Chapter 7: Unequivocally In Love.
"Hi."
Toph sighs and stopped leafing through the books that she was holding. She slammed it shut and leaned back to raise an eyebrow at him.
"You again?"
Aang smiled and ignored the bite in her voice, "Can I sit here with you?"
"No," she answered flatly.
He plops on the seat directly in front of her anyway.
Aang lets his eyes stray on the book she was reading but she must've sensed it as she quickly shoves it inside her bag. She then shoots him a glare. After a minute she finally moved; Toph grabbed one of the crumpled papers littering around her and threw it at him, hitting Aang squarely in the face.
"Get lost, kid. Table's mine," she sneered.
Aang ignored her usual display of hostility and instead sets his bag on the chair beside him. He then let himself settle comfortably on his own seat while he let his eyes roam around the library.
He had never been a library person and the only reason he found himself hanging around this place lately is because of the woman in front of him. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't be here unless he's picking up one of his friends. Aang preferred to do his reading outdoors, at the park, or at the campus ground, where he could appreciate the beauty of nature first hand.
He must say though, this place is nice.
Aang turned to her, "You sure like to frequent isolated places."
"Yes, because I was hoping for some quiet," she replied dryly.
He fished out a bag of sweets from his bag and placed it in front of her, "I bought you some brownies from Jasmine Dragon Cafe!"
Toph frowned for a second before opening it up and grumpily munching on a piece.
So cute.
She reminds Aang of that stray cat he uses to feed back at the monastery. He wonders how Mochi is doing right now. Aang's thoughts got distracted about that feisty black furball for a moment before Toph's voice flooded his ears.
"S'good," she reluctantly admits.
He smiled at that.
Leaning forward he asked her again the same question he's been asking her for the nth time these past few weeks:
"So have you thought about it?"
She sighs.
Toph placed a hand on her temple and says with great annoyance:
"My answer is still a no and it's not gonna change, Twinkle Toes."
They both froze and stared at each other. A second later, Aang's face breaks into a full grin while Toph's crinkled in mortification. He leaned forward, excitement shining behind his silver eyes.
"I have a nickname now?" he asked in awe.
"No!" she indignantly denies.
Aang laughs and reminded her, "Yes I have, you just gave me one!"
"Listen, Twi-" Toph stopped when that nickname slipped from her again.
"Ha!" Aang stands up and points a finger at her.
"Shh! Quite down. Do you want us to get kicked out?" she hissed.
Toph inhaled and muffled a groan while Aang quietly dances in victory.
A moment later, he eventually sits down again.
A smug look rests on his face as he watches her scowls at him. He noticed this before but something is really off about Toph's gaze. Every time he tries to meet her eyes he seems to always miss to hold them. It's like she was always looking at something behind him.
She huffed and started packing her things.
"You're going already?"
"Yeah, since you're not going to leave, I will."
Aang pouted at that.
She turned and regarded his profile for a while before releasing another exasperated sigh, "I have class."
Aang perks up; So she's not leaving because she finds him irritating.
She hooks her messenger bag to her shoulder, turned around, and started walking away.
"See you!" Aang gleefully whisper-shouted.
Toph only lifts her hand to flip him the bird.
"You gotta be kidding me."
"Hello to you too, Toph" Aang grinned.
She only gave him a blank stare as he settles next to her.
Finding her was purely a coincidence this time. Aang was just about to go home when he caught a glimpse of her through the door when he was walking down the hallway. He immediately pivoted on his feet and entered the room without even knowing what class it is.
"You're annoying," Toph deadpanned.
"I'm hurt."
Aang faked a pained expression.
Toph raise a hand and pushed his face away from her, smothering Aang's chuckle.
A student called for them to pipe it down. In return, Toph turned around to shoot him a glare. Successfully shutting down the poor student who flinched in his seat. Aang, on the other hand, gave him an apologetic smile to ease the tension between them.
When the professor turned around to write something on the whiteboard, Toph immediately stands up to slip out of the room and Aang quickly followed her.
Once outside, she halted and turned to face him, "Leave me alone."
"I brought you sweets," Aang patted his bag.
Toph stared at him and scoffs, "You really think you can bribe me with food?"
Aang threw a handful of breadcrumbs to the ducks that gathered in front of him. He watches some of them dive to chase the food that was sinking before throwing another batch again.
"Just so you know I'm here in my own volition."
He turned around and smiled at Toph who was busy munching on a cookie he had brought for her.
"Of course."
He stared at her for a moment before asking, "How was it?"
Aang watches her struggle to admit the truth for a moment. She pursed her lips into a thin line before murmuring, "It's good. Why else would I be eating it?."
He decided not to tease her this time. After all, he's been pushing her too much lately.
So instead, he went to her and proudly declared, "If you liked that then you should taste my home-made cookies!"
Toph paused from eating to shots him a look, "I thought you're a vegan?"
"Vegetarian," Aang softly corrected.
"What's the difference again?"
"Vegetarians still eat some animal products sometimes. Like milk, honey, eggs..."
She hums and continued eating.
Aang saw a wicked look settle behind her misty eyes.
He saw her teasing jest before he heard it;
"Nah, mate. I don't know who this Uncle Iroh is but I'm rooting for his marvelous cookies over yours."
Eventually, Toph gave up pretending she didn't gave him a nickname and decided to stick with it.
So far Aang got called as; Fancy Dancer/ Dancy Pants (he accidentally mentioned he used to perform ceremonial dances at the temple); Airhead (he didn't really want to talk about that); Baldy (no comment on this one too) and Twinkle Toes (his favorite so far. Although, he's not sure how she came up with that.)
Toph is starting to open up but most of the time Aang is the one who initiates their interactions. Therefore, Aang couldn't describe how happy he was when for the first time she suddenly showed up at the bench where he last saw her.
"Did you bring any snacks?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
"Good."
Aang moved aside to give her more space to sit on as he rummages through his bag for a bag of chips. Toph collapse behind him with a sigh and Aang threw the chips to her.
She raised an eyebrow.
"No pastry?"
"Nope. Sorry, I didn't get to drop by the cafe this time."
"It's okay. This will do, my faithful servant."
Aang chuckled and watch her rips it open.
After scooping a handful she threw it back to him and Aang gladly munches on his own share. He smiled when she removed her shoes using her feet; Carelessly launching them at the grass before them.
She crossed her legs and blew her hair away from her face before breathing a long sigh.
Aang blink.
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing."
The bothered look on Toph's face says otherwise but Aang decided not to pry. The way she's clenching her teeth tells him she was hoping for him not to ask further questions and Aang understood that he must honor that.
Sometimes, people have to learn when to keep their nose out of other people's business. It seems like today is one of those times. Aang deems that their not that close for her to fully trust him. So, for now, Aang is contented at the fact that she seeks his company for the first time.
Unwittingly, his gaze strayed far too long at her.
The edge of his lips tugging upward as he revels in her beauty once again.
Abruptly, she turned to him and huffed.
"Stop looking at me like that!"
"Like what?"
"Like that! With that goofy smile of yours. I think you look like an idiot."
Aang's heart fluttered along with his soulmark when he saw a faint tint of blush that spread across her cheeks. He raised a hand to cover the lower part of his face to hide his own blush and forced himself to look away.
This girl is going to be the death of him.
They were quiet for a while before she moved to punch him in the arm.
Startled, Aang rubs his skin to ease the stinging.
He was about to say something but the words on his mouth died when she storms away. Aang would have been upset if it weren't for the fact that the tip of her ears was beet red from their interaction.
They are now back to their usual routine; With Aang seeking Toph's company.
"What is it about this time?" she asked with a huff.
"I want to take you somewhere."
He beams at her.
"Why would I come with you?" she askes without looking from what she's doing.
"Because why not?"
"I can give you a thousand reasons why not but I'll just give you the first thing that came up on my mind–" Toph finally turned to him and scowled "–Murder."
Aang laughs, "I grew up with monks."
"Weird flex, but okay."
"It's true you know."
He sniggers at the dubious expression that rests on her face.
She crossed her arms and turned away with a frown, "I know."
A minute later Toph stood up and takes a few steps forward closer to him. Aang stagger as she places a hand over his chest where his heart is. The tip of his ears burned as he stares at her eyes through her dark lashes.
Toph is really pretty.
"Alright. Say it again."
"Wha-"
"Just say it."
"Okay?"
"Aang."
"I promise, I'll just take you somewhere amazing."
"And that you will not murder me."
He chuckled at how serious she looks.
"And also that–" she pinches his arms "–no murdering"
There was a beat of silence before she shrugs her shoulder and moves away.
"Well then, lead the way."
Aang pulls the break then looks over her.
"We're here."
Toph swiftly unbuckled her seatbelts and jumps off the van. Aang on the other hand, reached at the back seats to grabbed the basket he brought.
When he got out he was greeted with the sight of Toph just standing there. Her hands were shoved in her hoodie's pocket as she watches the ocean before her. Sensing him walking towards her, she glanced over.
"We're on a cliff"
"Yeah…"
"Perfect spot to commit murder"
"I thought we're through that?"
"You could just push me over and I'd be a goner."
"Toph"
"Alright, alright, I'm just kidding."
Shaking his head, he called for her, "Come here, I'll show you something."
Aang leads her back to Appa.
Opening the trunk, he sits down and patted the space beside him. Toph sits and watches him pull out a soda from the icebox and a packet of peanut from the basket. Aang popped the lid of the bottle and gave it to her.
"Go on, drink some of it."
Toph grabs the bottle and took a gulp. She wiped her mouth with the sleeves of her jacket as she gives the soda back to him. Then, Aang grabs the packet of peanuts and clumsily pours a generous amount inside it.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What are you doing, Twinkle Toes?"
"Putting peanuts into the soda," he casually informs her as he continues his tasks.
"Why the fuck?"
"It tastes good."
He looks up and chuckles at the appalled look on her face.
"Just try it."
Aang prompts the bottle closer to her and continued, "Don't worry, If you ended up not liking it then I'll finish it for you."
Toph just raised an eyebrow at him.
"Don't tell me you're scared of trying something as harmless like this?," Aang taunts.
At that, she crosses her arms and glares at him.
Aang laughs as Tophs scoffs.
"Of course not, Twinkle Toes. It's just so fuckin' weird."
She grabs the peanut filled soda from him.
"I'm not a lily-livered duckling."
She chugs a good amount.
Then Toph swirled the bottle as she chews the mouthful of peanuts that she got. After gulping the last bits of it she turned to him and gestured her hand.
"Meh, not bad."
"I knew you'd like it"
She turned to him; Silently questioning what he meant by that.
"It's funky and Toph the Great is a punk."
She choked on her drink.
After coughing to clear her throat she punched him in the arms and Aang only laughs it off.
"But I was right though? You liked it."
She raised her legs to rest an arm over her knee and smiled before taking another chug.
"Yeah, I like it."
She reached over to clink their bottle together.
"Where did you get this idea, Twinkle Toes?" she asks.
Aang smiled as he recalls that particular memory.
He took a gulp first before retelling the story in the briefest manner, "I just saw some foreigners doing it on a convenience store one day and I decided to give it a try. Obviously, I ended up loving this weird combination. "
She snorted.
"Of course."
Silence washed over both of them.
"So, why are we here again?"
Aang motioned his hands towards the ocean before them. Today the sky looks pinkish-orange and the thin wisps of clouds elegantly frame the setting sun.
"The sunset here is always amazing."
She scoffed.
"I can't really see the beauty of the sunset, Twinkle Toes."
Aang was surprised at that; He turned and tried to hold her gaze but he seems to be failing at it.
"Why not?"
"I just simply can't."
"Take off your shoes, Twinkle Toes."
Aang smiled.
Toph doesn't even hesitate to use that nickname anymore.
"Why? Are yours broken?"
"No."
"Then-"
"Just do it,"
Aang just stared at her and Toph sighs.
"I just want to walk around the park barefooted. Just that."
"Alright."
After saying that, he quickly stoops down and removes his shoes.
And they did just that. They walk around the park barefooted in silence. Toph didn't say anything and Aang decided that he'll do the same. She seems to be troubled over something and it dawns on Aang that she would often do this whenever she needs to sort out her thoughts.
Toph is very solitary.
Aang had realized this quite some time ago. She seems to prefer her own company over others. So it really means a lot that she would sometimes seek him for some company.
By the end of the day, the soles of their feet were smeared with mud and grime. He probably needs to wash them thoroughly to get off some of the dirt that managed to get underneath his nails. But Aang doesn't mind that, it was a small price to pay to see her turn around with a smile. Her face is a lot more peaceful than earlier.
Before they part away she gave him a good punch on the arm as thanks.
It hurt but she looked dazzling in the afternoon light.
And that alone was enough to make him forget everything else.
Toph isn't a fan of watching the sky.
Nor watching any kind of scenery in that matter.
It seems like she doesn't find watching sunset and sunrise entertaining and only come along for the sake of just coming along.
However, Aang notices that their adventure would always end up with them aimlessly walking around barefooted.
Aang doesn't mind that at all, it seems like Toph is much more fond of tuning in with everything around her; Quietly listening to the sound of nature and cherishing the feeling of the soil underneath them.
He likes that every day he discovers something new not only about her but about himself too.
For example, today he heard her laugh for the very first time when he told her a really lame joke about a cat and a dog. It was also today that he learned that he craves to listen to her sound for the rest of his life.
"What's up with you and your shoes?"
Aang watches Toph takes off her shoes with her feet.
She was wearing a leather one this time.
"I just don't like them."
"Why's that? It protects your feet from the ground–"
"Exactly that: It keeps my feet from the ground."
She stands up and accidentally (Aang actually doubts that it's unintentional) steps over her shoes and kicking them off a few feet away from them.
"I love the feeling of the earth beneath my feet; I trust my sense of touch over my other sense."
To emphasize her point she digs her feet deeper on the ground. She smiles as she wiggles her toes to crumble the dirt around them, making mini-avalanche land between their gaps.
The way the side of her mouth tugs up seems so natural.
Okay, so Toph Beifong has a thing with sweets, keen on not getting murdered, and has a beef with her shoes.
Toph 101 (aka. Ms. Button Nose)
Likes:
- Cookies
- Seems to prefer brownies over cookies
- Actually, she likes all kinds of sweets
- really, really, really likes being alone (like seriously)
- Listening to music ( not sure what kind tho)
- she liked that peanut and Coca-cola combo!
- Walking barefooted
Dislikes:
- Doesn't really like sunsets(?)
- Or the sky (not fond of stargazing nor watching the clouds pass by)
- Don't like shoes
Before Aang knew it, he was already writing the things she discovered about Toph.
She never really likes to talk about herself. Most of the time, the job of filling the silence between them often falls on Aangs shoulder. Which is not a problem, considering how much Aang likes to chatter and share his ideas with other people. It didn't escape to him too that whenever she talks about something, she rarely strays at the topic that could give away anything personal.
That girl is an impenetrable fortress.
Despite this, Aang is actually quite contented with what he had achieved.
It's not much but it means a lot that she stopped jarring him with harsh words to make him go away. Besides, he actually likes watching her; To him, she is a living art.
Everything she does seems to take his breath away.
Aang spins the pen that he was holding between his fingers. Almost dropping them when a voice from behind startled him.
"That's so cute."
He turned around and rolled his eyes.
"Don't creep behind me like that, Suki."
The woman only smiled before sitting in front of him. She studied him first before leaning forward to rest her chin at the back of her hand.
"So her name is Toph?" she asked with a sly smile.
Aang only raised a hand on his mouth knowing that her name alone engraves happiness on his face.
"You like her a lot, huh?"
"I do."
Suki paused, suddenly taken aback by his honesty.
She smiled.
"Isn't that wonderful?"
He returned her smile.
"Yeah. I think so too."
Aang glances at his watch and announced, "We should pack up. We both have class at 3:00 pm right?"
Despite what he said, he didn't make a move and instead continued on doing his assignment that was due next week. He was waiting for Toph to reply only to mentally slap himself for forgetting that she was actually sleeping.
So, Aang jerks in surprise when she actually speaks after a moment.
"Whoever was the first person who decided that it's a good idea to cage their feet should be considered as an enemy of our kind."
Her nose scrunches up as she was saying that.
Aang stopped typing on his laptop in favor of looking over her.
They're back at the park again, sitting on the same bench as they usually do.
Right now Aang is completely occupying the bench as he was sitting horizontally with his legs sprawled. Toph on the other hand decided to take a nap under the tree. Apparently, it seems like she was actually awake all the time and was just quietly listening to music using her earphones.
Aang pressed 'save' before closing his laptop.
"What made you say that?" he asks.
"I just realized that it's probably one of the moments where humans decided to disconnect with nature."
That's interesting.
"What do you mean?" Aang further inquired.
"Think about this; shoes keep you from feeling the ground, right?–" she plugs out her earphones to raise it before continuing "–these things on the other hand blocks you from hearing the sound of nature–" then she fished out her sunglasses "–while this one apparently keeps you from seeing the real color of the world."
She sits up to properly face him as she throws her hand in the air in resignation.
"In a way, humans tirelessly find ways to block our senses from everything around us. How fucking sad is that?"
Aang studied her for a bit.
Her hair looks like a bird's nest but somehow she's still rocking that look.
A teasing smile etched on his lips.
"I have to admit, it does sound atrocious if you put it that way."
He started packing his things before continuing what he was saying, "But you know Toph, you don't have to be awfully dramatic; Just say that you really don't like your shoes and you refuse to put them on until we're back on the campus."
And with that, Aang's remark sent Toph roaring from where she is.
"Twinkle Toes, help me get back my bracelet from the tree."
"What?"
Toph immediately intercepted him before he could even reach their usual spot. She pulled him by his arm to stir him to a nearby tree.
"I said help me get back my bracelet from the tree, Airhead," she repeated with a huff.
Rolling his eyes, he clarified what he meant, "I know what you said. What I meant is how did it wind up there?"
She shrugs.
"Not sure, I was just playing with it when I accidentally throw it a little too hard."
Aang looks up.
Peering to see where the accessory was caught.
It didn't take to long for him to spot it, straining his neck and moving his head from side to side was instantly rewarded when a string of gold winks back at him. He lifts his hand to shield his eyes from the sun to take a better look. It was quite high but it wouldn't be difficult for Aang since he's used to doing this kind of stuff back home.
"Well, that's easy."
Aang went closer to the tree. He drops his bag and prepared to climb up but a smack at the back of his head stops him from doing so.
"Ouch! What was that for?"
He stokes his head as he glares at her.
"What are you doing?"
"I was going to climb it so I could go get it for you," Aang straightened his posture as he was saying that.
Once again, he prepares to scale the tree.
She hits him again, this time on the shoulder.
"Don't be stupid, what if you fall? I'm going to feel bad if that happens."
"Then what do you want me to do?"
Aang gave her a questioning look.
Toph placed a hand under her chin; staying still for a while and seemingly thinking about it. After a beat of silence, Toph bends down to remove her shoes.
Today, she was wearing a pair of white low top basketball shoes.
She then shoves one of them onto him and instructs, "Use it."
Then with all of her might, she threw the one she was holding upwards. Completely missing her target a few meters. They both watch it plops down pathetically to the ground.
He turned to her with a blank look.
But she didn't mind him and instead proceeded to retrieve her shoe to throw it in the air. Again. She missed her bracelet marginally.
After her third attempt (which was also a big plop) she turned to him.
"Why are you just standing there? Help me get it back."
So, he did.
Their whole break was spent with them just throwing her shoes in hopes of hitting Toph's bracelet and bringing it down with the impact. There were few instances where Aang was so sure he was about to hit their target but Toph's shot would always knock it out of course. After the fifth time of that happening, Aang started to think that she's purposely doing it. At some point, he suggested climbing the tree again only for her to scold him about the danger of falling.
After throwing her shoe for many, many, many times, Aang decided to take a break. He massages his shoulder and watches Toph hurl the shoe that she was using with great exhilaration.
She was grinning from ear to ear, tossing and flinging her shoe like there was no tomorrow. It's so adorable how she would make those little jump to gain some kind of momentum before throwing it in the air with all the force that she could muster.
Aang smiled at her sight; Gently kneading his soulmark to ease the warm feeling that's hoving over it.
Suddenly, her phone started ringing.
Toph halted to take it out from her pocket. She walked away first before answering.
It was a quick call; Didn't even last for over a minute.
After ending it, she immediately turns around, walks to the bench, and picks up her bag to shoulder it.
He gestured her hands and said, "C'mon, breaks over. I have a meeting to attend for a group project."
Aang furrows his brows before jogging to her.
"What about your bracelet," he asked.
She paused, seemingly surprised as if she was suddenly reminded about something important.
"Oh… it's okay. I could just get a new one."
Aang gave her a silly look.
"You should have said that earlier," he looks down at the shoe he was holding, "now your shoes are ruined."
They are now muddy and dusty, there were even some tears here and there after being caught in some of the branches. Aang winced, he really should have climbed it. These look so expensive.
Toph shrugs and takes it from him, "Too bad. I guess I just have to get new ones."
She dumps her shoes to the nearby trash bin before continuing on her steps.
Aang stops in his tracks.
He gawks at her as he watches her walk away barefooted; Aang just realized something.
"Did you just–"
"Purposely got my bracelet stuck on the tree so I could have an excuse to beat the hell out of my shoes?"
Toph glances back and smirks.
"Yes. I just did."
Okay, so Toph Beifong really, really hates her shoes.
Toph 101 (aka. Ms. Button Nose)
Likes:
- Cookies
- Seems to prefer brownies over cookies
- Actually, she likes all kinds of sweets
- really, really, really likes being alone (like seriously)
- Listening to music ( not sure what kind tho)
- she liked that peanut and Coca-cola combo!
- Walking barefooted
Dislikes:
- Doesn't really like sunsets(?)
- Or the sky (not fond of stargazing nor watching the clouds pass by)
- Don't like shoes
Hates:
-SHOESSSSS ! (absolutely)
"Here, I already washed them for you."
Aang drops the white pair of shoes that she dumps at the trash that day on her lap. They are now clean as he had said just a second ago, he had already washed them for her. He even retrieved her bracelet that was stuck on the tree.
"What?"
"Your shoes"
Toph only stared at it for a while before finally speaking again.
"You didn't have to. I have many pairs at home."
Aang sits beside her on the bench.
"Then you can keep it on my van."
She gave him a look.
"And why would I do that?"
"So we could always have a pair of shoes to beat around whenever you feel the urge."
She threw her head back as she barks out a laugh.
Aang really likes hearing her cheerful like this; the sound of her voice was a music in his ears.
Toph stopped attempting to find an excuse to beat her shoes altogether after that.
Nowadays, she would randomly show up and say something along the line of, "Twinkle Toes! Let's go somewhere where we can beat the shit out of these bastards," while wiggling a foot towards him.
After thrashing whatever shoes she's wearing that day, Toph would always wear that white pair of shoes after cleaning her feet.
She doesn't want to admit it, but Aang knows they are now her favorites.
Her contented smile betrays her words of denial.
One night, while they're on their way home from another session of cloud-watching-turned-into-Toph-ruing-her-shoes, Aang asked her the question again.
"Would you go out on a date with me?"
Aang was already used to receiving a scowl from her whenever he asks her that and it was safe to assume that he anticipated the same result; He wasn't really expecting her to turn to him with a grin.
For the first time, Aang cursed the human eyes for not being able to see clearly in the dark; She looked beautiful but Aang really wished he saw her under the light. He bets Toph looks even more perfect without the dark obscuring her image.
End of Chapter
Disclaimer: I'm just simply borrowing the Characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender. All credits go to its creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.
A/N: This chapter is loosely inspired by Dante Quintana from the book "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe". Love that book. If you haven't read that yet, I suggest you check it out. (Although, I have a feeling most of you guys already did)
I'm convinced that Toph and Dante would have fun beating their shoes around if they ever met.
By the way, that peanut and Coca-Cola thing is really good. We often do that here in our country. Go give it try!
Again thank you for reading.