A Softer World
Disclaimer: I don't own.
Toph was as hard as a rock, both mentally and physically. She wouldn't let anyone knock her down, even if it was for the best. She would always be standing upright and tall, and she would always be the best. And she would let everyone around her know it. Yes, the Blind Bandit really did live up to her reputation.
Every once in a while, however, Toph would feel her barrier against her emotions slip, and she would feel like a helpless, little girl again. She would feel a sick desire to scream and cry and just take everything out on the things around her. The world the Blind Bandit lived in was a hard world, and she couldn't be expected to stay strong all the time.
She did, though. If not for herself, then for the people around her. For Aang, she would stay strong. For Katara, she would stand tall. For Sokka, she wouldn't cry. For Zuko, she would stay upbeat and happy. The Blind Bandit had many friends, and she had to stay strong for each and every one of them.
It didn't mean she wasn't allowed to wish that she could live in a softer world.
A/N: This is going to be a series of oneshots, not necessarily revolving just around the gaang. Not all of them will be as short as this, but I'm sure many of them will be. The only reason I'm really making this is so that I write more, because I really, really need to.