Stayed a long night to have this finished. :)
By the way, I know how earlier in the story I made a note telling you guys that if you want to know about when each chapter will be posted, just check the updates on my profile. Well, now I'm not going to put those updates. The thing is, I don't want to tell you guys a release date and have you guys expect it, only to find out that something busy came up and I have to delay a chapter. I honestly didn't know I was going to have this chapter posted for the weekend. I just don't want to disappoint anyone.
I'm just telling you guys to stick with my basic note: I'm trying to update chapters once a week, but it may take two weeks (hopefully not three) if school gets busy. Yeah I know I said that a bunch of times haha.
But hey, if anyone still wants to know about updates, send me a PM and I'll tell you when I'll THINK a chapter will be posted.
Anyway, on to the story.
Wow, this city is magnificent.
Lei never seen such a city in his life. This place is much more beautiful than it is in pictures. He can see the buildings of different architecture standing tall, the snow-filled mountains in the background, air balloons in the sky, and ships much bigger than the one he is on. He didn't even step foot in this city, but he can already feel the bustling energy. To his surprise, seeing this place put some excitement in him.
The ship's first stop was Air Temple Island. Suki and Lei were to be dropped off first at their destination, thanks to Ty Lee and Koji helping out with the pay.
Both the mother and the son watched as the island got closer. The island was well-defined in Air Nomadic culture, and the flying bison soaring around gave a nice touch. Lei never seen flying bison before.
Suddenly, he noticed his mother had her attention caught. She walked to the front of the ship and began to wave excitedly. Lei followed her to the front, and saw the figures waving back.
Oh, my "aunt" and "uncle."
"Mom, let's go get our stuff," he addressed his mother, somewhat sedately.
Suki turned to her son and complied. Both went to retrieve their bags, while Suki went in the bathroom to quickly change out of her sleeping clothes.
The ship was slowing down, and the horn blew. It made it to the dock.
After some more minutes, Lei can finally feel that the ship has stopped. He sat on his bed, his heart all of a sudden beating.
Suki came out of the bathroom in appropriate clothing for the day. "Sweetheart, you're not going to change?"
Lei could care less. It's not like he's on a date. More specifically, it's not like he's actually forward to meeting these people. "Nah, I'm pretty sure these clothes are alright."
"Oh, okay," Suki replies as she picks up her bags, "Lei can you help me with these luggage?"
"Yes mam." There were quite an amount of luggage to hold for two people. It's not like before when Koji was there to help. As they both walked out of their room, arms filled with bags, they proceeded up to the top of the ship and saw the beautiful island right in front of them. The captain lowered the ramp to the dock, and three Air Acolytes came to assist.
"Hello there. You must be Suki. I'm Mariko," she introduces as she shakes her hand, "The acolytes and I are here to help our welcomed guests."
"Thank you so much!" Suki replied greatly. Mariko and an acolytes took Suki's luggage, while the other acolyte took Lei's, but he insisted on keeping his backpack on him.
As the acolytes went back down the ramp, Suki and Lei followed.
Once they were on the dock, the acolytes headed to the dormitories with the luggage, while Suki saw the familiar faces she had been waiting to see. Katara and Aang had big smiles on their faces. She can't help but smile the same way too.
Having not seen these great friends in long years, Suki ran up to Katara, and Katara ran back to her. They both embraced powerfully, tears forming in their eyes. It felt comfortable to hug a close friend you haven't seen in many years.
"Suki... Look at you," Katara says delicately, "You're still as pretty as ever."
"I can say the same about you Katara," Suki replied fragilely.
Both women were the best of friends in their young years, and it felt great to be reunited. So great, that they find it hard to speak. As Suki and Katara fell into another hug, Suki also looked behind her and saw the other friendly face. A certain airbender that was a great friend too.
Once she finished her hug with Katara, she went to hug Aang. "It's great to see you again, Aang."
"Great to see you too, Suki," Aang replied.
As she lets go of her embrace with Aang, she quickly examined her surroundings and the past friends in front of her, a smile on her face. "Wow, how is it that the almighty Avatar and his master waterbending wife live in such a beautiful place, and both the couple managed to become even more attractive as they age?"
"Oh you know," Aang answers as he puts his arm around his wife, "Katara is just lucky to end up with a good looking, powerful man like me. Right sweetie?" He questions sarcastically with a grin on his face.
"Actually I think you're lucky to end up with me," Katara replies with her finger on his chest, "Oh almighty Avatar."
"Maybe that's right Aang," Suki added, "Is Katara's beauty an element you mastered yet?"
"Well," Aang replied, "We have three children."
Katara gave him a slap in the shoulder and the three laughed. They haven't had these types of conversations in awhile.
With the ramp already raised back up, the ship blew its horn once more and left the dock.
Aang and Katara noticed the young man waiting there.
"Is that Lei?" Katara asked loudly as she pointed towards him. She obviously knew it was Lei.
"Yes indeed," Suki answered, "That's my little boy right there."
"Little? That's an adult right there!" Aang replied in the same volume as Katara. They both wanted Lei to hear.
Well, here goes my cue. Lei walked from the dock to the couple and waved hello.
"Hi... I'm Lei," he addresses in the most casual manner he can think of at the moment.
Aang chuckled as her gave the boy a strong handshake, with Katara hugging him after.
"Look at you!" Katara says as she cups the boy's cheeks, "You are a fine, handsome young man."
The couple didn't want to say it, but Lei is the spitting image of Sokka. It is amazing to finally get to see this young man, yet heartbreaking to have not known of him for seventeen years.
"Uhmmm, thanks," Lei says, feeling awkward at the moment, but at least complimented.
"Feel free to make yourself at home, okay Lei? Our home is your home," Katara addresses. She has much to know about Lei, and she couldn't be any happier that she finally met her nephew.
"That's right," Aang added as he puts his hand on the boy's shoulder, "We're all a family, and we're going to treat you as the valued guest you deserve to be."
Lei shivered, though not too noticeably. 'Family.' He doesn't know if he's comfortable treating the Avatar and his wife as 'family' so far, but he smiled at the two and thanked them for their warm welcomes.
When their conversation finished. Katara volunteered to bring Suki to her room at the women's dormitory, and told Aang to bring Lei to his room. Everyone agreed and headed their ways.
On the way to the women's dormitory, Suki would comment on the island's remarkable features, with Katara thanking her. The island was truly impressive. Its architecture and design were truly brilliant.
Once they made it to Suki's guest room, they noticed that the acolytes already had everything set up. The room was well furnished, and the luggage was neatly organized.
"Wow, your acolytes are fast aren't they?"
"Yes they are," Katara replied, "Organization is one of their specialties."
As Suki started unpacking, Katara decided to help her while also starting a conversation. "So, how are you feeling right now?"
"Very welcomed, thanks to you Katara."
Katara smiled, though that wasn't the answer she was technically looking for. "Wonderful! Glad you will be enjoying you're stay here," she says warmly. However, she did notice the slightly faint anxiety that just appeared on Suki's face. "I really hope you'll be enjoying you're stay here Suki."
"I hope so too Katara," Suki states softly as she begins putting her clothes in the drawer besides her bed. "I would be lying if I said I'm not nervous though. If Toph was here, she would sense my heart beating rapidly."
Katara gave Suki an apologetic look. "Suki, I understand why you're so nervous, but have faith in my brother."
Suki's heart cringed. She had loved that man more than anything. Even if they haven't seen each other for eighteen years due to that horrible fight, feelings for him still remain. Does he even feel the same way? She finds it hard to have faith.
"Katara... I'm, I'm just scared. I managed to bring Lei with me, and I felt I made the right choice, but it's just nerve-wrecking. I don't know what's bound to erupt, and my son will most likely be involved."
"Suki, relax and take a deep breath," she addressed calmly before the Kyoshi warrior got emotional, "Things may seem tense at the moment, but I believe Sokka will come on good terms. When you told me about Lei, I was saddened and angry at you for not telling any of us about him."
Suki felt the guilt hit her heart once again. She had felt this guilt numerous times and admitted to herself that not mentioning about Lei will always be one of her greatest mistakes, but she listened to the waterbender continue with her statement.
"But I placed myself in your shoes, and I understood the predicament you were in. I may think that you could've done a better choice, but what's done is done and I can only look forward to the future. I'm glad your back Suki, and I really need to get to know Lei. If I feel that way, I guarantee Sokka will too."
Suki felt some solace within her. Though she was glad Katara showed compassion towards her even when she made a serious mistake, she knows this situation would be more tense when she faces her ex-husband. All she could do now was hug Katara. She could really use the warmth of a friend.
Meanwhile, Aang's conversation with Lei wasn't exactly a lively one. Aang tried his best talking with the teenager by asking him friendly questions and talking about his stay here at the island. So far the only words that would come out of Lei's mouth were "yes," "no," "nice," and "cool." It seems that he wasn't interested in anything Aang had to say.
Once they were in the guest room, Aang thought of any possible way to start a good conversation. "So the bedroom is well-equipped with anything you need. A nice soft bed, a drawer to keep all your clothes, a window with a perfect view of the plaza, and your own personal shower."
"Cool," Lei replied simply.
Darn, can't this kid warm up to his uncle already? Aang just wanted Lei to feel comfortable, not only with his visit here in Republic City, but the people around him who are considered 'family.' While Lei tossed his backpack on the bed and began opening the drawer to put his clothes in, Aang noticed a katana sticking out of his backpack.
"Ah, what a nice sword you have there Lei."
"Oh thanks, my mom bought it for me when I was twelve."
Aang picked up the katana and noticed its sleek design. The blade was shiny and sharp with a nice curve, with its handle neatly crafted. "I know this design anywhere. Made in Ba Sing Se isn't it?"
Lei, suddenly intrigued with the conversation, replied back, "Correct. Kyoshi Island has some shipments from Ba Sing Se every now and then. My mom had a friend who knew a guy who gave us a special deal." The 'friend' he was talking about was Koji, but he didn't feel like addressing his name or even talking about him.
"It's a beautiful sword, isn't it?" Aang questions.
"Yes indeed. I fell in love with it when I first laid my eyes on it. I loved my mom more than ever at that time too."
Aang chuckled. An interest in swords and a sense of humor. This boy truly obtained his father's traits. "Maybe one day you can show me some tricks. You look like a real warrior. Please Lei?"
Lei smiled, this man isn't half-bad at all. "No problem, Avatar Aang."
"Lei, please," Aang states as he puts his hand up, "Just Aang."
Lei was surprised. This is the Avatar, master of all four elements, and he was allowed to address him informally. "Okay, Aang."
Aang laughed lightly and gave the boy a firm handshake.
Soon after helping Lei unpack the rest of his stuff, Mariko walked in. "Aang, Lei, lunch is ready. Suki and Katara are on their way to the dining hall."
"Thanks for the notice Mariko," the Avatar says as she bows and leaves the room. "So Lei, you hungry? We have chicken with garlic sauce and steamed rice ready." Though Aang is a vegetarian, he's accepts the fact that Katara had these types of food prepared for guests. This is the type of food most people like anyway.
"Sweet!" Lei exclaims, "I could use some of that!"
Finally the weekend. Having just wrapped up another council meeting, Sokka went to his office to organize his papers. He could really use a weekend right now. There's plenty of things to catch up on, including his friends.
The meeting went well. Potential shipments were expected to be exported within a few weeks, much to Zuko's happiness. The chairman tried his best not to have any awkward eye contact with the Firelord since yesterday's incident at Hong's.
"Excited for the weekend, councilman?"
Sokka turned to see Zuko at the doorway. Another typical scenario. "Geez Zuko, don't you ever knock?"
"Oh, uhhhhhh," Zuko stepped back, closed the door, knocked, and opened it again, "Excited for the weekend, councilman?" He asked with another forced smile on his face.
Sokka couldn't help but laugh. "Of course Firelord. We could use a break can't we?"
Zuko smiled back, glad that there was no tension between the two. "Yeah, we need time to catch up."
"Look Zuko," the chairman spoke softly, "I'm really sorry about yesterday. Don't think it was your fault."
"There's no need to apologize Sokka. Let's just pretend it never happened, deal?" Zuko asks as he stretches his arm out to Sokka.
"Deal," he replies, shaking the Firelord's hand.
"So, any plans for tonight? I was thinking you and I could check out the Cabbage Corp building to see if it's almost finished."
"Oh sorry Zuko, maybe we can do that tomorrow. I'm having dinner at Aang's."
Zuko's eyes widened. He remembered Aang telling him that he'll arrange to have Sokka meet Suki this week. He didn't know it was today.
"Zuko, you okay?"
"Huh," the Firelord snapped out of his trance, "Oh, sorry. Just zoned out for a second, hehe."
"Hmmmm, zoning out weirdly right when I told you I'm having dinner at Aang's?"
Uh oh. "Uhhhhh..." the Firelord tried his best to come out with a lie, "Sorry, I zoned out because..."
"Aang is surprising me with something isn't he? He told you not to tell me?"
"Ummmmm... yeah! I'm not telling you though, could be roasted chicken probably." That was the only lie Zuko could think of.
"Well since you said it could be roasted chicken, then you might as well gave it away. I'm expecting roasted chicken tonight, regardless if that type of meat, or any meat, is against air nomadic culture."
Phew, that was close. Zuko thought as he attempted to laugh at Sokka's comment.
"Alright Zuko, I'll see you tomorrow. I told Toph I'll pay her a visit at the police headquarters before I head to the island tonight," he says as he puts the remaining papers in his drawer.
"Okay Sokka, see you tomorrow."
Lunch was delicious. The acolytes sure knew how to prepare a meal, and Suki and Lei were thankful that Aang and Katara had everything set up for them.
As Lei got up and went to the plaza to get some fresh air, the three decided to talk about their plan for tonight.
"Okay Suki," the Avatar spoke, "Sokka is coming tonight expecting dinner, which he will have. But what he doesn't know is that you'll be here. Once he gets off the ferry, Mariko will lead him here and that's when you'll come in. Katara and I will pick up the kids from school and spend the night in Republic City. We'll probably make it home at midnight. One of our most trusted acolytes, Mariko, has everything handled."
"Plus the kids like staying in the city late at night anyway," Katara added.
Suki smiled softly, "I am so excited to meet your kids. And Sokka... Boy, I just need tonight to come already so I can get this over with. I'm just afraid of the aftermath."
"Don't worry Suki," Katara assured once more, "Everything will be alright. You have us."
"Honestly Suki," Aang added, "We believe Sokka needs to have this confrontation with you. Even Zuko agrees."
Suki's eyebrows went up, "Really?"
"Yes Suki," Katara claims, "Sokka hasn't been himself lately. These past few months it seems that he's choosing to distract himself. We haven't really seen him that much lately. And also..." she pauses briefly before continuing, "I just couldn't believe he was in a relationship with a married woman. The woman who is the mother of my son's friend. This just isn't Sokka."
Aang placed a hand on his wife's lap, knowing how she feels about Sokka's actions. Aang himself feels the same way.
Though Suki is still nervous about tonight, this conversation shows that tonight's confrontation with her ex-husband is much needed.
"Just imagine how Bumi would react if he found out," Katara added once more.
"Lei would throw a fit if he found out too," Suki also added. "How about we keep this stuff away from the kids?"
"Deal," Aang answers as Katara nods her head.
Once the acolytes came to take their empty dishes away, the Avatar and his wife wished their luck for Suki as they left to go pick up their children from school. Meanwhile, Suki went out to the plaza to talk to her son about what's going on for the night.
"Lei, sweetheart."
"Yeah mom?" Lei answers as he sits on the bench overlooking the Republic City skyline.
"Sokka is coming tonight." Suki wasn't going to address him as 'his father' again to avoid giving her son an uncomfortable feeling.
"Actually mom, I'll be going out in the city for the night. I'll let you and what's-his-face meet alone."
"What?! Lei, you just got here! This city is humongous! How are you going to go alone?"
"Mom, don't worry," Lei assured her, "Aang and Katara have the acolytes giving us exclusive care for our stay here. I'll just take the ferry to the city, explore the place a little, and I'll be back late at night after you have your little talk with, you know, that guy."
Suki sighed. She was hoping her son would meet Sokka tonight too, but maybe it's best he wasn't close by at the moment. When Suki announces to Sokka that he has a son, emotions will arise for sure. "So you don't want to... see him tonight?"
"No," Lei answered as he took one deep breath. "However, I do think he should meet me solely. Just me and him."
His mother was surprised. Lei never really cared about Sokka, nor wanted to meet him since he was little. And now he's saying that he wants to have a meeting with Sokka alone?
"Lei, you really sure about that?"
"Yeah mom. It's better that way honestly. I should get to know my own dad, and see if I like him or not."
"Oh, okay," Suki replied. She admitted that Lei's plan is a smart one. Sokka should meet his son for himself.
"Well mom, I'm going to my room now to change into some clothes for the night."
"Okay Lei. You be safe alright?"
"Yep," Lei answered as he walked toward the male's dormitory. But before he continued walking, he stopped and turned around to tell his mom one more thing. "Oh by the way mom. When he finds out about my existence, tell him I said he should have the balls to meet me."
And with that, he went off into his room, leaving his mother taken by surprise with that comment.
After a few minutes, Suki went back to her room herself, waiting for the night and for Mariko to call her at the appropriate time.
"Alright councilman, spill the beans," the blind earthbender addressed as she stood up from her office chair.
"What beans master?" Sokka questioned sarcastically as he sat on the couch right beside her desk.
"Zuko paid me a visit last night, and told me something you never told me before," Toph stated with a faint smirk on her face.
"Wha-what?" Oh no, please don't tell me that scar-faced Firelord blurted out something that wasn't meant to be said. Please don't tell me Toph knows about Hu Li.
"You had a threesome before! Almost three years ago in fact, and you never told me!" The blind earthbender exclaimed.
"Oh... that," Sokka said as he faked a laugh. That Firelord better make sure he keeps his mouth shut tighter. "Sorry I haven't told you about that haha. You know my life gets busy and I didn't have the time to discuss my sexual escapades."
"Uh huh, alright. So, tell me about it playboy. How was it like? How old were they?" Toph questioned with a grin.
Toph was also a best friend to him, much like Aang and Zuko. This powerful earthbender is like a sister to him. The thing with Toph, she also has certain traits about her that made her appear to be the brother he never had. She was never a typical girly woman, and Sokka always liked that about her. He can talk with her the way any guy can talk with their guy friends.
"Well let's see, both those women were actually in their early 30s as a matter of fact," Sokka claimed, "They were single and ready to mingle. Had some pretty good bodies for a couple of 30-something year-olds. We met at a party at Chin's hotel thrown by Cabbage Corp. After a few dances and drinks, we booked ourselves a room and had some conversations. They told me I was really handsome, and started feeling my arms."
"Oh boy, let me guess, you're ego got in the way that moment," the blind earthbender claimed knowingly.
"Well I mean if they were impressed with my physique, I had to show em you know?" Sokka replied back in a pretended cocky tone, "I took off my shirt, let these women feel my pecs and my abs. Next thing you know, they both stripped fully naked and boom, threesome initiated. I was sitting on the edge of the bed with one woman licking my neck and the other one unzipping my pants and sucked my p-"
"Hey hey hey! I don't need to know that part Sokka!" Toph interrupted.
Sokka laughed, "Well let's just say I was blown away at the moment. Then I finished off the other woman."
"Oh you little man-whore," Toph comments as he chuckled.
When it comes to the woman he's slept with, Sokka described many of the scenarios to Toph. She was chill and laid-back, unlike Aang or Zuko who are more likely to judge.
"Yeah, and... that was how that night ended. Got up early in the morning and just left the two sleeping in the room, while I just went home and laid on my bed..." the Water Tribe councilman stated faintly.
Toph noticed his change of tone. First he was excited, bragging about how he scored two women at the same time. Any guy would. However, now he seems that he isn't so proud of that. Then again, only arrogant men would be proud of that type of action.
"You okay Sokka?"
"You know Toph... I guess you can say my hormones took over for the night. Not my heart. Well... never my heart."
Toph understood. Ever since his nasty break up with Suki, Toph noticed Sokka was not exactly the respectable warrior all his friends knew him during their youth. She noticed how Sokka spent lots of time managing world peace, and soon starting looking for love. He did manage to accomplish many tasks throughout the world, of which Toph is proud of. But love was something he didn't find.
Now is one those moments when Toph would stop pretending to be one of those guy friends Sokka always wanted, and started making real sense
"Look, Sokka. You are a really successful man. Based on what people say, you're really good looking too, but I don't know what you look like so I can't judge," she joked briefly, allowing Sokka to laugh momentarily before continuing, "But just watch yourself. Watch what path you pursue and what actions you take. When I was pregnant, I was left for another woman."
Sokka always felt guilty whenever he thought about Toph being left by that fool. He was a no-great scum who didn't deserve an amazing woman like Toph. What type of idiot would leave his girlfriend when she's pregnant?
Yet another reason why Sokka felt guilt was how he compared this situation to his previous relationship with Hu Li. How would her husband feel if he ever found out Hu Li would have left him for Sokka?
"However," Toph continued, "I moved on. I wish I never got myself involved with that bastard, but I also had the most amazing daughter ever. She is what gets me through in life. She is the reason why I don't make poor choices. I think of her, and then there's a reason to smile."
Sokka smiled himself. He was so proud of Toph. She raised Lin all be herself and did an amazing job. She is strong, not in her bending, but her heart too. Yes, she may have made some mistakes in the past and ended up with the wrong person, but she vouched never to make any mistakes again. She could be who she wants to be, who she needs to be, and no man can tell her otherwise.
This is what Sokka admires so much about her. He went up to her, encased her in a warm hug and spoke softly to her, "My goal in life is to be as incredible as you."
"Please, I'm one of kind," Toph states playfully, allowing Sokka to chuckle. "But I believe you can end up the same too. Promise me, you choose the path your heart tells you to. Not your hormones, not your ego, not your brain, but your heart. Alright?"
Sokka looked at her blind eyes, and she could also feel his gaze upon her.
They may not have any romantic feelings for each other, but they do love each other as great friends and help each other through harsh times. Sokka was there for when that man left her. More importantly, he was there to raise Lin. Sokka helped Toph through her toughest moments in life, and now it's time for Toph to do the same.
"Promise me Sokka?" She asked once more.
"I promise," Sokka stated.
"Good," she says as the separated from their hug. "Well I should really get going now. It's getting dark. Poor Lin had to spend a long day in daycare today due to my busy work. I have to make it up to her tomorrow."
"Oh yes, go get Lin! I have to go take my boat to Aang and Katara's place for dinner."
"Sounds nice," the blind earthbender says as they left the office. "Well, I'm on my way now. Tell twinkle-toes and sugar queen I said hi. Later!"
"Later Toph," Sokka chuckled.
The city lights began to illuminate. It is now night time.
The chairman of Republic City took his seat on the top of his private boat and sets sail towards Air Temple Island. On this short fifteen-minute ride to the island, Sokka thought about his promise to Toph.
As of now, his heart is with his friends. His family. He needs to catch up with his friends more. He needs to see his sister more. He should bring the kids places. He should even go to the Southern Water Tribe to visit his dad.
Yeah. All I need are my friends my family. I don't need any woman in my life at the moment. I should stop searching, and focus more on what truly makes me happy. Thanks Toph.
Once he approached the island, he stopped his small boat at the dock and lowered the ramp. He proceeded down his boat and then headed up the stairs of the island. As he approached the plaza, he saw Mariko waiting there.
"Good evening Councilman Sokka," Mariko welcomed him warmly.
"Oh hey Mariko."
"I'm here to escort you to dinner. Shall we head?"
"Oh...sure," Sokka said, somewhat confused. Out of all the times he came to the island, he never had an acolyte escort him.
On their way to the dining hall, he was surprised that the whole place seems quiet. No acolytes talking, no children screaming. Finally, they made it to the dining room. The room was neatly lit with some candles, though the lights of Republic City were enough to brighten up the room. Sokka could see the delicious roasted chicken Zuko hinted of sitting on the table. However, there were only two plates.
"Mariko, where is everyone?"
"Just take your seat Councilman Sokka," Mariko addressed, "I'll be back shortly."
"Okay..."Sokka took his seat and watched Mariko stepped out of the room, closing the door. He refused to eat until everyone came. He found it be really strange that Aang, Katara and the children were not at the dining hall yet. He didn't even see the children playing around outside. Out of all the times he visited Air Temple Island, why does it seem so quiet today?
Finally, after five minute, the door opened.
Sokka froze at the familiar figure stepping into the room.
Suki...
One last note:
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