This is gonna be a series cuz I want an excuse to write more Sokka fics 😔
Chapter 1 - Reuniting and bonding
The biting Southern wind cuts right through your heavy parka, but you refuse to budge. You keep your eyes glued to the glass display of a small jewellery shop right by the bustling harbour, pretending to be deeply fascinated by a silver-and-sapphire armband.
"Hey! I told you, if you aren't buying, clear out! You're blocking the display for actual paying customers!" the shopkeeper barks from behind the counter, rubbing her hands together for warmth.
You offer a tight, apologetic smile but don't move. The truth is, you don't care about the jewelry. You are just using it as a shield to keep yourself from pacing up and down the docks, your stomach twisting into anxious knots.
Today is the day he comes home.
It feels surreal. The Southern Water Tribe around you is unrecognizable from the snowy village you grew up in. Rebuilt and remodeled, it now mirrors the grand, towering ice structures of the North, complete with sprawling canals and massive fortified walls. But the physical changes are nothing compared to the mental shift you're trying to process.
Sokka is coming back. Your childhood best friend, the boy you used to throw snowballs at and share smoked sea prune snacks with, is returning to take his rightful place as the new Chief. He left years ago with Katara, and in his absence, the rumours traveled faster than the tides. Word on the docks is that Sokka has grown into a fierce, intimidating warrior - a master swordsman who commands respect with a single cold glare.
You swallow hard, your fingers trembling slightly against the frozen glass. What if he doesn't remember me? What if he’s completely different?
"Look at you, sweating in a blizzard," a teasing voice giggles from behind you.
You turn to see your two closest friends, Akita and Keyla, walking up to you. Akita is grinning ear to ear, while Keyla gives you a knowing, supportive nudge.
"We knew we'd find you hiding over here," Keyla says, her voice softening. "Deep breaths. It’s just Sokka, your best friend."
"It's not just Sokka anymore," you mutter, looking out toward the horizon where a massive, ornate Water Tribe ship is pulling into the harbour. "He's a warrior. A leader. What if he looks at me and just sees some kid he used to know?"
"Not a chance," Akita says firmly, grabbing your arm and gently pulling you away from the angry shopkeeper. "Come on, the ship is docking."
Your heart hammers against your ribs as you, Akita, and Keyla push through the gathering crowd at the pier. The gangplank lowers with a heavy thud.
As you take a deep breath and step forward, a group of hollering men crash into you.
"It’s too cold for you out here," one says, hurriedly unfastening his heavy outer parka. "Take mine."
"No, take mine! It’s genuine seal-skin," another insists, stepping into your path. "I wouldn't want the most beautiful woman in the South to catch a chill before the ceremony."
You sigh, offering a practiced, graceful decline. "Thank you, truly, but I’m perfectly fine."
Ah, yes, this was one of those irritating moments of your life. Growing up, many elders in the tribe had complimented you - saying that you were very beautiful. And while that was a compliment, it came with the huge burden of desperate fanboys who were constantly vying for you attention.
The crowd around you suddenly falls into a hush, while Akita and Keyla pushed passed the now-dazed fanboys, you peer over the crowd.
Your breath hitches in your throat.
The boy you knew is entirely gone. Standing at the top of the ramp is a man. At twenty-one, Sokka is incredibly tall, his shoulders so broad they practically fill the frame of the ship's walkway. His jawline is sharp, his wolf-tail ( now much longer than you recall ) neatly tied back, and his ocean-blue eyes hold a striking, commanding depth. He wears the heavy, regal blues of a high-ranking warrior, a masterfully crafted meteor-sword strapped to his hip. He is, without a doubt, absolutely breathtakingly handsome.
Fierce and intimidating, your mind echoes. You instinctively step back, suddenly feeling very small.
But then, Sokka’s gaze sweeps over the crowd. He isn't looking at the new ice architecture or the banners flying in his honor. He is searching for someone.
And then, his eyes lock onto you.
The fierce, stoic expression on the young Chief's face instantly melts away. Time seems to stop completely. The roaring wind, the chattering crowd, Akita and Keyla nudging your shoulders - it all fades into absolute silence.
As you look up at him, a sudden, electric warmth floods your chest, completely banishing the freezing cold. You are twenty now, no longer the little girl he left behind, and the way his eyes widen tells you he notices. There is an instant, undeniable pull between you - a sudden, breathless realisation that changes everything. It isn't just nostalgia; it is love, sudden and fierce, striking both of you at first sight.
Sokka doesn't wait for the scrawny man beside him to finish announcing him. He breaks into a stride, practically jogging down the gangplank, his eyes never leaving yours.
The intimidating warrior persona vanishes entirely, replaced by a massive, goofy, familiar grin that makes your heart soar.
"Hey," he breathes, stopping just inches away from you. By now, all the fanboys from earlier had dispersed. Up close, he towers over you, smelling of salt air and home. He rubs the back of his neck, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "It's... it's really good to see you."
You let out a breath you feel like you've been holding for years, a radiant smile breaking across your face. "Welcome home, Chief Sokka."
" Jeez Sokka, you didn't miss us?" Akita says teasingly.
Sokka snaps out of his daze, his eyes reluctantly leaving yours to look at your two friends. A look of pure recognition and joy lights up his face. "Akita! Keyla!"
Before any royal decorum can stop him, Sokka pulls both of them into a hearty, rib-crushing hug.
"Look at you!" Keyla laughs, patting his broad shoulder as they pull apart. "You actually grew into those giant feet of yours. We weren't sure the rumors were true."
"Hey, I am a fully grown, intimidating warrior now," Sokka says, puffing out his chest playfully, though he can't hide his goofy smile. "But it is so good to see you guys. I've missed you."
The scrawny man clears his throat behind Sokka, a polite but firm reminder of the crowd still watching them. He adjusts his royal scroll, looking amused but professional.
"Ah, right!" Sokka says, turning to his advisor. "Kento, these are my childhood friends. The troublemakers I told you about from the old village."
Sokka steps beside Kento, gesturing to each of you proudly. "Kento, this is Akita, and this is Keyla. They once convinced me that a frozen tiger-seal was a ghost." Akita and Keyla both laugh, bowing their heads respectfully.
Then, Sokka’s voice softens, his gaze drifting right back to you, an undeniable warmth in his eyes. "And this is... well, she's the girl that never stopped pelting me with snowballs. But she's also the person who drew a lot of those blue prints for the new harbour."
Kento’s eyes widen slightly with genuine respect. He steps forward and offers you a deep, traditional bow. "An honor to finally meet you. The Chief has spoken very highly of your intelligence and resourcefulness during our journey here. Though, I see he left out a few details regarding your... undeniable prominence in the tribe." Kento glances subtly at the lingering bachelors in the background, a small, knowing smirk on his face.
You return the bow gracefully. "The honor is mine, Kento. Welcome to the South."
Sokka hooks his thumbs into his warrior belt, looking incredibly proud to be standing next to you, completely oblivious to the jealous glares of the young men still watching from afar. "Alright, Kento, let's get the official business over with quickly. I have a lot of catching up to do."
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Though Sokka’s mind is filled with visions of exploring the towering ice canals, racing canoes down the new waterways, and spending every waking moment catching up with you, the reality of his new title hits him like a tidal wave.
He is swarmed with work from the moment he steps into the grand council chambers.
The tribal elders and senior councilors drone on for hours about trade tariffs, ice-masonry budgets, and fishing route disputes. Sokka sits at the head of the massive carved-ice table, propping his chin up with his hand, his eyes glazing over as his brain slowly turns to mush.
Fortunately for him, you are sitting just a few seats away.
As a member of the tribe's junior council - a position you earned through your sheer brilliance and sharp strategic mind - you are required to attend. To Sokka's absolute relief, you become his saving grace. Whenever an elder launches into a particularly long-winded, boring speech, you catch Sokka’s eye across the table. With a subtle raise of your eyebrow, a sharp, whispered joke, or a funny face made when no one else is looking, you keep him completely entertained. When he starts to drift off entirely, you smoothly ask a poignant question about the blueprint in front of him, subtly guiding him back to the topic and keeping him focused.
He is completely captivated by how effortlessly you command the room, your intelligence shining brighter than the lanterns illuminating the ice walls.
Near the end of a grueling four-hour meeting, Kento steps forward, unrolling a fresh, heavy scroll.
"Moving on to cultural affairs," Kento announces, his formal voice echoing in the chamber. "The Blue Moon Festival is nearing. As you all know, this is a rare lunar event that only occurs every few years. It is a vital celebration for our people's spirits and unity."
Sokka lets out a heavy, dramatic sigh, slumping back into his carved ice throne. "Great. Another festival. Which means more speeches, more formal robes, and more paperwork. Can't we just... push it back a month?"
"The moon waits for no man, Chief Sokka," Kento says dryly, adjusting his spectacles. "And tradition dictates that the Chief, alongside one designated member of the junior council, must personally oversee every single detail of the preparations. From the ice-sculpting to the catering."
"Ugh, come on, Kento. It's a total hassle," Sokka groans, throwing his hands up. "I'm already drowning in fishing quotas! Can't someone else handle the festival prep?"
"The rule is absolute, Chief," Kento replies smoothly, turning his gaze toward the junior council members. "Therefore, the senior council has deliberated and selected the most qualified mind to assist you. The junior council representative for the Blue Moon Festival will be..." Kento looks directly at you. "...our leading strategist."
Sokka’s complaints die instantly in his throat.
He bolts upright in his seat, his posture suddenly rigid, his blue eyes wide. He looks from Kento to you, a sudden, bright spark igniting in his chest. The prospect of spending days on end, completely alone with you, planning a romantic, moonlit festival, completely overrides his exhaustion.
"You know what, Kento?" Sokka interrupts loudly, clearing his throat and trying to adopt a deeply dignified, serious expression. "On second thought... cultural heritage is the backbone of the Southern Water Tribe. As Chief, it is my solemn duty to ensure the Blue Moon Festival is absolutely flawless."
You bite your lip to hide a laugh, catching the sudden, eager grin Sokka tries to hide.
"I am more than willing to sacrifice my free time for this," Sokka continues righteously, leaning forward and resting his interlocking fingers on the table, staring right at you with an intense, heated gaze. "And I think the council made an excellent choice. I look forward to working closely with you."
Kento raises an eyebrow, a small, knowing smirk playing on his lips as he rolls up the scroll. "Very well, Chief. The first preparation meeting begins tomorrow morning. Just the two of you."
Kento knew something was up if he was betraying his usual deadpan expression and dry, sarcastic voice.
Over the next week, the towering ice-palace of the Southern Water Tribe becomes the backdrop to your own personal fairytale.
You and Sokka spend nearly every waking hour together, tucked away in a private strategy room preparing for the Blue Moon Festival. What was supposed to be a grueling chore turns into the highlight of your days. Together, you analyze the physics of massive ice-sculptures, sample plates of sweet sea-prune tarts for the catering menu, and map out the security patrol routes for the harbor.
Your brilliant, strategic mind keeps the preparations flawless, while Sokka’s quick wit keeps you laughing until your ribs ache. With every late-night session lit by glowing spirit-lanterns, the space between you shrinks. A lingering touch of his hand over a blueprint, the way his deep blue eyes soften whenever you speak, the gentle warmth of his chest pressed to your back as he points something out on a map - the electric pull between you grows undeniable.
By the day before the festival, the shift in your dynamic is blindingly obvious.
Akita, Keyla, and even the strictly professional Kento notice it immediately. The way Sokka hovers over you, fiercely protective yet completely captivated, is impossible to miss.
That afternoon, the four of you - you, Sokka, Akita, and Keyla -are sitting at an outdoor ice-cafe by the grand canal, enjoying a rare moment of downtime over cups of steaming ginger tea.
"I'll be right back, guys," you say with a radiant smile, sliding out from the booth. "I’m just going to use the restroom."
Sokka’s eyes trace your form until you disappear through the cafe doors. The moment the door clicks shut, Akita and Keyla lean across the table, their expressions turning identical, devious smirks. Kento, who is standing nearby reviewing a clipboard, quietly steps closer, an amused glint in his eye.
"Alright, lover boy, spill it," Akita demands, propping her chin on her hands.
Sokka blinks, startled out of his daze. "Spill what? The tea? It's perfectly level -"
"Don't play dumb, Sokka," Keyla chuckles, leaning in. "The way you look at her? You’re practically drooling every time she breathes. Do you like her or what?"
Sokka’s cheeks instantly flare a brilliant, deep crimson. He rubs the back of his neck, looking down at his tea as a shy, genuine smile tugs at his lips. "I mean... okay, maybe. Maybe I have some... slight feelings for her. It’s hard not to. She’s brilliant, she's funny, and spirits, she is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen."
Akita and Keyla exchange a sharp, knowing look.
"Well, Chief, you better move fast," Akita warns, her tone turning entirely serious. "Because in case you haven't noticed, she is the most high-in-demand girl in the entire Southern Tribe. There is a literal line of young bachelors waiting to ask her to the festival tomorrow night."
"Yeah," Keyla adds, crossing her arms. "She isn't going to stay single for long. If you don't step up, someone else will."
Sokka scoffs, puffing out his broad chest and smirking with a sudden wave of confidence. "Please. Have you seen the guys chasing her? They're total stiffs. I’m the Chief of this tribe, a master swordsman, and I have a roguish charm they couldn't replicate if they tried. I'm unlike any other man in this tribe. She’d never choose one of them over me."
Akita narrows her eyes, a wicked idea forming in her mind. "Oh, really? So you think you’re a total catch? Fine. Let’s put that ego to a trial."
Sokka’s smirk falters. "A... trial?"
"Yes," Keyla chimes in, catching on to Akita’s plan with a grin. "Swear to us right now that you won't ask her out to the Blue Moon Festival. Let’s see if your 'roguish charm' keeps her waiting for you, or if some other guy sweeps her off her feet."
"What?! No! That is a terrible trial!" Sokka whines dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. "Why would I do that? I have a perfectly good romantic speech prepared in my head - "
"I agree with the young ladies, Chief Sokka," Kento’s calm, authoritative voice interrupts.
Sokka gapes up at his advisor. "Kento! You're supposed to be on my side!"
"A true leader does not let pride cloud his judgment," Kento says playfully, tapping his clipboard. "Consider it a test of patience and humility. I require your signature on these trade documents anyway, which means you will be far too busy tonight to chase after her. Agree to the terms, Chief."
"This is mutiny!" Sokka groans, burying his face in his hands as Akita and Keyla laugh triumphantly. "Fine! I swear! I won't ask her out today. But you're all torturing me."
Later that night, the harbor is alive with the glow of thousands of blue festival lanterns, reflecting beautifully off the massive ice walls. You are walking along the pier, the freezing wind brushing your cheeks, your heart heavy with a profound sense of disappointment.
The festival is tomorrow, and Sokka hadn't asked you.
You had spent all week hoping, dropping subtle hints, wishing desperately that he would ask you to be his date. Little did you know, Sokka was currently standing just a few yards away, hidden in the shadow of a grand ice archway, bound by his oath and being strictly escorted by Kento.
Sokka’s eyes are glued to you, his heart aching to run over and pull you into his arms.
But before he can even think about breaking his promise, a handsome young bachelor from the tribe - one of the boys from the harbour -steps into your path. He holds a beautiful, hand-carved ice flower, his face flushed with nervous excitement.
From the shadows, Sokka freezes, his jaw clenching.
"Excuse me," the young man says to you, bowing politely. "I know you're incredibly busy with the council, but... I was wondering if you would do me the honour of attending the Blue Moon Festival with me tomorrow night?"
In the shadows, Sokka lets out a low growl, his hand instinctively gripping the hilt of his meteor-sword. "That's it, trial over. Kento, let me at him, I'm going to - "
Kento firmly plants his arm across Sokka’s chest, holding the broad-shouldered warrior back with surprising strength. "Hold your ground, Chief. An oath is an oath."
Sokka is forced to watch, his stomach twisting into agonizing knots of pure jealousy and regret. He watches the man offer you the flower, his heart sinking into his boots as he realises his pride might have just cost him the only girl he has ever truly loved.
But as you look at the ice flower, your smile is polite, distant, andtinged with a quiet sadness. You look past the young man's shoulder, your eyes scanning the harbor, wishing with everything inside you that the tall, broad-shouldered Chief would come rushing out of the dark to claim you instead.
okay guys, fyi this is just the grace period. Let's just say this cute romance is probably gonna die into drama and maybe angst in the next few chapters. and also sorry this took so long, idk why but I proofread this like 10 times but I still feel like somethings off.
also I desperately tried to give Akita, Keyla and Kento's characters more seasoning but I guess there wasn't enough stuff going on for me to. DW more characters will be added later on and stuff.