Title: In the Closet (1/3)
Summary: Aang and Toph have a problem. Everyone seems to think they're straight.
Words: 492
Disclaimer: Avatar not owned by me
Warning: slash; written on impulse; un-edited
Toph's eyes may be closed, but to Aang that meant nothing. Even with the basic seismic sense that Toph had taught him years ago, he could sense Toph's hypersensitive ears twitching slightly.
"She's so pretty," Katara continued, looking at her "sleeping" friend. "I can't believe she still doesn't have a boyfriend. After getting to know her so well, I felt sort of silly for being so distant during the war."
"Mhmm."
"But sometimes I think I'm smothering her," Katara frowned, "I mean, she's Toph. She can't enjoy spending that much time with me, all the time. Maybe she's overcompensating. I think she might be lonely for a little romance, you know?" Aang spotted the slightest of smirks on Toph's face. "That settles it. I'm going to find her the perfect man."
With a determined look, she stood up ready to scheme. But first, she asked Aang if he would like to join her for breakfast. "No thanks," He said simply, "I'll wait up for Toph." With a shrug and one last smile, Katara was off.
Aang glared. "You heard everything."
"No shit, Twinkletoes," Toph snorted, not bothering to open her eyes. "If there's one thing I can't seem to avoid, it's listening to my two favorite ladies gossiping."
Seventeen-years-old, and Toph still had a mouth filled with childish venom. Aang ignored the jibe for now, saying, "I can't believe Katara doesn't know you like her. What's your excuse for not telling her?"
"What's your excuse for not telling Zuko you're gay as the sun for him?" Toph shot back.
"That doesn't answer my question!" Aang said, reddening immediately and looking around to see if anyone heard.
Toph shrugged, considering. "She never asked," she finally said, as if she'd been fully expecting Katara to turn around one day and demand if Toph secretly felt for her. "Besides, what's the use if she's planning to hook me up with some spoiled, half-ass, earth-bending jock from Ba Sing Se?"
"Katara wouldn't do that."
"You clearly don't know my parents," Toph said. "Anyone Katara chooses, they have to approve of. Eventually, they'll clear out everyone in the Earth Kingdom except for those rich dip shits." She gestured sullenly at the pale green walls and exquisite furnishings, the room that she and Katara had been staying in together while Aang took care of business in the Fire Nation. "Their house, their rules."
Aang had enough. The Toph he knew wouldn't just accept defeat. "You're just scared," he scoffed in his most demeaning tone.
"Oh yeah?" Toph said, riling up immediately. "If I'm scared, you're goddamn terrified. We're stuck in a rut, and none of your all-knowing Avatar magic can fix it."
Aang opened his mouth, but then closed it when he realized he had nothing to say. She didn't quite take the bait as he expected. "How's this?" he said finally, "if you make your move, I make mine."
Toph grinned. "You go first."
"Fine."
"Deal."
