Katara sat on the kitchen table immersing herself in the paperwork left for her to finally give up the title of chief in the Southern Water tribe. Something her dad asked several times to think through as she helped everything in the city be built amazingly while also growing exponentially over the past 3 years.

She read several letters where final arrangements were made in her absence, still having to sign the final word so they could actually be applied. Several laws under her wing have flourished: free choice of the body of every person, studying bending and the creation of a white lotus center were a few of the most notable changes she made on her tribe.

"I can't believe they are still trying to pass this law" Katara thought denying the reform where athletes who could compete on bending matches had to be childless. Fighting as a sport was regulated and should not be denied to people with children.

She opened another letter meant for her, Hakoda had written some days ago and she was skeptic to open it. She did not like the reasons behind stalling on reading his letters, but they were enough for Katara to ignore him. She gained courage to read it, skimming at some of the paragraphs.

Katara stress seemed to increase the more she paid attention to some of the words it said

My brave warrior

We want to celebrate and honor the life of your mother, kya. It is appropriate now to visit, her.

I would like for Sokka and you to make up and come here.

Love, Hakoda

"I can't believe this" Katara said frowning, holding a breath. This season she dreaded going back to her home, as the ritual involving the death of her mother every year kept getting harder and more difficult to deal with.

Momo noticed the tension in Katara and got out of the room, leaving her on the room to reflect. Was Aang even allowed to go? The other years he wasn't necessary as she was there, dealing with it.

The only thing that seemed to affect her was the lack of talk about it. Travelling for a year and trusting Zuko with her trauma of losing her mother made her distrustful of talking about it, something on her land is necessary to get over it.

Now she wasn't even sure she wanted to go, she could bail out of it as Sokka has done.

"He should go and represent both of us, I don't want to deal with that" Katara thought grabbing a pencil and paper to reply to her dad, a sting in her heart stopping her from actually doing it.

Katara had covered her brother's absence saying they both did not want to see each other after all that has happened, making his father angry at first and then disappointed in both of his children.

He never explicitly stated it, but the way he would talk about them would clue Katara that there was more than meets the eye.

"Sweetie?" Aang interrupted her trail of thoughts, clinging into his arms as soon as she felt them.

"Tell me" Katara reply sighing, looking barely at Aang, who looked back worried.

"Is there something you want to talk about?" Aang asked, kneeling by her side so they could be eye to eye. Aangs extreme height (At least compared to her) made most of the conversations easier by either kneeling or laying down on their bed.

Katara thought about it, nodding once in affirmation as he paid attention.

"My mother's dead anniversary is soon to be" Katara explained "Dad wants Sokka and I to go"

"You don't want to do it?" Aang asked softly, placing her hands in between his

"I don't want to do it with Sokka" Katara said ashamed "We had both grown apart so much since our last talk that…I do not feel comfortable sharing that ritual"

Aang sighed, caressing her hands as he looked at them. "Does he know?"

"Of course" Katara replied "He has evaded them too. I went to them because I lived there"

"Living here is not an impediment" Aang said pulling off the bison's whistle and placing it in her hands "You can always take Appa, he will gladly help you"

"I appreciate it, I might actually think about it" Katara said feeling the despair and stress inside her gradually lower, the brief darkness she might felt was once gone at feeling in control of her own feelings.

Maybe the roots of her own darkness weren't different from Sokka's. Both had not followed through the tradition of Death after all.

"Is Sokka still working?" Katara asked him, while Aang shrugged

"Might test that thing he gave us to use" Aang said standing up, walking towards the night table on the room. "How did he called it?"

"Telephone" Katara replied smirking "He is still working on the name before properly putting it out to the public"

Sokka's jaw was clenched after hearing Aang on the other line, unconsciously sitting still on the edge of his bed.

He did have a lot of work thanks to Toph leaving him in charge as she took some vacations in the fire nation. Electra vowed not to interrupt him on these days as he procrastinated thinking of ways to play cupid with them.

Dealing with his father after three years was another thing he did not want to do, at least now. Not without a pillar by his side. Being Aang the one making the call instead of Katara also clued him on how distanced they became.

"I need to see who can help me with work before taking the days off. Member' Toph just poofed away leaving everything to me?" Sokka reminded licking his lips.

"I can help you with that! I am sure Electra and I could handle it really well" Aang said relaxed

"Sure, let me ask her first. When would we leave the city?" Sokka asked, his fingers playing with themselves.

The line went silent on the other side.

"Tomorrow, she says. She read the letter your father sent a bit too late" Aang replied nervously "I will help arrange some of the work in between Electra and I, better start packing"

Sokka hanged the phone and took two breaths, standing up towards the mirror as billis started accumulating on his stomach and throat.

"You can do it, you can do it, no reason to be scared" Sokka repeated looking deep into himself, his voice thin and fragile the more he repeated it.

"Did he really put that excuse?" Katara said annoyed while they prepped themselves to sleep, brushing hardly her own hair.

"It is not an excuse, Toph left us with all the work and patrols around the city" Aang explained leaning on his arm. "I won't tell you how to handle your brother…"

"There is a but, say it" Katara turned around frowning, while Aang threw both hands on the air in defense

"There is no but, you two know each other better than all of us. I can only vouch for him regarding work" Aang replied as Katara turned her back laying down, exhaling in distress. He hugged her from behind, placing a soft kiss on her head.

Katara once again, felt small in a big house. The only change was that she was not alone nor cold, staring at the wall too long without actually getting some sleep.

Aang, knowing Katara well by this date, hugged her tigher. Unable to give her words of encouragement and comfort, at least not at the same degree she used to when they were younger.

Why? He always asked to himself as Katara shuffled around, letting herself out of the embrace. The answer remained the same.

He had no clue.

Aang waited by Yue's moon bay with Katara and Appa, insentiently looking at Katara who played with her curled hair on her hands. The beauty and humbleness she showed made her shine bright and immediately grab his attention.

This time, as much as he wanted it to be a meaningful goodbye, it wasn't. He reached for her waist pulling her closer as she nervously smiled.

"Take your time with everything. You don't have to be here by the time all of the events are scheduled" Aang reassured "If you want me to go with you…I can"

Katara gazed at him unsure of his presence, feeling selfish of asking her to leave everything in the city to aid her on her grieving process.

"We are a team, just you and me" He whispered with a smile, almost trying to read her thoughts. "It's not a problem"

"The avatar needs to be where the conflict is" Katara said squeaking "I should manage with my dumb brother"

"Alright, if you need me…"

"I will" Katara said laughing, wiping away a lost tear "Can you ride with us? I know the trip from the city to the south pole is not that long. A week is enough for us to do the ritual"

Aang nodded, kissing the top of her head.

"Then I'll see you in a week, my bright fiancée" Aang flirted turning her around to kiss her. Katara enjoyed how calmed and relaxed she was in her presence, feeling understood and loved.

"Oogies!"

Until her bother interrupted, as usual, the romantic moments between them.

"You are late Sokka" Katara said annoyed "Let's go"

"I will try not to take too long" Sokka said turning to Electra, who nodded and gave her a blessing.

"Take your time, I know how long it might take. Should have told me sooner" She whispered pecking his lips, a small token of gratitude that neither of them saw it as romantic anymore. Sokka sighed nervously as he pulled up his chest to run towards Appa.

"Hey buddy!" Sokka said cheerfully as he climbed up, taking the opposite side of the saddle. "We ready to go?"

"Are you?" Katara asked seriously, feeling annoyed at how Sokka's attitude had not shown a single gram of sadness. He nodded with seriousness as Aang took the reins and height, finally being on air.

The brothers looked at the skies or clouds that surrounded them, evading at all costs the conversation they had been avoiding since the war ended and they made their lives apart. The last heart to heart they had felt in concluded as they ignored what they talked the next day.

Katara learned not to dig too much into Sokka's problems and he learned to not ask for help from her, wanting to relieve some weight off her shoulders.

A recipe for disaster for the season they were entering. Katara knew their dad would make anything in his power to make them patch up. The odd thing was that there was nothing to fix or get on with.

They were just strangers with the same blood, hanging around once in a while due to the circles they formed in their youth.

That was what hurt the most, to both siblings who were unaware of the burden they shared.

Suki rushed towards the meeting with Ty lee, both girls with wide – shook eyes at the shouting match that began between the sages and the two more important people in the room for them.

"It is Madness! How could someone just free her without consult us first!"

"You are speaking very brave for someone who worked for the previous firelord" Iroh said strongly, defending his niece who looked at them ready to defend himself for the decision "You better moderate the next thing all of you say if you don't want to dishonor your families"

"There is no need to go towards those extremes uncle" Zuko whispered uneasy on pulling a power move on them, only to be hushed by him.

"I apologize General Iroh" one of the few brave enough to speak said, bowing "We are worried about the new deal we just secured with the other three nations at letting her free, even if she is only on the palace"

"Let us remind you she killed, briefly, the Avatar. She is an active threat to the Avatar"

"I already scanned through her! What else do you want me to prove to move from this boring meeting already" Toph said coming out of the shadows, making Suki face palm herself annoyed.

"Miss beifong, we appreciate your talent but you are not requ-"

"Mr Shang, are we really going to throw over the board the fact that we have a living lying detector?" Another general said intrigued "Let her stay"

Toph smirked and fake yawned

"Sorry! I don't want to keep hearing old people discuss the same three things without any answer, I have even memorized them at this point" Toph roasted as Ty Lee fought the urge to laugh.

"Well, let's get back on track then. You are leaving to attend the Avatar's wedding in four days. Who will be left in charge as we have seen that General Iroh and you, our firelord, are leaving the palace?" Shang asked scanning the room for new visitors

"I sure hope you are not putting Azula on the throne, are you?" Another advisor said scared

"I will not" Zuko said dismissing the thought, in his memory still fresh that Azula held grudges against team Avatar. "But I do have someone else"

"The firelord and I have decided she is the best fitted to the beliefs we want to share in the fire nation" Iroh said sitting down, a woman walking from the shadows were Suki and Ty Lee hid.

"Let me present to you in the next weeks, firelady Mai" Zuko said smirking as the advisors face went in total shock.

"It's an honor being here" Mai said unamused "I hope the honor of serving me is reciprocated"

"Of course firelady" Shang immediately said, always having favored Mai over Zuko when they were the royal couple.

"I hope no more questions have emerged from this heated debate we had in regards who has the power in the firelord's absence" Iroh said smiling, all of the generals and advisors bowing out to them.

"Then it's a wrap" Zuko said dismissing them, the room clearing faster than Toph had expected.

"He is really excited to work with you" Toph said towards Mai who did not react at all at the affirmation, caring less about them and more about what Azula had implied two days ago.

"I am glad you accepted my offer miss Mai" Iroh said reaching out to her, who warmly smiled towards him, nodding in affirmation with her head.

"Anything to help my country, I guess." Mai said bored, the smile on her face contradicting the soft spot she held for him.

"Well well, then we must make the most, shouldn't we?" Azula said from outside the room "Sorry! I'll be quiet, it's just that Toph left me here alone"

"I never thought you'll be afraid of being alone in your own house" Toph mocked walking towards her, annoyed. Ty Lee looked at Zuko pleadingly, as he let her go for Azula. The four left in the room walked without rush, each of them for different reasons.

Suki was still upset about Zuko actually doing the plan and letting Azula free, Zuko was also upset that Suki wouldn't put herself in his shoes to believe she has changed, Iroh was trying his best to help his niece resolve the feelings inside of him.

And Mai? She was just walking along, watching everything unfold right in front of her eyes. Annoyed and amused at how everyone was keeping an eye blind with the couple or were really dumb.

"Azula, how are you fairing with Toph?" Zuko asked her as Toph rolled her eyes

"Very well actually, yesterday we were talking about how fun it would have been fighting each other when I was on my prime" Azula said excited, her smile withdrawing quickly at seeing Suki fuming behind him.

"Relax bombshell, your beats are drumming my ears! You know better than anyone that the fight would have been over in less than two minutes" Toph said arrogantly, making Azula's pride sting.

"Yeah right, just like the day of the black sun" Azula talked back smirking "You barely caught up with me"

"We could have easily obliterated you but you played mind games with Sokka and…"

Toph froze, forgetting that Suki might have not heard the story behind on why the invasion failed. At least not that part were Azula blackmailed their friend, a big crying petition Sokka made specially to her.

"And?" Suki asked frowning, the makeup in her face accentuating the anger building up on her. Ty Lee moved her arm to snap her out of it. Toph knew she would be adding fuel to the fire. Zuko was also lost on what had his sister done.

"and nothing, we lost because we were cornered" Toph concluded, crossing her arms faking anger.

"At least you won the war" Azula said dismissively, not wanting to apologize on using Suki as a trigger word. "Can we all move on from that? Please?"

"You were the one who brought it up" Suki replied quickly "Seems someone is stuck"

"Suki" Zuko quickly said with an edge, only angering more the warrior "She has changed"

"I know for sure that you don't trust me" Azula quickly intervened "I apologize for everything done at the boiling rock, I swear"

The regret in her tone and eyes were not matching, at least to Suki who was unimpressed. Iroh, on the contrary, saw how sincere was that apology coming from Azula. Ty Lee smiled thinking it might close the gap between them.

"Words don't heal peoples traumas" Suki replied fiercely, denying the apology.

"I know that very well" Azula confessed "Now that everyone I want to be involved is here, except the guys of course. No offense uncle" she said pointing towards her uncle and Zuko

Ty Lee tip toed a bit excited about Azula's plan, just wanting both group of friends getting along for the sake of assisting parties for her be made more easier.

"No offense taken" Iroh said laughing a bit at how serious Azula always made everything since she was younger.

"Alright. Suki, Toph, Mai. Ty Lee and I want to host a sleepover at my bedroom, if it's still intact of course" She said towards Zuko who nodded "tomorrow night, so you can have time to pack to that trip"

Suki's face of disbelief was almost as funny as expected to Azula, who struggled a lot to not laugh at that very moment.

"We will attend, thanks princess. We should move from the hallway, I'm getting tired standing around and want to go eat something" Toph said yanking Azula from her arm, a small yelp coming out of her.

"The audacity…"

"C'mon Suki! It will be fun!" Ty Lee chirped, hugging her as Suki huffed annoyed

"Fun? With Azula?" Mai said seriously

"I agree with Mai"

"As you should"

"Suki, Ty Lee, let's go" Zuko said grabbing their attention "I want both of you to escort our uncle and I at Republic City"

The journey to the Southern Water Tribe wasn't as long as Aang previously thought. It just felt like it, as the tension behind him could be cut with a slight movement he made. His fiancée and brother in law would not talk or sleep, making him uneasy at how much both of them had postponed the visit.

Riding for a day and a half went a lot slower if nobody talked, contrary to the old days were all of them would sing, scream or laugh at anything they said.

"Hey Sokka! Remember when you tried to see if Momo could catch us flying in Appa?" Aang said out loud

"Yeah, I remember. He almost kicks me out of Appa for doing that" Sokka giggled, trying to find something to laugh at. "Katara also dropped water in me"

"You did deserved it" Katara said without interested, looking at the clouds that surrounded them. She was too lost in what she would say to her dad regarding their choices as adults. Visiting their mother's grave would be hard.

Katara remembered the trip she took with Zuko to almost end her mother's killer. It was a step closer to doing something she would regret all her life. The clouds were similar to this around her, the only change was how the temperature was lowering the more Appa flew.

She told Aang to return in five days. The trip takes a day an a half.

"Are you alright?" Aang heard Sokka ask his fiancée and he internally cringed. Petting Appa's head to expect a not so honest answer on why, of course she was not okay.

"No" Katara said with an edge "Do you even care?"

"No, I'm just bored…of course I care! If I didn't I wouldn't have asked" Sokka replied with sarcasm, his face showing how annoyed was with his sister response.

Aang sighed, imagining Katara's face.

"You should have cared a lot earlier Sokka! I'm fine, go back to the corner" Katara replied angered, startling Sokka on how much rage she held.

"I won't. Don't make me use the 'I'm the older brother' card!" Sokka said crossing his arms against his chest. "Spit it, dad is going to.."

"To what, Sokka? Since when do you care about what dad does or doesn't think about us?" Katara immediately interrupted, clenching her fist.

Sokka laughed at the absurdity of Katara's statement. His dad was literally his role model. It was stupid thinking anything else. Even if he did not follow the path he wished, whatever Hakoda said, is what Sokka would follow.

"Tara c'mon. Vent. I don't want to…go like this" Sokka said smiling, the twisted smile he did whenever he was about to loose his patience with her. Katara had enough of being the passive sister.

"Why vent anyway? You always do what you want. You don't listen to anybody, it's useless"

"I am listening to you right now"

"Your memory retention is broken then, tomorrow you will be as you always are"

The snarky comment was enough to break the façade Sokka was trying to do. Being the good older brother that supports and listens. That was an attack to his persona and he had enough of people talking about what he was or wasn't.

"Katara I've had enough of people doubting me. What is your problem with me?" Sokka said with his voice as serious as his face. Katara would have felt intimidated three years ago when they still acted as brother and sister.

Now she saw him as another man that needed to be taught a lesson on how to be a decent human being.

"My problem is you. Sokka, what are you doing with your life?" Katara said angered "Work? Fake love? more work?"

"I'm not a heartless monster Katara, I'm trying to fix this shit inside of me. I have said this too many times." Sokka said lowering his voice, angered at her lack of faith on him. He could handle it from anyone else but his own blood.

"How exactly? Continuing this parade with Electra of being such a perfect couple that supports each other? You are just stringing her along but congratulations! She is playing you too and you deserve that" Katara spitted avoiding his icy glare.

If Aang could bend anything it would be earth to bury himself and avoid being caught in the middle of the conflict. He did miss when they both fought about how to set camp or when will he learn boomerang bending.

"Care to elaborate why do I deserve it? Will I be always the big bad guy to your memory? Really?" Sokka said more exhausted than angered

"That's how you are presenting yourself to me. You…you pushed me away" Katara said tearing up, extending her arms to try and push him backwards from her "And know this man in front of me…I don't know him"

"Katara. I…I did not do it on purpose" Sokka said with his lip quivering, acknowledging the first time he pushed her away, all the way back at Ba Sing Se when Sokka cried on the sofa to sleep.

Crushed at how Suki seemingly forgot to include a greetings in the letter sent to them.

"I…I am sorry. I don't know how many times I have said this. I just didn't want you to carry my burden too" Sokka apologized, his cold stare turning warm and scared, something Katara hadn't seen since the suicide attempt.

But she had to let it all out as it was eating her inside.

"Not only that, you decided because you wanted to cut contact with Suki you would also cut contact with me? Not replying to any of our letters? Not even to your holy dad?" Katara said with her voice straining.

"I was not in a right state of mind and anything I had written would not reflect what I felt for both of you" Sokka said crying, feeling shame on his actions. "But right now…"

"Now is too late for me! Dad will obviously receive you with open arms. But me? I needed you as a brother before, when I visited mom's grave year after year with only Aang by my side"

"Oh no, I am mentioned" Aang whispered, closing his eyes and clenching his teeth, anxious on how Sokka would respond to that comparison.

"I am glad you found a good man as your life partner Katara, not everyone has that luck to find them or keep them." Sokka said trying to dry the tears that kept rushing down his eyes "Let's make this year different shall we?"

"No Sokka, you can try that with someone who trusts you. We have been too apart for me to believe you" Katara said drowning a loud cry, gulping.

"What can I do then to help you trust me again?" Sokka asked feeling the urge to cough, nausea and dizziness he suddenly felt were not letting him say everything he was thinking.

I miss you as a sister Katara, please accept me in your life again-he tried to say struggling with his voice-coughing instead.

"That's not something that will be magic. Even if you followed step by step everything I told you my trust would never be the same to you"

Aang wanted to tell Katara to slow down and think more about her words. Appa was starting to feel the emotional weight on him and it made them in return, slower.

"Katara…"Sokka finally broke, letting his head fall into her shoulder. "Please…" He begged, silently crying.

Katara's heart was touched by the intimacy Sokka shared to her again, more honest to when he exploded about forgetting Yue and letting Suki go as much as he knew she was the love of his life.

But her mouth said something else

"I won't promise I will accept you fully, at least to dad's eyes we are the same we were. Back home nothing changes"

Aang turned around to frown at Katara, unsure on why she kept pushing him away but melted at the scene.

Katara hugged Sokka with her eyes closed, tears silently streaming down her cheeks as Sokka muffled his hurt on her parka, tightly hugging her. Aang opted to not say anything and focus on the road in front of them, leaving the siblings more privacy before even addressing how harsh Katara was being on him.

If the worst human on earth could change thanks to therapy, why wouldn't she believe her own brother?

"How did that went?" Zuko purred in her ear, nibbling the lobe as Suki looked at the wall dazed off. Unsure on how to answer that.

"Wow" She said giggling, more of nervousness than amazement. "Wow"

"Were you always this wordless?" Zuko said turning her around as she grinned, lowering him for a kiss.

Mai's words about actually acting the love part were building up regret in her, as the more time they spent together she would feel compromised and with shackles. She had said I love you to him.

"So I suppose you are not mad at me anymore?" Zuko said putting hair away from her face, making Suki frown at remembering Azula was out again. "were. I see you stil…"

"Still are mad at the one who tortured me in prison? How could one be so angry about that?" Suki said pushing him to the side, sitting up to bandage her chest. Zuko sighed, not bothering to stop her from getting away.

"Azula changed" Zuko reminded her as he admired her naked body. "She apologized and I…vouch for her. I thought you too would support me"

Suki turned around with a more noticeable frown than ever (At least out of uniform)

"Thanks for understanding why is that I don't trust her, I was sure you would comprehend it" Suki replied grabbing her robe and standing up to change behind the curtain. Making Zuko roll his eyes.

"I was sure you would never trust me after I burned your village, but here we are" He cited as an example, making Suki sigh displeased.

"Are you proud of that? That I forgave you after you bust me out of jail? Let me remind you that Azula was doing her all to keep us inside"

"With Ty lee, whom you look as a sister" Zuko said crossing his arms, making Suki loose focus on whatever feeling she had inside of her to look at those arms. She has always loved how strong and defined arms can look.

"Don't expect me to just…accept it like that" Suki finally gave in, her distrust still showing.

"I don't. But this time can you please think…about how close of happy it makes me seeing her? She is not the same one that lied to get her way or tried everything to get my dads attention" Zuko said trying to make her see from his point of view.

"Talking about Azula post-sex is not the best topic, believe me" Suki continued holding the grudge, unable to be on his shoes. She once felt like Azula, trying to get her dad to adore her and never leave her.

Because if the sick tigerdillo is dead it doesn't mean the rabies is gone.

"You are being really judgmental Suki" Zuko finally snapped, his patience on defending his sister against anyone, including his partner, was exhausting. "Not fair to not give her a chance"

"I'm attending that stupid sleepover, what more do you want me to do?" Suki replied, crossing her arms at the enormous task he was asking for her. Faking love for him was easier than doing it for Azula. At least she actually liked Zuko.

"Why am I even thinking like that? You love and support Zuko…" Suki thought worrying, making Zuko leap out of the bed to hug her.

"I'm sorry for talking to you like that" Zuko whispered in her ear "Is just…family comes first and…she is the last of things I have left for a family"

"I understand that feeling" Suki said hugging him back, feeling bad for forcing herself to love him. It should be easier than that to get over…

"Not him again when you are with Zuko. That's plain rude" Suki thought kissing his cheek.

"Thank you, I know you would listen to me. I'm sorry if I'm being too straight forward with it, is just that I see you…well. I think both of you would get along well" Zuko said not wanting to let her know he sees her for a firelady in the near future.

Suki decided to ignore that hint for her sake of keeping the charade, just nodding in agreement.

The cold wind finally let Sokka out of his thoughts, gazing below at the southern water tribe, his last home. One he hadn't visit since he and Suki had broken up. It somehow felt that evading his home would make him evade all those questions.

Why? Since when? How are you?

Still not well and it was annoying.

He helped Katara's bags down as a crowd surrounded them, several of the people wanting to salute avatar Aang as he tried to calm his sister. Katara would forever be annoyed at their moments be ruined by other people as dating the Avatar would always attract attention.

Sokka looked at the skies who were just starting to fade into the night, were beautiful lights and illusions would appear. The new buildings and lights in them didn't seem to affect the intensity on how they were reflected in the sky. He had always admired the colours that appeared.

Blue, green, yellow, purple.

He smiled, exhaling a cold breath. Even the simplest colours would make him think about his special one. But even he had the idea that maybe in another life, they would be together.

He hoped to live that other life

Someone was watching him as his vigilant instincts took place searching in the sea of curious eyes looking at half of team avatar, until he recognized the strong blue ones in his dad, looking shocked at his presence.

"Son"

He heard him said as he extended his arm to greet him. How fast the events happened when one overanalyzes everything. Sokka was already paraded as a war hero and the older brother of ex-chief Katara.

Katara walked beside them as people thanked her by the enormous leap the village took. It was no longer a village but a whole city. It wasn't as elegant and refined as the northern tribe, noticing how some of the buildings were more modern and comfy, as opposed to aesthetically pleasing.

"Sis, you did an amazing job" Sokka said with his mouth open, looking at all the new business that opened, how the city wasn't feeling as cold as before. Maybe that was a part of his heart that changed, his cheeks hurting for how big his smile was.

"We did, most of the people helped us, that's why it doesn't look too fancy for our style" Katara replied with a grin "Let me tell you that Electra loves to have a good fight without losing her temper, it amazed me at times how she did that"

"She does" Sokka replied mesmerized in their home. It was still small and some might say not that beautiful as those surrounding them. But it was home, at last. The trio entered the house and the smell of seaprunes soup invaded them.

Sokka recognized that meat! That was turtleduck.

The warm inside the house reminded him one of the best days of his life, when their mom was still alive. Water dwelled inside his eyes as he walked towards the kitchen, seeing Gran gran cooking joyfully.

"Sokka! About time you arrive!" Gran Gran screamed at him loudly, startling him a little bit as he ran to hug her. "My my how have you grown! You're such a cute man"

"Gran Gran there is no need to scream!" Sokka spun her around, feeling welcomed.

"We'll talk a lot more on the table, won't you help set it up baby girl?" Gran said towards Katara who happily obliged, Sokka following her to do the same.

Gran Gran looked amazed and elbowed Hakoda smiling

"See? That girl was going to put him in shape" She said giggling as Hakoda smiled tiredly

"Mom…"

"They are not together but that doesn't mean what he learned will be unlearned. At least he is showing that. If Pakku had done that earlier maybe you'll had have a second dad years earlier"

Azula prepared most of the beds on her room, each of them having things that would be easily identified for the girls to sleep on. It was a challenge to form Toph's bed, having right by her side all day did help her set up.

Suki was the hardest, not sure what else she would like apart from the pillows and comfortable silk sheets.

"So…what else could we put on Suki's corner for her to be more…at home?" Azula questioned Toph, taping her foot impatiently from Toph's lack of interest in decorating her "Friends" side.

"Her friends, specially Karina. Ty Lee is always second to her" Toph joked, making Azula roll her eyes.

"Thanks for nothing" She muttered, sitting on her own to smile proudly at how the sleepover looked. There was a rack of weapons and armor they could put on next to a big mirror with enough space to wrestle, at the other side (Closer to Toph's and Ty Lee corner) a table full of pastries and fresh food was placed, some alcoholic beverages close to cups in case they wanted to drink earlier.

"I'm sure everyone will have fun with all of your schedule Azula, that's how sleepovers work. Everyone gets comfy and next thing we are all talking and laughing" Toph calmed her, annoyed at herself in caring a wee bit at how anxious Azula was feeling inside.

Azula huffed "I'm okay, not nervous so you can stop reading my heartbeat or wharever"

A knock came from the doors as a servant opened it, making her stand up with a confident smile as Mai entered the room.

"Oh no I'm the first one" Mai said disappointed, walking to the side that screamed at her to be chosen: Dark silk sheets with a thousand pillows wood scented at the touch. "I like this"

"I know" Azula smugly replied "Amazing right?"

Mai nodded unrobing herself as Azula played with her nails, Toph looked amused but not too interested as she could hear she changed into something more comfortable.

It was smart of her to make her clothes unclasp as fast as she bends the metal off her chest, stretching herself. She was still on guard as the little lie Azula told down there was something she felt guilty on being thrutful.

Toph acknowledged how hard it's for some people to change, but going along to pull Azula out was something that would bite her in the back in the future. Following her intstincts failed her a few times. She hoped that one would not be one of those.

"You're finally here! Welcome" Azula greeted with a big smile, showing Suki her side of the room next to Toph.

"Thanks" Suki said modestly, putting down her small bag where she carried her sheets. It always helped her abroad and now dealing with Azula seemed a good reason to use it again.

Mai and Ty Lee were already engaged in conversation (Or as Suki would see more frequently whenever they hanged out "Ty Lee vomiting random information that makes Mai sigh harder to see if she takes a hint") and Toph lying down.

"Do you want cake?" Suki asked Toph as she sat beside her, annoying the invasion of her personal space.

"Excuse me your bed is over there" Toph said grappling her arm and rolling her, making Suki smirk. "And please, I'm too exhausted to do this"

Suki handed her a small pastry as Toph munched it quickly, a giggle escaping her lips. "This as the sleepover or.."

"You know what I meant" Toph said grinning "And she does too"

Suki looked over the other side where Azula sat alone looking at the two parties talking between each other. Ty Lee saw her and waved from her side and continued speaking as Mai just drank more from the bottle.

Conflicted on how lonely she is and how much anger she has inside of her, Suki reached for a bottle and chugged it, trying to get out something of the predicament she was.

"Does anybody want to start this party or not?" Suki said pulling out of her bag a cactus juice bottle with a smirk, making Ty Lee roll towards her and stand in the center.

"Party?" Azula asked as Ty Lee nodded fervously "I mean, that's why we are here" she corrected, feeling unusual at somebody else dictating what to do on the night.

"Alright! We can play Get quenched or Never have I Ever. Which one do you want to start with?" Ty Lee asked gesturing everybody to get closer, Mai being the last one to actually move.

"I think get quenched is funnier" Suki said excited

"Never have I Ever makes for good stories and laughs" Toph said "I want that one"

"This is a democracy, I vote for get quenched" Mai said standing up for a piece of cake

"I vote for Never have I Ever, what about you Azula?" Ty lee asked gleefully, as all the eyes on the room sat on her. Azula had no idea how those games were related to the bottle the islander took out and Ty hyperexcited took away from her, but she might as well go with the flow and earn some trust.

"I vote get quenched too" Azula said as Toph groaned and Suki cheered.

"Rules: I have this little cardbox with cards where we will do a dare according to the number that appears" Suki said pulling the cards out and fixing it. "We will start from Azula, that is the host"

"Excuse me, what does each number mean?" Azula asked as Suki handed the deck. She smirked and couldn't help tease Azula.

"You'll see princess"

The nights were longer and that meant his insomnia was too.

He had forgotten how the ceremony was conducted, being reminded over dinner about the Do's and Don'ts while visiting his mothers grave. He had never seen the body…or what was left of it.

He felt regret at that. His dad shouldn't had to carry his mother's corpse alone. It was his duty as the older brother to help with that, be sure she was buried appropriately.

A hand on his shoulder startled him as Hakoda hushed him, sitting beside him on the bed, next to the window. Sokka placed again his face in his hands, admiring the colors in the sky.

"You missed seeing these sights, didn't you?" Hakoda asked as Sokka absent minded nodded once, thinking more about how Suki would have reacted. She had never been outside the island and he had promised to take her to his home, to show her the beauty of the infinite winter.

Now he was the one who ran away from it, so many broken promises.

"Son, I know why you are like this. My question is what are you feeling right now" Hakoda asked observing his response as Sokka sighed.

"Loss" Sokka resumed "Regret I haven't come earlier to visit and do this" his hands shivered, unsure if the cold was the reason of it. Hakoda placed a hand on him, gently squeezing him to get him out of thoughts.

"This time is the perfect one for you, we waited for you" Hakoda replied as Sokka closed his eyes to suppress his tears, pained at how he was unaware of how hurt Katara was at doing most of the ritual alone.

"Even if it was the perfect time, I have let down a lot of people" Sokka admitted staring into the window, a brief smile appearing before his mouth twitched in defeat, crying silently.

Hakoda waited patiently as Sokka cried. Through his watery eyes he could see the sun starting to rise, reminding him that he had pills to take. He opened his parka to take out the small tube before his dad's firm grip prevented him.

"Dad, these are-"

"I know what they are" He interrupted, a distrustful look on his face "Why do you use them?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Sokka thought with his mouth twitching, too fearful of voicing what most of the time (when he was off the med) he thought. Life without love was dark, too dark that had engulfed him so soon after being unable to process his grief.

Maybe starting with his mother, probably accentuating after seeing Yue's sacrifice and definitely manifesting after he left Suki.

Coping with loss and dead was something he had never been prepared for, and even after most of the big baggage had been dealt with in that session of therapy, his heart still heavied.

"To forget a certain face" Sokka said after thinking too much, rising suspicion in his dad.

"Whom? Suki?" His dad directly asked as Sokka cringed at hearing her name out loud. Sokka might be an adult but his innocence still showed, as Hakoda sighed and hugged him and he froze.

"Dad?" He blabbered, his dad squeezing him harder.

"I have neglected both of you for far too long" Hakoda said as he caressed him "Share your burden, it's never too much for me to listen"

The words hit Sokka hard as the memories of Yue claiming of him being too egoistical with his former lover and him adapting to keep his grief inside before and after the war crashed inside him, instinctively hugging his dad and burying his face on his shoulder.

"This is so confusing Dad, sometimes I think I finally touched the bottom but it keeps getting deeper" Sokka confessed "I don't know how to empathize, how to listen, since I was in charge bendless I felt useless and I…I started to just go with the flow"

"Can you elaborate on the flow son? I'm intrigued on why you have been feeling like that" Hakoda said gently, not letting Sokka go.

"I…I just outright refused to show weakness because it meant losing something else. Mine were always someone else, either Katara, the moon princess or…her. That's why my grand idea of letting her go and run around the cities with no string attached was a good option"

"You wanted to meet more people romantically, therefore you ended the relationship" Hakoda said following the story without emoting anything, so Sokka would not feel judged.

At this point Sokka already felt as if he was letting down his dad, but it was already said and his dad would not let him go until he told the full story.

"Long story short... Yes. I told her why and almost demanded her to wait for me. Of course she is so unique and intelligent and realized I was not worth waiting for and briefly dated our friend Zuko"

"It's okay son, I am not judging you"

"Hold on, I'm trying to…have the courage. She felt confused afterwards because my stupid territorial side just flared up and I went back to her…but then a love triangle happened, even when at first her eyes were set on me I set my eyes on this other girl…"

Hakoda let him ugly cry on his parka, it's not like he hadn't done that to gran gran at night. Monogamy was something usual in the tribe but his sons mistakes were in a way, a reflection of him leaving too early to help him cope with them.

He was a man by age but too innocent for the world and too young to be left in charge of the tribe

"And I hurted her…repeatedly. I am even surprised she cared for me too much to try and fight for us as a couple…but I do love her dad. I do. I saw her…and then… I left her"

Hakoda was surprised at how unstable Sokka had become, leaving for the city was not the best option, but it was the one he chose and now he sat as an outsider of the inner chaos he suffered day to day.

The bright, energetic, sarcastic son turned into a somber shell of himself. All because he was not there for him.

"You did it for love, didn't you?" Hakoda asked as Sokka looked away embarrassed, nodding once. "Then let it all out. I know I might not be the first person you told this, or at least I hope so"

"The complete story? Yes" Sokka admitted shyly. Hakoda didn't look surprised.

"Sometimes teenage love doesn't work at all. Sometimes it does. It depends on how both of the turmoil's in each part of the relationship is dealt with. At this point of the story you are still focusing on all the bad things you did and not on hers" Hakoda said with a small smile as Sokka's watery eyes looked.

"But-"

"I know you don't want to drag her name through the mud, but grieving and talking about what happened is the way we do in the water tribe" Hakoda said as Sokka's eyes opened wide in amusement.

"What?"

"Not talking about it tends to make our people descent into madness or paranoia. You are not the first man using these, well, here at least you have labels. But it makes you almost as if you flowed, not lived" Hakoda explained as he handed back the pills to a bewildered Sokka.

"I am not following on what are you saying dad" Sokka might be feigning ignorance but a part inside of him felt as it was being stitched together, understanding himself only if his suspicions that rose were right.

"I know you do" Hakoda warmly smiled, drying some tears left on his son's face "You should not do a cold turkey, try talking about these events that marked you to more people and you will fill weightless. It will be hard at first, try to encourage a chat because a lot of people don't feel comfortable with it, but you know who to and not to engage in"

Sokka's mind clearly went to one person who had the key on finally leaving this decease on the shadows.

Katara.

"Here, take your dosis. In a few minutes Gran gran will be shouting for us to eat and the five days will start" Hakoda said standing up, helping Sokka chug the pill with a glass of cold water as he looked still shook.

"Five days of what?" Sokka asked as Hakoda walked outside the room, turning around to smile.

"To wear our Caribou clothing. Specially reserved for the five day grief. Your parka is in that closet" He gestured as he let Sokka digest all of the new information he had received.