Letters: A Tokka Fanfic

6

Author's Note: In the letter the underlining was supposed to be strikethrough but that's not possible on here.

Sokka's P.O.V:

I sat up straight, a grin on my face as I looked over my work. It had taken me hours and I'd scrapped a whole bunch of my earlier attempts before finishing this one. There were words crossed out every few lines still, but it was legible at least and I think I was able to say everything clearly. I rolled up the parchment before rushing downstairs to find Toph. I waited years to write her back, I didn't want to wait any longer.

I ran down into the kitchen and was about to head out back since I didn't see Toph, but a glum looking Katara was standing by the sink and I couldn't bring myself to just ignore her.

"Katara?" She jumped a little at the sound of my voice, seemingly startled despite my rather loud running around, "Is everything okay?" She turned to face me, placing down the teapot in her hands with a heavy sigh.

"I'm just worried about Toph. It was her decision to stay here with her parents so I never really thought about it before, but she seems lonely. Maybe we should have been visiting more frequently..."

"Come on Katara, this is Toph we're talking about. She's strong and independent. I doubt she needs us around to be happy." I tried to smile reassuringly, but my chest felt tight. After all, how do you try to make up for disappearing on someone who probably didn't even care that much that you did?

"That's the problem Sokka! We all think she's tough and strong so none of us have been there for her! Not really at least. You of all people should understand the difference between wanting to be alone and being strong and independent because there's no one else around to rely on. We both know that all too well." She mumbled last words, and I walked over to hug her. She was right. She always was. We all had to learn to be strong; people grow strong through pain and struggles. We shouldn't have overlooked that just because she seemed strong from the start. All that means is that she never really had anyone to rely on.

"I'm sorry. I know you're right. But all we can do is try to be better from now on, right? And you've been the best out of all of us about exchanging letters with her since we last saw her, so try not to hold onto too much guilt okay? It's not yours to carry." It's mine. The guilt and shame that had built up over the past few years since I'd disappeared on her seemed to settle deeper in my heart, but I forced a smile onto my face as I released my sister, knowing that she needed reassurance more than anything—and that she deserved it far more than me. She hesitantly nodded, and I began making my way out back again, though considerably slower this time.

"Sokka?" I turned back to face Katara again, the smile I'd plastered on before slipping slightly, "Thank you." I simply nodded as she had before, walking out to find Toph bending. I wasn't too keen on interrupting her, and I was far less enthusiastic about what I'd written than I was when I first ran downstairs, so I sat on the steps leading down to the small courtyard she used for practice and watched as I thought over Katara's words.

I knew that Toph could tell I was there, but for once I was grateful she wasn't speaking to me yet. I wasn't sure what I would say right now. I'd spent all afternoon writing a reply to a letter she had written me years ago, but after talking with Katara it seemed kind of silly. I knew Toph better than anyone. I knew she'd be supportive if I'd told her what was going on, and I knew she needed someone she could count on after so many years of her parents disregarding her. I had always tried to be that for her and yet... I just disappeared without a word. It wasn't like I hadn't thought about it before, but for Katara to be so worried about her, something must have happened. No matter how lonely she might be, Toph would never openly show it.