It's been a while, hasn't it?
They were lying in the grass, perfectly blissful together. Their heads were right next to each other, and their bodies pointed in opposite directions. They didn't have to hold hands, or even touch each other to display their love. Aang didn't feel the need to play with Toph's hair, and Toph didn't feel the need to hold on to Aang. Just lying there with their eyes closed was enough. They had perfect harmony with each other.
Their serenity was interrupted by the cry of a messenger hawk. Aang sat up and looked to the sky. Toph, however, did not move a muscle. Aang quickly spotted the bird, which was unquestionably seeking him. He stuck out his arm for the bird to land on and read the letter quickly. Toph knew what his reaction would be before he even let out the groan.
"Toph-" he started, but she waved a hand to stop him.
"Don't worry about it. I understand." Her voice was unreadable.
"Well, okay." He said hesitantly. He leaned down and gave her a kiss before standing up and grabbing his glider. "I don't know how long I'll be gone," he offered weakly, trying to get a reaction from her. She just grunted. He sighed.
Toph felt him take his stance, preparing to fly away. To leave the world behind and be completely unrestrained. She wanted desperately to be able to feel that. Aang had offered to take her up many times before, of course, but it wasn't the same. She wasn't in control. He was. And not being in control filled her with fear. Not that she would ever admit that to him, though. A horrible jealousy bubbled up inside of her as his feet left the ground.
How can he be so free while I am not?
She couldn't see the deep frown across his face as he looked down at her, still lying there with her eyes shut.
Someone was always summoning him. There was always some problem that he had to fix, or some person he had to please. He had been given all the responsibility in the world when he was far too young to handle it. Sometimes, he felt like he was still too young to handle it. Not like Toph, who didn't have anyone counting on her but herself. A horrible jealousy bubbled up inside of him as he looked back at her.
How can she be so free while I am not?
He didn't notice the single tear that rolled down her cheek as she imagined what it would be like to really fly.
Ah, they're both so jealous of the freedom that they think the other one possesses. That's deep.