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“So…Sokka, huh?”
“What?!” Zuko whipped around, face bright red. Toph was leaning against the entrance to his tent, blocking his exit. “What are you talking about?”
“Your crush on him. Not gonna lie, I didn’t see it coming, but don’t worry, I won’t judge you.”
“I don’t have a crush on Sokka.” He turned back to his sleeping bag, trying to ignore both Toph and the blush creeping down his neck. For once, he was glad she was blind.
“Uh-huh.” She crossed the tent to stand in front of him. “I can tell you’re lying, Zuko. I told you, I’m not gonna judge you. Don’t worry, he has a crush on you too. I can see that you two have the hots for each other, and I can’t even see!”
“Yeah, right,” Zuko scoffed. “No way he likes me. Even if he does like guys, there’s no chance.”
“Trust me on this, Sparky. Sure, he likes to roast you, but he does that to everyone. And he’s had lots of time to come up with material, since you chased them all over the world. But deep down, he’s a big softie.”
Despite himself, Zuko couldn’t deny that he was a little excited. And no matter how annoyed he acted, he was relieved that someone else had brought it up. Being told his entire life that he was a disgrace to the Fire Nation for liking men, he had a bit of a hard time talking about it.
“You’re sure?” He had to make sure that Sokka actually did like him back. He knew Toph wouldn’t lie about something like this, but living with Azula for thirteen years had made him very cautious with things like this.
Toph sighed exasperatedly. “Yes. I’m sure. Now, I’m going to go talk to him so hopefully you two can figure this out. I’m getting sick of you two dorks pining for each other.”
Zuko chuckled awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. “Thanks, Toph. Without you, we probably would just dance around each other forever.”
“You’re welcome.”
--
“Sokka!” Toph barged into his tent, startling him and causing him to drop his boomerang. “I talked to Zuko!”
“What did he say?” Sokka leapt up, forgetting about his boomerang in his excitement.
“He said he liked you and that you probably didn’t like him even if you do like guys,” she said. “I told him I’d talk to you because I was sick of you two pining for each other, which is true.”
“I do like him! God, I hope I don’t mess this up and give him the wrong impression. I like him so much, and I don’t want to ruin it.”
“Trust me Sokka, you won’t ruin it unless you flat-out tell him that you don’t like him. He’s crushing hard, and you are too. I’m not usually the matchmaker type, but I’m willing to make an exception for you two. Now go talk to him before I lose my mind trying to set you up!”
Sokka laughed. “I promise I’ll let you know how it goes so we can see if you’ll lose your mind or not. Got any advice, O Great Matchmaker Toph?”
“Absolutely not, You’re on your own, Snoozles. My help only extends this far. Good luck.”
“Thanks, Toph! Super helpful!” he yelled at her as she left his tent. He couldn’t stay mad, though. She denied it, but she was a pretty good matchmaker.
--
Later that night, once everyone had gone into their tents, Zuko sat inside his own, debating whether or not he should do this. He took a deep breath and steeled himself. Finally, he decided to just get it over with and got up, heading to Sokka’s tent.
“Sokka?” he asked, pushing open the tent flap and looking inside. “I need to talk to you.”
Sokka looked up and smiled at him. “What a coincidence, I wanted to talk to you too!”
“I can go first, if you want. Or you could go first. I don’t really care, whatever’s easier.” He could tell that he was starting to turn red, desperately trying to get himself under control.
“Are you okay? You look a little red,” Sokka asked. “Is it too hot in here? Do you need to go outside or something?”
“No! I’m fine. Do you want to go first?”
“You can go first. You’re sure you’re okay, Zuko?’
“I’m sure. And what I wanted to tell you is…” He hesitated, questioning whether or not he should go through with this.
Just do it, Zuko. The worst he can say is no, and Toph already told you that he likes you! There’s nothing to be afraid of. Just do it.
“I think you’re the funniest guy I’ve ever met and I like looking at your face,” Zuko blurted out. “Being around you makes me do stupid things, and I understand if you just want to be my friend but Toph told me to go for it and that you liked me back. I’m sorry this is so awkward, I’ve never done this before and I hope I didn’t mess it up.”
He was out of breath once he finished, and once he met Sokka’s eye again, the Water Tribe boy’s face split into a goofy grin as he pulled Zuko into a tight hug.
“You didn’t mess it up, Zuko. I never stop thinking about you. Your eyes, your hair, your smile. You have the cutest smile I’ve ever seen. And I should probably be careful dating royalty, considering what happened to my first girlfriend, but you’re worth the risk.”
“The one who turned into the moon?” Zuko untangled himself out of Sokka’s embrace, looking confusedly at him.
“That’s the one.”
“Well. I’m pretty sure I won’t be doing that anytime soon. So you’re probably good.” He took Sokka’s hand, the two smiling at each other.
“So…since it’s official that we both like each other…maybe we could do an activity together?”
“Smooth, Sokka. Very smooth.”
“It worked, didn’t it?”
“Yeah, it did. I’d love to do an activity with you. And I’ll try my best not to turn into the moon.”