Heart to Heart

[warriorchief]

Mundane...

I appreciate that you feel this will bring me closer to my children and their friends. In many ways, I'm sure you're right, but I worry that neither of us have thought this through thoroughly. You don't have the time, you've admitted that before, and...

[A sigh.]

A glimpse into my children's lives would be nice, I will admit that; however, they are and have always been very independent, willful individuals. If having me around means any determent to that growth, then I think I'd rather remain behind. I've made my mark, and now they deserve a chance to do the same.

Please, take some time to consider how this would not only affect the both of us, but also those we hold close.

Comments

[charge_sword]

Would it really be such a negative effect?

[warriorchief]

I cannot say for certain; circumstances allow for many outcomes and uncertainty isn't generally my style. If given the choice, I'd see my children grow with little interference from myself so that they may truly become fully realized individuals of their own design.

[Hakoda pauses, leaving a moment for himself to think.]

And yet, I fear being close to them would scrub away that opportunity. If I see them struggling, I will go to them every time.

[charge_sword]

Hmmm.

[The knight thinks about this. No experience with family at all gives him a strange view on it all.]

It sounds to me the problem lays in moderating yourself.

[aangin_loose]

Well, even if she doesn't have time to bring you into a game, she can still do things with you!

[warriorchief]

Aang! Good to see you again.

[He smiles warmly.] My mundane seems to agree with you, which I suspect is the reason I'm here at all. Perhaps you have some suggestions?

[aangin_loose]

It's good to see you, too!

[He grins.] Well, we could do something! I'm just sorta floating around in her head, trying to avoid all the others up here.

[waterbends]

Dad!

[Whoah.]

[warriorchief]

Katara... [He smiles.] You look ol-- [No wait. Start over.] You look very mature. I'm guessing you have some experience dealing with these "games." Perhaps you could share your thoughts?

[waterbends]

[Nope, sorry, dad. She's just going to sort of fling herself at you first, holding on tight for a lingering moment before she finally forces herself to let go.]

They're really stupid. Don't pay too much attention to them, okay?

[restorehonour]

Are you kidding? Sokka and Katara would be really happy to see you. [...Oops, that didn't come across as very respectful.] --Uh, Chief, sir.

[warriorchief]

Please, Zuko, call me Hakoda. You've certainly earned the right.

[And a thoughtful pause later.] You're likely correct about my children's initial reactions; however, I can see where having a... parent around could make a difference in what they feel they can and cannot do.

I'm not sure it's easy to explain to someone who has no children of his own. I don't mean to assume you wouldn't be up to the challenge of answering, only that fatherhood changes one's perspective dramatically.

[Followed immediately by a discerning eye.] You're... not a father yet, are you?

[restorehonour]

[Watch as Zuko goes bright red at that question.] What?! No, I have a girlfriend, but we're not... I mean... No way am I ready for kids yet.

[S-So embarassed.]

But, uh... From my own perspective, I'm really grateful that my uncle has always been there to help and support me. I think Katara and Sokka would feel the same way, if they had you around.

[everlastingturmoil]

... you're Hakoda, right?

[warriorchief]

I am. I don't believe we've had the pleasure, but my mundane says you know my children?

[everlastingturmoil]

Yeah. I met Sokka and Katara back home, but they're over at this place I'm at now. Guess I know them a lot better.

[markofthewise]

Detriment? No no. I wouldn't call it a detriment. Besides. I'm already, you know, grown plenty. So no worries there.

[warriorchief]

Indeed, Sokka, you look quite grown. I hope our years apart haven't seen an end to the lighthearted boy I once knew. Tell me, son: How do you fare in this strange place?

[markofthewise]

Oh, you know, it's not bad! I mean, it's not exactly paradise. That would be kind of false advertising. But you know, I've got Suki and Katara. I get to make weapons all the time. I'm pretty good at it now. And- oh, I'm engaged! But uh, I dunno when we're getting married. [He kind of wants his dad around when that happens.] But I'm lighthearted. Really, just ask anyone. It's like I'm pumping helium!

[markofthebrave]

[Sorry. Hang on. It's been a horrible month and you're getting glomped.]

Dad!

[warriorchief]

[The chief laughs, holding his daughter close.] Katara-- [Another Katara. That's unexpected, but then again, he's not yet used to this strange, meta place.]

It's so good to see you! How have you been?

[doesactivities]

Of course we'd like to see you, Dad.

We can't hold close or anything if you don't go anywhere.

[warriorchief]

Sokka... [Another Sokka. Spirits, he's starting to feel like he's got more children than two! Of course, he loves them all just the same.]

If nothing else, I'm glad for at least this short amount of time we'll share. How are you, son?

[wifeofhakoda]

When did you get so wise?

[warriorchief]

Kya!

[You... may have caught your husband off guard here. He stares for a too-long moment. How long has it been? Too long.]

[After a moment, he clears his throat and smiles a young, boyish smile that's only ever produced by her presence.]

If this be wisdom, then perhaps I've learned it in the many moons since you've been gone. It felt no different to me... only older.

[His gaze softens.]

I was not expecting to see you, but now that I have, perhaps the difference is more obvious.

You look well. And young. No older than the last day I saw you. My mundane says this is a... perk of this strange world between worlds.

Are you well, my wife?

oh my god do you mind a threadjack

[doesactivities]

[...familiar. But just as much-- not-- she looks like-- but the clincher is-- the necklace. Have a very tiny, very guilty--]

Mom?