Chapter 13: One More for the Road
Sokka stares at the letter in front of him – another citizen 'expressing concern' (ahem…complaining) about Yakone's lack of arrest. He can't necessarily blame citizens for being concerned. Every time the police get a new lead on Yakone's whereabouts, he manages to evade arrest…Not to mention, Yakone's bribes (and in many cases, threats) run deep into the heart of the city. Not many people want to talk, so witnesses are few and far between. Plus, aside from a few rumors regarding Yakone's capabilities, the evidence they have stacked against him is – admittedly - weak. Even so, those rumors are starting to spread like wildfire, and they're enough to sprout fear amongst citizens.
Toph has certainly had enough of it. Not only is finding Yakone proving to be more difficult than she would probably care to admit, but she also has to jump through - in her words - 'a bureaucratic pile of shit' every time she goes to make the arrest. Even though she's technically in charge, she still has hoops to jump through. Warrants, statements, witness reports – all reminders of her failed attempts at catching the criminal. It doesn't help that she needs her lieutenant or secretary to read things out to her, which Sokka knows – while she'll never admit it – makes her feel insufficient at times. At the very least, she will admit that it's certainly not the most efficient use of her time.
Plus, it's not like Yakone is the only criminal in the city. Toph certainly has her hands full these days, and she already puts a lot of pressure on herself. Sokka imagines the pressure has only gotten worse, now that citizens are starting to write in their 'concerns'. He is only indirectly involved with the case, yet he's been getting dozens of letters every day. He can only imagine how many complaints Toph has been getting, since she's leading the case. At least she can't actually read them.
Unlike Sokka, who has no excuse for not responding to the lengthy stack of complaint letters on his desk. At least he has his secretary and assistants to draft the responses – he just has to sign them and make the occasional, personalized note. Still, writing his signature over and over again is making his hand cramp up and his eyes strain.
Sokka lets out a tired sigh as he dips his pen in ink. Just because Yakone is Water Tribe doesn't mean I should be getting all the complaints. He finishes signing his name at the bottom of the page before closing the letter, sealing it with wax. Besides…pretty sure Yakone is from the Northern Tribe…shouldn't Councilman Panuk be getting these complaints? He lets out another long, frustrated sigh. Being chairman of the council is not quite as exciting as he thought it would be…turns out it just means he's the brunt of more paperwork and angry citizens.
Maybe it's weird to admit, but Sokka really misses the war sometimes. Okay, obviously not the war itself, but the adventure that came with it. He misses travelling the world and feeling like a hero. He misses being with his friends every day. He misses the challenge of having to strategize battle plans and come up with inventive solutions. And, even though they carried the weight of the world back then, it was the most freedom Sokka had ever experienced.
Don't get him wrong, he enjoys many of the tasks and responsibilities that come with being on the council – it's an honor to have a hand in governing the most united, forward-thinking city on earth. Plus, he's gotten better at the whole public speaking thing, and he actually does enjoy the political science of it all. Still…much like Toph, he sometimes finds himself deep in a bureaucratic pile of shit that can make the day-to-day work very tedious.
Tap. Tap. Tap. Sokka looks up at the knocking sound (a welcome disruption from his otherwise monotonous work).
Toph is there, propped casually against the door frame. She looks the same as always, wearing her uniform, her hair tucked neatly in its signature bun. Except, something about her seems different…giddy, almost.
"Hey, Councilman."
"Hey, Chief!" A smile blooms on Sokka's face, always happy to see her.
He stands up from his desk and walks forward to greet her, but suppresses the urge that he has to kiss her. He may have started coming to terms with his feelings, but he should probably work on telling her before he starts kissing her during daylight hours. The rules of their 'no-strings-attached' arrangement are still a bit fuzzy to him, but so far their kisses have been held strictly behind closed doors and under the sheets – not in a very public city hall (well, aside from that one time).
Toph bites her lip, her face glowing from excitement, "Guess what?"
"What?" Sokka starts to feel excited too, the paperwork on his desk happily forgotten. He has no idea what's going on, but her smile is contagious.
But Sokka's smile morphs into a look of confusion, when Toph turns suddenly to leave his office. He waits, unsure what just happened, but she's back in the room before he has the chance to follow her. And she's not alone.
Immediately, Sokka recognizes the object in her hands. The sweet sound of metal scraping against metal is music to his ears as Toph pulls on the leather hilt, unsheathing the blade. Sokka marvels at the muted glint of the dark, grey earth – somewhat worn, but no less perfect.
"Space Sword!" Sokka's face looks years younger as he rushes to retrieve his most prized possession. Toph lets out an airy laugh as she hands the weapon over to her friend, letting them have a moment to reconnect. Sokka hugs the sword (now safely sheathed) and places enthusiastic, puckered kisses on the hilt, "Mwah, mwah, mwah! Oh Space Sword, how I've missed you!"
Toph raises a teasing brow, "Should I give you two some privacy? I can leave the room?"
She's surprised when her jest is met with a sudden, warm embrace. She nearly stumbles back as Sokka wraps his arms around her, careful not to knock her with his sword as he gives her a tight, grateful squeeze. His voice in her ear sounds wet with emotion, "Toph."
Her name is all he says, yet it conveys so much more. Gratitude. Joy. Disbelief….and something else that she can't quite place her finger on.
She gives him a somewhat awkward pat on the back before pulling away from the hug, overwhelmed by the rush of warmth to her chest. She dips her head to the ground, trying to hide the blush she knows is bound to appear.
"How'd you find it!?" Sokka asks, exuberance returning to his voice.
"Honestly, the story's a bit anticlimactic, I'm afraid. I was just on my way to work, passing through the markets, and my bracelet started shivering," Toph pats at her arm, where Sokka knows the jewellery is hidden beneath her sleeve. "Anyway, I decided to investigate - I thought it could be another metalbender or something.
"But sure enough, the bracelet lead me straight to the sword! Some travelling merchant had found it and was about to sell it, but I gave him an offer he couldn't refuse." With a triumphant grin, Toph adds, "And voila! Space Sword returns!"
"Well," Sokka starts to ask, cautiously, "How much was it? Let me pay you back."
Toph's looks surprised - and somewhat offended - by the question. "Don't be ridiculous, Sokka, it's a gift," offhandedly, she adds, "And don't worry about how much it cost. It's the least I could do. After all, you never would have lost it if it weren't for me."
Toph sounds laid-back, but Sokka notes the sincerity behind her tone. His otherwise thrilled expression falls, a pang of sorrow hitting his chest. She doesn't really believe that, does she? Carefully, he probes, "What do you mean?"
She scratches the back of her head, nervously, "You know what I mean. You lost it saving me."
She doesn't elaborate any further – she doesn't have to. That moment on the airship is one neither of them like to relive - but Sokka understands what she's implying. It was one of the rare moments in Toph's life when her blindness left her completely vulnerable – unable to see and unable to fight, with her body hanging in the air. A rare moment when she had to depend on and trust in someone else to protect her.
Sokka turns to put the sword down on his desk, gently, then walks back to Toph. He grips the sides of her arms, then pecks her on the lips, just ever so lightly, "Thank you for the sword, Toph. But for the record, I lost it saving us. And I never blamed you for that - not once." Now he tries to sound laid-back, but the words are still heavy, "Besides, I'd give up a million Space Swords before I ever gave up Toph Beifong."
Toph's chin quivers just for a split second as a flood of emotion washes over her. She hadn't realized before just how badly she needed to hear those words. The loss of Space Sword has always weighed on her conscience – since she was twelve years old. That's a long time to be carrying around guilt, and she knows Sokka never blamed her, but she couldn't help but feel responsible for him losing a piece of his identity.
But now, it's back, and she was the one to find it.
Her skin, even covered by her sleeve, heats under Sokka's touch, and it's overwhelming. She forces her emotions in check, ignoring the way her heart flutters, "Well, I'm still glad it's back."
Sokka sounds a light, appreciative laugh, "Me too."
A charged silence hovers between them, and Sokka feels the verge of a confession on the tip of his tongue. His hands drop from her arms, his heart accelerating as he prepares to say what he wants to say. He takes a deep breath, then opens his mouth to speak, when-
"Well, I better get going," Toph remarks, casually, "I just came by to drop off the sword, but I have to get back to work. Those criminals aren't gonna catch themselves!"
Sokka's excitement - and nerve - deflates, "Oh, um… Okay." Dammit Sokka, if there were ever a moment to reveal your feelings, that was it.
Toph gives Sokka another awkward pat on the arm, along with a curt nod, before turning to leave.
But his voice stops her, "Toph, wait."
She turns to face him (more for his benefit, than her own), and waits, a bored expression on her face.
Once again, Sokka feels the words on the tip of his tongue. His skin burns with nerves, and he scratches the back of his neck in an effort to keep the blush at bay. Not that she could see it. Still, she must feel how fast his heart is beating. Just tell her, dammit! Toph, I love you. See, it's not that hard, is it?
Instead, nervously, he asks, "Are you free to grab a drink later? You know, to celebrate the return of Space Sword?"
Toph sucks in air through her teeth, regretfully, "Oh, I actually have plans later."
Sokka tries not to seemed too surprised (or disappointed) when he asks, "Oh?"
He waits for her to explain what her plans are, but instead, she offers, "Yeah, but let's do tomorrow? We can go to Kwong's? The fancy one – not Kuang's takeaway. My treat."
"Really?" Sokka quickly forgets her previous rejection, suddenly excited for the prospect of free food. And Kwong's Cuisine no less…A household name here in the city….and, Sokka realizes, famous for being one of the best date spots. "Yeah, count me in!"
"Great!" Toph sends one last teasing smile his way as she leaves his office, "Just try not to stab yourself with your old friend in the meantime."
About ten seconds go by after she leaves, and - already sad to see her gone - Sokka runs to the doorway, calling after her, "Hey! Thanks again, Toph!" Feeling bold, he yells down the corridor, "Remember, Space Sword's got nothing on you, baby!"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Toph calls back to him, seemingly unimpressed as she throws a nonchalant gesture back over her shoulder. She doesn't turn to look back (why would she).
She hides her smile beneath her bangs anyway.
Toph takes a long swig of sake before passing the bottle – lawfully hidden in a brown paper bag - over to her companion. Sokka takes the bottle, though admittedly, he's still a little full from dinner, even hours later. He takes a sip anyway, shifting in his seat on the park bench, just an inch closer to Toph.
This time of night, there's barely a living soul around, save for a few homeless people and the occasional, sketchy loner, straggling through the park with their hands in their pockets. But, if either Sokka or Toph are bothered by the eeriness, neither bother to mention it.
In fact, Sokka quite likes the quiet stillness of it. The air is crisp, and while a couple of nearby fire lanterns create a bit of light pollution, the stars are otherwise bright and numerous in the sky, the moon absent tonight. Sokka slumps in the park bench, fiddling absentmindedly with the bottle of sake in his lap as he cranes his neck up to look at the stars. It's been a while since he's really focused on them. He gets so caught up in the day-to-day minutia of the council and the fog of the city, he often forgets to appreciate the breathtaking, fantastical enigma that is space.
He takes a deep breath, one filled with meaning, as he continues to contemplate the starry night above him. It's a strange feeling – looking up at the sky, having his best friend by his side as the cool air tickles his skin. Something heavy fills his chest - a deep sense of longing and nostalgia. He takes another wistful breath as his mind wanders into space. What distant worlds live beyond the stars? What else is out there, hidden within the twinkling dots in the sky?
"Hey, Sokka," Toph's curious voice interrupts his thoughts, but he keeps his eyes trained up at the sky, "What are you looking at? I've felt your head turned up all strange-like for the past five minutes. Isn't your neck sore?"
Admittedly, his neck is a bit sore. Sokka cracks it before looking forward again, dizzy for a moment, "I was just looking up at the sky. The stars are all out tonight."
"Oh," Toph shrugs, indifferently, but Sokka can sense the slight twinge of sorrow in her voice. It's strange, he realizes, she'll never be able to grasp just how tall the sky is. Toph holds her hand out, motioning for the bottle of sake. He takes another swig before handing it back to her, watching as she dips her head back to take a quick sip. When she's done, she wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, her face twisting in contemplation, "Do you ever miss it, Sokka?"
Sokka twists his torso to face her, his elbow resting on the back of the bench, "Miss what?"
"You know," Toph pauses, as if searching for the words, "The 'good old days'? Back when we were kids - out on the road and travelling the world. I mean, I know it was war, but do you ever miss it?"
A smile tugs on Sokka's lips. How is it that she always knows exactly what I'm thinking? "Every day."
Toph takes another swig of the drink, then extends the bottle to him again, "Me too."
Sokka takes the bottle, but no longer finds any interest in it (it's almost empty anyway), so he puts it down on the ground before leaning back against the bench. He cranes his neck down to look at Toph, "Well, if you really miss it, we could always just ditch our jobs and run away together. Get back on the road?"
She nudges his shoulder with hers, "Ha ha, very funny."
He nudges her back, "Who says I'm kidding?"
Of course, he is kidding. They both know it.
But still, it's fun to dream, "Would be nice to get back out on the road again," Toph taps her chin, pretending to consider, "We could travel undercover? Or be vigilantes! Maybe you could bring out your old Wang Fire disguise?"
"Hmmm, I like it. But, only if you return as The Blind Bandit," Sokka scoots another inch closer to her, sides now pressed together, "Or, we could be something new."
"New?"
"Yeah," Sokka says, filled with excitement, "We could be anything we wanted to be! Heck, we could even join a circus!"
Toph snickers, "Hate to break it to you, bud, but I don't think either one of us is flexible enough for that."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Sokka blushes, recounting in his head all the times Toph has proven quite flexible. He forces himself back on track, "Oh! We could be pirates!?"
"Eh," Toph's face twists in distaste, "I've never really been a fan of boats."
"Hmmm, true." Sokka nods, biting his lips in thought. Carefully, his voice filled with promise, "Or… we don't have to be anyone new or different at all. We could just be us. Just us - two best friends - travelling the world together. Like old times."
Toph kicks the dirt at her feet, her expression wistful, and her voice far away, "Sounds nice."
Sokka swallows a lump in his throat, his own expression falling as the two share a contemplative silence. After a minute, he taps her foot with his, "So, I know why I'm brooding, but is there any particular reason that you're in a daydreaming mood?"
"Pfft. I'd hardly call it daydreaming, Sokka. What time is it anyway, like 1:00 AM?" Toph points out, obviously trying to change the subject.
"Toph." Sokka says, unrelenting, "What's on your mind?"
"Nothing, I'm just a little drunk."
"Toph."
Sokka waits patiently for her to elaborate. She leans forward on the bench, her hands gripping the edge of the seat. She picks at a bit of paint peeling on the bottom of the bench, her expression stubborn as she considers what to say. Finally, after a long moment, she lets out a sigh, "It's nothing, really. Just, all this Yakone crap."
"Ah. I see." Sokka moves his hand to her back. He rubs soothing circles there, and the fabric of her dress is silky to the touch.
"Don't get me wrong. There are parts of my job that I love," Toph explains, turning her head back over her shoulder, "And, despite all the crime, I actually do like living here - I don't really want to leave. It's just…" she lets out another weighted, weary sigh, "It's just nice to reminisce sometimes, you know? I know we were trying to help Aang save the world - and everyone's lives were at stake - but somehow… I never felt the same amount of pressure then that I do now."
"Yeah, I get that." Sokka takes his hand off Toph's back, using it instead to grab a hold of hers, pulling it on to his lap. She puts up no protest as their fingers interlock. "I've been feeling kind of like that myself recently."
Toph leans back against the bench, more relaxed, "You have?"
"Kind of. Though for me, it's more like….I don't feel like I'm doing enough. I know your work is stressful, and there's boring administrative stuff, just like there is with any job, but you still get to kick ass every day.
"Whereas I mostly just sit on my ass all day, filling out paperwork and going through complaints. Not very exciting. I mean…" Sokka pauses as he tries to figure out how to sum up his woes, "I guess…sometimes I just feel like a glorified pencil pusher, you know?"
Toph nods her head in understanding. A rare moment without any teasing, "I can understand how that would be frustrating. But… I hope you know that your work is important." She places her free hand over their interlocked ones, her thumb rubbing smoothly over his wrist, "I may enforce the laws, but you're part of creating them. That sounds pretty exciting to me."
"I know. Thanks, Toph." Sokka chews his lip as he looks up at the sky again, "And I am proud of the work I do. I guess I just miss the adventure. I miss travelling and getting my hands dirty."
"Well..." Toph says, her tone taking on a suggestive quality, "There are other ways to get your hands dirty, Councilman."
Sokka looks back down at her, his tone equally as suggestive, "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah," Toph turns her blind gaze up to him. The space between their lips, which Sokka only now realizes is quite small, is charged with tension. Then, with a joke, Toph breaks it, "I hear the sanitation department is looking for workers! Nothing dirtier than trash!"
"Pfft." Sokka nudges her shoulder, appreciating the banter as Toph snickers next to him as he says, "Maybe a stuffy council position isn't so bad."
"That's the spirit!" Toph says, her usual carefree, flippant nature returning. She stands up, nudging him to do the same, "Come on. It's late. Now let's stop moping and get the hell out of here before my feet freeze off!"
Sokka smiles up at his companion as he stands, their hands still interlocked, "You got it, Chief."
Grumbling, she adds, "Besides, we're still too young to be having a mid-life crisis just yet...Well, I am, anyway."
Sokka nudges her again, but can't help the grin that comes as a response.
The two walk, hand-in-hand, and Sokka takes secret pride in knowing that Toph isn't staying so close to him just for the sake of protection (heck, if anything, he needs her for protection. This park gets dark at night). It's a bit of a ways away, but companionable silence follows them as they walk the rest of the way through the park and towards Sokka's apartment.
Once they're outside his place, as if a living cliché, Sokka fiddles with his keys as he turns to look at Toph, "So…you want to come inside?"
She shoots him an unimpressed look, "Really, Sokka? You're a big boy - you think I just walked you home all that way for the sake of being polite?"
Sokka sounds a laugh, nervous for some reason, "No, I guess not."
It's strange…It's not like this is their first time. They've been sleeping together for months, yet something about tonight feels different.
Was this a date? A real one?
Toph waits for him to open his door, but instead, Sokka takes another moment to look at her. They're both dressed a bit more upscale than normal, and Sokka takes a moment to silently thank Kwong's dress code. It's rare that he gets to see Toph wearing a dress and with her hair pinned back from her face. Even in the darkness of the night, she looks especially breathtaking in the emerald tones of the silky fabric.
Tell her you love her. Now. Do it now.
Sokka opens his mouth, "You look beautiful, Toph." Okay, not quite what you meant to say, but not bad, I guess.
Toph looks surprised by the random compliment. She steps forward, placing her hands on his chest. Sokka's hands automatically fall to her waist as Toph casts her blind gaze up towards his face. She smiles, her expression uncharacteristically soft, "And you look very handsome, Sokka."
Sokka's heart flutters, his own grin widening at the compliment, "Hey, thanks, I-"
His face falls just as Toph's snickers start. Sokka grumbles, dropping his hands from her waist, "Why do you feel the need to do that?"
Toph bites her lip, teasingly, "Sorry, but you should see the look on your face. It's hilarious!"
Sokka puts his hands on his hips, petulantly, "Hey, my face is not that funny! Stop laugh-"
Sokka stops himself, smacking his hand on his forehead as he realizes his second slip. Toph just laughs some more, taking her hands away from his chest to clutch at her stomach as she rides her fit of giggles. Sokka stays irritated for only a second longer before he finds himself laughing right along with her.
Eventually, his lips shut both of them up.
It's a few weeks later, when a knock again sounds at his office door, that Sokka looks up from his desk. Except, it's not Toph this time - much to his disappointment.
He keeps expecting her to show up, like she always does, but she's just been too busy these days. They had their 'date' a few weeks ago, though Sokka's not sure if it actually counted as one. At least, neither one of them had openly said it was one. Still, they dressed up, went to a fancy restaurant, had a romantic stroll in the park, and ended up having sex after. As Zuko would probably say – you know you just described a date, right?
But shamefully, Sokka was too chicken to ask if it was. Every time he feels a confession on his lips, and he swears to himself that he's going to tell her how he feels, he bails at the last second. He's just too nervous…what if she wants to stay friends, and then it's forever awkward between them?
Something tells him that's not exactly what would happen. He has no reason to think that Toph doesn't return his feelings…and Zuko is right…eight months (ahem, now broaching on eleven), is too long to be considered 'no-strings-attached', isn't it? He feels ready to enter the next phase of their relationship – which is to say, the phase where they actually start calling it one. But, if she does just want to stay friends, Sokka can bet that would put an effective end to their 'sleeping' arrangements, and he certainly doesn't want that. He's pretty happy with what he and Toph already have. He just wishes he had some confirmation that she is too.
But something keeps stopping him from just asking. Okay, not just something…fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of commitment. Fear of loss. Plus, he's just waiting for the right time…Okay, so maybe that's bullshit – the time has definitely been 'right' several times at this point. But his fears keep rudely interrupting him.
Besides, as mentioned previously, Toph has been too busy lately. Triad activity has not slowed down in the past few weeks, and most nights that Sokka has asked her to hang out, she says she's too tired. Or, sometimes, she just says that she has other plans – which Sokka can only assume means she's working overtime. Ugh, that girl pushes herself too hard sometimes.
Regardless, he's missed her these past few weeks - only seeing her a handful of times - and he's slightly disappointed when the person knocking on his door right now is not her.
Instead, it's a stranger. A fat, jovial-looking man. He's older, probably in his seventies. And he looks wealthy, as he wears an expensive looking, perfectly tailored suit that fits over the roundness of his stomach. From the ruby color and golden accents of his robes, Sokka guesses he's probably Fire Nation, though he looks a little more jolly than most Fire Nation folks that Sokka knows. He tries not to focus on the shininess of the man's head, which is mostly bald, save for the patches of grey hair on either side. His face is graced with years of laughter, smile lines wrinkling his skin, and he has bushy, grey eyebrows that rise as he grins. He reminds Sokka distinctly of Iroh, but something tells him that perhaps this man's a little bit more zany. Either way, something about him makes Sokka trust him, right off the bat.
"Why hello, good sir," the man greets, sounding just as jolly as he looks, "Are you Councilman Sokka, by any chance?"
Sokka stands up from his desk, walking around to greet the man, "I am. How can I help you, sir?"
The jolly man takes Sokka's extended hand, shaking it with gusto, "Oh, splendid! It is an honor to meet you, Councilman Sokka, truly! I know all about your work here on the council. And of course, your extraordinary efforts during the war. Bravo!"
He can't help the amused tone that finds his voice, "Ah, that? Pfft, That was nothing. But, thank you, sir." Sokka walks the man over to his desk, gesturing to take a seat across from him. It's not a rare occurrence for citizens to stop by his office, which can be annoying at times, but Sokka finds that he likes this man.
"Oh, no need to call me 'sir'. Just Akito, is fine," the man says, casually. The smile still in his voice, he adds, "I also have it on great authority that you, sir, are apparently a genius!"
Sokka blushes, but can't help but to enjoy the praise. He makes a humbled gesture with his hand, "Ah, stop. I wouldn't say genius."
"Na-uh-uh," Akito wags a friendly, wise finger, "Don't sell yourself short, young man. I happen to be good friends with the mechanist that you encountered on your travels with the Avatar, all those years ago."
"No kidding," Sokka smiles. It's been a while since he's thought of Teo and his dad, "How's he getting on these days?"
"He's doing very well, my friend. In fact, we're actually business partners now!" Akito wears a mischievous, delighted smile, "You see, I'm a bit of an inventor myself."
Sokka nods, unsure where this conversation is going or how it relates to him, but he doesn't mind the distraction, "Neat. What kind of things do you invent?"
"Oh, all sorts of strange contraptions. It's all trial and error, of course. But, as a matter-of-fact, we have an exciting new invention in the works," Akito pauses with a laugh, patting his round belly, "An invention that will allow us to manufacture light! No more need for fires or jennamite at night!"
Sokka makes an impressed face, always intrigued by science, "Wow, how is that possible?"
Instead of answering, Akito quizzes, "What do you know of electricity, young man?"
"Uh, what, like static?" Sokka scratches his chin, a little embarrassed by his lack of knowledge, "Not much."
"Well, when you take two substances and rub them together," Akito rubs his hands together, as if demonstrating, "The friction creates a force – a charge, if you will. Take lightning, for example."
"Okay." Sokka nods, trying to keep up.
"I've spent my life studying the phenomenon, and I've learned that lightning is essentially just a positive charge interacting with a negative one, which in turn creates an electrical current," Akito lets out another jolly laugh, noting the confused look on Sokka's face, "Well, it's a bit more complicated than that, but you get the idea!
"Of course, this concept alone isn't worth much to us. However, for years, many refineries and industries have already been using this concept to power machines. They're able to harness the electrical charge, using conductors – like copper or steel."
Sokka nods again, starting to understand, "So, metal?"
"Precisely!" Akito snaps his fingers, excitedly, "The Mechanist and I have been able to take this concept and adapt it for our new invention. You see, if we take a metal filament, and run an electrical current through it, it produces enough heat to give off light. We've been working on a device that will put this idea into practical use. Light with only the flip of a switch! We call it…" Akito draws an invisible banner over his head, "The Light Bulb!"
"Wow!" Sokka says again. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't still a little confused, but it sounds like a cool idea, "I would love to see that in action."
"Oh, splendid! I was hoping you'd say that!" Akito's smile grows, still sounding just as excited as he did when he first walked into the room, "You see, the Mechanist and I are putting together a team of the most brilliant minds to help us rollout this new invention. He was telling me all about how you engineered the idea for submarines, as well as your many other ingenious plans during the war."
"Wait," Sokka stalls, Akito's intentions suddenly dawning on him, "You want me to join your team?"
"Oh, absolutely!" Akito nods, exuberantly, "In fact, you were the first person that the Mechanist thought of when we were brainstorming. He wanted to be here to formally invite you himself, but he's a bit preoccupied with his new grandson, so I told him I'd be happy to make your acquaintance."
"Teo had a kid?" Sokka says, getting distracted.
"Teo has had four kids, believe it or not. Well, his wife did, anyway!" Akito laughs at his own little joke before continuing, "Anyway, it would be an absolute honor to have you join our team. And it's a great opportunity - sure to be a profitable feat as well!"
"Wow," Sokka says, for the third time, "I'm flattered. Though, it has been a while since I've had my hand in any engineering projects - I'm not sure I'd be as useful as you think I'd be. What kind of skills are you looking for?"
"Well, there are still quite a few kinks to work out with the prototype, so we could use an inventive mind like yours. But we also need to start installing electricity, so that there is a power source for the lights to work."
Akito reads the hesitation on Sokka's face, and assures, "I know you're not an expert in the subject, but we don't need another expert. More than anything, we need someone with an innovative mind, but who also knows how to organize and lead. We think you would be the perfect frontrunner to oversee the entire rollout of the invention and installation."
Wow. Sokka sits, somewhat stunned by the offer. This is just what he's been missing. Honestly, he could use a side project - something challenging to get his hands dirty, "Wow, I'm humbled by the invitation, and quite honestly, intrigued. Where do I sign up?"
"Oh, delightful!" Akito claps his hands together, "You are going to love it! We're going to start BIG, rolling out the induction – which by the way, clever pun that you'll understand soon – in Ba Sing Se. Then we'll head over to-"
"Wait, wait, wait," Sokka shakes his head, confused, "The job is in Ba Sing Se?"
Sensing the miscommunication, Akito's expression falls for the first time since entering the room, "Well, actually, it will start in Ba Sing Se, but it will take you all over the world. We've already got several buyers throughout the Earth Kingdom and even some in the Fire Nation - it's a great opportunity to travel."
"Well," Sokka bites his lips, still tempted, "How long would the task go on for?"
"Hard to say," Akito taps his chin in thought, "About three months."
"Oh, that's not so bad, I guess I-"
"Well, that's just the work on the Earth King's palace. Of course, Ba Sing Se could take several months, at the very least. And as for the rest of the world, well, it's hard to say. The project could go on for years." Akito's smile grows again, finishing his sales pitch, "You'd never be without a job, young man."
Sokka's expression falls. Oh. He treads carefully, "Akito, sir, I am honored and humbled by your invitation. But, I think there's been a misunderstanding. I already have a job. I'm an elected official, I can't exactly just leave and travel on whim."
Well, he probably could take a sabbatical if he really wanted to. He's not going to lie, the prospect of travelling the world again and working on a new invention does sound appealing to him…But his family, his job, and his life are all in Republic City. Not to mention…Toph. Things are just starting to go really well for them – aside from the past few weeks of not seeing her – and he doesn't want to leave now, before they ever get the chance to really get off the ground.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, son." Akito frowns, though he nods his head in understanding.
"I really am grateful for the opportunity," Sokka insists. He can't help but feel a little guilty at making this older, jovial gentlemen frown, "Really, if the circumstances were any different, I'd go in a heartbeat, it's just…" Sokka trails off, struggling for the words.
"Don't worry, son," the smile returns to Akito's face, except this time it's a knowing one, "I was in love once too."
Sokka blushes, momentarily surprised, but finds himself saying, "It's that obvious, huh?"
Akito chuckles, good-naturedly, as he stands up, "Ah, I'm old enough to read between the lines, son. There's nothing like the love of a woman to bind us to this earth."
Sokka stands up to see Akito out, and he can't help the smile that comes to his face, "Akito, Sir, you have no idea."
Once they're at the door, Akito turns to him one last time, "I can't say I'm not disappointed that you won't be joining our team, but I wish you and your lady love all the best in the future."
Sokka shakes Akito's hand, and speaks genuinely, "Thank you, Akito. I'm sorry again that I can't accept your offer, but thank you for understanding. I look forward to seeing your 'light bulb' in action. It was truly a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise, son." Akito shakes Sokka's hand in return, but he pauses before he leaves, his face scrunching up in consideration, "Before I go, may I offer you some advice, son?"
"Uh, sure." Sokka waits, expectantly.
Akito pauses for another moment. He takes Sokka's hands, holding them firmly between his own, in a gesture that would perhaps be creepy if he wasn't so old and wise. Cryptically, he says, "The timing is always right, until it is too late."
Sokka nods slowly, trying to decipher what he means, but not quite grasping it, "I'll try to remember that."
"Do." Akito smiles one last, wise grin, but there's something sad in his eyes when he says, "If you change your mind for any reason, I'll be staying at the United Grand Hotel until the end of the week."
"Good to know." Sokka adds, "Oh, and please send the Mechanist and Teo my best wishes. Tell them not to be strangers, eh?"
Akito nods, his smile warm, "Of course." He gives Sokka one last friendly pat on the shoulder before leaving. Sokka walks back to his desk and sits down, slumping in his seat as he considers his conversation with the wise, older man.
"Wow, four kids." Sokka ponders aloud to the empty room. He swivels his chair back and forth, his mind drifting off, idly.
I wonder who Teo's wife is? And isn't that nice, the Mechanist thinks I'm a 'genius'. Ha! I'll have to make sure Katara knows. 'The Light Bulb'. That must be cool to see. It would be nice to travel and do something important again. Well, I guess being a council member is important too. After all, Yakone is still out there. Plus, I get to see Toph all the time. I can't leave her. It was so nice of her to bring me Space Sword. I love spending time with her so much. And I still have to tell her how I feel. I'm just waiting for the right time.
Sokka's eyes widen as something suddenly dawns on him. As if stung, he springs out his chair, pushing it back with force. He makes haste as he quickly shrugs on his coat and grabs his wallet before running out the door, slamming it shut behind him as his mission drives him into gear.
The timing is always right, until it is too late.
Sokka races up the stairs of the precinct, his heart pounding in his chest, both from running and from nerves. But, they're exciting nerves. Butterflies in his tummy. Blush on is cheeks. Palms sweating. All of it. He wants all of it, and he wants it with her.
A couple of familiar faces nod at him, and Sokka smiles at the officers as he jogs past them, not stopping to make conversation. They, of course, all remain stoic and professional. But in his head, they're applauding him - cheering him on as he nears the finish line, heading towards victory.
Sokka can't help but feel slightly intimidated by the shiny, heavy metal of the doors as he approaches Toph's office, but he doesn't let that slow him down. He doesn't bother knocking. Instead, he grips the handles of the doors, flying them open as he barges into Toph's office.
"Toph! I need to tell you-"
Toph looks surprised as she breaks her lips away from the strange man.
Wait… Man?
Why is she kissing another man?
"Oh hey, Meathead." Why is Toph's arm around another man, "What are you doing here?"
Sokka takes a moment to collect himself. He rubs at his eyes, willing the image in front of him to go away. But when he opens his eyes again, the strange man is still there, his arm wrapped possessively around Toph's shoulder and looking thoroughly unbothered by Sokka. The man is quite tall – not too bulky, but still strong looking. His eyes are an emerald green. His hair is jet black, short but wavy, and his chin is sharp and clean shaven. For all intents and purposes, he's handsome.
And he's holding Toph. And Toph is holding him. Why. Why! Why?
Sokka's mouth hangs open, dumbfounded, "Uh…"
The man looks way too happy with himself as he turns back to Toph, and his voice is deep, "Guess I should get going. I'll see you later?"
Toph sends a coy smile in the man's direction. The expression sends a sharp sting of betrayal to Sokka's chest, "Yeah, whatever. Thanks for stopping by."
The man kisses Toph on the cheek before turning to leave. He doesn't even bother casting a glance in Sokka's direction as he brushes past him. Sokka stands in place, too stunned to move.
Toph leans against her desk, her expression casual, "So, what's up?"
Sokka's mouth hangs open for another moment, still in shock. He shakes his head, forcing words to come out, "I….I don't understand…I thought we…"
Toph looks confused, "Thought we what?"
Suddenly, Sokka feels something for Toph that he hasn't felt towards her in a long time… Anger. Pure, burning-hot rage. Something inside his chest boils, brimming to the surface as he realizes what he just walked in on. How could she do this to him!? How could she not understand how he feels about her? She always knows exactly what he's thinking and how he feels. How could she miss this!?
How are they not on the same page?
Sokka's voice is dangerously low, when he asks, "Who is he?"
Unceremoniously, Toph answers, "His name is Kanto."
Sokka waits for her to elaborate, but she just stands there, gnawing at her fingernail with an expression of indifference that pisses him off. "Well," he repeats, more insistently, "Who is he?"
"Um, Is there an echo in here?" Toph deadpans, sticking her pinky in her ear to clean out the wax, "I just told you, his name is Kanto."
"I meant, how do you know him?" Sokka drawls, frustrated, "Is he like, your boyfriend or something?"
Toph actually has the nerve to laugh. Sokka shakes his head, disbelieving, his anger only getting hotter. Pointedly, Toph remarks, "If he were my boyfriend, do you think I'd still be sleeping with you?"
"Hmpf. Yeah, cause you're way classier than that, huh?"
Toph narrows her eyes at the comment, confused by Sokka's attitude, but decides to let it slide, "Remember a few weeks ago when I found Space Sword? I said that I got it from a travelling merchant, and I gave him an offer he couldn't refuse? Well…that was him."
"What?" Sokka hesitates, suddenly thinking the worst, "Toph, did you…Did you pay for my sword with sex?"
Toph's jaw drops, offended, "What!? Of course not!" She stomps over to him and lands a hard punch on his shoulder (which in fairness, in that moment, he deserves). "What kind of girl do you take me for!? I obviously paid for your sword – with money!"
Sokka rubs the sore spot on his bicep, "Then what was the offer he couldn't refuse?"
Toph sighs, keeping her tone carefully indifferent, "Well, he was going to sell it to some other guy for a thousand yuans, so I doubled it and offered him two-thousand."
"What!?" Sokka shouts, on reflex, feeling immediately humbled and shocked that she would be willing to spend that much money on him. The sword was definitely valuable, but it wasn't worth that much.
"Relax," Toph assures, casually, "I didn't end up paying that much. We got to talking, and he told me that he's new in town and was feeling a little lost, so I offered to show him around and he agreed to lower the price to only nineteen hundred yuans."
1,900!? Still sticker shocked, Sokka should be thanking her. But instead, he glares, "Right, so you showed him to your bedroom?"
Toph pauses, narrowing her eyes. Up until now, she's let his attitude slide. But he's pushing it. With a cautionary, low tone, "Fuck. Off."
Sokka ignores her warning, "Is he a bender?"
Toph shrugs, "I don't know."
"Where's he from?"
"Somewhere near Ba Sing Se, I think? Can't remember."
"Mmhmm," Sokka crosses his arms over his chest, chewing at the inside of his cheek, "Do you think it could turn into something more?"
"Sheesh, what's with the game of twenty questions?" Toph blushes, and Sokka's heart drops, "I don't know, maybe! We only just started hanging out! I haven't really thought that far ahead."
Sokka nods, his tone hesitant, "Well, does he know about us?"
Toph raises a brow, "Us? What about us?"
Sokka doesn't dignify that with a response. She knows what he means, and he's not about to spell it out for her.
Sensing this, Toph continues, "Yeah, he knows that I'm not exclusively seeing him, if that's what you're asking. He's not exclusively seeing me either."
"Pfft."
Toph stalls again, an incredulous expression on her face, "Look, do we have a problem here? Did we not agree to see other people? I thought we were on the same page."
So did I, "Whatever, Toph."
There is a tense silence that passes over them, and Sokka can tell that she has more to say on the subject. Instead, with a sound of frustration, she asks, "Ugh, why are you here anyway? You needed to tell me something?"
It's without thinking, that Sokka finds himself saying, "Yes, I came here to tell you that I'm leaving."
Toph pauses, confusion evident on her face. Another silence washes over them before Toph breaks it, her stoic composure falling away, "What? What do you mean you're leaving? Leaving where?"
"Leaving Republic City." Sokka bites, his tone blunt, "I was approached by a friend of the Mechanist, and he offered me an engineering position. The job requires me to travel. I decided to take it."
Toph shakes her head, as if trying to make sense of the words. Her mouth stays parted in shock, her heart racing as she processes what Sokka is saying. Leaving? He can't leave.
"Well, what about the council?" Toph tries to reason, "You can't just up and leave, Sokka."
"Why not?" Sokka glares at her, petulantly, "I seemed to recall a time when you just up and left, Toph, remember?"
Hesitantly, "That was different."
"How?"
"Because…" because I was trying to get over you. "It just was."
"Right, well, I'm sure the city will survive without me for a while. And so will you."
The argument comes to a standstill for a moment, neither wanting to give the upper hand. The thing about Toph, as an earthbender, she's pretty good at putting up stonewalls – and not just physical ones. Turns out that Sokka is pretty good at it too, and he's not about to let go of his anger. Not when she so carelessly stomped on his heart.
Toph bites her lip, considering her next words as her heart continues to pound in her ears. A part of her wants to beg Sokka to stay. She loves him, of course she does, but they agreed to see other people. Isn't that what he wanted? But if it was, why is he so angry now? I don't understand. Does he love me too? Why else would he be so upset?
She briefly considers it…telling him the truth, telling him she's sorry. Sorry that she didn't understand that he could love her in return. Beg him to stay.
But A) She's Toph Beifong. She can count on less than one hand the amount of times she's ever begged in her life. No. She doesn't willingly beg to anyone, not even to Sokka.
And B)…She thinks back to the conversation they had on that park bench a few weeks ago. She thinks about the dreams that Sokka had expressed for his life, and how badly he wanted to find adventure again. How happy he had sounded imagining the possibilities.
Finally, Toph nods her head, breaking the silence again, "So… you'll be travelling, just like you wanted? And… it will make you happy?"
Sokka, still bitter, "Yeah, happier than here anyway."
Toph takes a deep breath, trying to reel in her emotions. She places a hand on his shoulder. "Well, if it will make you happy, then good for you," her voice heavy with emotion, "Congratulations, Sokka."
Sokka shrugs her hand off, "Hmm."
Toph tries not to let his rejection of her touch sting her. She walks back to her desk, keeping her emotion hidden, "How long will you be gone?"
"I don't know. Indefinitely."
This makes her turn, "Indefinitely? Sokka, you are planning on coming back, right?"
"I don't know, I guess we'll see." Sokka dips his head away, not able to look at her, "Not that you care anyway."
Toph jerks back, as if she's been stung. The hurt in her tone is evident, her voice uncharacteristically small, "How could you say that? You know I care."
"I'm not sure what I know anymore." Sokka says, not letting go of his anger, "But I can't stick around here trying to figure it out."
Toph pauses, one last time. Sokka finally looks at her, his anger still boiling at the surface, but it simmers down when he catches the quivering of Toph lips that she's so obviously trying to hide. It's enough to almost break down his carefully constructed wall, but just as he's about to extend the olive branch…
"You know what, fine!" Toph bursts, "If you want to leave, then leave! You're right, I don't care!"
Sokka's rage boils again, "Fine, I will!"
"Fine!"
Toph turns her back towards him again as Sokka stomps his way to the door. His hand stills on the door handle as he bites his lip, unsure. Is this really how we're going to leave things? He turns back to look at her, and over her shoulder, Toph bites, "What are you still doing here? I thought I told you to leave already."
Anger flares up again, and Sokka finds himself saying, "You know, Toph, I may be the one that's leaving, but you're the one that's pushing me away."
He doesn't wait to hear her response as he flings the door open and makes his exit. The door shuts with a resounding SLAM!
There's no one around, but Toph hides the tears under her bangs anyway.
Over the next week, Sokka doesn't see her once. He tells himself that he's too busy making his arrangements anyway. But even so, he feels her absence like a gaping hole in his chest.
The days roll by, bleeding into one, until the one arrives that it's time for him to leave. And, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't at least a little bit excited. He's been craving an adventure, and now he's getting one. Of course, he wishes things had ended differently with Toph…but, maybe this is for the best?
He reminds himself of why he never before let himself go there with her. He didn't want to risk drowning. Well, as it turns out, he did drown. He had her, and he lost her. He let himself fall for her, and look where that got them? Will their friendship ever recover?
How can they part like this?
She broke his heart. And yeah…maybe he can't blame her. They had agreed to stay 'just friends' and to see other people. She didn't cheat on him. Not technically. She broke his heart. But he's not angry with her. At least, not anymore. If anything, he's angry with himself. The timing is always right, until it's too late. She broke his heart, but he never really opened it up to her completely. How was she supposed to know?
She broke his heart. But, she's still his best friend. And he still loves her. How are they going to part like this?
Sokka sighs as he waits for his train. He looks at his pocketwatch - a 'welcome-to-the-team' gift from Akito - and notes the time. Quarter to three. He's got about fifteen minutes before the train, and he can't decide if he wishes that it wasn't so soon or if he wishes he could just leave already. The station is crowded, filled with families and loved ones reuniting or parting ways, tourists trying to read their maps, and serious businessmen striding past with their briefcases and to-go cups of coffee. Sokka had already said his goodbyes to Katara and Aang and the kids. He insisted that he didn't want a fussy send-off. But, he's surprised by the emotion he's struck with as he waits – alone – to depart Republic City. How long will he be gone? What will it be like when he comes back? Will he come back?
Bells sound as the train to Ba Sing Se approaches the station, pulling in with a puttering chugga-chugga-chugga. The train slowly comes to a halt, and the previous passengers disembark, adding to the crowd. This is it. Time to go. Sokka lets out one last long, weighted sigh, feeling ghostly as he grabs his luggage and gets ready to board.
"Wait! Wait!"
Sokka turns abruptly, startled by the sound as someone nearby shouts.
"Wait!" The voice calls again, and finally, Sokka sees someone running and pushing through the crowds. No…not just someone.
"Toph?" Sokka barely has time to say her name before her body is barrelling into his, her arms flying around his neck.
He stumbles back from the force, and it takes Sokka a moment to recover from the initial shock. But it's not long before he finds himself returning the embrace, his arms wrapping around her waist and holding her tight as he releases a breath of relief he didn't realize he was holding.
Her face is tucked into the crook of his neck, her breath warm on his skin, "I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye. I'm sorry, Sokka. I'm sorry."
Sokka knows what she's really apologizing for. He mirrors her, tucking his head into her neck, his mouth brushing against her skin. He feels her rapid pulse beating under his lips, and the soft warmth of her flesh. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath and inhaling her earthy scent, branding it to memory like a hot iron, "I know. I'm sorry too."
He's not sure how long they stay cemented in their embrace, but Sokka becomes distantly aware that his train departs in only a few minutes, and he has to go. He's about to (reluctantly) pull away from the hug, when the words in his ear stop him. Toph's voice is almost unrecognizable when she says, "I love you, Sokka."
Sokka stiffens, then slowly parts from the embrace, placing his hands on her shoulders instead. He looks her over, noting the redness around her eyes and the blush on her cheeks. Did he hear her correctly? They've never said that before – not even as friends. It's what he's wanted to say for so long. But did she just-
"I love you," Toph says again, and Sokka's sure he didn't imagine it this time, "But you need to go."
He blinks, "What?"
She takes his hands off her shoulders and instead cups them at the center of her chest, "This is your chance to do something that really makes you happy - to have an adventure again. I know how badly you want that. You have to go."
Sokka shakes his head, the shock slowly wearing off, "But, what does that mean for us?"
Toph releases his hands, slowly putting hers back down at her side as Sokka does the same. She lets out a shaky breath, her tone resigned, "It means we say goodbye."
Sokka stills as he hears what she's saying. What she's really saying. It means… we don't know how long you'll be gone, and it's not fair to make each other wait. It means… we remember what we had, but we move on - as friends. We meet other people. It means… we say goodbye. Live our lives…separately.
"Okay," Sokka nods, a part of his heart still broken. Yet, he finds a part of it now mended. So he lets her know, "I love you too, Toph."
He leans forward, and he kisses her. It's nothing like the passionate, steamy kisses that they've shared before. It's firm, it's simple, and it's goodbye. Sokka squints his face through the kiss, as tears will their way down his cheeks. When he pulls away, he find's Toph's face equally as wet.
She nods towards the train, gently, "You better get going."
"Right." He presses his lips together, fighting back one last wave of emotion. His voice comes out shaky, "I'll see you around, Toph."
Toph wipes at the wetness of her eyes, and despite everything, "Good, cause I won't."
It takes a second for him to process her joke, but a laugh finds Sokka's throat as he pulls her into one last, parting embrace. She laughs right along with him, and both sound pathetically wet with emotion as they try to find humour in the moment.
He doesn't know where his journey will take him, or how long he'll be gone. But holding her close - sharing one last laugh for the road - he knows he'll be back.
AN
Ah, you all knew that was coming, didn't you? Rolling out the rails on the angsty train.
By the way, I'm a big fan of jazz and American standards (hence why this story is named after a Billie Holiday song). If anyone is curious, this chapter is named after one of my favorite Frank Sinatra songs, "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)." I highly recommend giving it a listen, if only because it's just such a beautiful, wistful song, but also because there were some themes inspired by it and references to it in this chapter. Here's just a few of the beautiful lyrics:
It's quarter to three
There's no one in the place
Except you and me
So, set 'em up, Joe
I got a little story you oughta know
We're drinkin', my friend
To the end of a brief episode
Make it one for my baby
And one more for the road.
The song holds a lot of meaning to me in my personal life, and this chapter is also really special to me- particularly the part when Sokka and Toph are sitting on the park bench, looking up at the stars, musing about their youth and fighting vainly the old ennui.