I'll Be Seeing You

by CloverCreative

In which the timing is never quite right, until it is? Exploring a series of moments throughout the years as Toph and Sokka help each other navigate their complicated lives in Republic City, and perhaps figure out their feelings for each other along the way. Canon Universe. Other pairings included. Mature Themes.

12. The Same Page

Chapter 12: The Same Page

The warmth of the morning sun trickling in through the sheer, breezy curtains slowly brings Sokka out of his sleep. The smell of the cotton sheets and the sound of windchimes somewhere in the distance are welcome additions to his rising, and he takes a few moments to blink away the grogginess and listen to the sounds of the city waking up outside. Even from a few stories off the ground, he can hear an elderly woman making small talk with the local bakery owner, and the footsteps of weekend shoppers starting off their day, down on the streets below. He moans in delight as the smell of freshly-roasted coffee lingers its way through the window. Still half asleep, he lets out a hearty yawn as he stretches wide, his muscles slightly sore from the previous night's activities.

Rubbing the last bit of sleep from his eyes, Sokka looks over at the woman to his left, still asleep under the sheets. Even after all these years of friendship, and even after being with her intimately, Sokka still finds himself amazed by the strong, beautiful woman that Toph has grown into. It's hard to reckon the image of a short and stocky twelve-year-old with the gorgeous and graceful pile of limbs that's lying next to him. Though her personality is still as familiar as the day he met her, which he's thankful for.

Sokka turns under the sheets to face her, propping himself on his elbow as he takes a moment to appreciate this rare sight of Toph looking so peaceful. She's faced towards him, sleeping on her side, with one arm hooked under her pillow and the other extended across the sheets, hand resting just about an inch away from Sokka's. The bright morning sun casts a light on her porcelain skin and her glossy, raven hair, sprawled haphazardly across her pillow. The steady rise and fall of her chest almost lulls Sokka back to slee[, but when Toph fidgets in her sleep and the sheets slip to expose a peek of her chest, Sokka finds himself wide awake.

He still finds it strange just how easily they fell into this routine. He also finds it strange just how not strange it is. He would have thought having a 'benefits' situation with his best friend might bring up some awkwardness or discomfort, but sex came just as naturally to their friendship as jokes about meat and affectionate arm punches. And if anything, it's made them closer - and not just in the obvious ways. You learn a lot about a person when you start sleeping with them, and Sokka feels a twinge of regret when he realizes that there was so much he hadn't known about his friend before.

And more often than not, it's not like it's these big, grandiose revelations – it's the little things he likes learning about her. For instance, he learned that Toph's favorite floral scent is lavender, and that she secretly loves applying girly, fragrant lotions to her skin after a shower. He learned that she prefers sleeping with the windows open, and she's always either too hot or too cold at night, never in-between. He learned that despite having a large appetite, Toph never eats breakfast in the morning without first having a cup of coffee – black – and that she's a bit of a caffeine addict.

And there are other, not so pleasant things he's learned. Like how bad her mood swings get around her period, or how she unapologetically kicks in her sleep. And how, sometimes, she has nightmares. It had taken him a while to strike up the nerve to ask her about them, but he was surprised that when he finally did, she was quite willing and even relieved to confide in him. And he was also surprised to learn that her nightmares aren't just about the war, but about her childhood before, or sometimes silly things, like showing up naked to an Earth Rumble tournament. Though lately, she revealed, she often dreams of not-so-silly things, like the whip of her cable pulling through flesh, the smatter of hot blood on her face, and the sick contortions of a bloodbender that she can still only imagine.

Sokka has always been a talker. He often finds that he can never shut up, even when he wants to. But he's learned a lot by being with Toph, and more often, he finds himself waiting and listening. Especially when it means that Toph is the one talking, opening up and sharing the intimate details of her thoughts. They had always been pretty open with each other anyway, but he shouldn't have been surprised to learn that there were even more layers to the complex, beautiful enigma that is Toph. And the best part of sleeping with her (other than – you know - sleeping with her), is getting to know her in this new, profound way.

Sokka is suddenly startled out of his reverie by Toph's groggy morning voice, "You know, I may be blind, Snoozles, but I can still feel you staring at me."

Toph, now obviously awake, mirrors Sokka from moments ago and lets out a big yawn as she stretches, her joints cracking and popping in that oh-so-satisfying way. Her stretches expose a bit more skin, and Sokka takes a moment to admire the better view of her naked chest. He also appreciates the reminders of the night before, painted across her neck in a series of pink and purple bruises. Sokka's hand instinctively flies up to his own neck, poking at the subtle sore spots littered on his skin. He feels a brief twinge of embarrassment - they're getting a little old to be giving each other hickeys. But the moment of embarrassment is quickly replaced by a swell of masculine pride. He likes sharing matching marks of affection with her, and the thought makes his belly stir.

"I don't think I'm the 'Snoozles' today, huh, sleepy head?" Sokka wiggles his eyebrows, "Besides, you're too pretty not to look at."

Toph puffs a hair away from her face, seemingly unimpressed, but Sokka smiles as he notes the blush of her cheeks, "Well, Loverboy, aren't you smooth this morning? No need to butter me up though, I'm already sleeping with you."

Undeterred by her attitude, Sokka's grin simply grows as the tips of his fingers feather idly over Toph's arm. She suppresses a shiver as the delightful, tickling motion sends goosebumps across her skin.

Sokka, with a sly expression, "Can't a guy compliment his friend without having ulterior motives?"

Toph raises a brow, unconvinced, "Are you saying that you don't have ulterior motives right now?"

In a quick gesture, Sokka hooks his arm around Toph's waist and pulls her across the bed so that their bodies are flushed together, allowing Toph to feel just how motivated he is. His thumb strokes her cheek as he pecks her on the lips, "Okay, maybe in this case I do. But I still think you're pretty."

"Guess I'll take your word for it." She rolls her eyes, but Toph doesn't object when Sokka starts to kiss her again. Their kisses are languid, and Sokka switches their position so that Toph lays on top of him, their legs tangled together. His hands skate up and down her sides before giving her butt a playful pinch. She yelps at the gesture, but the pair quickly laugh it off before joining their lips again.

Toph likes these moments with Sokka the best. Sometimes when they sleep together, it's rough and quick, other times is passionate and slow. All of the times are good (great even), but also intense. And, in a friends-with-benefits situation, 'intense' can be dangerous. So, she's learned to detach herself – that's the whole point of their no-strings-attached deal, isn't it?

And those intense moments between them - they're often just too surreal. It's still strange for Toph to think of Sokka, her friend, and Sokka, her skilful bedroom companion, as the same person. Who they are under the sheets feels totally different than who they are during the day. In the bedroom, it's no longer spirited jests and boisterous, friendly laughter. Instead, it's deep moans and cries of pleasure, sounds that makes Toph unable to recognise even herself.

However, in moments like this, when their bodies still ache from the night before, and their kisses are lazy and playful, it just feels more like them… But, perhaps that is even more dangerous than 'intense'.

Their kisses gradually turn from lazy and sloth-like into something more heated, and Sokka's morning arousal teases at her own. As much as she would like to continue this, Toph forces herself to break her lips away from Sokka's. He makes a noise of protest, as she gingerly gets off of his lap and bounces off the bed, leaving her friend confused and very unsatisfied.

"Hey," Sokka whines, though it holds no real bite, "No fair, leaving a guy hanging like that. Tease."

She snickers, not an ounce of pity in her voice, "Sorry to ruin the mood, Snoozles, but we better get dressed." Toph finds her pants in the corner of the room and slings them on. She finds her bindings in another corner and starts to fasten them around her chest, much to Sokka's disappointment, "Zuko's in town, so I invited him over. He should be here soon."

This makes Sokka sit up, his tone surprised, but playful, "What!? Zuko's coming over? Look, Toph, I know we're all for having sex with friends these days, but I draw the line at a threesome!" He strokes his goatee, pretending to consider, "Well, unless you want to reach out to Ty Lee. I hear she's quite flexible, if you know what I mean."

Toph casts an unimpressed look in his direction, and Sokka suddenly finds himself rubbing at his forehead, sore after being struck with a pebble. Toph walks back to the bed, resting her knee on the edge of the mattress, her hands on her hips.

"Oh no, my dreams are crushed," she plays along, feigning disappointment, "All I've ever wanted in life was to get pig-roasted by the great and powerful Firelord and his scrappy little Water Tribe sidekick."

"Hey, I'm not scrappy. And I'm nobody's sidekick!" raising his eyebrows suggestively, "I'm chairman of the council now, remember?"

"I don't know," she teases, "It sounds like you're letting that new gavel get to your head. Are you sure you're not getting greedy with all that 'chairman' power?"

With a mischievous expression, "Oh, I'll show you greedy."

He lunges for her, and Toph lets out an uncharacteristically girly shriek as Sokka pulls her back onto the bed. The room is filled with their laughter as they play wrestle, both sounding much more like children and not like two adults in their early thirties. Sokka tickles Toph's sides, flipping their position and blowing raspberries into her belly, which elicits another delightful round of giggles. The sound makes Sokka smile into her belly. Of course, he likes being able to make other, far less innocent sounds come out of her mouth. Still, nothing beats being able to make Toph Beifong giggle.

Even so, it's not long before the tickles turn into kisses again, and somehow, their playful morning banter turns into another, full-blown make-out session. Sokka lays on his back, Toph once again on top of him (albeit this time, she's a bit more clothed), and their giggles morph into heated moans, interlaced between the wet sounds of their smacking lips.

While Toph is almost fully dressed, Sokka is still fully naked, and he bites his lips in anticipation as Toph starts to trail her kisses downward, forging a path from his neck to his torso. She peppers kisses across his chest, her hair falling over her shoulder and tickling him as Toph continues her trek down his belly. It always surprises Sokka just how skilfully delicate Toph's kisses can be, and Sokka takes a sharp intake of breath, anxiously awaiting the sweet pleasure of her lips as they reach the light patch of hair just below his lower abdomen.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

The knock at the front door startles both of them, and Toph pops up from her position in a way that resembles an excited weasel-monkey, "Oh, looks like Zuko's here!"

Sokka smacks his forehead at - in his opinion - the rude interruption, "You've got to be kidding me."

Ignoring his whining, Toph gingerly bounces off the bed again, leaving Sokka thoroughly embarrassed and thoroughly unsatisfied as he too rushes off the bed to get dressed.

He is still frantically searching for his clothes (they were flung pretty carelessly the night before) as Toph quickly throws on her top, flipping her hair out from under her shirt as she makes her way towards the front door. Sokka just about manages to button his pants before he hears Zuko entering Toph's apartment.

"Toph, it's good to see you." Sokka hears Zuko greet from the next room. He flings on his shirt, then makes a frustrated sound as he realizes it's inside out, and takes it off to start the process all over again.

He hears Toph's familiar laugh, "Wish I could say it was good to see you too, but you know."

Sokka suddenly finds himself battling an onset of nerves. There's no way he can leave Toph's room without having their…uh…situation compromised. He had been under the impression that he and Toph had an unspoken agreement to keep the nature of their relationship a secret, but apparently, she doesn't seem to care. Sokka, on the other hand, cares a great deal. Not that he's embarrassed about it…heck, if anything, he's damn proud of it. But he can't help but feel like whatever blissful little bubble he's been living in is about to burst.

He takes a deep breath, preparing himself for the inevitable, before he finally steps out of Toph's bedroom. Wearing his best mask of enthusiasm, "Zuko, good to see you, buddy! Your hair's gotten longer I see."

To his credit, Zuko looks surprised for only a split second before schooling his expression into its normal, stoic indifference, "Sokka, I didn't know you'd be here."

Sokka scratches the back of his neck as he approaches his friends, giving Zuko a brotherly pat on the shoulder when he reaches them. He tries to play it cool, but Sokka's own voice betrays him, "Uh, you know, I was just in the neighborhood. Thought I would pop in and say hi."

Zuko's eyes flicker over Sokka's shoulder and catch a glimpse of Toph's bedroom, the door left open just enough for him to spot the boomerang resting on Toph's nightstand, and the tousled state of her bedsheets. If that wasn't enough of a giveaway, the matching bruises on their necks is all the confirmation Zuko needs.

Sokka clears his throat, it suddenly feeling very dry, as he catches Zuko's line of sight. Sokka attempts to clarify, but instead, finds himself rambling, "You see, it's my day off. And…you know me! I like to annoy my friends in my spare time…ha ha. Isn't that right, Toph? Yup! Nothing unusual. I mean, I'm always poking my head in here. And yeah."

"Right," Zuko bites back a snicker, "I'm sure you are."

Sokka flushes, embarrassed by his fumble and his poor choice of words. Poking my head in here? Who says that!? Toph seems to be fighting back her own snicker, clearly entertained by his show of awkwardness. He represses the urge to glare at her – she wouldn't be able to see it anyway - and he is more than happy to leave the moment behind as Toph ushers them to her kitchen area.

The two men take a seat at the counter as Toph starts to fill her kettle with water, "Zuko, want anything to drink? Tea, coffee?"

Surprised by her hospitality, "Uh, sure. I'll take some ginseng, please, if you have it."

Toph sends him a thumbs up before turning back to place the kettle on the stove. Sokka can't help but feel a little offended that Toph didn't ask him if he wants anything, but he makes no effort to complain. Instead, he turns his attention back to Zuko, "So, how are Mai and Izumi doing?"

"Pretty Good. Mai is the same as always I guess," Zuko smiles, his voice laced with affection, "Though, motherhood has perhaps made her a little less grouchy."

Toph, from her position at the stove, "Does that mean she stopped throwing around those knife thingies?"

"No, she's still throwing the knives."

"Good," Toph approves, "I always liked that about her."

Zuko nods his agreement, "Me too," though he does feel the need to add, "Just not around the baby, of course."

Sokka nudges an elbow at his friend, "So, now that you're a dad, are people calling you the 'Fatherlord'?"

Zuko and Toph both make a noise of disapproval at Sokka's joke, but he shrugs it off.

"No." Zuko deadpans.

"Missed opportunity," Sokka mutters to himself, then asks, "And how's Iroh doing? Still playing Pai Sho every day, I hope?"

Zuko smiles again at the mention of his uncle, "Yup. His tea shop is just as busy as ever, but he visits whenever he can. And Izumi is already quite fond of him. I thought her first word would be 'da-da', like most babies, but of course it was 'I-woa'. She's got a whole palace wrapped around her finger, but no one more than my uncle."

"Awe, I still can't believe you're a dad!" Sokka muses, "And Aang and Katara are trying for another kid. It still feels like just yesterday that Katara and I found Aang in that Iceberg, or that you were chasing us around the world and trying to capture him. Now you guys are all parents!"

"Hey, not everyone!" Toph pipes in, "Some of us here still value their freedom, thank you very much."

"You don't want to have kids, Toph?" Zuko questions.

Sokka finds himself curious as well. He and Toph have talked about many things throughout their friendship, but strangely enough, the topic of parenthood never really came up before. Sokka had just assumed that Toph wasn't really the parenting type, but maybe that's not fair.

His mind quickly flashes to the day Kya was born, and he remembers the surprising amount of care that Toph had displayed while holding the newborn. Plus, she is surprisingly good with Bumi and Kya. She's not necessarily the most affectionate with them, but the kids are still drawn to her - maybe because she often acts a little juvenile herself. But being the cool, fun auntie is different than being a mother. Even so, the idea of Toph as a parent somehow doesn't sound that crazy to him.

Toph shrugs, noncommittally, "Eh, I haven't given it much thought, to be honest. Work keeps me so busy. Plus, I've never been very nurturing - not like Sugar Queen. Who knows? Maybe I'll just get a pet rock and call it a day."

Zuko huffs a laugh at her joke before turning to Sokka, "And what about you? Do you see yourself having kids?"

Toph, still focusing her attention on the boiling kettle, looks distinctly uninterested, yet Sokka feels hyperaware of her attention on him. She may seem indifferent, but he knows her well enough to know when she's actually listening. And listening intently.

He scratches his chin, careful with his words, "Hmmm, I don't know. When I was younger, I would have said yes, for sure. But that was back when I thought I would spend my whole life in the Southern Water Tribe, and that was just what you did. Grow up, marry the girl in the next igloo, and have kids. Now, I'm not so sure."

"Really?" Zuko probes, "I would have thought you'd be dead set on having kids. You always seemed pretty good with everyone else's."

Now it's Sokka's turn to shrug, "Hey, don't get me wrong. I like kids - they're cool and stuff. And I like being there for my niece and nephew, and for Izumi. But, I don't know, I just don't feel like I need to have kids of my own to be fulfilled. I'd be happy either way, I guess."

Zuko nods, "Fair enough. But, if it's worth anything to you, I'm sure you'd make a good parent."

Sokka nods his gratitude, appreciating the random boost in confidence, "Thanks, bud."

Zuko quickly remembers to add, "You too, Toph."

"Pfft, sure." Toph sounds, clearly not convinced.

The kettle finally boiled, Sokka doesn't pay much attention as Toph finishes preparing the tea before handing Zuko his cup. She joins them at the counter, and to Sokka's surprise, she places a mug in front of him too. Toph's not normally one to extend hospitality, so it surprises him further when he takes a sip of his drink and finds it just how he likes it. Coffee, a dash of milk, and his secret ingredient - just a pinch of cinnamon. It would appear that Toph has learned some things about him too, and the realization makes a rush of affection flood through his veins. She didn't have to ask him what he wanted because she already knew.

"So, Toph," Zuko starts, "Any updates on Yakone? Any new leads?"

Toph sighs before taking a sip of her own drink, though she keeps her tone light-hearted, "You always know how to cut right down to business, don't you, Mr. Firelord?"

Sokka squirms in his seat, sensing the distress layered beneath Toph's teasing, and he suppresses the urge to reach out a hand to comfort her. She may be in a pleasant mood now, but Sokka has seen her have a few breakdowns in the past several months regarding this Yakone business. Well, a 'Toph' version of a breakdown. He hasn't seen her cry since that day in his office. Usually, her version of a breakdown just means an overly aggressive sparring session with one of her officers, or even just smashing rocks for hours at a time, until her knuckles are raw.

Toph continues, her tone more serious, "But that's a negative on the new leads. None of our witnesses want to say anything, they're just too afraid. They don't trust my metalbending to protect them. And I hate to say it, but if the rumors about Yakone are true, then I don't blame them. So far, Yakone is always one step ahead of me. Every time I think I have a new lead, he's already figured out a way to bribe, or threaten them."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Toph," Zuko assures, "You know you have my support, and Aang's, with whatever you need. Plus, you're pretty smart. I'm sure you'll get this guy eventually, with or without our help."

"That's what I keep saying!" Sokka chimes in, "Zuko is right, Toph. No one is more capable than you, and you're doing the best you can with the information you have, so I wish you'd stop beating yourself up about it. You're a badass, Toph! One day, it will be you that catches that prick, and I look forward to celebrating your victory."

Toph blushes at the praise, but she always enjoys having her ego stroked, so her mood perks up again, "Well duh, I am The Greatest Earthbender of all time, after all. But are you sure you're not just looking forward to swinging that gavel again, Mr. Chairman? If the case ever made it to the council, wouldn't you be the once sentencing him?"

Without thinking, Sokka finds himself wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, "Oh, I might have my ulterior motives for wanting him arrested."

The flush on Toph's cheeks reddens as she picks up on the reference to earlier in the bedroom, and her tone carries its own suggestion, "Is that so, Councilman? Care to explain these, 'motives' to me?"

She bites her lips, and her sultry expression makes Sokka squirm in his seat again, now for an entirely different reason, "Oh, I don't think I could just explain these motives. I guess I'll have to show you sometime, Chief."

To his right, someone deliberately clears their throat, and Sokka suddenly remembers that Zuko is in the room.

"Uh, right." Sokka clears his own throat, trying to break the awkwardness with his non sequitur, and even Toph has the decency to look embarrassed as she too remembers their other friend in the room.

Saved by the bell, Toph's stomach starts to rumble, "Well, I'm starving. I could use a good ole' greasy takeaway from Kuang's. You boys want anything?"

"Uh, no…thank you." Zuko declines, his face wrinkling in distaste (royals don't exactly do takeaways).

"Nuh uh," Toph stands up from her stool as she insists, "It wouldn't be a visit to Republic City without the delicious, artery-clogging delicacy that is a Kuang's breakfast. My treat."

"Ugh, fine," he relents.

"Hey, try to sound more excited, Firelord Fancy Pants. Trust me, after your first Kuang's, you'll never want to go back to the Fire Nation."

"She's right," Sokka pipes in, excited by the prospect of food, "Ooh Toph, can you get me-"

"Two egg wraps, onions and peppers, no mushrooms, and a side of bacon, extra crispy. I know." Toph throws a nonchalant hand gesture towards him, giving Sokka's bicep an affectionate squeeze as she makes her way to the door.

"Uh, yes…thank you." Sokka's head turns back towards her, just as she's about to leave, "Oh, and can you throw in-"

"An order of pork dumplings, Szechuan sauce on the side. Sure thing." Toph finishes, unceremoniously exiting her apartment and leaving Sokka momentarily speechless.

"Exactly," Sokka says to himself, after a minute, and another wave of affection floods his chest.

"You know, Sokka, you eat a lot," Zuko remarks. Sokka simply shrugs off the critique, and the two men are left sitting in silence as they finish off their tea and coffee.

The awkwardness becomes palpable as the silence breeds, and Sokka starts to drum his fingers on the countertop, his leg bouncing nervously. He and Zuko usually get along pretty well – they've been through a lot together, what with the Boiling Rock, the war in general, plus years of friendship – but at the moment, Sokka gets the sense that he doesn't want to hear whatever Zuko is about to say.

Finally, Zuko clears his throat, "It's funny, I've never known Toph to be so hospitable before. She must really be in a good mood, huh? I wonder what's gotten into her."

"Hmm? Yeah, I guess," Sokka shrugs again, ignoring Zuko's knowing look, "She can be nice when she wants to be."

"Uh-huh."

"Yup."

"So, you don't think it has anything to do with the fact that you guys are together?" Zuko smirks at Sokka's comically shocked expression, "Which, by the way, it's about time. I'm happy for you two."

"What!? Toph and I are not together!"

Another moment of silence hangs between them as confusion warps Zuko's face, "…You're not?"

"No, of course not!" Though Sokka doesn't bother asking why Zuko would think so.

"But… I mean, you clearly stayed over here last night…and Aang and Katara said-"

"Ugh, really!? Mr. and Mrs. Lovebird? What did they tell you?" Sokka rolls his eyes, annoyed at being the source material for gossip, but not surprised that they figured it out.

"Nothing, nothing…" Zuko pacifies, "They just said that you and Toph have both seemed pretty happy lately, and they have their suspicions as to why."

"Well, don't listen to them."

"So…you're not happy?"

"What!? No! Wait, I mean, yes!? Ugh, I'm happy!" Sokka insists, sounding anything but, "I mean, don't listen to them about me and Toph!"

Zuko fixes him with another one of his annoying, scrutinizing stares, "So you're telling me that nothing is happening between you two?"

Sokka's throat starts to itch, a bead of sweat on his forehead, "Well, okay, not exactly nothing. So Toph and I are having a little fun together. So what!? What's the harm in that? It doesn't mean anything. We're still just friends."

Zuko hums as he processes this information, "You mean, like friends with benefits?"

Sokka snaps his fingers, pointing them in an 'ah-ha' gesture, "Yes, exactly!"

Zuko takes another moment to consider this, his expression incredulous, "Sokka, you've said a lot of stupid shit over the years, but that's by far the stupidest thing I've ever heard you say."

Sokka sinks back in his seat, arms crossed over his chest defensively, "Oh what do you know."

"Well for starters, I know that you and Toph clearly have feelings for each other, and that you're both just too stubborn to admit it."

"I'm not stubborn!" Sokka pouts, stubbornly, "Look, I won't deny that there was a point that I had feelings for Toph. But that was a while ago."

"So, you're not in love with Toph?"

Sokka glares up at the accusation, gulping away the sudden lump in his throat, "Look, not that it's any of your business in the first place, but we worked out that we're better off as friends, okay? We just both happen to be attracted to each other. It's a win-win, really."

Zuko doesn't bother pointing out that Sokka didn't actually answer the question, "A win-win, huh?"

"Yes, a win-win." Sokka repeats, irritated, "No strings attached."

"No strings attached, huh?"

"Yes, nothing more."

"Nothing more, huh?"

"Would you stop that!"

Zuko concedes, though he obviously has more to say. Sokka slumps in his seat, miffed for a reason he can't quite explain. The silence grows between them again, until Sokka breaks it, his tone contemplative, "I mean, sure, we hang out all the time, and of course we can tell each other anything. She actually laughs at my jokes sometimes, which is nice. Plus, I like the way her hair smells. And okay, we sleep together when we feel like it, every now and then. But…we're just friends."

Zuko crosses his arms, a pointed expression directed at Sokka. He doesn't say anything, seemingly waiting for Sokka to catch on.

Sokka squirms again, "What?"

"Seriously!?" Zuko finally bursts, "You know you just described a relationship, right!?"

"Pfft, no I didn't! Toph and I are not in a 'relationship'. That's crazy talk!"

Zuko takes a second to reel in his temper, calming his breath, "Ugh, whatever you say, Sokka. So, how long has this 'not a relationship' been going on?"

"Eh, not long," Sokka gnaws at his fingernail, "Like, six…eight months…something like that."

Zuko's temper flares again, "Eight months!?"

"Man, you really are a hot head, aren't you? Calm down!" Sokka returns his attention back to his fingernail, "It's just a casual thing. I mean, we're still seeing other people."

Zuko narrows his eyes, unconvinced, "Hmmm, right. So, when was the last time you were with someone who wasn't Toph?"

Sokka scratches the back of his head, once again trying to act casual, "I don't know. Not that long ago."

"Sokka. How long?"

"I don't know. Like, a month or two ago."

"A month or two?"

"Okay, seven."

"Seven months!? Are you kidding me, Sokka!?"

"What!? I've been busy! Taking on the role of chairman doesn't just mean sitting in chairs, I'll have you know!"

"You're not too busy for Toph though."

"Hey, she's my best friend! We hang out all the time anyway," Sokka defends, petulantly, "We're both just busy, and if anything, we're being responsible by being so efficient with our time."

"Right." Zuko's voice calms down, but the skepticism remains, "And what about Toph? When was the last time she went out with someone else?"

Sokka scratches his chin, the question surprising him. The thought of her dating other people has existed outside of his bubble, and he's not sure he's ready for that to burst, "Uh, I don't know actually. I haven't asked her."

"Okay, so let me get this straight. You and Toph have been spending all your spare time together, have been sleeping together, and have pretty much been exclusive for the past eight months. But you're 'just friends'?"

"Exactly! See, I knew you would get it."

"Ugh, you guys are idiots," Zuko mumbles to himself.

"Hey! Why do you care so much anyway?"

Sighing, "Because…I know it may sound weird, but I'm invested. Toph has become like a little sister to me. And you may not realize it, but she cares a lot about you."

Sokka considers this. After a moment, he nods, his tone adamant, "I care a lot about her too."

"I know. But that's why I'm concerned – no one has the potential to hurt us more than the people we care about. Look, whatever you and Toph have going on – you're right – that's your business. I'm just saying, have you considered where this is going? You should make sure that you and Toph are on the same page."

"Who says we're not?"

"Hey, maybe you are. I'm sure you and Toph have your own set of rules for your…situation," Zuko quickly clarifies, "Which, by the way, I do not need or want to hear the details of."

"Hmpf, of course we have rules." Sokka lies. Okay, so maybe they should have laid out some ground rules before they dove into a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Truth be told, Sokka was just letting Toph take the lead, and so far, it's been working out in his favor. Though, as much as he hates to admit it, Zuko does bring up some good points. Where is this going? Are he and Toph on the same page? And what page is he even on?

The conversation is (thankfully) cut short when Toph suddenly returns with the takeout, the smell of fried food a welcome distraction from Sokka's internal debate.

"Who's ready for some Kuang's!?" Toph places the bag of food down on the counter, wasting no time before opening up her meal and diving in. If Toph senses the tension, she doesn't point it out, and fortunately, the conversation ends up being pleasant enough for the rest of Zuko's visit. He doesn't allude to their conversation again, and a few hours later, Zuko is saying his goodbyes. Okay, so he casts one last knowing glance in Sokka's direction, but Sokka ignores it.

"So..." Toph starts, once they're alone again, her tone suggestive, "Didn't you want to show me something earlier? Something about ulterior motives?"

Sokka looks at her – really looks at her. She's so beautiful, so strong. So accepting of him and all his faults. She's everything he could ever want from a best friend, from something more…Why then, is it so hard to call what they have, what it is?

A nagging voice - one that sounds suspiciously like Aang - sounds in his head. Make sure it's what you want. Without a doubt. One-hundred percent.

Another voice chimes in - this time his own - more urgently. You'll drown! You'll lose her. You'll hurt each other.

He tells that voice to fuck off.

He kisses her with ardency, his lips sealing his own silent commitment. Yes, he wants this. He wants her. If he drowns, then so be it. At least they'll drown together.

He just hopes they're on the same page

AN

Hey everyone! This was another fun chapter to write, so I hope you enjoyed! I love writing the other character's reactions to these two idiots.

Thank you everyone for sticking with me through the delays in updates, and that you for the reviews/comments/kudos/views… for everything!