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

A/N: One of my reviewers, the awesome Bluetiger, reminded me that Mai mentioned, in Part Five: 3, that Toph's blow broke Nani's hand. This was not mentioned ever again, however. I had forgotten that detail, so I apologize. I have edited the line so that it is a little more open to interpretation.

Much thanks to Bluetiger for pointing it out to me!

I now present to you the epilogue to "Summer's Heat!"

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Summer's Heat: Epilogue

OoOoOoO

Zuko heard Sokka long before he saw him. The steady tap-tap-tap of a wooden crutch echoed down the hallway and into the Fire Lord's private office. Sokka appeared in the open doorway a second later.

"Hey, buddy. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes," said Zuko, setting aside the paperwork he had been tending to. He gestured. "Please, come on in, Sokka." He watched as his friend limped forward. "Do you…?"

"Nah, I'm all good."

Sokka, leaning heavily on his crutch, hobbled into the small room. His dark skin was paler than was usual for the Tribesman. Mottled, healing bruises colored his tired, wan face. A fine, spidery white line—a future scar—dashed across his cheek. His left leg was bandaged and splinted.

Zuko felt his stomach tie up in knots.

Heaving himself into a chair near Zuko's work-desk, Sokka leaned back and let loose a contended sigh. He opened one eye and grinned at Zuko.

"Looks and sounds bad, I know, but I'm doing much better," he said. "The healers say I'm coming along all swimmingly, and stuff like that. Just you watch. I'll be back to normal before you know it!"

"I'm glad to hear it." Zuko worried the inside of his cheek. "Where's Toph?"

Sokka shrugged stiffly. All his movements were stiff and slow. "She's sleeping."

"Sleeping? It's almost noon! You should have woken her."

"Zuko, Zuko… Have you ever tried waking up Toph when she's not ready to be woken up?" Sokka shook his head. "Not pretty, my man, not pretty. She can be downright moody. Worse than my sister, even, and that's saying something!"

"Still, this is important. I was hoping both of you would come," said Zuko. "It does involve both of you."

"Then I'll tell her later. Problem solved."

"I don't think it is that simple."

Sokka fingered a stray thread on the arm of his chair. A crease formed along his brow. "Look… She's tired, okay? We went for a walk in the back gardens this morning. Katara said we could. And, well, it wore her out. She went to bed right after we got back to our room. I didn't want to wake her up. She deserves a little rest."

The older man spared a glance at the etching he kept on his work-desk. It was a sketch of him and Mai on their wedding day. Mai, dressed in the formal, traditional dress of a Fire Nation bride, was actually smiling.

Zuko sighed, head pounding, and said, "Yes… Yes, she does."

"I think it also has a lot to do with this tea Katara's giving her," said Sokka.

"Tea?"

"Uh-huh. Some sort of herbal remedy stuff. Your uncle told Katara about it. It makes Toph sleepy, but it's supposed to help with the pain in her hand." Sokka's jaw clenched. "It's been bothering her pretty badly lately."

Zuko could see the pain of that particular wound did not touch just Toph. His brother-by-bond looked sick and distracted. The Fire Lord had a feeling that Sokka had lingered by Toph's side, before answering Zuko's summons, until the last possible moment.

And how could he have just expected…? Zuko felt a familiar, hot tightness build up in his chest. He knew the emotion all too well.

"I'm sorry…" he whispered. He wondered if Sokka had even heard him.

The Wolf had.

"What for?" said Sokka. His eyes, still sharp and aware for all his weariness, darted back up to lock onto his friend's face. "It's not your fault, Zuko."

"Yes, yes it is."

"No, I don't think so. I'm quite positive Toph was out earthbending the other day when she wasn't supposed to. And if we're pointing fingers… ah…" Sokka grimaced, flushing. "Well, if we want someone to blame, let's blame the bitch who did it in the first place. You know?"

"No, I—" Zuko cut off and, drumming his fingers against the desktop, sighed. "Forget it. It's nothing."

His friend lifted a brow. "You sure?" said Sokka.

"Yes. And besides, we have more important business to take care of."

Sokka, apparently, was easily diverted. "Right, right," he said, grinning. He nodded and leaned forward in the chair. "I'm guessing you didn't call me in here to spend some quality time with me and my charming personality, huh?"

"Hardly…" Zuko tossed Sokka a small, rolled piece of parchment. "That arrived by hawk just this morning. I thought you might be interested in it. Go ahead and take a look."

Sokka unrolled the paper and read over the scrawled note inside. His blue eyes widened. "Oh. Wow. The Guards captured Yen Mang?"

Yen Mang was, or once had been, a top lieutenant in the Rogue's now dissolved Court of Thieves. Rumors had circulated the past week and a half that he was planning on rebuilding Rin's empire, this time with himself as its head.

"Yes. And, with him, a number of those who escaped the city that night," said Zuko. "They are currently being escorted to the capital as we speak."

"You think he'll talk?"

"Yen Mang is brilliant, and a lifelong criminal, but deep down he is a coward." A wry smile pulled at his mouth. "I think he will tell us a great deal about Rin, and her past associations too, in exchange for his life."

Sokka laughed. "You know, I think you just might be right." He fell back into his chair and, with some effort, placed his hands behind his head. "Yep… Things are finally looking up, buddy! We'll have all those rat-vipers caught in no time."

"We can only hope that is the case. I still worry."

"Huh?" was Sokka's eloquent response. "Why? Getting Yen Mang is a good thing! He's bound to know information we can use to prosecute Rin's allies."

"Maybe… But against all her allies?"

"I don't understand."

Zuko stood. Without a word, he strode across the length of the office to the door. He looked around the outside hallway for a few moments. He saw no one. The Fire Lord shut the door and repeated the process with the window behind his desk.

Sokka watched all of this with a face drawn up in confusion.

"Zuko, what's going on?"

"I called you in here for a reason, Sokka, and it wasn't just to show you that we now have Yen Mang." Zuko sat back down in his high-backed chair. "The fact of the matter is that I'm afraid you and Toph are in some danger."

The younger man started. He frowned as somber note fell into his raspy voice. "But Rin and Nani are in the Guards' custody," he said, sitting straight. "They're being held in the Tower, aren't they? There's no way they can—"

"I am not talking about those two, Sokka. There are others we have to worry about, and they are not in a cell. At least not at the moment… And that is the problem."

Sokka fidgeted in his seat. "I have a feeling I'm not going to like this problem."

"And I know you won't. Sokka, when you and Toph were working undercover, you were able to see most, if not all, of Rin's backers, or at least her fervent supporters, during that meeting. Is that correct?"

"Well, yeah. You know that," he said. "Toph and I gave you a list of the people there."

"Yes, you did. And I am very grateful that you did, too, because that list has opened the door to finally bringing some very dangerous people to justice. Not only that, you've positively identified suspected traitors and brought to light people we had not suspected before now. Your list has opened the door to some very interesting… changes."

Sokka was nodding, and he beamed as he smiled like a whiskered cat with some very tasty cream. Zuko almost hated to drag that proud look off his face. But for Sokka and Toph's sake, he knew he had to. He had to tell the truth.

"But, Sokka… That is about as far as it has gone."

"Only an open door?" said Sokka. "You mean… you mean you haven't even arrested these guys?"

Zuko shook his head. "No. Not all of them."

"Why not?" Sokka crossed his arms. "You're not making any sense, Zuko. All you're giving me is a bunch of cryptic warnings and half-answers. Is that an inherited trait from your uncle, or something?"

"I am not trying to be cryptic, Sokka. I think you already understand what I saying." Zuko smoothed a hand over the very list they were talking about. A long line of scrawled names decorated the parchment. "You're too smart not to see the truth."

Sokka only sulked and stared at him. Zuko sighed, irritated with this show of stubbornness. No wonder he and Toph were perfect for each other! But was it possible that Sokka had not considered this matter after all?

Well, he has been in recovery this past week. He and Toph probably haven't wanted to think much on this, after what they went through.

"Okay. I will explain it to you."

"That would help."

"Your list is the nail on the coffin for many people. They have been arrested and will be tried soon. But these are mostly Rin's direct cohorts, or those of a lower class. Perhaps even mid-classmen we have some evidence on. But Sokka… that's not the entirety of the list. Is it?"

A dark scowl passed over Sokka's face. It was so expressive that it added some color to his white pallor. Zuko knew his friend well enough to recognize that the Southern Wolf had a scent and did not much like it.

He wet his lips and shook his head. "No. There were several noblemen and women at that meeting, too."

"And not just any other noblemen and women, either," said Zuko, slowly, "but high-ranking government officials."

"Uh-huh. But we've suspected a bunch of those fat-cats for a while. They've given you trouble in the past. This will—"

Zuko interrupted him. "Sokka… Arresting them, much less accusing these people of betrayal of the Crown… It is not so easy a thing."

A heavy flush passed over Sokka's face. "But they were there, Zuko! I saw them with my own eyes!" He pointed at his blue eyes for emphasis. "And Toph heard them! I swear to you, they were there! And they were all hooting and hollering Rin's name too! Toph and I wouldn't just shove their names on that list because we didn't like them!"

"I believe you. Trust me, I do." Zuko let loose a long, slow breath, and rubbed at his temples. "But that does not change that you and Toph have caused a few problems in naming these people as Rin's backers. They have means, power and money and connections, and up until now they have been moral, law-abiding citizens. Arresting and prosecuting them will not be as easy as it will be with Rin and her army of thieves."

"But what about Yen Mang, and all those others you've rounded up?"

"They are thieves. Their testimony is tainted and will be questioned."

"But… the list!"

"Is not enough on its own, Sokka," said the Fire Lord firmly. "We need more evidence to corroborate your statements, and right now we do not have that."

"So what are you saying, Zuko?" said Sokka. He sounded agitated, and Zuko did not much blame him. "That you can't arrest them? That they're free right now and probably will be for a while, if not forever?"

Zuko hesitated but finally nodded. "I am afraid so."

"But they… they gave Rin her money! Sure, they didn't know it was going towards that damn gun, but they knew she was using it to plan a way to massacre everybody at the banquet! They didn't turn that crank, but they're just as guilty! People died because of them! They're all murderers!"

Sokka's breath was now harsh and unsteady. He was wearing himself out.

"Zuko, we can't… We can't just let them go! We can't let them get away with this 'cause… 'cause they've got some fucking money and clout!"

"No," said Zuko. He spoke firmly and curtly. He did not want there to be any room for doubt. "No, we won't. I won't let that happen, ever. I am only telling you that it will take time and effort. But, Sokka, if I have my way, they will face justice. They will pay for what they have done. Their day will come. I promise you that."

Sokka's tense shoulders drooped. "I… I trust you."

"I'm glad. Still…" Zuko's brow furrowed. "There is a problem."

"The time deal, you mean," said Sokka, in a somewhat calmer voice. "Their day isn't coming as soon as we'd like."

"And that is what worries me."

Zuko looked Sokka in the eyes. Was there understanding in that gaze? He hoped so. It was very important that Sokka knew what they now faced.

"Like I said, you and Toph have fingered very powerful people as traitors, Sokka. These noblemen and women have a lot to lose. And you know as well as I do that desperate people do desperate things."

"You think these guys will try to hurt me and Toph because we know too much."

It was not a question.

"I think they will try to do more than that," said Zuko in a very quiet voice. "I think they want to remove you two from the equation completely."

Sokka scoffed, but there was not much heat behind it. "Surely they won't risk—"

"They will. They have." Sokka jerked his head back towards Zuko. His eyes were wide and his mouth agape. "I did not want to tell you until now, since you were still recovering… An unknown admirer sent you and Toph a belated wedding gift two days ago."

"But nobody, except you, even knows that we're married."

The muscles in Zuko's neck tightened. He had promised Sokka and Toph he would not tell anyone else their secret, but that did not mean he had to like it.

"Exactly, and that is why I was suspicious. I had it opened. And it is a good thing I am a firebender, because I might have experienced your present personally." Zuko clenched a fist. "There were two rat-vipers in the box, Sokka."

Rat-vipers were among the most poisonous of creatures found in the Fire Nation. Their venom could kill a man in as few as five minutes. The quick serpents would have made quick work of two unarmed, weakened lovers.

Sokka did not shudder. He did start with shock or disgust. The man only frowned as a sort of bland expression fell over his face. Zuko noted, however, that a hot, hateful fire raged in his eyes. He gave a curt nod.

"Okay. So high-ranking people want us dead, and with their power and connections, they can easily make it happen."

"Yes. We need evidence, but that does not change the fact that your testimony, and Toph's, will be the lynchpin in any investigation we are leveling against them. It is the reason we are investigating at all. We need you both to bring them down, and they know it."

Zuko suddenly banged his fist on the table.

"But that's not the whole point. The point is that these traitors are threatening you, and I don't like it."

A half-smile touched Sokka's lips. "I knew you cared, buddy." Zuko only grunted. Sokka sobered again, quickly, and almost slumped in his seat. "So… What are we going to do? I mean, what do you want us to do, Zuko?"

"I think it would be best if you and Toph went on a trip."

"A trip?" he said.

Zuko nodded. "And preferably to some place far from the Fire Nation. I would like it even better if you chose something that was far from any city or good-sized town, too."

"Okay, let me see if I've got this straight. While the investigations are going on, and you and your guys are getting more evidence on these guys, Toph and I go into hiding?"

"Yes. I think it would be for the best." Zuko sighed. "And you would be safer. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you or Toph, Sokka."

"Zuko, don't worry," said Sokka. "Nothing's going to happen. Things really didn't go our way this last time, but Toph and I have always been pretty good at making a quick escape."

The Fire Lord offered a harsh laugh. "Oh, I can believe that. I do remember that first anniversary prank of yours."

"Yeah, it was a classic, wasn't it?"

"Maybe for you, but not so much for the rest of us," said Zuko.

He received no reply or second witty retort.

Sokka stared at the floor, his brow furrowed. His breathing was very, very even. Zuko knew those signs all to well. Sokka was thinking. He also knew not to disturb Sokka during this process. He could not help but think that Sokka's mind was a lot like one of the new clockwork mechanisms the Mechanist had invented; many different parts came together to make a whole, but if one piece failed the rest came to a dead halt.

He did not have too long to wait. Sokka cleared his throat and glanced back up at him. "I think it's high time that Toph and I took a vacation," he said.

"So you know of a place?"

Sokka nodded. "I think so. It's out in the Earth Kingdom. It's really isolated, too. No one lives there for miles and miles." He pursed his lips. "We stayed there, for a couple of nights, when we were tracking Azula."

"Ah." Zuko drummed his fingers again on the tabletop. "That will work. You can give me the exact coordinates just before you leave. I'll contact you when it is safer for you and Toph in the Fire Nation."

"We'll leave soon, then." Sokka scratched his head. "Um… Can I make a suggestion?"

"Of course you can. What is it?"

"Well… The way I see it, me and Toph need a reason for just vanishing. We don't want these bastards saying we're running off with our tails between our legs because we can't back up our story."

Zuko smiled. This matter had occurred to him, but it was Sokka who offered a nice solution. "I agree. They may suggest you are biased against them, anyway. No sense in giving them anything else to work with."

"No, sir, and that's the idea." Sokka patted his trousers and rocked back and forth. "I have the perfect excuse too. I've waited for a while now to give Toph a reason to wear this again."

He reached into a pocket and took out a necklace. In appearance it was similar to Katara's betrothal necklace, but it was also very different. The stone itself was made from bright-green jade. The symbol etched into the gem was a melding of the Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom insignias.

It was a beautiful piece of work.

"I spent weeks on this," said Sokka, quietly, smiling warmly. Pride radiated off him in waves. "It took forever just to find the right stone, and then I had to be careful not to mess it up like I usually do. I wanted it to be perfect, you know? I wanted it to be perfect for her."

Zuko shifted in his chair.

"It is very well done," he said lamely.

"She liked it. It kind of surprised me. It's not nearly as nice as the one Aang made for Katara. But she did. She'd be wearing it now, too, but…" He trailed off and shrugged. "We can't do that without telling the world we're…." Sokka trailed off.

"How long have you been married?" Zuko asked.

Sokka hesitated. He sighed and said, "Almost a year and a half."

Zuko's brows shot up into his hairline. He had expected maybe a few weeks, or possibly a month or two. Sokka and Toph were hardly the types to keep a secret for too long. But, no, it had been a year and a half. A year and a half! How could it be that no one had noticed?

Now, though, a lot of little things made sense. Why they had snuck off a few months ago and weren't seen for three days. Their first anniversary… Why their rooms in the Fire Palace were so close together… So they could sneak in a night together, without anyone knowing…

Spirits above, it was true!

"And you haven't told anyone…" he said, frowning, "because…?"

"We would have! It's just… Well, it's complicated." Sokka looked embarrassed, but he was not ashamed either. His shoulders drew back and he sat up straighter than he had during the entire conversation. "You remember when we asked for a little break after the whole deal with Azula?"

"Yes, and I agreed with you. I gave you free-run of the beach house for as long as you wanted it."

Oh no. Sweet Agni, what had they actually done there?

"Yeah… Well, after that, it got me to thinking. We both could have died in that abandoned fishing town, and I never would have had the chance to give her this necklace." He thumbed the stone over and over as he talked. "I'd been working on it before, see, and it was basically finished, but I hadn't really asked her yet."

"But you decided it was the right time, after almost losing her."

Sokka nodded. "So while we were there, I proposed. On the beach and everything, 'cause it's the meeting of the earth and ocean. Get it?" He laughed giddily. "It's like us. She's the earth and I'm the water.

"And… And Toph said yes. She said yes, and we were really happy. I mean, really happy. We went out to celebrate, and…"

"Oh, let me guess." The Fire Lord scowled. "You both got drunk."

Sokka flushed. "I did. Toph just got a little tipsy. She doesn't much like that sort of stuff. You know that. She only had some because it was a special occasion. Well, that, and she wanted to prove she could hold her liquor better than I could."

"Spirits above," muttered Zuko, face in his hands.

"But, yeah," continued Sokka, as if Zuko had not said a word. "We were both kind of out of our minds that night. We didn't really discuss it. We just… We just…" He rubbed the nape of his neck and chuckled. "Hell, there's no other way of putting it. We just up and did it."

"On Ember Island…" Zuko knew there were a few quick-wedding temples on Ember Island. They did well for themselves, since the clientele on Ember Island were either lovers or vacationing—and sometimes very horny—teenagers. "You married Toph, my surrogate baby sister, on Ember Island," he said dully. "And on the same day you proposed to her."

Sokka heard the older man's tone of voice. The nervousness and embarrassment slipped away, quick as lightning, and the backbone he had displayed moments ago returned. He glared heatedly at Zuko. If he had been a wolf, and not just named after one, his hackles would have been raised and his fangs bore.

"Fine, okay, I get it," he said in short bursts of breath. "It sounds terrible. Maybe it is. I don't know, and, sorry, I don't much care. That was one of the happiest days of my life. Nothing you or the others say will ever change that."

The Fire Lord was struck by the intensity of emotions his friend displayed. Sokka had always worn his feelings on his sleeve. It was easy to tell that he was not only angry but upset, and even hurt.

A sinking sensation—guilt, it could only be guilt—pulled at his stomach.

"I'm sorry, Sokka," he said. He looked his friend in the eyes. "I have no right to question your decision, or your marriage."

"You're damn right you don't," said Sokka, his pale cheeks stained with color. He held the betrothal necklace close to his chest. "Maybe it didn't turn out the way we wanted it to, but it was still special. I don't want you, or Aang, or Katara, or anybody else thinking it was dirty or wrong."

"Who the hell has told you that?"

Sokka grunted. "Well, no one. Not yet, at least, and if you are so—! Jeez, this—" he gestured wildly "—is why we didn't tell anybody!"

Zuko drew in a tight breath. Make it right.

"Tell me, Sokka, do you love Toph?"

"Of course I do! I love her more than anyone or anything. Why else would I—"

"And does she love you?"

"Well, yeah, but—"

"Then your marriage is pure. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool, and not worth your time."

And that includes me too.

Sokka did not say anything for a moment. Then, with an airy sigh, he chuckled and nodded. "Thanks, Zuko."

"I am a little confused, though," said Zuko, wanting to cut away the tension. He thought it was pressing down on both of them, and it was not a comfortable feeling. "If you are not embarrassed, why wouldn't you want to tell us?"

"Other than the condemnation and abuse we're sure to get from just about everybody? Zuko, we basically got drunk and eloped. It's not that hard to get."

"Then why keep the engagement a secret? That wouldn't have caused any trouble now, would it?"

"Well, that's the complicated part." Sokka leaned back in his chair. He closed his eyes and sighed. "Like I said, we figured you guys would be mad that we eloped, and got married without you there to witness it. Hell knows Katara would be, and Toph's parents would cry bride-kidnapping, or something like that.

"So we decided we'd wait for a little bit. I'd propose to her again, with everybody there, and then we could plan a wedding. No one would have to know we were already married. But nothing ever goes to plan. Especially not my plans…"

He yawned and did not go on to explain, but Zuko caught on fairly quickly.

"Aang proposed to Katara before you had a chance to follow through with your plan."

"Bingo. That's it exactly. It ruined everything! We didn't feel like ruining their big moment, or their big day either, so we agreed to keep our mouths shut. We'd wait a little bit longer."

"A lot longer, apparently," said Zuko. "They've been married for a long time now. So why haven't you stepped forward yet?"

"Jeez, Zuko, don't you know anything?" Sokka, his eyes still closed, smiled and held up a finger. "A man has to wait for the right moment to propose to his one true love."

"But you're already married!"

"So? That doesn't change anything. It should still be a romantic moment."

Zuko crossed his arms and transfixed Sokka with a smirk. "I think you two just like sneaking around."

Sokka laughed. He laughed hard enough that it hurt his healing ribs. Groaning, he smiled and nodded tersely. "Yeah, that… too…" He smoothed a hand over his chest and grimaced. "But now we need a reason to run off… And we never did get to have a honeymoon…"

"You want one now?"

Sokka peered up at him through teary eyes. "It was… just… a suggestion…"

"And a good one," said Zuko. "I like it." His smirk softened into a smile. "You and Toph will have your dream wedding."

A goofy grin danced its way across Sokka's face. His blue eyes positively sparkled. "You… you mean it…?"

"No, I'm joking. We all know what a great comic I am." His friend pulled a face and, despite himself, because he had been trying to keep a straight face, Zuko chuckled. "Yes, I mean it. I might as well. Toph's parents are here, and so is your father. If not now, when? It will also give us a reason to get rid of you two for a while."

"And keep you from killing me for marrying your baby sister behind your back."

"Yes, there's that too. Though I am still thinking about it…"

"Scary. I'll have to sleep with one eye open for a while." Sokka kept a good lid on himself because he only chortled lightly. He heaved himself up off the chair and leaned on his crutch. A long, drawling sigh passed through his lips. "When will we…?"

"As soon as possible would be best. Everyone knows you and Toph are close. A wedding so soon after an engagement will not raise too many eyebrows."

Sokka nodded. "Right, sounds good to me."

"The rest of us will look after the arrangements, so don't worry. With such short notice, though, it will not be a very big ceremony."

"Good. We didn't want it big. Toph hates large crowds. Gives her headaches…"

"Okay then. Now, Sokka…" Zuko walked from behind his desk and placed a hand on Sokka's shoulder. "Go back to bed. You're tired. Toph is not the only one who deserves from rest, after all."

"A nap would be nice…"

"Well, go already. We've finished here."

"I'm off, then." Sokka hobbled towards the door. Before leaving, however, he glanced back over his shoulder at Zuko. "Hey, listen…"

Zuko had just sat back down to his work. "Yes? What is it?"

"I know you feel bad about what happened, Zuko," he said slowly. "But don't beat yourself up too bad okay? We were all pretty much idiots on this one."

Sokka pulled open the door and limped out into the hallway. The door shut behind him on its own.

Zuko blinked at where his friend—one of his best friends—had stood. He could hardly believe what he had just heard. Had Sokka somehow been able to read his mind? How had he known…?

Maybe it was possible Sokka was not as easily diverted from a subject as he had thought.

He smiled and leaned back in his chair.

Maybe I am a fool, but at least I have good friends.

OoOoOoO

The tiny house was over five miles from the nearest settlement. Hidden by swaths of foliage and outcroppings of natural rock formations, it was made up of a kitchen, a bedroom, and a small sitting room for guests that would never come. A lazy river wound around the little abode. Forested hills, that in long-ago days had once been mountains, surrounded it.

Sokka and Toph had lived there for two days now.

Sokka, yawning and stretching, walked back into the house. He had just finished a watchful pass around the immediate area. He knew it was unlikely that anyone would sneak up on them, since no one—other than close friends and family, of course—knew where they were.

But after all that had happened, he did not want to take any chances.

He had not seen anything, though, and had quickly walked back to the house. He stepped through the tiny sitting room and then into the equally tiny bedroom. Barely paying attention, he started to tug off his weather-beaten shirt.

"Watch out, Sokka," said Toph.

Sokka immediately stopped. Peering down through the folds of his shirt, he saw that he had almost run into the side of the bed. His bad leg ached at the thought.

"Ah…" He smiled and tossed his shirt to the side. "Thanks, Toph."

Toph looked quite comfortable in her long, wide pants and one of his old shirts. She sat on the wide sill of the open window to the bedroom, but she kept one bare foot on the floor. She grinned, too, but did not turn her face away from the cool breeze flowing in from the outside world.

It hard rained earlier that day, so that the nighttime was not nearly as hot as the summer afternoon had been.

"Hey, aren't I always watching your back?" she said. She waggled her foot at him. "Did you hear anything?"

"Not even a whisper." He stole up behind her and, nuzzling her neck, wrapped his arms around her. "It's late, Toph. Come to bed."

"Now? But the air feels so nice… I don't want to move."

"It does feel nice." He kissed her cheek. "Tell you what. We'll keep the window open. That breeze will feel even better when we're beneath the covers and snuggling."

She laughed and, finally turning around, pressed her lips to his chin. One of her little hands gripped his shoulder. "Somebody sure sounds desperate to get me in bed with him," she whispered.

"Oh, you have no idea."

"Then, sure, why not?" she said. A smile danced across her face. "But only because I don't want to hear you whining for the rest of the night."

"Of course, dear, of course."

Sokka took her up in his arms and—quite gallantly, he thought—carried her to bed. Toph rested her cheek against his chest, and she looked so pleased and happy that he only reluctantly lay her down on the sheets. He was careful not to graze of jar her bandaged hand.

Moonlight pored in along with the breeze. It bathed everything, from the wilderness surrounding them to the dim interior of the room, in hues of silver and white. Sokka marveled at how heavenly and otherworldly it made everything seem.

"Beautiful," he murmured.

"I'll just have to take your word for it," said Toph.

"Oh, silly girl…" Sokka joined her on the bed. "I was talking about my lovely wife."

She blushed. "Were you now?"

"Uh-huh…"

He leaned forward and kissed her sweetly and softly on the lips. He heard Toph sigh into his mouth, and then she was returning his kiss. They were both flushing and smiling as they pulled away. He settled on his side, close to her, always close.

Her hand touched his chest, and he placed his hand on hers. They felt each other's heartbeats, and reveled.

"I'm glad we finally had a chance to have a honeymoon," she said.

"Me too."

"And that's not all." She grinned. "I finally got a chance to have you all to myself too."

A pleasurable blush raced up his neck and to his ears. Sokka rubbed her nose with his. "Same here, love. And we'll have so many more chances for that. I'm all yours for a few weeks, at least." He left a trail of kisses up and down her neck. "Oh! I have an idea, Toph."

"Hm?" She gently traced and caressed his face with her still healing hand. "What is it?"

"Let's go on a picnic tomorrow."

"A picnic?"

"Yeah. We can just grab some food out of the pantry, and walk down the river a little bit and set up somewhere. We can stay there all day, if you want. It'll be fun."

"Sounds nice," she said, with a cute—though he would never tell her that aloud—yawn. Let's do it."

"It's a date then." He fluffed their pillows and pulled back the covers. "Here we go," said Sokka, guiding Toph under the warm sheets with him. She scooted closer to him and nestled against his side. "Now…" he said, as he stroked her hair. "Isn't that better?"

She only hummed and kissed him a couple of times along his collarbone.

Sokka chuckled. "Goodnight, Toph," he said, eyes closing.

"G'night, Sokka."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

The End

OoOoOoO

A/N: And that is the end of this story. Once upon a time, it was only going to be a one-shot, but it turned into a three-month long journey and a mini-novel. I have to say I am quite pleased with it, however. It was fun to write, if a little endurance test.

The final scene between Sokka and Toph is based on about two things, by the by. One… I actually do run into stuff in my room. Usually into the bed. Yeah… The other piece of inspiration is from a story called "A Gift of Moonbeams." Check it out, because it is quite the cute Tokka tale.

Thanks so much to everyone who has read, reviewed, and supported this story. A huge piece of thanks goes out to my partner for the May PnF this story was originally for: the wondrous almightystarfish!

And now… back to the more depressing "Darkest Before Dawn."