With Love, Snoozles

Sokka's Heard the News

The Gaang, except for Sokka and Suki, were all in a circle in the middle of Toph's living room, talking about something quietly, whispering aggressively. Sokka peeked around the corner of the hallway that led to the living room, trying to eavesdrop. 

Toph perked up from the group, smirking. "Hello, Sokka" She said. The group turned their heads and found him crouching awkwardly on the floor. He stood up and waved. "Heyyyy guyyyss...Are you talking about me?" Zuko shrugged. "Yes and no, but we're mostly talking about your crazy ex. Tell him what you told us, Katara." Zuko said, now turning his attention to her. Aang had a svowl on his face and his arms were crossed.

Katara looked down, avoiding eye contact with Sokka. "W-well, I was at the Bin Hi Salon down in the Earth Kingdom, and Suki was there. Long story short, she may or may not have said a few unkind things about me and you..." Sokka's eyebrows raised. "What kind of 'unkind things'?"'

Aang stood up and stomped over to Sokka before Katara could talk. "She called you both snowflakes. She said that Watertribe people are useless and almost cost us the war." Aang was clenching his fists, and Katara put a hand on his shoulder. "Sokka, she told Katara-TO HER FACE- that your mother might as well have died for nothing. Now please answer this question: What in the world did you see in her?!"

Sokka took a step back. He looked over at Katara and his eyes seemed to ask, "Is this true?". She slowly nodded her head. Aang's eyes started to flicker as he tried to steady his breathing. Katara grabbed onto his hand, while Zuko put his hand on Aang's arm. 

"Either you take care of Suki...Or I will." He finally said, walking past Sokka and out of the living room. Sokka looked up and walked over to Katara, taking her hands in his. "I'm so sorry that she said those things to you. I'm glad you told me." Katara smiled warmly, nodding. Zuko sighed. "I guess I'll go find Aang." He patted Sokka on the back on his way out the door. 

Toph then cleared her throat. Sokka glanced over at her, and found a smile creeping up on his face. "Toph, you look beatiful today." He said. 

She blushed and looked down, smiling. "That's not what I wanted to talk about, but thank you." Sokka tilted his head to the side in confusion. "What's up?" Toph looked back up at him with a serious look on her face. "Suki's been following me. Everywhere. She doesn't know that I can see her apparently, but it's becoming a problem."

Sokka's eyes widened. Katara put a gentle hand on his face, snapping him back to reality. She looked him in the eyes. "I hate to break it to you, but I think you might have to take care of this...REAL soon." Sokka felt tears prick the corner of his eyes, his gaze still transfixed on Toph. He let go of Katara's hands and went over to Toph, wrapping her small frame in a tight hug. She hugged him back, struggling to breathe. "O-okay, I'm good now thanks." Katara giggled and sneakily left the room for them to be alone. Sokka lifted her off the ground, still hugging her. Toph sighed. "And now I can't see anything, genuis." 

Sokka ignored her, nuzzling his cheek against hers. He then turned his head and whispered in her ear. "I give you full permission to fight back in case she tries to hurt you, ya'know." 

Toph scoffed. "I'm already one step ahead of you, I got Katara's permission first." Sokka chuckled, picking her up bridal style. Toph gasped and blushed. "H-hey, what's happening here?" Sokka brought her over to the couch and wrapped his arms around her, forcing her to lay down on him. Toph blushed more and scowled. "What are you doing? I'm not going to do this right now-!" Sokka shushed and snuggled her more. "We are spending time together. Now stop struggling, because you know you like it." 

Toph growled. "I could kill you with my bare hands right now, Sokka." He smirked. "Yeah, you won't though. Because you loooovveee meeee."

Warning: Just a little Zutara coming up, so if you don't like it, pretend that they're really good pals :)

Zuko walked outside and saw Katara sitting by herself. "So Aang's good now, he just wants to be alone." He said. SIlence. He sat down on the step next to Katara. "Are you okay?" She nodded. "I'm just worried...What happened to Suki?" Zuko sighed. "I don't know. She used to be one of my gaurds, and she's always seemed fine. I think it's just the break up that's getting to her." Katara nodded. "And what if she takes it out on you next, Zuko?" She said, looking up at him. He couldn't look back at her blue eyes without blushing, so he turned away slightly. "I-I'll be fine, I promise. Besides, you should worry more about yourself, she probably didn't like the fact that you stood up to her. Which I'm really proud of, by the way." Katara smiled warmly. "Yeah, thanks. But I care about you enough to stay watchful, even when you aren't."

Zuko tried to hide his smile. "If it helps...I care about you, too." Katara blushed as well, hoping it wasn't noticeable. They both looked away as silenced ensued from both of them. Katara cleared her throat and stood up. "I guess I'll go check on Aang." Zuko's eyes darkened and he looked away. Katara felt a pang in her heart as she walked up the stairs and opened the door. Before going inside, she looked back at him. This is wrong...

Zuko suddenly felt arms and gentle hands around him. He blushed and sighed, hugging back. "Thank you." She whispered. At this moment they both knew: They wouldn't mind if they stayed like this forever.