Two months later:

Sokka, Suki and Lei had a great time these past two months. Finally, they are able to do things that real families do. Things that involve a father, a mother, and a son.

Of course, the only time Lei ever felt something similar to this bond was when his mother was dating Koji, but that's all in the past now. Even though he admits he misses the man that could have possibly been his step-father, it's time to move on from that. Now he is with his real, biological father, and he is really happy about it.

Not only that, but he was able to get along with everyone else in the family too. Bumi is like a brother to him, and even Zuko and Toph feel like an uncle and an aunt to him similar to Aang and Katara.

Today, Sokka brought Lei and Suki to a beach that's no more than an hour away from the city. It didn't matter how far they were going, because they enjoyed the long rides between the three of them in a private mobile.

Both the couple had a towel laid out on the sand by the shore side and snuggled there for the mean time. Meanwhile, Lei was still surfing, wanting to distance himself from his parents when they are having 'oogies.'

"Oogies," Suki giggled while placing her hand on Sokka's bare chest, "That's a new word you let him get used to. Now he's going to bring that up to us the same way you did back when Katara and Aang started dating."

"Oh don't worry about that," Sokka joked somewhat suspiciously as he slid his hand down her thighs, "I like to keep our activities private. Speaking of which, you look so good in that bikini it's hard to resist."

"Sokka!" She gasped, "On a public beach? Our son right over there?"

"Relax Suki," Sokka chuckled, "I won't tear you out of your clothes until tonight."

"Well good," she replied as she smirked at him, "Looking forward to tonight, again."

They both laughed and continued snuggling each other, while keeping their behavior as appropriate as possible. During the past two months, Sokka's relationship with Suki blossomed. Yes, they're boyfriend and girlfriend, not husband and wife, but they both feel that they're relationship is slowly building up to how it was like over eighteen years ago. Now that they're in their late thirties, they're more mature when it comes to handling their problems and feelings. Of course, they also matured physically and maintained proper exercises, so their sex life is indeed amazing. For the past two months, it seems they can't get their hands off of each other. Suki is now living with him in his apartment.

Aside from Suki, Sokka's relationship with his son also evolved drastically, much to his delight. To Sokka, being a father was the greatest thing in the world. Aang and Zuko surely weren't playing when they themselves described how it was like being a father. Of course, every now and then Sokka would still feel the pain of not raising Lei for seventeen years, but he was still determined to make use of the time he had now. And it seemed to have work. Lately, Sokka and Lei had some great 'father and son' bonding. There were lots of laughs and joys between the two, especially in regards to their similar personalities. Sokka would find himself excited to get out of work to see his son, with Lei feeling the same way. Meanwhile, Suki would just watch and smile, happy that both her boys were getting along so wonderfully.

Watching Lei surfing on the waves caught Sokka's attention. Clearly whatever skills the boy had, he was a master at it. The way he stands stiff on his board, perfectly balanced without falling once, impressed him.

"Now would you look at him," he spoke to Suki, "So focused and enjoying himself."

"You seem to have described Lei's life," she told him as she smiled watching her son.

"And look at all the girls watching him," he stated proudly, "We did such a good job creating him."

Suki chuckled, "That we did Sokka."

"You know what I noticed Suki? I don't know if you noticed, but ever since he got here he caught the attention of lots of young girls. Heck, they were practically stalking him once he took off his shirt," he paused allowing Suki to giggle, "But I'm positive Lei noticed, yet he never even acknowledged any of these young women."

Suki looked up to Sokka, "He never seems like the one who chases after girls doesn't he?"

"Yeah," he replied, "I mean when I was a single teenager, it was all about impressing the ladies you know?"

"But you hate it when they beat you at something, don't you?" Suki teased.

Sokka rolled his eyes and laughed, "Whatever. Anyway, it surprises me that he never seems to care about girls all over him. I would think young men would love being teenage heartthrobs. I know I did."

This time, it was Suki who rolled her eyes. "Maybe some young men aren't so egotistical," she teased as she circled her finger around his chest, "Our boy Lei is way too mature, as opposed to someone at that age."

The water tribe warrior giggled some more. "Alright Suki. Enough mocking me with that cute sass of yours," he told her, which resulted in her kissing him on the cheek. "But you know why he's being that way? I'm mostly positive his heart belongs to another girl."

That statement sure did surprised the Kyoshi Warrior, but she did kind of agree with him. "Honestly Sokka, I kind of see that too."

"Jia is her name, right?"

Suki's eyes widened, "How did you know?"

"He told me about her the first day we met. Says she was his 'best friend.' What do you think?"

"Between you and me Sokka, I feel like it's more than that. Lei just can't bring himself to admit it."

Sokka chuckled, "I told him to hang on to her, because she sounds special. After all, that is surely the reason why he isn't acknowledging any other girl he meets."

"What makes you so sure?" Suki asked him.

"That's exactly how I was when I fell for you."

Suki felt her heart melt, and she immediately placed her lips on his.

During the late afternoon, Firelord Zuko and his wife Mai decided to let their child Izumi play with the kids at a playground around the neighborhood. Since this part of the city was filled with wealthy Fire Nation citizens and elites, there were barely any paparazzi or fans, so they were thankfully left alone or respected. Of course, having a few bodyguards helped somewhat.

Izumi was ecstatic about coming to Republic City. Once Mai and Izumi paid Zuko a visit a few weeks ago, Zuko eventually decided that the three of them spend the rest of the summer in the city, much to Izumi's delight. Zuko might be able to get more work done, but more importantly, he loves being around his family and friends. Mai couldn't agree more, and plus Ursa seems to have things under control back at home for the time being.

As they sat on a bench and watched Izumi play with the other kids, they marveled over how precious they're little girl was and how much of a good heart she has. She sure represents the future of the Fire Nation throne, and both the couple are proud of the way she's turning out.

"So, Zuko, you still haven't really told me that much on how Sokka and Suki got back together," Mai spoke, attempting to start a conversation, "All I know is right now they are extremely happy, based on what I saw."

"They were so happy to see you weren't they?" Zuko chuckled, "Isn't it great how they're getting along now?"

"Yeah it is. But seriously, how was it like when they first met?"

"Based on what Sokka told me, very dramatic at first."

"I'm not surprised," Mai commented, "Thankfully none of us got involved, even if we all had part in setting them up together."

"Yeah, thank goodness. Otherwise, it'll be hard going to the council meetings with an angry Sokka."

Mai chuckled, "I had no worries since I was all the way in the Fire Nation."

"I'm just so glad they handled the situation maturely," Zuko added, "It's great that all of us can be one big family again."

"That reminds me," Mai remembered, "What was it like when Sokka first found out about Lei?"

"That's probably the main cause of the tension when he saw Suki for the first time in over eighteen years," Zuko answered, "Toph told me. Sokka told her the event."

"But things became okay after that?" Mai asked curiously.

"Seems so," the Firelord answered, "Sokka and Lei seemed to have a great time meeting each other. From what I remembered, Sokka couldn't stop smiling."

"That's good," Mai stated, "Looks like everyone settled the situation very maturely."

"Exactly! It's all about giving people chances, you know? It's easier than shutting them out from your lives. I bet that's exactly what Sokka, Suki and Lei did. And what did you know? Everything turned out perfectly. It's all about giving chances."

"Very wise Firelord," Mai giggled, "You kind of remind me of your uncle."

"I'm getting older and older every day. Sometimes I feel like I'm becoming my uncle."

Mai laughed some more before she continued speaking. "Well I'm glad things are okay. I remember about Sokka's past habits, especially when you told me he was dating that married woman."

"Yeah, but that's the past," Zuko assured her, "Sokka is completely changed now. He became wiser, and Suki and Lei stepped into his life and changed it for the better."

Mai smiled, "Let's just hope it stays this way. You think Sokka and Suki have another chance of getting married again?"

"Still way too early to tell, but definitely something to consider." Zuko thought about it for awhile. Of course it was only two months, but from what he saw, Sokka and Suki seem to be falling for each other more and more each week. "Looks like only time will tell, but I feel like they can definitely make it work."

For some reason, he felt sure.

Finally, it's night time. Sokka, Suki and Lei arrived at Sokka's apartment an hour ago so they won't have such a late dinner. Having just came back from the beach, they didn't care what they wore at the dining table. Lei just wore a tank top while still wearing his swimming shorts, Suki still had her bikini on but just wore one of Sokka's white t-shirts over it, while Sokka switched into his sweatpants and didn't bother wearing a shirt. They're all a close family now, so there's no need to be formal around each other.

Once dinner was finished, Suki went to take a shower while Sokka and Lei relaxed in the living room on separate couches.

Sokka always loved talking to his son. It helps him get to know Lei and strengthen his bond with him. As for Lei, the feeling was mutual.

"You liked Tui Beach?" He asked his son.

"Yeah of course," Lei exclaimed, "I didn't know a beach in the United Nations could actually be nice and not polluted."

"I don't blame you for thinking that. Tui Beach is a hidden gem that not many people know of. Thank goodness."

"Thanks for bringing us dad. Haven't been to a beach in forever. I grew up in Kyoshi Island for crying out loud! Surfing, swimming and even getting a tan was a way of life!"

Sokka chuckled, "A way of life huh? Never cared about checking the babes? Never wanted to show them what you got?" He asked while flexing his bare muscles.

"Yeah... can you not do that in front of me?"

"Oh come on Lei," Sokka giggled, "You got your looks from me and you're hot mother. And I know you've been hitting the gym based on your physique. Don't be ashamed to show off!"

"You're my dad and you're almost forty, and here you are trying to be a tool by flexing with no shirt, and you're calling mom 'hot.' Oh boy, I'm uncomfortable."

His father chuckled even more. Of course, a parent loves embarrassing his child.

"Anyways," Lei continued, "I'm not about that life."

"I can see that," Sokka commented as he lifted any eyebrow at him with a smile.

"Uh, why are you giving me that look?"

"Oh no reason."

"Oh yeah dad let me just believe you. Give me a random smirk then tell me you're giving it for no reason," Lei commented dryly as he took a sip from his cup of water he placed on the table earlier.

Sokka laughed. He loves his son. "What do you think about Jia?"

Lei almost chocked on his water, allowing Sokka to laugh a little more and apologize.

"Where did that come from?"

"Just wondering."

"Oh yeah just wondering," he mocked his father's tone, "Spill it."

There's something about Lei's sass that Sokka loves. It's like a combination of his own sarcastic remarks and his mother's bold statements. "Love the attitude by the way."

"Dad, spill it."

"Okay okay, I was just thinking, is she on your mind often?"

"Well she's my best friend. I miss her a lot but we still keep in touch. Why?"

"Today at the beach, or anywhere, whenever girls gawk at you, you always ignore them. Strange, because any boy your age would acknowledge it."

"Well like said, I ain't about that life."

Sokka gave him another smirk, "What I'm trying to say is, I was like you when I fell in love with your mother. I think of her, and no other girl matters."

Finally, Lei understood where his father was going with this conversation. "Wait wait wait, are you trying to tell me I'm in love with Jia?"

"I'm not saying that," Sokka told him, though he felt he was somewhat lying to himself, "I'm just saying you probably have some strong feelings for her."

"Yeah, cause she's my best friend."

"I mean whenever someone says her name, something in you sparks. I can see it in your eyes."

Lei wanted to defend himself, but he was so caught off guard that he had no comment.

Seeing his son had nothing else to say, Sokka spoke again, "Eh, I'm sorry Lei. I guess maybe I'm comparing you too much to myself. It's just that the way you think of Jia reminds me of the time I fell in love with your mother. "

Though his father caught his attention out of nowhere and left him speechless, he can't help but feel happy that his father feels that way for his mother.

"Have you or mom ever said 'I love you' to each other?" Lei asked his father curiously.

This time, Sokka was taken by surprise. He pause for awhile before speaking, "No... not yet."

"Don't worry dad, give it some time."

Sokka smiled at his son. It made him proud and happy to know that his son accepted his relationship with his mother. Unbeknownst to Lei, Sokka also hoped that Lei would say 'I love you dad' to him as well. Sokka himself wants to say it to him and Suki, but he decided to let it wait a little. It might be too early for the L word.

"Oh snap!" Lei shouted, "What time is it?"

"Almost nine. Why?"

"Gotta get back to Air Temple Island," he remembered.

Sokka frowned, "You know Lei, I can easily turn the guest bedroom here into your bedroom. You don't have to keep going all the way to the island. Even you're mother is living here with me."

Lei always thought about that, but as of now, he's not quite sure he wants to live in this apartment just yet. Given that his parents are still fresh in a newfound relationship, and he's used to Air Temple Island, he doesn't feel like adjusting to a new setting in Republic City just yet.

"Thanks dad, but like I said. Bumi and I are getting along more than ever and we're constantly with each other, especially on the island. I would feel bad for leaving, plus I'm used to the island. Maybe some time soon I'll move in here."

Sokka would be lying if he said he wasn't hurt, but he understood. "Alright Lei. Tell Bumi and the others I said hi."

"No problem," Lei said as he put on a t-shirt over his tank top and headed for the door, "Later dad."

"Later son. Be safe! Don't go to sleep too late."

"Yeah okay mom," he replied as he got out the apartment, letting his father chuckle once more.

A father just cares about his son, Lei.

Bumi waited not only for Lei, but for Zhang as well. Earlier today at practice, Zhang asked to sleep over again. However, when he asked him, it was in that usual sad tone. Bumi knew something was going on at his house again. Lately, Zhang's parents seem to be fighting a lot, based on what Zhang has told him. For the past few month, it just wouldn't stop. Bumi worries, especially in regards to how this may affect Zhang and his sister.

"Bumi."

Bumi startled a little to see Mariko approaching him.

"Sorry for startling you. Lost in thought?"

"Yeah, kinda was. Anyways, what's up?"

Mariko giggled at his lack of formal manners to an acolyte. "Mister Ronin Zhang is here."

"Sweet! Thanks!"

He rushed to the door to get him. Once he opened the door, there was Zhang, not in the best mood. When Bumi looked into his eyes, he saw not only sadness, but anger as well.

"Zhang you okay?"

"Can we go somewhere more private?"

"Yeah... sure. How about we head to Lei's room in the men's dormitory. He's not here yet, but we can talk there until he comes."

Both the two friends walked to Lei's room in silence. Bumi wanted to start up a conversation, but decided not to say anything until Zhang felt like it. All of a sudden, the walk to the dormitory never felt so long.

Finally, once they were in Lei's room, it was time to talk.

"So Zhang," Bumi spoke, "What's up?"

Zhang looked at him, with bloodshot eyes. "I found out who my mom was cheating with."

Bumi's eyes widened. "Who?"

Zhang paused, looking straight into Bumi's eyes. Finally, he spoke, "Sokka."

Feeling like he got kicked in the stomach, Bumi tried his best to keep his posture. Was that some sick joke? "Wha... what?"

"Your uncle."