[ There is something that feels less vulnerable about looking away from someone as you speak -- not that Toph knows the difference. Body language, posture, heart rate and breathing are all as evident to her as ever. She can tell Ange is affected and trying not to be. It's a deeply upsetting history, so of course she's affected, but maybe she hasn't figured out yet that it's okay to admit it upsets her. Not with everyone, of course, but with friends.

Her story reminds her both of Aang and of Zuko. Aang, losing his whole family, his whole society, in one fell swoop; and Zuko, growing up with a father who told him constantly that he was never going to be good enough. Toph has never been right for her parents but she's always been enough. She's always had them. She thinks back on how they got on this topic before she responds. ]

... Maybe you're trapped here, Ange, but you're not alone.

[ Toph lurches forward and wraps her in a hug, unhesitating, unself-conscious. ]

We're friends, [ she declares into her shirt. ] And if anyone yells at you, I'll kick their ass.