Seasons of Kyoshi

Part Four: A Kyoshi Winter

*For Private Fire and Jedilogray, the only ones still interested in this story: Enjoy!*

The fireplace crackled and hissed and the warmth spread upwards and outwards, giving the tiny living room a cozy feel. Suki was curled up on one end of the couch, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Her blue-green eyes, eyes that Sokka always lost himself in, had that faraway expression common to daydreamers.

She imagined Sokka stoking the fire before dropping down beside her, a smirk on his face, strong arms reaching out to pull her close. Suki smiled sadly and yearned for her husband of four months. He was spending a few weeks at home, well his childhood home, tending to council business, catching up with relatives and others he had known forever.

It was still a sore point sometimes, the issue of where home was and should be. A month or so into their marriage, they'd had a fight about just that. It was ugly and brutal and something neither ever wanted to repeat; so each had made concessions.

Their main residence was on Kyoshi, but at least four times a year, Sokka would leave for the South Pole and spend two weeks there; eight weeks away from her. They made quick trips in between, the pair of them, to visit with Sokka's father and grandmother and Pakku and Bato. Sokka was satisfied and for that Suki was grateful.

But on occasion, guilt ate at her, nibbling like a hungry sewer rat. Why did Kyoshi win over the South Pole? Why did her wishes supersede his? How was that fair? She worried too that he might one day resent their decision and hold Suki responsible.

Marriage was not easy. She was learning that and at a rapid pace too. But the rewards she and Sokka both reaped were well worth any effort. Together they constructed their life, one stone at a time, and they dreamed about their future. Sokka was ready to have children right now, but he wouldn't be giving birth. Suki wanted to adjust to married life first, make certain that their foundation was strong and immoveable like the rock that formed the mountains of Kyoshi Island. She wanted to make certain that each was flexible.

But she imagined their children; bright eyed, curious creatures, funny like their father, smart and brave, loyal and strong. Suki knew well enough that they wouldn't and couldn't be that perfect. One might have a terrible temper and another might be impatient. One might have no sense of humour at all and one could be lazy. But they would be good children. Of that Suki was certain.

A log shifted and sparks flew up, looking like little orange fireflies dancing in the heated air. Suki stretched luxuriously and stood, padding into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. As she filled the kettle with water and grabbed a tea cup, Suki began to hum, soft and low. Sokka would be home the following afternoon. Just the thought made her tingle.

~~~~0000~~~~

A shuttle of sorts existed between Kyoshi Island and the Southern Water Tribe. It facilitated trade between the two and offered a consistent method of travel for those who wanted to visit one or the other. Sokka hopped the well crafted and rough seas worthy boat early the next morning and stood on deck, staring out at the horizon, eager to get his first glimpse of Kyoshi Island.

When the snow dusted mountain peaks came into view, he grinned and began to pace the deck. Other islanders watched him, amusement making their eyes sparkle.

"Eagerness of the newlywed," one middle-aged man declared before clapping Sokka on the back.

He hardly felt it through his thick, warm parka. "I'm eager all right. Suki's the best."

By the time they entered the harbour, snow fell, strong and thick, huge, fat flakes that rested on Sokka's cheeks and eyelashes before melting. He licked one off his lips and laughed, recalling times as a young boy in the tiny village he had called home.

Suki was barely visible on the dock. He spotted the red of her hair and shouted out her name. Suki heard and called back, and they started a back and forth that left both breathless with excitement.

"How was it?" Suki fell into her husband's embrace, burying her face against his chest.

"Good, good; everyone says hello. Dad teased about having babies. Gran-Gran was even worse."

Suki rolled her eyes but smiled. Good natured teasing never bothered either of them. No one put real pressure on the couple. It wouldn't do any good and all of their relatives and friends new that.

"What about the council?"

They walked slowly along the dock to the beach and followed the snow covered path that led to the main road. The snow grew thicker and soon they could hardly see the charming wood buildings that lined the street.

"Lots of changes are coming, Suki. My old home won't be the same. In a few years I won't recognize it. Katara and Pakku and the other benders, are working hard making new buildings. Gran-Gran thinks she's back in the Northern Water Tribe. It's good, though." He brushed the snow from her hair. "Are you cold?"

"Not a bit." Her body was afire and cold had been cast aside like an old, worn pair of shoes.

Sokka glanced at her sheepishly. "So…..are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I am." Desire was clear in his blue eyes. Lust was mirrored in her eyes. "We've got all afternoon and all evening. No one will bother us. I made sure of it."

"Not even Ty Lee?"

"Not even Ty Lee. I promise."

As they entered the little house, cheerful and welcoming, the smell of dinner Suki had made wafting toward them, Sokka felt a surge of joy rush through his body. He was home. He was with Suki. And that was all that really mattered.