Part I:

It was carved into a smooth domed top but the spiral striations were still clear in the sides. Inside it was hollow and lined with supple seal skin. A river rock had been carved and placed on the base so it wouldn’t enter further than necessary. His tidal horn-his mark of a warrior. 

He could still remember when he’d come of age and Gran-Gran had explained to him what it was for. He was a warrior and warriors could only beget warriors. It was crucial he only let himself be taken by other great warriors. 

This was the way of their people-the way of the ocean and the moon. The way new warriors were born- only the bravest of warriors could bare sons and only the strongest warriors could father them. 

That was how Sokka too had been born. Much to his dismay, Gran-Gran had explained in detail. “Hakoda had fought his way into being a warrior and ultimately the chief hood for our village. But other chiefs did not respect him-and therefore the tribe- because he was born to me a non-warrior woman. Many tribes tried to take out territory, particularly our penguin-seal hunting grounds. But Hakoda fended them off every time. He even ended up defeating the Beartide Clan, which had twice as many warriors-without loss of life to either side!”

She had gotten this look in her eye. “I thought I would never be prouder of him than I was on that day.”

She smiled and cupped his red cheeks, “But then I was proven wrong.

One of the warriors was so impressed with your father he returned the following full moon, with his warriors. We were all scared when they arrived of course. But then they announce they would honor the Warrior’s Tide, even if your father wasn’t born a warrior. That was the first warrior to honor your father in such a way.”

Nine months later, you were born, and that was my proudest moment.”

He’d been horrified when she’d gone into more details about how the conception would work and- how to prevent conception with his tidal horn. She’d answered every question he’d ever wanted to ask, but not the ones he’d always wanted but never found the words.

“I know several of the warriors stayed-Bato and Kya, but whatever happened to my other father.”

“Setam had to return to his own tribe after your birth, his brother the chief was killed by a polar orca. You’re a son of two Chiefs; you were born to be a leader.” Sokka was aware of the weight that went with that statement. 

Katara and their little brothers, Tikani and Nilak did not have this same pressure. 

Tides when he was traveling with Aang and Katara were going to be a nightmare. How was he supposed to get time alone with his Tide Horn with his sister and a twelve year old around? Then they met Jet. 

Sokka had yet to meet any young warrior of any of the other clans that was a future chief and close to his age. So at Jet’s camp when his tide rose, he’d seized the opportunity. He’d removed the seal skin “boat” from his horn and left for Jets room of the tree house. While Sokka was eager to Tide like a real warrior he wasn’t going to give Jet the honor of fathering his son.

No Jet hadn’t impressed him that much. Sokka was glad too a few days later. He was even more glad Katara’s own tide had not coincide, because he was fairly certain she had let Jet tide her without a boat. Or at least Sokka hadn’t seen her cleaning hers afterwards.

They were camped near a river somewhere, despite the disastrous shit that happened with the pirates last time. Something blah blah about the moon helps with silly water magic. Sokka was pretty sure the only thing it did was rile up everyone in the water tribe. 

But the two of them splashing around in the water was the perfect time to sneak off and have some alone time. 

Sokka grabbed his horn tucking it in his waistband behind his back.

“I’m gonna go take a huge dump!” He called out.

“Gross Sokka!”

“I’m serious it’s gonna be bad; I think something was wrong with the last of the seal jerky.” 

Katara glared at him. “You’re so gross just go and quit talking about it!!”

Grinning Sokka slinked off into the woods to get his much needed alone time. He followed an animal trail until he reached a perfect area. It was just a small clearing in the trees. A thick layer of leaves covered the ground and surrounded by tall bushes. Perfect. 

Sokka made short work of removing his clothing and making himself a place on the ground to lay out. He didn’t have a particular fantasy in mind, it wasn’t like he had many other people his age to develop crushes on. 

Jet had been his first, but he really didn’t want to think about him. Like ever- especially with his fingers doing what they were doing. He’d met so many great warriors on this journey so far. Such nice physiques and variety of people.

Everyone he’d ever know had dark skin, gray or blue eyes, and various shades of dark brown hair. Suki has hair like a dark sunset and dark eyes. But he couldn’t think about her either no a female warrior was not what he wanted right now. Not that he didn’t like girls not he liked them a lot, but right now with his Tide, Sokka shivered thinking bout what another man could do to him. 

He hated how much he liked some of the earthbend kingdoms soldiers. Because the ones he liked were obviously bastards. They always had paler skin and hazel colored eyes. The gang had been luck so far and had directly witnessed that part of war but Sokka knew it happened. A few of the young boys in the tribe were like that. 

Sokka focused on one of the soldiers he’d met recently at the last town they passed through. He’d spotted him while the older boy was working on his earth ending-shirtless and in loose pants that left nothing to the imagination. That’s the image he chose to focus on as he worked the horn into himself. 

About the time he got the thing all the way inside. He heard yelling and not the sexy kind of yelling. Sokka sat up on his elbows, but even then he still couldn’t see over the bushes. He could only listen and hope whatever was going on didn’t find him. 

But the universe hated Sokka. Someone came crashing through the bushes and tripped over top of him. Sokka was pinned in place for a moment. He yelped and tried to squirm out from under the intruder. Before he could get away a sword was pressed against his throat. 

All his remaining protest died where the blade pressed. He looked up into a face he recognized. It wasn’t truly a face, but a mask. 

The blue spirit. The fire nation’s most wanted after the avatar of course. Sokka was a big fan, anyone who pissed Zhao off that much was more than okay in his book. 

Although this was not exactly how he wanted to meet the blue spirit. The vigilant didn’t say anything, he just held a finger to the mask’s lips before using the top of the other sword to push back a hole through the bushes for Sokka to see some of the Fire Nation soldiers searching. 

Sokka tried to remain silent but his and the Blue Spirit’s breath was harsh. Eventually after several tense moments the soldiers moved on. 

The Blue Spirit sheathed his weapons before peering over the bush after the soldiers. He glanced back at Sokka and cocked his head. 

The embarrassment of the situation finally sunk in. Sokka grabbed his tunic and pulled it over his lap in an attempt to cover his genitals. When he looked up the Spirit was gone. And even worse his tunic was covered in spunk.

He groaned he’d have to wash that out before he returned; there was no way he was asking Katara to do it.

Sokka was irritated beyond belief. This fortune telling stuff was stupid. And Aang and Katara were both into it. Sheeesh! Even after they rescued the town from a volcano. 

Ugh! He was going to prove she only told people what they wanted to hear. The night before they were to leave the village, Sokka snuck back to Aunt Wu’s just to question her (interrogate). 

The hinges on the door groaned as Sokka slipped in the back door. “I’ve been expecting you.”

“Ghh!” Sokka fell against the door with a yelp. “You probably say that to everyone who breaks into your house.” 

Her face was unreadable. “Only the ones I’ve seen coming.”

He rolled his eyes. “Look, I know you only tell people what they want to hear. What I want to know is how you can medal in people’s lives like that?”

“Because very often the predictions I make will change the path a person is on. Take Maang for example, she now seeks to marry a man with large ears. It will keep her from marrying the man I saw beat her to death. There are others like your sister who telling them will only solidify the path they are on.”

Sokka folded his arms. “And which type am I then?”

“Ah you and your young monk friend are a different sort. Your destinies are set in stone but how it will turn out I cannot say.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Your destinies are entwined with other’s like a spider web. It’s not just up to one person as far as the outcome of your life, it's many tiny threads all being pulled but they must be pulled in the right direction to make something.”

“You’re just saying that because your fortune telling is complete bear shit.” 

Wu stepped closer to him and grabbed his hand. Sokka should be defensive but he kinda wanted to see what she would do. Gentle, she removed his glove. “Your sister wanted to know about her love life and her future children.”

“I assume as a Water Tribe man you want to know the same.”

“I would be happy knowing if I live to the end of the war.” Sokka grumbled. 

“You’ll live, you’ll see the end and your sons will live in a time of peace for most of their lives.”

“You’re just telling me what I want to hear.”

“Your children will be powerful leaders.”

“I have a future chief necklace on. Really amazing prediction there.”

Wu sighed. “I doubt you will want to know what else I see, you won’t believe me anyway.”

Sokka smirked and shrugged. “If I don’t believe you, what does it matter?” 

“I see you and your children near a throne.” Sokka cocked an eyebrow as she continued. “And all the sons you will bear will be benders.”

“It’s not un plausible for that to happen-”

“Firebenders.”

“What?”

“Your sons will all be firebenders.”

Sokka glared. “Now you’re just being insulting.”

“Fate can have some strange turns.”

Part II: Bato

Sokka tried to put what Aunt Wu had said out of his mind, but he couldn’t help it.  The woman had to be  crazy there was no way he would willingly have sex with a firebender. Which only left the option that he would be unwilling when the children were  conceived. That was something Sokka did not want to think about. 

A week or so later they found a whale-tooth sword near a beach, before stumbling upon one of the boats from their dad’s fleet. It was exhilarating knowing his dad was still out there fighting the fire nation after over two years. But with the memories of his father his thoughts still swirled around the possibilities that Wu could be right. 

Aang and Katara were sleeping soundly but Sokka was on watch and as such his thoughts were haunting him. 

There was a noise just outside of the fire light. Sokka looked up to see a figure approaching them. He rested his hand on his club and waited for some reason the figure looked familiar. “Bato?”

The figure smiled. “Bato!”

Sokka jumped to his feet and ran to meet the man.

There were hugs all around. “What are you doing here? Is dad with you?” Sokka blurted out.

Bato smiled. “Come I think much can be explained at the Abbey.” 

He waved for Aang to follow along. “How are Tikani and Nilak?”

“They were growing like crazy last we saw them.” Katara grinned as they walked.

The priestesses of the abbey were very kind and welcoming. But Bato’s quarters were like coming home.

There was even the scream of children. Bato removed his arms from around Sokka and Katara’s shoulders and moved towards the bassinet.

“Come meet your newest brother, Kesuk.”

Katara grinned and rushed to the basket. “He’s precious.”

“You got pregnant while fighting the fire nation?”

Bato shrugged, “He wasn’t exactly planned- make sure to keep the leather on your boat out of the sun or it will crack.”

Sokka shuttered. He did not want to think about his dad and Bato getting it on, but he would definitely make sure he maintained the leather seal skin. 

“Wait, what do you mean got pregnant?” Aang asked. 

Three pairs of blue eyes turned to Aang.

“You know-“ Sokka gestured wildly to his little brother in the crib. “Newborn.” 

“But who's its mom?”

“He doesn’t have a mom.” Sokka let his little brother gum his finger with an excited gurgle. Oh how gross and yet his heart was bleeding.

“Oh- I’m sorry“

Bato put a hand on Aang's shoulder. “Avatar, I suspect the monks told you about the nations’ courting traditions. Did they tell you about the warrior’s tides?”

“Ugh yeah.” Aang blushed. “It’s like this thing where the water tribe warriors honor each other as warriors by… sleeping together.”

Sokka snorted and picked Kesuk. “Ha takes a bit more activity than sleeping.”

“Yeah, otherwise you’d have had more kids than the rest of the Wolf-Seals combined.” 

Sokka stuck his tongue out at his sister ignoring Aang’s crimson face.

“Our sacred spirits are Tui and La. Ocean and Moon. Because of the dual nature of water, water tribe warriors have a dual nature as well. Our warriors are able to bear children. We honor other warriors by fathering or baring their children.” Bato motioned towards Kesuk in Sokka’s arms. “Only warriors can birth and father warriors.”

“Sokka is a warrior because our father was a warrior. And little Kesuk will be a warrior too.” 

“And when I have kids they’ll be warriors.” Sokka handed the baby to Bato. Bato motioned for everyone to sit around a stew pot. “For Hakoda’s sanity, I hope that’s not for a few years yet.”

Sokka smirked. “Kya was only two years older than me when she had Katara.”

“Like I said a few years. Did I ever tell you about how we met your father?”

The stories continued on into the evening until Katara and Aang had both drifted off. Kesuk was asleep in his basket where Sokka watched him. His and Bato’s conversation was slow both men were tired, but they had lost so much time together there was so much more to catch up on. 

“Something’s bothering you, Sokka.”

“How can you tell?”

“The way you’re looking at Kesuk.”

“It’s stupid I don’t even believe in such things it shouldn’t be bothering me.”

“Sokka.” Bato said his name in a way clearly meant to bring comfort.

“A fortune teller told me all the sons I would bear would be fire benders. Which is absurd I’d - I’d never sleep with the enemy!”

Bato shrugged. “I’ve met a fair few fire benders with a disdain for the fire nation. Most of them had mothers who were raped by fire nation soldiers. They have more reason to hate the fire nation than most. Perhaps if this fortune is true then it is one of these warriors you’ll find yourself with.”

Sokka contemplated his words for a moment. He watched as Kesuk continued to grip his finger as he slept. “I hope you’re right.”

“I’m waiting on word from your father Kesuk is a month old now. I was planning on returning to the south to leave him with the two of you.” 

Sokka smirked. “Gran Gran already has her hands full with the toddlers.”

“Which is why I’m sending Kesuk north with you.”

Sokka tore his eyes away from his little brother. “What?”

Bato smiled. “I think you can handle a little babysitting.”

“Babysitting is you and dad going out for a hunting trip! Taking Kesuk to the north is baby rearing! There’s no telling how long it will take Aang to master water bending.”

“Exactly, how long will this war last I can’t say. The north is a strong hold. I want to fetch Tikani and Nilak and get them there. If I know one thing I’ve learned it’s that it will take years to end this war. Years where my children are at risk.”

Sokka paused and stared into the fire. if Aang somehow managed to master an element every year or two it would still be 3-6 years before he could truly devote himself to fighting the Fire Nation.

It was a harsh reality check. “Alright. And you’ll bring the rugrats.”

“I doubt they’ll still be when I see them next.”

“Uh, Bato?” Can you teach me how to take care of him over the next couple days?”

“I hope so.”

Somehow between Zuko showing up and other chaos, Bato manages at least to teach Sokka the basics that he hadn’t learned with his younger brothers. The thing was, without Bato there, Sokka had to find a source of milk in every town they stopped at.  Which was how he found himself lost in some Fire Nation colony town; Only the moon knew whatAang and Katara were doing. They had tried to explain it to him but Sokka needed to get Kesuk something to eat before he got too fussy. 

With Kesuk secured to his side in a leather sling, Sokka went from vendor to vendor looking for supplies and hopefully finding someone who had fresh milk for Kesuk. 

He found plenty of supplies of fruits, some sort of root vegetables and even a bag of rice. His hands were getting very full, but still no sign of milk yet. 

A silk merchant’s shop caught his attention. A few lengths of bright blue fabric fluttered in the breeze. 

“What do you think, Kesuk, would you like a lighter wrapping?” The baby made no response. Sokka walked over to the merchant. “How much for a couple of lengths of that blue silk?”

“It's a gold piece per length.” Sokka was sure that his face said his reaction. The shopkeeper smiled. “It’s not easy importing fire nation silks in this part of the world.”

Kesuk took it upon himself to wake up from his nap and begin to wail. “I guess not. Do you know where I could find someone who sells milk?”

The shopkeeper shook his head. “I’m sorry the only one I know of he won’t sell to you.”

Sokka bounced Kesuk. “Why not?”

“He won’t sell to anyone like you.”

“Like me?” 

“Nephew, why is your face so red?” Said a familiar voice. Sokka glanced over through the silks to see Zuko staring straight at him. 

Sokka knew he’d been recognized but he wasn’t sure if Zuko know where he recognized him from. He moved himself so his back was to the Prince. “Please, I have to have some. I have to try.”

The shopkeeper gave him a sympathetic look before sighing. “It’s down the way there, just past that large oak take a left, it’ll be down at the end of the lane. Speak to his wife if you can, she'll be more sympathetic.”

Sokka muttered his thanks and scurried out of there hopefully before the firebenders decided to follow him. 

He made his way down the street as instructed, checking behind him at every turn for pursuant firebenders. The oak tree seemed to mark the edge of the town because after that it appeared to be just farms and the cobbled street turned to dirt. Sokka was relieved he spotted several moo-pigs in the field. While it did not lessen Kesuk’s cries it did give Sokka hope that he might find him something. Moo-cow wasn’t as good as buffalo yak milk, but it would have to do until they reached the north.

The shop keeper had specifically told him to talk to the wife of the man who owned the farm. He stayed on the fence line until he spotted her scattering grain out for the chicken-pigs and geese. 

“Excuse me, ma’am.” 

The lady turned and looked up. “Can I help you young man?” 

Her gaze drifted to Kesuk. “I was told you might be able to help me find some dinner for this guy.” 

She glanced around. “Are you from the water tribe?”

Sokka grinned. “I sure am.”

“Shh, not so loud. My husband hates water tribesmen. He’ll run you off and do worse if he gets a hold of you. Wait right here and stay out of sight. I’ll go see what we currently have.”

Kesuk seemed to take that as his que to get fussy. 

The lady stopped. “If he gets loud, meet me at the oak tree up the lane after dark.”

Sokka did his best to bounce Kesuk and keep him quiet. Still the baby whined. He wasn’t yet at full on wails but if Sokka didn’t get him something soon he would be. Letting him nurse his finger seemed to be the most effective.

After several Agonizing minutes of waiting the lady returned with a skin pouch. “I’m afraid we don’t have much right now. But if you come back tonight after we’ve done the evening milking, my husband will be in town for Pai Sho.”

Sokka breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much this will be enough to at least get him started” He handed her a few coppers and took the jar.

“I’ll see you this evening then.”

“Definitely.”

When Sokka left the farm he didn’t see Prince Jerkbender or any of his men loitering around. But just to be safe he went into the woods on the opposite side of town from where their camp was. The same stream they were camped by ran through town to the opposite side where Sokka was.  He found a nice quiet place to remove Kesuk from his sling and put a leather nipple on the pouch for him to drink. 

While the stream was too cold to give the baby a bath it was helpful to immediately wash out his diaper after he’d soiled it. 

Sokka waited until he was sure that no one was following him, before following the stream back to camp.

It was later that evening when Sokka returned to the farm for more milk. He’d left Kesuk with Katara as it would be easier to creep through the woods silently.

Just after dusk, He watched the farm house and waited. It wasn’t too long after the dark that the farmer headed out towards the village. Sokka made sure to keep low in the bushes as the man passed his hiding place. 

The old man held a single flame in his hand. Sokka vaguely wondered why fire bender was a simple farmer. But as the old man got closer he noticed the limp in his gate and the cuts on his arms and face. Sokka recognized the pattern of cuts from ice, he’d had enough of them growing up after all. Sokka suddenly understood why this man hated the water tribe so much, he’d fought them. 

Once he was sure the old man was a good distance away he moved towards the house to meet with the lady from earlier. He really should learn her name. She was being so helpful. She could have mentioned it earlier; he just wasn’t great with names. 

He knocked on the door three times and waited. Well he wasn’t good at waiting. He shifted back and forth on his heels and tried to make out fague shapes in the darkness. 

Eventually, the lady opened the door. She looked surprised to see him “Is something wrong?”

“No, I just came to get the rest of the milk, Kesuk would need tonight.”

“Oh you’re young man came earlier and picked it up; He said he’d get it too you about this time.”

Young man? “Do you mean Aang?”

The old woman got this dreamy look on her face. “Is that his name? He’s such a handsome young man. I can see why you were taken with him, he seems rather taken with you too. You two are a bit young to be burdened with parenting, but in war children don’t stay children for long.”

Okay definitely not Aang.

“Yeah, speaking of children, Kesuk is probably getting hungry, did- did he tell you where I should meet him?”

“He said you’d find him in the woods. Star crossed lovers such as yourselves must be used to having to meet in all sorts of strange places.”

“Uh...yeah of course. We’ll thank you for the milk I best get going.”

Sokka waved to the woman as he retreated up the road. He knew this was a trap but Kesuk needed milk. It was astounding how much the little guy could drink. 

Re-entering the woods he drew his boomerang and headed in. His hair was on end and ever step he took he swore a snare was going to spring. Of course if Zuko was going to spring a trap on him, he planned to use Sokka as bait to lure out Aang. 

Eventually he came to a clearing with light from the crescent moon flickering down through the trees. If he was going to ambush someone it would be here. Sokka stepped forward so that he was just inside the clearing. 

“Alright Jerkface, I know you’re here. You want me- come and get me.”

There was the sound of twigs snapping followed by the thump of feet landing in the dirt. A figure stood up from where he’d jumped from the trees, but it wasn’t Zuko. It was black clothes and a blue mask. The Blue Spirit was not at all who Sokka was expecting and he was sure his gaping mouth told the Spirit as much. 

Why would the Blue Spirit want to meet with him especial when the last time they ran into each other-oh. Sokka knew what other nations thought of the Warriors of the watertribe. Zhao certainly had made enough comments about it. They thought that somehow because they got a certain itch they needed scratching that somehow anyone would do. Not to mention the Blue Spirit had literally caught him with his pants down. 

Sokka readied himself for fight. “What do you want?”

The Spirit stepped closure to him, Sokka held his ground staring the man dead in the eyes. Awkwardly they stood there for a moment before Sokka reiterated. “What do you want?”

The Spirit pulled a package from behind his back an offered it to Sokka.

“What is it?” Sokka was not going to trust this. The Spirit however simple made a motion indicating for Sokka to take the package. 

“Fine.Don’t tell me then.” Sokka took the box from him and opened the lid cautiously. He expected to find some sort of gas to knock him out. Instead in the faint moon light he could just makeout  the shine of porcelain jars. 

“What is this?” Sokka looked up but the Blue Spirit was gone. He looked every which way but saw no movement; he even looked into the tree canopy still nothing. Sokka closed the lid and continued a little way until he got to the stream the moon was brighter there. With more light he opened the box and began to examine what was inside. 

Sokka pulled out the small blue and white jars to examine them. They all seemed to be sealed with some kind of wax. Curious Sokka removed the seal of one of them and looked at the contents. 

White. Sokka stared at the liquid for a moment before he smelled it. Milk.

The Blue Spirit had given him jars of milk. He smiled. Okay so maybe the blue spirit really was a good guy. After all he’d gotten Sokka preserved milk for Kesuk. Probably more than a weeks worth. 

Sokka started to put the jar back when he noticed something else in the bottom. His heart leaped. Carefully he pulled the little jars out and placed them next to the box before pulling out the fabric underneath. His stomach felt queasy. Sokka had wanted two lengths that was all he originally wanted. This was the remainder of the bolt; easily ten lengths. 

Between the milk, jar, and the silk this box was worth nearly worth a ton of rice. What on earth would the Blue Spirit get him something like this and not want something in return. 

Part II: Zuko’s POV

    Zuko had fucked up royally. He was just trying to find out Zhao’s latest intel, but he’d been made and was now running like crazy through the woods. After a curve in the path he broken into the bushes hoping to ditch the soldiers chasing him. Only he didn’t get very far, as soon as he entered the bushes he tripped over something. 

    He looked up and met wide dark blue eyes. Zuko moved quickly and pressed a sword into the other man’s throat to keep him from screaming. He turned towards the bush he’d crashed though and pulled it back to watch the soldier’s feet run by. 

    He waited until he could no longer here their foot steps but it was hard with the man beneath him’s panting. Why was he the one panting; Zuko was the one who’d been running for his life. He stood to look over the bushes to check if the cost was clear. 

    Zuko looked back down at the other man and froze. 

    The watertribe man was actually a boy about Zuko’s age. He was stark naked except for the white necklace that contrasted with his dark skin. The way his hair fell around his face it made Zuko want to stare at his face. But no matter how beautiful he was Zuko couldn’t help but look between his legs. So it was true.

    The men of the watertribe were cursed by their spirits to have a cunt instead of balls. The watertribe boy flushed and moved to cover himself, Zuko took the opportunity to run. 

    He’d remembered asking his mother why the only men in his Grandfather’s harem were of watertribe descent. He’d been told about the curse and how they could bare children. But his father had had all of them removed and claimed it was just Azulon’s lie to make his appetites socially acceptable. 

    Appetites Zuko apparently shared as he couldn’t will his erection away as he ran back to the ship. 

Zuko did not think of the water tribe boy again that not no matter what the stains on his sheets suggested.

 The thing was Zuko couldn’t stop thinking about the water tribe boy, but he was sure he’d never see him again. At least he assumed. Walking through a colony town he attempted to find any lead about the Avatar. His uncle attempted to find a lead on any bargain. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye he noticed the movement of blue tinted leather. 

And there he was the watertribe boy from the woods. He was loaded down with various goods and his hair was tied back. Zuko wanted to take it down. He couldn’t think about that now, he needed to find the Avatar. 

It was then that he realized that this watertribe boy was the same one traveling with the Avatar. Fuck! If he hadn’t been so stupid he could have captured the boy and used him as bait. 

“Nephew, why is your face so red?” 

Zuko ignored him in favor of watching the pretty- watching his lead! The watertribe boy turned and recognized him. He moved to speak to the shopkeeper about something that; no peasant could possibly afford anything in the shop. It was then that Zuko noticed the baby in the sling. 

“Ah, I suppose it is shocking to see one so young with a child. It happens far too frequently to boys in the water-tribes, our officers often take them as war trophies to bear them children when they are still children themselves. It’s a shame. Still it’s best not to stare.”

The water-tribe boy scurried away from the shopkeeper. Zuko jumped forward once again, not saying anything to his uncle. “Excuse me!”

Zuko hurried over to the shopkeeper. “What did he want?”

The shopkeeper seemed shocked. “He wasn’t causing any trouble.”

“I’m not- what was he asking about?” Zuko growled. 

“He wanted to know how much the blue silk was-”

Zuko grabbed the bolt and turned to his uncle. “Pay the man.” 

He took off after the watertribe boy. As he went he realized that the boy had no idea he was the Blue Spirit and likely would freak out if he approached him as himself. He slowed down and kept his distance from the other boy and followed him to a farm. 

Zuko moved into the woods and waited for whatever business he had to conclude. He didn’t have a plan but he needed to follow the watertribe boy and get close to him to find out if he was still traveling with the Avatar. Not because Zuko was inexplicably attracted to the other boy. 

Eventually the other boy left the farm and headed into the woods. Zuko followed. 

When the tribesmen came to a stream he unloaded his items onto the bank before unwrapping his child and laying it down too. As he prepared a bottle of milk, Zuko realized why he’d gone to the farm. 

He looked down to the silk in his hands, of course, he’d picked feeding his child over the silk. 

“I know it’s not much buddy, but it's all I can get you until dark.” He cooed at the child. Zuko had never really been around anyone with a child. But the other teenage was so- tender with him. The way he touched and cleaned him reminded Zuko of how his uncle had tended his wounds after his fateful Agni Kai. 

At the time he hadn’t recognized the affection behind the action but seeing someone else have that kind of devotion to someone well. Zuko hoped that when he’d restored his honor he and his spouses would be that tender with their children. The way the watertribe boy smiled at his baby reminded Zuko of his mother. She’d adored him and Azula even if she’d been forced to marry his father. He supposed that was the similarity they both shared a fate he wouldn’t- well that he wouldn’t wish on his enemy.

When he captured the Avatar he could also capture the watertribe boy and make him a part of his harem as his grandfather had done. Zuko's train of thought derailed. If he did that he’d be no different than the man who’d forced himself on the boy. 

Zuko gripped the silk bolt. It had to be his choice, somehow Zuko had to get  this boy to understand that he could  make  sure he and his son were safe and would never be separated. But the tribesman would never trust him. 

But he might trust the Blue Spirit. Zuko set off for the farm.