It was a warm afternoon in the Earth Kingdom, and you were walking through a quiet forest, your footsteps crunching against the fallen leaves. The sun was shining through the canopy above, but the real reason you had ventured out was Toph. She had invited you out here for some earthbending training, though knowing her, it was probably more of an excuse to test your patience.
You spotted her sitting on a rock, her arms crossed, a sly grin on her face. "Took you long enough." she teased. "I was starting to think you got lost."
You rolled your eyes with a smile, knowing that she'd probably heard you coming a mile away. "I didn't get lost. I just didn't want to show up too early and ruin your nap."
Toph stood up, dusting off her clothes. "Please, I don't nap. I was just waiting for you to show up so I could show you how much better I am than you at Earthbending." Her voice was laced with that familiar cockiness, but you knew underneath, she was genuinely excited to teach you.
"Alright, let's see what you've got." you challenged, ready to be impressed once again by her skills.
Without missing a beat, Toph stomped her foot into the ground, and a pillar of earth shot up next to you, knocking you slightly off balance. You staggered but managed to stay upright, giving her a playful glare.
"Careful." you warned, brushing the dirt from your clothes. "I still need my legs, you know."
"Not my fault you're slow." she shot back, her grin widening. "Besides, if you're gonna hang out with me, you've gotta toughen up."
Despite her tough exterior, you couldn't help but admire her strength and independence. Toph never asked for help, always relying on herself and her abilities. But that also made moments like these, when she opened up enough to invite you into her world, feel special.
After a few rounds of Earthbending, with Toph clearly showing off, the two of you took a break. Sitting together on the ground, you couldn't help but notice the small beads of sweat on her brow, a testament to the intense training session. She wiped her forehead and leaned back, enjoying the peace of the moment.
"You're pretty good." you said, glancing at her. "But I think I'm catching up."
Toph snorted. "Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that, and maybe one day it'll be true."
There was a pause, the comfortable silence settling between you. Toph's normally brash demeanor softened slightly, and for a moment, you saw another side of her- the one she didn't let others see too often.
"You know," you began, your voice quieter, "I think it's amazing how you can do all of this. You're... something else, Toph."
She didn't respond immediately, but you could tell by the slight tilt of her head that she was listening closely. After a moment, she smirked, though there was a hint of genuine appreciation in her tone. "Well, it's not like I need you to tell me that. But thanks anyway."
You laughed softly, leaning back and enjoying the feel of the earth beneath you. "I mean it, though. You're incredible."
Toph's smirk faded slightly, replaced with a more thoughtful expression. She kicked a small stone with her foot, sending it skittering across the ground. "I know people think I'm tough. I like it that way. But sometimes..." She trailed off, as if debating whether or not to continue. "Sometimes, it's nice to have someone who sees me, you know? Not just the Blind Bandit or the Earthbender."
You nodded, understanding her unspoken words. "I see you, Toph. And I'll always be here, no matter what."
For a moment, her usual bravado faltered. She shifted closer, her hand brushing against yours. The subtle contact sent a warmth through you, and before you realized it, your fingers intertwined.
Toph didn't say anything, but the small smile on her face said it all. The two of you sat there, hand in hand, the connection between you growing stronger without the need for words. You leaned in slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head, the moment simple yet filled with meaning.
She didn't pull away, instead leaning into you slightly, her tough exterior softening in your presence. "Don't get used to this," she muttered under her breath, though you could hear the teasing smile in her voice. "I'm still going to kick your butt next time."
You chuckled, squeezing her hand. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the landscape, you realized just how special this bond was. With Toph, every moment was an adventure, full of surprises and strength. And even though she didn't always show it, you knew she appreciated having someone by her side, someone who saw her for who she truly was.
And you were more than happy to be that person.
YOU ARE READING
Various Females X Male Reader Oneshots
RandomShort romantic stories involving female characters from a variety of fandoms.