Crystal clear water, unusual black sand and an ever-shining sun were just a few of the reasons to visit Ember Island. Lying low in preparation of an upcoming battle for the fate of the world was not usually one of them.
But not even the potential for death and destruction in the following days could dampen the spirits of one particular Water Tribe warrior. He was surrounded by interesting experiences wherever he went, from extra-hot foods to fun beach games.
Yet one thing above all stood out; his long-lost and newly rescued girlfriend, Suki of Kyoshi Island. Though freed from the volcanic Boiling Rock, she was still attired in prisoner's rags, so Sokka had volunteered to take her into town to acquire some more fitting garments. The fact that this meant they were alone and away from the others was something he chose not to mention.
Shopping was one of Sokka's many loves - second only to meat, sarcasm and Suki herself. The girl in question stood by with an exasperated but amused smile as he trawled through various clothing shops in the hopes of finding a perfect outfit for her. Every few moments he would hold up a top or skirt, before discarding it for being "too red" or similar complaints.
As far as Suki was concerned, they were all red (this being the Fire Nation), and she would be happy in anything. Still, it was beyond her to puncture his enthusiasm. All she could do was stand idly by until he finally brought up the clothes he deemed acceptable, to her and the shopkeeper's considerable relief.
Having purchased the necessary gear, Suki headed to the changing room with Sokka in tow. She turned to him and made a shooing motion with her hand.
"You stay there, Mister," she declared.
Sokka frowned slightly. "It's not like I haven't seen-"
His complaint was cut off by her flicking him in the forehead with a finger. She leaned in and kissed him briefly to lessen the pain, before slipping into the room. She was out again in a few minutes, and Sokka stared at her in awe.
"Like what you see?" Suki laughed.
"You're amazing," Sokka whispered, before grabbing her by the shoulders and pulling her into a deep kiss.
"Oi! This is a shop, not your bedroom!" The shopkeeper gave an angry cry. Sokka blushed, detaching from his beloved and the pair made a hasty exit.
Once outside, Suki burst into giggles softly. Sokka grinned at her and grabbed her hand, pulling her alongside him. They walked along the path, stopping briefly to examine some spiced meats a vendor was selling from a stall, before Suki froze in her tracks.
"Sokka!" She hissed. "Do you see that?"
The man in question paused in his haggling with the merchant, looking over to her in confusion. She was staring at a wall on the far side of the street.
He stepped beside her, squinting hard. There seemed to be a piece of paper stuck to the wall. Closer examination revealed the reason for her interest, he was on it! Maybe it was a wanted poster. Quickly he sidled over to the poster, ripping it off the wall.
"Oh man! Guess what, Suki? There's a play about us!" Sokka's gleeful expression brought a smile to her face.
"You mean a theatrical production? I saw one of those in the Earth Kingdom once. It was about Oma and Shu." It hadn't been that bad, although the twist end with the Badgermole invasion had been a surprise. She'd hadn't remembered that bit in the legend.
"We should go tell the others, maybe we can go see it! I bet it'll be great."
Spiced meat forgotten, the lovers set off hand in hand.