Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender.

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Summer's Heat: Part One

OoOoOoO

It was a very serious waterbender that dragged Sokka and Toph into an empty room, one hot summer day.

"Listen, you two, and I mean it," said Katara.

The seventh anniversary of the end of the Hundred Year War was fast approaching, and the Fire Lord was planning a summer festival and banquet to mark the occasion. Many world leaders were expected to attend, but the festival itself was open to any and all who wished to travel to the Fire Nation capital. It promised to be one of the biggest celebrations of the year, and a time for dignitaries from each of the three nations to meet and greet and make plans for the future.

Both Sokka and Toph were looking forward to the party, not for the inevitable long, and most likely very boring, meetings and "ass-kissing," as Toph so eloquently put it, but to the good food, drinks, fun games, and the million and one chances they would have to find some mischief.

There was just one problem. Katara was keeping a very close eye on the pair for just that reason.

She cornered them when the banquet was first announced, and would not let them leave the room until she said her peace.

"You two will behave. We will not have a repeat of the first anniversary," she said, glaring at them both.

"What happened then? I forget," said Sokka. At her incredulous look, he shrugged. "What? It was four years ago. We've done a lot more stuff since then."

Katara sighed and crossed her arms. "You spiked the punch with cactus juice. Everyone, except for you two, was high for the rest of the night!"

Toph and Sokka giggled. "Yeah… That was classic…" said Toph, with a fond smile.

Sokka nodded. "I know!" he said, through his laughs. He wiped away an imaginary tear. "Remember when Lord Kai started hitting on that potted plant? That was perfect! And don't get me started on Zuko! Hah! He-He and Mai almost did it on--!"

"You see! This is what I mean!" Katara flung up her arms. "You two are nothing but trouble when it comes to these sorts of things. You've pulled off some stupid prank every year and at every social gathering we have attended. And it's been even worse ever since you two decided you liked each other. You need to learn there is… Will you listen to me!?"

The mischievous pair had been sharing a deep kiss. Katara's screech was more than enough to tear them apart. They both jolted, flushing, and stood up at attention. Katara's eyes smoldered.

"And, honestly we have all had enough," she said. She spoke slowly in an attempt to reign in her temper. "You will not ruin another important meeting or party!"

Sokka brought his hands together and glanced up at his very scary younger sister. He spared a tiny, crooked smile. "Now, now, Katara… Consider this. Would you say ruin or, as we like to think, made…"

"Better? Exciting? Memorable?" put in Toph, helpfully.

"Exactly!" said Sokka. "We made it a memorable experience for everyone! Instead of yelling at us, you should be thanking us." When Katara's glare did not even flicker, he wilted. "Maybe?" he whispered. "Just a little?"

Katara would have none of it. She warned them that if they put one toe out of line, she would make them pay the price. She did not say exactly what she would put them through, but it sounded menacing enough, and even Toph was hesitant to plan a prank of the century.

Not that they would have had a chance to make plans for said greatest prank of the century. Katara kept them busy with chores and preparations for the celebration, and most of that work involved Sokka and Toph being separated for hours at a time. When they were together, they could both sense Katara watching them from somewhere close by.

"It's creepy!" said Sokka, as they huddled over their soup. They both passed innocent grins to the watchful waterbender, who smiled eerily at them from a nearby table. Aang, sitting next to her, looked positively terrified. "She's, like, everywhere! My own sister--My precious, baby sister!-- is stalking us! Every time I turn around a corner, she's already there! And she's always smiling…"

"You think that's bad? I woke up this morning, and she was sitting right there beside me." Toph grumped and slurped some of her soup. "Forget Azula and the Loser Lord. Your sister is the crazy one!"

"I know. And it's getting- Oh, sweet spirits, she's coming! She's coming! Act natural!"

"Hey, Sokka, Toph," said Katara, sweetly. It was much too sweet to be real. "Are you busy? There's a lot of work to be done today, and I promised the foreman we'd help him out. Toph, I need you to work on the wall mural with the other artists."

"Katara, do I look even remotely artistic to you?"

She was ignored, of course.

"Sokka, banners. Hang some the rest of the banners, as well as some of the streamers. And make sure they're straight, and not backwards like yesterday. I will be checking up with you two later, okay?"

That meant she would be looking over their work, and if it was not done right Katara would take it as mischief making that needed correcting. And immediately corrected, too.

Toph scowled, Sokka paled, Katara smiled, and the two rushed off to get their respective jobs completed before she ever had a chance to check up on them.

This way of life continued for two days. The dynamic duo was not so dynamic, thanks to Katara's constant disciplinary action. They helped prepare for the upcoming celebrations or were confined to their rooms, and little else. They could expect not help from Aang or Zuko either, as both of the young men were scared stiff of Katara--"Pussies," muttered Toph, to which Sokka could only nod sagely--, and Mai, Ty Lee, and Suki would only laugh at their predicament.

Even their late night rendezvous, a special time they reserved for themselves, was impossible thanks to the suspicious hovering of servants outside the door day in and day out. Katara did not even trust them enough to have that bit of time to themselves.

Which was probably wise of her, but it was still annoying and upsetting.

It was a boring, controlled, monotonous life, and it drove both of them, so used to winging it and having lots and lots of fun, close to crazy.

So they were both surprised when Zuko personally called them to the War Room for a private meeting. Their mother hen, a constant for the past few days, was nowhere to be seen as a couple of servants led them to the chamber. They were shown in.

OoOoOoO

The War Room was strangely empty and desolate without the flames surrounding the Fire Lord's seat. It looked more like a forgotten hall than a space devoted to making wartime strategies. Everything, from the walls to the large map at the center of the space, was shrouded in shadow. It was quiet.

Zuko was there, waiting on them, but, much to their surprise, he was not alone. A woman stood beside the Fire Lord. Sokka, not recognizing her at all, took in her appearance. He could not help himself. He liked trying to pick someone out through small details.

She looked the same age as Sokka himself, but it was hard to tell with the way she looked. Her ratty, tattered attire was no more obvious than when compared to the fine robes of crimson and gold Zuko wore. Her face might once have been beautiful, but at some point in her life she had been burned. The scarring was not nearly as terrible as Zuko's, but her face was misshapen, and it hid what she might once have been. Sokka noted her well-muscled, almost broad, arms and rough hands. Her dark hair, black as Toph's, was pulled back into a topknot, but various loose strands framed her face.

Hmmm…She might be a blacksmith or something like that, with arms and hands like those, thought Sokka. She's probably pretty strong. He would hate to be on the wrong end of her arms. That was for sure.

Zuko smiled and nodded at both him and Toph. The woman barely inclined her head in a silent greeting.

"I'm glad you two were able to get away for a few moments," said Zuko.

"I'm willing to bet not on our own. Did you distract Sweetness?" asked Toph.

The Fire Lord smiled and said, "I might have had something to do with that, yes. But it is a good thing, because if she was here, I know Katara would never let you hear me out."

Sokka scowled. "Shit. I know that look! Zuko, buddy, don't tell me. Please, just don't say it."

"I have a favor to ask of you. Both of you."

Slapping his forehead, Sokka groaned. "I told you not to say it!"

"Sokka, this is important," said Zuko. He was as calm as ever, but his brow was furrowed. "You know I would never ask something of you if it was not crucial or at all relevant to--"

"I don't care!" Sokka glared at his friend, fists clenched. "I don't care if this is the most important mission there ever was or ever will be. Every time we agree to help you out, we almost get killed."

"Fried, even," said Toph, counting off her fingers and bobbing her head. "Murdered, shanghaied, kidnapped…"

"Or blown up by a certain psychopathic sister of yours, too," said Sokka.

That day was still fresh in his mind. He could have lost her… His hand grazed Toph's, and his experienced fingers could just feel the light scarring left behind by healed burns.

His frown darkened.

"We like adventure, sure, but we like choosing our own messes, thank you very much! And, frankly, we're starting to get tired of being shoved around like we're little wind-up toys. We've had enough of it from Katara this week. We don't need it from you too!"

Zuko returned the Water Tribe warrior's scowl. "You could at least listen to what I have to say, Sokka."

"No! I don't have to listen, because I know what you want! I will not risk my life, and I will certainly not risk Toph's life, on some stupid mission! Ever! Again! Don't tell me you've already forgotten what happened in that fishing town, Zuko. Because I sure haven't…"

"I have not, but--"

"Why can't you just get someone else to do your dirty work for you, huh!?" said Sokka. "You're the Fire Lord! I'd think you have a bunch of people for crap like this, hundreds of them even, without having to send your friends."

"Because," said Zuko, gazing at the floor, "you and Toph are the only ones I can trust with this matter."

The honesty of the answer snapped Sokka out of his boiling anger. He blinked, his tense shoulders loosening somewhat. "Come again?"

Zuko rubbed a temple. "I need you two, Sokka. You are the only ones I can trust with this mission. I can't afford to ask anyone else. It is too dangerous… I apologize. It is not fair to either of you, but that is the way it is." He looked back up at them. "I was not lying when I said it is important. It may even be a matter of national security."

"National security?" said Toph. "Holy hell… What's going on, Zuko?"

Zuko was not the one to answer. Instead, it was his silent companion. "Have you two ever heard of a woman named Rin?" asked the probable blacksmith.

Sokka knew that name. He knew of the face behind it, too. Sometimes, it did pay off to be well informed.

"Well, yeah. Actually I have," said Sokka.

Toph harrumphed. "Mind feeling the rest of us mere mortals in?"

"Rin is the Rogue, the leader of the Guild of Thieves, in this area," said Sokka. He rubbed his chin. What could this person possibly have to do with national security…? "She's a pretty powerful crime-lord, and self made too, but not anyone who would ever really threaten the stability of the Fire Nation. If it falls, so does her empire."

"True. And that is what we thought, at first," said Zuko. "A Rogue, any Rogue, has to play nice with the law sometimes to keep in power. She doesn't let any of her friends get out of control, and the Security Forces don't bother her smaller operations. It is a shaky balance, but a balance all the same."

Toph let loose a long sigh. "You're telling me you actually let her do whatever she wants? Your country is not only crazy, Sparky, it's plain stupid!"

"This, coming from a con-artist formally known as the Runaway," said the scarred woman.

The mention of one of her alias, and one she had not used for some time, made Toph jolt. "How'd you know that…?"

"Oh, well," said the lady, "you know." A smirk touched her lips, and it was so cold and terrible that Sokka felt a shiver race up and down his spine. Just as quickly as it had come, it was gone, leaving Sokka to wonder if he had even seen it at all. "I have my ways. You needn't be so surprised that your little juvenile acts trickled throughout the underworld."

Toph frowned, and turned her face towards the woman. Her glassy eyes seemed to pin the lady, Sokka thought, to the spot. He knew right off that Toph had not taken a liking to this person.

"Who are you anyway?" demanded the tiny force of nature.

"This is Nani," said Zuko. He spoke quickly, in the hopes of relieving the tension. "She is one of those allies of mine who remains unseen. She is my mole in Rin's ranks."

Sokka chuckled. "Not much trust in that balance after all, huh?"

"I, we, cannot afford to take risks these days," said the Fire Lord. "I met Nani around the end of summer last year. I asked if she could possibly spy for me, and she agreed. More than that, she did not mind sneaking into Rin's Guild, and keeping a tab on the Rogue and her allies."

"I have been doing this for several months now. I make weapons for them, so I am always in need," said Nani. "And during my work in her world, I have discovered that Rin may not be as benign—"

Toph snorted, and a pretty little smirk danced across her lips. "Whoever heard of a benign crime-lord?"

"Toph, please…" Zuko said. "Let Nani speak."

"Oh, fine!" said Toph. She sulked.

"As I was saying," said Nani, not in the least perturbed by Toph's interruptions, "I have begun to suspect that Rin may not have the best interests of the Fire Nation at heart. She has acted unusual for quite some time. The past few weeks, she has been putting out more money than she has to her fellow guild-members. I do not know the reason or where the money is going, but the costs have nearly drained the Guild coffers dry.

"She has vanished for days at a time from her Court as well, and has taken to seeing men and women not of the Guild."

"Most of these new associates of hers are those we have long suspected of espionage and rebel activity," said Zuko.

"Well, that can't be good," said Sokka, grimacing.

"That is an apt reaction, and the one I had as well. No one outside her inner circle is allowed at these meetings, and what is said does not trickle out from behind those walls," said Nani. "All in all, it does not sound good, does it?" Her fist clenched. "I believe she is planning something, something big, and whatever it is, it cannot be good for any of us."

Sokka crossed his arms. "But you are not absolutely sure?"

She graced him with a hard, penetrating look. "No. But do you really want to take that chance, Master Sokka?" she said.

He gnawed the inside of his cheek. "I suppose not. That's not exactly a risk you want to take."

"Especially not with a huge banquet coming up soon," said Toph.

"Exactly," said Zuko. "With what I've heard from Nani, I am afraid Rin may have something in mind, and specifically for the festival."

"Postpone it then," said Sokka.

Zuko shook his head. "It is not that simple."

"Sure it is. Just tell everybody you're sorry, but that there's a possible security problem, and you have to put off the festivities until we've caught Rin, or whatever."

"And risk inciting a panic in the city, or letting a potential threat on to our suspicions, or insulting world leaders who still don't trust me or the Fire Nation? I can't do that," said Zuko. "You know I can't do that. If it proves to be as dangerous as we think it is, then maybe we'll have no choice, but until then… Let's fix one problem before creating more."

Nani smiled at Sokka. When she did, the scarring did not look so bad. "Think of it this way, Master Sokka," she said, far more gently than she had before. "This may be our best chance to uncover a network of enemies to the crown."

Sokka supposed that was true. It was early in the age following the War, and there were still Loyalists, supporters of the incarcerated Ozai, plotting somewhere out there. It still sickened him to think that some idiots would think Ozai, the madman who thought burning down the Earth Kingdom was a great idea, would be a better choice of ruler than Zuko, but it was what it was. Such people existed in world.

And, thanks to them, there had already been several violent skirmishes throughout the Fire Nation. They threatened to bring forth a civil war, if not worse, to a rebuilding country. The less of these people, the better, and all this information did make it sound as if Rin were up to her nose in conspiracies.

He still didn't like it. It sounded too much like using people as bait.

"We need to know what Rin is up to," said Zuko. "That is why I have asked you two to come here today."

Sokka knew immediately what his friend was driving at. He did not much like it, either. "You want us to somehow sneak into that inner circle of hers, and find out what is really going on."

Nodding, Zuko said, "Precisely." He folded his arms beneath the sleeves of his robe, and fixed serious eyes on Sokka and Toph. "Nani informs me that Rin has called for a meeting in O-Shan, at the Red Whale Inn. Several of the associates already mentioned will be attending.

"Both Nani and I suspect Rin will make her move soon after this meeting. I was hoping you would investigate, and report back to me what you hear or see."

"Why don't you just have Nani do it, if she is so special?" asked Toph. Sokka had a hard time deciding whether she was being her blunt, straightforward self or just plain rude. He would lay his bets, though, on rudeness. He knew his girl well, he liked to think, and she was bristling around Nani. "She's already a part of this Court, isn't she?"

"Unfortunately," said Nani, frowning, "that would not work. They know my face. Sneaking in as a servant, or something similar, would be next to impossible."

"And you think we will be able to sneak in?" said Sokka. "I don't know if you've forgotten, but we're Companions! You know, buddies with the Avatar and all that jazz. We helped end a war! We show up at very important and boring banquets. People know who we are!"

Zuko actually smiled. Sokka felt like slapping it off his face.

"Maybe your names, but not what you look like. Face it, Sokka. You and Toph are the shadows of the Companions. People would know Aang, Katara, and myself from a mile away. You two…?" Zuko shrugged. "Not so much."

Both Sokka and Toph pouted.

"It is not a bad thing," said Nani. She chortled, and it was an unsettling sound coming from such an odd, brawny woman. It made both of them flinch, and wonder why. "It only means you are able to go where no one else is able to go. You're the perfect choices for this mission."

"So, guys." Zuko looked to them both, not for the first time, and offered a small smile. "Will you at least consider it? I could use someone else, true, but…"

"It wouldn't be wise to trust them with such an operation," said Sokka. The Fire Lord only nodded, and Sokka sighed. He rubbed the nape of his neck and stared at the wall. "I hate it when you put me in positions like this."

He glanced at Toph. She seemed to sense his stare, because she offered him a gentle smile. He nodded, one hand smoothing her back in a quick show of affection, and returned his eyes to Zuko.

"Okay. But this is only because we like you, Zuko. We'll think about it."

"Which means we're probably going to end agreeing to do it," said Toph.

And Toph was right; they did agree to help.

OoOoOoO

Nani, and Sokka's own knowledge about the situation and the Rogue herself, gave them all the information they needed.

O-Shan was a decent-sized port city on the eastern coasts of the Fire Nation. It was separated into two different sections. One half, the northern district, lay on the shore of the sea harbor, while the other half, the southern district, settled on the banks of a wide river named the Dragon's Tail.

The northern district was the richest and largest, and the harbor there—the ocean harbor—was deeper. Cargo ships and naval vessels docked there in the shelter of a well-protected cove. The southern district was river traffic—barges, small boats, fishing skiffs, and ferries. No seafaring vessel could sail through the wharfs built along the Dragon's Tail, but travelers could sail back and forth, between the eastern coasts and the midlands of the nation, with ease.

The terrain surrounding O-Shan was rocky and treacherous. It was built on rising ground. Sokka was already dreading having to clamber around the city. His calves ached at the thought.

O-Shan was a well-respected shipping city, famous for its chowder, ale, and fast ships, and had been established even before the days of the Hundred Year War. It was also the city Rin called home.

The Red Whale Inn was one of the largest establishments in O-Shan. It was made up of three floors. The first floor held the kitchen, famous for its chowder, and a tavern, while the two upper floors were lined by small but comfortable rooms.

Rin had rented the Red Whale Inn for a full week, so that she could run things as she pleased. This way, not only could she could also keep an eye on her guests, the Rogue could please her allies by playing hostess. Rin lived and breathed on power, and liked having everything under her complete control.

Only those invited--those Rin had invited personally, along with their respective subordinates--were allowed inside the Red Whale Inn. A group of guards, skilled heavily armed, surrounded the premises to make sure no one who was not supposed to be there found a way inside.

It was this ring of watchers Sokka and Toph needed to fool in order to sneak in.

"No problem," said Toph, with an indifferent shrug, when Sokka told her what they were up against. "You'll figure something out, easy. Aren't you some kind of genius?"

Sokka, grinning like a fool, blushed.

Toph's confidence in Sokka was rewarded. He did come up with a plan, and while it did not please either one of them, it was a winner.

In the days following their meeting with Zuko, Sokka read countless reports and gathered information on those believed to be attending Rin's little get-together. He knew that if he and Toph were to ever have a shot of sneaking into the meeting, they would have to blend in with the crowd.

There was no way they could pass themselves off as belonging to Rin's inner circle; Rin herself would see right through the disguise, and they would be in trouble. But there were others they could tagalong with, others they could pretend to work for, and so hide in plain sight.

The trick was finding the right person to use as a cover. And Sokka did.

One of Rin's hopeful cohorts was a woman by the name of Keiko. Keiko was an up and coming thief-lord herself, and ardent supporter of the incarcerated Ozai. She was nasty and had a way of getting exactly what she wanted, but, as all dragons had a weak spot, she had a quirk.

It was this quirk Sokka hoped to take advantage of.

Keiko's small gang, which numbered about thirty, was made up entirely of women. From her bodyguards to the lesser pickpockets, she employed only women. Apparently, Keiko thought badly of men and refused to have anything to do with them. Her band of warrior women, as she liked to think of them, was more a statement of her ideology than anything else.

Keiko always had several of her familiars with her, no matter where she traveled to. To larger gatherings, such as this one, she took all her bodyguards with her. And, better yet, Keiko had a bad habit of not looking too hard at those she allowed within her growing ranks. So long as they were women, she did not much care. She was looking to build her own empire, after all.

This meant…

"We dress up all pretty, join up with a gang, and this Keiko person holds us by the hand and takes us right to Rin!" said Toph.

Sokka weakly smiled. "More or less," he said. "It's risky, but it is the least dangerous option we have." He stared at the plans he had been given for the Red Whale Inn. Nani was a very helpful lady. "We don't know if there will be servants in there, after all, and most of these guys are a bit more cautious than Keiko with their hired help. You know…"

He waved a hand as he tried to explain. "Background checks, initiation rites, long months on the bottom rung, stuff like that. Here we just have to wear some makeup, and we're in. Better yet, if we get the job as bodyguards, I'll get to keep my sword."

Toph laughed, and said, "Sweet! This is so stupid it's perfect." She laughed some more, until the realization hit her. Toph grimaced. "Oh, crap. We have to wear dresses, don't we?"

She sounded more upset about that than even he was. It stood to reason. Even Sokka would admit that Toph wore the pants in their relationship.

"Yes. We do," he said, in as brave a voice as he could manage. He didn't wear the pants, but that didn't mean he wanted to wear a spirits forsaken dress. "At least for the meeting we do. We have to be, for one night, possibly a couple more, lovely women."

They both groaned.

And so Sokka and Toph dressed themselves up as women, albeit women who lived on the rough side of the street, and took a ride from the Fire Nation palace to Keiko's known hideout. Toph wore a low hat to hide the fact that she was blind.

Thanks to a recommendation from Nani, who also served Keiko because of Keiko's Guild connections, the thief-lord agreed to take them on as "solemn protectors." She did not even look twice at the pair. All she asked was that they show up at a ferry at noon the next day, and be ready to play bodyguard for her at a well-to-do gathering in O-Shan.

"Song" and "Mei," as Sokka and Toph were going by, respectively, agreed.

OoOoOoO

That night, they stayed at an inn a few miles from the Fire Nation capital. It would have been nice to have one more night in their comfortable beds in the palace, but it would not have been practical or safe. There was no way they were going to let Katara have a chance at ruining their plans.

Now that they were actually on the hunt, had a scent in their noses, the dynamic duo was prime, ready, and excited for whatever came their way. They would not be dissuaded.

But nerves also come with any anticipation, and Sokka felt those especially. He woke up in the middle of the night, in near tears, from an all too familiar nightmare. Sweat ran down the small of his back and face, and he trembled like a leaf in the wind.

He could still feel the heat and smell the smoke of fire, the crash and groan of collapsing buildings. The terrifying imagery played alongside even older fears, far more deep memories, of screeching metal, howling wind, and a sweaty palm desperately clinging to his.

Worst of all, Sokka could still hear her screams. Those terrible sobs, the one thing he never wished to hear, rang in his ears, again and again, even though the night surrounding him was peaceful and calm.

He ran a shaking hand over his face. "Just a dream… That's all…" he muttered to himself. "It was just a dream…"

"That's right."

Toph, coming from behind Sokka on the other side of the bed, wrapped her arms around him. Bare skin touched bare skin, and he sighed. Her face resting on his shoulder, she smoothed her hands over his chest. The motions helped calm him down. So did her voice.

"You're fine, Sokka," she said. She kissed him and held him tighter. "You're okay…"

It no longer surprised Sokka that his little warrior could be so tender. It was true that Toph was brash, stubborn, and foul-mouthed, a force of nature who took lip from nobody. But she was also his best friend, the love of his life, and, when he needed it most, his protector and savior.

"You're my rock, Toph," he had once said to her. And as corny as his words had been—which Toph had so kindly pointed out, while blushing—he had told her the truth.

He took one of her hands and gently kissed her palm. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" she whispered, her lips sprinkling kisses on his shoulder.

"Sorry for waking you."

Toph chuckled and nestled her face into his neck. "Don't be stupid. You'd have done… You have done the same for me."

And he had. Just as she was his rock, he tried to be hers.

She gave him a light punch in the arm. He could almost hear her smile. "Hey, you idiot… I love you."

"I love you too."

They fell asleep again soon after.

OoOoOoO

Sokka woke up late the next morning. Toph snored on, so he let her sleep and walked to the kitchens to grab them something to eat. They had missed breakfast, but lunch sounded just fine to Sokka. He piled up a tray and tramped back up to their room.

The smell of a hot, delicious food roused Toph from her deep sleep, and the couple shared a quiet lunch in bed.

It was a good meal, and filled even Sokka's bottomless pit of a stomach, but he liked the desert best.

He pulled Toph into his lap and, hands rubbing up and down her back, peppered her face and neck with sweet kisses. He wanted to thank her, in some way, for the night before.

And, yes, perhaps he was a bit selfish too. He wanted to kiss her.

Toph responded with a pleased "Mmm…," a toothy grin darting across her flushed face. She grabbed his collar, roughly pulled him forward, and kissed him. It took her a moment to find his lips, but once she had she kissed him with everything she had. Her arms draped around his shoulders.

They traded kisses and hugs, no words necessary to express just how deep they felt for one another, until both knew they had to get up and moving.

"I really don't want to…" he said, laying a cheek on her shoulder. "This is too nice, right here."

Toph promptly slugged him in the arm. Those signs of affection could be just as likely as kisses, with her. "You're hopeless," she said, chuckling. "Let's just get this over with."

They hurriedly dressed, and newly appointed bodyguards Song and Mei walked to the docks.

OoOoOoO

The docks of the Luo Keo village serviced mainly fishing boats and ferries. The ferries traveled either upstream, further along the Dragon's Tail, or downstream where, once they broke out into the sea, they kept either close to the mainland or on a planned and well-charted route.

Their ferry was the latter choice, heading straight to O-Shan, and they arrived at noon as requested.

The boat looked more like a tub that had seen better days than a serviceable vessel, but Sokka's keen eyes could tell otherwise. It would be a very nice, comfortable hour's ride out to O-Shan, and he was looking forward to it.

Sokka was not a bender such as his sister, but as a warrior of the Water Tribe he was drawn to any body of water. It was a part of his heritage, an integral part of him that he would never forget for all his travels in the hot Fire Nation and forests of the Earth Kingdom.

It did not matter that this was a simple river-boat, and he would only catch a brief glimpse of the sea. He still delighted in the swelling motion of the boat, as the river carried it towards the sea, and enjoyed the sights and smells and sounds of a voyage by water.

He was in his element…

I'll have a boat, one day, he thought. He watched their progress from the aft of the ferry. Hands gripping the railing, he closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. And I'll travel, with Toph, just like this. We could actually be treasure-hunters, instead of just talking about it.

Toph did not enjoy the journey nearly as much.

Sokka remembered, much too late, that it was easy for her to get sea-sick. Even the Dragon's Tail, a peaceful and slow-moving river, was enough to make her queasy.

She lost her lunch, and then some, over the side of the boat only minutes after they set out. The other bodyguards onboard jeered the miserable "half-pint," as they called the smallest member of Keiko's security, and their laughter did little to help her mood.

"I hate boats…" she mumbled. Her makeup stood out against her incredibly pale face. "I hate water…"

"I know." He kissed her warm forehead. "I'm sorry."

"Nah…" She smiled, weakly. Even sick, she was still Toph. "Let's just… blame Zuko…"

"Hah, I like the sound of that." He smoothed a thumb over her cheek. "C'mon. Let's find someplace where you can rest."

The bow of the ferry was less crowded, and Sokka took her there so he could tend to her without anyone noticing. He rubbed her back in a soothing, rhythmic pattern, hoping it would help. She eventually did relax, and lay her head on his shoulder and dozed.

He ignored the call of the river to stay with her for the rest of the trip.

As expected, the ferry pulled into the river-docks of O-Shan in as little as an hour. The southern district was far removed from the deep harbors of the northern half, but Sokka could still smell the salty ocean on the fresh, cool breezes that blew through the streets of the port. The murmur of waves and surf pounded in his ears.

Toph was more than glad to get off the boat. She practically jumped off the vessel. Her bare feet were hidden by sole-less shoes, so she ground them into the rocky turf as soon as she had the chance.

A weary but altogether lovely sigh slipped from her lips.

Sokka smiled. "C'mon, Mei," he said, taking up that voice he prayed to goodness sounded remotely female. "Let's get you something to drink." After her bout of sickness, he knew the best thing for her was some liquids.

"Okay."

The meeting was not to take place until later that night, so they had some time to themselves. With little else to do but relax and play their parts, the disguised couple spent most of that time in one of the local bars.

Sokka was horrified to discover that while he was an ugly, ugly woman, he was not ugly enough to keep drunken sailors from making a pass at him. He swore he felt someone that was not Toph touch his ass and he had to turn down several men, and women, looking for a good time after being so long at sea.

It was just plain disturbing. He was beginning to wish they had taken refuge in their rooms at the Red Whale Inn. Toph, however, seemed to enjoy the show, and would only snicker at his troubles.

"Traitor," he muttered.

"Wuss," she said easily enough, with a cheery grin.

Sokka sighed, scowling, and drew in on himself. Maybe if he pretended not to exist, these perverts wouldn't notice him. "Well. At least you're feeling better."

Toph laughed and thumped him, hard, on the back. "And now we're getting somewhere!"

"OW! That hurt!"

"You're such a baby."

OoOoOoO

Sokka struggled to pull the tight-fitting outfit over his head and shoulders. "It. Won't. Fit!" Cloth in his eyes and mouth, he stumbled forwards and backwards, until his foot touched the leg of a chair and he went crashing to the floor. "OW!"

Toph laughed. "That sounds like it hurt. Need a little help putting on your dress, Snoozles?" she asked, with far too much cheeriness for her "concern" to be genuine.

Peeking over the collar, the rest of the gown still bunched up around his neck, Sokka glared at her. He knew such expressions meant little to her, but he still hoped she could feel the weight of his irritated stare.

"No. I'm just fine, thanks. And if I needed help with dresses, you'd be the last person I would ask."

She shrugged, a free hand smoothing out the front of her pretty dress. "Suit yourself, ma'am."

"Ha, ha, very funny," he said.

"I thought it was."

Sokka was finally able to pull the rest of the stupid thing on. Standing, and almost unable to draw in a deep breath thanks to the outfit, he peered at his reflection in the mirror. What he saw horrified him.

"I hate this. I hate this so much."

"Well, this was your idea."

"I know that! You don't think I know that? You don't have to remind me," he said. "Let's just blame Zuko. It's his fault anyway."

"Sounds like fun," she said. "Not very original though."

"You can't beat the classics."

Sokka huffed, his eyes still on the mirror's reflection, and turned around, examining the rest of his appearance.

Yeah, this dress definitely made his butt look big.

"I think your ass is just fine," she said, out of the blue.

His face grew incredibly hot. "How'd you know I was…?" Sokka trailed off when he saw her toothy grin. "Aw, never mind." He really didn't want to know, though somehow the thought of Toph concentrating on his posterior was not too bad.

"What are you so whiny about? I thought you had worn dresses before."

"One!" he said. "I've only worn one dress, and it was not a dress, it was a warrior's outfit! It was all about culture, and pride, and, and things like that."

"Sure, whatever you say." Toph shoved a brush and several pins into his hands. "Help me put up my hair."

"Okay."

He did not mind helping her at all. As a child, he had often helped braid and brush Katara's hair, more so right after their mother had died. He smoothed the brush through her thick, black hair, easing out the tangles and snarls. Growing bold, he leaned over and kissed her just below her ear. She smelled like lotus blossoms, as always.

"You look nice tonight."

She chuckled, and he was sure he was not imagining the pleased little blush that darted across her cheeks. "Trying to get on my good side, are you?"

"Well, it is the best place to be in the world," he said, smiling for the first time in almost an hour. "And I mean it. You look very nice."

"Don't get used to it." Her head went back to rest against his chest. Stroking his arm, Toph said, "This whole dress-up and makeup deal won't happen too often."

"Then I'll just have to enjoy it while I can, won't I?"

He hoped she knew that he thought she was beautiful even without all the finery. In fact, he preferred it. Still, that didn't mean he could appreciate it when she was all dressed up. Toph was the picture of perfection no matter what she decided to wear or, as the case often was, not wear.

Sokka and Toph stayed that way for a long time. It was silent, but neither seemed to care too much. They enjoyed each other's company, the other's presence, more than anything else. Her hands gripped his arm, which he had wrapped around her, as he leaned his cheek against her head. It was a small moment, but perfect.

Worry clenched in his gut.

"I hope this works," he said.

"It's one of your plans. It should work. And even if it doesn't, you'll have me to save your ass," she said.

"That's nice to know, but…" Sokka looked at himself in the mirror again, and cringed. "Toph, I am a really ugly woman. I mean, really, really ugly."

"Like I haven't heard that before," she said, shaking her head.

"No, seriously, Toph! Up 'till now, it's been fine with just the girly clothes and fake… well, you know! But now I'm wearing an actual dress. And it's… Ugh!"

Toph smiled. "And here I was thinking you looked really sexy in a dress."

"Oh?" Sokka dug a finger into her side and succeeded in drawing out a pealing laugh from her. He thought it was one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. "You can't always trick me with that little joke of yours, you know."

Squirming, she pushed his hand away and danced off the stool she had been sitting on. "Can't blame a girl for trying," she said, gasping for air and cheeks flushed. She had always been very ticklish. "And it's worked every time up until now."

"Hey, I can learn. I am learning."

He sighed and picked up the case of makeup. Toph had nicked it from his sister's room a few days ago. Sokka just stared at it for a moment. Maybe if he did long enough, the case would disappear, and so would this stupid mission he had agreed to take on.

Nope. It was still there.

"But that doesn't change the fact I am not the most lovely, mesmerizing thing to grace the world," he said, dabbing his cheeks with blush. "What if they don't buy it?"

"If it bothers you that much, then I will go by myself," said Toph.

"No! Absolutely not!" Sokka was firm in that decision. "Rin is a very dangerous woman, and the Red Whale Inn is completely made out of wood. If you were discovered, you would be in some serious trouble."

"I can take care of myself, Sokka," she muttered sourly.

"That's not the point. I know you can take care of yourself. I just don't want to take any chances, okay? We'll do this together, just like we always have."

Toph seemed to accept this, because she smiled over in his general direction. "Even if you are an ugly, ugly woman?" she asked, standing up on tip-toe to kiss him.

He chuckled and, matching her smile, returned her kiss. "That is exactly right, my dear. Now let's hurry before Keiko gets impatient. We've got a long night ahead of us."

To Be Continued in Part Two…

OoOoOoO

A/N: This is Part One of a story written for the Tokka-Fans-United Pic and Fic Exchange. In total, there will be four parts/chapters to "Summer's Heat," and since it is nearly completed, you can expect updates to come weekly.

This story grew out of the drabble I had written for the "Crossdressing" theme for the first Tokka Week, nearly a year ago. It was never completed. This is the expanded/revised version of the original concept.

Thus the reason Sokka has to wear a dress.

"Summer's Heat" is also the direct sequel to "Worst Case Scenario," and takes place in the same canon of my Tokka Week one-shots. You do not have to read them to understand this story, but it might help with the back story.

Credit will be given to where credit is due. The idea of the Rogue and her Court comes from Tamora Pierce's Provost's Dog series. O-Shan is based directly on Port Caynn in the second book: Bloodhound.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy!