Duel
Sokka's eyes slitted, all of his concentration focused to the utmost. His muscles coiled, waiting. He was tense…waiting.
So attuned was he that when Zuko exhaled a breath, he looked over with a scowl at the Fire Lord, who was watching from the sidelines.
Zuko shrugged and gave him an apologetic look. Once again, Sokka took a deep breath and channeled his concentration back into a single point.
Suki.
She was directly across from him, poised in a similar position. His eyes swept every inch of her face, hunting strategically for any sign of her next movement. Sometimes he could tell by watching her. But this time, her face was closed completely.
She was learning.
He wasn't even aware of their audience anymore, the friends who stood observing on the edges of his vision. Only one person mattered.
His opponent.
He shifted position ever so slightly, and saw her eyes follow the movement acutely.
It was such a pleasure, such a challenge to face off against her. She was perhaps the only one who could match his skill, who could really present a difficulty.
His mind focused on the terrain, on the scenario before him. He tried to plan things out, to find a way to get around the brilliant defense she was sure to present.
He almost wanted her to make a move, just so his muscles could unlock, so he could finally be rid of this poised tension. But no, she was waiting for him.
He feinted slightly, leaning in just a hair. But her swift eyes caught the motion yet again. He just wasn't going to be able to get around her.
Well…here went nothing.
His hand shot forward like lightning, his eyes never leaving her face.
With a triumphant smile on his face, Sokka leaned one elbow forward.
She counterattacked in a single, confident movement.
Sokka gaped. It was over already. He stared down, unable to quite believe his eyes.
Toph's strident laugh broke the concentrated silence. " You never should have loaned the White Lotus tile to her, Sokka."
Suki smiled sweetly at him. "Gotcha. Or do you want to start a sixth 'sudden death tiebreaker'?"
Sokka looked down at the Pai Sho board, grumbling to himself.
"Hey, I thought I was next?" Mai leaned on the back of Suki's chair.
"Sure, Mai. I don't think this is going anywhere." Suki got up and stretched, still grinning at Sokka. He glared back at her, but not with any real venom.
Sokka relinquished his chair to Zuko, and accepted the cup of steaming tea that a warmly smiling Iroh pressed into his hands. He went to stand by Suki, who was leaning against the wall with her own cup of tea.
"I still want a rematch," Sokka muttered, sipping at his drink.
"Whenever you want." Suki leaned comfortably against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
Sokka decided he didn't need to hold a grudge. He put an arm around Suki and held her tight, and together with Aang, Katara, Iroh, and Toph, they settled back to watch the next duel.