One month later

Lei and Bumi just finished having lunch at the dining hall, but decided to remain there and let their stomachs digest. It's been a month, and things are back to normal.

Sokka even tried his best making amends. Heck, he even tried to talk with Zhang. Though it was clear that Zhang hated his guts, and everyone can see it, he still promised that he won't purposely be a burden. That was enough for Sokka and Bumi.

For Bumi, seeing his uncle try was good enough.

For Lei, he already learned that everyone makes mistakes, whether it's someone as old as his father or as young as himself.

"Ready for another night out with Zhang later?" Bumi asked his older cousin.

"Yep," he replied happily, "I'm excited. All of us guys can just hang and relax. No more stupid ass drama."

"Yeah..." Bumi whispered contently, "I'm just glad everything's back to normal. It's like nothing bad happened at all."

"And we're just continuing on with our lives," Lei added in, "I'm glad too Bumi. Glad to be here with you guys."

"Me too Lei. Me too." Bumi was happy to hear his cousin say that. It truly meant a lot.

"I hear you don't like using swords anymore?"

Suddenly, that question took him by surprise. "Oh... yeah, I guess uncle Sokka told you."

"No worries, Aang and dad are saying you're taking an interest in fighting and combat now."

"Yeah... that's true," Bumi replied softly.

Lei lifted an eyebrow, "Bumi, come on, why do you seem so uncomfortable right now? Be proud of yourself!"

Bumi sighed, "It's just that uncle and I bonded so much through swords, and it's one thing that got the both of us to bond as cousins as well. Shit, I bonded with Zhang that way too. Now that I realized I have no interest in swords anymore, it's like I'm getting rid of the one hobby that got all of us together."

Lei understood, but smiled nonetheless, "Oh come on Bumi. Yeah, your right, that was one thing that helped bonded us, and we had a heck of a good time didn't we? But that's not what led me to like you. It's you being you, and that's what makes you the best cousin ever! Trust me, that's why Zhang liked you in the first place, and it's what made my father love you so much."

Hearing the kind and spirited words coming out of his older cousin made his heart warm. Bumi was truly thankful to have Lei as a cousin.

"Thanks Lei. I'm so glad I met you."

Lei extended a hand to Bumi, to which he firmly shook in response.

"Back at ya Bumi."

Just then, Mariko walked into the dining hall.

"Young Lei, you have a visitor."

Lei and Bumi gave each other surprised looks. Who in Republic City would be here to visit him?

"Who is it?" Lei asked her curiously.

"She claimed her name to be Jia, from Kyoshi Island. She's waiting for you by the courtyard," she stated as she left the dining hall.

Thank goodness Lei just finished his glass of strawberry juice, because if he was drinking it right now, he knew he would have spat it out all over the table.

What?! What's she doing here?

Noticing the surprised yet worried look on his cousin's face, Bumi giggled.

"So, you left a note telling her you love her, haven't talked with her in a month, and now she's here. BUM BUM BUM!"

Lei would have laughed along, but his nerves were all too worked up right now. "Bumi! What am I gonna do?"

"Well there's only one thing you can do, go to her. She's waiting."

Bumi was right. The longer he stays here all nerve-wrecked, the longer she'll be waiting. Slowly and silently, Lei got up and headed for the courtyard, while Bumi wished him luck.

On his way, many thoughts plagued his mind. These thoughts were primarily negative, such as getting rejected or "friend-zoned." Either way, things will never be the same. Lei knew that, but he still had to tell her the truth last month. He had to get it off his chest.

He was probably so wrapped up in his thoughts, because he realize he just made it to the courtyard.

There was Jia, walking towards him with a small smile.

All of a sudden, it was like the world around them was frozen. Time stopped, and there was Lei and Jia.

"Hey Lei," she greeted him gently and kindly.

"H-hey. What are you doing here?"

"My parents decided it was time to visit Republic City. This place surely is beautiful! It's just like what people say it is."

Oh how he missed that voice so much.

"Yeah, it is isn't it?" Honestly, Lei was glad the conversation is going normal so far. So far...

"So how are things by the way?" Jia asked curiously, "Between you and your family?"

"Great!" Lei told her happily, no longer having his nerves all worked up. "Things between my parents are going well. The relationship between my dad and I is going smoothly. I'm also getting along with everyone else. Things are going absolutely well."

Jia smiled at him, "I'm glad. You did it."

"Did what?" Lei asked her curiously.

"Giving your father a chance. Since you gave him that chance, look at how things are now."

Lei smiled at her, "Yeah..." He began to scratch the back of his head and blushed, "Heh heh, I guess have you to thank for that."

Jia thought he looked cute, and she began to blush herself. "So I was right after all, huh?"

Oh no, that cute voice again. Gosh she's pretty.

"Yeah yeah, you were right," Lei tried to joke along, but it was hard to hide his feelings right now, "I'm glad I gave my father a chance. Thanks Jia."

Jia walked up to him closer, and took his hand into her own. This caused Lei to blush even harder.

We're best friends, aren't we? Lei thought to himself.

"About that letter you left me..."

Oh no, here we go.

Lei winced. Here goes that topic.

"Can you say it again?"

Lei was caught off guard, "Wh-what?"

"Those three words," Jia spoke to him softly, "Can you say them again? I want to hear it this time."

Lei was surprised, but his shock suddenly turned into happiness.

She feels the same way too...

Thank goodness for him.

"I love you," he told her.

Jia smiled, and she cupped his cheek.

Slowly, their heads leaned, and they kissed. His arms were around her waist, and her arms were around his neck. It was the best feeling ever. It was a kiss that felt like it should've been done long ago. It was a kiss that told them that things are the way it should be.

Before they continued, Jia had one more thing to say, "I love you too."

And Lei smiled before he continued kissing her.

From a distance, Bumi, Tenzin, Kya, Sokka and Suki watched. All with big smiles.

Later that night, it wasn't just a guys night out anymore. Jia tagged along, and Lei was happy to introduce her to Zhang.

One year later

It's been nineteen years.

Eighteen of those years, Suki never saw the man she loved ever again. Instead, she was left with a son. A son she loved very much. A son that looked so much like his father that it hurts. Every now and then, she would miss that man she loves so much. However, her son was there to help fill that void. Her only regret was that she wishes she told that man she loved about his son, and therefore, she never gave him the chance. Little did she know, eighteen of the nineteen years that passed by would have been more satisfying if she did something differently.

Eighteen of those years, Sokka never saw the woman he loved ever again. Instead, he tried his best to move on. He met other women now and then, and he even went into a risky relationship. However, every now and then, he would miss the woman he loved very much. Out of all the women in his life, none can compare to her. His only regret was not going back to her. He missed out on being in her life, and moreover, he missed out on raising a son. Little did he know, eighteen of the nineteen years that passed by would have been more satisfying if he did something differently.

Seventeen of those years, Lei grew up with a loving mother. As he grew older, he never cared about having a father. Eventually, the time came when he had to make the decision to meet that man, especially for the sake of his mother. Things may have been pretty rough at first, but Lei was glad he made that decision. His only regret was that he never made that decision earlier. Little did he know, most of the seventeen years he's been living would have been more satisfying if he did something differently.

But like they always tell themselves: Move on. Don't dwell on the past. What's done is done. Focus on the future.

And focusing on the future they shall.

Lei and Jia has gotten accepted to the University of Republic City, and they were more than thrilled to be attending school together.

Of course, every now and then, they would visit Kyoshi Island. It was also their home.

Sokka and Suki were inseparable. Lei was their cherished son. The three were a happy family.

And here they were, everyone, at Sokka and Suki's wedding. The wedding took place at Air Temple Island. Aang and Katara were more than happy to have everything set up perfectly.

Everyone was there. From families to friends, to even co-workers. Friends and families from Kyoshi Island and the Southern and Northern Water Tribes were also invited.

The wedding took place at the plaza, and right now, the most important event is happening. Everyone sat in rows in the center of the plaza, while Sokka and Suki's moment took place on stage.

"Would you, Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, take the beautiful Suki, to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you promise to love and take care of her, in sickness and in health?"

Mariko was the one who asked the question.

"I do," Sokka stated simply and contentedly.

"And would you, Suki of Kyoshi Island, take the mighty Sokka to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you promise to love and care for him, no matter how tough times may get?"

"I do," Suki stated softly and happily.

Everyone smiled.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Sokka and Suki put their arms around each other, and kissed.

Everyone was happy, especially the front rows. Lei, Jia, Bumi, Aang, Katara, Zuko, Mai, Toph, Ty Lee, Haru, Kya, Tenzin, Izumi, Lin, Hakoda, Ursa, Iroh, and many more all clapped their hands.

Both the couple continued kissing for what felt like a lifetime.

Finally, they're together again.

They'll stay together, and they'll raise their son together.

Their lives are complete now.

Their lives are rebuilt.

The End.

Thank you all who stuck by throughout this story.

I remembered when I first had this idea, and decided to make a story of it. I'm sorry if anything in this story felt rushed to you guys. As I stated before, my Avatar fandomness wasn't as strong as before, and I found myself obsessed with other fandoms. Therefore, I do admit, it was hard to feel motivated sometimes when writing/finishing up this story.

But I was still determined to finish this story. From my view, I'm glad to have the main characters in the story be content with their lives.

And I will always regard Avatar: The Last Airbender (and The Legend of Korra as well) as the greatest cartoon(s) of all times. They have been a big part of my life and were my main fandom(s). Morever, just because they aren't my "main" fandoms anymore, doesn't mean I'll be leaving them. For example, I'm still a hardcore Kataang shipper. ;)

Thanks again guys!