Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar.
A/N: Okay, so this is a little oneshot I wrote a couple days ago. It's a sorta kinda continuation to First Date. It was actually written for dA's Taang Thursday and for Taiyo. Although a major motivator for it was someone saying my last one for Taang wasn't serious enough. Hopefully, this one is considered "serious enough", and I hope everyone enjoys it. It was the hardest one I've written yet considering it's all from Toph's POV, which is only fitting considering the last one was Aang's for the most part I guess. Anyway, on with the oneshot. Happy Taang Thursday :).
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The Meaning of Strength
She walked slowly around the lake, moving her small feet to the side occasionally to get her bearings. She felt new life growing around her, as she let out a sad sigh. She remembered when she was young, traveling around on a large, furry air bison. She had met her first friends that year. Though it caused her parents great pain for her to run away, she never regretted it. She was able to see the world, and the memories she gained, though not all happy, were ones she carried with her even now.
She had learned many things through those people, not the least of which was the strength to let people know the real her, the Toph she had kept hidden.
"You shouldn't be out, you know?"
She turned in the direction the voice had come from, smiling as she recognized it. She had heard that voice go through so many changes, from a young boy to a young man. Eventually, she had heard it change to an old man's.
"Since when have you known me to like being cooped up, Twinkletoes?" she said, a smirk on her face.
"You never do like following rules," Aang said, "I haven't heard that nickname in awhile."
"Well, you've gotten a lot heavier in your steps over the years, dear," Toph responded, arms crossed.
She felt Aang walk to her side and his arms wrap around her.
"And you haven't changed a bit," he said, chuckling.
Toph leaned against him and closed her eyes, as she sighed, "I'll miss this."
She felt him tense slightly, before he held her tighter.
"This isn't fair, you know."
She moved her head to look in the direction of his face, as she said, "What's not fair?"
"You're stronger than I am," he said, "I don't know how I'll live without you."
Toph grinned, "I'm sure you can handle it."
His only response was to squeeze more.
She laughed, lightly, "Easy there, buddy. Are you trying to suffocate me?"
"Why do you have to go first?"
Hearing the tears fall from his eyes, she sighed, "Aang, remember what Roku told you about friendship all those years ago and what you told me?"
"You mean about it surpassing lifetimes?" he said, after a long pause.
"Yes," she said, "Now, if friendship can last through lifetimes, what could possibly stop love?" Hugging him, tightly, she finished, "I'll always be with you , Twinkletoes."
"Thank you," he whispered.
"And if I find out you ran away from something again, I'll come back and spiritually beat the crap out of you."
She smiled as his familiar laugh filled her ears, "You would too, wouldn't you?"
Her face grew serious, as she said, "And I'm not that much stronger than you, ya know," she grinned, "I can just beat you in a fight any day."
"Yeah, yeah."
She felt his hand hold hers before he said, "Now, come back inside. Your healer will send me to the Spirit World long before you if she finds out I let you stay out this long."
She giggled, evilly, "Katara's temper still scares you, huh?"
"Come on," he said, with an exasperated laugh.
As they walked together, Toph asked, "Hey Aang? Do you remember our first date?"
"Don't even start on that one," he said, "I think I've still got the bruises."
Toph grinned, "Wimp."