Oh, Toph
She was known for being tough. The tomboy of the group. And really, it was true. It wasn't a sham, a mask to hide behind. She wasn't afraid of being feminine. She was just tired of it.
On the other hand, her friend was immensely feminine. She was a girly-girl in every right. Strong. But still a girly-girl.
But as she sat unnoticed on a boulder, watching, hearing, feeling their heartbeats as they talked, appraising their pasts…and simply understanding their thoughts…
…she knew.
She knew before anyone else knew. Before even they knew. She did not know him, had never met him, and didn't care about him. She didn't want him. Yet, somehow, Toph could not help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Katara would again have what she wanted – albeit unknowingly – while she was left to a group of straggling travelers – Katara included, though it changed little – in lieu of a loving, understanding family.
She loved them…but she didn't always want to be tough. She wanted to be like them: free to see the world in the safe arms of her love.