong residence." She said into the receiver, also yawning slightly.

"Good morning, Toph! It's Katara. I'm just calling to see how you're feeling? Last night Sokka called me in such a nervous panic, but I know these things take a while. So, how do you feel?"

"Um.." Toph replied. "I've actually been asleep for quite a long while - ah!" Toph quickly held her stomach. "Katara, it feels so tight! Something's happeni-" Toph was cut off by an extremely intense pain in he lower abdomen. That corset was pulling tighter and digging into her lower back. She squeezed the phone in her hand.

"Toph, are you there?" There was no answer. "Toph, if you're having a contraction, don't hold your breath. Breathe in and out deeply. Toph did as she was told. She inhaled and exhaled, "Ahhhhh…." After about a minute, Toph finally spoke, "It's never felt that strong before." She gulped and rubbed the lower part of her stomach. She caught her breath.

"Toph, that means your baby will be here soon!" Katara exclaimed excitedly. "I do want to prepare you that they will get stronger though. Make sure you don't hold your breath. That'll help you out a lot."

"Ok." Toph answered.

"Where is Sokka?"

"He's asleep."

"No, I'm right here." Sokka said standing behind Toph. She turned her head.

"Actually, he's right here." Toph replied.

"Will you hand him the phone?" Katara asked. Toph handed the phone to Sokka.

"This is Sokka." he answered.

"Sokka, it's Katara. Listen, Toph is really going to need your support now. Make sure she's calm and relaxed."

"Yes, of course I will."

"I really mean it Sokka. She has a lot on her mind. Try to keep her at ease. And don't make her do anything she doesn't want to. I know sometimes you get these little ideas in your head of what to do, but you've got to let her decide, because you know she would do anything for you if you asked her."

Sokka paused and took the words to heart. "Yes, I understand." he said sheepishly.

"I don't think the two of you need to come over just yet. Toph is still a long ways away from the delivery, but call me if anything happens, ok?"

"Ok, bye sis." He sat down next to Toph and put down the phone.

"What did she say?" Toph asked.

Sokka pulled Toph into a tight squeeze.

"That I must wait on you hand and foot m'lady." he said happily. "She also said don't worry, everything's going great." Sokka fibbed that last part, but thought it would be for the best.

They sat there for a moment.

"Sokka, I think we should get dressed. I'm so cold and still naked from our bath last night."

Sokka laughed, "Me too. Alright, let's do it."

Sokka helped scoop Toph off of the floor and headed towards the bedroom. Toph knew her wardrobe by heart and picked out a loose, green empire dress. She also picked out some super stretchy black leggings and a long brown sweater. Sokka wore brown trousers and a long blue tunic that fell just above his knees.

They both headed to the kitchen for some much-needed breakfast. Sokka cooked while Toph sat at the table listening to the radio. So make sure you get your grasshopper steak and elephant fish at Bar Fa's Butchery!

"Breakfast is ready!" Sokka said as he brought plates over to the table.

"Ah." Toph turned off the radio and began eating.

"What should we do today?" Sokka asked. Toph shrugged. It was technically her first day off from work but she was currently in labor. She didn't really think anything sounded fun.

"Hmm…maybe I could start reading you a book that I just got. It's called The History of The Steam Engine. I'm really looking forward to reading it.

"Sure, that sounds nice."

For the next few hours, Sokka and Toph relaxed in their home as best as they could. Toph experienced a few consistent contractions which Sokka helped her breathe through. After she had had enough of listening to Sokka's book, she turned the radio on and listened to the music. She closed her eyes and hummed along.

"Toph!" Sokka peeked his head in from outside on the patio. It's starting to snow!" Toph rolled her eyes.

"Oh boy, my favorite!" She yelled back at him.

Riinngg! Riinngg!

Sokka bounced in the room. "I'll get it!" Toph turned down the radio as he picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Hi Sokka, it's Katara. I just looked outside and saw that it's starting to snow. Seeing as I'm delivering Toph's baby, I think you should come up now, even if it is a little early in her progress. I just don't want you two to get snowed in when it's time."

"Oh, I see."

"Pack anything that Toph wants to bring with her, but I'll take care of the rest. I'm going to send the kids to my neighbor's house to play so it'll be just us. I'll see you soon!" Sokka hung up the phone.

"Toph…"

"Yes?"

"Katara said we should head over now. She said even though it's a little early, he doesn't want us to get snowed in when it's baby time." Toph sighed.

"Okay."

"You sound sad?"

"Well, that means it's really happening, isn't it? I can't go back now."

Sokka kneeled beside her on the couch. "I'll be right here with you. I hope you know that you can count on me for anything."

"Yes, I know." She gave him a small kiss and raised her arms. "Help me up!" The two of them packed extra clothes and snacks and loaded them into Sokka's bag. Toph came up to Sokka holding something.

"More clothes?" he asked.

"Yes, baby clothes. We can't forget about one extra person." She genuinely smiled and patted her stomach. He smiled too and took them from her.

"Of course, those are the most important." Toph gave Sokka a hug.

"I don' t know if I'm ready for this, but maybe I can do it if you're by my side." Toph shyly said.

"I will be."