AN: Really, really wanted to write something for Taang Week on tumblr since I wasn't able to participate during Taang Thursdays over on deviantart, but I'm still having trouble putting words together *curses writers block* so these are probably going to be very short. Hope you enjoy anyway! =)
Day 1- Return
The Southern Air Temple was a lonely place when Aang wasn't around. That was the main reason Toph didn't like being there too long without him. Even the times Momo chose to stay behind with her, the place felt too large, gloomy and empty. Of course, she never told the Avatar she missed him, but it was almost painful how much his absence affected her. Not being able to sense his vibrations anywhere on the temple floor was like not having the air her body needed to survive.
His laughter, her favorite thing about him, she wanted to hear. His breathing at night, soft and even, she wanted to hear that, too. His touch, his hands laced with hers, running through her hair, wrapped around her as they bathed, she wanted to feel them. Toph had been living with Aang so many years, she didn't know how - didn't want to know how - to be without him.
"You should come with me, Toph," he pleaded, tugging on a few stray strands of her hair.
She swatted his hand away.
"Nah, those meetings are boring."
He sighed dramatically and she fought back a smile.
"Then... I won't be long," he promised her, encircling her with his arms. "3 to 4 days at most."
She allowed herself a minute to revel in his embrace, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply. Then, she stepped back, smirk in place, and said, "Better get going, Twinkletoes. The world's not gonna fix itself."
Four days turned to five, and she grew annoyed. Five to six, and she was starting to get angry. Six to seven, and she was filled with annoyance, anger, but most of all, worry. What could've happened? Where could he be?
Finally, that night, he returned.
Whenever Aang took longer than expected or Toph beat him back to the temple, she made him pay for it. She'd ignore him, wouldn't talk to him, and slept in her own room. But not this time. The young earthbender had been so worried - even a bit frightened - by his long absence. She was so unbelievably relieved he was back that she ran into his arms and held on for a very long time. Oh, she punched him too for making her worry so damn much, but for the rest of the evening, they sat side by side, laughing together, teasing each other, and making up for lost time.