Cynics. It Takes One to Love One: Sokka/Toph (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Avatar: The Last Airbender is a popular cartoon that currently airs on Nickelodeon. The show is about a twelve year old boy named Aang who, after being freed from an ice burg after 100 years, has the burden of being the savior during a war amongst the four nations--Earth, Water, Fire and Air. As he and his friends travel the world, he grows as a person and becomes stronger to ultimately defeat the Fire Lord.
Sokka
Sokka is one of the main characters of the series and a member of the "gAang", consisting of his younger sister Katara, Aang, and Toph. He is an intelligent, sarcastic, and meat loving 15 year old who is a proud member of the Southern Water Tribe. Sokka is portrayed as willing to fight for his tribe at a very early age, and as a result Sokka is very supportive of the warriors in his tribe, especially his father.
Although he is the only member of the group who lacks a bending ability, Sokka is a vital member in the team. He is known as the "Idea Guy" by the others, and his skills to think fast and solve problems has aided the gang in countless times of trouble.
Like so many other characters in the series, Sokka has experienced deep loss. It's one thing that his mother is dead and his father is off fighting the war, and what's more, when it comes to romance, Sokka seems to be unlucky in love. The first girl Sokka had fallen in love with and kissed was Princess Yue of the Northern Water Tribe, who sacrificed herself to become the Moon Spirit. This loss caused Sokka to be heartbroken, but Princess Yue promised to always be with him. His loss and his love for her is still clear in his mind, as seen in many later episodes. After Princess Yue's death Sokka happens to reunite with his other romantic interest, Suki (first introduced in The Warriors of Kyoshi), a tough Kyoshi warrior who is part of the Earth Kingdom.
In season three Sokka expresses his feelings of uselessness when it comes to contributing to battle due to his inability to bend. His friends help him seek out a master to train him in swordsmanship and he quickly becomes skilled because of his creativity, versatility and intelligence. During his moment of truth, Sokka successfully uses his new skills as he helps lead an invasion on the Fire Nation.
Toph
Toph Bei Fong, also known as "The Blind Bandit", had quite the uneventful life before joining the Avatar and his friends on his journey. Because she was born blind, her mother and father were strict about what she did and believed that she was very helpless. However, Toph's parent's beliefs were far from the case. Before Toph's parents saw her true potential they had no idea that their daughter was one of the greatest earth benders. Toph is so gifted that Aang seeks her out to be his earth-bending teacher after he chooses to follow his old friend King Bumi's advice to get a teacher who, "waits and listens," and after he sees an illusion of her in The Swamp.
Toph is introduced during the sixth "Earth Rumble" while fighting against large, burly men. Although crowned as the champion at the tournament, many still see Toph as a weak, blind girl. Toph resents being seen as weak because of her disability, and she tells Aang about her frustration. Although she can't see with her eyes, her earth bending helps her 'see' with no problem. Toph later demonstrates this as she fights against the men who ambush Aang and her.
Frustrated at her parents stifling control over her life, Toph runs away to join the 'Gaang.' Unfortunately, shortly after joining she has difficultly getting along with other members. This difficultly most likely resulted from her independent mindset. Toph explains to the gang that she "carried her own weight," but after a meaningful talk with Iroh she eventually learns to work with others, and does a more than decent job at doing it in later episodes. Although she rarely shows it, Toph does care for those close to her, including her parents.
Sokka x Toph: The Cynics
Because They’re Buddies
Truthfully, the reason why I was first drawn into this pairing was because I thought the one-sided romance was adorable. Fortunately, as the series went on I learned that there was so much more to the pairing other than its cuteness and what popped out to me the most was Sokka and Toph's friendship. A good way to define Sokka and Toph’s current relationship is simple-they’re buddies, and good ones at that. The two started out without the perfect relationship, as Sokka was sure Toph would lose in the “Earth Rumble” and Toph frequently belittled Sokka’s ability to fight as a non-bender, but their interaction has improved over time.
Sokka and Toph interactions range from throwing sarcastic comments at each other to sharing feelings they've never told anyone else. It ranges from the two of them goofing off and hustling to Toph quietly telling Sokka that Jet was lying when he said he would be okay. Sokka and Toph often fight side by side when the gang splits up and protect each other like comrades and friends would, but it is important to note how comfortable the two have grown with each other since their first encounter. In The Earth King when Sokka decides to be positive for once, Toph does not like this adjustment. She immediately assumes that Long Feng brainwashed him, a small hint that she might like the normal, negative Sokka or that she is familiar with his cynical attitude because it's something she can relate to. In, The Runaway, Toph and Katara get into an argument about how Toph spends her money, and Toph walks off in a huff after commenting that Katara is not her mother. Sokka comes to confront her which leads to a scene that shows how open Sokka and Toph are with each other and how they can listen and reason with one another. Although actually not explicitly romantic at all, the scene does emphasize how close the two are because they both confess certain burdens without any strains at all:
Sokka: Come on, we need to talk.
(They repair to an overhanging cliff, unaware that Katara is bathing in the water below. Their entire conversation is audible to her.)
Toph: So let me guess. You brought me out here to tell me your sister's not as annoying as I make her out to be.
Sokka: Nah, she's pretty much a pain. She's always got to be right about everything, and she gets all bossy, and involved, and in your business.
Toph: Yeah, I don't know how you can deal with it.
Sokka: Actually, in a way, I rely on it.
Toph: I don't understand.
Sokka: When our mom died, that was the hardest time in my life. Our family was a mess, but Katara, she had so much strength. She stepped up and took on so much responsibility. She helped fill the void that was left by our mom.
Toph: I guess I never thought about that.
Sokka: I'm gonna tell you something crazy. I never told anyone this before, but honestly, I'm not sure I can remember what my mother looked like. It really seems like, my whole life, Katara's been the one looking out for me. She's always been the one that's there, and now, when I try to remember my mom, Katara's is the only face I can picture.
Toph: The truth is, sometimes Katara does act motherly, but that's not always a bad thing. She's compassionate and kind, and she actually cares about me. (wipes eye) You know, the real me. That's more than my own mom. (She punches Sokka in the shoulder) Don't ever tell her I said any of this!
Sokka: Hey, my lips are sealed.
Sokka and Toph’s relationship with each other as friends right now is already an enjoyable aspect about their relationship, and because of this and their relaxed nature with each other it would not be unlikely for them to become a couple in the future.
Toph's Independence
Although Sokka and Toph are really close friends, some believe that Toph cannot be in any romantic relationship with him or anyone else because of her independent nature. It is true that Toph was introduced as a really independent individual, but it is important to remember that this mindset of hers significantly changed in The Chase when she temporarily left the gang and ended up meeting and having a discussion with Iroh. During their conversation, Iroh makes a good point about those who believe they must be independent:
Toph: I know what you're thinking. I look like I can't handle being by myself.
Iroh: I wasn't thinking that.
Toph: You wouldn't even let me pour my own cup of tea.
Iroh: I poured your tea because I wanted to and for no other reason.
Toph: People see me and think I'm weak. They want to take care of me. But I can take care of myself by myself.
Iroh: You sound like my nephew. Always thinking you need to do things on your own without anyone's
support. There is nothing wrong with letting people who love you help you.
What he said underscored an underlying theme in the episode-that Aang, Katara, Sokka and Toph all need each other (just like Iroh and Zuko). Of course Toph can be independent and protect herself (e.g. when she metal-bended to safety in The Guru), but since that talk she has had less of a problem with helping out or fighting alongside her friends, or more significantly for this manifesto, being protected or saved by Sokka in particular. It’s true that Toph doesn't need a man. No one in the show needs a boyfriend or a girlfriend. But in Toph's case, she wants one.
Because She Hearts Him
Toph's romantic feelings for Sokka can be hard to define. It can be subtle, or blatantly obvious. Either way, by the middle of the second season two things are evident. That Toph hearts Sokka, and that Toph hearts Sokka, and it’s truly adorable. Although Toph’s teasing of Sokka shortly after her first appearance can be taken as possible signs of affection on her part, the first major hint towards Toph's romantic interest in Sokka was in The Serpent’s Pass. Toph expresses bitterness when Sokka does not acknowledge the fact that she saved him from tumbling rocks, and mutters to herself in a caustic tone, “Thanks for saving my life, Toph. Hey no problem Sokka.” It is normal for one to become annoyed in such a situation with no romantic or jealous connotations attached, but in Toph’s case there definitely is. Toph has saved Sokka’s life before, in Bitter Work for example, and did not expect a thank you from him as she did in this scene. The only difference in the two instances is that Sokka’s girlfriend, Suki, is present in The Serpent’s Pass and Sokka ends up ignoring Toph for Suki when Toph saves him. Toph's jealously was subtle, but definitely present.
shizumaslover stated about the matter, "Sometimes all a young girl needs to realize she likes a guy is the presence of another girl who does. Toph's good at hiding her feelings most of the time-- for all we know she could have had a crush on him since "The Blind Bandit" that simply didn't present itself until she saw there was serious competition." It is also a significant scene because in the DVD commentary for that particular scene a couple of the writers give a little nod to Toph’s romantic interest in Sokka:
"So maybe there's some inklings of some shipping...you know...?"
"Yeah, there is a little Toph-->Sokka you know...something going on there..."
In that same episode, while the gang, Suki and a husband with his wife attempt to cross a patch of ice to try to get to safety, the ice under Toph breaks and her inability to swim hinders her from crossing. Sokka reassures Toph that he will come to save her, so "Sokka" comes to save her:
Toph: Help! I can't swim!
Sokka: I'm coming Toph!
(As Sokka struggles to remove a boot, Suki dives into the water towards Toph. Standing amazed, Sokka watches her swim furiously to the rescue as Toph slips beneath the waves. Reaching the place where she disappeared, Suki dives down and brings her gasping to the surface.)
Toph: Oh Sokka, you saved me.(plants a big kiss on Suki's cheek)
Suki: Actually, it's me.
Toph: (fatally embarrassed): Oh? Well? Hehe...(limply) You can go ahead and let me drown now.
I believe this is the first extremely blatant hint that Toph is interested in Sokka because not only does she you know…try to kiss him, but also because Michael Dante DiMartino, one of the co-creators and executive producer of the show, noted in an interview
that the scene was their little recognition of Toph's romantic interest in Sokka. Toph is not portrayed as someone who would be willing to kiss someone, so this scene is significant. Toph's reaction to finding out that she kissed Suki instead of Sokka is endearing as well, because Toph rarely has any sheepish moments.
The season two finale, The Crossroads of Destiny, ends with another subtle nod to Toph’s feelings for Sokka. Toph had asked in a previous episode for Appa to get a new saddle because riding bareback in the air was "terrifying," but in this episode the saddle is still not there. Instead of holding on to Appa's fur for dear life, Toph chooses to hold on to Sokka's arm. And Toph's facial expression full of bliss because of this opportunity is hard to miss.
By the end of the second season it is obvious that Toph has created a strong bond with the members of the gang. Toph’s bond with Sokka, however, seems to be the one with the most attention, especially in season three. They are constantly shown snarking at each other or agreeing with each other at the most childish things. In Sokka’s Master, Sokka leaves to train with a swords master so he can contribute to the group some more. As a result, Aang, Katara, and Toph miss him dearly…but Toph seems to miss him the most. Aang and Katara try to figure out how to read their map, a job Sokka was exceptional at, and Toph, who is lying down nearby, bluntly tells them that they don’t know what they’re doing. She sighs and her brow creases as she admits, "I miss Sokka." And to add icing on the cake, Katara responds with an attempt at a witty comment. “Ooh, I got one! If you miss him so much,” Katara says, while a suggestive look appears on her face, “then why don't you marry him?” In response, Toph merely rolls on her side, away from Katara. The significance? Toph both admits that she misses Sokka and does not protest to marrying him all in one scene. That's an incredible feat for her as she starts coming to terms with her feelings for Sokka.
When Sokka returns, Toph is the first to notice. Although it was most likely because she could feel the vibrations of him coming, her excitement at Sokka’s return is endearing, as she exclaims, “Sokka’s coming!” Of course, when Sokka asks Toph what Aang and Katara’s deal is with him being back, Toph merely responds while scratching the back of her neck, usually a sign of awkward crushing, “I don't know. They missed you or something. I didn't care” while she turns from him, with a clear blush on her face. She clearly hearts him, but she’s totally in denial. Afterwards, Sokka gives Toph a present, a piece of space earth, and Toph clearly loves it. She takes to wearing it as a bracelet and in The Runaway she admits to Katara that one reason she left it at camp when they were in danger was because she was afraid to lose it. This shows how precious the present is to her.
The hardest people Toph would have to admit her feelings to are herself and Sokka. Although she is in complete denial, she is becoming more aware of those feelings over time. And because of her feelings unveiling themselves in almost every episode, maybe she will not have to admit it to him and the completely ignorant Sokka will begin to notice these feelings as well.
Because Reciprocation is Possible
Sokka is 15. Toph is 12. This is a big issue people have with this pairing besides the fact that the pairing is one-sided and Sokka has many other love interests. It sounds bad in a general perspective, but given Sokka’s interactions with Toph now it is not out of his character to fall for her. One thing for sure is that Sokka gives Toph a certain special treatment, which can even be seen in their earlier days as friends. In The Chase, Katara and Toph have an ongoing feud about Toph's decision to "carry her own weight" and Toph eventually decides to leave. But before she can do so, it is actually Sokka who is the only one to try and stop her from leaving. Neither Aang, who really needed Toph to learn earth bending, nor Katara, who had previously mentioned that she was happy to have another girl in the group, tries to get her to stay. They happen to have their regrets only after she is gone. Although Sokka fails in his attempt to get Toph to stay because she earth bends him out of the way, it is significant that unlike his comrades, Sokka had no major reason to try and get her to stay; especially after she had insulted him about not being able to bend earlier in the episode.
Sokka’s admits to Toph that his is not able to remember what his mother looks like, so he uses Katara’s face in her place. This is another example of special treatment because he says, “I’ve never told anyone this before.
Sokka also does little gestures that can be unconsciously romantic. For example, he lets Toph hold on to his arm when they ride on Appa in The Crossroads of Destiny. Toph's blissful expression is obvious, but Sokka's tender look towards her is poignant. He already doesn’t seem to mind that she’s holding on to him at all, and he’s smiling at her. In Sokka’s Master when Sokka returns from training with Piando, he gives Toph a gift, and Toph only a gift. It is a chunk of space earth, the same space earth he made his sword from. Toph is able to use it as a bracelet. It’s like he not only gave her a gift, but he unconsciously gave her jewelry. He also carries her bridal style when she's hurt.
There are also very little things to take into consideration. For example, Sokka usually chooses Toph to go with him with the gAng splits up. This allows him to see her abilities and work well with her in battle. Admittedly, the only time Sokka extremely ignored Toph was when Suki, his girlfriend, returned and Toph’s jealously confirms that she usually gets a lot of attention from him otherwise. By the middle of season three, Sokka jokingly admits that he doesn't know what the gang would do without Toph.
Why Ship It?
Before a conclustion, here are some reasons some Sokka/Toph fans ship this pairing.
juliaroche
Sokka seems unstoppable, his personality is very in-your-face and he dominates the scene everytime he says something, so when this blind, younger girl is able to get him to sit down and mellow out, an interesting relationship is sure to follow. They're very different, yet very similar in some ways, so the pairing gets the best of both tensions.
artemisrae
Sokka and Toph are the kind of couple who are best friends first and foremost, and that's a huge part of the appeal to me. They probably could live without each other, but they don't really want to, because she keeps him grounded, and he makes her laugh. Not to mention the combination of their Powers of Sarcasm might make the world melt from sheer awesome?
arvada
Sokka/Toph is interesting because it's real and imperfect. Sokka has issues with needing to protect everyone around him, especially those he cares about; Toph has issues with letting anyone protect her, lest it be a sign of weakness on her part. So they'd argue and bicker, like all real couples and friends do, but at the end of the day they admire one another's humor and skill too much to take any of it too seriously. If they got together, it would be because they wanted to, not because it was Written In The Stars. I like that.
squirrel_tamer
Because Sokka/Toph is AWESOME. Like in the high-five, secret handshake, BFF awesome kind of way. But also in a sexy guilt complexes and violence kind of way. Wherein Toph will never admit that she likes him and Sokka will try and deny that he likes her and then they’ll wake up one morning in the same bed and laugh. And then Sokka will try and make up some excuse about how it can’t work because he’s too old/too cursed/too weak. And then Toph will punch him and kiss him and tell him that he’s actually just too stupid, but that she doesn’t honestly give a damn.
audentiae
I think the thing that appeals to me the most about Tokka is that it’s not your typical romance. You’ve got these two people who are both so witty and strong and sarcastic and work so well together that they just defy that ideal, lovey-dovey romance that you see in all the movies and books. They’ve got this amazing friendship that comes first and foremost, and that’s what would add this versatile dynamic to their relationship if they were to ever further it. There’s just so much potential!
rawles
If I had to choose a SINGLE Sokka/The Ladies ship this would probably be it. And it would probably be it entirely on the strength of the fact that I love Toph the most of all Sokka's ladies.
I feel like once they're older their relationship could be this great thing where they're like friends first above all BUT ALSO MAKE OUT SOMETIMES and like make fun of all other love interests the other might have!
IT WOULD BE GRATE.
rhapsodyinpink
For me, Tokka simply works on so many levels-both platonic and loving. First off, the individual characters themselves are all kinds of awesome. Toph and Sokka are both so original and thought though that any sort of relationship between them would be enjoyable.
As friends, they are the best source of laughter. Nobody else in the gaang has such a dry sense of humor, and when you put these two head-to-head, all sorts of hilarity ensue. Both Toph and Sokka have points of sensitivity, and each knows how to deal with the other. At the same time, what's so nice about their relationship is that they both know when to stop. Sokka knows how to get through to Toph, when nobody else can. And in turn, Toph reciprocates by giving him more affection than she does to anyone else, more so perhaps even she herself knows.
And shipping-wise, zomg...they are the cutest! Toph likes him so much, but she is so afraid of letting anyone else know that she does that she acts so tough. And what's so sweet about it is that even though she is a tough person in so many things, Sokka is one of her few points of vulnerability, and that is one of the aspects that makes this pair so appealing. On Sokka's side, he has had so much heartache that he needs someone to lighten up with. And one thing we know about Toph- she will always have his back, no matter who he ends up with, even though she might be having some wishful thoughts of her own. He's given her loyalty-she gives it back. But she'll never let anyone know!
And that, in a ridiculously long nutshell, is a little bit of why I love me some Tokka. :D
Although Toph and Sokka respond to each other in sarcastic ways at times, the former more than the latter, it does not mean that they hate each other. As shown above they protect each other, and trust each other. I like how they grew to accept each other and press each other's buttons in the most humorous ways. I like how although it's subtle friendship/love on both parts, it's there. And although this ship does not become an official pairing, I still think Sokka and Toph have a good background and friendship to become one in fandom.
Fandom
This pairing is not as popular compared to other Avatar ships, but it still has a reasonable fanbase to have certain communities and good recs.
Communities
lj community:
sokka_toph
drabble community:
tokka100
deviantART club: TophandSokkaClub
fanfiction C2: Tokka Moments and x..:: Toph.... x ....Sokka ::..x
Recs By Tokka Fans
[Fic] Of All Time by Daughter of Atlas
[Fic] Darkest Before Dawn by Sifu Toph
[Fic] Preternatural by JoJoDancer
[AMV] She's a Lady by BlackKatRaven
[AMV] Story of a Girl by itachilover223
[AMV] I Don't Like Your Girlfriend by ziggyirked
[Fic] Cactus Juice by invaderk
[Fic] Hide and Seek by Recna den Eres
[Fic] Escapades by artemisrae
[Art] Toph and Sokka: MUDKIP by mikutashi
[Art] OMG TOKKA FLUFF by avatar-fan
[Fic] Heartbeat by Dimitrius
Sokka
Sokka is one of the main characters of the series and a member of the "gAang", consisting of his younger sister Katara, Aang, and Toph. He is an intelligent, sarcastic, and meat loving 15 year old who is a proud member of the Southern Water Tribe. Sokka is portrayed as willing to fight for his tribe at a very early age, and as a result Sokka is very supportive of the warriors in his tribe, especially his father.
Although he is the only member of the group who lacks a bending ability, Sokka is a vital member in the team. He is known as the "Idea Guy" by the others, and his skills to think fast and solve problems has aided the gang in countless times of trouble.
Like so many other characters in the series, Sokka has experienced deep loss. It's one thing that his mother is dead and his father is off fighting the war, and what's more, when it comes to romance, Sokka seems to be unlucky in love. The first girl Sokka had fallen in love with and kissed was Princess Yue of the Northern Water Tribe, who sacrificed herself to become the Moon Spirit. This loss caused Sokka to be heartbroken, but Princess Yue promised to always be with him. His loss and his love for her is still clear in his mind, as seen in many later episodes. After Princess Yue's death Sokka happens to reunite with his other romantic interest, Suki (first introduced in The Warriors of Kyoshi), a tough Kyoshi warrior who is part of the Earth Kingdom.
In season three Sokka expresses his feelings of uselessness when it comes to contributing to battle due to his inability to bend. His friends help him seek out a master to train him in swordsmanship and he quickly becomes skilled because of his creativity, versatility and intelligence. During his moment of truth, Sokka successfully uses his new skills as he helps lead an invasion on the Fire Nation.
Toph
Toph Bei Fong, also known as "The Blind Bandit", had quite the uneventful life before joining the Avatar and his friends on his journey. Because she was born blind, her mother and father were strict about what she did and believed that she was very helpless. However, Toph's parent's beliefs were far from the case. Before Toph's parents saw her true potential they had no idea that their daughter was one of the greatest earth benders. Toph is so gifted that Aang seeks her out to be his earth-bending teacher after he chooses to follow his old friend King Bumi's advice to get a teacher who, "waits and listens," and after he sees an illusion of her in The Swamp.
Toph is introduced during the sixth "Earth Rumble" while fighting against large, burly men. Although crowned as the champion at the tournament, many still see Toph as a weak, blind girl. Toph resents being seen as weak because of her disability, and she tells Aang about her frustration. Although she can't see with her eyes, her earth bending helps her 'see' with no problem. Toph later demonstrates this as she fights against the men who ambush Aang and her.
Frustrated at her parents stifling control over her life, Toph runs away to join the 'Gaang.' Unfortunately, shortly after joining she has difficultly getting along with other members. This difficultly most likely resulted from her independent mindset. Toph explains to the gang that she "carried her own weight," but after a meaningful talk with Iroh she eventually learns to work with others, and does a more than decent job at doing it in later episodes. Although she rarely shows it, Toph does care for those close to her, including her parents.
Sokka x Toph: The Cynics
Because They’re Buddies
Truthfully, the reason why I was first drawn into this pairing was because I thought the one-sided romance was adorable. Fortunately, as the series went on I learned that there was so much more to the pairing other than its cuteness and what popped out to me the most was Sokka and Toph's friendship. A good way to define Sokka and Toph’s current relationship is simple-they’re buddies, and good ones at that. The two started out without the perfect relationship, as Sokka was sure Toph would lose in the “Earth Rumble” and Toph frequently belittled Sokka’s ability to fight as a non-bender, but their interaction has improved over time.
Sokka and Toph interactions range from throwing sarcastic comments at each other to sharing feelings they've never told anyone else. It ranges from the two of them goofing off and hustling to Toph quietly telling Sokka that Jet was lying when he said he would be okay. Sokka and Toph often fight side by side when the gang splits up and protect each other like comrades and friends would, but it is important to note how comfortable the two have grown with each other since their first encounter. In The Earth King when Sokka decides to be positive for once, Toph does not like this adjustment. She immediately assumes that Long Feng brainwashed him, a small hint that she might like the normal, negative Sokka or that she is familiar with his cynical attitude because it's something she can relate to. In, The Runaway, Toph and Katara get into an argument about how Toph spends her money, and Toph walks off in a huff after commenting that Katara is not her mother. Sokka comes to confront her which leads to a scene that shows how open Sokka and Toph are with each other and how they can listen and reason with one another. Although actually not explicitly romantic at all, the scene does emphasize how close the two are because they both confess certain burdens without any strains at all:
Sokka: Come on, we need to talk.
(They repair to an overhanging cliff, unaware that Katara is bathing in the water below. Their entire conversation is audible to her.)
Toph: So let me guess. You brought me out here to tell me your sister's not as annoying as I make her out to be.
Sokka: Nah, she's pretty much a pain. She's always got to be right about everything, and she gets all bossy, and involved, and in your business.
Toph: Yeah, I don't know how you can deal with it.
Sokka: Actually, in a way, I rely on it.
Toph: I don't understand.
Sokka: When our mom died, that was the hardest time in my life. Our family was a mess, but Katara, she had so much strength. She stepped up and took on so much responsibility. She helped fill the void that was left by our mom.
Toph: I guess I never thought about that.
Sokka: I'm gonna tell you something crazy. I never told anyone this before, but honestly, I'm not sure I can remember what my mother looked like. It really seems like, my whole life, Katara's been the one looking out for me. She's always been the one that's there, and now, when I try to remember my mom, Katara's is the only face I can picture.
Toph: The truth is, sometimes Katara does act motherly, but that's not always a bad thing. She's compassionate and kind, and she actually cares about me. (wipes eye) You know, the real me. That's more than my own mom. (She punches Sokka in the shoulder) Don't ever tell her I said any of this!
Sokka: Hey, my lips are sealed.
Sokka and Toph’s relationship with each other as friends right now is already an enjoyable aspect about their relationship, and because of this and their relaxed nature with each other it would not be unlikely for them to become a couple in the future.
Toph's Independence
Although Sokka and Toph are really close friends, some believe that Toph cannot be in any romantic relationship with him or anyone else because of her independent nature. It is true that Toph was introduced as a really independent individual, but it is important to remember that this mindset of hers significantly changed in The Chase when she temporarily left the gang and ended up meeting and having a discussion with Iroh. During their conversation, Iroh makes a good point about those who believe they must be independent:
Toph: I know what you're thinking. I look like I can't handle being by myself.
Iroh: I wasn't thinking that.
Toph: You wouldn't even let me pour my own cup of tea.
Iroh: I poured your tea because I wanted to and for no other reason.
Toph: People see me and think I'm weak. They want to take care of me. But I can take care of myself by myself.
Iroh: You sound like my nephew. Always thinking you need to do things on your own without anyone's
support. There is nothing wrong with letting people who love you help you.
What he said underscored an underlying theme in the episode-that Aang, Katara, Sokka and Toph all need each other (just like Iroh and Zuko). Of course Toph can be independent and protect herself (e.g. when she metal-bended to safety in The Guru), but since that talk she has had less of a problem with helping out or fighting alongside her friends, or more significantly for this manifesto, being protected or saved by Sokka in particular. It’s true that Toph doesn't need a man. No one in the show needs a boyfriend or a girlfriend. But in Toph's case, she wants one.
Because She Hearts Him
Toph's romantic feelings for Sokka can be hard to define. It can be subtle, or blatantly obvious. Either way, by the middle of the second season two things are evident. That Toph hearts Sokka, and that Toph hearts Sokka, and it’s truly adorable. Although Toph’s teasing of Sokka shortly after her first appearance can be taken as possible signs of affection on her part, the first major hint towards Toph's romantic interest in Sokka was in The Serpent’s Pass. Toph expresses bitterness when Sokka does not acknowledge the fact that she saved him from tumbling rocks, and mutters to herself in a caustic tone, “Thanks for saving my life, Toph. Hey no problem Sokka.” It is normal for one to become annoyed in such a situation with no romantic or jealous connotations attached, but in Toph’s case there definitely is. Toph has saved Sokka’s life before, in Bitter Work for example, and did not expect a thank you from him as she did in this scene. The only difference in the two instances is that Sokka’s girlfriend, Suki, is present in The Serpent’s Pass and Sokka ends up ignoring Toph for Suki when Toph saves him. Toph's jealously was subtle, but definitely present.
shizumaslover stated about the matter, "Sometimes all a young girl needs to realize she likes a guy is the presence of another girl who does. Toph's good at hiding her feelings most of the time-- for all we know she could have had a crush on him since "The Blind Bandit" that simply didn't present itself until she saw there was serious competition." It is also a significant scene because in the DVD commentary for that particular scene a couple of the writers give a little nod to Toph’s romantic interest in Sokka:
"So maybe there's some inklings of some shipping...you know...?"
"Yeah, there is a little Toph-->Sokka you know...something going on there..."
In that same episode, while the gang, Suki and a husband with his wife attempt to cross a patch of ice to try to get to safety, the ice under Toph breaks and her inability to swim hinders her from crossing. Sokka reassures Toph that he will come to save her, so "Sokka" comes to save her:
Toph: Help! I can't swim!
Sokka: I'm coming Toph!
(As Sokka struggles to remove a boot, Suki dives into the water towards Toph. Standing amazed, Sokka watches her swim furiously to the rescue as Toph slips beneath the waves. Reaching the place where she disappeared, Suki dives down and brings her gasping to the surface.)
Toph: Oh Sokka, you saved me.(plants a big kiss on Suki's cheek)
Suki: Actually, it's me.
Toph: (fatally embarrassed): Oh? Well? Hehe...(limply) You can go ahead and let me drown now.
I believe this is the first extremely blatant hint that Toph is interested in Sokka because not only does she you know…try to kiss him, but also because Michael Dante DiMartino, one of the co-creators and executive producer of the show, noted in an interview
that the scene was their little recognition of Toph's romantic interest in Sokka. Toph is not portrayed as someone who would be willing to kiss someone, so this scene is significant. Toph's reaction to finding out that she kissed Suki instead of Sokka is endearing as well, because Toph rarely has any sheepish moments.
The season two finale, The Crossroads of Destiny, ends with another subtle nod to Toph’s feelings for Sokka. Toph had asked in a previous episode for Appa to get a new saddle because riding bareback in the air was "terrifying," but in this episode the saddle is still not there. Instead of holding on to Appa's fur for dear life, Toph chooses to hold on to Sokka's arm. And Toph's facial expression full of bliss because of this opportunity is hard to miss.
By the end of the second season it is obvious that Toph has created a strong bond with the members of the gang. Toph’s bond with Sokka, however, seems to be the one with the most attention, especially in season three. They are constantly shown snarking at each other or agreeing with each other at the most childish things. In Sokka’s Master, Sokka leaves to train with a swords master so he can contribute to the group some more. As a result, Aang, Katara, and Toph miss him dearly…but Toph seems to miss him the most. Aang and Katara try to figure out how to read their map, a job Sokka was exceptional at, and Toph, who is lying down nearby, bluntly tells them that they don’t know what they’re doing. She sighs and her brow creases as she admits, "I miss Sokka." And to add icing on the cake, Katara responds with an attempt at a witty comment. “Ooh, I got one! If you miss him so much,” Katara says, while a suggestive look appears on her face, “then why don't you marry him?” In response, Toph merely rolls on her side, away from Katara. The significance? Toph both admits that she misses Sokka and does not protest to marrying him all in one scene. That's an incredible feat for her as she starts coming to terms with her feelings for Sokka.
When Sokka returns, Toph is the first to notice. Although it was most likely because she could feel the vibrations of him coming, her excitement at Sokka’s return is endearing, as she exclaims, “Sokka’s coming!” Of course, when Sokka asks Toph what Aang and Katara’s deal is with him being back, Toph merely responds while scratching the back of her neck, usually a sign of awkward crushing, “I don't know. They missed you or something. I didn't care” while she turns from him, with a clear blush on her face. She clearly hearts him, but she’s totally in denial. Afterwards, Sokka gives Toph a present, a piece of space earth, and Toph clearly loves it. She takes to wearing it as a bracelet and in The Runaway she admits to Katara that one reason she left it at camp when they were in danger was because she was afraid to lose it. This shows how precious the present is to her.
The hardest people Toph would have to admit her feelings to are herself and Sokka. Although she is in complete denial, she is becoming more aware of those feelings over time. And because of her feelings unveiling themselves in almost every episode, maybe she will not have to admit it to him and the completely ignorant Sokka will begin to notice these feelings as well.
Because Reciprocation is Possible
Sokka is 15. Toph is 12. This is a big issue people have with this pairing besides the fact that the pairing is one-sided and Sokka has many other love interests. It sounds bad in a general perspective, but given Sokka’s interactions with Toph now it is not out of his character to fall for her. One thing for sure is that Sokka gives Toph a certain special treatment, which can even be seen in their earlier days as friends. In The Chase, Katara and Toph have an ongoing feud about Toph's decision to "carry her own weight" and Toph eventually decides to leave. But before she can do so, it is actually Sokka who is the only one to try and stop her from leaving. Neither Aang, who really needed Toph to learn earth bending, nor Katara, who had previously mentioned that she was happy to have another girl in the group, tries to get her to stay. They happen to have their regrets only after she is gone. Although Sokka fails in his attempt to get Toph to stay because she earth bends him out of the way, it is significant that unlike his comrades, Sokka had no major reason to try and get her to stay; especially after she had insulted him about not being able to bend earlier in the episode.
Sokka’s admits to Toph that his is not able to remember what his mother looks like, so he uses Katara’s face in her place. This is another example of special treatment because he says, “I’ve never told anyone this before.
Sokka also does little gestures that can be unconsciously romantic. For example, he lets Toph hold on to his arm when they ride on Appa in The Crossroads of Destiny. Toph's blissful expression is obvious, but Sokka's tender look towards her is poignant. He already doesn’t seem to mind that she’s holding on to him at all, and he’s smiling at her. In Sokka’s Master when Sokka returns from training with Piando, he gives Toph a gift, and Toph only a gift. It is a chunk of space earth, the same space earth he made his sword from. Toph is able to use it as a bracelet. It’s like he not only gave her a gift, but he unconsciously gave her jewelry. He also carries her bridal style when she's hurt.
There are also very little things to take into consideration. For example, Sokka usually chooses Toph to go with him with the gAng splits up. This allows him to see her abilities and work well with her in battle. Admittedly, the only time Sokka extremely ignored Toph was when Suki, his girlfriend, returned and Toph’s jealously confirms that she usually gets a lot of attention from him otherwise. By the middle of season three, Sokka jokingly admits that he doesn't know what the gang would do without Toph.
Why Ship It?
Before a conclustion, here are some reasons some Sokka/Toph fans ship this pairing.
juliaroche
Sokka seems unstoppable, his personality is very in-your-face and he dominates the scene everytime he says something, so when this blind, younger girl is able to get him to sit down and mellow out, an interesting relationship is sure to follow. They're very different, yet very similar in some ways, so the pairing gets the best of both tensions.
artemisrae
Sokka and Toph are the kind of couple who are best friends first and foremost, and that's a huge part of the appeal to me. They probably could live without each other, but they don't really want to, because she keeps him grounded, and he makes her laugh. Not to mention the combination of their Powers of Sarcasm might make the world melt from sheer awesome?
arvada
Sokka/Toph is interesting because it's real and imperfect. Sokka has issues with needing to protect everyone around him, especially those he cares about; Toph has issues with letting anyone protect her, lest it be a sign of weakness on her part. So they'd argue and bicker, like all real couples and friends do, but at the end of the day they admire one another's humor and skill too much to take any of it too seriously. If they got together, it would be because they wanted to, not because it was Written In The Stars. I like that.
squirrel_tamer
Because Sokka/Toph is AWESOME. Like in the high-five, secret handshake, BFF awesome kind of way. But also in a sexy guilt complexes and violence kind of way. Wherein Toph will never admit that she likes him and Sokka will try and deny that he likes her and then they’ll wake up one morning in the same bed and laugh. And then Sokka will try and make up some excuse about how it can’t work because he’s too old/too cursed/too weak. And then Toph will punch him and kiss him and tell him that he’s actually just too stupid, but that she doesn’t honestly give a damn.
audentiae
I think the thing that appeals to me the most about Tokka is that it’s not your typical romance. You’ve got these two people who are both so witty and strong and sarcastic and work so well together that they just defy that ideal, lovey-dovey romance that you see in all the movies and books. They’ve got this amazing friendship that comes first and foremost, and that’s what would add this versatile dynamic to their relationship if they were to ever further it. There’s just so much potential!
rawles
If I had to choose a SINGLE Sokka/The Ladies ship this would probably be it. And it would probably be it entirely on the strength of the fact that I love Toph the most of all Sokka's ladies.
I feel like once they're older their relationship could be this great thing where they're like friends first above all BUT ALSO MAKE OUT SOMETIMES and like make fun of all other love interests the other might have!
IT WOULD BE GRATE.
rhapsodyinpink
For me, Tokka simply works on so many levels-both platonic and loving. First off, the individual characters themselves are all kinds of awesome. Toph and Sokka are both so original and thought though that any sort of relationship between them would be enjoyable.
As friends, they are the best source of laughter. Nobody else in the gaang has such a dry sense of humor, and when you put these two head-to-head, all sorts of hilarity ensue. Both Toph and Sokka have points of sensitivity, and each knows how to deal with the other. At the same time, what's so nice about their relationship is that they both know when to stop. Sokka knows how to get through to Toph, when nobody else can. And in turn, Toph reciprocates by giving him more affection than she does to anyone else, more so perhaps even she herself knows.
And shipping-wise, zomg...they are the cutest! Toph likes him so much, but she is so afraid of letting anyone else know that she does that she acts so tough. And what's so sweet about it is that even though she is a tough person in so many things, Sokka is one of her few points of vulnerability, and that is one of the aspects that makes this pair so appealing. On Sokka's side, he has had so much heartache that he needs someone to lighten up with. And one thing we know about Toph- she will always have his back, no matter who he ends up with, even though she might be having some wishful thoughts of her own. He's given her loyalty-she gives it back. But she'll never let anyone know!
And that, in a ridiculously long nutshell, is a little bit of why I love me some Tokka. :D
Although Toph and Sokka respond to each other in sarcastic ways at times, the former more than the latter, it does not mean that they hate each other. As shown above they protect each other, and trust each other. I like how they grew to accept each other and press each other's buttons in the most humorous ways. I like how although it's subtle friendship/love on both parts, it's there. And although this ship does not become an official pairing, I still think Sokka and Toph have a good background and friendship to become one in fandom.
Fandom
This pairing is not as popular compared to other Avatar ships, but it still has a reasonable fanbase to have certain communities and good recs.
Communities
lj community:
sokka_toph
drabble community:
tokka100
deviantART club: TophandSokkaClub
fanfiction C2: Tokka Moments and x..:: Toph.... x ....Sokka ::..x
Recs By Tokka Fans
[Fic] Of All Time by Daughter of Atlas
[Fic] Darkest Before Dawn by Sifu Toph
[Fic] Preternatural by JoJoDancer
[AMV] She's a Lady by BlackKatRaven
[AMV] Story of a Girl by itachilover223
[AMV] I Don't Like Your Girlfriend by ziggyirked
[Fic] Cactus Juice by invaderk
[Fic] Hide and Seek by Recna den Eres
[Fic] Escapades by artemisrae
[Art] Toph and Sokka: MUDKIP by mikutashi
[Art] OMG TOKKA FLUFF by avatar-fan
[Fic] Heartbeat by Dimitrius