"Hey-"
The voice made Toph jump in surprise. She had been so busy going through her bag and thinking about her inevitable trip to City Hall that she hadn't even noticed Katara come into the room.
"Did I actually sneak up on you?" her friend said with a laugh.
Toph pursed her lips in irritation. "I wasn't paying attention."
"Got something on your mind?"
"Just thinking about the new job."
"Is that it?"
Oh, great. Here it comes, Toph thought dismally. "Um...yes?"
Katara closed the door. "You weren't, oh, I don't know, thinking about a certain person whose room is across the hall?"
"Aang?"
"Ugh! I'm talking about Sokka! What is the deal with you two?"
"Deal? What does that even mean?"
"Are you together?"
"He's my best friend. Just like he's always been."
"I know you two hooked up when you went on your trip."
Toph's eyebrows shot up at Katara's brazen confidence. "'Hooked up'? According to who?"
"...Sokka told me." But her uneven heartbeat gave her away.
"Hah. Liar."
"Ok. Fine. I don't know, but I'm pretty damn sure. You haven't exactly denied it."
"Wow, Katara. Language." Toph could hear her grinding her teeth. She crossed her arms and smirked; riling up Katara was always fun. She must be very annoyed to have just swore.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're infuriating?" Katara snapped.
"I've heard it a few times. Not nearly often enough, though."
"Why won't you just tell me? I thought we were friends?"
"Am I not allowed to keep some aspects of my life private?" Toph shot back, not appreciating the guilt-trip.
"What?" Katara said with mock innocence. "I thought you two were just friends? If that's all it is, why is it all so secret and private?" Toph scowled and said nothing; Katara had trapped her. "Besides, you can't expect me to just ignore the fact that I - and everyone else, by the way - saw you two share a rather intimate moment."
At this point, Toph was on the very edge of yelling, 'So I fucked your brother, why do you care so much?!', if for no other reason than to shut her up. But something stopped her. There was something undefinably aggravating about Katara's insistence, and giving her the satisfaction of knowing the truth seemed undeserved.
"Intimate moment?" Toph said instead. "What are you talking about?"
"When he was teaching you to swim."
"I don't know what kind of random bullshit you read into that, but I was extremely uncomfortable out there. I hated every second of it."
Katara sighed. "Look. I'm not just trying to be nosy here, ok? The truth is, I've been rooting for you two to get together for a while and I can't stand sitting on the sidelines anymore."
"What?" Toph blurted, dumbfounded.
"After Suki died and he fell apart, I hoped that you would be the one to put him back together. You guys have always had a special bond. I just don't understand why you're both fighting so hard to hide that you have real feelings for each other."
Katara's words created a storm of emotions in Toph's mind, eventually settling on anger that even she didn't understand the root of. Without another word, she stalked past her friend, heading outside and making a beeline for the ferry.
"Hey, wait up!" Sokka called behind her.
She sighed, not really wanting to talk to him at the moment, either.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Anywhere but here."
"Did Katara corner you?"
"How much did you overhear?"
"Nothing. I came out of my room while you were storming out."
He was telling the truth. It was some small relief. But mostly she just wanted to forget about stupid Katara and all the uncomfortable things she had said. A burst of restless impulsivity stomped all over her good common sense and she turned to Sokka with a sly smile. "I need to get outta here. Whaddya say we get take-out from Huang's, a giant bottle of whiskey, and a hotel room where we can eat and drink ourselves into oblivion without the Fun Police bringing us down?"
"Wh- Heh. I am not averse to that suggestion," Sokka said, a smile in his voice.
"Oh, you're not averse to that suggestion, Mr. Fancy Politician?" she mocked.
Toph woke the next morning with a spinning head and a queasy stomach. Memories of the previous night were hazy and full of holes. They had stayed up very late eating and drinking. Judging by her nakedness, they had - unsurprisingly - taken the party to the next level.
Spirits, I'm such an idiot.
That train of thought, coupled with the boozy nausea, made her stomach flop over unpleasantly. She slid out of bed and went to the window, fumbling around for the latch to the shutter. Not a moment too soon, it swung outward and she leaned her head outside.
"Agh! What the shit?!" Sokka exclaimed.
But she ignored him, too busy puking up the contents of her stomach. Once finished, she calmly closed the shutter and got back into bed. "Whew. I feel much better now."
He grumbled something incoherent, his voice muffled.
"What?"
"I said 'you're probably still drunk'. Ugh, fuck. My head is killing me."
"Hm. You might be right."
"I think you drank half the bottle."
"And you drank the other half."
"I'm twice your size."
Toph sighed, full of regret, wishing she weren't such a slave to her appetites. Wishing the thrill and danger didn't make it better. "Listen," she began. "What we did last night was stupid and reckless-"
"It was your idea."
"I know. Shut up and let me finish." She mentally braced herself to say what was on her mind and tried her damnedest to make it sound casual. "If we're going to be sleeping together, we need to do it sober. I'm gonna need your pull-out game to be on point - and I mean seriously on point - because the absolute last thing I need right now, with this job, is a bun in the oven. Got it, Captain Boomerang?" She jabbed him in the chest with her finger and his hand enveloped hers.
"You got it, Chief."
"Mm. I like it when you call me that." Her thumb slid along his jawline. "Do it again."
"Or what? You gonna arrest me, Chief Beifong?"
"Not until I rough you up a little first." Shut put her hands on his chest and leaned in, digging her nails in to the skin.
"Ok," he laughed. "As much as I like where this is going, I think I'm a little too hungover at the moment. Besides, didn't you just say something about being sober?"
Toph sat back on her heels and sighed. Great resolve, Toph. It lasted a whole fifteen seconds. "Let's go find some breakfast. I'm starving."
"That's shocking. I'm pretty sure you ate most of the food last night."
"You snooze, you lose, Snoozles. Anyway, I puked most of it up, I think."
"Oh, by the way. If you're worried about last night, don't be. We didn't actually get very far because you passed out on me. And I mean that literally."
"Heh. Oops."
"Some of us weigh more than a hundred pounds soaking wet and can hold our liquor."
"C'mon, let's go get some breakfast. Hm. I wonder what time it is."
"Well, judging by the blinding sun from when you opened the shutter, probably midmorning. Hey, aren't you supposed to be going to City Hall to formally accept the job?"
"I figure they'll summon me when they want to," she shrugged.
"Hah. If they can find you."
"We should just hide out here for a while. Prolong our freedom."
"While that sounds nice, we're not exactly inconspicuous. Especially you. Sooner or later we'll be discovered."
"I was kidding. I have a lot to do." She sighed heavily. "I guess I should probably get back to the Academy."
As was typical whenever she was approaching Aang and Katara's home, Toph's roiling stomach threatened to put her in a terrible mood; the hangover was definitely not helping. But then she sensed some footsteps that made her forget all about it.
"Saw you coming," Sokka said, meeting her on the path. "So did you meet with the Council?"
"Yep."
"How did it go?"
"I was there for three hours."
"Yikes."
"Anyway. It's done," Toph said wearily. "I'll start transitioning the Academy tomorrow. Gonna have to tell everyone. What about you? Have you been summoned yet?"
"Yeah. They want me to come in tomorrow morning."
"Fun," Toph said dryly.
"Are you staying here tonight, then?"
"Wasn't planning on it. I just need to get my stuff."
"Oh."
"What? You want me to stay?"
"You can do what you want," he said with exaggerated nonchalance.
"Fiiine," she said, rolling her eyes but smiling. "I'll stay."
She went straight to her room when they arrived at the house, Sokka staying in the living room to chat with Aang. It only took a couple of minutes for Katara to find her.
"Hey," her friend began. "Before you say anything, I just wanted to apologize. I'm not sure what I said that made you so mad, but I'm sorry. I promise I'll try to stay out of it from now on. I just… I just worry about you, ok?"
The comment surprised Toph a little, but she made an effort to hide it. What did Katara mean by that? "Yeah, yeah, whatever. It's fine." She took a deep breath and swallowed her pride. "Look, I actually kind of need your help with something."
"What is it?"
"So, you remember me telling you about Riju?"
"Riju? Oh, is that the little orphan boy at your Academy?"
"Yeah. See, the thing is, with the Academy effectively shutting down - at least in terms of boarding - I'm not sure what to do with him. The Council was no help. They actually suggested sending him to a fucking orphanage."
"Bring him here," Katara said without hesitation.
"...Really?" The idea had occurred to her but she had written it off as a last resort, assuming they would be too busy.
"Absolutely."
"Like...permanently? You're really prepared to do that?"
"Why not? We have plenty of space. There are acolytes around for whenever we're not here."
"He's pretty self-sufficient. He doesn't need round-the-clock care or anything. Well, if there's a bad storm or something, he-"
"Toph," Katara interrupted with a laugh. "It's fine. I think I'll manage."
"...Thanks."
Katara hugged her suddenly. "You're welcome. I gotta say, it's a little strange seeing this softer side of you. I had no idea you cared so much."
"I guess he's become something like a little brother," Toph admitted. "I feel kind of responsible for him."
"He'll be ok here. Aang and I can get some parenting practice."
"Uh...does that mean what it sounds like?"
Katara laughed again. "Nooo! I didn't mean it like that. We're not quite ready for that."
"Yeah, I mean, Twinkle Toes is barely an adult."
"You two are the same age. Actually, he's older."
"Only technically."
"Alright, Miss Mature. Do you want some dinner? We had some left over."
"Yeah."
"Well, c'mon then, before Aang or Sokka decide to eat it. If they haven't already."
The next morning, Toph headed up the hill towards the Academy with a tight knot of dread in the pit of her stomach. The courtyard was already full of activity, the school a well-oiled machine. As she approached, many of her students called out a greeting.
"Riju!" she yelled. "Come here for a sec!"
He trotted over. "Yeah, Sifu?"
"Come with me. I gotta talk to you about something." She led him to her office and said, "Sit down."
"Ok…?" He went straight to Toph's comfy chair. "Am I in trouble?"
"Nah," she said, sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of him. "But this is serious stuff, so listen up."
"Ok."
"How would you feel about going to live on Air Temple Island?"
Riju didn't answer right away and Toph had no clue what might be going on in his head since he was so far back in the chair that his legs didn't reach the floor.
"Are you sending me away because I can't metalbend?" he asked sadly. She could hear tears in his voice and resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"No, nothing like that. I'm going to keep training you. Maybe not as often, because I'm going to be really busy. I'm going to be the new Chief of Police in Republic City. I have to leave the Academy, so the Avatar and his wife, Katara, have offered to let you stay with them."
"I get to live with the Avatar?"
His voice had taken on an awed quality. Toph couldn't help but feel a little snubbed at his quick turnaround.
"Hey, what am I? Chopped liver?"
"You're pretty cool, Sifu, but you're not the Avatar!"
"Yeah, well, I could still kick his ass at earthbending," Toph grumbled, scowling. "He can't even metalbend!"
Riju sighed heavily. "I don't think I'll ever learn."
"Not with that attitude, you won't."
"You'll keep teaching me?"
"If you want."
"Yeah, I do. I want to be a metalbender."
"Good." Toph stood up. "Now I gotta tell everyone else. Ugh."
"It's ok, Sifu. Don't be sad."
"I'm not sad. I just don't look forward to the headache this is going to be." They went outside and Toph whistled loudly to get everyone's attention. "Penga! Ho Tun! Uzo! Leda! I need to talk to you in my office. Everyone else, keep running whatever drills you're working on!" She turned to Riju. "Go work on your earthbending with Tuo. And keep your mouth shut about this for now. Got it?"
"Yes, Sifu."
She went back into her office, flanked by her most advanced instructors. "How was the wedding, Sifu?" Leda asked.
"It was fine. I spent most of my time on the back of a bison, though."
"So what's up?" Uzo asked.
"Well, I've got some big news." She leaned against her desk and crossed her arms. "I've accepted a permanent position in Republic City. I'm going to start a Metalbending Police Force."
There was a moment of silence, then they all tried to talk at once.
"Ok, ok, shush," Toph said. "One at a time."
"What's going to happen to the Academy?" Penga asked quickly. "Are you closing it?"
"I'd like to keep it open for classes for locals, but there won't be enough funding to have boarders."
"Why not?" Ho Tun asked. "We can still go to the refinery, even if you're gone, can't we?"
Toph shrugged. "I don't know. I guess, maybe. I'll have to talk to Satoru and my father." The prospect of that made her stomach hurt. "My partnership with the refinery is more complicated than just sending students. There's also a lot of administrative stuff involved, not to mention the things I do personally to help out there. I won't have time for that anymore."
"So what happens to us?" Leda asked.
"That's why I've brought you all in here to talk. I want to hear your thoughts, and what you'd like to do, before I make any hard plans. Are any of you interested in joining me in Republic City?"
"I am," Penga said.
"You're not old enough to join the police force."
"I'm older than you were when you fought in the war."
Toph sighed. "It's not the same thing. As Chief of Police, I have to answer to the Council. They would never allow it." She took a deep breath, thinking. "But...maybe, you could come and teach new recruits for a few years. What about the rest of you?"
"No offense, Sifu," Uzo said. "But if we wanted to be in law enforcement, we wouldn't have stayed here to teach."
"I figured. Just thought I'd ask. So you three would like to stay?"
"I don't know. I was thinking I might like to travel. This is as good an opportunity as any."
Toph nodded. "Ho Tun? Leda?"
"I'd like to stay and run the school," Ho Tun said.
"I like teaching, too," Leda put in. "I'm not sure if I want to do it for the rest of my life, but for now, sure. But if there's no funding, where will Ho Tun and I live?
"I've negotiated a little funding from the Council, mainly for repairs. It should be enough for just you two. But I guess there's still a chance we can work something out with the refinery. Are you prepared for that kind of responsibility, Ho Tun? You seem more interested in the management side of things."
"Yeah, I think so."
"What about every else who lives here?" Leda asked. "What about Riju?"
"He's going to stay on Air Temple Island. I've already sorted it out with Aang and Katara."
"Huh. Lucky kid."
"Everyone else will be offered subsidized housing in Republic City. So the younger students that live in Yu Dao can come here for classes, while older ones who want to live in Republic City can continue their training under me and Penga until they're phased out or recruited to the force. You guys have any more questions?" No one said anything. "So…everyone's happy?" There was a round of murmured lukewarm agreements. "Fuck, don't sound so excited about it."
"I think we're still trying to absorb it all," Leda said with a light laugh.
"Over the next few days, I'd like to talk to each of you individually to go over the details. Ho Tun, I'll set up a meeting with Satoru and my father."
"So...are you going to tell everyone else today?" Penga asked.
"I guess I'd better," Toph said with a sigh.
Drained from the long day, Toph dragged herself to her room and fell face-first onto the bed. It hadn't just been the hard day of training. Breaking the news to her students had been a lot more difficult than she'd thought it would be.
She lay there like the for a while, debating on whether to get up and change for bed or just stay there and let sleep take her. But despite the fatigue, she didn't feel that sleepy. Before she could decide, someone knocked on the door. She groaned and slid one of her feet to the floor to ascertain the identity of who dared disturb her. The second she did so, her face broke out into a grin. She hurried to the door, opened it, and pulled Sokka inside by his lapels.
"What the-!"
"What are you doing here, Meathead? Someone could see you sneaking into my room," she teased.
"So what?" He kissed her before she could respond, picking her up and taking her to the bed. His body pressed hers into the mattress and it occurred to her that this was the first time he'd been on this particular bed. The thought brought up some unpleasant memories. She'd gotten rid of that ruined mattress, but still...
"Sok- Sokka. Hold on."
He froze, hovering over her. "What's wrong?"
"Um. Nothing. I've just had a really long day."
"Oh...alright. Do you want me to go?"
"No." The word popped out of her mouth before she'd even had a chance to think about it.
He shifted around on the bed to sit further down, then casually started massaging her foot. "This better?" he asked.
"Mm," Toph agreed, relaxing onto her pillow. "I'll allow it."
"So I take it you told your students what's happening?"
"Mhmm."
"How did it go?"
"Michi burst into tears."
Sokka laughed, but quickly stopped himself. "Oh, Spirits. I know I shouldn't laugh. Am I a terrible person?"
"Actually, she's not as annoying as she used to be. Pretty badass little metalbender, and one of my best instructors. But, obviously, she's too young to join the police force." Sokka's thumb was really digging into her arch and she closed her eyes, enjoying it immensely.
"Toph?"
"Hm?"
"You falling asleep or something?"
"Um…?"
He laughed. "I asked if any of your older students are planning on joining up."
"Oh. Um. I don't know. I haven't talked to all of them individually. Penga wants to, but she's only fourteen, so I told her she can come with me and train metalbenders."
"She wants to be in law enforcement? Really?"
"She's tougher than she seems."
"I guess I still think of her as a little girl."
Toph laughed. "I wasn't so long ago that you thought the same about me." His hands fell still but he didn't say anything. "What?" she asked.
"Kind of a weird thing to say."
"Aw, c'mon. I didn't mean anything by it. People grow up. That's all I meant."
"Fourteen is still young."
"I know." She didn't know what else to say, a little confused about what his train of thought might be.
After a moment, he resumed the massage and cleared his throat softly. "So, uh, I met with the Council this morning. As we both suspected, the position of Ambassador will require a good bit of travel. I've agreed to spend spring and fall in the South Pole. Summers and winters here."
Toph's heart sank; it was worse than she'd been hoping. "That's half the fucking year," she muttered.
"I know. Nothing else made sense, though. Besides, I thought you said you were going to be too busy to miss me?"
"Well, that's true," she said with a smirk.
"Wow. I see how it is." He dropped her foot, though his voice was playful.
"Hey! I don't remember saying you could stop."
"Tell me you'll miss me."
"Hmph. I guess I'll miss you. A little."
Sokka laughed, then picked up her other foot. They fell into a comfortable silence, Toph quickly drifting off into sleep.
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"Toph?"
"Over here!" she called from behind a pile of boxes.
"Spirits, what a mess," Sokka said.
"I don't know why the fuck I need all this shit. Ika, I think this one's all paper."
"Oh, hey Ika," Sokka said. "Didn't see you there. T, what are you even doing in here?"
"I'm looking for a box of stuff from the Academy. It got mixed in with the rest."
"But why? Surely you have better things to do."
"I absolutely do. But that box has the notebook where Ika wrote all my plans down. I really need it."
"Well, it's almost three."
"I know, I know. Ugh. I haven't even had lunch yet."
"C'mon, then. We'll go see this apartment and then get you some food."
"Alright, fine. Take a break, Ika. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Toph made to leave but Sokka was standing in the doorframe. He suddenly grabbed her hand and put her fingers on a cool piece of metal with tiny grooves in it, sliding them across. "Chief Beifong," he murmured.
"Yeah, it was there when I came in this morning," Toph said with a smile.
"You're legit, now."
"Hah. Not yet. You know they've got a ceremony planned?"
"Really?"
"Really. Now c'mon, let's go."
"Spirits, I still can't believe how big this place is going to be when it's finished," Sokka said as they were walking out. "Seems a little overkill."
"I'm sure we'll grow into it."
"Hey, do you have the address?"
Toph dug a slip of paper out of her pocket and handed it to him.
"Oh, this is really close," he said.
A ten-minute walk brought them to an apartment building with a stout man waiting outside. "Ah, Chief Beifong, I presume?"
"That's me," Toph said proudly. She didn't think she'd ever get tired of that.
"Pleasure. And you are…?"
"Sokka. I'm her seeing-eye brute. I'm here to make sure the paint job is up to scratch."
"Please ignore him," Toph said to the man, who let out a nervous chuckle.
"My name is Firro. I'm the owner of this tenement. Please, if you'll follow me inside." He kept up a stream chatter as they walked, extolling the virtues of the building. "...this unit I'm showing you has been recently remodeled to have all the conveniences of modern life. At the end of the hall here is a common latrine, emptied dutifully every night." He stopped in front of a door and began jangling his keys. Getting impatient, Toph put her hand on the doorknob and unlocked it herself. The door swung open with a soft creak. "I thought for sure I'd locked it…" Firro muttered.
"You did," she said matter-of-factly before striding inside, Sokka chuckling under his breath behind her.
Firro followed after a long moment. "Let me show you around. It's a cozy space, fully furnished, well-insulated. You've got glass windows with curtains, a fireplace. Lots of natural light in the kitchen."
Toph turned and directed a curious expression at him.
"Ah, well, I guess you probably don't care about that," he said in a voice that made her imagine him slowly melting into a puddle.
"Not really, no."
"Um. The kitchen is quite modern. Brand new gas range, brick oven, cupboards fully stocked with standard cooking equipment. There's a laundry basin with a drain. And this door leads to a shared courtyard with a water pump."
"Oh, nice," Sokka said. "Somewhere for you to train your earthbending!"
Toph felt Firro's heartrate immediately quicken. "Would you quit it?" she said, punching Sokka's arm. To Firro, she said, "He's kidding. I have a place to train at work."
"Ah...of course," he said weakly. "I'll show you the bedroom."
The tour of the small apartment didn't take much longer, and Firro retreated to the hall afterward to give them some time to look around on their own.
"So what do you think about this place?" Sokka asked, climbing onto the bed.
"What are you doing?"
"I just want to make sure it's comfortable. You know, in case you ever invite me over. I wouldn't want to get a bad night's sleep."
Toph rolled her eyes, fighting a smile at the mischievous note in his voice. She sat on the edge of the bed, thinking about how nice it would be to have a fresh start in a new place. Their impulsive, drunken hotel room escapade notwithstanding, she'd continued to hit the brakes anytime things started heating up, and she was pretty sure it was a location issue.
"That's awfully presumptuous of you," she teased. "If you're not careful, you might find yourself on the couch."
"Hm, I don't know. I don't think it's big enough for both of us."
She picked a pillow up and threw it at him. He just laughed and threw it back.
"Anyway," he said, "this place is kinda small, isn't it? You sure you wouldn't rather have a nice, spacious house with a yard for training? I mean, the Council's paying, so…"
"I'm only going to be here to sleep. I don't need a whole house, and I don't want to be on the outskirts. I'll need to be able to respond to emergencies quickly."
"True. And you gotta love the fully stocked kitchen," he added, snorting.
"Right. I'm sure it will get a lot of use."
"So you think you're gonna take this place, then?"
"Why not?" Toph shrugged. "It's close to work. It has furniture. Stone floors. I don't have to go up and down any steps. That's all I really care about. Now let's get out of here. I'm starving."
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Boy, that old windbag sure can talk , Toph thought, growing bored with the speech. Just get on with it . On either side of her were Kori and Ty Lee, all of them standing on a raised platform in front of City Hall. The sounds of a subdued but massive crowd ebbed and flowed through Toph's awareness.
"Ms. Beifong, please step forward." Finally, she thought, an excited thrill shooting through her as she approached the Councilman. "It is with great pleasure that I bestow on you the title of Chief of Police, the first-ever in Republic City," he said, pinning a metal badge to her leather armor. "I look forward to the great work I know you will achieve in the coming years." He turned to the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, Chief Beifong."
The cheer from the crowd was more enthusiastic than Toph had been expecting. It spoke volumes of how desperately they were in need of some semblance of order and safety. In any case, she couldn't help but smile at the positive reception. Adulation never got old, and her mood was only slightly dampened by the fact that The Almighty Avatar and his wife were missing this once-in-a-lifetime event because of some crisis halfway across the world.
When the noise died down, she cleared her throat to speak. "Citizens of Republic City. Thank you for your support. I know the last few years have been challenging with the city's rapid growth, and there may be some of you out there who don't have a lot of confidence in a small blind woman's ability to effectively fight crime." There was a small ripple of laughter. "But I can assure you that I'm more than capable, and will do everything in my power to make this city safe." Her shallow well of inspirational words ran dry. "Anyway, I'm not really accustomed to giving eloquent speeches, and I'm sure you're probably all tired of standing here, so...that's all I've got. Thank you."
There was another round of applause while she went back to stand with her friends. Another Councilmember said a few words to wrap up the ceremony, which Toph ignored. Her head was too full of the plans that had been swimming around it for the last couple of weeks.
Sokka found her quickly once it was all over. "Great speech, T," he said with a laugh. "Very inspiring."
"I thought so."
"I think everyone was pretty happy you didn't stand there and blow hot air for thirty minutes."
"I mean, I like the sound of my own voice just as much as the next person, but I think Ludo talked enough for the both of us."
"You got that right."
"We're all going out for a celebratory dinner, me, Kori, Ty Lee, and Luon. You want to come?"
"I would, but I've got a meeting at City Hall in twenty minutes." He leaned forward and lowered his voice. "But why don't I come over to your place tonight and we can celebrate, just the two of us?"
"Hm," Toph said with a smile. "I think I can fit you into my tight schedule."
He laughed. "I don't know how you managed to make that sound dirty, but I'm not complaining." He gave her shoulder a tight squeeze. "See you tonight."
"Here's to us," Luon said once they were all finished eating and enjoying a bottle sake together. "Defenders of Republic City."
"I'll drink to that."
"Cheers."
"And here's to fucking retirement," Kori said dryly. "Spirits, I feel like I've aged thirty years in the last five. You know I found a gray hair the other day?"
"Here's to the many gray hairs I'll surely get in the coming years," Toph said, eliciting laughs from the others.
"So how does it feel, Sifu?" Luon asked. "Sorry, I mean 'Chief'. You're officially official. No cutting and running."
Toph considered the question. Honestly, she had never felt more important than the moment that badge was presented and the crowd cheered for her. "Eh. Alright, I guess. I kind of miss the simplicity of teaching, though."
"The Academy's not going anywhere," Ty Lee reminded her. "I'm sure you can visit occasionally."
"If I can find the time."
"If I can offer you one piece of advice," Kori said, "it's to take a day off every now and then. Even if you don't have time. Just fucking do it."
"As Captain, and Second in Command," Luon began loftily, "I will make it my personal responsibility to make sure she doesn't run herself into the ground."
"Heh. I think Sokka's got that covered," Kori said. "You know, Toph, I can't help but remember a conversation we had a few years ago..."
"Please," Toph scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Sokka is my friend. I've known him since I was twelve." So what if we enjoy a good romp every now and then? she added silently. It's not like we're about to get married or some nonsense. And he at least seems to be on the same page. "Anyway, he's going to be in the South Pole for half of every year."
"Really?"
"Mm. He'll be traveling back and forth every season. Mr. Important Ambassador."
"Ugh, that sounds awful," Luon said. "I'd never want to spend that much time on a fucking boat."
"I couldn't agree more."
"I don't know, it would be nice to get to travel," Kori said. "Though I'm not sure I would want to spend that much time around ice and snow."
"You won't catch me going down there for anything short of an emergency," Toph said.
"I'm sure he's used to it," Ty Lee mused, "since he grew up there."
"Hah. He's gotten soft. I bet his letters - if he bothers to write any - will be nothing but him complaining about it."
"And by the time he's gotten used to it again, it'll be time to come back." They all chuckled.
"So, Kori," Toph said in the brief silence, eager to change the subject. "What are you going to do with all your free time?"
"Well, first I plan to sleep for several days. Spend some time with my parents. I can barely remember what they look like. Beyond that, I don't really have a lot of plans."
"You might feel old right now, but you've got your whole adult life ahead of you," Luon remarked. "Don't you have any aspirations?"
"Hm. I think maybe I'd like to learn how to paint." There was a round of chuckles. "I'm serious," Kori said, though she was laughing. "I've never had a hobby before. I was barely more than a kid when I started the Yu Dao Resistance. After that, things kind of spiraled out of control."
"I know what you mean," Toph said grimly. "I barely had a childhood, and I don't exactly have fond memories of it." They were quiet for a moment and she began to regret bringing the mood down. "But, hey, I got to save the world. That's a pretty great memory."
There was a murmured agreement. Toph heard the faint sound of cups being refilled.
"And now you get to save Republic City. From itself."
"I'll try."
They went quiet again and Toph sighed. Weren't they supposed to be celebrating? Not making each other depressed?
"I'd like to make one more toast," Ty Lee said. "Here's to Suki, First Defender of Republic City."
"Hear, hear."
‹¤›‹¤›‹¤›‹¤›‹¤›‹¤›
Toph just sat there in silence, unsure of how to feel about the news.
"Toph?" Ika prodded.
"She wants to come...to my apartment...?"
"That's what it says."
"Alright...well... I guess reply with my address."
"Is there anything specific you want me to say?"
"No. Just a generic 'happy to have you visit, let me know when you're coming'." Toph tried to picture it. Her mother in Republic City, sitting on her couch in her little apartment. It was...weird. What on earth would they talk about?
"Ok. Um...what about this report? About the Wong case? We never finished it."
"Ugh," Toph groaned. "I don't care what it says. Just write something that sounds good."
"I'm not a police officer," Ika protested, a harassed note in her voice.
Toph sighed and rubbed her temples. "I know, I know. Ugh. Ok...um-" A knock on the door interrupted her. It swung open immediately after.
"Chief? You have-"
"How many times do I have to tell you people? Don't barge in without-" She cut off, realizing who was standing in the hall. "Riju? What are you doing here?"
"Sorry, Sifu," he said, coming over to her. "I had to talk to you."
"How did you get here? Does Katara know you're here?"
"I had to get away from her for a little while! She's smothering me!"
Toph couldn't help but smile. "You ran away?"
"She's not my mom. I think she thinks she is, though. Everything I do is wrong! Riju, your shoes are untied. Riju, don't slurp your soup. Riju, you have to take a bath every day! You never cared about that. Can't I come live with you instead?"
Toph sighed, trying to hide her growing amusement. "Look, I know Katara can be a bit...much. Trust me. I've been there. She tries to be everyone's mom. But I don't have enough space for another person to live with me." She wasn't going to mention that she was unwilling to sacrifice her solitude and independence. "I promise I'll talk to her and get her to back off, ok? C'mon, there's gotta be some good things about living on the Island. It smells a lot better there, for one thing."
"Well, it's pretty cool training with the Avatar, I guess, but he's busy most of the time. And I like swimming in the ocean. But Katara gets mad if I go by myself."
"I hate to say it, but you probably shouldn't swim in the ocean by yourself." She shuddered at the thought; the ocean here was much rougher than in the Fire Nation. "It's pretty dangerous. And earthbending won't save you out there." Riju didn't answer and she suspected he was rolling his eyes, the little brat. He sure had changed from the timid creature she had met. "Did you walk all the way here?"
"Yeah."
"Katara's probably losing her mind." She turned to Ika. "Can you send a telegram to Air Temple Island? I'll have someone take him back."
"Please, can I stay here for a little while?" Riju begged. "I'll be quiet!"
"Well, I guess you can go train with Penga." To Ika, she said, "Tell them I'll bring him back at the end of the day. I guess I've gotta have a chat with Katara, anyway."
Toph spent the rest of the day shut in her office, dictating various reports, letters, and organizational plans to Ika. She really wanted to be out patrolling the streets, practicing with her cables, but too often her job became this administrative nightmare.
Some hours later, Penga appeared with Riju in tow. "I gotta go home, Sifu."
"Alright. I guess we'll pick this up again in the morning, Ika," Toph said with a weary sigh. Another day of paperwork.
"I'm hungry," Riju said, following her outside. "Can we get some meat? I never get to eat meat anymore."
"Sure," Toph said absently, heading toward a square that had street vendors. She was pretty hungry herself and, frankly, didn't care to have dinner on the Island, either.
They ate in the carriage on the way to the ferry, Riju chatting about his training session with Penga. Toph tuned most of it out; her mind was occupied with what to say to Katara.
"Fuck," she groaned once they were on the ferry, gripping the railing. "Why did I eat?"
"What's wrong, Sifu?"
"Boats make me sick."
"Why?"
Toph just shook her head, unable to formulate an answer. A moment later she spewed her dinner into the ocean. Several nearby passengers made disgusted noises.
As they approached the house, she detected Katara outside taking down some laundry.
"Ugh," Riju muttered. "Here we go."
"Just go inside and let me talk to her."
"Gladly."
"I can't believe you would run off like that!" Katara said, stalking over to them. "I was worried sick! The city isn't safe!"
"Whatever," he said quickly before running past her into the house.
"Wh- Where are you-?"
"Katara," Toph interrupted. "Let him go. We need to talk."
"Oh, we do, do we?" Katara said aggressively.
Fuck, she sure is worked up. "Would you chill? I just want to have a little chat about him."
"Ugh. I don't get it! I give him a real home and family, after you practically begged me to, and he still runs to you!"
"I did not beg you. You offered. And he ran to me because you're smothering him."
"Smothering?! And how would you know? You're not the one here, taking care of him. I am!"
"And I'm very grateful. Really. But you've gotta understand that he's used to being independent. Don't you remember what it was like when I joined the group? You tried to mother me, and I rebelled like the angsty preteen that I was. Just give him some space, ok? Stop trying so hard to be his mom."
"You were twelve. He's seven! He needs a mom!"
"He needs someone to make sure he gets three meals a day and not do anything to get himself killed. Beyond that, he can sort himself out."
"Spirits, Toph. I weep for any future children you might have." Toph snorted derisively but Katara clearly wasn't finished. "Maybe that's how you did things at the Academy, but a seven-year-old kid needs more than that. Otherwise, he'll grow up feral, with no manners, no education, no clue how to fit into society."
"Oh, for fuck's sake," Toph muttered under her breath. "You're overthinking it."
"And you're underthinking it! Don't you care about him? Whether or not he feels cared about and grows up to be a decent, functional person?"
"Obviously, I care! Otherwise, I wouldn't have come all the way over her myself - puking up my dinner, by the way - to tell you to back off so he doesn't end up running away again and living on the streets, or worse!"
Katara went quiet and Toph picked up a snippet of conversation from inside the house.
"What's going on out there?" Aang asked. "Are your moms arguing about you?"
"They're not my moms," Riju retorted.
"Is that what you want?" Toph challenged Katara, sensing an opening.
"No. Of course not."
"Then tone down the mothering, ok? Just let him be a kid."