4908/Studying hijinks

Studying hijinks
Date of Scene:	19 December 2016
Location:	Ad Coelum
Synopsis:	Toph and Sokka study! Sadly, Sokka may be book smart, but he's still oblivious.
Cast of Characters:	1076, 20

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Sokka (1076) has posed:
Poor, poor Toph. See, now they were in Sokka's room, which was a tad chilly. Though Sokka didn't notice, since water triber. But he had turned up the heat for her a bit. However, when she'd stepped on the steel floor Like walking on ice. And right after she'd helped him practice, too! He was getting quite a bit better at this whole 'demon fang' thing. Lloyd would be proud.

However, now he was giving her a foot massage and it was not at all fair how good he was at these. Apparently he had done a bunch of them for gran gran over the years. She was a tough old bird, but sometimes she needed a little pampering too. So there was THAT mental picture for Toph.

Once they were done, study would begin... but for the time being sokka would be massaging her feet as she sat on his bed, trying to warm them up. All she had to do was say stop and they could start study time.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It had been strange how Sokka had managed to pick up Lloyd's techniques a bit, she had mused. But he seemed to learn things quickly. Quicker than most people did... And it did give them the chance to check out the training area of the Ad Coelum. Just being on a space ship like this is a bit different, but luckily it's made of metal so she can at least 'see' and not fumble around. Not that she herself is going to spend every waking moment on board, but it's good to have for now. Even if she does prefer Malibu, having real earth underneath her feet, the fresh scent of the ocean, and not to mention her family there. Compared to her room back home her quarters here are small. So she didn't take lots of things with her to the Ad Coelum. Some metal and rocks so she can keep up with her bending, a tablet, some of her books, and some rock bended into the shape of her adoptive parents. Compared to other rooms Toph's might be a bit bare, so why not hang out at Sokka's room?

    If only he could get some carpets or at least turn on the heat...!

    Sitting on the bed, Toph has pulled her legs a bit up towards her chest, holding one foot out as she wonders what the crud she's supposed to do. "... you could just turn up the heat a little, you know," she mutters carefully, trying to sit still. Because it seems that it's hard for her to sit still when Sokka presses his thumbs into certain points on her foot. "It's not like the rooms have to be cold..."

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka shrugged. "Eh, it never really bothers me. I kinda like having it cool, helps keep me awake. It gets too warm then I start to fall asleep." He gently kneeded between the toes, using his thumb in little circles. "I'll see about getting a rug or something, okay? I never even thought about the metal on your little toes. Or maybe I'll just carry you over the threshold next time," he joked, snickering.

"So, Tophie, I was thinking about that game we tried before. I know you didn't have the best time, so I was thinking we could try a different version of it. Get a few paladins and friends together, I'll run a game. No secret alterior motives this time. No setting people up to fail or anything. sound good?"

His fingers moved near the soft spot in the center of the foot, swirling in tight little circles...

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "If it gets too cold you get tired too though," Toph points out. "Like... I got crazy tired when dad pulled us out of that shi-IIP!" The last word is broken up as Sokka kneeds between her toes, and Toph jerks slightly where she sits. Okay, a rug would be the best. As long as it doesn't cover the entire floor... The next time it's not Sokka's hands that cause Toph to react, but his words. Carry her... over the threshold? Okay, he doesn't know all about various customs and such in the multiverse... but still! "It's fine, I can walk on my own."

    The talk about Sokka running his own tabletop game though, that makes Toph arch an eyebrow. "Wait... you want to play a game like that on the side? Like... just having fun?" Okay, that doesn't sound bad. "You think you can run a game like that though? Seems like it takes experience and stuff.." He is certainly creative enough though, and---

    Suddenly the blind girl yelps and pulls her foot back before kicking out. "D-don't rub my feet there!" she protests, doing her best to free her foot and pull it back under her, her cheeks flushed a bit. Okay, a distraction. "Besides, we... we need to work on studying!" Yeah, that works.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka nodded. "That's hypothermia and it wasn't THAT cold. I'd be dead if i kept my room that cold," he said with a chuckle. He didn't seem to notice her reaction at all.

"Yeah. I figured i could modify the rules a bit. Make like a bender version of it. Benders and Swords. Use it to show people a bit about our world. And have a bit of fun. What kind of bender do you think you'd want to be?" He doesn't even consider she'd want to be normal. Like him.

Then she tears her foot free. He blinks and chuckles. "Okay, if you're good. You know, I gotta say I think Pepper did a good job. I was worried your feet would be kinda... well, the first time, dirty, rough and gross. But you know they really aren't bad. They don't smell bad or anything and they're soft. Not bad massaging them at all." He went to wash his hands still, before sitting next to her, pulling the covers up to keep them warm and pulling the books into their lap. "Okay, first, basic law..."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    So he would change it to be about benders? "Huh, that might actually be a bit fun," she concedes. "But... well, what would I be besides an earthbender?" It's not like she would want to be anything else to begin with. "And well, we could always take them to our world, couldn't we?" she points out.

    The comment regarding her hygiene does make her turn her head down as she moves to put her reading glove on, the metal clicking in place. "Pepper... was kinda adamant about how I needed to shower on a regular basis when I began visiting Malibu." True, her feet are still tough and have calluses to allow her to walk in places where others wouldn't dare go without shoes on. "She was kinda motherly from the start, even before she decided that they should adopt me. And I bet she'll be even more motherly after Bitchin' Camaro is born... ugh, I still don't know what to get her for Christmas!" A slight groan escapes Toph as she leans back against the wall, pulling her own book into her lap.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka nodded. "Well, you could be an earth bender. you're pretty much the defining basis of what an earth bender should be at this point," he said with a smirk, reaching up and ruffling her hair. "And sure, could use it as a basis. I figure the game would take place before the war. I already have a story in mind. sorta. I can wing most of it. Be flexible... even bend a little if need be." Wide grin.

"And yeah, I like it. You smell a lot better and makes you a much better blanket and cushion," he said with a smirk, pulling her in close. "Actually though, that reminds me. I figure I need to get your parents something, too. You know, since, well, them letting me stay and all." And taking such good care of Toph. "So... what'd be a good thing to give them? You think?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    So a game meant as a history session? Well, that could be interesting. "Before the war? So what kind of story were you thinking about?" she inquires further, a bit curious. "Maybe we could get more friends with us to play it. Maybe dad would like to play it..." He did enjoy that Werewolf game, after all!

    Again he ruffles her hair, and Toph snorts a bit... until he pulls her closer. But she allows it, her cheeks fainly pink by now. It comes as a surprise when he reveals that he wants to give presents to Tony and Pepper. "Huh? You... want to give dad and mom Christmas presents too?" His reasoning isn't off though, and as she thinks about it she realises that no, she doesn't think that it's necessary to tell him no. "Well, if you want to... dad likes alcohol, rock music, good food... and mom likes most things. Except strawberries." Considering her allergy and all. "I have gotten her jewelry and stuff before, but... she might enjoy stuff for Bitchin' Camaro the most now, I think. Like... toys and such, maybe?" Toph shrugs where she sits next to him.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka shrugged. "I don't know. Thinking I'll start it with the avatar disappearing and the group having to try and find him. Or her. Or maybe they won't know who he or she is yet, something like that. A mystery."

"Gotcha. So get him some booze. Got some seal bladder wine I could share with him. I'll get your mom something cute. Maybe a full set of water tribe armor for the kid?" he asked with a smirk. "Oh! I could make a toy like my dad used to make for me! Heh. I could use the practice. I mean, I'm bound to have kids of my own eventually. Probably." He shrugged. "Just as soon as I find the woman crazy enough to stick around."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    At that Toph snorts. "Maybe one of the players turns out to be the Avatar or something and they didn't know it?" That might make for a fun twist. "Maybe... we could have it in Malibu before Christmas?" It doesn't hurt to ask Tony and Pepper anyway!

    They should be happy they're getting more presents, after all. And Toph listens as Sokka explains his ideas for what to give them. "Knowing dad he's already planning to make an Iron Man suit for the little squirt," she grins. "But yeah, toys might be the bes--" Okay, he's talking nonsense now, Toph decides and turns her focus to the book. They're supposed to /study/. And she can't concentrate when he's babbling about stuff like that anyway! It's totally his fault.

    "I need to finish my new character sheet later too... after Madam Museum decided that my character died," she huffs slightly, though she doesn't look as annoyed as she had done then. "Maybe I should make a different character for that now... Instead of a barbarian, I mean."

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka nodded. "sure! Having it there could work. If they wouldn't mind. I don't want to be more trouble for them if I can avoid it."

He nodded. "Well, I'll give them some authentic water tribe toys! Just, you know. Made with wood. Not ice and bone. Well, maybe some bone."

He snickered. "Really? You do make the best barbarian. I'll help you make it this time, though. I won't make it for you. No way she can get mad then, right?" And then he put his hand over hers... gently guiding her fingers along the book... as he read things out to her. Practically right in her ear. Laws, laws, laws, so boring. Then, after a bit... "Hey. Toph. Ummmmm..."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "If they didn't want you there they would have tossed you out the same day dad brought us back to Malibu," Toph points out. "You would have been left at Njorun medical. Until it all disappeared, that is." It doesn't seem like they do mind Sokka being around... Or at least Toph hopes they don't mind.

    "I'll make the character myself, then there's no way she can accuse me of cheating!" Toph says, sounding and looking rather determined. Upon his hand moving over hers she does halt, about to tell him that she can move her own hand since the glove does translate text to Braille against her fingertips... but she keeps still, blushing faintly. Okay, this makes it hard to concentrate on what she's reading. Maybe it would be easier to focus on this alone, but... well, this isn't bad, just sitting like this. So pardon her for being a bit unfocused when he speaks up, turning her head a bit to the side. "Uh... what?"

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka chuckled and scritched her hair. "Yeah, I guess." There was doubt in his voice. And it was obvious he didn't believe it. No matter how many times she told him otherwise, it seemed.

He didn't seem to notice her unease, though. After all, he was he supposed to know having her cuddled up would affect her so. "Are you feeling warm enough? Want me to take off the blanket?" And stop cuddling with her?! Room was still a little brisk... He then coughed. "Well... things are settling down now. A bit. I wanted to uhhh... know if... well, when we find our home world... ummmm..." How to say it, not awkwardly. "I know you were worried about your parents. Want me to come with you, the two of us can swing by, check it out?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Sokka is more of a cuddler than most people are, it seems. And well, maybe it's what they do down at the South Pole to not freeze. At the thought of removing the blanket however, Toph quickly shakes her head. "No, it's fine like this," she assures him, tucking her legs underneath her to help warm up her feet some more. Not that she's really freezing, but... it's nice like this.

    It was something they had spoken of, checking out their world after the multiverse had stopped puking up on itself. So she nods in agreement, at least until he mentions her parents. Sure, she's worried about them, even if they hid her from the world, they're still her biological parents. The thought of seeing them again is tempting, especially since she hasn't seen them for several months now. So she nods. "I... have to talk with dad first though. He doesn't want me to go alone there, and..." A heavy sigh leaves her. She's still not ready to tell that whole story except to those who were there. "I think dad would prefer to know, even if I'm going there with you." Of course she trusts Sokka. But it wouldn't be fair to Tony and Pepper to not let them know.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka nodded and then pulled her a little tighter. To keep her warm. And safe.

He listened and nodded, then blinked. "Well, yeah. I wouldn't want you going there alone, either. Your old dad is kind of a..." He trailed off. "Not the nicest person. I'd hate to think he'd try to capture you or something," he said with a chuckle. "And yeah, telling him would probably be best. after all, he's your dad. If he's anything like my dad, he'd worry about you even if you were going somewhere with just padded walls and soft cushy floors," he joked. "but don't worry. If you don't want to go, we don't have to. and if you do wanna go... well, I'll keep you safe," he said with a grin. He meant that, at least.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    As she's pulled closer Toph bites the inside of her lower lip, leaning more into Sokka now. "I could go there alone, there's not like they could force me or anything. A-and I don't think they would." But still, she's a little older and wiser now. And she's learned that it's better to not hide anything like that from her adoptive parents. Otherwise they might be tempted to put more rules down and limit her. "He cares, that's for certain. And he's not too worried, at least." Just... the right amount of worried, she guesses. "And I do want to go, it... it's a bit hard at times, I haven't been /home/ since... well, I haven't been there in ages." It's been easier to meet her parents elsewhere.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka frowned. "Oh, heck no. Your old man is a..." He trailed off. "Besides, we're buds now, right? If you go there, he'll just try to guilt you into staying and try to make you feel bad. I'm not having any of that. You're wayyyyy too awesome to be locked up again.

He gave her another squeeze. "Well, Toph, that's why I come." He looked down at her, face so close. "No matter how hard it is, as long as we face it together, then it'll be a lot easier. Right? That's what friends do for each other."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    They're buds, yeah. Which is why it's good to have friends like him following her into situations that she might not prefer to handle alone. And having Tony there too would be nice. Perhaps she could even deliver a present to her parents...

    "It's not like they would be able to guilt me into staying, Sokka..." she points out, closing her eyes where she leans into him. "My father just doesn't know, but... he understands a little better than he used to do at least..." Still, Malibu is her home now. And Tony and Pepper are people she's grown to care a lot about too.

    Yeah, they'll do it. The blind girl turns her forehead against Sokka's shoulder, taking a deep breath. It's easier to face things like that when she has her best friend there with her. And if Tony comes too then she couldn't get better help.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka nodded and leaned against him, resting his head on hers. "And... Toph? I ummmm... I know you're the toughest, meanest, kick buttiest girl this side of the multiverse. But... you know you don't have to pretend for my sake. If you're ever scared or worried about anything, you know I've got your back. Cause I know you'll always have mine." He then chuckled. "Even if, as a non-bender, you don't think I count," he teased, patting her shoulder.

"So, ummm, what else is there to do with this whole.... christmas thing?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    He's... resting his head on hers. Toph keeps still, tugging the blanket a little tigther on her side. He knows just what she's able to do, but... yeah, even she can get scared and nervous about stuff. And worry? Of course she worries about those close to her. Like Sokka.

    "Nobody messes with my friends... especially not my best friend," Toph says with a slight smirk, still blushing a bit where she sits. "And you're not a bender, you're the idea guy. There are fewer idea guys than benders, genius."

    So Sokka wants to learn more about Christmas? "Well... on December 25th you open the presents you get, eat a big dinner with your family... and you watch holiday specials. Maybe Pepper's family is stopping by during the holidays, you still haven't met my little cousin... A-and then there's New Year's Eve, though I don't really like that day. They shoot up fireworks and all, so I mostly hide in my room with music. Buster doesn't like it either," Toph explains. "Though... maybe you could come on over for that... if it's okay for dad and mom." A bit restless, the blind teen reaches down to pick at her toes with her right hand.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka blinked a few times, glancing down at her. "Really? I always figured there were a lot fewer benders. I mean, anyone can be an idea guy. Not anyone can be a bender. And there's only one metal bender." He nestled against her a little. She was so cute and tiny! Like a big stuffed animal which he totally didn't have any of hidden away in his closet. Nope. No stuffed momos.

"With family... huh." And he frowned. "toph. I'm not sure it'd be a good idea. I mean..." he sighed. "Listen, I appreciate it. I mean, I know what you're doing. And it's really, really sweet. But this is your family. There's no need for you to invite me into it like that. Just because I don't see... well... it's your holidays now, not mine. And I love that you're trying to involve me. But... you don't need to keep wasting your time on me. Your family probably doesn't want some dork you used to hang out with coming by and eating their food, either. Besides, if you wear out all their good graces now, what'll happen when you try to bring home a boy friend? I'm a pretty hard act to follow," he joked.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "Well, there are many benders I guess," Toph shrugs where she sits, "Just like there are many idea guys. But most of them are just mediocre, you know?" As he nestles against her Toph fights the urge to squirm, sitting still. Just relaxing like this is really nice... She can always study later.

    Though there Sokka goes, thinking he's intruding or something. So the blind girl mutters for herself, even hearing him joke. "Yeah, right... I have invited lots of my friends over before. Like for my birthday and all, we even had a huge sleepover when dad and mom went on their honeymoon this spring. The house is big, they're rich. And as long as they get some time together to be oogie I don't think they mind. I mean, it's not like I'm going to ask if you can stay for /all of Christmas/. Unless Pepper invites you or something, I dunno," she blabbers.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka chuckled. "Oh? So you don't think I'm mediocre? I figured you'd have replaced me with some much better idea guy by now." Then sighed dramatically. "But then, I guess it's hard to find one who is as smart as me, handsome, good with a sword, funny, and just all around a total catch, right?" he said with a light chuckle.

Then she said that and he blinked. "Oh gosh they're going to be oogie in front of us? It'll be aang and Katara all over again," he said with a shudder. "You know, it really sucked I couldn't get a girl friend while I was traveling with them. Would have been nice to be able to oogie right back at them." He then snorted. "Your mom's pretty nice, she'd probably invite me to be there the whole christmas. And that's why I shouldn't. Your folks are wayyyyy too nice to just tell me to beat it, but really, I have to have over stayed my welcome by now. I mean, I broke like..." He paused. "So many things... I should get back to paying for those." he would NEVER be able to afford it.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Okay, so Sokka isn't the smartest guy out there, nor the buffest, but... well, it doesn't matter. "Why would I replace you? You're so fun to punch... and you also saved my ass a few times," she adds and punches him slightly in the side. With them sitting so close it's hard to give him a proper punch however.

    Sadly, oogies are hard to avoid in the Stark house. "Yeah, they kiss and hug and such," she admits and blows the hair out of her eyes. "I'm just glad they stick to the first two around me. And that my bedroom isn't too close to theirs." They are nice though, and Toph nods, smiling softly. "Why do you think I stayed there to begin with? She's... well, she cares a lot. And the clothes she gets me doesn't scratch." Heck, the most important way is how they treat her and let her be herself. Not to mention they were nice to Sokka. "... don't you want to be there...?" Toph eventually asks, her tone serious as she raises her head a bit. "If they were upset about the broken vase they would have let us know by now."

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka blinked a few times, snickering. "Yeah, but most those times were just luck. you know, I should cuddle up with you a lot more. It really reduces the force on those punches of yours," he jokes.

Then blinked. His cheeks turned red. "W-wait. Their bedroom... errr... when you sleep, you, errr, you can't... sense... things... right?" He asked, coughing a bit. "Like, errrrr..." He'd kind of forgotten about that when on that island.

And then blinked. "w-what? Well... ummmm... no. Not really. I mean, it's okay, I guess. But I'd probably enjoy other places some more." Oh, that was a lie. That was SUCH A LIE. He so wanted to be there. and he was SO lying to the wrong person. And trying to be the bad guy so she didn't feel bad.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Okay, if he wants to cuddle more then she's not going to complain.

    Toph draws a breath, then breathes out. "No. I have a pretty good shock absoring mattress. I can't see anything when I'm in bed unless I touch the wall. But I do catch vibrations pretty easily if I sleep on earth. Which is why it's nice to put my feet and hands up." At first she had slept with her hands and feet on the ground to make sure they were safe when they were travelling, but she /had/ gotten the habit of putting her feet up when there were more of them around.

    There's silence for some seconds, then Toph speaks up. "I know you're lying, Sokka. And it's okay... I know they don't mind you being there, I mean... you're my best friend, and you don't have anywhere else to go, right? Mom wouldn't want you to be alone like that," she points out seriously. And.. the thought of sitting next to Sokka while the fireworks start seems more and more appealing.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka nodded. "A shock absorbing matress? What's that for? In case someone drops a fire ball on you while you're trying to sleep?" He then coughed. "Ah. so, errr, on our travels you were, errr, doing... that. Then. Right?" And his cheeks were red.

"Ah, right. Can't really... lie to you, can I?" And he sighed and reached down, giving her hand a little squeeze. "I... won't... lie. Then. I really like your family. It's... nice. Seeing them around. I like them. It's great seeing you so happy. I know how tough family has been for you in the past and... it means a lot to me that they work so much to make you happy. It's obvious they care. That they love you and..." His hand tightened slightly over hers. "I don't want to come between that. I don't want your family thinking... that your friends are just going to be a pain in the butt or that they'll come and bother them. I want..." He groaned. "Ugh, I want your parents to like me, okay? They're soooooo cooooool. Like you!" he said with a chuckle. "And I'm like... not. I don't really have anything cool or flashy I can show off to impress them like you do. So it's just... worrying, you know? Being the normal guy around all the cool people."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "W-well... it's so you can sleep better. It supports your back, and well, I don't notice when Buster jumps into bed, too..." Wait, why is his heart beating so far. "Uh, I did that a lot of the time. Why?" Why is he so concerned with whether she slept with her feet up or not?

    Lying to Toph is impossible for most people. And so it's good when he decides to be honest with her about why he's so worried about this. Toph stays still, letting Sokka squeeze her hand. "They are awesome, huh?" What's not to like about them? Or the home they've created? They truly do make Toph happy and makes her feel like she belongs there. Though when Sokka assumes that he's getting inbetween her and the happiness she's found, the blind girl lets out a snort. "They don't think about you like that, I would have known! Just... I dunno, help me babysit Bitchin' Camaro, feed Cuddles and Nugget, continue being you... and they'll like you. I mean, it's not like I drag dunderheads home, right?" she laughs a bit nervously.

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka coughed. "Oh. Uhhhh. Good. so, errr, during some camping trips and... other... things when, errr, I mean, nevermind. Toph. Don't worry about it." He was a guy, okay! And oh gosh he was blushing like her. Heart pounding!

He snorted softly. "I don't know, you call me dunderhead all the time. and your bird tried to kill me the first time it met me, so it's a little worrisome that the rest of the family could feel that way." He smiled to her and nodded. "Fine. But... if... they get annoyed, let me know? I'll leave then. And I'll baby sit I just..." He was silent for a long while. Then groaned. "You just... you've suffered a lot over the years, you know? Been through a ton? I want you to be able to enjoy this family without worrying about something ruining it. At least we're just friends forever though, right? I mean, imagine their horror if you ended up bringing home a boyfriend like me," he said with a laugh. "I know Yue's dad probably never would have stood for it, heh heh." Then paused. "Though, I did notice your reaction around Lloyd... you know..." Pause. "If you like him, I could put a word in during our training sessions. I mean, he seems pretty cool too. Not as cool as you, but hey, the heart wants what it wants. and he is supposedly an angel or something, right?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Huh. Whatever was /that/ about?

    Well, onto the important topic. "Technically, that was dads' chocobo, not mine. Nugget is just a ditz. I mean, if dad didnt want you around he wouldn't have saved you from the ship, now would he?" Or refused to have him in the house. Probably the latter. "All friends of mine are welcome in the house as long as you don't enter the workshop without permission, go upstairs to the master bedroom or... I dunno, mess with Jarvis or something," Toph adds with a shrug where she sits. When he goes silent so does she, closing her eyes. At the groan however she opens her eyes and turns her head a bit towards him. "Moron, you're not going to ruin it! I mean, it's not like you would make them disown me or anything! And of course we're friends! You're my best friend and the friend I've known the longest, dunderhead!" Another punch to the side follows her words. It's not that hard though as she loses some steam when he mentions boyfriends. And then... Lloyd. Really? At that Toph lets out a drawn out groan, letting her head fall against Sokka's shoulder. "I don't like Lloyd like that! He's nearly ten years older than me!" That's way too old, eww!

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka blinked and chuckled. "So, even though I've broken like, eight vases, two portraits and a window, they're still okay with me?" Technically the window wasn't COMPLETELY his fault.

He cringed. "I... guess. I just... you know. Don't want to. Mess it up for you. It means a lot to me that you're finally happy. That you have a family that treats you like you deserve to be treated." He then blinked. "Really? Ten years isn't that bad. I mean, sure it seems like a lot now, but hey, he's still young. There's nothing wrong with liking older guys," he said with a nod. "But if you don't like him, that's fine. I know I had my first crush when I was about your age. Well, okay... when I was like... ten. But I'm sure you'll have yours before you know it. And no matter who it is, I'll be there to make sure they realize just how awesome you are, okay?" Then... "Besides, I've met quite a few girls who were ten years older than me and they were hot. Woulda dated them in a second. There's something fascinating about older women."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "They are, trust me," Toph assures Sokka with a slight smirk. "And they are the kind of parents I always wanted, I guess..." There's no denying it, there's happiness in that smirk as it turns into a soft smile that reaches Toph's pale green eyes.

    Ten years is a lot for a girl who's fifteen, really. "B-besides, he's not my type," she adds quickly as she turns her face away from Sokka. Of course she's had her crush on him for a long while now. Not that she ever told anybody, what would that have accomplished. But it seems that others are figuring it out. Still, telling him is right out! Because how would she ever be able to? But... maybe she could try it differently. "I... do like older guys, I guess. Just... as long as they aren't /too/ old. Maybe... three or four years older? T-that seems like a big enough gap," Toph manages to utter, shifting the book in her lap with her gloved hand. To hear him confess that he likes older women though, that makes her bite her lower lip a bit. "And what's so great about older women anyway...?"

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka nodded, grinning. "Oh, I could tell. It's subtle, but the moment we stepped in the house, you never tense up. You never look anxious or worried or like you're trying to hold yourself in or constipated. It's nice. I'm happy you found that."

He laughed. "Three or four years? So someone around my age?" he asked with a chuckle. "Now, I should warn you, not every guy around my age is as awesome as me, but I'm sure you'll find someone." Then paused. "Wait..." Oh. Wait. Did it click?! "It's not... Zuko... is it? Please, please tell me it's not him. I mean, you can do soooo much better. You need someone who's happy and makes you smile, not who constantly whines at you about their honor."

At that point, he shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, I like younger girls too. But there's a lot more room to go up than there is down, you know? I mean, I'm nineteen now, if I date any girl younger than like..." he hummed. "Fifteen? Then it gets kind of weird. But honestly, I just like a girl who's tough and can take care of herself. someone I can trust to have my back, you know? And I've found most the girls who are like that are older than me. Not every girl can be like you, Katara and Suki, after all."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "They allow me to be myself, and they don't act all high and mighty. It's like... it's okay to be yourself, no matter who you are. And I'm never in the way, they want to do acitivities with me... oh, you should get some swim shorts! So you can use the pool when you visit! Malibu is warm in winter, so we can still bathe outside in the pool!" That might actually be fun. Even if she's not that great at swimming she doesn't feel that nervous in the pool.

    After getting those words out Toph sits still, just listening as Sokka laughs... and... does he get it? Slowly she finds herself holding her breath... only to let it out in a surprised snort when he mentions the name of a certain Fire Lord. "Of course it's not Zuko!" she protests, elbowing Sokka hard! "Why would I like /him/?!" By now she looks rather flustered, and... oh man, just how thick is that skull of his? Is he ever going to get it? Rather than trying more Toph sighs... and pushes herself forward as she scoots off of the bed. "I... should head back to my room by now, it's getting late. And we gotta be up early tomorrow."

Sokka (1076) has posed:
Sokka nodded. "Really? Yeah, swimming would be great," he said with a nod. "Next time we go there, we can have a pool party. Guess you learning to swim has some perks, right?"

He then blinked, shrugging. "Okay, if you want." He paused. "If you want to stay the night, you can." He said calmly. Wait, was he... "I know it's a new place and all, not sure how it feels when you wake up, if you have any trouble realizing where you are. So if you want someone you know nearby, I'm hear for you. I can even sleep on the floor, if you feel nervous."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Swimming... a horrid thing that is less horrid now. Especially since Tony and Pepper seem to enjoy the pool too, it's more natural for her to be there too. "I don't swim all that well, though... dad did teach me some of that so I wouldn't drown as easily as I did before." Because it was scary enough at the Serpent's Pass.

    At the offer of staying the night in his room though, Toph tenses up as she gets to her feet. Perhaps the floor is still cold. But she listens, paying close attention. Finally she shakes her head. "No, that's fine. Thanks though, I... appreciate it," she responds. "I-I'll see you for breakfast tomorrow though!" With that the blind girl clutches her book close to her chest, all before she leaves the room. Once outside she rushes back to her own room a bit further down the hall, quickly heading inside as she fiddles with her radio. Okay, gotta make sure to discuss all of this with Tony!