Alright! A couple of quick things before you start reading!
This story IS finished! But I will be posting a chapter a day as this story is border-line 30,000 words. (I didn't just want to 'dump' it on you. Aren't I nice?) That being said; I did want to leave a couple of WARNINGS before you get too invested.
This is primarily a romance/drama (with a sprinkle of "Aangst') featuring Sokka as the main character.
I know Suki isn't always everyone's favorite pairing with him (even though it's canon. o.o) But, I ship them! ...So, I'm sorry that I'm not sorry? But she's his main love interest in this fic! Though I do through some hints here and there for you Tokka fans.
Rated T! Mainly for SOME minor cursing, some smoochie action in later chapters, (A romance fic? Who would have thought there would be kissing!? I'm so offended! -Karen) and a mention of blood/death. (I'll leave a warning before that chapter.)
The setting is 7 years after the events of the final episode of the show, but 5 years after the events of the comic "Imbalance". If you haven't read any of the comics though - no worries! I ensured to keep that in mind whilst writing. But they are great books if you get the chance to read them!
With all that laid out, I'm done! Please enjoy! :)
Calloused fingers twirled absentmindedly with a dagger. His mind was racing like an otter penguin gliding down a mountain at full speed. The pounding of his head and the steady beat of his bouncing leg could rival a war drum. The noise around him was definitely that of voices, but he was drowning them out currently. There was so much he wanted to say.
He expelled some of the pressure in his chest through a huff of breath.
"Sokka?" His head snapped up out of his left palm. He gave his father a dumbfounded expression before glancing around at the other council members. They had looks of disapproval marking their stiff faces. His breath caught in his throat, leaving it dry.
Chief Hakoda leaned carefully against the table separating them; "perhaps you would like to voice your opinion on the matter we've been discussing for the past 20 minutes? ...You seem awfully conflicted." Distracted. Sokka could hear his father saying in his mind. He could tell by his father's taunt jaw and brow that he was displeased.
Clearing his throat, Sokka met the eyes of the men and women around him.
Lifting himself from his seat, he grimaced as a cramp in his leg became noticeable with his full weight on it. He shifted on it and spoke confidently. "Well, taking everyone's suggestions into consideration -" he could feel everyone's desire to roll their eyes at him.
He pushed forward as though he didn't notice. "-With the re-building of Republic City, I think it's crucial - more than ever - to give our full support to the Avatar's vision. This is no longer about the individual nations. This is about uniting together as one."
"So you suggest we join forces with the Fire Nation then?! After how many years of bloodshed and war?!" An elderly man in thick, fur robes shouted - enhancing the wrinkles in his face. An uproar began just like before, everyone bickering back and forth.
Sokka's gut twisted and he dug his dagger into the table, leaving a jagged crack down its middle due to the sheer force. "I do!" Every mouth clamped shut.
"-Ozai is no longer in a position to hurt people! Fire Lord, Zuko took care of that himself. And I trust he is doing everything in his power to repair all the damage that has been done. So, I say The Southern Water Tribe is an ally of not only the Avatar but the Fire lord, as well!"
The older man from before snarled and shakingly rose out of his chair, directing a finger at Sokka. "You will tame your tongue, boy. You are not in a position to speak for the entirety of The Southern Water Tribe."
"Yet," Hakoda chimed in harshly. His gaze bore into the man's cold eyes. "-Master Megussuk, though my son speaks out of turn, he is the next chief in line and has a voice among us. You must remember? Sokka has experience that even you cannot claim for yourself. And not only with travel and war, but also with the current Fire Lord."
Making his way across the room, Hakoda moved over to Sokka and placed his hand against his tense shoulder. "-I think we've all made our opinions quite clear. And I think it's time we voted. Those in favor of sending a representative to Rebuplic City along with Fire lord, Zuko?"
Sitting halfway against an open window, Sokka looked out past the border to the vast ocean. His eyes blurred from the sun reflecting the snow and sea. His lips were pursed into a tight frown as he pondered the events of the meeting.
Hakoda quietly watched the young man before him. A swell of pride coursed through his chest. His son was truly growing into a wonderful man, carrying his responsibilities with such care. It had been over 7 years the since the end of the 100-year war, but Sokka tirelessly continued to try and make the world a better place.
Furrowing his brow, Hakoda noticed Sokka was holding something.
In-between his fingers - Sokka fiddled with a thin, curved stone tied to a simple cord around his neck.
Hakoda sighed; how he wished his son could let go of that part of his past. Committing to making his presence known, Hakoda called out. "Sokka?"
The younger man quickly closed his fingers around the stone to hide it, before stuffing it completely down the front of his tunic. His eyes met those of his fathers. "Yeah, dad?"
Making his way over, Hakoda sat across from him and leaned back, gazing down at their ever-growing village. A smile graced his features at the people down below. Their lives were finally worry-free of the war that he and his son helped end. Children squealed in delight down below, mothers reprimanded them through smiling faces, and fathers urged them on with their antics.
"Would you like to discuss the course to Republic City with me?"
Before Sokka could respond, his father pulled out an old map - sprawling it out between them.
Hakoda laid a couple of stones in the corner to weigh the parchment down. "-I would suggest stopping every 3 days, or so. A week on the sea won't fair well with the men, that and your supplies will dwindle by then. You'll be meeting the Fire lord at your first stop. I would suggest either Whale Tail Island or Chin. After that, you'll -" as his father grazed over the 2 options to port, Sokka's heart sank at the Island in-between his fingertips.
5 years. He thought sorrowfully.
If his father noticed his sudden wave of grief, he ignored it and continued offering options to port after their first stop. Sokka had stopped listening after seeing the symbols of the Island. His eyes traced its outline over and over again. The cord around his neck seemed to weigh more - the small pendant at the bottom tapping gently over the center of his chest.
The war was finally over. The smell of fire burned his nose and eyes, but he beamed in their victory.
He and his friends - a bunch of kids, no less - ended the 100-year war. He looked over to dark blue eyes and a kind smile. He didn't know his smile could grow any further, but it miraculously did. Her arms wound tightly around his waist, taking his weight, and giving his injured leg a moment's rest. He gripped onto her just as fiercely, laying his cheek against her head. His nose caught a whiff of her hair, and he swore - it immediately became his favorite scent.
Dust overwhelmed his senses as his father snapped the map up, rolling it back into its original shape. "-And that should get you all there in one piece."
Sokka suppressed his desire to cough, and nearly sighed with relief. His father hadn't seemed to notice him daydreaming.
"-I trust you'll do well on your journey," Hakoda beamed, slapping his son affectionately on the back. Sokka smiled at his father. The council had voted, and the lean of the votes traveled more-so in Sokka's favor. He and the Fire Lord would meet at the first port and travel together to Republic City as one.
Assuming their conversation was over; Sokka shifted to get up, but his father's voice halted his movements. "I've asked Yura to join you."
Sokka couldn't mask his confusion, his eyes widened and his brow lifted. "Yura? But why -"
"She's a very skilled healer. It would be wise to bring her."
He couldn't help but purse his lips; he didn't like where his father was going with this. "Yes, she is. But we're -"
"I asked her to keep watch over you, and she humbly accepted." Hakoda interrupted, before smiling at his son's stubbornness. "-She's a nice girl, Sokka."
Shooting up to his feet, Sokka looked down at his father. "Dad, I've told you already: I'm not interested in a relationship right now! I'm focusing on my studies, and my future as chief."
Hakoda stood to his feet and spoke with a soft voice. "It's already settled." Handing the map to Sokka, he added with a playful tone, "-I'm not asking you to marry her tomorrow. All I'm asking is that you at least - try - to get to know her? She's a beautiful, and kind woman. I think you would like her if you gave her a chance."
Sokka audibly sighed but said nothing.
"-If nothing else," Hakoda added, "-Having her aboard will give me a peace-of-mind that you're safe."
Sokka's eyes lifted and met Hakoda's matching set. He sighed again and nodded. "Alright, fine. I've ugh - I've got to go and get packed. So I'm -" he motioned with his hand the direction he needed to go instead of completing his sentence. He smiled at his dad, and Hakoda returned his grin.
"I'll see you tomorrow, son. Try and get some rest."
"Okay."
Chapter 2 will be posted tomorrow! Thanks for reading.