A. N. : Short and sweet interlude today ! Not much else to say about this one, honestly.
Sokka jitters.
They're just getting groceries, he reminds himself for the tenth time since he set foot in the Sea Walkers village with Suki. And checking on Suki's training sword. And he wanted to meet the genius behind the honeyed sea-grapes Suki gifted him that time they didn't break up. And he really needed to stretch his legs too, now that he's finally managed to convince Katara to let him out of sight for longer than a spirits-damned pee-break.
And sure, maybe Sokka jumped a little fast at the opportunity to go with Suki alone – almost alone, Momo also refuses to leave Sokka on his own so he tagged along – and maybe Jet gave Sokka a smirk that was way too mocking to be innocent when they left, but –
It's not a date. Really.
Suki doesn't look nervous, does she ? Or, well, she does, but that's because the Wood Master is rolling their eyes as their apprentice says making the bokuto to Suki's specifications was hard work.
No wonder that poor lady looks so tired, geez !
Still, Suki grabs the wooden sword, tests its weight and balance, asks about its flammability – the wood has been charred, the apprentice explains, so short exposure to flames won't be an issue.
Long exposure would probably mean Suki is being burned herself, so the sword would be the least of her problems, she doesn't say. They're all thinking it, though.
Suki thanks the apprentice, thanks the Wood Master even though they did literally nothing and just sat there sculpting small twig-looking bits of wood the whole time.
They all say their goodbyes. Suki slots the bokuto in her belt as she and Sokka step out.
She asks if Sokka wants to look around a bit before grabbing the basket waiting for them at uh, someone's Gran's ? The house with the chimes, Aang said.
Anyway, Sokka would absolutely love to go around and. Hang out ? Yeah. Just be, like, a guy and his girlfriend hanging out. Sounds fun !
… Aaaand Suki is giving him a look. Sure, she says with a sparkle in her eyes. Let's hang out.
If Momo understood human language, he would be making fun of Sokka so much right now because – it's the doing an activity debacle all over again, isn't it ? Well, he's just looking at Sokka's growing embarrassment without moving from his bag, though, so he most definitely has no clue of what's happening, like, ever. Small mercies.
Huge mercies, even, because Suki grabs Sokka's hand with a smile and asks if he wants to see the sweets shop, and she puts her other hand on his cheek and tells him to breathe when he bumbles like an idiot, and spirits.
Sokka loves her so much.