"It was an honour to care for the Avatar's bison," a fire nation guard told Aang as he handed him the reins. Aang laughed as Appa nuzzled into the surprised guard.

"Seems he likes you," Aang said through the laugh as he lightly tugged at the reins for Appa to follow him. He walked back to the rest of the gang waiting for him outside the Royal Palace. Toph stood slightly away from the rest of them as they exchanged goodbyes. Aang let go of Appa as he strode over to Toph, arms wide open. He felt like a brick wall hit him in the chest as Toph's hand shot out and stopped him.

"You know I'm not one for hugs Twinkle Toes," Toph said, keeping Aang at arm's length. Aang smiled as he dropped his arms to his side.

"I still don't get why you won't take a lift back on Appa," Aang said, as Appa lumbered up behind them.

"No offense to Fuzzball here, but I like being able to see while travelling, and I can do that on those metal ships," Toph explained as she reached out and rubbed the sky bison, getting a smirk from Aang. "You know what I mean. Zuko has already got a ship at the harbour for me anyway. Apparently I'll have VIP status, about time if you ask me." Aang dropped his head as he laughed.

"I'll make sure to get some extra padding on Appa's saddle just for you," Aang told her, "I guess I'll see you whenever." He stuck his hand out to Toph, who simply rolled her eyes as she reluctantly wrapped a single arm around Aang and pulled him in a hug. "See ya Toph," Aang said as he broke the hug, walking towards the rest of the group. "Watch were those hands go Fire Lord," Aang warned as Katara and Zuko hugged each other.

"I'd be more worried what Katara would do to me than you," Zuko stated as he let go, getting a laugh from the rest of them.

"Sokka's going blue, Ty Lee I think that's long enough," Suki said, standing with her arms crossed as Ty Lee kept her arms around Sokka's neck.

"Sorry, he's just really cuddly," Ty Lee apologised as she allowed him breath again, winking at Suki.

"Oh I certainly know how cuddly he can be," Suki joked as she took his hand and walked him a bit away from the group.

"Everything okay?" Sokka asked as she stopped.

"Yeah, just wanted to not have them all around us for a moment," Suki said, grinning up at him as she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck and his around her waist. "Make sure you come back soon, I missed you."

"Of course you did, although I'm sure you'd want me gone in a week if I stayed any longer," Sokka whispered as he leaned in and kissed her. Sokka glanced up as they kissed and spotted the sideways glances and little smirks on his friends' faces. He was about to go back to focusing on Suki when something odd caught his eye. Toph was staring directly over at them, an unusual expression on her face. Did I forget say goodbye to her? Sokka asked himself as he felt Suki gently push him back.

"You should probably get going, Katara and Aang are waiting on you," Suki said, motioning towards the two of them on top of Appa.

"They'll have to wait, I need to say bye to one last person," Sokka muttered, looking over Suki's shoulder at Toph. "I'll make sure to set something up for us soon." Sokka gave her a quick peck on her lips. He started walking towards Toph, who quickly looked away as soon as she felt him take a step in her direction.

"So you're not heading back with us?" Sokka asked as he reached her.

"Nope, the longer I spend away from the lily-livers the better," Toph said, glancing back at him.

"Don't want to hang out with us? It'll be like old times. Can't remember the last time the four of us were just flying around on Appa," Sokka suggested. Toph smirked at him.

"This week had made me remember how annoying you all can be, I'll probably be happy to get away from the lot of you," Toph joked. "Have fun being forced to listen to Aang and Katara being little love birds." Sokka raised his eyebrow at Toph, but didn't respond. "Think that just because-" Toph was cut short as Sokka moved forward with surprising speed and she found herself pressed against his chest. Her mind raced as that annoying shiver that Sokka seemed to always cause went up her spine and through the rest of her body.

"A silver piece says Toph punches him in the stomach," Katara muttered to Aang, who gave a short nod. However Toph was more focused on the muscular chest and arms that now surrounded her. Sokka couldn't help but smile as he felt Toph relax against him and her hands move up along his back.

"Fine... I'll miss you Snoozles," Toph admitted as she leaned into him some more. They stayed that way for a few seconds, until Toph remembered that their friends were watching. "Alright, that's enough hugging for me Meathead," Toph told him, pushing him away. Sokka let out an embarrassed chuckle as he noticed Toph blushing, causing himself to blush. "Remember what I said when we got back to the house the first night?"

"About us meeting up again?" Sokka said, trying to think back.

"Yeah, just keep that in your head," Toph said as she looked away, trying to hide the blush spreading further across her face.

"I'll randomly show up at your porch and you'll have to deal with me, whether you like it or not," Sokka joked as he watched her. He took a glance back to his sister, who had her hands on her hips and had an annoyed look on her face. "Guess I'll see you soon."

"See ya Sokka," Toph mumbled and began walking towards Zuko, Suki and Ty Lee. "You said I'd get the VIP treatment Sparky, where's the carriage?!"

"Yip yip," Aang called to Appa as Sokka climbed into the saddle.

"What was that all about?" Katara asked, eyebrow raised as Sokka sat at the back of the saddle.

"I was just saying goodbye to Toph. I can't give her a hug now?" Sokka said defensively, looking back at the group as they flew away.

"I'm just surprised she let you, lost a silver piece because of it," Katara explained, caught off guard by the annoyance in his voice. Aang raised the silver piece in victory and began to roll it across his knuckles.

"Oh..." Sokka began, but didn't continue, deciding instead to stare out across the city as they flew away.

A Month Later

Sokka faced off against his opponent with his sword, a design he had been working on for a while now, held to the left side of his head, pointing upwards. His opponent, mirroring his stance, shifted his weight and made a cut. Sokka shifted his right leg behind him in a passing step as he threw his own cut at the oncoming blade. He repeated the movement on the opposite side as his opponent's sword came around and the blades bound together. He relaxed for a millisecond, until he saw his foe wind and bring his point on line with his face. Sokka managed to bring his hands back and twist them outwards, throwing the angle of the thrust off just in time. He pushed the pommel up with his right hand, bringing it the left side of his head again. However this time his sword was directed at the face of his opponent. A small step later and the point was now pressed against his throat. Sokka felt the man swallow, before breaking into a smile.

"Not bad, almost had you there," the man said as Sokka took the point away from him.

"You shouldn't have, I relaxed when I should have pressed for the initiative," Sokka mumbled with a sigh. "In an actual fight I wouldn't have got so lucky." He felt a tap on his chest and looked up to see the man moved back into his side of the fighting ring.

"Are you going to mope about or fight?" the man jeered. Sokka laughed as he brought his sword up against his chest, pointed it at the man and brought it back up.

"I didn't realise we were fighting Bato," Sokka shot back as he bent into his stance. He kept his blade pointed towards Bato as he advanced with his right foot forward. His hilt was held back at his left hip, ready to thrust. Once again Bato was mirroring his stance. As they came within striking distance, Sokka saw Bato's eyes widen just a bit, and the thrust came fast and strong. Sokka stepped back as he twisted his sword and deflected the thrust off to his right. He brought his hilt above his head, pointing the blade downward to form a sort of shield on his left side. It easily blocked the cut from Bato as he brought it back around, using the momentum from Sokka's displacement.

Gotcha! Sokka thought to himself as he watched Bato bring the sword around to strike at his now open right side. He swapped his stance and brought his hilt down and up above his head again, forming the shield on his right. Bato was careful not to step too far forward as to not impale himself on Sokka's sword as he switched to the other side. Sokka took a step to the outside with his left leg and slid his right out of the way as Bato cut strongly at his defense. He yielded to Bato's strength, using the momentum to swing his sword back around, stopping just short of Bato's neck. The two warriors grinned at each other.

"Excellent," came a voice from behind Sokka, "Reminds me of when I was your age." Hakoda clapped his son on the back as he walked up to him.

"I don't know Hakoda, I'd say Sokka could give you a run for your money," Bato announced, causing Sokka to look down at his feet, embarrassed at the praise he felt he didn't deserve.

"We'll have to test that sometime," Hakoda laughed. "Although not today, I have a letter for you, from the Fire Nation," Hakoda said, taking out a sealed letter and handing it to Sokka. Sokka gave a small nod of thanks to his father as he took it, and walked a bit away to read it.

"Dear Sokka..." he whispered to himself. It pains me to say this, but I have to cancel your visit to the Fire Nation and we won't be able to see each other for another couple of weeks. An important trip has been scheduled for Zuko, that I have to- He stopped reading there, crumpled up the letter and tossed it over to his bag.

"It everything okay?" Hakoda asked, concern in his eyes as he watched Sokka step back into his side of the ring. He got a curt nod in response. Bato smiled as he lightly pushed Hakoda to the side.

"I'm betting on girl trouble," Bato joked as he turned to Sokka. They did the small salut and faced off again, swords at the left sides of their heads once more. Sokka advanced quickly, but it was Bato who threw the cut. Sokka, instead of retreating, made a passing step towards him. Bato was surprised at the rage in Sokka's eyes as he came forward. Sokka caught the cut with the false edge near the hilt of his sword and pushed upwards as soon as they connected. With the longer guard he designed, he didn't have to worry about it sliding and cutting his hand as he pushed up. He took another passing step, slightly to the right of centre as he forced Bato's sword up. He released his left hand from the grip, keeping hold of it with his right as he swung his left leg behind Bato. He wrapped his free arm around Bato's waist and let out a grunt of anger as he flipped Bato over his hip with ease. Bato landed hard on his front on the snow free ground. Sokka's left hand was already back on the hilt and swung down, stopping the cut above the downed warrior.

"Sokka!" Hakoda shouted in anger as he rushed into the ring. Sokka turned and allowed his sword to scrape along the ground as he stomped back to his bag, tossing the crumpled letter inside. He breathed deeply as he leaned against the wall of ice. He looked back with worry as he saw Hakoda help Bato to his feet. He hurried over to them and bowed deeply.

"Bato, I'm so sorry. I let my emotions get the best of me and took it out on you. I understand if you no longer wish to train with me after today," Sokka said as he bowed. His eyes glanced to Hakoda as he came back up. "I accept whatever punishment you deem fit for me." Sokka kept his eyes downcast as Hakoda opened his mouth to scold him, but a hand on his chest stopped.

"Sokka," Bato began, glancing at Hakoda as he took his hand away from his chief's chest and stepped towards the young warrior. "I accept you apology, even though I see no need for one." Both Sokka and Hakoda looked at him in confusion. "I don't think I could bring myself punish such an expertly done throw, however next time take a minute or two to cool off if you get heated." He placed his hands on Sokka's shoulders. "It's good to see that aggression come out. You wait too long sometimes, uncertain of your movements. I would say today was an excellent session."

"Thank you," Sokka muttered, completely thrown after the praise. "I'll keep that in mind."

"As long as no one was seriously hurt," Hakoda said, smiling the two of them. "Oh I need help in the office, if you'd like to come." Sokka gave a short nod.

"These old bones aren't what they used to be, don't think I've taken a bump that hard since the Hundred Year War," Bato joked as he stretched his back. He picked up his sword and looked over it. "The design is excellent by the way, everything seems to work perfectly. What do you call it?" Sokka's brow creased as he tried to think of a name for it.

"It's quite the long sword," Hakoda noted, taking the weapon from Bato and having a few practice swings. "Longer than most I've seen in the field." Sokka's eyebrows shot up as soon as Hakoda finished that sentence. He scanned his own sword, turning it over as he did so.

"It's a longsword!" Sokka announced, a sense of pride in his voice.

"It certainly is a long sword, but that doesn't answer my question," Bato said, raising an eyebrow at him.

"It does," Sokka said with a laugh. "It's a longsword." He grinned at Bato and his father. Bato was even more confused, but he was pretty sure Hakoda understood, at least from the similar grin he had.

Two Week Later

Sokka sat in what he supposed was his office, although it had originally simply been a large storeroom for his father. He stared at the stack of papers on the left of his desk, then at the smaller stack of papers on the right and finally an even smaller stack at the opposite side of his desk. He sighed as he tried to read the same paper for the third time, something about supplies from the Fire Nation. He managed to get a quarter of the way though it, before his eyes wandered his office. He knew the work wouldn't be the most exciting thing, but he never realised how bored he would be dealing with building permits and disputes.

"Sokka," a voice pulled him out of his thoughts. He glanced up and saw his father standing in the doorway. He sat up straighter as he walked in, and fidgeted with the ink brush when he noticed Hakoda looking at the stacks of paper.

"I have been meaning to talk to you," Hakoda said, sitting cross-legged across from him. Sokka met his eyes and waited. "How have you been feeling?"

"I'm fine," Sokka answered instinctively, before letting out a deep sigh. "Tired and annoyed." Hakoda smiled at his son.

"I had been thinking that maybe you should take a break, your sister has been going on and on about how unfair it was that we spend so much time together here," Hakoda told him. "Plus you've already been working so hard. You deserve one." Sokka was quiet for a moment, before letting out a laugh.

"If Katara wants to die of boredom, she can be my guest," Sokka said, rolling his shoulders back. Hakoda gave him a strained smile.

"I know you're still upset about Suki cancelling the visit, I think it'll be good if you had some time to yourself, do whatever you want to do for a while," Hakoda told him, watching Sokka's head drop at the mention of her name. "A seventeen, nearly eighteen year old shouldn't be locked up in some state building, he should be out having fun, meeting some pretty girls." He smiled sheepishly as Sokka shot him a look. "Of course that last one is off-limits." Sokka couldn't help but grin at his father, who grinned right back.

"Thanks, I think I'll head back to the house, let Katara know how much fun she'll have," Sokka said as he stood.

"Good," Hakoda said, standing with him. "Oh and Sokka," Hakoda began, and Sokka braced for some more lecturing. "Change your clothes." Sokka frowned as he looked down, and began cursing at the ends of his fur coat, which were a mess of ink stains.

An Hour Later

Sokka sat in his room, the blank paper, ink well and brushes of many different sizes laid out in front of him. He glanced at the letter from Suki on top of his bedside table. He had read it multiple times since he first got it, and each time he couldn't stop how much anger he felt towards his girlfriend, the Fire Lord and he eventually realised himself. He told himself he shouldn't have left it go for so long without setting up a trip.

"Too late now," Sokka muttered to himself as he picked up the brush. He sat there for a few minutes, simply taking deep breaths. He started with a simple circle, a pretty good circle if he said so himself. He leaned forward again and began to paint. He wasn't exactly sure what he was painting, and he didn't have a moment to think as certain phrases from the letter began to come to his mind.

Pains me to say this...

He dipped his brush in the ink again. He began painting on the left and right side of the circle, little strokes here and there made whatever it was look puffy and wispy.

We won't be able to see each other...

He painted a very precise single spiral as he went from just below the top of the circle to the middle. He went from the same point again, doing a slightly wider curve. At certain intervals he would paint what he guessed must have been feathers. He painted more along the inside of what was probably a wing.

I have to be there... for Zuko...

He knew that wasn't what it actually said, but his brain seemed to think that those two fit. He finished the wing. A small tail appeared as he continued, changing brushes as he saw fit. Slowly but surely four hooves, that seemed to stand on nothing, came to fruition.

You'll be my number one priority...

He doubted it, she seemed too caught up with the Fire Lord for anyone else to take priority over him, even her boyfriend. He finally began work on the head of whatever creature this was. The rage filled eye made the creature even more dangerous looking.

Love you, Suki.

He finally sat back from the painting, and noticed it was beginning to become dark out. He wasn't exactly sure how long he had been at this. He looked back at his work and cocked his head sideways. Even now, after it was finished, he still wasn't sure what he had painted. He wasn't that bad at painting anymore, Katara had at least stopped making fun of his paintings. He stared at it for a few more moments, hoping it would tell him what it was. He was about to give up when something clicked in the back of his mind.

"Toph," Sokka mumbled. The ends of his mouth turned up in a goofy smile as he looked at the symbol of the Beifong family, The Flying Boar. He quickly stood and begin packing his clothes and other essentials.

"Is everything okay in here?" Katara asked as she poked her head through the door. Sokka looked at her, the goofy grin still there.

"Katara!," he exclaimed as he bounded over to her. "Would you do something for you loving big brother?"

"What?" Katara asked cautiously, frowning at him as she took a small step back.

"Would you make that paint dry? I gotta run to Dad's office for a bit." He was already passed her and down the stairs before she could reply. "You're the best!" she heard him call back. She walked over to the table and looked at the painting.

"That's not actually half bad," Katara stated as she raised her hands and focused on the ink. She rolled her eyes as she began carefully drying the ink. "I'm sure Toph will love it, if she wasn't blind."

The next story in the series! It even comes with my first fight sequence, although no bending yet. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and would love if you could leave a comment letting me know what you thought of it. School is edging ever closer, so chapters may take longer to get out. Thank you very much for reading.

Big thanks to Campside on DeviantArt for allowing to use his excellent drawing for the cover photo.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar The Last Airbender or its character, they were created by Bryan Konietzko and Mike Dante Dimartino, and belong to Viacom.