Sokka's half lidded eyes turned toward the door the moment he heard it creak upon it's hinges. It was late in the afternoon, much later than when he normally slept in, but after a night of heavy drinking and celebrating, sleeping was the best option for him. He caught the first glimpse of Aang's blue arrow and he sat up, stretching his arms high above his head. “ 'Morning, Aang.” he grunted and sighed as the tension in his muscles slowly dissipated.
“Morning? Try lunch time, Sokka,” Aang replied as he stepped into the room, his glider in hand. Gray eyes were scanning the room and Sokka swore loudly as he collided with the floor in an attempt to get out of bed. He glanced behind him and noticed his legs were tangled within the sheets. “What're you looking for?” Sokka asked as he jerked his legs free and stood, undergarments slipping just below his waistline.
“Katara sent me to get something from you. Said it was important. For the wedding and all.”
Sokka scratched the back of his head. The only thing he had of Katara's was their mother's betrothal necklace. He had taken it from her a few days before to have the ribbon and clasped repaired. “Mom's necklace. Hold on a sec.” He knelt, rummaging around in a drawer before pulling out the elongated box and handing it to his future brother-in-law. “Should be ready for wearin.”
Aang's grin was lopsided as he opened it. He looked puzzled for a moment before looking up at Sokka. “This isn't Katara's necklace.”
“What? Did they give me...” His voice trailed off and his cheeks were blazed a bright red color when he realized his mistake. The necklace, nestled safely in the box's hold, held a bright green pendant with the Earth Kingdom's symbol carefully woven into the stone.
Aang looked at Sokka, amused smirk curling the corners of his mouth. “Oh this is a...not for Katara.” Sokka was quick as he snatched the box back and turned away from Aang, rummaging around once more to give him the proper necklace. “You know who it's for. Did you make it?” Aang propped his glider against the wall and leaped in front Sokka with agile ease.
Sokka mumbled something and shook his head. He was not giving away any of his secrets. “Is it a surprise for someone? Someone special?”
“You're a nosy little so-n-so, you know that Aang?” He pushed past him and set the box down on a table at the opposite end of the room.
“Come on, Sokka. You can tell me. I promise I won't tell anyone.”
Sokka huffed, his messy hair rising and falling with such a movement. “Yes. It's a surprise for someone. But that's all you're getting out of me. She's already gonna laugh me. Don't need you laughing at me too.”
Aang struck a thinking pose, tapping his chin lightly with his index finger. The only person he could think of that would laugh at such sentiments...no...it couldn't be!
“It's for Toph!” Aang exclaimed, a look of triumph painted it's way across his features. Sokka's lack of response only confirmed it for the airbender. He laughed, clapping his hands and grabbing his glider. “Wait til I tell Katara. Sokka's ready to settle down. She'll be so proud!”
Sokka whirled around, grasping Aang's shoulders. “You cannot tell Katara! She'll get all gushy and tell Toph and it'll ruin the surprise. Just...keep it to yourself. I don't even know if she'll say yes. Okay, Aang?”
“Okay. Okay.” There was a moment of awkward silence, before Aang hopped up on window sill. “The engagement party's tonight, don't forget. And Toph's waiting for you downstairs. Says you've got speeches to write, Best Man.”
“All right. Tell 'er I'm on my way.”
Sokka heaved a sigh the moment he was alone. Now that Aang knew, it was only a matter of time before Toph found out. So much for his surprise. He reached for the box and opened it carefully. The pendant stared back at him and Sokka sighed. If he was going to have to act quickly, otherwise, Aang was going to spill the beans.