A hand in his pocket and his bag slung casually over his shoulder, Sokka trudged wearily along the steadily darkening streets of Republic City. Casting a glance at the setting sun over Yue Bay, he continued walking along the bay walk; neck sore, nonsensical thoughts in mind. Approaching his little beach front home, he could hear the muted laughter of a man a few doors away, followed by the babble of children.
A weight seemed to press down on his shoulders, chest tightening ever so slightly. Sighing loudly, he noisily opened the front door, grumbling at the lock and dropping his bag unceremoniously on the floor before collapsing with a grunt on the sofa. The otherwise silent house was filled with a salty aroma, he noticed belatedly. Closing his eyes, he felt warm hands caressing his aching shoulders and neck, a pair of lips pressing against the top of his head. A content smile painted his lips, and he tilted his head back to meet a soft pair of ruby lips with his.
"Hey, you." A pair of smiling cobalt eyes met his. "Long day?"
"You have no idea," he said, scooting over and draping his arm around his wife of seven years. "Though you made it a whole lot better." Suki blushed faintly, a feat that still amazed him. They have been together for what felt like forever and these little things made him fall in love with her a little bit more.
"Glad I could help out." She smiled, standing up and clutching his hand making him do the same. "You know what would make it a bit better? Sea prunes."
That explained the mouth-watering aroma. "But you hate sea prunes. I recall hearing you choke it back up like a platypus bear being hunted down after Katara made it for dinner back in Ember Island."
"Oh ha, ha. That was years ago, let it go. Besides, today's a special occasion and I sort of…wanted to remember what it tasted like?" Hmmm. It was an acquired taste for foreigners…her words caught up with him then; a look of panic froze on Sokka's face as he furiously tried to remember what day it is. Suki noticed and laughed lightly, a melodious sound. "Don't look so scared, hot shot. I won't get mad if you didn't notice."
Birthday? No, that was last month. Anniversary? Kyoshi Founding Day? Katara's weird dinner potlucks? No…wait…
A gobsmacked expression appeared for second before being replaced by the widest grin Suki has ever seen. Excited eyes that screamed love and adoration met hers as he suddenly crushed her against his chest, lifting her off her feet and spun them around. Suki was elated at her husband's tangible glee, heart threatening to burst full from the course of emotion going through her. Sokka put her down, and an equally shiny glassy-eyed pair of eyes met; hearts beating in sync as they drew each other impossible close.
"Happy Father's Day, Sokka."