Hello again! Here dumping some fluffness because I felt inspired. Hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: Avatar the last airbender belongs to their respective owners.
Seeing Katara and Zuko arrive on Appa the night before made the boys extra ecstatic. The team was complete again and Katara's own presence was greatly missed. Even if the only two woke members where the one to receive them, it didn't minimize the joy both girls showed in the morning when they smelled good food.
Suki fastly changed into her fire nation disguise costume, enjoying not looking at herself with the prison clothes. As she combed fast her hair to not miss the welcome feast, Sokka entered her tent with both arms behind him and a goofy smile in his face. She saw him through the mirror, her eyes narrowing at his unusual expression, one she knew was when he was doing something funny or was hiding something from her.
-Hurry up for breakfast! Toph and Zuko do rival our eating.- Said Sokka pointing at his belly, which proceeded to rumble loud and noticeable.
-Oh no! Non benders have to win something for once.- She said standing up to stare at him, ready to sprint towards the group. He positioned himself as well, both counting loudly to 3 before running as fast as they could to breakfast. It was a short race, but one they both enjoyed. Laughing before grabbing a plate, ready to full themselves until their stomach exploded.
-We missed you so much Katara!-Suki said happily as she bited the steak on her plate.
-I'm sure you did. Toph told me how tasteless were the vegetables.- Katara said as she sat down to eat with them.
-Hey! It just takes time to get used to natural food. It's also better for your health.- Aang responded embarrassed as he tried to take charge of the food, looking at his plate.
-Well, that's a lot of words to "I'm vegetarian and don't know how to cook meat!"- Toph responded mocking him.
-Why you didn't left Suki in charge then?- Katara asked them casually.
The boys tensed up and Toph grabbed a big bite of her meat, making her unable to respond. The tension made Zuko and Katara stared confused at the warrior, who just shrugged, taking another bite without breaking eye contact. As she finished shallowing, Sokka responded:
-We gave Aang the opportunity to lead the team. He wanted some spotlight too! After all, the water tribe just makes everything better.
Suki nudged him on the arm, which made him look at her with a nervous smile. He stared at her, almost screaming "what else was I supposed to say?". She giggled at his answer, looking back at Katara and Zuko, who both kept staring at them suspiciously.
-Alright. Did something happened when we were away?- Katara asked in her motherly tone, her gaze still in the couple.
-Not really, just us training and wasting our time shopping- Toph answered, feeling how the couple heartbeats kept fastening with each second that passed.
-Are you sure? Sokka seems on the verge to faint- Zuko said oblivious of the death stare from him.
-Gosh! Even I can see that they don't want to talk about it. Just drop the topic.- Toph replied crossing her arms in front of her chest- What did you do that took 3 days to come back?
Now it was the turn of the benders to blush and hush. All of them laughed except Aang, who only smiled sadly.
-Well, we're off to some business in the city.- Said Sukko as he took Suki's hand, making her drop her plate on the floor.
-Hey I still need to wash it you know?-Suki said resisting his grip.
-That's why Katara's is here!
Needless to say, the trip downtown was postponed from Sokka's swollen arm and wet clothes.
As Katara and Suki washed the dishes, both girls without a topic to break the ice. After Katara finished her mountain, she stopped herself and looked at the older girl, who ignored her look of concern.
-Is my hair out of place?- Said Suki smiling, not stopping her motions.
-I think you know were we are going with this.- Katara responded, her hand reaching to her shoulder.
Suki sighed, she really knew how to connect with the team to make them comfortable enough to talk about anything. They never really spend this much time alone, so talking to her so openly was something Suki was struggling.
-What do you want to talk about?- She answered, stopping and looking at her. Her sister in law surely expelled in her role as a mother figure, her eyes reminding her of her late mother.
-Even Toph wanted to cover you on something… are you okay with…you know…Sokka? Did he do…
Suki's eyes widened, quickly dismissing her. -No, he hasn't done anything to wrong me. He's been…a really good boyfriend.
-Then…why was everybody scared of speaking? It made me thought something happened to both of you, like a fight maybe….
Suki disconnected herself on the last part of her answer, images of her days looking at herself on the mirror covered in blood distracted her, paralyzing her.
-Sure, don't worry.- the warrior answered automatized, trying to resume her chores. Katara's hand travelled to her own, making her stare at her.
-I can help you too. You're not okay.- She said returning her look.
Both looks could make someone submissive in seconds, as their eyes battled for dominance, Katara's hand travelled to the warriors stomach, searching for life inside it. This quickly made Suki blush, letting her explore as she was sure the problem in question was not a baby.
-It's not a baby- Suki said smiling, trying to look as calm as she could, even when this invasion of her privacy was starting to trigger anxiety on her. Well, it was not a secret as everybody that night heard her scream, but she didn't feel ready to open up to her.
-Then what's wrong Suki? I have never seen all of you so serious, and not your usual seriousness, your eyes can't mask it anymore and that's why is worrying me.- The waterbender said placing her free hand on her other wrist.
The thought of her weakness made her tremble, worrying further the girl. Her breath began to shorten, she could feel and hear everything at the same time. Her own hands covering her ears to stop it.
-Suki listen to me… look at my eyes.
Tears on the warrior began to flow as she focused on Katara's eyes, still trying to ignore the painful sensations triggered.
-Imagine there's a feather in front of you, try to blow it without it falling.- She instructed her, Suki nodding in agreement and starting the exercise. As she blew it, Katara's eyes and face kept encouraging her until her breath became regular again, letting the warrior to cry freely on the girls shoulder.
-It's okay… you know you can tell me anything.-She responded as she hugged her.
-I just… just… don't know how to deal with this…- Suki responded between sobs.- I hated how everyone looked at me with pity.
-It's not pity Suki, we're all worried for your wellbeing.
-I want to leave this…this whole experience behind me.- She said finally regaining control on the tone of her voice.- Really… If I could find something to just make me skip all these horrors I lived and….
She sobbed harder, hugging her tighter again.
-Yes? What else dear?- Katara said sweetly.
-And let me feel life like before it happened. How life should be, only worrying about other things. Let me move on.-She said pulling apart, looking at her eyes.
-Well…it will take some time.-Katara answered, the warrior eyes saddening at her answer- But that's okay. Just breathe it and keep being strong at your own views and values. Nobody can take that away from you, not even death.
As Katara touched her necklace, Suki focused on her thoughts, controlling the urge to cry again. It felt like something her mother would told her after a hard day of training in the dojo, where she would usually be hurt or hopeless. She smiled too at the thought of her mother, making Katara smile and take both hands on hers.
-Now, I think my brother's still waiting for you to go to town.
"Crap, now he'll see I cried again"Suki thought as she realized how long the session with her has been.
-Thank you Katara.- She said running with a smile.
The girl smiled, happy for being able to help somebody who just suffered. "I'm sure my mother would have done the same" She thought and resumed the dishes Suki left unwashed.
Sokka anxiously waited for her, walking from side to side, unsure of the introduction he would use for his gift. His hands still behind his back, brainstorming. He stopped the moment he heard a rushed pace, turning around just in time to see his girlfriend running towards him.
-Suki!- He screamed excited, running towards her with open arms.
As they hugged he left his weight all towards her, making them stumble a little bit. The laughed and kept their arms around each other. The wind flowing softly and cold, a reminder that the night was beginning to fall. This upset him, wondering if the view won't be as spectacular.
-Well, I'm sorry. We got carried away in the chit chat and the twilight already arrived when I left the tent.- Suki said, giving him small kisses on his neck. He closed his eyes, indulging on the pleasurable sensation her lips gave him.
-It's okay, we can still walk together.-He answered. Suki stopped and looked at his eyes. He opened them to inspect her, realizing the little chit chat was probably Katara asking about her condition.
"Now it's official. I need to take her there" He gained courage and kissed her, the nervousness fading as she responded back. He grabbed her hand and began walking towards the woods, instead of the city.
-Sokka… where are you taking me? The forest as night is dangerous and none of us have our weapons.
-Don't worry, it will not be necessary.-He stopped and turned around, smiling- Trust me.
She blushed at the determination, and nodded, walking beside him into the forest. "You won't regret it" Sokka thought as he passed and arm around her waist, keeping her close to him. The grip he had on her made her forget they were wandering around on the forest without a torch, trusting his instincts and praying they wouldn't encounter any kind of wild animal.
As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she could see some of the trees had little marks, as if a direction to the path they were apparently searching for. "Is he taking me again to the chopped tree?" She asked herself, unsure of the motives behind it. Sure, they spend a very lovely time together taking turns to explore each other, but at night that was a pretty dumb move, even for someone with more camping experience than her.
"Okay, I'll discard that. He is my idiot but he's not that stupid" She smiled at her own comment. That feature of him was the one that made him fall in love with the second time they met each other, remembering how oblivious and shocked he was to see her for the first time without her armor.
The thought of her pride made her a bit upset, looking down at the floor to practice the exercise Katara gave her hours earlier. Sokka sensed her and kissed her head, making her smile.
-Don't worry, we're close.
-It's okay, I'm trusting you we're not going towards the enemy base.-She said smiling, looking up at him.
The moon was not full, so the small rays of light that went through were not enough for her. Sokka guided her, not once letting go of her. As she kept looking at the floor being the only thing she could distinguish in the dark, she saw how the path of grass changed to rocks. This confused her, looking at him. His focus was already on her, smiling.
The confidence in his smile rang a bell to her "He had to do something with it" she responded to him with a smile, still walking with him. As they path got smaller, they stopped. A giant cylindric rock was in the middle with a small door. Trees were close to it but not invading and vice versa. Almost as if the rock grew alongside the woods. He guided her to the entrance, standing at the door and gesturing her to enter it. She took his hand and went inside, playing his game.
The moon was a it's peak when Sokka went behind her. She inspected the place, seeing how the shape was really hiding a beautiful meadow. Sokka walked in the middle, the shine of the moon making everything clear, as if the place had life on its own.
-Excuse me sir, the flowers will be ruined if you sit on there.-Sukki said giggling, as she followed him.
-Mmm… in that case.
He flipped her to the ground, falling above her. They laughed as they both tried to have the upper hand in the small battle ground Sokka had found. Sokka gave up, feeling his pride hurt a little bit. It was not a bummer thought, as having her above him was a view he wished could see everyday of his life.
His eyes were the star of the place to her, his blue shining brighter with the moon. They were clear and honest, the stars reflecting on them. He proceeded to place a hand on her face, caressing it.
-You know how the animals find their way automatically in life? I tend to think some of us humans, are similar to them- He said, still looking tenderly at her.
This confused her, not connecting the dots Sokka was really trying to leave for reference. The look on her face made him giggle, sighing as he resumed talking.
-Cause birds of a feather fly together, you know? Just like you and me go well.-He said, blushing as he spoke.
He put her beside him, gesturing her to look at the sky. As she stared at the ceiling she noticed there was a pattern. To be specific, an earth kingdom and water tribe figure. The light of the moon seemed to intensify to her, as she notices how in that room the light could be mislabeled as sun light.
As Suki stared in awe at the figure, Sokka continued saying his monologue.
-In some ways we live in a very unnatural world - our brains are constantly trying to adjust and adapt to a lot of and I think that's not normal you know?- He wrapped his arm around her, looking also to the ceiling.
-But finding in this mess of the world someone in the same wavelength as you. Someone who makes you feel normal… like a teenager, is invaluable to me.
Happiness filled her heart, who began beating faster. She stopped looking at the sign and rested in her forearm, looking at his face, who continued looking at the stars and moon.
-I once told you how scared was to not be able to protect you – and in a way, it happened. I regret that deeply….But…You also showed me how to love, and how connected I can feel to someone without them being physically by my side.
She stared at him, words unable to leave her mouth. She was surprised and it felt good, the sign on the ceiling was a reminder of their roots, or so she interpreted that. She smiled, encouraging him to keep talking, a faint blush appearing.
-I…I…I feel special when I'm around you. I feel safe. Not only because you can rock my world.- He said laughing- But… you bring me a peace and transport me somewhere were only you and I exist.
He looked at her, blushing. His heart again racing as if it was the first time they were about the kiss. The look of awe in her face was something he expected and was grateful for, indicating his secret place may be something she would use somewhere in the future. He took her hand, smiling.
-I made this for you, to me you're my handmade heaven. I hope this place is the same to you.
Happy tears rolled down her face, lunging towards him to hug him. She sure felt unique when being with him, feeling independent yet, free to feel happy without an ounce of regret.
She liked that about him, he knew who he was. He deceptively described himself as the meat and brains boy from the bunch, something he has been using to his advantage to rescue and plan strategies experienced warriors would be jealous of.
She slowly got close to his face, him following. Their lips met softly under the moonlight, a small demonstration of the gratefulness she felt. He could feel it and he smiled while he kissed her, not being able to suppress the happiness of the gift working well to her.
Right now Suki couldn't care what had happened before or what would happen after the end of the world. She stopped kissing him, enjoying the view – her view. He jokingly flexed his arms, winking at her as she laughed. She laid down to cuddle, relaxing and enjoying as the soft wind lull her to sleep, feeling safe and finally—herself.
-I love you Sokka.
-I love you too, Suki.
See ya!