This is a short story I came up with in my spare time. I figured I would stray away from all the romance and angst this time and just do a nice one involving friendship and maybe just a hint to Tokka.
A cool breeze flew lazily through the window and slid across Aang's face. The sun was just starting to appear on the horizon, which made the dew on the grass sparkle elegantly.
The Avatar rubbed his sleepy eyes, and let out a soft yawn. He sat up in his bed and looked around his room; his eyes glided across his belongings and came to a halt on the open window.
He yawned again "Its going to be another beautiful day."
Aang yanked the covers off of himself and got dressed, before he even left his room Aang could smell breakfast. Well, at least everyone else's breakfast. He didn't eat meat.
When he reached the dinning room only Katara and Suki were up.
"Hey Aang could you wake Sokka and Toph up?" asked the waterbender
He shrugged "Sure."
Aang inhaled deeply using his airbending powers "SOKKA! TOPH! BREAKFEST IS READY!"
Katara and Suki cringed.
"I meant go and get them, not wake up all of Ba Sing Se." scolded Katara as she glared at her obnoxiously loud boyfriend.
Before Aang could reply Sokka ran into the room. Well, more like stumbled quickly. His eyes were practically closed as he moved toward the table.
When the warrior finally made it into his seat Suki asked where Toph was.
They all turned to the groggy form of Sokka slouched over the table waiting for his meal.
Sokka was to sleepy to care what he said so without thinking of the repercussions he blurted out "Why are you all looking at me? It's not like we sleep together."
The groggy warriors eyes shot open, and his mouth clamped shut with lightning speed.
An extremely awkward silence enveloped the room. Sokka was too embarrassed to talk; Katara's jaw was touching the floor; and Suki looked like she was about to go get her sword. So being the responsible, mature Avatar he was; Aang resolved the issue.
"We all know what you meant Sokka; I'll go get her."
Aang turned around and walked back down the hall, when he reached Toph's room he knocked lightly three times.
She didn't answer.
"Hey Toph I know your in there. Why don't you come out and get breakfast?"
Toph was awake and was trying to ignore the idiot who obviously couldn't take the hint that she wanted to be alone.
Aang continued "Come on Toph, Katara made chicken-pig bacon. I know how much you love it."
He was right; chicken-pig bacon was her favorite breakfast meal, but Toph wasn't in the mood to talk.
"Leave me alone, I'm not hungry." Muttered the blind earthbender just loud enough for Aang to hear.
The Avatar was concerned for his friend. She had never turned down chicken-pig bacon before. So he pushed on.
"Are you ok Toph? Are you feeling sick?"
"I'm sick of hearing you talk; now leave before I have to earthbend you through the roof." Toph was yelling now, which meant she really didn't want to be bothered.
"Ok, ok, sorry Toph. If you want to talk later we can. Remember helping people is what I do."
With that last said Aang turned back to the dinning room where everyone was waiting for him.
Katara was sitting next to Aang on the couch; they were both worried about Toph. Sokka being the usual idiot he was decided it was best to leave her alone and let her figure it out on her own. But Katara wouldn't, no one had seen Toph like this before. She didn't talk to anyone, and when she did it was to yell at them. If she wasn't yelling she would just sit and stare blankly at something or someone.
"What do you think is wrong with Toph? She hasn't been this mad since… umm I'm not sure exactly." asked Katara.
"I don't know, but I think someone needs to talk to her."
"I think you're right Aang." A slight frown appeared on her face. "While your doing that I'm going to train, ok."
Aang jumped off of the couch "No way am I doing it. She'll kill me. Why can't you do it?"
"First off you're the Avatar, so I doubt that she could kill you. Secondly you're her student, and to be honest I think she sees you as a brother."
Katara was right but that didn't mean Aang had to do it.
"Well you're like her sister so why can't you do it?" He was desperate and was spitting out any excuse he could.
Katara smiled slightly while shaking her head. "Aang it's the brother's job to help his sister, why do you think Sokka always was the one to cheer me up."
Aang wasn't about to give up but before he could think of a counter argument Katara interrupted.
"I don't want to hear another word about it. You're talking to Toph; end of story. Now if you'll excuse me; I have some training to do."
As Katara left, Aang's shoulders and head drooped in defeat "Why do I even try?"
The blind earthbender was out in the garden behind their home, it was her favorite place in the city. It was almost tranquil to sit and listen to the small pond while her feet soaked in the water. When Toph was out here she was free form the hectic vibrations and annoying sounds of the crowded streets in Ba Sing Se. She had been thinking all day and this was the best place to do it.
Why am I still here? What do I do now? Should I go back home?
These where just a few of her almost endless list of questions, and most of them consisted of a certain water tribe warrior that had opened and broken her heart. He hadn't intended to do either, but both had just happened. Sokka didn't even know how she felt for him, but then again; Sokka always was the oblivious type. If it didn't concern him directly then it didn't matter.
Toph couldn't stop asking herself why she was still in Ba Sing Se. Of course her friends lived here, but what else was there. Really the only thing that kept Toph from moving on was the little spark of hope that one day Sokka would notice her, and maybe, just maybe, feel the same way she did for him. Of course it didn't seem possible to her. He had Suki, a beautiful, powerful, gentle, and kind woman. Toph didn't dislike Suki; she even felt some respect towards her. She had saved Toph's life twice so it was impossible for the blind girl to feel anything but grateful.
How could she compete with someone so amazing?
Let's face the facts. I may be the most powerful earthbender alive, but I'm always going to be that ugly little blind girl to him.
Toph, for the first time in her life, felt defeated. She had lost a battle that Suki didn't even know existed, which made it even more depressing.
Well at least were friends, I can live with that. Right?
Toph stopped and her frown deepened. Could Toph really live with being "just friends"?
As long as he's happy I'm happy.
…
Wow I'm really starting to lose it. First I'm talking to myself, and next I actually care if he's happy? I'm Toph Bei Fong the world's greatest earthbender. I only care about myself.
She let out a long sigh. Toph knew she was just lying to herself. The world's greatest earthbender may look tough and stubborn, but on the inside she really was a caring person. Not that she would let anyone find out; her pride was far too valuable.
"Hey Toph can we talk?"
The earthbender couldn't feel the Avatar coming with her feet in the shallow pond, and when Toph suddenly heard him she almost fell into the shallow water. It scared her half to death, if there was anything she was afraid of it was water, but Aang didn't seem to notice.
"We're talking right now aren't we?" grumbled the now annoyed girl.
"Yeah I guess we are." He sounded nervous, almost scared. Toph still had her feet in the pond and really didn't feel like using her hands to 'see' him. She just wanted to be left alone.
As Aang kept talking it became increasingly obvious he really was scared, Toph could hear him stuttering as he spoke. "Um, anyway; I wanted to see what was on your mind. It just seems like you've been thinking a lot lately."
Toph was surprised that Aang knew she was having trouble.
Am I really that obvious?
"It's nothing, just go train with Katara, ok." Toph's voice was soft, it even sounded a little insecure.
Now Aang knew there was a serious problem and was determined to figure out what it was. Toph was never the kind of person to let something drag her down no matter how big the problem.
"Ok now I'm defiantly worried. Just tell me what the problem is and maybe I can help." Aang sounded desperate.
He really cares about me? Why? I'm always making fun of him.
"Why do you care?' She sounded curious.
"Well because we're a family, you're like my little sister." He was being sincere and Toph could tell by his voice. It didn't crack, squeak, or hesitate.
Wow Aang sees me as a sister. I guess I could get used to having a big brother.
"Thanks Aang; that means a lot." Toph was wearing a very faint smile on her lips and Aang knew she really was happy that they were a family.
He had to keep up the momentum, Toph was like a rock wall, and if Aang could get enough of it he might just be able to break through.
"Since I'm like your big brother it's my job to help you when you need it, and that's right now. Please tell me what's wrong Toph. I can't help you if you don't let me know what's wrong."
Why can't I just tell him? Maybe if he promised to keep this a secret. Aang might be able to help; he is the Avatar after all.
The blind girl let out a sigh "If I tell you, you've got to promise to keep it between us. And I mean Avatar promise, not even Katara can know."
Aang shifted uneasily, but steadied himself. "I promise; it will stay between us."
The earthbenders hand was on the ground, she could feel Aang meant what he said.
She shifted her gaze to the ground, and her shoulder slumped in defeat.
"Fine. I uhh… might just.. kinda maybe… like… someone."
Toph waited for it. The inevitable gasp; and Aang would accuse her of being weak. How could the almighty Toph like someone?
To her surprise the Avatar didn't gasp; instead he burst into laughter.
What? Why? How dare he laugh at me!
She stood up and entered a bending stance "I'll give you five seconds to explain." growled Toph.
Aang was rolling around in the dirt with his arms clutching his stomach; well he was before Toph threatened him.
He slowly stood up and brushed himself off. "It's not what you think Toph, I wasn't laughing at you. I was laughing because Katara and I thought something serious was wrong with you."
Toph's mouth fell open and she all but screamed. "This is serious!"
Aang winced. "Sorry Toph, but I just didn't take you for the kind of girl that would let something like this get to her."
The blind girl's eyes narrowed threateningly "What's that supposed to mean? I'm not pretty enough to like a guy?"
Ok, now Aang was confused. How did she get that out of what he had said?
"Toph what are you talking about? I didn't say that." defended the airbender.
She turned so that her back was to him, and her voice was almost a whisper. "Then what did you mean?"
Aang was starting to lose control of the situation, he couldn't figure out why this was such a big deal.
"Well all I meant was that you usually wouldn't let small things bother you; that's all."
Toph let out a low chuckle. "I used to think it was just a small thing; that I would get over it in time. But it's been over two years, and nothings changed. If anything I just like him more."
Aang let out a small gasp, he couldn't believe it. It was only a little over two years ago when they found her. How, or better yet; who could she have liked for two years?
"Yeah I know. Crazy right? Me. The great Blind Bandit has a crush."
Aang's mind was reeling; trying to figure out who it could possibly be. He could only come up with one.
"Ohev!" shouted the airbender.
"Huh?" Replied Toph.
"Ohev the traveling nomad who's parents worked for your family. He kissed you on the cheek after we all drank that love potion stuff."
Toph blushed slightly, but other than that looked unfazed.
"Sorry Aang, I sort of forgot about him." Answered the earthbending master.
"Darn, he's the only one I could think of."
Toph's face dropped.
Are you kidding me?
"Could you give me a hint Toph?" Asked the young Avatar.
"Ugh. Fine. He's loud, funny, and loves to sleep."
Aang began thinking again. Well Zuko's loud, but he's defiantly not funny. I'm funny, but I don't sleep too much. Crap who is it?
"Can I get another hint?"
Toph smirked. "Sorry Aang that's all you get."
She stood up and began to walk back to the house, leaving the disgruntled monk behind.
At dinner Toph's mood had improved drastically. She was happy to have people that cared about her, and was especially pleased with the fact that Aang still couldn't figure out who she liked.
Sokka, who had eaten more than five plates of meat, was telling some stupid joke that he'd heard at the market. Everyone laughed except the airbender; who was practically meditating over Toph's confession.
After dinner Sokka let out an obnoxious yawn. "Well, I think its time for a nap."
He turned and started toward his bedroom, but as soon as the warrior made his first step he accidentally tripped over his own chair. The fall was a thing of beauty. On his way down the clumsy teenager managed to grab a hold of the table cloth, which unfortunately for everyone, still held all the dirty dishes. He landed face first in to the stone floor with a meaty slap, and the plates soon followed.
For a brief second the house sounded like a warzone. After it all ended and the gravy settled, it was completely silent. Then out of nowhere came historical laughter; it was Toph. She was rolling on the floor clutching her stomach so tightly Aang thought she might kill herself. Her eyes where filled to the brim with tears. It was the funniest thing Toph had ever experienced.
Then it all clicked, Aang finally figured it out. Toph liked Sokka. He was funny, defiantly loved sleeping, and was probably one of the loudest individuals Aang had ever met.
The Avatar grinned from ear to ear.
"Its Sokka isnt it?"
Toph's red face was the only answer he got.
