The List

By: Asterias Rubens

Sokka could name several things he loved about Suki. His praises for the Warrier would subsequently be arranged into long, animated speeches to anyone who would listen. Aang, Katara, Zuko, and anyone else that would not be able to evade him were often those that had to endure him. Her strength, her grace, and her sheer guts would be key topics. But, the things he loved most were not significant enough, particularly to anyone else watching from afar, to boast about. In fact, when he felt the slightest tinge of pride and peace in her presence he turned humble and silent (a feat deemed impossible for him). He needed these moments to be kept his very own.

"Aren't you going to bed?" Suki said groggily, tugging at Sokka's shirt.

Suki rubbed her eyes and struggled under the bed sheets to sit up. Sokka, sitting next to her, looked at her and smiled.

"I'm sorry." He told her quietly.

"For what?" Suki wondered. "What are you doing up?"

"I couldn't sleep, but I didn't want to wake you. Sorry." He repeated and put his hand on her shoulder. "Go back to bed."

"Is something wrong?" She asked, resisting his hand from putting her back down.

Sokka brought his knees into his arms and bowed his head. His smiled faded and looked as though he were straining to keep something in as he said, "I...uh..."

Suki took his hand and squeezed. "Is this about tomorrow?" She asked.

Sokka relented all too easily. "I think you know it is." He said and seemed to find great difficulty in looking at her as he said this.

"I thought we arranged plans to visit each other whenever we find the time and don't forget about Hawky delivering our letters. I will be writing you every week we're apart." She said, rubbing circles over the small of his back, smiling warmly.

"I know, I know." He nodded and finally turned to look at her. "But…"

"It's not the same…I know." She added, now looking solemn too.

Sokka continued, "The past few weeks have been…a daydream, you know? The war is over, everyone's been so…peaceful. I've never been happier…" He placed his hand over her cheek.

Suki felt her face grow warm and knew it showed. But, she could still see the worry in his eyes and could not bring herself to smile at his comment. Instead, she pulled him into her arms, embracing him tightly. As they pulled out of their embrace, Suki appeared to have a very determined look on her face.

"We both knew we'd have to go our separate ways after this vacation. More importantly, we both know our duties outside this daydream." She said firmly, hoping her strength would inspire him and hopefully not seem so harsh.

Sokka only nodded, switching glances from her eyes to his hands in his lap. "I know." He said, his brows furrowing deep into a frown.

Suki softened her own expression and added, "But, you're not the only one with separation anxiety. I've been dreading tomorrow too."

Even though it seemed insensitive to feel comfort in their mutual misery, Sokka felt a smile slowly creep over his lips. He needed to find comfort in the fact that he would miss chances like these, where he'd be able to be this close to her. She was warm and he found himself growing more and more distracted by her lips.

"Sokka…" She started, feeling her face flush again.

"I'm going to miss this the most." He said before pressing his lips against hers, kissing her.

Each kiss grew increasingly feverish and left both of them gasping for air when it was over. They both wore similar fatigued expressions. Sokka had a feeling he looked a bit more goofy and dazed than Suki since she suddenly had to stifle a fit of laughter.

"Way to send me off." She told him, grinning.

"Don't act like you're not impressed." Sokka said out of breath, shrugging his shoulders and feigning coolness.

Suki took a fist to his arm, making his smug smile disappear.

"Goodnight, Sokka." She said and kissed his cheek.

"Night, Suki." He replied and finally lay next to her.

Sokka found himself staring intently at Suki after she had fallen asleep. He watched the shadows of the room and the dim, candle lights as they swayed across her face. He dared not to move an inch or make a sound to wake her as she looked lovely this way. He subconsciously added the way she kissed him, yearning and committed, to his list. These two traits were in her nature and were akin to the way she dedicated herself to the people of Kyoshi Island. Sokka knew he could only respect her even more for being who she truly was to her people and to himself. However, a familiar dull, gnawing feeling in the pit in his stomach had yet to leave him. At daybreak, they would have to say their goodbyes that would last for months to come.

To be continued...