Chapter Text
Toph hated to admit it, but not having you near was suffocating. She's clingy, she's needy, she's affectionate—all for you. Her affection was never limited to just casual punches and smacks. Unlike the friendly affection she showed the rest of the team, you always received more than that.
Quite frankly, during the early days from when you joined the team after the war, she'd give you "casual" pats in the cheek. But of course, it was never anything more than platonic. At least—that's what she wanted to believe. Toph told herself that it was a newfound form of affection, and somehow you were always on the receiving end of it.
That wasn't true, of course.
Toph used it as an excuse to study your face. She couldn't see you. Aside from her seismic vision, Toph wanted more than just to feel your presence. She longed to see your eyes, your nose, your lips. Toph wanted to see your crooked smile the most. That same smile you showed when you were flustered. In fact, that was the main reason as to why Toph could never stop teasing you.
She wanted to feel just how much she makes your heart beat. It was always fast, ragged, and almost heaving. So whenever there was an opportunity, she'd take it.
At first, you thought she was being mean on purpose. In fact, her mockery and teasing drove you nuts every single day. You were never fond of her company. She was rude, mean, arrogant, and—and painfully beautiful. Spirits! You couldn't help it, okay?!
Despite her enraging personality, you just couldn't help but feel attracted to her. You still avoided her presence, of course. But when she gave you those teasing cheek pats, you couldn't help but restrain yourself from kissing her square on those, annoying, stupid, and sarcastic lips.
One day, however, she managed to cross a line. Surprisingly, your patience had been challenged last night by none other than Toph herself.
It started of as a normal evening by the camp fire, and yes, even after the war everyone agreed that there was nothing more cozy than sitting down, and babbling none stop till your chest started to hurt from laughing too much.
Zuko had invited everyone in Ember Island, a quiet retrieve after having visited Gaoling the previous day. Toph had initiated the visit. She told you guys that she was back for her stuff, to visit the Boulder, and to take in the hometown she had long left behind.
But you all knew it was more than that. Toph wanted to meet with her mother with the silent hope that maybe, she wanted her daughter back.
This daughter. The strong and independent Toph who never wavered at the size of her enemy.
But the sour look on her face that afternoon suggested a different story.
Back to the campfire. At first, everything was perfectly normal. If you counted Toph's grim expression as normal, of course.
You tried to overlook the tension that emitted from her stance. She didn't want to sit, only having leaned against a tree, away from everyone else.
You took a step towards her, acting as though it was a casual gesture. Totally not because you were worried.
"You're acting weird."
She scoffed at your direction. "I'm the one acting weird? Really, princess?"
"What are you trying to suggest, Toph?"
She shook her head, trying to dodge your glare as she played everything off as cool.
What was wrong with her? Why is it suddenly your fault that she's acting so pissy? It's not like you were her close-minded mother who rejected her presence in Gaoling. The longer you looked at that grumpy expression, the more agitated you grew.
Why did it feel like you were at fault?
She spared a glance towards the team, her face now illuminated by the weak glow from the fire.
"You really are stupid," she muttered.
None of it was amusing. You wanted nothing more than to smack that smug expression on her face. What was so funny in making these mean comments? You couldn't understand her. Quite frankly, you didn't want to.
"Yesterday," She whispered.
"Do you like Sokka?"
The question was sudden. You tensed in your spot, now all the more confuse. Sure. You probably spent too much time yesterday with Sokka. What's the big deal? And why did you suddenly feel so guilty about it?
You stuttered. "As a friend, or—"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about."
You shook your head. No. You've never really acknowledged Sokka as a romantic partner. He was just a friend. A close friend to you like Toph was—right?
"No. I don't like him like that." You shrugged.
A smirk tugged at Toph's lips. You sounded so meek, so quiet.
"Good."
Silence soon dragged between you two. It wasn't the deafening type, in fact, both of you were quite relieved.
She was no longer frowning, and that alone made you feel at ease. Looking back, you never realized just how silly it all was. How you got so grumpy so easily. Small jabs from her earned an upset frown from you.
"Join me tomorrow…" Toph had decided to break the silence. "New diner opened last week… you like those places, right?"
Right. That new bistro near town, currently famous for young couples this February. It was an incredibly sappy spot.
"Flamin Hot!" Aang had described. He and Katara were invited during its opening. Along with Mai and Zuko, it was a fun time, apparently.
Toph sighed, finally leaning closer to pat you once again on the cheek.
"Don't make me beg—you know I will."
You perked up, meeting those white eyes with intense focus.
"Sure."
Maybe a simple dinner with her wasn't the worst idea. It could be fun.