Author's Note:
And thus ends Tokka week. While I am sad about this, I have to admit it caught me completely off-guard and it's safe to say my writing suffered because of it. I'm only actually fully proud of one of these prompts, but I figured I'd end my brand of Tokka week as mushy and heartfelt as I could, because that's what I love best about this pair. That, and the desire for wanton destruction, but mostly, it's the love.
It's been a blast, all things considered, and I'll be prepared next year for sure.
Out!
~Raggy
Tokka Week Day 7: Moment of Truth
"You're really gonna do it, huh?" Aang asked, small smile on his face.
"Yeah. I really am. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me, Aang...And this job almost cost me that. I can't make that mistake again."
Aang grew solemn, almost apologetic. "You know that's not what I wanted when you were asked to be the councilman, Sokka...There was just-"
Sokka waved him off, impatiently. "I know, Aang. There was no one else. Katara has the kids to take care of, and you, too." Sokka grinned as Aang looked sheepish. "With the Northern Tribes and the Southern Tribes co-existing...I'm as impartial as it gets. It had to be me. I don't blame you, buddy. Really. I just...I need to do this. She means everything to me, Aang. I'm sure you can understand."
Aang nodded his consent once more. "I do, Sokka. With this being said," He swept himself to his full height (nearly as tall as Sokka, much to his chagrin) Aang put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it tightly. "Consider yourself on leave of absence, with all the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Councilman of the United Water Tribes suspended until further notice...For as long as you need."
Sokka's grateful smile was all the acknowledgment the Airbender needed.
Okay. Moment of truth time, Sokka. You want this. She wants this. Just tell her. Just tell her, and give her the necklace, and don't be such a giant wimp about it!
"Toph, I-"
"I know, I know, I'm hurrying, but Katara packed like everything I own in here and this thing's heavy..." The younger earthbender replied, trying (unsuccessfully) to drag her luggage behind her.
Idiot! Get her bag!
A quick smack to his forehead later, Sokka had Toph's luggage stowed away next to his, and the two of them were settled comfortably in the airship that would take them to Ember Island, where they were spending their vacation.
Okay, now's your chance. Tell her!
"Toph, there's something-"
"Ooh, food! Snoozles, order me something good! Something with meat, I'm starving!" The excited punch in the shoulder was all he got for his trouble, as Toph smelled the food cart coming down the narrow aisle.
A small sigh was all Sokka could muster as he wordlessly reached for the menu.
He didn't get a chance the rest of the flight. Toph fell asleep almost immediately after their meal, her head leaning comfortably on his shoulder while her hand was snug in his. When they departed, they were immediately drawn to (being high-priority and all) a chauffeur, who brought them, talking all the while, to the inn where they'd be staying. Upon arrival, Toph nearly got into an argument with the innkeeper over which room they'd be in, her requesting the stone floor so she 'Didn't bump into everything like a half-dead platypus bear on cactus juice' and if they didn't have one available, she'd make one.
Hours later, with everything settled down, them settled in, and Toph finally calm, Sokka was exhausted. All he really wanted to do was pull out his wolftail, close his eyes, and go to sleep.
You still have something to do.
[Yeah, but really? Now? After everything else that happened today? Is now really the time?]
Don't argue with m-Err, yourself. Get up and do it. You promised her she wouldn't have to wait any longer. Don't make her.
He opened his eyes, and saw that he was right.
Toph was out on the stone balcony, arm spread wide, basking in the moon's glow overhead (which never failed to elicit a pang in his heart), looking for all the world like the little girl she used to be, the one Sokka never forgot.
Moment of truth, genius. Here's your chance.
Wordlessly, Sokka got up, almost in a trance, and removed from his pocket the beautiful sea-foam green betrothal necklace he'd made for her, so long ago. He'd always meant to give it to her, there just...There was never time.
But he had the time now, and he wasn't wasting another second of it.
Smoothly he came up behind her, and without waiting for her approval, he slid the necklace over her neck and clasped it, pulling her into his arms when he was done and holding her tight.
"Toph, I-"
He stopped, waiting to be interrupted.
He wasn't, and he smiled.
"Toph, I know I waited far too long to say this to you, and I'm sorry. But I'm trying now. I love you, Toph Bei Fong. More than anything. More than meat, more than sarcasm, even more than Boomerang." He saw her hand come up to her mouth in what he assumed was a fake look of shock.
"I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I don't want to waste another minute getting to it. Toph...Will you marry me?"
He held his breath as she stood there, silent. Seconds ticked by like an eternity before she finally detached herself and turned around, her eyes brimming with tears, but the biggest and most beautiful smile he'd ever seen etched all over her face.
"Of course I will, you idiot!"
She jumped into his arms and kissed him, with all the force her smaller body could muster, periodically halting her fervent kisses with "I love you's" and one "What took you so damn long?"
Through her tears and her equal parts loving/teasing, the smile-The one he loved- never left her beautiful face.
Nailed it.