Prompt: Toph ran away and Sokka is trying to find her.
Sokka grunted, pushing through the limbs and bushes. From what he could see, Toph was nowhere in sight. Where else could she have run to? Aang and Katara were checking around the island, while Sokka searched through the outer edges of the island. So far, none of them were having much luck. For all they knew, Toph could've gone underground. Sokka facepalmed at the thought – he hadn't mentioned that to Aang! "Stupid, stupid," the nineteen year-old grumbled to himself, coming to a clear spot in the woods.
Coming to a stop, he decided to run through the previous events in order to determine where Toph might have gone. First, Toph had arrived back from town rather late, angering Katara. Second, Toph and Katara had gotten into an argument. Next thing they all knew, the young earthbender was walking out of their apartment on Ember Island. It was now late and there was still no sign of Toph.
"C'mon, Toph," he pleaded to himself. The rational part of his brain told him that Toph could take care of herself, but the emotional part told him that Toph was sixteen, attractive, and a good catch for any men out there. Toph was a lie detector, yes, but she couldn't see the scum of some people, which was why she needed him to see the scum for her.
There was a sound in front of him and then suddenly Sokka came face-to-face with the ground. He yelped and turned to see what had tripped him: a rock. He pushed himself up, looking around. Before he could take another step, his lower body was encased in rock. "Toph!" he called, knowing this was the blind earthbender's doing. "I know you're out there!"
She appeared before him, her outfit dirty and her hair disheveled in its bun. She smirked in his direction. "Stuck in a tight spot, Snoozles?" she drawled, crossing her arms over her chest as she stood in front of him. Sokka simply stared at her. Standing there, defiant and with the moon shining behind her, she looked beautiful. Of course, he was well-aware of Toph's beauty, but this was something new. She didn't look soft or gentle like most women; she appeared tough and fierce. When he said nothing, she pushed his head playfully with a foot. "Okay there, Sokka?"
"Uh…yeah." He coughed. "Wait! Don't put this on me! Why'd you run away? Why were you gone for so long?"
Her eyes narrowed. "If I wanted another lecture I would've went to Katara."
Sokka sighed. "Why'd you run away, Toph?"
"I didn't run away," she replied stubbornly.
"Actually, you did."
"Actually, I didn't. I walked away."
"Big difference."
This time, Toph sighed. "I didn't want to listen to Katara's lecture anymore. She needs to realize that I have other friends aside from you all." She shrugged. "Gotta learn to share."
Sokka snorted. "You don't have to be secretive, though."
"My decision," Toph replied, shrugging.
"Yeah, yeah. Let me out of here, would ya?"
With a roll of her eyes, Toph released Sokka. Grinning, he threw an arm around her shoulders, squeezing her to him as he led them to their shared apartment. "No more running away, okay?"
"I didn't – "
"I know, I know. You walked. Either way, it's not safe."
"You doubt my bending, Snoozles?"
"Not at all," Sokka answered smoothly. "Just being cautious."
"Hmmm."
"It's the truth."
Toph grinned. "I hear ya."
