Title: An Accusation
Pairing: Tokka
Rating: K
Toph is accused of hurting Appa, and when everybody but Sokka turns against her, he tries to console her.
Toph reveled in the satisfying explosion of each rock slamming against the wall. She considered earthbending her most cherished asset, and every time she practiced it, she beamed with pride. That's why she was out practicing even in the pouring rain, while everyone else took refuge inside. Who could blame them- the rain struck the ground so hard it weakened Toph's ability to sense where things were.
Yet even with the rain cascading down there was no mistaking the vibrations of falling rocks or Appa's low-pitched howl. The deafening thump of Appa colliding to the ground rung out through the air. Desperate to help, Toph followed the noise and rushed to the site of the accident. Appa was still, but she could feel everyone else sprinting towards him.
"Toph- what happened?" exclaimed Sokka.
"What did you do to Appa?" yelled Aang.
"Is he breathing?" asked Katara.
"I-I don't know what happened!" began Toph,"I just heard a crash and-"
"How do you not know?" stormed Aang, "you were the only one out here! He was knocked out by rocks, and you were earthbending! It was obviously you!"
"I swear- it wasn't me! I wasn't even near him! Do any of you believe me?" cried Toph.
"Toph, I hate to say it, but Aang has a point," said Zuko.
"I know it was an accident Toph, we understand," Katara added.
"None of you believe me? What about YOU?" Toph shouted, implying Sokka.
"I-I don't know," whispered Sokka, looking away.
Toph felt tears welling up in her eyes. Before anyone could see her cry, she scrambled away from them. She ran for what seemed like miles, until she was left winded, and took refuge under a tree. The hot tears mixed with the rain as they drizzled down her cheeks. She pulled her knees up to her chest, put her head behind them, and let the tears fall. Suddenly, she heard a voice.
"Toph-hey, Toph, are you alright?"
It was Sokka.
Toph quickly wiped the tears from her eyes. "Me? Oh, I'm-I'm fine. I just couldn't stand the sight of them anymore. I can't believe they thought I'd hurt Appa."
"That's because you wouldn't do that, and even if you accidentally did, you wouldn't lie about it. I know it wasn't you. It must've been the storm, or…or-or anything, really. But you?" He put his arm around her, and she nuzzled her face into his shoulder. "Please, " Sokka continued, "You're much too talented an earthbender to mess up like that." Toph smiled into his shoulder. "And don't let the others bother you- they're just scared. They don't favor Appa over you-not at all."
Toph lifted her head. "Do you really think that?"
"Of course! We all love you."
Toph blushed and looked away. "And if you're not completely cheered up yet," Sokka continued and gently pulled her face towards him, "maybe this will help."
And with that, he pressed his lips to hers. After the initial shock, Toph relaxed and kissed him back, grabbing the back of his neck. She was suddenly more aware of everything than she had ever been in her life- the soft pattering of the rain on the ground, the taste of sea prune soup on Sokka's mouth, the wind grazing the tufts of hair framing her face, and especially the strong pounding of her heart against her chest.
When they pulled away, Sokka caressed her cheek with his thumb. "It worked," Toph murmured, feeling her cheeks flush with pleasure.
Sokka smiled kindly. "Here, let's wait a while out here and give them time to cool down. Appa was just regaining consciousness when I left to find you. Plus, the clouds are breaking."
Toph closed her eyes and put her head on Sokka's chest, forgetting all about the others, and realizing that, here, right now, everything was absolutely how it should be.