Letters: A Tokka Fanfic

9

Toph's POV

Shopping for dresses has never been my thing. I never saw much of a point when I couldn't see what I was wearing anyways. That being said, I was a little excited this time. I tried on what Katara and my mom picked for me and was pleasantly surprised when Katara chose fabrics that I liked. As I resurfaced from the dressing room in the latest pick, I panicked slightly as my mom gasped. Had I put it on backwards or something?

"Oh Toph, it's gorgeous." I breathed out a sigh of relief at my mom's words before turning to Katara as she spoke.

"This is the one. It's so perfect on you. I'm sure everyone will be completely entranced by you." I blushed at her words, unsure if it was true but happy she believed it.

"I like the silk. It's soft and feels nice when I move. Plus it's not hard to move around like some dresses are." I was happy about the compliments, and even I had to admit it seemed like a very nice dress. I know Katara and my mom would only pick out the best for me, and Katara wouldn't lie to me if it looked bad. She knows I rely on her opinion when it comes to stuff like this. She had even been helping me get ready when I met with Satoru.

"It's decided then. We'll get this one." My mom turned to the shop attendant to purchase the dress as I went back to get changed.

"I know I probably shouldn't even say it, but I think even he will like this one." Katara said it gently, but it hurt anyways. She meant well, but thoughts like that don't really help anyone.

"Somehow I doubt that. Besides, an engagement announcement isn't really the time I need him to notice me. That's a bit too late isn't it?" Katara was quiet for a second before she responded.

"I guess so, but nothing is ever really too late." She hesitated before continuing more quietly, "It's still not too late to call this off you know. I'll always respect the choices you make, but know that I'll support it if you back out too. No one will be mad."

"Not mad, just hurt. That's worse, I think," She didn't respond and I was quiet as I changed and we met with my mom again.

As we got closer to the house I paused, my heart racing. I could already feel them there- too close for my liking. I picked up my pace a bit and Katara followed, calling after me in confusion. I didn't answer as we came up to Sokka and Satoru just outside the house.

"Toph!" Sokka seemed to relax as I came over.

"I was just stopping by to see how dress shopping went on my way back from work. I didn't know you'd still be out." Satoru sounded as sheepish as usual and it felt all wrong next to Sokka's strong voice.

"It went great! We found the perfect dress for the party." Katara broke in, sensing my discomfort with the two of them being around each other. I had been trying to keep them apart as much as possible up until this point and I didn't want that changing any time soon. Although it's customary to avoid talking about it before the announcement, I hadn't talked to Satoru about keeping it quiet and I didn't want any slip-ups.

"I'm glad. I'm sure you'll be as beautiful as usual Toph." I could practically hear Satoru blushing and felt my own cheeks heating up. I still wasn't used to getting compliments this frequently.

"Thank you." My voice sounded as stiff as Sokka had gone throughout the course of our conversation and I silently cursed myself for being so awkward around the guy that knew me best and the one that was supposed to be my future husband. Seemingly sensing my discomfort, Satoru said a quick goodbye before heading home. Sokka stayed quiet as Katara went inside with the bags and I mirrored his silence.

"Is he always like that?" The words sounded harsh and cold coming out of his mouth in a way that shocked me. I couldn't imagine what they must have talked about to make him react this way.

"Like what?"

"So... intrusive. Does he really have to come by all the time and ask about every little thing you do?" I wasn't particularly attracted to Satoru, but that didn't mean I didn't respect him. I could feel myself getting defensive, but I didn't bother to stop myself.

"He's not being intrusive, he's showing interest. Is that really so hard to believe? And what does it matter to you anyways?"

~ ~ ~ ~