Book 16: Drained [Voice/Action]

[savedtheworld]

[Voice]

[It had been easy enough to assume that Sokka had still been kidnapped - that he'd be back any day. It was worrying, but there was still the assurance of his eventual return. Except that eventually, his room was checked. And found empty. There wasn't even a sign of Foo Foo Cuddlypoops. It was hard to believe - when Aang had first gotten to Luceti, he had gotten used to Sokka being the man with the answers. And also a beard. He was like a big figure of the town. And now he was gone. Katara wasn't in a state to announce it herself, so Aang eventually did it. Making it quick and to the point.]

Hi everyone. This is Aang. I'm sorry to tell you all this, but Sokka has gone back home. I know we're all gonna miss him. I already do. But at least at home... the last time I saw him there, he was happy.

[Action]

[Aang spends some time over by the statue of Sokka's head located House 56, studying the image of his best friend. He tries to meditate and tries to imagine the inspiring words that Sokka would usually say. Because he's still afraid of being around other people. And right now, the people dear to him may need him more than ever.]

Comments

Re: [Voice]

[blessingone]

Honestly...I'd rather deal with this on my own. It's not that I don't appreciate getting to talk to you, and to hear what's waiting for him. But...I don't think I'm going to be good company for a while, anyway.

[Technically, whether she's good company isn't the point when it comes to whether she wants company, but what she really wants to do is sulk, and she doesn't want to admit it or pet anyone see.]

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

I see. I don't think it matters at all what kinds of company people'd be. But if you prefer doing this on your own... I'll respect that, Fenimore.

[Voice]

[blessingone]

Well, I think it would matter for you, at least, when you're already having a hard time with it. But...yeah, I'd rather handle it alone.

[She sighs.]

Besides, I live with Grune. If I show the least sign of being upset, she'll probably be all over me.

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

Well, thanks for being considerate.

You're right. Grune is really friendly. I'm sure she can give you all the comfort you need.

[Voice]

[blessingone]

More than I need, if she's let to. But she means well, and that's...nice on its own.

[...]

Are the other people you're living with...I guess they won't be okay. I don't know why I'm asking this. But...are they holding up?

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

[He actually hesitates for a moment. As some faces come to mind.

Not really Zuko, Iroh, Mai, Bolin, or Asami. He felt like they'd be fine.

But he remembers Ikki's reaction and Suki's. And especially Katara's.

He responds quietly.]

It's... hard to say right now.

Everyone - everyone's taking it different.

[Voice]

[blessingone]

[She grimaces. That hesitation says a lot. But what else should she have expected? If she'd been in that position...]

I guess that was a stupid question, this soon after he left. ...Sorry.

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

It's okay, Fenimore. You were trying to be considerate. But my friends... they're some of the strongest people I know. Even if they're not okay now... I know they will be. So... you don't have to feel bad about it, Fenimore.