Chapter 3: Rumor Has It

Sokka stares at the document in front of him, rereading the same sentence over again for what must be the fifth time, but it still doesn't process. In the back of his mind, he hears the steady tick tock, tick tock of a clock, and the doppler effect of footsteps and voices as people stride past his office. Someone walks by with a fresh cup of coffee, and the pleasant aroma taunts Sokka's nose and makes him yearn for some caffeine. He wipes a frustrated hand over his face, angry at himself for being unable to focus.

This is definitely not the best time to be getting distracted. Elections are coming up, and a thick pile of paperwork sits stacked on his desk as a reminder of all the things he has yet to get done. His eyes flick from the document to a framed picture on his desk, a candid one of him and the rest of the gang at Katara and Aang's wedding. Cameras are still quite a new invention, one that amazes Sokka, but the picture is a bit blurry and grainy. Even so, it's one of Sokka's favorite possessions - much better than his attempts at painting (though he'd never admit that out loud, of course).

The picture normally prompts feelings of fondness, or at times, nostalgia, but at the moment, it only serves to mock him. He looks at Suki in the photograph, her smile bright and cheery, Sokka's arm slung over her shoulder. The image of them, so young and in love, sends a pang of regret to his chest. Will we ever have that again? He recalls a few nights ago at King Kuei's wedding. They'd been having a good night – a rare one – until one of them had said the wrong thing and an argument ensued and Sokka can't recall who started it or what the argument was even about, but suddenly Suki was saying goodbye for the umpteenth time - except this time, he doesn't know where they stand or if she's coming back. Or if he even wants her to.

He shakes the morose thought away, focusing again on the photograph. His eyes shift just a few centimeters to the left, away from him and Suki, and land on Toph. The greyscale picture doesn't do justice to the beautiful sheen of the dress she had worn that night, but Sokka remembers it well. Toph looks happy. Her grin is wide, her lips slightly swollen, and it makes Sokka recall that night as the first time he ever saw her kiss someone. He scowls at the reminder, his mood only worsening.

He wishes he could say that his fight with Suki was the only thing weighing him down, but something else keeps gnawing on his mind.

Realizing, after a few minutes of staring blankly at the photograph, that he's not going to get much work done today anyway, Sokka decides to take a half day (what his constituents don't know won't hurt them). He decides that now might be a good time to pay a visit to his sister. Maybe she can offer up some insight. Or, at the very least, offer up a distraction. Sokka quickly packs up his things, takes one last disgruntled look at the stack of paperwork on his desk and says a swift goodbye to his secretary before making his way through the city, heading towards the docks. It's a far walk, but it's a nice enough day and Sokka welcomes the change of scenery, and again, the distraction that it brings.

Once on the ferry, Sokka takes a moment to appreciate the salty smell of the bay as water mists up from the hull of the boat and onto his skin. The ferry ride over from the city to Air Temple Island is always a nice pastime - a bit of peace in an otherwise bustling, sometimes overwhelming city. He always likes being near water (he is from the Water Tribe, after all), but today it is an especially welcomed distraction. He could use a bit of water and air right now. Maybe it'll help him stop thinking so much about fire and earth.

The ferry docks at the island, and Sokka says a quick thank you to the boat's captain before starting the short hike up to Katara and Aang's house. Aang is away on official 'Avatar' business, but Sokka looks forward to seeing his sister and nephew at the very least. He's always had a soft spot for Bumi. Even before she gave birth, Katara's intuition told her that Bumi would not be born a bender, and Sokka knows that both Aang and Katara were little disappointed by this (not that they would ever admit that aloud). Sokka, on the other hand, can't help but appreciate this about the kid. He's fond of his nephew, and admittedly, part of that fondness comes from the fact that they share a commonality that neither his sister nor brother-in-law will ever quite understand.

He knocks on the door to their house and waits, somewhat impatiently, for it to open. For a moment, he prays that it won't be an acolyte that greets him. They're nice and all, but Sokka's in no mood to be charming or conversational right now. Thankfully, after a minute, it's his sister who opens the door - air acolytes nowhere in sight. He's greeted by a surprised, yet welcoming smile from Katara. She'd just seen him at Kuei's wedding a few days ago, but admittedly, it's been a while since he's paid her a visit on the island. She'd probably hug him if she didn't already have Bumi perched on her hip. He's getting a little big for that, isn't he? Sokka keeps his thoughts to himself, but sends her a bemused look. He thinks Katara would probably agree, as she has to put some effort into hoisting her son up to keep him balanced.

"Uncle Sokka!" Bumi's arms fly out towards his uncle, commanding to be held.

"There's my favorite nephew!" Sokka matches the kid's excitement as he takes Bumi from Katara, much to her visible relief. They walk the short distance to the kitchen, and it's not long before Sokka has to put Bumi down. He is getting big. Not to mention, quite fidgety. As soon as Sokka puts him down, Bumi is bouncing around the kitchen, noisy and hyper. It looks like Sokka's not the only one in need of a distraction today. Not having enough energy to be that distraction right now, Sokka gives the kid his boomerang to play with as Katara puts a kettle on the stove. She shoots him a disapproving look, but doesn't take the weapon away as Bumi runs with it into the next room, effectively distracted.

"I didn't expect to see you today. Slacking on work, are we?" Katara quips, using spark rocks to light the stove.

Sokka, rolling his eyes, "Nice to see you, too, sis."

Katara hums her dissent, but thankfully offers no further judgement as she tends to the tea. Sokka sets the kitchen table with some cups and snacks from Katara's 'secret' sugar stash before taking a seat, happy to let himself be waited on. He takes a moment to rub at his temples, willing away the tension. The quietude of the Island is a welcome one, and he thinks he might be perfectly happy just to sit and drink tea with his sister in silence, but of course Katara finds the absolute worst way to break it, "Have you spoken to Suki since the wedding? Sent a hawk her way?"

"No. I think we both need to cool off for a while," Sokka remarks, casually. He presses further at his temples. "I'll reach out to her soon. After elections maybe."

Katara raises a brow, unimpressed, "Right. So, are you guys broken up or something?"

"What!?" Sokka says, visibly offended. His hands drop from his temples, smacking onto the countertop, "Of course not. Why would you say that!?"

Katara lets out a tiresome sigh as she takes the seat across from her brother, clearly finding no sense in arguing with him. She takes a sip of her tea, inconspicuously, "Just checking. I can sense that you're a bit distracted today. Anything on your mind?"

Sokka pauses for a moment, making a distinct effort to seem relaxed, "Oh no, not really. Just a lot of work to do before elections. You know, work-life stress." He waves a nonchalant hand in the air, "Oh, and I've had this rash on my foot for a few days. Plus my secretary wore this really strong perfume today and I think it gave me a headac-"

"Sokka!" Katara says, interrupting his ramblings. Sokka's eyes bulge at his sister's outburst. Parenting a 5-year-old is clearly testing her patience. "Why don't you stop rambling and tell me what's really bothering you?"

He glares at her inspecting tone. Why did I think it was a good idea to come here again? Sokka remains silent for a moment. He furrows his brows in consideration, tapping a nervous foot on the ground as he mulls over what he wants to share. His sister sends an impatient, 'I'm waiting' look his way, silently urging him to get on with it.

Finally, with false indifference, "Have you heard the rumors?"

Katara sit's back, confused, "What rumors? What are you talking about?"

"People around the office have been talking." He pauses for a beat too long, gnawing at this thumb and avoiding eye contact.

"And?" Katara says, urgingly.

"Well, rumors have been going around, and I'm not sure what to make of them. Or if they're even true. Maybe they are, maybe they aren't…"

A long, exasperated sigh. "Get to the point Sokka."

"Well," Sokka starts, his voice full of conspiracy, "I heard it through the grapevine that apparently, Zuko asked out Toph. You know, like on a date. Apparently, there's this fancy-schmancy Fire Nation event happening tomorrow, and Zuko asked Toph to be his plus one."

Katara is silent for a long moment, another confused look on her face. Sokka thinks she's probably just as shocked and scandalized as he is, but her response surprises him, "…So?"

Sokka, perplexed, "So!? What do you mean, 'so'? So, apparently, she said yes! Can you believe that!? Zuko and Toph, on a date!" Sokka pushes his chair back, standing up in a dramatic, dismayed fashion.

"Again…so?" Katara crosses her arms, unamused.

Sokka pauses in frustration, not understanding how his sister isn't as freaked out by this news as he is, "So…don't you think it's weird?"

"Hmmm," she considers, tapping her chin, "I suppose it's a little…unexpected. I'm sure they're just going as friends. But even if there was something more between them, you have to admit that they don't make the worst pair. Now that you mention it, I can actually see it."

"What!? How could you say that!? It's Zuko and Toph!" Sokka claps his hands on each of their names, driving his point home, "In what world would they ever make a good pair!?"

"I don't know, Sokka. They're kind of similar, don't you think?"

"Pfft, okaaaay - whatever you say, Katara," Sokka mocks, unable to quell the irritation churning in his gut. Katara's gone crazy. Yeah, that's what's happening. He's living in an alternative universe, and everyone has gone crazy. That's the only way any of this makes sense.

"Think about it, Sokka. They both have similar backgrounds, growing up rich and noble. Well, royal in Zuko's case, but close enough. Both have daddy issues and are kind of emotionally awkward, and they're both great benders in their respective elements."

Sokka grumbles at that one, unable to relate. "Whatever."

"Plus they both recently went through a breakup." Katara continues, ignoring Sokka's huff. "I think it's nice if they can help each other move on. Also, they'd look kind of cute together, don't you think?" Katara intends that last item on her list as a lighthearted quip, but she's stunned to find Sokka's face burning with rage. If he were a firebender, he'd probably be steaming right now, literally.

"They would not look 'cute' together, Katara! Ugh, the thought of it makes me sick!" He clutches his stomach and makes a disgusted face, for a moment looking genuinely like he might get sick. Katara rolls her eyes at her brother's typical, overly dramatic reaction.

"Goodness gracious, Sokka, why do you care so much? If anything, I'd have thought you'd be happy to see Zuko have interest in someone other than…" Katara stops herself, the unspoken name hanging in the air between them. Other than Suki. Sokka swallows, his hands dropping from his stomach as he fixes Katara with a stern, daring look.

Katara averts her eyes from his gaze, feeling a bit guilty for bringing it up. A tense moment passes, but suddenly, Katara is struck with another thought. She looks up, dawned with realization, "Wait a second. Are you jealous?"

Her brother's eyes widen, almost comically, and she sees the redness return to his face, "What!? Of course not! Don't be silly, Katara, that's ridiculous."

A sly, mocking smile makes its way onto Katara's face, suddenly very amused, "Wow, you are so jealous."

His face burning, "Once again, Katara, I am not jealous! That would be... that would be ludicrous!"

"Right." Katara deadpans, rolling her eyes again. Sokka always uses 'big' words when he's trying too hard to make a point.

"Toph is my best friend and I am simply concerned for her wellbeing." Sokka says, insistently, "Just as any good friend would be. I just don't think Toph and Zuko would be a good couple, that's all."

"Whatever you say, Sokka." She shakes her head, expecting the conversation to end there. Sokka takes his seat again and appears deep in thought. Katara moves to take another sip of her tea, but Sokka's sudden, frenzied voice stops her.

"Zuko isn't good enough for Toph! I mean, don't tell him I said that - I know he's our friend and all. But Toph is this amazing, strong, independent, beautiful woman - the best earthbender of our time! Zuko's a good firebender an all, but did he invent metalbending? No! That was Toph!

"She's a kickass Chief of Police, and this city needs her! But Zuko is the Firelord obviously, so if they were ever to become serious, Toph would have to move to the Fire Nation. She's can't do that! She loves Republic City, and she can't leave me!"

The outburst ends quite abruptly before Sokka realizes his slip, "I mean, she can't leave this city. I - we need her here."

Katara blinks, speechless. She takes a minute to decipher all of what was just revealed, and it becomes clear that her brother is not facing just an innocent case of friendly jealousy or offering some brotherly concern towards Toph. This is clearly something much deeper, something she's not sure even Sokka has grasped or come to terms with just yet. He clearly has some unspoken, hidden feelings for their friend. Plus, some deep-rooted abandonment and attachment issues. He's gotten so used to Suki choosing to stay in the Fire Nation - choosing to stay with Zuko. How would he handle it if Toph, his best friend (who he apparently has some complicated, unresolved feelings for) chose Zuko too?

Treading carefully, "You've clearly thought a lot about this."

Sokka, deliberately ignoring her comment, "So, do you think it's true?"

"Do I think what's true?"

Frustrated, "Do you think Zuko and Toph are going out?"

Having enough of her brother's whining, "Sokka, I don't know! You're almost thirty years old - how about, instead of asking me, you grow up and go ask Toph yourself! And while you're at it, maybe ask yourself why you're so bothered by these so-called 'rumors' in the first place, okay!?"

Flinching, "Okay, okay, I get it!"

"Oh, and talk to your girlfriend! The four of you are in some weird type of love rectangle thingy, and it is not cute! Figure out your shit before it gets too messy, if it hasn't already." Katara gets up, flicking Sokka in the head as she leaves the room to find Bumi.

Sokka rubs at the sore spot, feeling no less distracted by these rumors than he did before.

There is no other way to put it.

Toph is wasted.

Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but she hasn't been this drunk – hiccupping up the stairs of her apartment complex, her 'vision' foggier than ever - in a very long time. It's not even that late in the evening!

And she's not alone. Zuko, normally a composed and dignified Firelord, is uncharacteristically hammered as he trails up the stairs behind her.

He had been insistent, at first anyway, on being on his best behavior tonight. Fire Nation dignitaries were notoriously dry and judgmental, but Toph had been right - the alcohol was (ironically) very good. And what can he say, Toph can be a bad influence.

But her presence at the dinner hadn't just loosened him up. He was impressed to learn that Toph can make for a surprisingly good politician when she wants to be, and she knows how to command a room…especially one filled with grumpy, old (and probably somewhat misogynistic and sex-starved) men. She knows how to work them to her advantage.

And she may be somewhat tomboyish and brash as a rule, but Toph knows how to tap into her femininity when she needs it, as if it were just another weapon in her already pretty well-stocked arsenal. Tonight, she chose to wear a perfectly tailored, traditional red gown that Zuko assumes she must own specifically for Fire Nation events (though he had wondered who helps her get ready for these things?). Her hair was uncharacteristically down, with only her bangs pinned back by an elegant, floral hairpiece. Zuko hadn't realized before that her hair was so long and silky, and the style offered a clear view of her surprisingly delicate cheekbones. Her expression was hardly delicate though. She wore a sly, confident smirk all night, and her lips looked extra pouty with rouge painted over them. Zuko has to admit, he's impressed by her ability to play the part. For all that she claims to detest the pomp of nobility, it sure does come naturally to her.

But not only had her looks entranced the room tonight. Combined with her charm, her bold, clever wit had enticed all the grouchy old gentlemen into having their share of liquor and letting loose, eager to impress the esteemed earthbender. She was smart, actively engaging in political discussions, recapping exciting crime reports, and lobbying for investment in her police force. It didn't take long for Zuko to gather that Toph hadn't just agreed to come for the free booze. She was more calculating than she let on, and she saw it as an opportunity to exploit resources. Her dolled up appearance and hammed up charm was a political play more than anything else. Clever.

Regardless, it had worked. Even seeing through her act, Zuko had been equally as enraptured by his friend, and she served as a much-needed distraction from the relentless stress that comes from trying to lead a nation. Still, maybe he shouldn't have indulged so much in the sake. He's meant to be this great leader, a shiny example of pristine character to his people. But in truth, a night of stupid, reckless and young fun was much needed, and he's thankful to Toph for getting him out of his shell.

That being said, perhaps he's a bit more inebriated at the moment than he'd care to admit.

The pair stumble into Toph's apartment, both laughing uncontrollably - though at what, Zuko couldn't say. Once inside, Zuko tries his best to find a light source in the room. Thankfully there's a few stray lanterns - he guesses they're left from when Satoru lived here, or perhaps just for the benefit of company - and he quickly uses his firebending to light them, careful not to burn anything else in his drunken state. He's never been in Toph's place before. Normally his visits to Republic City are confined to City Hall, Air Temple Island and perhaps a few tourist hotspots and restaurants. He's never had a reason to visit Toph's apartment before, and he's surprised to find that her space isn't quite the dark and dusty place that he would have imagined for the blind earthbender who notoriously likes her feet caked in dirt.

There are definitely some elements of her flat that are inherently Toph, though. The floor is made of stone tile, which makes sense for her to 'see'. It's also fairly clear of any clutter, and Zuko supposes that she wouldn't have much use for things that normally provide it, like paperwork or other useless knick-knacks. However, there are a few ornamental rocks strewn about, and again, Zuko supposes that makes sense. He would have figured that there'd be some of Satoru's stuff left, but from the looks of it, Toph had already gotten rid of any trace of him. Regardless, her apartment is quite humble and homey, and Zuko finds he's greeted by a pleasant, floral smell that surprises him. It would appear that Toph is full of surprises.

"Want some tea?" Toph slurs, drunkenly, as the pair fumble their way to the sitting area.

"Tea would be nice." Zuko sways a little as he tries to keep upright, the alcohol in his system causing the room to spin.

"Great. Why don't you go make us some?" Toph playfully pinches Zuko's side before flinging herself gracelessly onto the couch.

"Okay." Zuko responds, not thinking twice of Toph's bossy command. But he doesn't make a move towards the kitchen. His mind wants to move, but his feet won't budge, his body not wanting to cooperate. He sways in place for another moment before he starts to lean/fall towards Toph, and before he knows it he's laying back on the couch, the world continuing to swirl around him.

Toph doesn't seem to notice Zuko's lack of compliance, quickly forgetting her mention of tea as she deals with her own drunken stupor. She struggles a bit as she props herself up on her knees and scoots across the couch towards Zuko. Zuko's eyes struggle to keep open, yet his mind is somehow hyperaware. He knows his brain is desperately sending signals to get him to focus, but his body won't listen.

"Thanks for tonight, Hotpants," Toph lands a friendly, slightly sloppy pat on his arm instead of her usual punch, and it stirs something strange in Zuko's belly, "I needed a night like this."

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he hears how garbled he sounds, "Are you kidding? Thank you. I don't think I've ever seen those men smile before. It sure made for an interesting night." Zuko hiccups (literally), his eyes subconsciously flickering towards Toph's chest, "You sure know how to work a room."

Toph laughs - the sound chiming like a bell, bright and loud - unaware of Zuko's gaze as she eats up his acclaim. "Ha! What can I say?" She makes a show of flicking her hair over her shoulder, a coy smile on her lips, "A woman has her ways."

Zuko isn't fully aware as his hand moves to sweep a stray piece of hair from her face. His thumb lingers on her cheek for a moment too long, surprised to find how soft her skin is. Toph's smile falters, her expression glazing over with an inscrutable look. He tries to focus on his friend, but where he knows she only has two eyes, Zuko sees four. Even so, he notes how the light from the lanterns makes them glow, and how the warmth of the flame touches her delicate cheekbones and rouged-up lips.

He squints, and without thinking, "Do you think I'll ever have a shot with Suki?"

Toph's answer is honest, though not unkind. "I don't know. Probably not."

Zuko blinks, unaware, and when his eyes open, he finds Toph's face inching closer to his. Except, that's not right. No, Toph is sitting still. It's Zuko that is inching closer to her, his hand still glued to her cheek.

Zuko tries to think. Why did he ask her to come tonight? And why did Toph invite him over? Not for this. Deep in the sober part of his mind, he knows that the only reason he's here is their shared pain over an unrequited love. They're friends. And, he wants to be a good friend to her. Talk it out with her. Lend her the brotherly, uncomplicated guidance that she needs. Support her as she tries to understand her feelings for Sokka, and as he does the same for Suki.

But then, Toph's hand rests on his inner thigh, and Zuko's lips are on hers.

There's no hesitancy, only urgency as their lips fuse together like welded steel. Toph props herself up until she's straddling Zuko's lap, and in return, Zuko slides his hands down her sides until he's gripping her hips and pulling them closer into his, seeking friction. If this is weird, neither one of them breaks the kiss to acknowledge it. For a split second, as Zuko bites down on Toph's lower lip and gives it a gentle suck, both are forced to consider if these sudden, drunken kisses mean something. But the thought vanishes just as quickly as it appears.

From Toph's perspective, Zuko is definitely a technically good kisser - good enough to elicit a satisfied moan from her lips as he detaches his own and begins trailing sloppy nips and kisses down her neck. It's as hot and steamy as one might expect from a firebender. Yet, as ironic as it is (given Toph's favorite nickname for him), it's definitely missing a certain spark. It's mechanical. It's a bit messy. And, despite the nature of the activity, it's most definitely platonic.

Neither one of them have been very satisfied recently. Breakups do have a way of drastically diminishing one's sex life, and where there is an itch, it helps to have someone to scratch it… They just both happen to be in reach at the moment.

Toph grabs a fistful of Zuko's hair and forces his head back, using the new angle to kiss up his jawline and to find his lips again. Thankfully, Zuko doesn't seem to mind her roughness. If anything, it only encourages him. He groans into her kiss as he deepens it, his grip on her waist tightening. From their current position, Toph's gown sits bunched up at her hips, and Zuko takes advantage of the access by reaching underneath, his hands travelling down the length of her abdomen. His fingers reach the band of her underwear, and he's just about to slip one underneath when…

"Sweet, merciful Spirits! My eyes!"

The drunken pair, previously distracted by their kisses, quickly flee apart at the sudden intrusion. Toph tries to gain her bearings by planting a foot to the ground, but her 'vision' is still quite hazy from the alcohol. Still, she'd know that voice anywhere.

"Snoozles?" Her voice draws out, confused by his presence.

"Sokka. Hey buddy." Zuko discreetly grabs a cushion and places it over his lap. It feels vaguely like getting dumped on by a bucket of cold water - the effects are sobering, to say the least.

Standing at the doorway, Sokka looks at the state of his two friends and feels a mix of shock and horror settle in his gut. Rouge has transferred from Toph's lips onto Zuko's chin, and both are disheveled from head to toe, panting heavily.

After his talk with Katara, Sokka remained stubborn in his irritation for a day before eventually deciding to swing by Toph's place to find out for himself what the story was. He had convinced himself that the rumors he heard were just frivolous gossip, but he had to know for sure.

What he hadn't expected to find was Toph with Zuko, here right now, like this. His chest tightens, and he feels, with such clarity, the precise moment that something inside of him shatters. His mind distantly flashes back to the first time he saw Toph with Satoru, how... icky that had felt. But, for as much as his heart ached back then, this is somehow much, much worse.

Toph, still feeling muddled, "What are you doing here?"

"Toph, he's gone." Zuko points out.

"What?"

"He left."

"Oh."

"Yup."

Toph slowly sits back on the couch, crossing her arms as she tries to make sense of what just happened. When she does, her drunk voice announces to the room, with a heavy dose of sarcasm, "Well that's just great, isn't it? Now he's going to think we're together!" Toph's not quite sure why that matters, but she knows it does.

Zuko, not offended, "Don't worry about him. He'll get over it."

All former thoughts of kissing and touching thoroughly doused from their minds, the two friends sit in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, the moment lost.

"So..." Zuko says, filling the silence.

"So."

"That was…interesting?" He finishes, lamely.

"Yeah, you're not a bad kisser Zuko, I'll give you that." Toph remarks, blithely. She's not one to dwell on awkwardness.

Zuko chuckles, relieved, "Yeah, you're not so bad yourself."

Any residual tension quickly dissipates, much to both their relief. Lightheartedly, Toph adds, "Eh, probably not the best idea, you and me." She gives his arm a friendly punch, "You couldn't handle me anyway."

"Ha, you're probably right." Zuko says, rubbing the sore spot, "Too bad."

Mutual understanding passes between them, and whatever short-lived 'romance' they had is easily forgotten.

Eventually, Zuko remarks, "You know…it's probably not a bad idea for us to try and date people outside the friend group. There are other fish in the sea outside of 'team avatar.' Maybe that's how we move on."

Toph finds herself nodding, "It sure would be less complicated." Then, with a sigh, "I think you're right."

AN

So yeah, Zuko and Toph. I'm a Tokka shipper at heart, but I also could see Toph having chemistry with Zuko when she's a bit older, so I wanted to explore that. Plus, I think Sokka seeing Toph hook up with another friend (as opposed to just a stranger or acquaintance), would definitely cause him to think about some things.

PS. Fun fact, I wrote the part with them being drunk when I too was a bit tipsy lol. What can I say, I'm very "method".