The Avatar's Guardian: The Lost Story (Avatar the Last Airbender fanfic)

Chapter Thirteen

Satomi's P.O.V.
Someone sits down beside me. I turn my head just enough to see Sokka out of the corner of my eye.

"Thank you," I whisper my voice just loud enough to be heard over the wind. Sokka shifts slightly.

"You would have done the same for me," he says softly. I turn to him at this slightly surprised. "Aang was right about what he said about you earlier," Sokka says. My eyebrows knit together in confusion.

"Could you be more specfic?" I ask patiently.

"After you rescued Zuko and extended him friendship," he says trying to jog my memory. I shake my head. "You would help anyone because it is who you are," he says repeating Aang's words. "I believe that. I really do," he smiles. The space around us grows awkward. "It's a compliment," Sokka whispers sensing my confusion.

"Oh, well thanks," I reply. He chuckles.

"So where are we landing tonight?" he asks. I shrug my shoulders.

"I was just going to fly through the night," I reply. "I'm not familiar with the area," I say offering Sokka the reins. He takes them from me hesitantly.

"Are you sure?" he asks. I nod once and hum. "Alright," he says guiding Appa closer to the ground. He looks around for a spot to land, and I spot a large bond fire.

"We could group up tonight?" I suggest. He nods.

"Yeah, give Aang a chance to be more sociable," he jokes. I chuckle and smile and Sokka's broadens. The smile doesn't reach his eyes though. Not completely.

"You miss Suki don't you?" I smile.

"What? I do not," he protests his cheeks becoming a bright red. I chuckle lightly.

"Come on, it's obvious you like her," I smile nudging his shoulder. His blush darkens.

"It's that obvious?" he whispers.

"It is now," I whisper. His face falls, and I chuckle again.

"Jerk," he mutters shoving into me with his shoulder. I laugh again. So this is what it feels like to be a normal teenager? Joking about silly things and teasing your friends about their crushes? I smile. It's nice but a bit too slow for my speed. Being a normal teenager living some apple pie life sounds boring compared to fighting an entire nation. I hum in response to my thoughts. It's silly, but maybe being normal isn't all it's cut out to be. Being treated like everyone is else is what I want, not to be normal, I realize. That's okay with me, but Sokka gives me both of those things as best he can. Sokka begins to circle Appa around searching for a place to land.

"Eh, you'll get over it," I grin leaning back on my hands.

"You're lucky you're my friend," he mutters. I chuckle again.

"We already know what would happen if you tried to fight me," I point out. Sokka grins evilly.

"True, but not a," he says turning to me and setting the reins aside. "Tickle fight!" he yells tackling me. I don't squeal as I fall back. I get ready to push myself back up, but Sokka begins tickling me before I get the chance. I start laughing and squirming around trying to break free of his hold as Aang and Katara cheer for either of us to win.

"Go Sokka!" Katara cheers.

"Come on Satomi," Aang beams pumping his fist in the air. I bat Sokka's hands away and twist blocking one ticklish spot only to expose another for Sokka to attack. I begin to lose the fight.

"Alright, I give up," I manage between laughs. "You win," I sigh as the attack stops. I take in great gulps of air while Sokka sits back on his feet with a grin painted on his face. "You are the master tickle fighter," I say granting him the title. He smiles proudly.