Toph gripped the railing of the ferry, trying hard not to think about the rocking and rolling that always set her stomach off. Spirits, she hated this fucking boat. Why couldn't Aang have just flown Appa to the Academy to talk to her? Summoning her with a hawk like she was fucking servant. The nerve of that man!
She felt the ferry come to a halt - finally - and allowed herself to be caught up in the swell of disembarking passengers. At least that way, she had less of a chance of falling off the dock.
"Oh, good, you're here!" Katara said cheerfully once Toph had made it up to the house. "It's so good to see you!"
"Where's Aang?" she asked without preamble. The boat ride might be over, but she was still grouchy.
"Um…"
"What?"
"He's...not here yet."
Toph sighed dramatically. "Gotta be fucking kidding me…" she muttered under her breath.
"Why don't you come inside and have a cup of tea? We can catch up while you wait."
"Oh, alright," Toph relented, feeling a twinge of remorse. It wasn't like Katara had any control over her dunderhead husband's schedule.
"How about some ginger tea? I know how the ferry upsets your stomach."
"Sure." She sat while Katara put the kettle on.
"We haven't really had time to chat much since you got back from your trip. How was it?"
Knowing this conversation was inevitable, Toph had prepared for it well in advance. She'd seen Katara only twice, briefly, in the intervening three months, but hadn't yet been subjected to the interrogation due to time constraints. Actually, she'd been avoiding her nosy friend.
"Good. It was a nice change of pace for me."
"Did you get to visit your parents?"
"Yeah. It didn't really go that well, unsurprisingly. They tried to force me into an arranged marriage, which I obviously wasn't down for. Kinda left Gaoling abruptly. But...I got a letter from my father after I got back. He was uncharacteristically apologetic. I think my mother must have made him write it."
"So things are alright between you and them?"
Toph shrugged. "I guess. I don't really want to see him, though. He's not at the refinery as much these days, anyway. Satoru pretty much runs the place now."
"So...um. Do you know why Sokka went to the Fire Nation? He's been pretty vague on that in his letters."
Well, she didn't bother easing into that, did she? "Is that where he is?" she asked, genuinely surprised. "I didn't know."
"Yeah. Actually, I was worried you two had gotten into a fight or something."
"What makes you think that? Like I said when I got back, he wanted to do some solo traveling and I was ready to come home. I'm glad he's found something to do with Zuko, though. I mean, I assume that's where he is?"
"Yeah, Zuko took him on as an advisor of sorts. He seems happy there."
"Good for him," Toph said blandly. Inside, her stomach was roiling. That ginger tea couldn't come soon enough. "I know he's been bummed about not having much of a purpose lately."
"Yeah. He seems to like it, I guess."
Toph just nodded absently, trying not to let herself think too hard about him. It was too painful.
"So did you find a lot of metalbenders on your trip?" Katara asked.
"Oh, yeah, loads." The change in subject was an immense relief. "I've had to clear out another huge area near the Academy for earth tents. Planning on expanding with more buildings." Katara's heart rate suddenly shifted oddly. "What?" Toph asked, brows furrowed.
"What?" her friend repeated innocently.
"Oh, you know 'what'. Spill it."
Katara sighed. "I promised Aang I wouldn't say anything."
"So you know what he asked me to come here for? What am I saying? Of course you know." She shook her head in annoyance. A second later, she became aware of Aang's signature light steps approaching the house and stood to intercept him. "You're late."
"Sorry," he said, sounding exhausted. "Got held up at City Hall."
"So what's the big emergency that I had to come all the way out here for?" Toph demanded. The kettle started whistling behind her and Katara got up to pour the tea.
"Spirits, Toph," Aang said. "If I'd known coming here was going to put you in such a foul mood, I would have just come to you."
"Why didn't you? You know how much I hate that goddamn boat!"
"I figured you two would enjoy catching up," he sighed, sitting.
Rather than say what was on her mind and hurt both their feelings, Toph opted for brooding silence while she sat back down and accepted a cup of tea.
"I guess I'll leave you to it," Katara said softly, excusing herself.
"I'll cut to the chase," Aang began. "I know how much you hate people beating around the bush."
"I appreciate that," Toph said dryly.
"The Council plans to - finally - establish a formal police force, centered around metalbending. Obviously, you are their first choice to spearhead the project."
Toph exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, actually speechless for a moment. She had thought she was done with this, with crime suppression, especially after taking so much time away for her trip. "What makes them thi-" She cut off, another more pressing question occurring to her. "Wait. Why are you asking me?"
"The plan was revealed to me at the last Council meeting I attended. Apparently, it's been in the works for some time. Years. They meant to bring you in to formally offer you the position, but I asked them to let me do it."
"Why?" she asked suspiciously.
"Because I know you," he said with a light laugh. "I know you'd eat them alive. I think they know that, too, because they were happy to oblige."
Toph cocked her head curiously and leaned back in the chair, crossing her arms. "You really want me to do this, don't you?"
Aang didn't answer right away. "You remember Yangchen's Festival?"
The sudden subject change threw her. "Huh?"
"When we first came here and found the refinery?"
It felt like a lifetime ago, especially with how much Republic City had grown. "I remember giving you a good walloping," she smirked.
"And I remember saving you and your students from a vengeful Spirit," he countered.
"Hah. Fair enough. What's your point?"
"We had a difference of opinion about what this place should become. Not the Island, the city. I wanted it to return to nature, or at the very least stall its growth, while you favored rapid progress and industry."
Toph began to feel like she knew where he was going with this and suppressed a groan.
"In fact," Aang continued, "you took a pretty active role in encouraging the industrial growth. Now, Republic City is a cesspool of out-of-control crime."
Toph slapped the table in irritation before he'd finished his sentence. Self-righteous prick. "Don't you fucking put that on me! I've spent a lot more time and energy trying to fix that than you have! And just FYI, it hasn't exactly gone well!"
"That's why they want to form a real, organized police force. It's a chance to make a real difference! Deny it all you want, but I think you feel some responsibility for the city. Otherwise, you wouldn't have spent so much time here over the years."
"I didn't feel like I had much of a choice."
"Look at it this way: This project is happening, whether you're on board or not. Do you really want one of your metalbending students to become known as the founder of the Republic City Metalbending Police Force? Metalbending is your creation. Your legacy."
Toph let out a bitter laugh and wagged her finger at him. "Oh, you're good, Twinkle Toes. Hit me right in the ego. I guess you do know me." Aang didn't say anything, but she could imagine him smiling smugly while he sipped tea. "When do they want an answer?"
"You have some time. I told them we'd all be leaving town for Zuko's wedding, so they'd like to know what you decide once we get back from that."
Six weeks, she thought, mentally doing the math. It was a generous amount of time to decide. "I'd have to give up my Academy," she mused, half to herself.
"It's been taken into consideration. New recruits will still have to be trained, so it would be incorporated into the program."
"They asked me to do that once already, the fuckers. I told them no, in no uncertain terms."
"That was years ago, Toph. You're older now. Do you really want to run a school for the rest of your life? Won't you get bored? Think of what you could achieve here. No one would ever forget the name Toph Beifong. I bet they'd even make a statue of you and everything."
She'd never admit it to him aloud, but the idea of a statue of her in the heart of Republic City was his best selling point yet. He should have led with that and skipped the guilt trip. "Again with the ego-stroking? You sure have wizened up to the political schmoozery."
Aang laughed and she couldn't help but smile; truthfully, she had missed this causal banter with her friends. They'd all become so grown up and serious. And then there was Sokka...
"So...just to be clear...it's not a definite no from you?" Aang asked.
Toph hesitated before answering, taking a sip of her tea. "It's not a no."
‹¤›‹¤›‹¤›‹¤›‹¤›‹¤›
"Ready to go?" Aang asked.
"Yep," Toph said, earthbending up to Appa's saddle.
"Hi, Toph," Katara said cheerfully. "You excited?"
"About what?"
"Oh, well… I mean, we haven't seen Zuko and Mai in a while."
"Sure," Toph said flatly. "It'll be nice to see them."
"You seem a little grouchy. Did you not sleep well?"
"I'm just not looking forward to two days of flying."
"Just like old times," Katara said with a wry laugh. "I thought you missed the adventures?"
"Adventures are fine. It's the flying I take issue with. No offense, Appa," she added in a louder voice. "So is Ty Lee coming? I know Aang said he was going to ask her."
"No," Katara murmured. "We couldn't convince her. She's just so…focused on what she's doing."
"I thought Mai was her best friend or something?"
"Actually, I think they had something of a falling out after Ty Lee moved to Republic City."
"Oh, really?"
"I don't know for sure, but I kinda got that impression."
A little while later, Katara climbed up front to sit with Aang, leaving Toph to brood. There was no avoiding it. Soaring through the air, cut off from the ground and therefore sight, there was nothing to distract her from her thoughts - specifically, from the argument she'd been having with herself for the last six months.
How could he think I was using him? It's ridiculous!
-Weren't you, though?-
No! He wanted it just as much as I did, and got just as much out of it. And I was up front with him from the start. He knew what he was getting into.
-He was in a vulnerable state. You know him. He was bound to catch feelings sooner or later.-
Hmph. How is that my fault? He's a grown man. He could've said something or stopped at any time.
Would she tell Sokka what had happened? Should she? At this point, there was no intention to, but she had to admit she wasn't entirely sure what would end up coming out of her mouth if they got into a heated discussion. Better for her to try and stay calm, no matter what happened.
In any case, she wasn't really mad at him anymore. On some level, she recognized that her anger had been misplaced (not to mention enhanced by things out of her control) and was willing to set aside the hurtful things he'd said in the interest of getting her friend back. But would he be so willing? It was a question she'd asked herself many times, and one she suspected she would continue to torture herself with over the next couple of days.
"Sokka!"
He turned towards his sister's exuberant voice and smiled. "Long time no see, Sis," he said, giving her a hug.
Aang, Zuko, and Mai joined in on the greetings. It was a bit chaotic for a minute while everyone hugged or shook hands (or in Mai's case, gave curt nods).
"Where's Toph?" He'd noticed her absence immediately but wanted to seem nonchalant about it.
"Bathroom," Katara said. "She said she'd catch up."
Satisfied that she wasn't avoiding him, Sokka allowed himself to be swept up in a conversation with Aang and Zuko. It was better than being nervous about seeing Toph. Was she still mad at him? He knew her well; she had a hot temper but usually felt remorseful fairly quickly, even if she didn't admit it. He kept glancing toward the door, expecting her to walk through at any moment.
On one such glance, she was suddenly there, standing in the open doorway. Sokka's heart skipped a beat and she vanished, continuing on down the hall. His gut tightened painfully. So. She was still mad, then. He wasn't going to let her off so easily, though. They had an unbreakable bond. She couldn't just walk away from him like that!
"Hey, I'll be right back," he said quickly.
Chasing after her as sedately as he could, Sokka waited until she had turned onto a smaller, more private hallway to confront her. He nearly knocked her over when he went around the corner, as she had stopped and was waiting for him, arms crossed over her chest. He couldn't help but notice that she'd gone back to wearing looser clothes.
"So...I guess you're still mad, then," he said flatly.
"No." Her expression was eerily blank, but he thought her eyes looked dull.
"Wh- Really?"
"Really."
"Then...why did you walk away?"
"Because they were too many people in there. I knew you'd follow me. That's why I waited until you saw me."
"How did you know I saw you?" In answer, she placed her hand directly over his heart. It jumped a little at her touch. "Oh. Right." He wasn't sure what to say next. Everything he'd thought of had been based on her being, at the very least, temperamental. Right now, she just seemed...depressed. "Um, why don't we go to my room and catch up?" he suggested.
"Ok."
They strode through the hall in silence. It made him nervous, which he knew she could sense, which only made him more nervous.
"Relax, Meathead. Geez. You're acting like I'm leading you to your death."
He chuckled uncomfortably but was saved from having to respond because they had arrived at his room. Toph threw herself onto his bed and assumed her signature casual position – one leg propped up on the other knee, arms crossed behind her head. Sokka sat on the edge and studied her. There was a pensiveness in her expression, but something deeper still lurking in her eyes.
"So, uh," he began. "How have you been?"
"Oh, c'mon. Cut the crap."
"Isn't that what people say when they haven't seen each other in a while?"
"You know I hate small talk."
"You don't really like serious talk, either."
"That's true. I'd rather just skip all that and go back to how things used to be."
"Um...how far back do you mean, exactly? Because there have been...a few stages."
"Hm. Good question. What do you think?"
Sokka was generally a man of honesty who was perfectly content to wear his heart on his sleeve. But…Toph missed so much non-verbal communication, and he got the distinct impression that using words to tell her how he really felt - how he had decided he felt over the last six months of them being apart - might not go over so well right now.
"I don't know," he said instead. "I do know that I don't like how we left things. And that I said some stuff I regret."
"Yeah," she murmured, a far-off look on her face. "Same."
"Oook." He let out a heavy breath. It was probably the closest thing to an apology he was going to get out of her. "Progress."
Toph gave him a small smile, but it didn't come close to reaching her eyes.
"Why are you so sad?" he blurted.
"What?" Her expression became baffled. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know, you just seem...upset about something."
Something strange was happening on her face – a bizarre tension that he didn't understand. Finally, though, it settled on vague confusion. "I'm not sad, Snoozles. I'm not sure why you think I am."
Sokka sighed and decided to let it go, at least for now. Whatever it was, he was never going to bully it out of her. Besides, she had called him Snoozles. That was a good sign. He wasn't sure why, but he somehow knew it.
"I do have something on my mind, though," she continued.
"Oh?"
"I've got a pretty big decision to make. Katara may have mentioned it in one of her letters."
"I can't think of anything significant."
"That's surprising. She's usually such a gossip. I don't know, maybe Aang told her to keep her mouth shut." She shrugged. "Well, anyway. I've been asked to head up a permanent metalbending police force in Republic City."
His heart sank. The last thing he wanted was for her to be fighting crime in Republic City full-time. That was how he'd lost Suki. "Really? That's pretty huge," he said slowly.
"I know. I've been thinking about it for almost six weeks."
"And you still haven't made a decision?"
"I think I've made up my mind. But I'm curious what you think."
Despite his concern, her words made his chest swell with fondness. She still valued his opinion. It was nice to know. But before he could answer, a knock at the door interrupted him.
"Sokka?" Katara said, opening the door a moment later.
"What's the point of knocking if you're just going to barge in?" he asked, annoyed.
She didn't seem at all surprised to see Toph in there. "What exactly are you worried I'm going to see?"
The question made him wonder if Toph had divulged anything to her about what had happened between them. It wasn't like her to do that, though. Still, maybe Katara had guessed.
"What do you want?" Sokka asked instead of answering.
"We're getting ready to eat dinner. Make sure you both wear something nice."
"Yes, we know. We'll be there soon."
She gave them one last significant look then left, closing the door.
"Does she know...?" he asked, trailing off.
"No. She's not an idiot, though. I'm sure she suspects something. You know how she is." She sat up suddenly. "Let's go. I'm starving."
Sokka intercepted her before she got to the door and pulled her into a hug. "It's really good to see you, T."
"Yeah. You too, Meathead."
As Toph suspected it might, dinner dragged on for hours. It wasn't just their little gang there, but a large number of royal hangers-on and foreign dignitaries. Basically, every wedding guest who was even remotely important was in attendance.
Sokka seemed to be trying extra hard to entertain her. How he had so quickly picked up on the storm in her mind, she wasn't sure, considering how carefully blank she had tried to keep her expression. And she remained confused as to why he had insisted that she was 'sad'.
Afterward, he followed her back to her room, a seemingly endless stream of words spilling from his mouth. "...and then Zuko said, 'What do you think, Sokka?' and the guy's face fell on the floor, like he couldn't believe the Fire Lord would value some Water Tribe savage's opinion over his. I tell you, T, the arrogance of some of these people."
"Well, this is me," Toph said, pausing in front of her door.
"Are you going to bed?"
"We do have to be up before dawn."
"Oh…"
"What?" she said with a sigh, picking up on disappointment in his voice. Surely he wasn't expecting her to invite him into her bed?
"I was kind of hoping we could continue our conversation from earlier, before Katara interrupted."
"I guess we could talk for a little while," she said with a weary sigh, opening the door. She really did want to know what he thought about her job offer.
He went straight to her bed and plopped down at the foot of it. "I can't believe we have to get up so early. Fire Nation weddings are weird. Who needs to get married at sunrise?"
"Oh, quit complaining. Most of the day will be eating and drinking."
"I guess it's true that they do know how to throw a good party here. Looking forward to beach time!"
Toph began undressing for bed, wondering if Sokka was watching her. He probably was. "Are you going to stay here after the wedding?" she asked.
"Nah. I just came here because...well, you know." He cleared his throat. "Anyway, I've already told Zuko I'm leaving with you guys. I've exchanged a few letters with Aang and he says the Council is interested in having me be an ambassador between Republic City and the Southern Water Tribe."
"Really?" Toph was surprised he hadn't mentioned that sooner. "That'll be a big change for you. I thought you hated politics?"
"I still kinda do," he laughed. "But my time here has given me a new appreciation for it. Besides, I'm not sure what else I would do with my life. I don't want to drift around aimlessly forever. And as an ambassador I'll be able to travel, and I'll get to spend time with my dad."
"You'll be away a lot."
"Are you saying you'll miss me?"
"I'm sure I'll be far too busy to miss you," she said with a sardonic half-smile.
"Does that mean you've decided to accept the position?" he asked, an odd tension in his voice.
Toph pursed her lips, annoyed with herself. She had meant to hear his opinion before revealing that piece of information. "Do you think I should?"
"Well… To be honest, I'm a little surprised you didn't automatically say no. I seem to remember you hating your time spent fighting crime in Republic City. Not to mention, what it cost you."
"Well, that was mainly just that I was overburdened at the time."
"I assume this is an all-or-nothing gig? No more Academy and refinery?"
"The Academy would be incorporated into the police program. But yeah, basically."
"And that's ok with you? Man, they must have offered you a sweet deal."
"Well… Aang did mention something about a statue."
Sokka laughed. "I should have guessed that."
"It's not just that. I've always wanted to do something important with metalbending. I think this is the best opportunity I'm going to get. Besides, the other option is to sit back and watch someone else do it. Probably Luon. I would hate that."
"I would think so. Metalbending is your baby."
She just blinked, a little taken aback by his choice of words, then let out a hoarse laugh. Ain't that the truth.
"What?" Sokka asked.
"You're right. Metalbending is mine, and I don't want someone else to go down in history as the founder of the Republic City Metalbending Police Force."
"But at the same time, you're kind of dreading doing it yourself?"
"Eh," she shrugged. "Maybe a little."
"You don't have to do it forever."
"There won't be much going back, once I take the plunge. Besides, there's something else that makes me hesitant."
"What?"
"Well, a lot of my students live at the Academy. Where would they go? Where would Riju go?"
"Hm. I don't know, that's a tough one. Maybe the Council will be able to work something out. Like a foster family or something."
"I guess. Maybe."
"Or you could just adopt him yourself," Sokka joked.
"That's not funny."
"Oook?" he said slowly. "Sorry."
"Actually, I'm kind of tired. I think I'm going to call it a night."
The next morning, what felt like minutes after Toph closed her eyes, Katara woke her to begin getting ready for the ceremony.
"This is stupid," Toph grumbled, pulling on the formal wear that had been provided for her. It was thin and clinging: good for a Fire Nation summer, but it felt like she was wearing nothing. "Zuko must come from a line of sadists."
"Sit down and let me do your hair. Spirits, it's a mess."
"Not down. It's too hot for that."
An hour later, after much tugging on Katara's part and complaining on Toph's, a heavy mass of braids sat atop her head. She stumbled out after Katara, barely registering when they ran into Sokka.
"Morning," he muttered.
The next couple of hours passed in a sleepy blur. Now sitting near the middle of a very long table full of mostly strangers, Toph wasn't even sure she remembered the ceremony. It had been mercifully brief; most of the time had been spent getting all of the guests assembled. After two cups of very strong tea, she was finally awake and fucking starving.
"Oh, good, the food's coming," Sokka said. "Finally."
"Look at Zuko," Katara said. "Doesn't he look so happy?"
"He looks exactly the same as he always does: brooding."
"I doubt he really enjoys sitting up there on display," Toph said.
"I bet Mai likes it even less," Aang added.
"Who knows?" Sokka said. "She also looks the same as always." The others laughed and Toph turned to him with her eyebrows furrowed in a silent question. "Oh, right, sorry," he said. "I was mimicking her signature dour expression."
"Hm," Toph said. "I can imagine it, based on her signature dour voice." She formed her face into what she thought that would be and everyone laughed again.
"You nailed it!" Aang chuckled.
The rest of the day did not disappoint. Sokka had been right; they really did know how to throw parties here. During the hottest part of the day, many of the guests headed down to the beach, though Zuko had a private area for his closest friends and family. He and Aang started playing some kind of game that involved a ball and firebending, with Iroh and Kiyi cheering them on, while Katara and Mai set up chairs in the sand under an umbrella.
"Ooh! I have an idea!" Sokka exclaimed suddenly.
"What?"
"I think...it's time you learned how to swim!" Without warning, he grabbed her wrist and started pulling her toward the water.
"What?! Sokka, let go of me! Stop! Sokka!" She kept trying to bend the sand up his legs to halt him, but it was too loose and he just plowed right through it. They were near the water's edge when she stomped her foot angrily and sunk him up to his waist.
"Wha- Toph!"
"I told you to let go of me!"
"C'mon. There is absolutely no reason that you can't learn to swim. No reason other than fear. Aren't you always going on about how you want to be independent and not rely on anyone else? Wouldn't it be better if you never had to worry about drowning, or needing to be rescued from drowning?"
He was right, the fucker. But she hated the water. Especially the ocean. The thought of going out there made her shiver with dread, despite the intense heat around her.
By now, Sokka had mostly dug himself out of the sand. "I promise I won't let anything happen to you," he said, taking her wrist again. "Whaddya say? Trust me?"
Toph gave him her best glare but didn't have an argument. "Fine. But I'm not going past waist-deep." She pulled her wrist out of his grasp, opting instead to grip his forearm as he led her into the water. The cool water made her grit her teeth.
"It's very calm," he said. "There are barely any waves."
"You seem to think that's comforting, but it's not."
When the water began tickling her ribs, he stopped. "Alright. First lesson: how to float. Floating in the ocean is easy, because of the salt."
The water suddenly surged up to her shoulders, lifting her feet off the sandy ground. She gasped and threw herself against Sokka's solid form, wrapping her arms and legs around him tightly.
"Toph. Relax," he laughed. "You're strangling me."
"I did not like that!" she shrieked.
"You know everyone can see us, right?"
"I don't fucking care."
"Really?"
"I'm a little too focused on not drowning!" It wasn't entirely true. Right now, there was a war going on in her head, the fear of being in the ocean battling her complicated feelings regarding him. It felt so good to be near him again, but it hurt, too. And it seemed somehow…dangerous. They had yet to figure out where they stood with each other.
"Hey," Sokka said, taking her head in his hands like he wanted to kiss her. "Relax. I've got you."
She recoiled from the overly intimate touch, her stomach tied in a knot, senses overwhelmed. Wholly unable to process it right now, she tucked it away for later. Much later. "Are you going to teach me to swim or are not?"
"Hey, you're the one who has a death grip on me."
With an effort, Toph relaxed and let her feet search for the sandy bottom, but Sokka hooked his arm under her knees and lifted her legs up.
"What are you doing?" she demanded.
"Just relax. Let go of my neck. Don't worry, I've got you."
Reluctantly, she obeyed, and he held her like she was a child. It was an extremely vulnerable position, and would be even without ocean all around her. She felt very light, the water holding most of her weight. It was an odd sensation and might have even been pleasant if not for the abject terror.
"Straighten your legs," he said.
All of her instincts rebelled against exactly that. She wanted to stay curled up against his body, the only connection she had to the ground. But she had come this far; she might as well get something out of it. As she pushed her feet out, he lifted her up, his other hand sliding to the small of her back. Her whole body went rigid and a tingly warmth spread out from her core. Sokka chuckled softly.
"Shut up," Toph grumbled. "This isn't easy for me."
"You got goosebumps when I moved my hand."
"The water is chilly."
"Mhmm. Sure."
"Well, this should be interesting," Katara said, amused, watching her brother lead the reluctant blind woman into the water.
"So...are they a couple or not?" Mai asked. "I couldn't care less but Zuko's been pestering me about it since you guys got here and they disappeared together."
"He didn't ask Sokka?"
"Please. He's such a pussy about things like that. He's too worried about being rude, though he still complains to me that Sokka didn't bring it up himself. Usually, it's hard to get the guy to shut up."
"Hah. You don't have to tell me. And to answer your question, I guess it depends on who you ask. If you were to ask either of them, they'd probably say 'What? No! We're just friends!'"
"And if I asked you?"
"Then I'd say they are madly in love with each other and too stubborn to admit it to themselves, much less anyone else." She paused, watching them curiously. "That said, I'm pretty sure something happened between them last year, after my wedding. And I don't think it ended well."
"Something to do with him randomly showing up here and moping around for weeks?"
"That's my theory."
"Looks like they made up."
"I don't think they can stay away from each other. They just have this pull. This chemistry."
She watched as a gentle wave hit them, making Toph panic and latch onto him. Then Sokka put his hands on either side of her head; it looked like he was about to kiss her.
"Hm…" Katara mused, riveted.
"Well, I guess that clears things up," Mai said at the same time. A moment later she groaned in disgust. "Ugh. I hope they don't start fucking out there. I just got comfortable and I'm going to be pissed if I have to get up."
Katara laughed awkwardly, scandalized. "They wouldn't! Anyway, didn't you see? She jerked away from him."
"But she didn't punch him in the face. I think that says a lot."
She had a point, Katara had to admit. "It looks like he might actually be teaching her how to swim now. And she's actually letting him." She continued to watch for a few moments, trying to put herself in Toph's frame of mind. "I can't imagine how uncomfortable that must be for her."
"She seems pretty tough."
"She is. But...I think a lot of it is put on. She's more sensitive than she lets on. She was pretty upset when she got back from her trip, though she refused to admit it. She seemed to think she was hiding it, but I know her too well."
Considering it was his private study, Zuko was a little surprised to see two dirty feet propped up on his desk. "Toph? What are you doing in here?"
"Hiding."
He shut the door and crossed the room. "From who?"
"No one in particular," she shrugged, sipping a drink.
"You seemed like you were having a good time out there."
"I was. It was all just getting to be a bit…much for me. I needed a breather. What's your excuse?"
He realized her face was quite flushed. How much had she had to drink? "I was telling one of my guests about my adventures on an island called Ratua." He walked over to a display shelf and picked up an intricate limestone carving. "There are rare animals there – Rhinorillas – that are endangered from being over-hunted. He wanted to see this carving that the leader of the village there gave me."
"Hey, why wasn't I invited on this adventure?"
"You were on your own adventure," he laughed, turning just in time to see a sour look fade from her face, replaced by a vague, blank stare. "I see you found my liquor cabinet."
"Mhmm." She took another sip, swirling it around her mouth. "Ahhh. Yeah, that's good stuff."
"It better be. It's obscenely expensive. Usually reserved for my most distinguished guests – and even then, only the ones I actually like enough to invite in here."
She put her hand on her chest dramatically. "I'm honored, Fire Lord Zuko."
He laughed and sat on the edge of the desk. "I heard from Aang that you've been offered a pretty big job back in Republic City."
"Mhmm. I'm going to to be the police."
"So you've accepted, then?"
"Not officially. But I will." She sighed, her face falling into an almost childish pout. "Blind Bandit to Chief of Police. How far the great have fallen."
"Falling up, maybe. And it's not such a big leap. I mean, don't you love telling people what to do?"
"Hm… You make a good point, Fancy Pants." She drained her glass, sticking her tongue inside as if to lap up every last drop. "Do you also enjoy telling people what to do?"
"Not as much as you might think. And anyway, most of them don't listen."
"'Cuz they're not scared of you."
"I don't want them to be. They got enough of that from my father."
"Your father," she murmured. "Fathers. Hmph. Who needs 'em? They always disappoint sooner or later. Sooner, in our cases." She seemed to be spiraling into morose state of mind, running her finger along the rim of her empty glass. "You ever worry about being a dad, since yours is such shit?"
The question surprised him, coming from her. It stung, too. Leave it to Toph Beifong to drunkenly dredge up one of his deepest insecurities. "Sometimes. But I just try to remember that Uncle is the father figure I should look up to and model myself on, when the time comes."
"How'd you convince Mai to marry you, anyway? Knowing she'd have to pop out royal babies for you?"
"Candid as always," Zuko chuckled. "We did talk about it. She understands the obligations of marrying into the royal family. I wouldn't say she's thrilled about it, but…"
"She must really love you."
"I sure hope so. Otherwise today was a big waste."
"Hah. Right." She started idly rolling her glass on the table, rocking back and forth with her palm flattened against it.
"What's with the probing personal questions?" he asked. "Are you worried about you own future or something? Worried this new job will keep you from being a good parent one day?"
"Hah! Pffft. Not a chance, Sparky. Not now, not ever. I will commit to this job and it will be my husband. It won't be a happy marriage, I suspect, but at least I won't have to worry about-" She cut off and her face twisted suddenly, almost like a spasm, before quickly returning to vague blankness.
"Worry about what?"
"Nothing."
"Are you…alright?" Zuko asked slowly, beginning to wonder if maybe she wasn't quite ready for the responsibility the Council was eager to dump on her. Clearly, she was going through something, and he had a deep suspicion that it had something to do with Sokka.
"Sure. Why do you ask?"
"I dunno. You just seem…a little out of sorts."
"Bah. We've been up since dawn. I was coerced into having a swimming lesson, which I did not enjoy. I'm full of food and booze. I'm fucking tired."
"Maybe it's time to call it a night."
She let out a deep sigh then pushed herself to her feet. "Nah. Can't sleep like this."
"Like what?"
"Restless. I hit this point, you know, when the buzz is too strong and I can't relax. Gotta wait for it to mellow out a little." Her hand twitched and the carving flew from his grasp to hers. "Rhinorillas, huh?" she murmured, running her fingers over it. "You'll have to show me one day." She handed it back to him and patted his shoulder. "Thanks for the therapy sesh. And the drink. I owe you one." Then she gave him a solid jab and walked out.
Toph was just about to crawl into bed when there was a knock on her door. She was still a little tipsy and had to really focus to determine who was there. With a sigh, she crossed the room and opened the door. "What do you want, Sokka?"
He just stood there for a second. Was he drunk? "Can I come in? Please?" Well, he sounded sober...ish. "Just to talk."
"...I guess." She stepped back to let him pass, then shut the door. "Sokka-"
"Please, just...hear me out."
Toph crossed her arms and leaned against the door.
"All that stuff we said to each other, in Gaoling…" he continued, "I just want to forget about it. Pretend it never happened. I want things to be how they were, before your parents screwed it up. No labels, no pressure. It was good. It was…effortless. I- I feel like I'm losing my mind, trying to pretend that it didn't mean something…"
He took her chin in his hand and lifted it gently. The hair fell away from her eyes and she got the impression that they were locked on his, not by any conscious effort on her part, but sheer luck.
"And I can't convince myself that you don't feel it, too, at least a little."
She did not want to do this. Didn't want to be forced into a serious conversation about…feelings. There was a huge part of her that wanted to run away from it all, and from him. It was enough to make her want to tell him what had happened. To make him hurt. To make him crawl back into that shell and leave her alone.
"Sokka… I…"
"What?"
The confession died on her lips. She couldn't do it. He had suffered enough. She would have to carry the memory alone. But...it felt so heavy, especially now. Before she knew what she was doing, her face was buried in his shirt, the tears flowing freely. How many times now had she broken down in front of him? It was becoming a bad habit. What must he think of her? He probably no longer saw her as the tough, fearless earthbender he'd met six years ago.
Sokka held her for a while, rubbing her back, until her knees started to buckle. It had been a long day, and she was tired and a little drunk. In one effortless motion, he scooped her up like she was a child; there was no fight left in her. He gently put her in bed and crawled under the covers next to her, holding her without any apparent expectation of something more. It only caused a fresh wave of stupid, pointless tears. In this moment, what she had lost felt like more than a parasitical inconvenience. It felt like a broken family.
By morning, Toph was feeling herself again, and the previous relief at narrowly avoiding an unwelcome future had - thankfully - returned. Sokka was still there, snoring softly. She could imagine his mouth hanging open, drool pooling on the pillow; the thought made her smile.
"Wake up, Meathead," she said, giving his shoulder a good shove.
His whole body jerked violently. "Spirits, woman," he complained. "There are nicer ways to wake a person up. Ugh. Fuck. I think I overdid it last night." After a brief pause he said, "I'm…wearing pants," with a note of confusion in his voice.
"Oh, c'mon. You weren't that drunk."
"Uh...no. You're right. I'm just groggy. I remember now. You...uh...feeling better?"
"I'm fine."
"Good...good." He sounded distracted. "I don't suppose you want to tal-"
"Nope."
"Right. Well, I need something for this headache. And food. Definitely food. Is there anyone out in the hall?"
"Are you embarrassed to be seen coming out of my room?" she teased, climbing out of bed to check.
"No, but I'm not particularly eager for Katara's disapproval and judgment, and I can only assume you would feel the same way."
It was true, she had to admit. While she didn't care about what people in general thought, she didn't want to have that conversation with Katara any more than he did. "There's no one in the hall."
"Oh, there you are," Katara said, coming around the corner. "I was just coming to get you for breakfast, but you weren't in your room."
"I was in the bathroom," Sokka lied, not breaking his stride.
"We'll be leaving pretty soon afterward, so make sure you're packed."
"Yes, Mom."
"Well, someone's gotta be," she said with exasperation. They walked in silence for a little while. "So...uh...you and Toph, huh?"
"Hm? What about us?"
"Are you guys, like, a couple now?"
"What makes you think that? We're what we've always been: best friends."
"Looked like a little more than that on the beach yesterday."
"What are you talking about? I was just teaching her how to swim."
She stopped suddenly and planted her hands on her hips. "I wasn't born yesterday, you know."
He crossed his arms stubbornly, cocking an eyebrow. "You are so goddamn nosy. What makes you think I would share the intimate details of a relationship with someone like her?"
"Hah! So you admit it!"
"It was hypothetical, Sis. Toph and I are just friends. Stop trying to meddle, you'll only end up frustrating yourself."
"So has she cornered you yet?" Sokka whispered once Katara went to sit up front on Appa with Aang.
"I've been very carefully avoiding her."
"Smart move. She's already given me the third degree."
Toph didn't really want to pursue this line of conversation. It would inevitably lead to them trying to define what exactly they were to each other. She didn't want to confine herself that way. They were what they were: friends. But...maybe a little something more. We'll see. "It's going to be a loooong trip," she said with a sigh.
"It'll be good to be home, though."
"I guess."
"Are you nervous?"
Toph considered the question. Nervous wasn't the right word. Apprehensive, maybe. It was a big commitment and she anticipated a lot of stress and frustration. And yet...if he was going to be around to talk her down from whatever proverbial ledge she happened to find herself on, she knew everything would be ok.
"Nah. I'm ready to kick ass and take names. It's been too long since I had a good fight. Republic City's gangs don't know what's coming for them."
"That's the spirit!" He clapped her on the shoulder.
"At least I know I won't be bored."
"Lucky you…" Sokka said dryly.
"What? You're not looking forward to being Mr. Ambassador? Sitting in meetings all the time? Signing shit?"
"It's something to do. At least I'll feel useful."
"You've always been useful, Sokka," she said with as much sincerity her sarcastic self could muster.
"Heh. Thanks."
They lapsed into a comfortable silence for a while.
"Oh, for fuck's sake," Sokka muttered suddenly.
"What?"
"Katara keeps glancing back here. Does she think she's going to catch us making out or something?"
Toph smirked. "Well, I guess it would help pass the time."
"Uh...are you serious? Because I-"
She punched his arm. "No, dumbass."
"Ow! Heh. Can't blame a guy for trying."
Toph reclined back against Appa's saddle and indulged in imagining the scenario. Sugar Queen would probably have an aneurysm if the two of them started going at it. It would almost be worth it, just to wind her up.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked.
"Hm?"
"You have a shit-eating grin on your face."
"Nothin'."
"Your pants are so on fire."
"Shut up. I'm trying to take a nap." The weight of his head appeared on her stomach. It created some odd mixed feelings for her. They had sat like this before, so it wasn't anything new, but they hadn't done it since the...'incident'. Try as she might, she couldn't push away the strange bittersweet ache.
No. That train of thought was not where she wanted to be. With an effort, she directed her thoughts to the challenge that loomed in the near future. A real police force. It was a fairly modern concept, something implemented in Ba Sing Se after the Dai Li were disbanded. Toph would be the Chief. Chief Beifong. It had a nice ring to it.