A/n: By popular request, this chapter is a follow-up to the previous chapter, so I HIGHLY suggest reading chapter 7 before this, just for your enjoyment - Hope you like.

Sokka finally arrived with Toph to the camp for the night. Due to the rain, everyone had moved into a cave to stay dry, even Appa. The pair entered, rain water dripping from hair and clothes. Fortunately, a fire was still burning at the center of the cave, so they huddled by it in an attempt to warm up and dry off.

Katara and Aang were already asleep. Aang was curled up next to Appa and Katara was in her sleeping bag with Momo next to her. Appa heard Toph and Sokka come in and opened one eye to look. Then, using his tail, he airbended them dry in one swift movement. However, he had also put the fire out.

"Great," Toph said, thankful for being dry, but disappointed the fire was out. She hugged her knees close to keep warm.

"I'll get the blankets," Sokka piped up.

Toph followed him as he rummaged through all of the group's belongings until he found his sleeping mat and blanket. Sokka laid the mat close to Appa and both him and Toph sat down on it next to each other. Sokka draped his blanket over their shoulders and then they both laid their backs against Appa.

Sokka was the first to strike up conversation, "So…how did you get all tangled up back there?"

Toph shrugged, "I was running, tripped, and got caught by vines while I fell forward."

"Oh. Why were you running?"

"Your sister and I had an argument, I stormed off and then it began to rain, so I ran for the nearest cover."

"What were you two arguing about?"

"You sure are asking a lot of questions."

"I have a natural curiosity,"

"Well…she was bothering me about this guy I like, and I didn't want to talk about it,"

"Do I know him?"

"If you don't, I don't know who does. But, anyway, I like this guy…a lot…but don't think he likes me the same way. We're good friends but I wish we were a bit more,"

Toph paused and hung her head sadly, her face the picture of loneliness. The next thing she knew, she felt long, strong arms embrace her in a warm hug.

"Don't worry, I'm sure he likes you back. You're a kind person, beyond that rough appearance."

A small tear dripped down Toph's face as her frown curved upward, "Thanks,"

She was startled as she felt his hand brush aside her bangs and felt his lips lightly make contact with her forehead.

"Anytime, Toph. Good night."

Sokka fell back against Appa's furry body and Toph followed his lead, tugging the blanket tighter around her. "Good night, Sokka."

The next morning, Sokka woke up to quiet giggling near him. He lazily opened his eyes to see Katara looking down at him, chortling, "Aw, you two look comfy."

Sokka looked down to see Toph clinging to him, her cheek against his chest as she continued to sleep peacefully. He smiled widely and pulled her side of the blanket gently back over her slumbering body.

He looked down at her again, chuckled softly, and, gingerly ruffling her hair, replied, "Yeah, we are."

A/n: Yeah, it's not my best work, but it's something, so I'd like some feedback please :)