His feet propelled him forward; not even the burning of his overused lungs could stop him, or slow him down. He flew by house attendants, and patrons, uncaring of their odd looks at him. After what felt like hours; he finally made it to his destination, slinging the door open without any courtesy. The hallway was full of familiar faces and they all met his with concern. He must have looked crazy, and maybe he was.

"Sokka! You're soaked!" Katara's voice broke through the awkward tension of his outburst, worry laced her voice.

"I need to see Suki!" He announced, ignoring Katara's statement completely. He barrelled through the mass of people towards the closed door he needed to reach. "-I have to put this necklace on her!"

He refused to acknowledge their confused faces as he got closer. Before he could reach his target, Zuko held him back. "Sokka, no! She's gone. There's nothing you can do for her now. I know you're grieving, but -"

"No!" Sokka pushed his friend's hands off his shoulders, forcing his way past him. "-You don't understand! Yue told me to save her. I have to do this!"

"What?" Zuko exclaimed dumbfoundedly, shaking his head. He turned to see Sokka being held back by two Kyoshi Warriors. He fought against them, spouting off what sounded like nonsense. Katara and Yura were trying to settle him, but he wasn't having any of it.

"That's enough!" A voice broke through the uproar, and every eye turned to the face of Ty Lee. Her brows knit together with malice and she tore the girl's arms off of Sokka. "-Let him through." One started to protest, but Ty Lee hushed her. "-He cared for Suki as much as we did. If he needs to do this, who are we to stand in his way? Now stand down."

Sokka quietly thank her and slipped into the room where Suki's body still lay.

Nervousness struck him at the sight of her. Doubts filled his mind. What if this doesn't work? He ushered the thought away, deciding his course of action. I have to try.

Neared her, his trembling hands drew the pendant closer to her. He slipped it over her head, letting the stone rest neatly over her chest. His breath caught in his throat as he waited for something to happen.

He kept watching - waiting. Growing disheartened and impatient; Sokka pleaded, "come on, Suki. Wake up."

Nothing.

He turned to the window in desperation, searching the moon for answers. Help me! I thought this is what you wanted me to do?!

He didn't receive an answer, and he turned away slowly, gazing down at Suki's unwilling body. Maybe Yue didn't mean what I thought she meant? Maybe she was telling me to let her go?

He placed his hand against the stone on her chest, curling his fingers around it. The sight of her face struck determination through his entire body.

Shaking his head, Sokka closed his eyes, "no!" He released the stone, and grabbed her hand instead. "-I shouldn't have let her go the first time. I never should have left." He placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles, rubbing small circles with his thumb. He received no response, but it didn't stop him either. "-nothing will keep me from doing what I know is right again, Suki. I swear to you, that changes today. And I'm sorry, for so many things. But mostly, for the things that I didn't do, or say. I... I love you, Suki."

Her face remained still, her hand was still cold.

Sokka took a shaky breath as he gazed down at her.

For the first time in years, he felt like his heart had removed itself of worn callouses. He still felt extreme grief, but also - renewal. He squeezed her hand; silently saying goodbye, and thanking her for being such a crucial part of his life. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

He felt like the world was brighter, but he blanched when he realized the glow wasn't from his imagination.

Yue's kind eyes met his startled ones, and she averted them to gaze down at the lifeless woman before her. She placed her hands against Suki's wounds. White light poured out from them both. Sokka had to shield his eyes from the blinding light.

Within an instant; the room shook and went dark. The candles flickered, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake.

The door opened behind him. Aang called out - panic lacing his voice, "Sokka! Are you alright? What happened?" Chatter and more questions followed suit. Sokka didn't acknowledge them; he felt something in his spirit knawing at him.

He knew.

That didn't stop him from flinching as a sharp gasp left her.

Suki began coughing, trying to fill her lungs. Her eyes snapped open; she looked utterly confused and frightened. Not even a moment ago she was feeling extreme agony simply drawing a breath, and now - she could do it with ease? She remembered the fight and instinctively went to touch her wounds. She was startled to find them healed and no longer causing her grief.

He could see the turmoil in her dark, blue eyes but Sokka couldn't help but release a laugh at the sight of her.

Her gaze fixed on his, seeking answers. He honestly had none to give her, not any that made sense anyway. The start of words escaped her mouth, but she couldn't seem to make any form completely.

Happy tears fell from his eyes. He couldn't contain his joy; he wrapped his arms around her and placed his hand to the back of her head.

Suki froze initially but relaxed at the familiar sound of his voice. His mirth was contagious, and she patted his shoulder affectionately. She finally settled on a question. "I thought - wasn't I -" she wasn't sure what term to use.

He placed his hands on either side of her face, smiling ear to ear. "It doesn't matter! You're okay." He nuzzled her forehead with his own, repeating himself. "-You're going to be okay."

The warm sun beat down on her as she sat in the grass -staring up into the clouds looming over her head. A walk had been much needed - less she go stir crazy.

Though she was grateful; she wasn't used to being the recipient of attention and care. She much preferred to be the giver. But ever since 'the event' - as others gingerly called it - she had noticed people treating her differently. She wasn't a fan of being seen as though she were weak.

Her whole world felt upside-down.

King, Kuei had basically fired her on the spot. He was a bit of a skeptic and didn't want to take his chances of being around the former 'dead' woman. She noticed that he stared at her as if she had a plague. Suki simply shrugged off his repulsed look and accepted his decline of her continued service to him. She couldn't force him to be under her care.

It had originally felt strange, going without putting on her paints. It also felt liberating. She hated admitting it to herself, but she was enjoying her temporary break from duty.

The sun felt amazing against her bare skin; it reminded her of the precious, few days on Kyoshi Island where she wouldn't need to bundle up or sit next to a fire for warmth. Her fingers wrapped around the stem of a red flower, and she brought it to her nose. The smell fascinated her. Before, she hadn't ever really took mind to the brightly-colored plants. There were so few that grew back home due to the colder weather.

Suki felt a bit silly at her newfound adoration. She knew girls were supposed to like flowers, but she had never understood the appeal.

"Pretty." A voice met her ears, interrupting her train of thought. She turned to his handsome face and smiled. Heat rose to her cheeks at his goofy grin.

Even though he was much taller than he was at the age of 17, and had built more muscle working alongside his father - he still had his trademark expressions. He was still, simply Sokka.

She felt giddy; she tried to hide it with a shrug. "I suppose it is."

A smirk found residence on his mouth. Taking a seat beside her, he plucked it carefully out of her hands to admire it. He couldn't resist, she had left the opportunity out in the open. Taking it to his nose, he lowered his tone and said, "I wasn't talking about the flower, but I guess I can't disagree with you either."

An unladylike snort escaped her, and he snickered along with her. As she began gaining back her composure, he put his hand under her chin to still her. "Here," he whispered; placing the flower into her hair.

She looked confused, "what are you doing?"

"Hmm? Isn't it obvious? I'm making a side-by-side comparison." He scrunched his face, making himself appear as though he were deeply analyzing something.

She couldn't help but grin at his antics, "Sokka."

"No no," he hushed her. "I'm still thinking. You? Flower? You? Ah, it's a hard decision! It might honestly take me a minute. So here! -" He put his hands on either side of her arms, scooting her to a proper distance. "-You just sit there and look pretty, and I'll just keep shamelessly checking you out. You know? ...For science. Plus! -" His voice dropped, returning to a more neutral tone. "-It has been a few days since I've had the chance to see you. My memory is foggy."

She smiled at him, and let her crossed arms drop to either side of her body. She knew he and the other leaders of the Nations were in heavy debates and meetings the past few days. He looked tired.

"I ugh - I have another session with the council here in a few minutes. But I -" he nervously placed his hand to the back of his head, a faint blush tinted his cheeks. "I - I wanted to see you. But! You're probably out here by yourself trying to get away from everybody. So, I'm sorry if I'm bothering you. I understand if you -"

Her sudden movement startled his next words from coming out. Suki nestled into his chest, releasing a content sigh. His heart resumed beating properly, and he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, bending down to rest his cheek against the top of her head.

"You talk too much," she teased, receiving a genuine laugh from Sokka.

He pulled her in tighter, "yeah, you're right. I do."

He felt her shift against him, and he released her of his grip. His breath hitched again as he noticed her eyes kept drifting from his eyes to his lips. Her hands remained against his chest. He became self-conscious that she might feel his heart beating wildly out of his ribcage.

"I'm staying," he spouted out before another dangerous thought could creep into his thoughts.

Her eyes widened in obvious confusion.

He clarified, "I mean, I'm staying here ...in Republic City. I've already sent word out to my father, and everything. I want to continue my work here with Aang and the others."

"What? You're giving up being chief? But what about your father?" She asked, a curious look forming on her face.

Sokka smiled, strangely at peace with her question.

Without thinking, he fixed the flower in her hair; as he had most likely tousled it out of its former place. He pulled his hand back, but not before caressing her jaw with his thumb. He paused to check her reaction, to ensure she wasn't uncomfortable with his touch. She seemed quite the opposite which put him at ease. He committed further with the soft gesture, trailing his fingers across her skin. He couldn't bite back his lovestruck smile.

"I believe this is where I'm supposed to be. I'm happy here. Besides, there are plenty of other people far more qualified to take my place back home. I think I'll have a greater impact here. My father will understand... Hopefully."

Suki gave him a reassuring smile, pressing herself further into his touch. "I don't know your father as well as you do, but I think he'd be proud of you. No matter what path you take." She placed her palm against his cheek and spoke quietly, "-and on the off chance that he isn't... I am."

Covering her hand with his own, he gave her a sad smile. A thought entered his mind. "You're leaving tomorrow."

She hesitated, pursing her lips together. She subconsciously rubbed little circles against his cheek as she downcasted her eyes, "yes."

His heart clenched as he witnessed a line of tears begin making their way down her face. Grabbing either side of her face, he wiped them away quickly. "Hey."

Before he could whisper reassuring words to her; she spoke, "I don't want to leave you again. I - I wish I could stand by your side. But I'm -" she bit her lip, unable to finish.

"Suki," he brought her closer. "-I'm afraid you can't get rid of me that easily. Because - don't you see? Now that I'm moving to Republic City, I have the freedom to - oh, I dunno - make a trip to a certain Island ...anytime I please."

Her mouth parted; he could tell she was struggling to process the implications he was making. More tears flowed freely as she came to her own conclusion; happy ones this time. "Y-You'd do that? But, Sokka, it's such a long trip."

He laughed, smiling brightly and combing back her hair. "But ...you're worth it."

Words wouldn't suffice either of them anymore. Without hesitation; Sokka crashed his lips down onto hers, and she clung to him tightly. Her hands found his face, deepening their kiss. Pressing his body against hers; he drew her closer until they had to part for air.

Sokka let her catch her breath a moment before pressing another kiss to her lips; one less intense. Her mouth tugged into a smile and he mirrored her.

Gazing down at her, he took her in, memorizing her features like a painting in his mind. "I have to go, but after I'm done ...late dinner? You and me?" She smiled.

"Late dinner, you and me," she confirmed giddily. He seemed pleased by her response.

"Okay!" He gave her a quick kiss to her forehead before lifting himself to his feet, "I'll ugh - I'll see you tonight!" Like a little kid, he bounced up and down and finally took his leave, running as to not be late for his meeting.

Suki watched him, staring in awe and disbelief. Her lips still had a stinging sensation to them; her only proof that what just happened was reality. She ran her hands through her hair, accidentally pulling the flower out with her. Bringing it down into her line of vision, she admired it from a different point of view.

She had a favorite flower now.

"So, I guess this means you'll be canceling your plan to eat with us tonight?"

Suki jumped and turned to the smirking face of her friend. "Ty Lee! I umm - wait a minute! How long were you standing there watching us?"

Her smirk grew, "I dunno. How long have you and beefy arms been a thing?"

Suki's eyes widened, and she stuttered - rising to her feet, "Sokka and I aren't - I mean, I'm just ...he's -"

"-Absolutely gorgeous and completely smitten with you?" Ty Lee singed, snatching Suki's flower and taunting her with it. She placed it back into her hair and grabbed her hands, swinging them back and forth. "Come on, Suki!" She whined. "-Don't be shy now! You weren't when Cheif handsome was swooning over you. Or was it the other way around?"

"Ty Lee," Suki chastized, blushing furiously.

The former gymnast giggled, "calm down, sifu sour-face." Her smirk faded into a genuine smile. "-I'm allowed to tease you. I'm your best friend! I have special privileges."

Suki playfully rolled her eyes, unable to hide her smile. "You're insufferable."

A girlish squeak escaped Ty Lee. "Does this mean I get to dress you up again?!"

"No."

A gasp escaped her. What he was currently doing to her neck was making her head dizzy. She closed her eyes to keep the room from spinning. His name passed her lips shakily. A shiver shot up her spine at the sound he made in return.

Her hands stopped his tormenting on her neck. She crushed her lips onto his, humming contently. He made himself comfortable against her mouth, nipping her bottom lip. The taste of sweetened wine evident on both party's account.

Raking her nails against his scalp, she tugged his hair free of his wolf-tail. He mirrored her action, digging his fingers into the mass of her hair.

Leaving a trail of kisses against her face, he moved along her jaw, stopping at her lips once more. He pressed a lingering, single kiss there before lifting himself just enough to meet her eyes. He felt her strong hands resting against his chest as she gazed up at him.

He recounted their evening together, the amazing food - the even better company.

They had so easily fallen back into their rhythm, just talking, teasing - kissing. It was as if their time apart did nothing to separate their bond. He was drunk on her presence, and he was pleased to find out - she felt the same. Her breathing was labored, her chest rising and falling, driving him crazy. His heart felt like it might explode due to the sheer amount of emotions he was experiencing.

His next words came so effortlessly - though years in the making. "I love you."

It was as a flood gate opened for him. Sokka repeated himself over and over again, reveling in the sound the syllables made. Her voice joined his, creating an even sweeter melody. Peppering little kisses everywhere he could reach, he continued his caresses against her back and shoulders.

Her hands slipped beneath the hem of his shirt and met his lower back. Her nails dug little trails up his spine. A chill coursed through his entire body. He momentarily halted his movements entirely, forgetting how to breathe. It didn't help that she pulled him in for another heated kiss. A sigh eventually left him. He felt his courage return and he deepened their kiss. Taking her by the hips, he maneuvered her onto a nearby ottoman.

Suki had a devious thought. She wanted to catch him off guard - make him realize he'd been missing out all these years they had been apart. Deciding her course of action, she grabbed the back of his head.

Hooking her legs firmly around his waist, she rolled them both over and onto the floor. Sokka landed on his back, expelling a loud 'oof'. Her hands against his head kept him from hitting the wood too harshly, but he was still in shock.

Laughter almost escaped her at his expression, but her mission wasn't complete just yet. She skillfully pulled his shirt over his head, and let her nails rake down his muscular body; his next look did cause her to giggle.

"Ah, that's cold!" Sokka gasped, his bare back hovering away from the flooring. Goosebumps spread across his entire body for more reasons than one.

Instead of responding to him immediately, she trailed kisses across his chest, moving her hands to his stomach. She could feel him relaxing into her embrace; though his breath would hitch at certain nips and kisses she gave him. She smiled against him, then looked up at his face. "I didn't think a brave, Water tribesmen like you got cold?" She teased, hands resting on either side of his hips just above his belt.

He finally found his voice, giving her a gravelly chuckle. "Oh, my sweet, Kyoshi girl. You are playing a dangerous game."

Suki's heart fluttered at his reference to her - my.

It didn't help that he had also lowered his tone of voice to a deep growl. She had to take a moment to compose herself before she could respond. Taking a breath, she climbed up his chest and slid her arms around his neck, kissing his jaw. "You say that as if you think I don't want to play," she whispered into his ear.

Her breath tickled his neck, but her words pushed him over the edge. Any hesitation he had was completely gone. He kissed her hard, enclosing his arms tightly around her. She responded just as fiercely, pinning her knees against his sides - trapping him. Sokka wove his hands back into her auburn hair, tugging. His other hand found her shoulder, pushing her over onto her back. She went without a fight.

He didn't even realize she had taken off his belt until he heard it hit the floor on the other side of the room. He smirked against her mouth. I love this woman.

She seemed pleased with herself as well. She bit his lip as if to say, what are you gonna do about it?

He moved his kisses to her neck, deciding they both could use the air. The scratching she was doing against his back was doing little to keep his control under check, but he focused on his task. Lifting himself to his feet, he brought her with him and moved them over to the loveseat.

Suki didn't waste a moment; she pulled herself up onto her knees, leaning her head down to capture his lips again. He seemed to like their new angle, hiking her higher up onto his chest. She pressed her palms to either side of his face, tilting his head to deepen their kiss.

As he held her; he noticed their passion simmered down just enough to calm his raging heart. He looked up into her half-lidded eyes, simply taking her in. He could gaze into those eyes forever.

He wanted to gaze into them forever. "I'm never letting you go again," he said confidently.

Her fingers caressed his cheeks gingerly. She moved her face down to his, nuzzling his nose with her own. "Promise?" Her voice was hardly above a whisper.

The uncertainty in her voice ignited a fire in him. Brushing her hair away from her face, he locked his eyes with her and took her hands. "Nothing will keep me away from you, Suki. I will always choose you."

His words stirred her heart; she clung to him. Her head nestled into the crook of his neck, and his hands found her hair again - rubbing the base of her neck.

Her next words nearly melted his heart. "I'm yours, Sokka. Always."

She went to kiss him again, but he stopped her. "Wait, I need to give you something." He smiled at her reassuringly before hopping off the couch and rushing excitedly to the other side of the room.

Suki stared at his retreating form in disbelief, she chuckled as he stubbed his toe on an end-table and released a few curses.

Only Sokka. She thought in amusement.

He finally found what he was looking for. It took longer than he was hoping due to the darkened room. He bundled it up so she wouldn't see the item, and he took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. Sprinting back over to Suki; he hopped and landed beside her.

She was shaking her head, giggling at his silly behavior. "And what exactly was so important that you couldn't wait?" She asked, a gentle tone in her voice.

Placing a hand to the side of her face, he kissed her fiercely - hoping to show the amount of love he held for her in his kiss.

He parted from her hesitantly and lifted the item into her line of sight.

At first, she didn't know what she was looking at exactly. But she quickly distinguished it by its familiar design.

In the moonlight, she traced the circular pendant with her eyes. The etching in it undeniably a mixture of the Earth and Water Nation's symbols. A pretty, green-colored ribbon connected the hand-carved stone to the bottom.

Searching his eyes, Suki did a double-take of him and the necklace. She wordlessly asked him if it meant what she thought it meant, but she was too afraid to ask.

"I-Is that -" she tried.

A smile made its way on his face. He clarified for her, "a betrothal necklace."

Not taking her eyes off his; she asked, "you're - are you asking me to be your wife?"

He swallowed anxiously, feeling his throat go dry. Thoughts and doubts entered his mind as he analyzed her expression. He couldn't place it, making him even more nervous. I blew it!

She seemed to recognize his stress and touched his hand. "Sokka?"

Taking a deep breath through his nose, he found her eyes. "I - I know it may seem sudden, but I think we've waited far too long to be together too." He smoothed her hair, finding comfort in the gesture. "-I don't want to live another day without you fighting by my side, keeping me in line, and ...letting me drive you insane because I had another crazy idea!"

She chuckled, breaking the tension he was feeling. He rested his forehead against hers, and she nuzzled him, placing her fingers against his jaw.

"So," he said, "-will you have me?"

Another content laugh escaped her, and she nodded. "Yes." She pressed her lips against his, and he met her halfway - kissing her fully. Grabbing her by her hips, he pulled her into him and rubbed little circles on her lower back.

He broke their kiss - startling her - and said, "wait! I want to put this on you first."

She didn't know why, but little tears beaded on her eyelashes then. Suki didn't ponder their existence long.

Nodding, she wordlessly turned around and held up her hair for him. She felt his hands rest against either side of her collarbone. Her breath hitched without her consent, but she brushed it off - focusing on what he was doing.

Sokka pulled both ends of the ribbon around her neck and clasped it together. His hands found her shoulders and traveled down slowly, letting his fingers mold into the rises and falls of her taunt back muscles. She shuddered, and he resisted acknowledging her reaction to his touch. Instead, he wound his arms around her waist and pulled her into him from behind. Her face lifted to see him; the shine in her eyes drawing him in like a spell. His hand rose from her waist up to her neck, fondling with her new jewelry. "It looks good on you."

A warm smile found it's way on her lips; she pressed her fingers against the pendant he had crafted with such care. "I could get used to it." Pressing a kiss to his cheek, she whispered, "I love you."

He held her tight. Yes, tomorrow she was leaving. But after tonight; they were forever, one. He wasn't sure what their future held, but he was ready to face it as long as she was by his side.

Y'all, I have to say... I had the most fun writing for Ty Lee. She's just so adorable and I would have loved to have seen hers and Suki's relationship after the end of the show (or in the comics). I really think they would have been amazing friends after she joined the Kyoshi Warriors, but who knows if we'll ever know?! *sad sigh* ALSO... Suki and Sokka are together! Woo Hoo!

I also have in canon in this story (though not mentioned) that Sokka made her the betrothal necklace before they had to break-up. So he's literally carried that thing with him all those years, and just seriously couldn't find it in himself to get rid of it. So yeah... corny, I know. ;)

Anywho, thank you for reading! Chapter 8 will be posted tomorrow! Only a few more chapters to go, guys!