The day went smoothly between the chairman of the city and the young warrior from Kyoshi Island. It started off with a nice conversation at Han's Grille, then Lei was given a tour of the city's most famous landmarks, and now, they were both in Sokka's private dojo.
The dojo was located a few blocks from his apartment, next to the gym that he also visits frequently. To him, lifting weights is important not only to maintain muscle mass, but to remain attractive (as he likes to think). Moreover, looking at Lei, he can tell his son is definitely the type to hit the gym. It's no surprise that Suki told him that girls would stare at him. Secretly, this logic made Sokka proud. After all, what father does not feel proud of his son being a ladies' man? As long as he doesn't make it into a bad habit, something he himself made a mistake of doing occasionally ever since his break up with Suki.
The main reason they were here in this dojo was because of their interest in swords. Sokka would always come here often to practice his techniques and hopefully discover new movements. Though the war ended years ago, the adult warrior still knows his fighting styles like the back of his hands.
"This place is really cool," Lei commented. The room looked similar to the dojo back at Kyoshi Island: a simple room with wooden walls and a wooden floor. There was also a rack with at least ten different swords, five different nunchucks hanging on the wall, and a small dresser that no doubt contains the proper sportswear. The swords were what Lei looked at the most.
"Thanks," Sokka replied, "I spend lots of time here."
"I wish I brought my katana here," the younger warrior addressed, though he hoped his father would let him use one of his.
"Oh come on!" His father exclaimed, much to Lei's delight, "There's ten swords over there Lei. How about we change into some clothes and gear from that dresser over there and show each other what we got eh?"
"Sounds good to me."
After less than five minutes, both father and son were in the proper clothing and protective armor. For the first time ever, they would show each other their knowledge of the way of the sword. This is something Sokka wished he had done. He wished he was the one guiding Lei all these years. Even though he never got the chance, what happened was all in the past. Nonetheless, he was still eager to see what skills his son possessed.
Sokka chose his special "space sword." Much to his surprise, Master Piandao still had that giant space rock in his yard, and Sokka was able to make another sword. On the other hand, Lei chose the silver and sleek katana, skinnier than Sokka's sword but much more sharp.
"Tell me Lei, what do you like most about swords?"
Lei smiled. This is a question he loves to answer. "Most people see swords as a weapon, but I see it as the greatest defense. Nowadays, you can never be a hundred percent sure you're safe no matter where you are. You might be around thugs, criminals, or people you thought you were close to until they reveal their true colors. However, what you want them to know is that you won't let them walk all over you. In my case, I will never let people think I'm weak. Even though I choose to be kind and friendly, you don't want to mess with me or anyone around me. This is why I choose the katana. So simple, so sleek, but yet so sharp. Anyone who wants to attack me, or dare harms people I love, will get millions of cuts. And that's what I call taking it easy."
Sokka was taken by surprise with such a well thought out explanation of his son's interest in sword. All the older warrior could do was clap his hands, eliciting a smile from his son. Never before has he heard such strong, yet threatening words from a young man. For him, swords were not about combat; It's about defense.
"Now Lei," Sokka said as he pointed his sword at him, "Show me what you got."
"With pleasure."
And the father and son spent the rest of the evening sword fighting. Needless to say, each were impressed with the tricks the other can perform. If it wasn't for the protective gear they were wearing, Sokka and Lei would have cuts all over their body. Yet, both father and son seemed to have a great time.
The way of the swords are what makes these men warriors. Now, it is a way for them to bond.
Aang, Katara and Suki enjoyed the rest of their night catching up on things while the kids were off doing their own stuff. Bumi went to hang with Zhang in the city, Kya went to play with her dolls, and Tenzin was being fed an early meal by Mariko.
For the three adults, this was the first time they had a normal conversation. Lots of chatting, laughter, and even gossip. The last time they had this type of conversation with Suki was back in their teenage years. Oh how they missed Suki.
The Kyoshi Warrior herself also cherished this moment. Not only was she able to ease things with Sokka, but she was able to see her old friends again. Before she arrived in Republic City, she felt uneasy about how things will take place. Instead, she and Sokka agreed to start all over, Lei seemed to be well-liked, and her friends welcomed her with opened arms.
"Well well, look who we have here."
The three adults turned around, and Suki gasped. Though most of her friends welcomed her, there was one whom she hasn't had the chance to talk to yet. And here she is: Toph, and a little girl standing right beside her.
" Aang, you know where Tenzin is? Lin could use some company while the adults have a talk."
"Uhhhhhhh," Aang was surprised. This was so like Toph to just come in out of nowhere and demand things. However, he along with Katara knew this was going to get pretty intense, realizing they had left Toph out of everything. "He's over at the main house in the dining hall."
"Oh okay," the blind earthbender replied while she noticed an acolyte walking in the distance, "Excuse me!"
The acolyte turned around to see the master earthbender calling him, and he rushed quickly towards her gesture.
"Do you mind if you escort my daughter to the dining hall? She wants to see Tenzin."
"No problem Master Toph," he replied, giving his hand to Lin so he can bring her.
"Go on Linny, I'll call you when we're done here."
"Okay mommy, take as much time as you need!" Lin exclaimed, obviously wanting her mother to stay awhile so she can play with Tenzin.
Now that her daughter was out of sight, it was time to get to the real deal. "So, Suki, you're back," she stated somewhat coldly.
Suki wanted to give her a big hug. However, due to her unpleasant demeanor, she didn't think now was the right moment. "Yeah, I am back," she said as calm as she can, "Great to see you again, Toph."
"Mhmmm, and it was nice that I was informed you were coming," she added sarcastically while averting her head towards Aang and Katara. Aang awkwardly smiled while scratching the back of his head while Katara avoided her blind stare.
"Toph," Suki spoke softly, "I've missed you so much."
"But you decided to keep in contact with all the others right? But not me, not even once."
As sharp and on point Toph's statement was, Suki noticed a sign of hurt within her angry tone. "I'm sorry. When I chose to come here, I was so stressed about seeing everyone again. I was lucky to have Ty Lee get me in contact with Aang and Katara. I'm sorry, but believe me when I tell you I'm so happy to see you again."
Suki hopes Toph can feel her sincerity. She can tell if someone is lying easily, so hopefully she knows Suki's statement is the full-on truth.
Thankfully for Suki, Toph sensed no ounce of lies within her words at all. Though it mended her heart a little, she still had bitter resentment for her friends for leaving her out. "Not only have I haven't heard from you forever Suki, but I also barely get the chance to see twinkle toes and sugar queen that much either. And all of a sudden, you're back and everyone's happy. Everyone planned it. Too bad I didn't know shit."
Katara truly felt for her. She can't believe she hadn't told Toph anything at all, and she didn't realize until now. Toph must feel backstabbed, and it pains Katara to know she accidently left a best friend out of this.
This time, it was Katara's turn to speak up. "Toph, we're both so sorry for leaving you out on this."
Toph gave an annoyed grunt and if she wasn't blind, she would've rolled her eyes. Hearing apologies was starting to annoy her.
Katara noticed her attitude, but continued anyway, "It was selfish of us. You're our good friend, and we were so foolish to leave you out of all this. I'm so sorry for not even mentioning any of this. You deserve way better."
The blind earthbender still had her arms across her chest. She knows that her friends are sincere with her apology, but it still hurt that they never even thought of her.
"Toph," Aang spoke, "We suck. We're stupid. We're the dumbest best friends ever. We totally deserve a slap in the face with those metal cables you have on right now."
Toph gave a smirk. "Apology accepted. You're lucky you gave that apology twinkle toes. Sparky tried it on me earlier and it worked."
The three adults laughed, especially Suki. It's great to know Toph never change. Thank goodness Toph was the type to let things slide. She was never the dramatic type.
"So, Toph," Suki spoke silently, "Can I still give you a hug?"
"Oh why not, get over here!"
Suki rushed over to give her a nice, tight hug. Though Toph wasn't a big fan of these types of hugs, she allowed it for Suki's sake. She too missed the Kyoshi Warrior.
After they separated from their embrace, Toph claimed, "Looks like we have lots of catching up to do."
Both the father and son had a great first meeting. No fights, no resentments, and no awkward tensions (mostly). The whole night consisted of laughter, fun, and most importantly, the beginning of a love that a father and son should always share. Getting to meet each other for the first time tended to be a unique experience for both Sokka and Lei.
It was Lei who found himself surprised with his feelings. Here he is, walking back home with his biological father and thinking that he's a cool guy. Previously, he was not looking forward to meeting this man at all. Boy was he wrong, and he was happy Sokka proved him that.
As they approached the dock, Lei wrapped it up for the night, "I had a good time today, dad."
Sokka smiled and wrapped his arms around him. To him, it felt great to have his son in his arms. It pained him desperately to know that he hadn't had the chance to carry him as an infant. He missed out on his son's birth, and the seventeen birthdays that followed.
When a father first see's his child, it is common for him to cry. For Sokka, he wanted to cry now. No amount of words can describe his happiness when he met his son for the first time, but no amount of words can describe how saddened he is for not being able to raise a brilliant young man.
"I had a good time too, son," he spoke back as he tried to hold his tears.
Lei could hear that his father choked out his words. Clearly, today was also an emotional experience for the both of them. After pulling back from their embrace, Lei could see the wetness in his father's eyes. He too tried his best to hold back any tears, for he wasn't the type to let his emotions out. Moreover, he was happy to see the tears in his eyes, because it showed that he actually cares about being a father.
"I guess I should get going," Lei told him. In a way, telling his father he had to leave was a good way to avoid any emotions, for Lei wasn't ready for tears. On the other hand, it pained him to suddenly leave his father like that. He is a good man.
"Alright, and I'll see you," his father replied back with a small, yet meaningful smile. "I won't stop seeing you no matter what."
Lei smiled back, feeling a strong sense of happiness take over him. Never before has he felt this feeling of contentment. This is probably what it feels like to have a dad.
"Good."
That was all he can tell his father, letting him smile even brighter.
Finally, Lei boarded the ferry while waving his last goodbye for the night.
He finally got the chance to see his father. Looks like from now on, he has someone to call "dad." From now on, things look like it'll turn out better.
At least he hopes.