Four Times, Part Three: Tokka

The third time he told her he loved her, he thought she almost felt it.

"How long?"

Sokka stood in front of Toph, who had her arms folded in front of her.  She wasn't going to let him pass without an explanation, even if he wanted to go.  "A month," he answered.

Her shoulders sagged.  "And why are you only telling me now?"

He rubbed the back of his neck.  "Um, I forgot?"  She tapped her foot, and he sighed.  "Fine.  You've been having a rough time with your parents lately.  I didn't want to make it worse."

"I can handle my parents," she spat.  "What I can't handle is my best friend running to the Southern Water Tribe for a month and not telling me until an hour before he leaves!"

It had seemed like the best course of action in Sokka's head, but hearing Toph say it like that just made him feel guilty.  "Okay, I'm an idiot.  We both know that."  She continued glaring at him.  "When I get back, dinner's on me."  She said nothing.  "For a week."

Toph grinned.  "Deal.  You're forgiven.  As long as you're back before Sparky's anniversary party.  You can't make me go through that alone."

"Naturally.  I can't let my partner-in-crime have all the fun."

"Tell your Gran-Gran I said happy birthday."

He nodded.  "I will.  Just think about me as I sit though those boring trade talks."

"No problem.  I'll be laughing the whole time."

"Thanks Toph.  That really warms my heart."

She punched him in the shoulder.  "Hey, I have to stay here and help Katara with that anniversary party.  She keeps going on and on about how perfect it has to be.  Like I care if her dress is blue or red."  A shout from the boat behind them signalled its departure.  "I guess you're leaving now."

"I guess."  He hugged her then, and held her as tight to him as he could.  He took in the scent of her hair, the feel of her body pressed to his, the soft sound of her breathing.  Toph began to pull away, but he drew her back for one last brief moment.  When at last he let her go, he stared at her, memorising every detail of her face.

"You'll miss your boat," she whispered.

"I'll see you at Zuko and Katara's in a month."  Toph nodded.  Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away.  Soon she was lost in the throng of people milling about the docks of Gaoling.

Sokka smiled as he walked up the gangplank to his ship.  He looked forward to his visit home, but knew that while he was there, his arms would ache to tell her once again that he loved her.