So sorry for the long wait. The past two weeks, I was plagued by studying and tests. So far, this was one of my busiest times this semester.

At first, it was easy to get updates weekly, but now the semester is getting even so serious and challenging that it affects my time.

Thank you so much for the patience guys. I hope you guys are still liking the story. Let me know how you feel about the story through reviews. :)

Lei was surprised when he awakened to find that it was almost afternoon. Being a morning person, it was quite unusual for him to be waking up at a time like this. It makes him feel sloppy and unhealthy whenever he misses an early morning due to a long slumber. Makes sense though, he spent a long night wandering Republic City and making new friends.

He got of bed and went to brush his teeth. He figured a shower can wait, since he has no plans for the day.

I hope mom is okay.

Lei shook his head, trying to suppress any negative thoughts into the back of his mind. There's no need for mixed emotions and nerve-wrecking feelings, at least not for right now. He had a good time last night, and he's looking forward to having more days like that.

After coming out of the bathroom, switching out of his sleeping clothes into a simple shirt and soft pants, he went out the dormitory to explore the island. Never before has he seen anything related to Air Nomadic culture, and here he is walking around Avatar Aang's home. Uncle Aang's home. This place had everything, a large main temple building, dormitories, a nice dining hall, a greenhouse, a library , and even flying bison caves. Not to forget the amazing view of Republic City.

While he was near the training area, he heard a familiar voice. Sounds like huffs and puffs, the same sounds he would make when he practices with his katana. Making his way to the open courtyard, he was completely taken by surprise to find out who was making those sounds.

It was Bumi, the brown-haired teenager he met last night. Here he is, practicing sword movements on the courtyard.

What the heck? What's he doing here?

Not only was Lei surprised to see him on the island, but he was impressed with his fighting style too. The way Bumi would slice the air with swift movements, the way his hands had a firm grip, the way his feet moved accordingly to his style, it was indeed impressive. However, one thing that Lei noticed was an improper emotion. Something about his facial expression showed annoyance.

Finally, after Bumi finished his routine and took a seat on the bench, Lei decided to clap his hands. Surely that would make him notice that he didn't even see Lei standing there watching him.

When Bumi turned to look at him, Lei laughed softly at his surprised reaction.

"Lei? What are you doing here?"

"Oh you know, just surprised by two factors. One, that you're here on this island right now. And two, you're a pro at fighting with a sword."

Bumi, still shocked to see him there, laughed along and gave him a firm handshake. It was nice to see him again. "So Lei, really, what are you doing here?"

"I'm visiting the Avatar," Lei answered, "My mom is a friend of the Avatar and his wife. They all used to travel together in their younger years."

Bumi's mouth dropped, "Wait wait, you're our guests?"

Lei, giving a confused reaction, answered, "Uh, yeah I'm a guest here. What do you mean 'our'? Do you live here or something?"

"I'm the Avatar's son!"

This time, it was Lei's turn to have his jaw drop. "What?!"

"Dude, when I went to bed last night after coming back from Koji's, I would have no idea you were sleeping right here at my home the whole time," Bumi remarked as he laughs, "What are the odds?"

"Haha I know! Sorry, I didn't know Uncle Aang had a nonbending child."

The brown-haired teen was then taken aback by his statement, not so much because he felt unknown to people, but mainly because of how he just addressed his father. "Did you just call my dad, uncle?"

Lei froze. Oops, wrong timing.

Smiling shyly and scratching the back of his head, the older teen spoke, "Oh yeah, I'm not just shocked about finding out your Aang's son..."

Bumi lifted an eyebrow, really intrigued by what Lei had to say next. "So... what else is the cause for this astonishment?"

"...I'm your cousin."

Bumi's eyes widened. Awkward silence filled the air momentarily. He opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

"Bumi, looks like I have some explaining to do."

Any second now...

Suki stood right outside of her ex-husband's apartment, not wanting to knock just yet. Katara just comforted her last night after another heartbreak. Was she ready for what's to come?

Once Aang and Katara had dropped her off at the building, she was impressed with the exterior and interior designs of the place. Like many other buildings in Republic City, this one was very modernized. It seemed like the whole place was made of metal, but shaped into sleek designs. There were also many materials that resembled cultures of any of the four nations. She can tell this apartment complex houses a diverse array of residents, and her chairman ex-husband lives on the top floor of course.

It was thanks to the kind doorman that she ended in front of Sokka's door right now. She didn't know how to get to the top floor, and she had never ridden an 'elevator' before. Clearly this city is rapidly developing in transportation maneuvers like 'mobiles' and 'elevators.'

As she spends the last few minutes standing there, gazing at the door, anxiety would plague her mind. What events will unfold? What emotions will take place? She was shocked when Aang told her that Sokka practically demanded to see Suki.

Come on, it's either now or never.

Her hand immediately went and knocked the door, as if she had no control over it. It was a fast reflex. Instead of just standing there and contemplate on what's going to happen, it was better to knock and get it over with.

After few more silent seconds, Suki knocked a second time. This time, she heard a slightly faded "I'm coming" response from the other side of the door. She took a deep breath.

Finally, Sokka opened the door.

"Hi Suki."

Sokka still had the same casual 'stay-at-home' appearance just like when they were married. He was wearing a simple sleeveless shirt and a pair of pants. Suki thought that maybe she could've worn something simpler instead of this blouse she had on.

"Hi Sokka."

"Please, come in," he spoke gently as he moved aside, gesturing her to come inside.

Just like being impressed with the apartment complex as a whole, Suki was also quite impressed with Sokka's apartment. Everything was neat, except for some unwashed dishes left in the sink and a few coats lying on the couch. The living room had a nice water tribe touch to it. It seems that the main colors was either light blue or periwinkle, from the furniture to the walls. In the middle of the room was a small table with the Water Tribe insignia on it, along with two couches on opposite sides of that table. Ahead of the living room was the dining area and kitchen, all connected. The dining table was large enough to feed six people, while the kitchen was small enough to keep everything organized.

Sokka watched as Suki examined his home. Judging by the small smile on her face, she seems to be liking his top-of-the-floor two bedroom apartment.

Suddenly, a thought jumped into his mind. If things go smoothly, will Suki be sleeping in the guest bedroom in his home? Or could things lead to the point where she falls asleep in his bed? As much as Sokka liked the second option, he decided to push those thoughts to the back of his mind. Now is not the time to be thinking of possible potential events.

"So..." Sokka spoke in order to finally start a conversation, "You like the place?"

Suki turned to him, a smile on her face, "It's a really nice place."

Sokka returned the smile, glad to know she has a positive comment about his home here in the city. Then he realized Suki looking curiously at some paintings on the wall.

Suki went over, smiling at a specific painting. One was a portrait of the Southern Water tribe, the other was a painting of Republic City, but the one that put a smile on her face was the painting Sokka made after they ended the Hundred Year War. It was the painting of all their friends at Iroh's tea shop in Ba Sing Se. She can't believe Sokka still kept this. Seeing her painted as a firebender because it makes her look more 'exciting' still manages to make her giggle.

"This has to be one of my favorite paintings ever," Suki stated warmly, pointing at the painting, "You always had a clever imagination when it comes to drawing."

"Oh is that so?" Sokka replied back sarcastically, "I'm surprised you weren't as weirded out as the first time you saw this painting."

"Well I'm not a firebender," Suki teased, "But I guess I'll let it slide because apparently I look more exciting that way."

Both the past Water Tribe warrior and the Kyoshi warrior laughed. It seems that they are able to start conversations with some small laughs and sarcasm here and there.

Finally, as the short laughter died down, Sokka figured that it's time to start the real conversation. "Suki, come on take a seat."

Sokka sat on the couch, motioning Suki to sit on the couch on the opposite side of the table facing him. Once Suki took her seat, Sokka continued, "I'm sorry about last night."

"It's okay Sokka," Suki replied as nicely as possible, "It was a spur of the moment. It was understandable."

Glad that she had accepted his apology, Sokka continued, "Suki, out of all times when you could have visited me, why at this time?"

Suki clenched her teeth, eyes looking down and hands folded together. Of course, the feelings for Sokka had always remained in her. Sometimes it was suppressed, other times it was stuck in the front of her mind. However, she didn't want to address that the reason she finally came was the thought of him possibly still having feelings for her because he had a relationship with a married woman who looked like her. Above all, Sokka had to know about Lei, the son he never knew he had.

"Suki...?"

Snapping out of her trance, Suki felt that she had to address the truth. In her mind, she apologized for the drama she could have incited for her friends.

"Sokka, you know I told you I missed you. You know I still think about you. I always wondered if you had these feelings for me too. The reason why I asked you if you still had feelings for me last night..., " Suki paused in order to take a short breath and continued, "Was because I heard of Hu Li."

All of a sudden, there was a long awkward silence. Suki tried looking away, her fingers fidgeting.

Sokka, on the other hand, was full of emotions. He felt embarrassed that his ex-wife knows of this. He also felt ashamed, because his regretted actions are now spoken back to him. He felt betrayed and angry, because he knows Zuko ratted him out. Now, who else knows? All he could do right now is bury his face in his hands, blocking out any hint of emotions that his ex-wife could probably see plastered all on his face.

Suki did what her first instinct told her to do. She went to sit right next to Sokka, placed her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder.

Sokka, uncovering his face from his hands, was surprised by the gesture. In a situation like this, why would his ex-wife attempt to comfort him? Shouldn't she feel disgusted? Because Sokka for sure knows he's disappointed with his past actions.

"Sokka," Suki spoke softly, "If anything, when I heard about this relationship you had, and why you broke it off, I felt a sense of hope."

Sokka, confused yet intrigued to what Suki stated, questioned, "What do you mean?"

"This woman. I heard she looks like me. I didn't think so positively at you for engaging in a relationship with a married woman, but the fact that I was told she reminded you of me, I felt hopeful. I thought to myself, 'Sokka does have feelings for me, I can't believe it.' Then, I was told that you did the right thing by breaking off the relationship. You were still the mature and wise man I knew. Once I heard about this, I just couldn't be patient. I had to come visit you. I couldn't stand living more years of my life wondering if you ever think of me anymore, wondering if you ever want to see me anymore, wondering... if you would ever want me in your life anymore."

This time, Sokka looked straight into Suki's eyes. In her eyes, he saw the feelings of want. He saw the feelings of need. Wanting and needing, him. Suki placed a hand on his cheek, and never before has he felt so much comfort. He placed his hand on hers, not wanting Suki to let go.

Suki continued, "Sokka," she spoke as her voice quivered and her eyes wet, "Tell me, please. Do you ever think of me anymore?"

After a brief moment of silence, Sokka spoke, "I never stopped thinking of you Suki."

And with that comment, Suki let a single tear drop down her cheek. That was the answer she wanted to hear. That was the answer she needed to hear.

As Sokka took her arm, nudging her hand away from his cheek and into his own hand, he continued, "No matter how much I try to move on, no matter how much I try to forget, you still plague my mind. I can never stop thinking of you even if I tried. I would always wonder how it'll be like waking up in the morning with you right there with me. I was so depressed, so alone. My whole life, it was like I lost the only woman for me."

He placed his forehead on hers, closing his eyes, yearning for the comfort with Suki he missed so much.

The tears on Suki's eyes were ones of happiness, and she wanted to cry, but she tried her best to be strong at this moment. "Can you win that girl back?"

Sokka looked in her eyes intensely, "Can I?"

To answer his question, Suki placed her lips on his. It was a kiss that used to mean everything to them. The power of this kiss was just as strong as the first kiss they shared at the Serpent's Pass when they were fifteen. As the seconds flew by, the kiss grew more intense. The feelings became so strong. They proved to each other that they needed each other.

Suki broke away for a short while, having to say something to him. "Sokka, please don't stay out of my life."

"I promise."

And they continued to kiss. Sokka kissed her passionately as he moved from her lips down to her neck, eliciting a soft moan from her. He missed kissing her. He missed it so much.

Suki grabbed the back of his head, holding his head firm in place while Sokka continued his kisses. She missed this sensation so much. So passionate, so loving.

This time, Sokka broke away shortly to say something, "I hate not seeing you all these years. I hate not being able to catch up on your life. I would always wonder if something amazing happened for you, and I'm not there to witness it. I always wanted the both of us to go through things together, from the ups to the downs. Suki, don't stay out my life either "

With that comment, Suki's intense feelings for the moment dropped. The feeling of sadness and guilt took over her emotions. Here he is, her ex-husband whom she yearned to finally reconnect, proclaiming how he never wants to miss anything important that happened to her and how he wants the both of them to go through things together. Yet, all these years, she stayed out of his life, and he did miss something important: the birth of Lei.

Sokka noticed the change of expression with Suki. "Suki, what's wrong?"

In response, his ex-wife turned and cried silently, shielding her face from him.

"Suki, what's wrong?" Sokka questioned nervously. He was afraid if he said something wrong, or if Suki felt something different from him.

"I'm so sorry Sokka," Suki told him quietly.

"Suki you didn't do anything," he stated as he grabbed her hands.

"No," Suki interjected, "I stayed out of your life."

"And so did I. That was our mistake."

"Yes, but mine was worse."

Sokka felt nervous and confused at the same time. "How could your mistake be worse? We both made the same mistake."

Suki took a deep breath, trying not to cry even more than she already did.

This is the moment. She had to say it.

"Lei."

That was the name she was able to choke out, while her ex-husband continued to look at her in confusion.

"Who's Lei?" he asked.

"Our son."

Another moment of silence.

This time, the tension was so strong it could easily be felt.

To Sokka, this was a punch in the face. Probably the hardest punch he will ever receive.

Did she just say, our son?

Noticing her husband's flabbergasted facial expression, Suki choked out, "I'm so, so sorry Sokka. I'm so sorry for not telling you I was pregnant. I'm sorry for not telling you about our son."

She grabbed his hand as he laid there frozen. "Please, I'm so sorry."

Sokka, tears forming in his eyes, didn't know how to respond. He didn't know what emotion to feel. Basically, a mixture of hurt, anger, sadness, and betrayal are all jumbled in his head and his heart.

All he knows is that he couldn't be around her right now. Typical.

He snatched his hand away from Suki's, storming out of the apartment and heading into the elevator. He had to be away for the moment.

Once again, Suki is left alone. This time, she accepted it. She understood how this would impact Sokka. As of now, she didn't have the energy to get up and leave. She stayed put, and all she could do is cry.

The same like Sokka, who was starting to cry himself while the elevator went down the floors.