Four years have passed since the last time he left his tribe. Four years since he last visited the Fire Nation. Despite it all, Sokka got used to his time in Shu Jing. As a gift for his birthday, Kya and Hakoda arranged a trip to the scenic town. It has been Sokka's dream to learn the art of sword fighting.

Hakoda knew Piandao personally. The Water Tribe Chief visited the Fire Nation on occasion, for trading and projects that involved both nations.

Weeks passed and Sokka's lessons neared the end. The practices intensified. Piandao was disciplined, wise and friendly. He was impressed by how fast Sokka progressed.

Everything has been worthwhile on the island. Sokka missed his family, but he still enjoyed his time in Shu Jing. He knew from the start that he would give his best to master new skills.

What Sokka never expected though was to fall in love. Especially with her.

At some point, the most beautiful, complicated, and deep woman he ever met arrived to Piandao's mansion. Life has not been the same since that day.

Princess Azula was Piandao's guest. Fire Lord Ozai tasked her with working on the base of the newest project with one of his most trusted allies: Piandao himself.

Sokka's world changed the minute Princess Azula set foot on Piandao's mansion.

At the beginning, things seemed easy. Sokka knew her from their previous visits to the capital. Their families had dinner and worked together. Years passed and both Azula and Sokka matured, and spending time in the same place for so long was different.

She surprised him by accepting his hand when he greeted her in the garden. After that, things started to become spirited. Very often Piandao found them involved in heated arguments. At some point he gave up trying to slow them down and went for a walk.

Once, they quarreled seriously. Sokka said harsh things as defense to her harsh words. Their relationship changed after that fight. They talked it out and formed a new connection, which surprised Piandao. From that day on, they talked more, ate together, walked around town. Sokka even showed her his word skills and they shared some fighting stances with each other.

They got used to each other's company. And without their awareness, they grew close.

Today, upon waking up Azula was disappointed to find out Sokka was gone. Apparently he went to buy groceries with Fat.

Azula paced around the garden when they finally came back. Sokka carried bags, his muscled arms flexing.

"Good morning Azula." he greeted her white a smirk. He clearly noticed her staring.

"You took long." she said.

"Don't worry. I am back now, you can stare at me as long as you want." he winked.

"I was just looking at the many bags. Did you buy the whole market by any chance?" she said, trying to hide her mild embarrassment.

He laughed softly, "I bought your favorite fruits."

Azula smiled at that. She was ever so amazed by the little things he noticed on her.

"You want to train today?" Sokka asked her.

"Yeah, I already started warming up." she replied.

Suddenly Fat joined their conversation with something Azula didn't like at all.

"Princess, you might have competition. We took longer today because girls were asking him for favors." he said.

Fat liked the princess and often made fun of her and Sokka, as long as her guards weren't around of course.

Azula's insides twisted at his declaration. She hoped the anger she felt wasn't seen on her face. She turned to Sokka with blazing eyes, who looked incredibly pleased. It took willpower not to slap him. He was clearly enjoying her reaction.

"You know girls here?" Azula asked distasteful, "Are they your friends?"

"Yes, they are. Since I came here, I spend time with them when our ways cross. They get happy when they see me." he told her smiling.

Fat took the bags and walked inside the mansion, after tossing the bait at her.

"Good to know." Azula smiled sarcastically. "I'll do my training alone, you can go play with your precious friends."

Before she could turn around, Sokka took a wide step and stood directly in front of her. He sensed her anger was about to turn into hurt, and he wouldn't allow that.

"Hey now. Don't tell me you are jealous of children playing ball and asking me to join them when I walk past." he said smiling.

Azula knew she couldn't hide her embarrassment now. That bastard had tricked her. But she was relieved. Her tension was going away.

"I wasn't jealous. You think too highly of yourself." She pushed him away by his chest and turned around. But Sokka took her hand and whirled her around, so that she came face to face with him. He didn't let go of her hand, which was behind her back now.

"You are jealous princess. I know. Admit it."

"How are you so sure of that? Why would I be jealous of you Sokka?" she said smiling. Her voice taking a challenging tone.

"You know why." Sokka whispered.

They were coming closer and closer and closer…. Until…

"Breakfast is ready."

They separated immediately. Piandao stood at the door. His face unreadable. Azula felt uncomfortable about the fact that he saw them. She hoped he wouldn't tell her father.

Days passed and fear was growing inside of their hearts.

Sokka went to Azula's room. Sharing this moment in private was important. He wouldn't be able to say goodbye properly on the shore.

"This goodbye is temporary. I promise Azula." he told her cupping her cheek gently.

Azula couldn't manage to form words, so she just nodded.

"Shhh come here." Sokka pressed her into his strong chest, as tears formed in her eyes. With one hand he caressed her hair and the other surrounded her waist. He inhaled her scent, she clung to him, her heart calming.

They pulled away, noses touching. Sokka caressed her cheek and Azula's eyes slowly closed and…

"Princess Azula, your guards are on the shore. Your ship is ready to take off. We're going to escort you there." Piandao called from the other side of the door.

Azula instinctively pulled away completely when she heard his voice.

Piandao gave her all the important documents for the project and thanked her. She thanked him as well and said farewell. Entering her ship never seemed so difficult, but she mastered it.

Piandao looked at the way her eyes watered and then at the melancholic expression on Sokka.

He couldn't help but smile.

A/N: A sequel will follow next week. ;)