AN: I am so sorry I havent updated in forever. I am absolutely no way abandoning this story, so have no fear! Nor will it go on hiatus. :) Trust me. Things have been a bit crazy so i havent really been able to drag my lazy butt up to the library and update. However I am going to try to give you a nice long chapter.

That was the longest week of my life. I was bored out of my mind. However, this undeniable need to clean and rearrange all the furniture kept me occupied enough, I suppose. Katara tried to help me but I would send her off to town to get some useless and totally pointless item just to get her out of my hair. I stayed inside for it was snowy and cold. Nights were the worst. I was constantly missing Sokka's laughter and squirrelly personality. Pining over him usually kept me up all hours of the night, but I had constant company. My growing child gave hard kicks and punches as if to say "Play with me and stop sulking!" So what was I to do? I would tap my fingers on my swollen belly and receive a kick in return. We played this strange version of tag whenever he was awake. I found myself with my hands on my stomach more than usual. I was absolutely relishing the strong confident kicks and sometimes gentle nudges from my offspring.

To say I loved him or her to death was an understatment. I would gladly die for my child and more if that was even possible. I wanted my kid to have the best life I could give him. I was still doubtful of my parenting skills but I figured if I just did the opposite of what my parents did... well, we might be ok afterall. I would never let anything bad into this child's life.

I spent most of the days "nesting" or whatever Katara called it and I also became particularly fond of soaking in a hot bath for hours. Since I was unable to travel and Katara had to go into town for me, it was easy to catch daily soaks. She had come back just yesterday with a whole load of stuff. I should have suspected it when she took a makeshift sled with her. It took her forever to bring everything inside from the blistering cold, especially when she ordered me to sit on the couch and not lift anything. I had rolled my eyes at this and even pouted a little. eventually she allowed me come and see what she had bought.

There were all sorts of various baby things. Little toys, clothes, blankets and some kind of special pillow, for what purpose it held I had no idea. It took us the rest of the day to put everything into the storage shelves I had carved into my walls. She had also brought back a copious amount of food with which it became difficult to even find a place to store.

We had a quick dinner and then I was back to locking myself in my room and making sure everything was perfect for the kid. I was thoroughly tired by the time I dragged myself into bed. I was quite angry that Sokka's tunic no longer fit over my ridiculously huge belly. So instead of wearing it, I cradled it against my chest and buried my nose in it. Somehow it still smelled of him, but the scent was fading. I would force him to wear it when he got back.

I was sitting on the couch one day with my annoyingly swollen feet stretched out beside me. It came to a complete shock to me when there was a painful tug in my hips. I ignored it the first time and went back to daydreaming. But when it happened again I cried out in pain. Tenderly, I place my hand on the inside curve of my hipbone and bit down on my lip. I cringed when there was another jerk on my muscles. I put my feet on the floor and sat up all the way. All of a sudden my muscles clenched together in an excruciating version of monthly cramps. Another cramp shivered in my loins and I panicked. Was it happening already?"Katara!" I yelled out. "I think I'm having this kid right here on the couch!"

"What!?" She cried from her room down the hall. I felt her come scurrying to the living room. "What's happening?" She asked.

"I don't know, you tell me, oh knowledgeable one!" I snapped out in pain. "All I know is that it hurts!"

"Let's get you into your bed then and we'll see what's going on," She said as though I hadn't said anything at to her. She held onto my elbow and helped me lay down in my bed. I could feel panic roiling under my skin as I tried to control myself. I was going to be a mom. I knew this day was coming but now that it was here, I was terrified and joyous all at the same time. I heard hurry out of the room then return a moment later. She pulled from her waterskin and pushed my shirt over my belly. She hummed curiously and then went back to checking over my stomach.

It was odd feeling the slightest tug and push of the water inside of me I'd never really thought about it before. Sure she had patched me up plenty of times before, and given me regular baby checks. Oh well. More important things right now. "So?" I asked after nearly five minutes.

"You're not going to believe this, Toph," she said with a small chuckle.

"What? Not going to believe what?"

"You're having false labor pain?"

"False what?" I blurted in confusion.

"It's just your body thinking about having your baby."

"What do you mean 'thinking'!?" I snapped.

"It's nothing to worry about, really. They're just false pains."

"Just false!? Well they sure feel real!" I yelped.

"That's not what I meant," she said hurriedly. "Of course they're real pains just not real labor cramps." I glared in the direction of where I thought she was. "It just means you won't have the baby yet," she said, in hopes to comfort me or something.

"I know that, Sugar Queen!" I growled. "But that's doesn't fix the problem that I feel like my insides are being ripped apart!"

"I'll make some of that special tea now," she answered sweetly.

"What tea?" I perked up at this.

"It'll help, trust me."

And so I drank the blasted tea and it did work. That was good news. But where there is good news, there is bad news. The bad news: I was put on bed rest. Yeah. Right.

I made good on that 'bed rest' and deliberately ran from Katara and her demands for me to get back in bed. It gave me a nice morale boost. Days passed like this. I would purposely be up and doing things (usually eating) and when she started to scold me. I literally ran from her...well, waddled. It was quite fun, actually.

She had finally, finally, got me settled on the couch when I felt six legs land outside. I bolted from the couch and tore out the door. I didn't even bother with shoes or a coat, I was too caught up in getting to see Sokka for the first time in a week. I realized I was giggling like a mad women when the wind whipped my fits of giggles into the blowing snow. "Toph!" Oh it was so good to hear his voice again! "Toph, what are you doing?" He scolded from atop the massive bison. I didn't care that I was in trouble with him already, I was too excited to see him.

He slid down one of Appa's legs and ran towards me. Before I could even hug him, or kiss him, he had me scooped me up in his arm. "You're gonna get sick," he said carrying me into the house.

"Oh, you worry too much," I laughed. Once we were back in the warm house, my feet had just touched the floor when his lips were suddenly on mine. I smiled and kissed him back with just as much fervor. His arm snugged around me and held me against him as tightly as he could without hurting the kid. His lips closed over my again and again. I had missed him so much, and apparently he missed me too. I ran my hands through his hair, tugging it out of his wolftail in seconds. My cheeks were hot and when he suddenly jumped back I feared I had done something wrong. "What?" I gasped, trying to catch my breath.

"Your baby just kicked me!" He laughed. He put his hands on the side of my tummy and leaned his face down. "And just how are you?" He greeted me child.

"Stop," I laughed. He ignored me and planted a kiss on the top of my belly. My breath caught in my throat. He- he really loved my baby. I was frozen as he stood up a little straighter and gave me a light kiss on my lips.

"So how have things been around here?" He breathed against my ear when he pulled me into a soft embrace.

"Ok," I answered back, thawing out from my shocked stupor.

"How was the party?"

"Fun, but it would have been better if you were there."

I blushed and rubbed his shoulderblades under my palms. "How was Mai?"

"Pregnant."

I burst out laughing. "Really now, smart guy?" I teased. "She can't possibly be showing yet."

"Oh! They sent you something! Iroh too!" He released me and scurried out into the cold to retrieve these gifts.

I was shocked when he set everything on the floor. "Did they send me the whole palace!?" I yelped in surprise.

"Not quite, but Iroh was going to, Zuko had to stop him before Appa's saddle overflowed," he chuckled.

"Wow," I said softly as my fingers brushed over fine silk. As Sokka and I sifted through all this magnificent gifts I found blankets, baby socks, stuffed turtleduck toys (those came from Zuko specifically). I didn't understand why he, of all people would send them, but I loved them regardless. Mai had sent a sling that I could use to carry the baby against my bosom when I was up and about. Iroh, oh Iroh. He gifted me with a sturdy tea set, scrolls upon scrolls of children's stories, fine silk robes and pajamas, fancy pins for my hair, rich soaps, lotions and perfumes, a thick mat for my baby to play on when he got older and everything else one could imagine. He had even sent me a note that Sokka read to me after we got everything taken to my room.

My dearest Toph,

I hope you and Jr. are doing well! It is so exciting to bring a new life into the world! I remember my own Lu Ten when he was born, I was just sure I was the happiest, proudest man alive. I hope this letter finds you in good health. I can just imagine how brightly you are glowing my young friend! I sent some things for you, new mother. I hope they help you relax.

I hear Sokka has taken a fond liking to you. The young man could not stop talking about you!

I could imagine him laughing as he wrote that.

We all missed you very much at the celebration but it could not be helped. I have never seen Mai so happy before. And she smiles! Who would have thought! She seems nervous and Zuko will not stop fluttering around her! He acts as though she will break into a million pieces! She will not have it though, in fact, I saw her throwing her knifes yesterday in the courtyard. I will not mention it to Zuko though, he would surely have a heart attack!

I must come visit soon! I would love to see your house, I hear it is beautiful! Ah, and the baby! I cannot wait to meet him or her. And of course, I would love to see you again too, Toph. I hope you have an easy birth and a healthy baby!

Love, Iroh

PS: I hid some tea inside the tea pot. It is Jasmine, your favorite.

Sokka set the note aside on my bed and pulled me closer under his arm. "I'm so glad to be back," he sighed.

"I'm glad you're back too," I responded. He kissed the top of my head gingerly. His hand was warm on my belly and underneath my palms. I traced his scars over and over as though I had forgotten them. I felt complete again, nestled up against him like this. The day's excitment took it's toll on us and we both fell asleep, just like that.

I woke up with my blanket tucked in around me. I was warm and comfortable, feeling just like a rabiroo inside it's mother pouch. I would have fallen back asleep too if my baby hadn't roundhouse kicked my bladder. After I went to the bathroom I waddled into the kitchen, one of my new shawls wrapped around me. Katara was making breakfast, Aang hovering around her, wrapping his arms around her, kissing her neck and telling her sweet little jokes. It was almost sickening but I couldnt help but smile at them. They were both so happy, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sokka startled me when he kissed my lips gently and tugged my hands into his. I smiled and blushed and let him pulled me over to the table to eat. After a breakfast filled with laughs and jokes Aang and Katara said they were going outside to play in the snow. I almost wished I could go too, but tucked under Sokka's arm as he read to me was far better a way to spend the day.

I cried silently when Hinto was dragged away by the police, accused of kidnapping Lin. It would have been so bad if Sokka hadn't read it with such emotion and if the autor had kindly left out Lin's sobs as she fought against her fathers grip to give him one last kiss. I was so mad I was crying. Stupid Zuko-like moodswings!

unfortunately, Sokka and I were pulled away from our book by our mutual hunger.

Over the next three weeks I noticed Sokka acting a little sketchy. He seemed to hang around Katara and Aang at strange intervals. But, he still nearly his whole day next to me, rubbing my stomach, telling me jokes and reading to me every night.

Those stupid false labor pains attacked me at the most irregular times. Sokka held my hands and nuzzled his nose in my neck comfortingly when those happened. Katara was giving me daily examinations by now. Everything was going well, so that always lifted my spirits even more than they already were.

It was late evening and we were all sprawled out in the living room. Aang's head was in Katara;s lap as she traced his arrows with her index finger and I was leaning against Sokka's chest on the couch as he read. I was sad when our book came to a close but it was a happy ending. Hinto proposed to Lin and it all ended with a passionate kiss under a sakura tree. I laid my head against Sokka's strong chest and smiled. He closed his book and wrapped both arms around me, burying his nose in my hair.

"Well, I'm gonna turn in," Katara announced with a yawn.

"Me too," Aang said, standing up and giving Katara a kiss on her forehead. Sokka and I spent our alone time in the living room in silence... and kissing. Eventually though we both headed to bed. He gave me a sweet, slow chaste kiss before he headed off to his own room.

I was so totally happy and content that night. I was warm and cozy reveling in the cacoon of blankets Sokka had tucked around me with care. However, I woke up what only could have been two hours later with the strangest sensation. There was something warm and wet on my inner thighs. And then it hit me.

"Badgermoles are go!" I practially screamed.