Making Up (and out ;))

Elodie was laying in her bed at the Sanctuary, just staring at the ceiling as the morning light crept through the windows. She only had one thought running through her mind: she had a full-on make-out session with Hakoda last night. She couldn't believe that 1) she actually did that and 2) she was still thinking about it. Sure, she had always thought Hakoda was very attractive, but she had never wanted to make a move or date him. But, ever since last night, she could only think of him and nothing else. It was driving her nuts! She wasn't the type of girl to just sit around and think about a boy, especially one she didn't have a crush on, but sure enough, that's what she was doing.

She rolled out of bed with a groan and walked over to the small basin in the room to wash her face. After a good 30 minutes of kissing the night before, Elodie and Hakoda had both come to an agreement that it was a one-time thing and they would never speak of it again. That it only happened because they had both been so heated and not because they were attracted to each other. That's why it was so frustrating to her that she couldn't get the chief out of her head. She looked at herself in the mirror and said sternly, "You are not catching feelings. You don't like him in a romantic way. You are only thinking about him because he was a good kisser... a really, really good- No! You are not catching feelings for him." She stared at herself for a couple more seconds, "I am pathetic, aren't I?"

Elodie's attention snapped to the door when there was a knock and she cleared her throat, "You can come in." She wanted to knock herself out when she hoped it was Hakoda at the door. Soo walked in, "I just wanted to check up on you. I was worried about you last night." Fear ran through Elodie, her thinking that she and Hakoda had been caught. But then she remembered she had a small meltdown last night in front of Soo. She smiled, "I'm doing much better. I don't know why I started crying. I think I might be going insane." Soo joked, "Well honey, you've been stuck on a ship with only men. Any woman would have gone insane." Elodie laughed, "I must admit it was nice being around some women again. Men can be so... gross." It was Soo's turn to laugh, "That would be correct." Elodie hugged the older lady, "Thank you so much for all the help Soo. I really appreciate it." Soo hugged Elodie back and smiled, "It has been my pleasure, Elodie. Would you mind if I do your hair?" Elodie shook her head, "I wouldn't mind at all."

Elodie sat at the vanity and Soo started to brush out Elodie's long hair. Elodie's eyes started closing from the comforting feeling. After a bit, Soo said with a sad ting in her voice, "You remind me a lot of my daughter." Elodie hummed not noticing the underlying sadness in Soo's voice, "Really? How old is she?" Soo said softly, "She passed away when she was five." Elodie felt very dumb, "Oh Soo... I am so sorry. I shouldn't have asked that." Soo smiled at her, "It's alright dear. I'm the one who brought it up." Elodie asked hesitantly, "If you don't mind me asking, how did she pass?" Soo started styling Elodie's hair, "It was a long time ago. Our village was attacked by the fire nation and she got caught in a burning building. She inhaled too much smoke before we could get to her. Losing her was the worst thing that had ever happened to me... But her death is what lead me to work here. I wanted to help save people that were hurt and dying." Elodie sat and listened, deeply moved by Soo's story.

Soo smiled gently, "There. You're hair's finished." Elodie looked at her reflection and studied the intricate braids Soo made. "It's beautiful. Thank you." Soo placed her hands on Elodie's shoulder and looked at her in the mirror for a little bit before smiling, "Let's go get some breakfast." Elodie nodded and followed Soo out to the dining hall.

The dining hall was not as crowded as the night before due to it a bit later in the morning and most of the men had already eaten and were getting stuff ready to leave. Before they split ways, Soo advised Elodie, "I think you should talk to Zokkik soon." Elodie tilted her head, "How did you know that we were having... issues?" Soo smiled and gently pushed her onto the bench, "We're old friends and were catching up last night. Something about you two fighting might have slipped out into the conversation." Elodie sighed, "I know I need to apologize." She thought for a second before smiling mischievously, "Wait. "Old Friends" and "catching up". Is there something going on betwe-." Soo quickly cut her off, "Nonsense. Eat now, child." Elodie laughed and started to make her plate.

Halfway through finishing eating, a familiar chaotic presence showed up beside her, "Did you hear the news?!" She swallowed her food and looked at Konoye, "What news?" Petak sat on the other side of her and started to explain, "Bato said that two kids from our tribe are helping the Avatar save the world." The two boys had already filled Elodie in who the Avatar was, so she said before taking another bite, "That's super cool." Konoye butted in, "It's not just any kids! It's Hakoda's son and daughter!" Elodie choked on her food at the news. She had made out with a dad! She finally controlled the choking and took a big sip of her drink. Konoye laughed, "Sheesh Elodie. You ok?" Elodie nodded with a sniffle, "I-I'm fine. It just went down the wrong hole."Konoye and Petak went back to talking, but all Elodie could think about was that Hakoda was a father. She honestly didn't know why she was that shocked. He was definitely was old enough to have children and even showed some dad traits. It probably wouldn't have hot her so hard if it weren't for the fact that she full-on MADE OUT with him. She only came out of her thoughts when Konoye nudged her, "Hey. You gonna finish that?" She rolled her eyes playfully before standing up, "Y'all can split it. I got to go talk to Zokkik." They finished her food as she looked for Zokkik.

Elodie found the healer doing inventory with the new things he got from the sanctuary. She took a deep breath before walking over to him, "Need help?" Zokkik looked up and smiled, "That would be nice. You know what to do?" Elodie nodded and started helping him. Once they were finished, Elodie faced Zokkik and blurted out, "I'm sorry." He looked up and asked, "What for?" She sighed, "You know what for. All you have ever done is taken care of me and cared for me. And how do I repay you? I get mad at you. I feel really bad about it..." Zokkik smiled at her, "Elodie, it's fine. I just figured that you needed to have some space." Elodie collided into him and gave him a big hug, "Thanks for dealing with me." Zokkik hugged her back, resting one hand on the back of her head, "I'll put up with you any time." She looked up at him with a smile. They hugged for a while longer before Zokkik chuckled, "We'll be left if we don't go to the boat soon." Elodie sheepishly let go of Zokkik, "Oh yeah... I want to say bye to Soo before we go." Zokkik nodded, "You should go do that now."

Elodie nodded and rushed off to find Soo, feeling strangely happy at the moment.

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