Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

    The cold air nips at face as he drags himself onto shore, the frozen water soaking his bones. Sokka struggles to stand up, the waterlogged armor dragging him down. “I can’t believe I went along with this,” His voice comes out raspy as he whispers to himself. Frustration clear in his voice, how his he going to find his sister.

          He waddles farther on to the land, finally able to look at his surroundings. He’s on a small island, he can see it all in one glance. It seems to be mostly ice, all except a little patch in the middle.  

      He steps up, struggling to keep himself steady. He’s shaking and shivering, it feels as if the wind could blow him away. Trees are scattered around the small island taking up most of the land that is there. But in the middle, in the thinnest clearing there is a foxowl den. It’s small but safe, doesn’t look like anyone is home either.

            But before he can enter, he ought to start a fire, needs to get himself warm. Sokka steps away to get fallen branches. It hasn’t been snowing for that long, surely not all the sticks are frozen. 

      Sokka stumbles to the closet tree, gathering some branches at the base of the tree that have yet to be touched by snow. The feeling in his hands gone he struggles to pick up the wood. His hands tremoring so badly he could barely control them.

            He walks around a couple of trees accumulating as many branches as he can. His fingers getting covered in splinters and sap, not that he can really feel it though. Sokka steadies himself as he stands back up, teetering a little. Then something catches his eyes, something that wasn’t there before.  

      When Sokka woke up this morning he did not think he would be freezing, stranded on an island dragging Zuko, of all people, out of the water. This night could not get any worse. He spotted Zuko on the shoreline barely alive. It seems someone knocked him out cold.

             The irony is Zuko is wearing all white clothes, look more like water tribe the Sokka is right now. Zuko even looked like a pile of snow if it weren’t for is black ponytail sticking out like a sore thumb.  

      He places Zuko down on the ground, leaning against the den wall. “Never thought I’d fine myself in this position.” Sokka murmurs to himself as he gets the fire going. At this point he could start a fire in his sleep. He gets comfortable, the howling wind outside not so loud now that there’s the sound of someone breathing.

            Sokka takes the outer layer of the armor off, placing them by the fire. Trying to get the wet clothes as dry as he can. As he gets warmed up and the shaking isn’t so bad the reality of the situation finally sets in.  

      He’s out here in the middle of the night, soaking wet, in the north freaking pole. On top of that his family is fighting for their lives. Even though he is far from the battle he can faintly hear the sound of explosions going off from the fire nation’s attacks. He’s cold, alone, hungry, angry and he lost his boomerang.

            His family could be in trouble and there is nothing he can do about it. Yue could be in trouble and there is nothing he can do about it. Sokka’s eyes start to water. He groans and brings his hands up to wipe his face. He can’t cry, he can’t, he needs to conserve his energy. Pressing his palms into his eyes, willing himself not to cry. He presses harder, he needs to calm down, he needs to be strong right now.

      He pulls his hands away and opens his eyes, taking in the white surroundings again. Everything is a little burry and has a red ting to it. He blinks a couple time, the blurriness leaving after a few seconds, but the red tint is still there. Sokka shakes his head trying to get it to leave. Did he break his eyes or something. He stands up trying to stop whatever is happening to him. 

      “What in the Tui and La?” Sokka whispers to himself, peeking out of the den. He looks up at. The moon is bright red, then suddenly it hits him. Its not his eyes, it’s the moon. “What in the spirits is going on over there?” Flashes of Aang and Katara in danger, dying by the hands of Zhao. Yue in prisoned by the Fire nation for being a princess. The downfall of the Northern Water tribe. The end of the 100-year war.

            Before he can even stop it tears start to roll down his face, his breathing becomes ragged. He’s hundreds of miles away, there is no way he can help them. He stands there looking at the moon, praying to the spirits that his family is ok that they will win this battle.  

      Sokka doesn’t even know how long he stands there staring at the red moon. Tears still rolling down his face, labored breathing. Then in the blink of an eye, everything goes dark, the moon is nowhere in sight. Sokka steps farther out of the den frantically looking for the moon. There is no way it just disappears. His tears are thicker, he feels lightheaded. Barely able to breath properly.

           To the left of him in the distance he can see a faint blue glow in the ocean followed by the sound of water crashing. His fear rise, that is where Aang and Katara are that is where the Northern Water Tribe is. He can hardly breath, His owns lungs betraying him. He stumbles, his eyes sight going in and out. Sokka closes his eyes, catching his breath. He rests against a tree, stopping himself from falling to the ground.  

      His breathing becomes slower, his head not so heavy. Once he opens his eyes again the glow is no longer in the distance. It seems to be getting closer, closer to the island, closer to him. Sokka steps back confused by what is happening. The blue light is moving at inhuman speed getting closer by the second. He shakes his head, maybe he’s finally losing it, going insane.

             When he looks up, he is greeted with the sight of Yue, except she doesn’t look like the last time he saw her. She looks regal, like a mythical princess from the stories is mom would tell Katara and him when they were younger. She’s in the most beautiful gown he has ever seen. And she seems to be glowing, shimmering just like the moon.  

      “Oh, Sokka,” Yue says, barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry it came to this.”  

      Sokka stares at her, this has to be a dream. “Yue,” He brings his hands to cup her cheek. There is no longer the warmth she used to have. 

      Yue closes her eyes leaning into Sokka’s hand. “Your family, your family’s safe, Zhao will bother them no more,” She sounds like she might cry but her voice still carries strength. “Yue, what… what is going on?” Sokka ask. Why is she here, how did she get here, if his family is safe why is she so sad? The questions shoot through his head, but something tells him they don’t have enough time for answers.  

             “You will be safe,” is all she says as she brings her own hand to cup Sokka’s cheek. Smiling softly at him. Sokka pinches his brows, confused. Yue leans in, kissing him. Sokka’s heart feels like it could beat out of his chest. A feeling of warmth encases him, no longer wet or cold. Then he feels Yue’s hand start to slip away from his cheek.

             The kiss broken, her finger trailing along his face as she starts to float up. “I’ll never see you again, will I,” Sokka grabs on to her fingers trying to pull her back. “You just have to looks up,” Is all she says as he disappears into the night sky, tears rolling down her face. 

      The peace only last for a second when he hears a scream coming from the den. Sokka jumps getting into action knowing it can only mean on thing. Zuko’s wake. Zuko thumps to the ground, falling to his knees as Sokka steps in. If looks could kill Sokka would not have to worry about hypothermia right now. Then as Sokka steps closer, Zuko hits the ground, passed out.  

Chapter Text

     Zuko stirs awake, sitting up abruptly, in a cold sweat his eyes wide. He looks around, not remembering where he is. He’s in the ground, a small den of some sorts. Barely big enough for him let alone another person. And yet there is. He sees Fire Nation Armor; Zhao must have got him. But why isn’t he dead. Why did Zhao not kill him. Zuko’s breath quickens, panic rising. This is the end; he’s going to die out here. Away from his family, his home. Dying without honor just like his father wanted.

     But as Zuko looks, he notices that isn’t a Fire Nation soldier. The armor is outdated, and the hair is weird. Zuko has only seen that hair style on one person before. The Water Tribe boy that’s with the Avatar, he seems to be… sleeping. “What the Agni,” Zuko mumbles to himself. He tries to stand up, putting his arm on the wall for support. As soon as he stands, he falls, the same shooting pain he felt earlier.

     Zuko sits up again, looking back to where he landed. Theres’s black all over himself, contrasting against his white clothes and pale skin. Realizing he fell in to… ash. Zuko looks under his hand a sees pieces of chard wood, a burnt-out campfire. Zuko tries to get up again, he needs to get up. He cannot be here when the Water Tribe boy wakes, he cannot. Zuko this time puts both of his hands on the wall, trying to pull himself up. He’s sure once he starts to walk his legs will work fine, it’s probably just the cold.

     Zuko finally pulls himself off the ground, he can stand. He takes a step forward, pulling his left leg in front of him. Just as he steps down, putting pressure on his foot. He falls, letting go of the wall, and crying out in pain. Pain shoots up from is ankle all the way up his leg. His hands wrap insistently around, trying to protect it. He makes an audible thump as he hits the ground.  Combined with Zuko’s shout, its loud enough for Sokka to wake up.

     Sokka jumps up, imminently on edge. Zuko flinches back and tries to stand up again, there is no way he is going to show pain in front of the enemy. Zuko grabs onto the wall, putting as little weight on his left leg as he can. He glares at Sokka ready for an attack. Bringing his arms up in a fighting position.

     “Whoa,” Sokka say, noticing that Zuko is about to blast him with a fire ball, holds his hands out. “I’m not going to fight you,” Sokka says, trying to keep is voice calm. He stands there awkwardly; he’s never had a civil interaction with Zuko before. “Where am I? Why are you here?” Zuko asks, his voice come out strained and gravely. “I… well last night I found you, unconscious in the water. Honestly, I don’t understand how you are still alive.”  Sokka steps a little closer to Zuko, he looks like he might topple over.

     And he did, falling to the ground passing out.

     Zuko sits in the den trying not to look at Sokka across from him, occasionally adding more wood to the fire. Zuko keeps his face apathetic as he attempts to ignore the pain in his ankle and the numbing cold. He can’t wrap his head around that the water tribe boy saved him.

     He had every right to let him die, to leave him in the water. After everything Zuko put him and the Avatar through. Great Agni he doesn’t even know the boy’s name, always just referring to him “Water tribe peasant,” or “boy with the Avatar.” He’s sure uncle knows. He knows everything. Zuko should have listen to him more. He’s so blinded by his honor that he lost the only person in his life.

     “Do you know where we are?” Zuko ask his voice coming out raspier than usual. Praying that he does, or they have no hope.

     “Not really. All I know is we are a couple hundred miles west from the Palace.” He looks down at his hands, picking at the skin around his nails. Zuko closes his eyes and pinches his face. Obviously mad but not trying to yell, he doesn’t have the energy for that right now. He doesn’t have the energy to do anything.

     They have been sitting in silence for a long time. The sound of waves crushing in the distance. Zuko tries to meditate. Wanting to keep his energy up and hopefully relax but he’s never done it in front of anyone except Iroh. He doesn’t want to feel vulnerable. He misses his uncle, should have never left him. Sokka just sits there picking at his fingers. A horrible habit really, he remembers his mother gently taping his hand away whenever he did that. Would say, “A prince shouldn’t have wounded hands.” The irony in that.

     Sokka abruptly stands up exclaiming, “We need more firewood.” Zuko drags his eye from the spot on the wall to Sokka, nodding lightly. Sokka leave the den hoping it’s a little warmer outside then last night. Zuko stays seated, not able to do much with his leg injury. Though maybe now he’s alone he can try and meditate. Zuko carefully crosses his legs, aware of his ankle as he moves. He closes his eyes, placing his palms up on top of his knees. Fire forms in his palms as he breaths in, the flame moving along with his breathing.
           

     He feels himself start to relax, starting to feel more energized. He starts to feel safe. Imaging he’s back by the pond in the castle courtyard, back with his mother. It’s a warm sunny day, he can feel the heat of the sun on his skin along with the heat from his mom’s hand on his back. She’s laughing, smiling as the mother turtleduck as it scolds one of her ducklings. He misses when he could smile along.

     Zuko sits there in peace for a long time, enjoying the few good memories he has of his mother and uncle. Until that peace is broken by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Zuko peaks his good eye open, seeing Sokka hunched over in the den. He’s caring some branches.

     “Didn’t know you guys could breathe fire,” he says as he sits down across from Zuko. Placing the wood into the almost out campfire. Zuko didn’t even realize he was breathing fire. It just so cold outside.

     “Most of Firebenders can’t,” Zuko mumbles, moving a little, feeling uncomfortable. He feels a little awkward that the boy caught him meditating. They sit in an uneasy silence for a short while, Sokka poking at the fire a bit.

     Sokka then tries to speak, obviously not able to sit in the silence. “So are you like a prodigy or something,” He doesn’t think Zuko is much older than him. And to do things others can’t. “I… um I guess.” Zuko doesn't sound so confident of himself, mostly because he isn't. Sokka raise an eyebrow at him. He never though he’d hear the prince sound so awkward.

     “You don’t sound so sure of yourself there,” Sokka says, a light smile on his face. Trying to make Zuko not so uneasy. Zuko looks at him, more of a glare really, not knowing what to say. He continues to stare at Sokka until he works up the courage to speak.

     “No one has ever called me a prodigy before.” Zuko says his voice only just above a whisper. That if the den wasn’t so small and Sokka and Zuko weren’t so close to would barely be audible. Sokka’s face turns into one of confusion. Surely Zuko had to be called a good Firebender. Sokka doesn’t even like even like Firebenders and can tell that.

     “My sisters the prodigy, always adored, always loved.” Zuko says resentment growing in his voice. He continues, words spewing out. “My father always said she was born lucky,” Just a quickly the angrier appeared it left. Replaced by sadness. “He said I was lucky to be born.” He regrets this as hastily it came out of his mouth. Zuko is angry and embarrassed that he admitted this to Sokka. He’s never said that to anyone before, of course he had to say this to the enemy.

            The awkward silence hangs in the air. Zuko is hyper aware of his body. Every shift, every breath accounted for. The stillness is then broken by the sound of a stomach gurgling. Zuko realizes the pain his stomach, he as eaten anything in hours. He can’t even tell if it’s his stomach or Sokka’s.
            “I’m going to find food,” Sokka announces as he gets up. Shuffling outside of the den, the cold air nipping at his skin. The sun is starting to set so he needs to be quick about it. There won’t be much they can do once the sun sets, only the small light of the fire.

            Zuko nods as he watches Sokka disappear around the corner. Feeling weird that all he can do is sit there while Sokka does everything. That he is so weak he can barely stand up, he has to rely on someone just to survive. The only person he ever relied on was his uncle, his uncle that could be dead for all he knows. That Zhao killed that last person he had left. Zuko needs to get the Avatar, he must. He must get home, have his father be proud of him.

            Then the sound of snow crunching is outside. Sokka is on his way back. So quickly? And his steps sound, heftier. He’s caring something heavier than whatever food he could find on this island.

            “Look at this,” Sokka bounds into the den, a grin on his face. Caring a crate, a Fire Nation crate. Zuko perks up a little, maybe it’s his crew, maybe it’s something that can help him. “Where did you get that?”

            “It was outside on the shoreline. Hopefully it has something useful.” Sokka places it down not leaving much space for himself to sit down with the fire going. Sokka tries to open it, prying at the top with is hands. “You’re never going to get it like that,” Zuko says just as Sokka’s hand slip off the box.
            Sokka rolls his eyes and grabs a piece of wood. Wedging it into the lid of the crate. Sokka’s eyes brighten as he sees the lid start to pry off. But just as he’s halfway there, the wood snaps in half. “Spirits,” Sokka groans. If only he still had his boomerang.

            “I- do you have any other idea to open this.” Sokka says throwing the broken stick into the fire. Zuko shifts, knowing he can help but not wanting to. It might not be worth it. Sokka grabs another piece of wood, this time it’s a little bigger as he tries again. Zuko watches him fail once more and groans.

            “This might help,” Zuko grumbles as he opens a small pocket on the side of his thigh. Sokka watches as he pulls out a black cased knife, handing it cautiously to him. “This might work better to pop it off, just be careful.” Zuko’s voice sounds a little different then normal, doesn’t sound as angry as it typically does. Sokka nods taking the cover off, he notices the words on it. “Made in Ba Sing Se,” His eyebrows pinch wondering how Zuko got a dagger from the Earth Kingdom.

            Sokka then lodges the knife at top of the crate, trying to pry the nails up. He takes his time pulling the nails out, meticulous not to damage the knife. He gets close enough that he can pull it off with his hands. Sokka place the dagger down and gets his hands on the crate, yanking the lid completely off.

            “Thank Tui and La,” Sokka exclaims, throwing the lid on the ground as he gets the contains out. Zuko leans in, peaking into the crate. There are four packs in there, one slightly bigger than the others. Sokka tosses a bag to Zuko before he starts to go through the larger one. They both look through the bags, pulling out and organizing the items.
            The three smaller ones all have the same thing: a flask filled with water, food rations, a blanket, and tea. The only difference in the larger one is a tea pot and medical supplies. “Oh, look at that. Maybe we can do something about your leg.” Sokka pushes everything to the side and opens the first aid kit. Moving a little closer to Zuko.

            “Can I see?” He holds his hand out to take Zuko’s ankle hoping Zuko will let him help. He eye’s Sokka, not wanting to accept the help. But does he have any other choice, Zuko can’t do this himself. He only knows burns and superficial wounds. Reluctantly Zuko rolls up his pant leg, untucking it from his shoe. He then carefully places his leg in Sokka’s lap, letting him look at it.

            “Look at that, it’s hardly even swollen,” Sokka smiles and brings his hands to the ankle trying to feel what’s wrong. “Great  Agni!” Zuko shouts, his body tensing as Sokka grasps at his leg. “Sorry, Sorry. But it will hurt a little more. I have to reset it, ok.” He moves away from Zuko’s ankle collecting some bandages and two sticks around the same length. He then grabs one of the blankets, twisting it on of the corners. “You probably want to bite onto this,” Sokka remembers watching Grangran and Katara fixing broken ankles at the Village. How the people would scream and cry, how one time someone managed to bite a chunk of their tongue off. Zuko’s face pinches together and bites down on the blanket.

            “This will hurt.” Sokka says and places his hands on either side of Zuko’s ankle, trying to get the right angle. “Ok, 1…. 2…. 3….” Theres a loud crack followed by Zuko screaming. Even muffled by the blanket it’s still piercing. “Sorry, Sorry. That’s the last of it. I promise.” Sokka place the sticks one the side of Zuko’s ankle and wrap it up. He cuts the bandage off and tapes it down. “Now Katara’s the healer, but I say that I did a pretty good job.” Sokka says proud of his work. Zuko just raises his eyebrow and spits out the blanket. Who is Katara.

            “What, why are you looking at me like that?” Sokka asks, putting the medical things away. He eyes Zuko, noticing his confused face. And then it hits him,

“You don’t know who Katara is do you?” Sokka makes a dramatic gasp. “You don’t even know my name.” Just by Zuko’s face alone he can tell he doesn’t.

“I- well do you even know my name.” Zuko counters, trying to regain some of his pride. “Well, I do Zuko. I know your name.” Sokka frowns at Zuko. He really is so blinded by ‘the Avatar.’

“You have been following us for like three months now and don’t know our name’s. I can’t believe this. No wonder you only call Aang ‘the Avatar,’ because you don’t know his real name. Oh, it’s Aang in case you didn’t get that. And the girl, my sister, that’s Katara. And my name is Sokka, I can’t believe this.” Sokka goes on, fuming and waving his hands, how could be this oblivious.

“Well, Sokka,” Zuko says trying out the name. “Your hand is bleeding.” Sokka falters a little and looks over at his hand, blood coming from his thumb. “Spirits.” He mumbles the anger leaving his body. “Let me,” Zuko says getting the bandages back out. Sokka holds out his hand for Zuko take.
           

     He’s glad he can do something; he’s felt so useless all day. “I can heat up some tea after.” Zuko offers, it should warm them up a little. Sokka nods, watching Zuko clean and bandage is hand. Must have cut it when he was fixing Zuko’s leg. Sokka takes his hand back once Zuko finished.

“Thank you,” Sokka murmurs. Zuko nods as he stars preparing the tea. “For helping me,” Zuko says a small part of him grateful that Sokka didn’t leave in the snow.

Chapter Text

okka groans rolling over to his side, facing Zuko. He is also laying down, eyes closed. Obviously trying to fall asleep. “Put the fire out,” Sokka mutters rolling to his back, throwing his arms over his eyes. “Sokka, it’s freezing,” Zuko mumbles. It’s been snowing all day, and it’s only been getting worse. “We need to save the wood, and besides you shouldn’t sleep by an open flame.” Sokka breaths out, annoyance rising.

            “Though I’d still be sleeping next to one,” Sokka says siting up deciding to put the fire out on his own. “Well not all of us grew up running with polardogs.” Zuko barks back. Sokka flies his arms in the air, face heating up in rage. “We are not wild animals.” He hisses, feeling the need to defend his people, his family. “And you’re literally a human campfire. How can you be cold.” He adds quickly as he smothers the flame. The den going dark.

            Zuko shivers already felling the absence of the fire. “If I could firebend in the cold you’d be scalding right now.” He snarls, smoke coming out of his nose in a desperate attempt to warm himself up. Sokka rolls his eyes seething, “Oh, boohoo. The jerk-bender can jerk-bend. The world is going to end.” Then it’s quiet, and even though Sokka can hardly see he can tell Zuko is glaring at him. Can feel his eyes on him and hear the sound of his raged breath. No one daring to talk, blood still boiling.

            Suddenly Zuko breaks the silence, “You’re so stupid, have fun sleeping in the cold,” his voice rasps. Then the sound of him rustling on the ground, finally going to sleep. There's a faint sound of Sokka mocking him, shortly followed by him laying down. Zuko has to bite his cheek, trying not to yell.

           Zuko wakes up to the smell of tea brewing and the warmth of a fire. He’s instantly reminded of his uncle. Remembering Iroh making him tea in the early morning and odd hours of the night on their time on the ship. No matter how stressed he was, teatime with his uncle would always relax him. A frigid wind blows by. The sound echoing in the den and a tremble goes down his back. Zuko isn’t with his uncle back on the ship. Instead, he’s stranded in the artic with the most annoying person in the world.

            He sits up, head pounding, and he looks over at Sokka. He’s pouring tea when he notices Zuko is awake and throws a smile his way. Zuko can feel himself start to thaw a little. “Here, want some tea?” Sokka hands Zuko the tea. He grumbles in response, his hands clasping around the hot cup. They sit there in silence, sipping at their tea. Then, as always, Sokka is the one to break it.

Setting down his cup, he takes a deep breath in, “I’m sorry about last night.” That wasn’t the first time they got into an argument; they have been for the past couple of days. The cold and hunger getting to them, making them irritable. Always on edge, always ready to fight. And yet this is the first time there has been an apology. Zuko is too proud to do it so of course Sokka had to be the one to.

Zuko lifts his head up looking at Sokka, he’s picking at his fingers again. “Just, I feel so angry all the time. We’re going to die out here.” He pauses, recollecting himself. His voice quivering as he continues, “Not being able to go home, see my family all together. I can’t even remember the last time I told my sister I loved her.” A tear rolls down Sokka’s face. “It’s been weeks and were running out of supplies. I just for the first time in my life there is nothing I can do. I can’t think my way out of this.” He closes his eyes his emotions bubbling up, threating to spill out.

            Zuko didn’t take is eyes off him once, surprised by Sokka’s words. Surprised how much he can relate. How he has been feeling like that for the past three years. Not knowing when he is going home, to see his family again. That he would die without ever restoring his honor. “I’ve been feeling like that for a long time,” Zuko mutters. Sokka looks up from his hands dumbfounded by Zuko’s words. Their eyes met and Sokka smiles a little, an understanding passing between them. It could have been a couple of minutes or hours that they stayed like this. Staring at each other feeling more like friends and less like enemies.

            It’s not snowing anymore, and the wind has gone down when Sokka goes outside, muttering about getting more firewood. The crate they found can only lasting so long. Zuko decides to meditate, the itch to try and walk getting worse every day. It reminds him of when he first got his burn. Not being able to do anything for himself, his uncle having to do everything for him. And the fact that his uncle isn’t here makes it ache so much more. Zuko tries to clear his mind. Needing to let go of these tension that has been building up.

            He feels the cold leave his body, forgetting about Zhao and his uncle. Forgetting that he’s stranded in the North pole and that he is nowhere closer to finding the Avatar. All the stress melts away and he can sense himself getting stronger. His fire working its way to warm him up, making him feel lighter. Everything fades away, every sound, the smell of the smoking wood. He is like this for a long time, peaceful. Lost in the meditation, that is until he hears the sound of Sokka rustling into the den.
            Sokka steps into the den as quietly as he can, not wanting to disturb Zuko. He delicately sits down, placing more wood into the fire. And he almost succeeds at being completely quiet, until Zuko peeks his unscarred eye open. Still glaring with one eye. “Sorry,” Sokka mumbles looking guilty. Zuko scowls trying to snuff out his anger, knowing it’s not worth it. “It’s fine,” he grumbles. Not having the energy to fight anymore.

            Sokka nods and he starts to rummage through the bags, trying to find some more food. Even though the sun is nowhere close to setting they have started to sleep most of the day. Not having the strength to be awake for extended periods of time. If they stay like this for longer Sokka will have to start hunting, Zuko still far from walking. “Here,” Sokka tosses Zuko some sea biscuit, though it’s not enjoyable it fills them up. Probably the closest thing to eating concrete though. Zuko catches the package ripping it open and biting into the cracker. He hates the taste, reminding him of his banishment, of at being at sea on his own. How they couldn’t afford to buy actual food, how far he fallen from royalty. Though right now it’s either eat these or die.

            They stay in silence, the only sound of them eating the rock like substance. Sokka wished they had tea to spare, maybe the crackers wouldn’t taste so bad. “Who made this, it’s the most disgusting thing ever.” Sokka mumbles through crumbs. Zuko rolls his eye. Barbarian, talking with his mouth full.

            “It doesn’t spoil and cheap to make,” Zuko swallows down his food, if you can even call it that. “It was made at the beginning of the war.” He places the rest of the package down, not able to suffer though the food anymore. “Of course,” Sokka grumbles, following suite and putting the food. “Firebenders have to ruin everything.” It come out less like a joke then Sokka attended. And by the smoke come out of Zuko’s nose he can tell it didn’t hit well.  He cringes a little hoping Zuko doesn’t blast him. Slowly, though he can see the fire leave his eye (quite literally).

            The wind howls outside and along with the sound of waves crashing you can barely hear anything, let alone your own thoughts. And yet Sokka lay there, staring at the ceiling. Wonder what he would do if the den caved in. He’d probably just lay there, suffocation a lot more peaceful than freezing to death or hunger. How long can they even stay out here, perhaps a couple more days maybe only a few more hours. Even though spring is coming the artic is still just as cold. Food and wood resources are dwindling by the hour. Sokka can feel that if something doesn’t change soon, he’s going to die out here.

            Away from his family, his home. With only one person that knows where he is, Zuko. And he won’t make it out either. Every second Sokka can feel hope leave his body, his will to live depleting every time his stomach growls in pain. He has to do something, anything to get off this island. Maybe if they get a couple miles closer to the North pole, if he could see someone, anyone. There has to be hope. Sokka can’t let his sister think he died. He can’t leave her alone.

            Sokka roles over, trying to fall asleep. He won’t be able to do anything if he’s tired. The throbbing pain all over his body is bad enough. He curls into himself, seeking to keep his warmth close. Sokka eyes drift shut, the thoughts in his head settling down. Replaced by Zuko’s rhythmic breathing.

            The sun it barely up in the sky when Zuko wakes up, yet Sokka is already awake, has been for hours now, outside in the snow. Appears that they are fine on firewood, it’s not that. So, what is he doing? He tries to stand, lifting himself up with the wall. He’s leg has been healing for a week now it should be fine, it has to be fine. He gets to his feet, placing as little weight on his left food. Zuko takes a step forward, he lightly walks to the opening of the den, peeking out to look to see what Sokka his doing.

            Sokka his is covered in snow; he’s been out there for a while. He seems to be standing over a pallet of wood, one he made himself. Expertly knotted together by thin strips of bark. “Sokka!” Zuko shout, his voice cracking. He sees Sokka pop his head over to the den, surprised to see Zuko standing.

            “What are you doing?” Zuko say not so loud now that he has Sokka’s attention.

            “I’m building a raft,” He’s quickly pulling his interest away from Zuko, contemplating his creation. “And what are you going to do once you make this raft?” Zuko asks, now standing next to Sokka.

            “What do you think, Zuko,” He deadpans drawing his eyes over to Zuko. Sokka rolls his shoulders back and begins to work on the raft again. “We’re going to get off this stupid island.” He grumbles, trying to get back to work. Zuko steps forward, getting into Sokka’s space.

            “And what are we going to do once in the water,” he nags, not understanding Sokka’s thought process. How would they survive in the water. They are probably days away from any tribe in the North Pole. Sokka throws down the branches he was trying to tie together, irritation growing. “I don’t know. I’ll figure it out.” He scowls at Zuko, annoyance in his voice.

            “Oh sure, you’ll figure it out,” Zuko says in a mocking tone. Getting closer to Sokka’s personal space. “We’ll die here Zuko, unless I do something.” He shouts, sounding dejected.

            “Oh, and we’re going to die any slower out there.” Zuko shouts, waving his arms out to the shore.

            At this Sokka explodes, standing up to come face to face with Zuko. Digging his finger into Zuko’s chest and shouting. “You don’t understand. I have people out there that need me! People I care about! I can’t leave them!” He’s pushes Zuko, causing him to step back a little. Almost stumbling on his weak ankle. “I have responsibilities outside of here, people who rely on me. A whole village, a whole world who rely on me.” His voice breaks a little. Showing his anxiety.

            “You don’t think I have people I care about. My uncle could be imprisoned for all I know, or even dead. Killed by his own people because of me. And even if he is alive, he’s out there alone.” He takes his turn shouting and shoving Sokka.

            “Oh, poor Zuko. A Fire Nation prince out on his own.” Sokka throws his arms up in the air. How bad would it be for Iroh being Fire Nation royalty. He can just go back home. Act like none of this ever happened. “The only person who has ever cared about me…” Zuko starts, but slowly that anger he felt starts to bubble out. Zuko might not ever see his uncle again. If Zhao did leave him alive, he could go home. Maybe his father will take pity on Iroh and allow him back in the castle now that Zuko isn’t holding him back.

Though Iroh wouldn’t do that. He would never get over Zuko, like he still isn’t over his son. He takes a step back, understanding Sokka’s need to get off this island so badly.

            Sokka stares at him, eyes glossy and red. The frantic emotions draining out of him, replaced with exhaustion. Everything feels so pointless now. The fighting, the desperation. “The raft won’t work. I know that.” Sokka exhales. It was a stupid idea, but he never got stuck like this. What is he if not the idea guy. Zuko feels the sudden urge to comfort him. The look on his face reminds him much of his own, lost.

            “Let’s just get you warm.” Zuko starts to walk over to the den slowly. Waiting for Sokka to follow him.

Chapter Text

           The wind blows under Zuko’s collar, sending a shiver down his spine. He’s out scavenging for wood now that he can walk. Ever since he put pressure on his ankle 5 days ago, he cant stop. He never would have thought he would have missed it so much. The anxiety he’s been feeling has lessened now that he can get up whenever he pleases. Sokka still gives him worried glances whenever Zuko stands up, scared he might just topple over.  

            Zuko bends down, picking up a pinecone. At this point they have gotten so desperate they why have been burning the pinecones, not before the forage it for all the little nuts inside them. On top of the little fish Sokka has been getting from the shoreline they have been eating very little. Spending most of the day trying to sleep.

            Zuko straightens back up, his head spinning a little, and makes his journey back to the den. He passes through a small opening, having a clear view of the horizon. There something there. He squints his good eye. Trying to see what it is. It can’t be, there’s no way. They have been out here for weeks and there’ve been no signs of live. Not even a tiger seal. Nonetheless, it’s a boat. Zuko runs into the water, dropping the wood. He feels a sharp pain in his ankle, not caring if he breaks it again, not if it means getting of this stupid island.

“Sokka!” He shouts. Stepping farther into the water, waving his arms around. “Come out here!” Zuko wills himself to bend. He needs to get the boats attention. Sokka stumbles out of the den, trying to follow the sound of Zuko yelling. He walks over to Zuko, seeing him knee deep in the water, shouting and waving his arms around.

“What in La is he doing,” he mumbles to himself.

            And then he sees it, a boat. Sokka start to sun over to Zuko. Quickly following suit, yelling, and waving his arms, trying to make himself noticeable. Sokka recognizes it as a water tribe boat. Hope fills him, they could take him back. He could see his family again, see Aang & Katara again.

            Zuko is desperate to get their attention. Not caring it’s a water tribe boat. That if they know who he is they will hate him, maybe even imprison him. He feels his hands heating up. Putting all his energy into producing a flame. Then his hands set ablaze. Zuko waves them in the air. Trying to make himself larger.

            Someone steps out of the hull of the ship. The figure moves across the boat, looking to see Sokka and Zuko. They quickly move to the sail, changing it so the ship start to move towards the island. “Thank the spirits,” Sokka lets out a breath, one he doesn’t even know how long he’s been holding. He steps out of the water. Allowing more space for the boat to come in.

            The boat gets closer to the shore. The vague outline of the person becoming more and more detailed by the second. Zuko squints his eyes, all he can see is a top knot. That is not someone of water tribe, its fire nation. For second he thinks it’s one of Zhao’s men, but why would they be on a water tribe ship. Then Zuko’s eyes catch on a gold band in the man’s hair, one he became all so familiar with. Then view of his face. He runs farther into the water, anxious to get to the boat faster.

                        “Uncle!” Zuko cries, his voice cracking. He that he’d never see Iroh again.

“Nephew!” Iroh shouts just as loud. he walks to the edge of the boat and hastily moves to drop the anchor. Desperate to stop the boat, to see Zuko again.

            As the boat gets closer Zuko scrambles onto the boat, pulling at the ladder. Iroh helps pull his nephew on the boat. Once Zuko gets a steady footing he move to hug Iroh. Holding his uncle close. Zuko can’t even remember the last time he initiated a touch that didn’t have malice behind it. They stay like this that until the boat comes to a complete stop on the shore and the sound of wood creaking as Sokka climbs onto the boat.

            It has been a couple of hours now. Zuko and Sokka have settled down, all warm and full. Iroh has just finished setting the sail, getting them on the right cores.

                       “We should hit land in 10 days or so.” Iroh walks into the hull, closing the door silently. Noticing that Zuko and Sokka aren’t talking.

            Sokka shifts awkwardly. Feeling out of place, stuck with two people that have such a deep connection. Stuck with two Firebenders, one of which has been actively trying to kidnap his friend. Even though Iroh was done nothing personally to Sokka or his friends, he has done nothing to stop Zuko. But Iroh is in a water tribe ship, and he can’t imagine Iroh stealing it from the North pole. They must have given it to him. This gives have the courage to speak up.

                        “Do you think you could take me back to the North pole?” He asks quietly.

           Iroh hesitates a little as he starts a pot of tea. Knowing exactly why he wants to go back. “Aang and Katara left already. I saw Appa fly by two days ago.” Guilt bubbling up. “We thought you guys died.” Shifting his gaze to Zuko, worried for his nephew.

                       “They are going to Omashu.” He adds hoping that would give Sokka some comfort.

            Sokka deflates “Yeah, no. That makes sense. Aang needs a teacher.” Tears threaten to spill down his face. They need to move quickly, Sokka reminds himself. If they have any hope of killing the Fire lord Aang needs to move fast. He wraps the blanket Iroh gave him farther around himself.

            Iroh pores some tea, handing the cups to the boys. Zuko relishes in the comfort. Glad that he is back on a boat with his uncle, warm tea in his hands. “So how did you guys get on the island in the first place?” He asks, starting to sip on his tea.

                        “Zhao,” They both say in union. Anger and distain apparent in their voices. Mutually in shock, not expecting the same reason, or to say it at the same time.

                        “And that was why you were in old Fire Nation armor?” Iroh asks Sokka, trying to understand what happened to them.

            “Oh Hahn,” he mutters in discussed. “Some how the North Pole acquired outdated Fire Nation armor and thought ‘wouldn’t it be a great idea to put this armor on our soldiers and infiltrate the navy ships!’” Sarcasm dripping off every word. Sokka can’t even imagine how many soldiers got thrown over bored, or even killed. All because of stuck up Hahn and his stupid idea.

            They sit there in silence for a little, Sokka wanting to ask how Zuko go all beat up and what he was planning to do anyway. But he knows better not to asks Zuko questions. They have only known each for a couple of weeks, but Sokka knows how to handle Zuko.

                        “Hahn,” Iroh mumbles to himself. Trying to figure out why that name sounds so familiar. “Hahn was engaged to Princess Yue, right?” he asks Sokka.

          Sokka perks up a little, anticipation growing in his chest. “’Was,’ are they not engaged anymore?” Maybe after Hahn's plan failed, he got demoted, his status tainted in blood forever. Maybe now Sokka has a chance, him and Yue could be together.  

         “Oh, of course you don’t know.” Iroh falters sympathy in his eyes. How could he know. For the past 18 days he has been stranded. “Yue is dead,” The words come out slow and cautious, but it might as well have been slapping Sokka across his face. The words burn in his ears and everything stops around him. That night, he… it wasn’t a dream. Sokka thought his mind came up with it to try an explain what was happening, but it was all real. Yue is gone, and he wasn’t even there to say goodbye. To really see her one last time. And before he knows it tears are running down his face. He can see Iroh and Zuko talking to him but if falls on deaf ears. Not being able to take in anything other then the ache in his chest.

         Aang and Katara think he’s dead. That the Fire Nation killed him, and they already moved on, they have to move on. Who knows when Sokka will see them again. Once they hit land, and who knows where that land is, how long it will take to travel to Omashu by foot, on his own, with out any food or money. And now Yue is dead, the only person he could maybe have, and there was nothing he could do. He couldn’t protect her when she needed it. When he should have been there, but he wasn’t. He couldn’t protect Yue, or Aang or his sister.

                What is he if he can’t protect the people, he loves?

                         What is his purpose?

Chapter Text

    Zuko wakes up before the sun for one, the feeling of a hand slapping him on his face. Sokka has rolled over off his futon all the way over to Zuko. Surprisingly this isn’t the first time this has happened. For the last 4 days it seems Zuko is always awakened with Sokka sleeping at his side. You think it would have been like this in the den, there was hardly any room for one of them to stand. Maybe he was too cold to move or to uncomfortable or to on edge. For whatever the reason Sokka has migrated his away have away across the deck and thrown himself over Zuko.

    He pushes Sokka away from him, trying to reclaim some of his personal space. But he fails, Sokka falling back on top of him. This time he’s arm lower, resting on his chest instead of his face. Zuko takes his defeat, lying there trying to fall back asleep. He rolls to his side, Sokka’s arm moving to place on his back instead of his chest. Zuko can tell it’s the brink of dawn, the sun is barely wake. Iroh shuffles a bit, starting to wake up.

    Zuko lays there trying to get comfortable again, not wanting to wake up Sokka. He starts to doze off, boredom overtaking him just as Sokka shifts. For a second all of his body weight is off Zuko. Just as quickly he moved Sokka’s chest is pressed against Zuko back, arms laying across Zuko’s shoulders.

    Zuko stiffens, not knowing what to do. Zuko is more comfortable with Sokka now, they have been stuck together for the past two and a half weeks and Sokka is a very touchy person (perks of having a loving sister), but they have never been this close.

    Zuko has never been this close with anyone, not even his own mother. Slowly he unfreezes and his flight or fight responses kick in, and he most certainly isn’t going to punch Sokka, so he runs. Zuko jumps up swiftly in the air, the soft thud of Sokka’s arm hitting the floor now that Zuko isn’t supporting it. He runs out of the hull, running up the steps and out into the arctic air.

    He shivers slightly, forgetting a coat in his panic, and walks over the edge of the deck, leaning on the railing. The Sun barely peaking over the horizon, casting a faint yellow glow to everything. Zuko takes a deep breath, the air feeling sharp in his lungs, trying to calm down. Growing up in the Royal Family he was not very familiar with intimate touch, only ever with his mother and even then, it was few and far between.

     Once he realized the pain touch can cause it always made him anxious. He stands there watching the sunrise, it has been a long time since he has appreciated one. It only takes a couple minuets for the sun to rise completely. Zuko then turns his head, the sound of wood creaking under footsteps. Uncle must be up.

     “Nephew, what are you doing out in the cold?” He yawns, walking over to Zuko, holding out a coat for him. Of course, he noticed Zuko was gone and still the same about of coat by the door, he notices everything.

    Zuko grabs the fur from Iroh, quickly pulling it on. “I couldn’t stay in there; I was getting restless.” He lies, hoping Iroh doesn’t catch it. Iroh raises an eyebrow, catching him by the sound of Zuko’s voice cracking. Zuko has always been bad at lying. Iroh moves to stand next to Zuko by the railing.

    “Well, do you want to go over some form,” He asks going along with Zuko’s restless lie, anyway it would be good for Zuko to get his strength back.

    Zuko looks at his uncle oddly. “I don’t think Firebending is a good idea.” Fire on a wooden boat could leave them at the bottom of the ocean. Zuko likes to say he has good control but it’s still risky.    

    “Oh, I have something else in mind,” Iroh gives Zuko a goofy look and walks back into hull of the boat. Zuko stands there awkwardly trying to figure out what his uncle has in mind. Iroh comes back out holding something he has known for a long time.

    “My swords, how did you get them?” Zuko walks up to Iroh unsheathing them from the case. Admiring them, he though they got lost in the explosion, but they look just the same. He starts to do some forms with them, getting back into the rhythm.

    Sokka wakes up completely alone, somehow moved away from where he remembers setting his mat. He stands up, legs wobbling a little. He is still not used to being on a ship. Never had the opportunity to. All the ships left with the men, the only thing Sokka knows about sail’s he read in a book and the little experience from Bato.

    He walks over to the door, holding onto the wall. He walks up the steps, griping the railing. Just as he places his hand on the doorknob it bust open welcoming the sunlight into the small room. Sokka strains to see who it is, but then again it can only be two people.

    “Sokka your awake,” Iroh shouts a little to loud for how early it is. Then again, he is a Firebender and Zuko has made a point that they “wake with the sun” or whatever. “Would you like some tea?” Sokka steps back, allowing Iroh to walk past him over to the fireplace. “Yeah, tea would be nice,” Sokka walks down the stairs wanting to help Iroh to make the tea.

    “Zuko is outside if you want to join him,” Iroh says as he boils the water. Sokka takes a step back, taking that he is free to leave. He walks over to the door grabbing a coat has he goes. The sun hits his face, blinding him for a second as his eyes adjust.

    When he opens them, he sees Zuko shirtless and sweaty practicing sword fighting. He didn’t even know Zuko could sword fight. Sokka’s face flushes, not prepared to Zuko in such a… particular state.

    Zuko turns his head over to Sokka a little alarmed to see him. He wipes some sweat off his face, he didn’t even think he could sweat in this cold. He wipes his face, trying to clean himself off a little bit.

    “Morning,” He grunts still feeling a little awkward about this morning. Zuko moves to sit down feeling tired, delicately sheathing his swords, and placing them down. Sokka nods and moves to sit down next to Zuko.

    “I didn’t know you could sword fight.” Sokka says constantly surprised by Zuko’s abilities. How does no one else notice. Very few people can bend or sword fight, let alone do both so proficiently. Zuko stares at him, trying to bite back a grin. He might not feel secure in Firebending but he confident in his sword fighting abilities.

    He was never gifted with is fire, but he picked up the sword easily. It all came naturally to him, but of course his father had to ruin that for him. Saying that it was “For weaklings and nonbenders,”

            Sokka sees Zuko small grin, just the upturned corner of his lips and if he and Zuko hadn’t spent 3 weeks together Sokka probably wouldn’t have noticed. He didn’t know Zuko had the ability to move is mouth in an upwards motion, it looks good on him. Makes him look younger, lighter, instead of someone age with stressed.

    “Oh, so you know your good.” Sokka lets out a breathy chuckle and bumps into Zuko’s shoulder, teasing him a little. Zuko’s freezes and his smile gets a little bigger, it’s still very faint. He gets a strange tingling in his shoulder were Sokka touched him, much like he felt that morning.

    Zuko has never consumed so many fish in such a short time period. All day everyday it has been fish and potatoes. He might burn the ship down just so he doesn’t have to go through another meal. The sea biscuits were bad enough but that was only for a couple of day. Unlike fish where he has been eating it for a whole week now.

    Sokka seems to be struggling and he has eating fish for a majority of his life the only one who doesn’t have a problem is Iroh. He is always first to finish his meal, or maybe he just wants to get through it faster. Zuko isn’t the best at reading people.

    Zuko pinches his nose and chugs down that last of the fishy broth. knowing he needs it; He lost a lot of weight. Iroh stands up excitedly. “That was good, thanks for catching the fish, Sokka,” he announces. Sokka gives him a tight smile, trying to finish off the last of his food. Iroh pats Sokka on the shoulder as he walks by exiting the room.

    Sokka looks over to Zuko a smile across his face, “I don’t understand how he does it.” Zuko give him a weird look bot grasping what he means. “How he does what?” He asks. What is Sokka trying to imply. Sokka shakes his head in amusement “How does he stay so positive.” Sokka chuckles a little.

    Zuko narrows his eyes, remembering how his uncle’s goofy, smiley attitude changed when his son, Lu ten, died. That he was so distraught that he left Ba sing Se, that he took a step down from being the crown prince.

    Slowly though Iroh started to become his self again, starting to joke more, smile more. Even though Zuko might seem oblivious to most situations, he can still tell that there was something missing behind his eyes.

“Years of practice I guess,” Zuko says solemnly, shrugging his shoulders.

    Sokka frowns a little, hearing the shift in Zuko’s tone. He looks over to the door that Iroh just walked out of, wondering what Zuko mean. Wondering what has happened in Iroh’s life,

    Iroh is outside wrapping his coat farther around himself has he tries to change the direction of the sail, but the rope slips out of his hands. “Spirts,” He mumbles, moving as quickly as he can to catch it. Suddenly Sokka appears behind him grabbing the rope. He moves hastily, checking the wind and tying the sail back down.

    “Oh, you seem to know what you’re doing,” Iroh pats Sokka shoulder, admiring his work. Sokka feels his cheeks flush a little, embarrassed by the compliment. “It’s not that hard, I’ve just had a lot of practice.”

    Remembering the hours he has spent siting on Appa with nothing better to do except practice different kinds of knots in a piece of rope. Sokka brings his hand to rub the back of his neck. it is nice to hear some praise, the past couple of weeks he felt like he’s doing everything wrong.

    Iroh lets out a gruff laugh and pats Sokka on the shoulder again. After a while of Sokka tying some of the ropes tighter after a while Zuko comes walking out of the hull, pulling his hair back into his phoenix tail.

    Sokka is sitting on the railing water spraying on his face, it’s nice to be outside and actually enjoy it instead of being scared that he is going to freeze to death. It’s nice to know that just a couple steps away there is a nice fire away from the elements that he can warm up next to. Sokka takes a deep breath in, the salt stinging his lungs.  

    After a while he hears someone stepping behind him. Sokka turns his head and sees Zuko joining him at the railing. Sokka throws him a smile. “I didn’t think you’d be out here out of your own free will.” He chuckles, Zuko was constantly complaining about the subzero temperatures.

    In return Zuko rolls his eyes, tossing his shoulder into Sokka’s. Zuko has been getting a lot more comfortable with physical contact, almost seeking it in Sokka sometimes. Maybe all the late-night cuddling has been getting to him. “It’s not that cold anymore, it’s actually bearable now.”

    Sokka snickers and bumps back into Zuko, but he is right. The air has been getting warmer, the nights not so harsh. That means they are getting closer to the Earth Kingdom, closer to finding Aang and Katara.

    Suddenly it hits him, “What are we going to do once we hit land?” Sokka asks, he never thought what would happen after the island, to worried about dying. But now they have to face it, face the fact that they are enemies at opposite sides of this war.

    Zuko shoots his head over to Sokka, what will they do? Zuko can’t just leave him in the dust. Act like they never met, never got to know each other the way they do. Now that Zuko would consider Sokka a friend.

    “I… I don’t know,” He’s not ready to leave Sokka. Sokka knows things about him he won’t even tell his uncle. “Let’s see how we feel when we get there.” Zuko says desperate to hold on, he has to hold on. But is he ready to give up on the Avatar.

    Zuko is startled awake to the sound of Iroh yelling on deck, Sokka nestled at his side. He sits straight up and rubs his eye, willing himself awake. “Zuko, Sokka come out here.” He hears is uncle shout. Slowly Zuko starts to shake Sokka conscious, he is such a heavy sleeper.

    “Sokka, wake up.” He mumbles has he jostles Sokka’s shoulders. Sokka groans and rolls over. “Sookkka” Zuko drawls shaking him more. “Uncle wants to show us something.” He tries pulling at Sokka’s arms, determined to get him up. Gradually Sokka sits up, “What is it?” His voice come out raspy.  

    “I don’t know that s what I’m trying to figure out.” Zuko stands up and walks to the door, waiting for Sokka to follow. Sokka mocks Zuko under his breath that Zuko can barely hear and shadows his. Together they walk out of the hull and onto the deck. Iroh turns is head over to them then biggest grin on his face. He points out into the distance, into the horizon.

    “Thank Tui and La,” Sokka shouts as he runs over to the railing, almost falling of by how far he’s leaning out. It takes Zuko a little longer for his eyes to catch up but when he gets it he’s just as excited. Zuko sprints to his uncle.

    “Where getting out of here,” He barks. Finally, after all this time at sea all this time away from normal life, its back. Zuko wraps his arm around Iroh as he they laugh, tension in his shoulders releasing. Sokka on the other hand doesn’t look so happy. Of course, he is glad to get of this boat, but what does he half to go back to, his family thinks he’s dead, Sokka doesn’t know here they are, how long will it take to go to Omashu, will he even make it on his own. He can’t lead Zuko to Aang, how long can they even travel together.

    But all that slips away from his mind as he feels Zuko place a hand on his shoulder. For the first time Sokka sees Zuko smile, a real smile. Not one of his side smirks or trying not to grin. He smiles and lets out a laugh. Sokka heart feels like it might explode, and he know that he’s not ready to give up on Zuko.

Chapter Text

            The sun is bright and warm, there’s a faint smell of cherry blossoms in the air, and more food then Sokka could ever want. He could get used to this treatment. He hasn’t been to a spa before let alone one in a Fire Nation colony.

            At first, he was scared that the citizens would recognize him immediately, that they would recognize him as the boy that travels with the Avatar, but surprisingly they didn’t. Being with the Fire Nation Prince sure did hep. But he knows he can’t stay he for long. He must keep traveling, this is only a pit stop in Zuko’s hunt for the Avatar, in Sokka’s search for is family.

            Iroh is having a massage, going on about how it’s nice not to be one sea, smiling. Sitting on the ground is a frowning Zuko, his hat covering coving his eyes from Sokka’s sight. Both Iroh and Sokka have been struggling to cheer him up the past two days, but nothing seems to help.

            If anything, it makes it worse. Anytime Sokka asks Iroh about it she just says it’s not his business, Sokka is desperate to know what’s wrong, but it seems he will always be out of the loop, always be the outsider.

            Sokka pushes his foot into Zuko’s leg trying to get his attention. “Hey, will you quit being a party pooper and join me?” He asks, grinning at him, hoping it will cheer him up. Sokka has been wanting to go to the beach here, he never had the opportunity to enjoy a warm beach before.

            Zuko looks up, his hat tipping backwards. “Join you where?” His face is expressionless, Zuko is trying his hardest to hide his emotions. Trying his hardest to ignore what today is, what anniversary is being celebrated.

            Sokka shakes his head and places his hand on Zuko’s shoulder. “Just follow me please,” He shakes Zuko a little, wanting him to come but he knows if Zuka didn’t have a sense of vagueness he wouldn’t do it. Zuko stares at him struggling to say no, it’s so hard to say no to Sokka. Gradually curiosity gets the better of Zuko, he nods, standing up and following Sokka’s lead.

            Sokka lets out a sound of triumph and marches he’s way over to the beach. Out of the corner of Zuko’s good eye he can see his uncle grinning at them as he puts a robe on. Zuko tries to ignore the feeling in his chest as he follows Sokka away from everyone else.

            The sun is now setting the warm breeze becoming cooler. Iroh throws a bag of shells on the table in their small room. Him and Sokka just got back from a walk on the beach, collecting shells as they went, Zuko opted to say inside. “Look at these magnificent shells,” Iroh grins, grabbing a conch a showing it to Zuko. “I’ll enjoy these keeps sakes for years to come.”

            Some how this makes Zuko burst, the anger of everything going on around him seeping out. “We don’t need more useless things to carry,” He moves his arms wilding. “You forgot we have to carry everything ourselves now.” Sokka just rolls his eyes.

            “Let him have the shells Zuko, we don’t have much else.” Sokka doesn’t understand why Zuko has been so irritable lately, it seems every little thing sets him off. You think he would be happy now, getting spa treatment and finally on mainland, but he is somehow worse. Zuko just crosses his arms and huffs.

            “Cozying up with the enemy I see,” an unknow voice comes from the shadows of the room. The voice sounds sophisticated but young. All three of them whirl to where the voice came from. A girl comes stepping out and Sokka’s eyes widen. She’s dressed in fire nation armer and looks no older then Katara, yet her eyes looked aged, she has seen things no child should.

            Zuko’s face tightens into an unreadable expression, and he stands up higher, trying to look bigger, intimidating. “Hello Brother, Uncle,” She takes delicate steps forward, caring herself with power. Sokka takes a step back, this is Zuko’s sister, the one born lucky. They obviously have a strained relationship by how they act with each other.

            “What are you doing here.” Zuko takes a protective stance in front of Sokka and Iroh as he yells at his sister. She looks at her nails, admiring a shell she has in her hand, completely disinterested in the conversation “In my country we exchange a pleasant hello before we ask questions.” Azula takes a step closer to Zuko, getting in his face.

            “Have you become uncivilized so soon Zuzu,” She coons. Sokka can only assume that is a nickname for Zuko and one he doesn’t like if they way he clenches his fists are anything to go by. Iroh takes a step forward to talk. “What do we owe the Honor.” If Azula is here Ozai must want something, Iroh knows better than to underestimate his bother.

            A grin falls upon Azula’s face, though she still looks as threatening. “Must be a family trait, both of you so quick to get to the point.” Her grin widens and she pinches the shell in her hand, the shell crumbling in between her long-manicured nails. “I come with a message from home.” She crosses her arms and stands up a little taller, almost like she is trying to belittle Zuko.

            Zuko also tries to stand taller, he won’t let her shove it in his face. So, what Zuko can’t call the Fire Nation home anymore, it doesn’t mater because Zuko will earn his way back. He is so close to catching the avatar. “Father changed his mind, family is suddenly very important to him.” She frowns at Zuko, like she knows something more, something she won’t tell him. Iroh catches this, immediately on edge. What could Ozai possibly want that he would send Azula to give them this message.

            “He’s heard rumors of plans to overthrow him, treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust,” Her voice becomes less conceited and more somber. “Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home” her frown deeps as she looks away from them. Sokka in shock, Zuko was banished.

            That’s why he was travelling, why he was at the south pole. He had no were else to go. But why would Zuko be banished, he is always taking so great about the Fire Nation. What could he have done, why would he want to go back.

            “Of course, we will have to do something about that.” Her hand gestured to Sokka, and his nerves rise. Obviously, she recognized him with the Avatar. What could that mean for him. Will they imprison him, waiting for him to break, to tell him about the avatar. Surely Zuko won’t allow that to happen. Sokka looks over to him and he can’t be sure.

            Zuko doesn’t notice this though, instead he feels like he’s floating. Father finally wants him; he is finally allowed home. He’s allowed to call it home. But how is he supposed to take this in, after 3 years he’s expected to give up his hunt for the Avatar. Is he even earning his honor back if Father just lets him back.

            Azula looks back at them, he doesn’t look happy, why isn’t he happy. “Did you hear me, you should be happy, excited, grateful.” Anger rises in her voice, not understanding what is wrong with her brother. She takes a deep breath in trying to collect herself. “I just gave you great news.”

            Iroh takes a step forward trying to defend his nephew. This must be a lot for him to take in. After years of Zuko struggling to get his honor back, to get his Father’s approval “I’m sure your brother needs a moment.” Azula stays completely still but her voice booms in the small room. “Don’t interrupt me Uncle!” She takes a step back, guilt flooding her face. Her emotions all over the place. Sokka almost feels bad for her, seeing so much of Katara in her, to young to be involved in this war.

            But her face goes stern again, eyebrows up at an odd angle. And Sokka’s pity vanishes.  “I still haven’ heard my Thank you,” She takes a step forward looking over at Zuko.  “I’m not a messenger, I didn’t have to come all this way.” She’s trying to get Zuko’s attention, trying to get him to look at her. Slowly Zuko begins to speak.

            “Father regrets my banishment, he wants me back,” he says in disbelief. After all this time he’s allowed home just like that. Azula’s face softens, and she takes a deep breath in. “I see you need time to take this in. I’ll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening.” And with that Azula leaves.

            The way Zuko looks, like he finally got something he’s been craving for so long. He wants to go back to the Fire Nation, so where does that leave Sokka. Will Zuko let him be imprisoned, will he have to sit in a cell and Aang and Katara won’t even be able to save him. Everyone thinks he’s dead.

            The sun has set now, a couple hours have past sense Azula visited them. The whole time Zuko has been thinking about going home, running around trying to pack what little things he has. Seeming to gloss over the fact of what will happen to Sokka, finally Iroh speaks up from his seat at the table.

             “This doesn’t make any sense. My brother has never regretted anything.” Iroh shifts, trying to understand what is happening. Zuko just rolls his eyes, “Didn’t you listen to Azula, family has become important to him. He cares about me.” His voice rises, he needs to defend his Father, the man who so graciously forgave him. Iroh stands up walking over to his nephew, “I care about you.”

             Sokka’s body tense, Zuko obviously didn’t listen to Azula. How is he so calm about this, what will happen to Sokka. They have known each other for a month now. Does that mean nothing, does he still view Sokka has the enemy.

             He stands up angry, surly Zuko knows, he has to know. “Obviously you got banished for a reason,” The words come out harsher than he meant. But he can’t take them back now. Zuko throws his head over to Sokka.

            “What do you know!” Sokka has no right barging is way into this. He has never met his father; he barely even knows Zuko. Sokka walks to Zuko’s face, irritation rising.

            “Oh, I know you don’t care what will happen to me!” How could he if Zuko is so quick to drop Sokka. Not caring what will happen to him. Zuko takes a step back confused.

            “I- what do you mean?” He doesn’t sound so angry, trying to comprehend how Sokka got to that conclusion. Sokka rolls his eyes, why is Zuko playing dumb. “What do you think your sister meant about dealing with me?”

            He lets out a huff as Zuko still has the stupid look on his face. “She’s going to imprison me, let me rot. Or worse interrogate me for information I don’t even know.” He screams, why can’t Zuko get it in his think skull that Sokka his friend.

            “Then leave!” it comes out a shock to everyone, even Zuko. But there’s no way he is going to give up his chance to go home for someone he barely knows, for the enemy. Right? Sokka backs away from Zuko, looking dejected. Why does it hurt so much. “You don’t mean that.” He can’t mean that right, there no way. It’s just heat of moment.

            Of course, Zuko doesn’t mean It but it’s too late now. He can’t let Sokka know that he does care. He just can’t, so he says nothing. Just looking at Sokka, and that’s enough for him. Slowly Sokka gather what little things he has and leaves. Iroh hugging him on the way out.

            Why was he fooling himself anyway, there was only so long they before the war catches up to them. Before they are forced to face all problems, the people they love, the choices they make.

Chapter Text

     Sokka trudges forward, he left the spa at daybreak after he was able to fenagle the works to give him another room for him, claiming that the one room was too small for someone like the prince of the Fire Nation. Even though he has been walking all morning he is barely past the dock they first came in from. His feet are sore, he can’t handle this heat, and he really needs to get a hold of a up to date map. The old one from the Northern water tribe was fine in the ocean when he didn’t need to know territories or different landmarks, but to use a 70-year-old map to navigate miles to Omashu will be difficult.

     He’s tempted to look back, he knows just behind him that Zuko and Iroh are boarding the ship. That the next time he sees either will most likely be when Aang finally ends this war. So, he does, he looks back, the fancy Fire Nation royal ship looking much too large for the small colony dock. From here he can’t really see anyone on the ship, but he knows that they are on there. That Zuko woke up bright and early in the morning, excited to see his father, to leave.

     Suddenly he hears a shout and see the burst of a flame, he lurches forward. First instinct to run over, to help Zuko. But he shouldn’t, Zuko made is bed, now he has to lie in it with his crazy sister. He shouldn’t, he really shouldn’t. It’s a bad idea to enter a fight with fire benders and no weapon, but he can’t just sit here and watch. Sokka runs over to the dock, dropping his small bag as he goes. This is the probably the fast he has ever run in his entire life get over there in less than a minute. He runs up the dock where he sees Iroh scuffling with some soldiers and the fire of Zuko and Azula fighting on the ship.

     Sokka struggles to find something to help, he quickly crouches down and grabs a hunk of broken concrete from the dock, it’s only a little bigger than his hand but will be more than enough. Sokka reels his arm back and throws it at the closest solder’s head. The weight is different than his boomerang (spirts does he miss his boomerang) but he still has good aim. He gets closer to Iroh, grabbing another piece of concrete and hurling it at another solider. Iroh throws the last solider of the dock, Sokka looks up, finally able to have a better view of the ship deck, just in time to see Zuko slide to the ground. On instinct Sokka runs up to him shouting his name.

     Azula doesn’t falter, looming over them. Sokka slides next to Zuko, he can see the fear in his eyes as he tries to help him up and Sokka looks over his own shoulder. Azula has her two fingers pointed at them, wicked grin on her face. She looks ready to attack, but Sokka has never seen a Firebender stance like this. Before he can even react a blinding bolt of lightning is coming right at his face. He lurches over Zuko, trying to protect him as much as he can. Then in an instant Iroh runs in front of them grabbing Azula’s hand.

     Iroh points his hand at the mountains in the distance, lighting shooting out, cliffs crumbling. Sokka grips onto Zuko, panic rising, how did he not no they could bend lighting, how can they do that. Sokka sit there in shock as Iroh throws Azula off the ship. In a flash Zuko stands up, dragging Sokka with him. Quickly reality sets in and Sokka struggles not to trip over his own feet as the three of them run down the dock. 

     “Your sister is crazy!” Sokka shouts throwing his arms up in the air. How could someone do that to their own siblings, she tried to kill him. He could never imagine doing that to Katara, or Katara to him. But then again Zuko’s family is far different than his own. And Iroh’s response just confirms that. 

     “We know, just hurry up.” He yells and grabs Sokka’s tunic to pull him forward.

     Iroh is out cold with nothing more than is arms supporting his head as he sleeps on the ground. The lighting redirecting seems to have taken a lot out of him, which is also something they can do besides lighting bending. Sokka’s still shocked how the day went, glad to finally have a moment of quiet. Thankfully before it got dark, they were able to start a fire, having to Firebenders does help.

     Even though he wishes him a Zuko can talk, after everything that has happened. The air is tense and awkward, feeling like a month ago.  Before they got to know each other, before everything they went through. Always on edge, scared the other might attack. But now it’s a different kind of fear, fear that the trust they made is gone, that they lost each other. Just two days ago Sokka would have cracked more than enough joke about the diamond of hair Zuko has where his ponytail used to be, but he bit his tongue. Knowing not where they stand. Right now, Zuko is gently poking at the fire, his face pulled in a tight frown before he slowly begins to speak.

     “I didn’t want you to leave,” He looks like he’s going to vomit. Why does Sokka always do this to this to him. He just has to sit there and Zuko is ready to spill his guts to him.

     “I didn’t want to leave either.” Sokka say a little too loud. Both of them look up and make eye contact for a second before Zuko looks away.

     He takes a deep breath in, “I’m just not very good at…” Zuko pauses, is he allowed to say it, is he even allowed to think it. How can he consider Sokka is friend, how will he know if Sokka feels the same. After everything he was done to Sokka, and his friends how can he care for him so much. But Sokka knows exactly what he means.

     He whispers quietly, “I’m not good at this either.” And how could they, both kids of war with too much responsibility. How could they have time to make friend their own age, to have a life outside of this war.

     That’s all the reassurance Zuko needs to continue. “You were too close so I pushed you away. And I thought… I thought my father wanted me home,” He rubs his hand across his face. “But he, he didn’t, and… and you came back soooo.” He pauses and looks at Sokka, he has a soft smile on his face, and for the first time Zuko smiles back. “Thank you.”

     The fire glows on Sokka’s soft features, creating deep shadows on the dimples of his cheeks as he talks, “I- we’re friends; that what I’m going to do, come back for you.” A small part of Sokka understands, if he had the opportunity to see his parents again, Sokka doesn’t know what he would do to see them again. But a larger part of him can’t see why Zuko would want anything to do with Azula, and he’s never met the Fire lord before (and he’s glad and hopes that’s never happened) but the stories he’s heard and if Zuko’s sister is anything to go off, Sokka can’t imagine he’s much better.

     So instead, he just gives him a sad smile, maybe he will stop worrying about the “the Avatar” and realize that there are two people that care about him right here. Sokka wants to stick with him for however long that takes.                          

Chapter Text

“This sucks,” Zuko groans, dragging his feet behind him. Him and Sokka have been trying to get food for the past 20 minutes, sadly with no hope. The pain in Zuko stomach growing, every once in a while Sokka’s gurgles loudly.

“You told me you had experience.” Zuko throws his head into his hands, in a dramatic manner, the groaning getting louder. Sokka turns his head, brows pinched.      

“I do have experience, it’s just difficult with this small knife.” He shakes his hand, drawing emphasis to the size.   

“Maybe your loud breathing is scaring away the animals.”      

Sokka stops in his tracks, gasping in offense at what Zuko just said. Sure Zuko his blunt and quick to anger but he thought they moved past that a week ago, thought they have made progress.

“I don’t breathe loud.”    

“Do to,” Zuko continues to walk, passing Sokka.    

“I do not.”    

“Do toooo.”    

“Do not”     

“Dooo toooo.”     

This time Zuko look back at Sokka and he notices the glint his eyes and the ever so slight smirk on his face. It occurs to Sokka that Zuko is teasing him. A grin splits Sokka’s face in half. Quickly he runs up to Zuko, grabbing the back of his head and ruffling his hair. A new habit Sokka has picked up the last week as Zuko’s hair grows back.      

“Let’s go back maybe uncle has had more luck.”      

Zuko leans near Sokka, turning the good side of his face towards him to listen and nods. Sokka turns around, bumping his and Zuko’s shoulders together.

The walk back seemed to take longer than before and the hunger in Zuko’s stomach is getting unbearable. They stumble out of the tree line into a small clearing.

“We didn’t find anything,” Zuko grumbles out. “I can’t live like this; I wasn’t meant to be a fugitive, it’s imposable!” He kicks the ground aggressively. Foot swinging in the air and dirt flying around their feet.     

Sokka sighs, exasperated at Zuko’s antics. He can’t figure out how he find the energy to be angry, maybe having no energy just makes him angrier.  “Lower the theatrics.” He chuckles, never has he met someone so dramatic.     

Zuko just rolls his eyes and walks closer to Iroh, Sokka follows slowly.

“Uncle, what are you doing?”     

“You’re looking at the rare White Dragon Bush.” Iroh’s hands hover around the plant has he looks in awe at it. “it’s leaves make a tea so delicious it’s heart breaking.” Iroh clasps his hands together, imagining the mouthwatering tea the plant could produce.    

“Or it’s the White Jade Bush which is poisonous.”     

So, Iroh didn’t have any luck, Sokka deadpans to himself.     

“We need food, not tea!” Zuko shouts.    

Sokka place his hand on Zuko’s shoulder, giving him a silent reminder to stay calm. “Let’s not drink the poisonous plant that could possibly kill you.”      

Zuko just rolls his eyes at both Iroh and Sokka, throwing Sokka’s arm away as he walks away. Declaring very loudly.     

“I’m going fishing!”   

Sokka run after him, knowing there is no way Zuko could catch any fish on his own. Besides Iroh’s an adult, he can be trusted not to eat a most likely poisonous plant

Sokka was very, very wrong. He drops the bungle of fish in his hands as Iroh turns around, some of the fish is still alive and wiggling around on the ground. Sokka raises up his arm, slapping his hand against his forehead. Iroh’s face has red swollen spots all over and his voice is scratchy and irritated. It was a miracle they came back when they did, that Iroh is even alive or breathing.     

“Tui and La ,” He mumbles into his hand as Iroh stands up.

A small part of Sokka is disappointed. Iroh is so wise and humble, yet so stupid. You really can’t in between him and his tea.     

“When the rash spreads to my throat I will stop breathing.” Iroh says walking closer to Zuko, scratching himself. Zuko lurches forward, worry on his face. Why would his uncle risk his life over stupid tea, how could he be so careless. He takes a deep breath in as he gets closer to Zuko he takes out a branch with a few clusters of berries on it.       

A grin spreads across Iroh’s face as he waves the branch around Sokka and Zuko’s faces.     

“These are Bacui berries, known to cure the poison of the White Jade plant, or the Maka’ole Berries that cause blindness.”     

Sokka slaps his forehead again and Zuko throws the stick into the distance.

“We’re not taking any more chances with these plants.” He plants his feet and hunches his shoulders in anger before relaxes and admits. “We need help.”     

“But where are we going to go. We’re enemies of the Earth Kingdom.”      

“And Fugitives of the Fire Nation,” Sokka adds.     

Zuko crosses his arms. “If the Earth Kingdom discovers us, they’ll have us killed.”     

“But if the Fire Nation Discover us, we’ll be turned into Azula,” Iroh raise up from the leg he has been scratching.

Sokka’s eye widen at the thought, how terrifying it was to see that lighting come from her. The horrible things she would do, he can’t even imagine. All three of them nod their heads.     

“Earth Kingdom it is.” Zuko announces.

The walk to the closest village really wasn’t that long, which made Zuko more uneasy. If they weren’t careful someone could have found them out there, especially since this village is so close to Fire Nation colonies. Much of what happens in the colonies can make its way into the Earth Kingdom villages. Luckily this time it’s working in their favor, being so close, next time it probably won’t.

Sokka and Zuko have their arms wrapped around Iroh, having to keep him up right. His face is so swollen you can barely recognize him, skin bright red. Sokka keeps getting glimpses of Zuko, is expression getting more and more worried as Iroh’s breathing gets worse. Zuko’s forehead is creased and a deep frown is set in his face. The shadow cased on Zuko’s face by his hat makes him look even more dreary.

Sokka bites his lip as he glance from Zuko, Iroh, in front of him, and back to Zuko. Unable to walk in silence for much longer, Sokka slips his hand out of Iroh’s side and tugs on Zuko’s sleeve. His snaps his head over to Sokka, face softening the slightest. They make eye contact, Sokka giving him a gentle smile.

“It will be ok, the town isn’t that far, and once we get there we’ll ask someone to get help.”

Zuko gives a curt nod and a small smile. Feeling a little better, Sokka words helping. The smile on Sokka’s face grows and they slow down a little bit, just staring at each other.

Then Iroh lets out a particularly bad wheeze, startling them both. They jump back to staring in front of themselves, marching once more. Picking up there pace as they see the outline of rooftops on the distance.

Surprisingly there were not that many people in town clinic, so Iroh was able to get help right away. Zuko did however have some difficulty talking to the girl that word there. Sokka forgot just how just how awkward Zuko can be. Now they are just siting in chairs at the front of the room, as the nurse rubs salve onto Iroh’s skin.

“You guys must not be from around here. We know better than to touch the White Jade, much less make it into a tea and drink it.” The girl says, a small smile growing on her face, globing the green goo onto Iroh, covering a particularly red splotch of skin.

Iroh makes a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his head. “Oops,” he says looking over the girls shoulder to Sokka and Zuko, both of them just shake their heads.

“So where are you guys traveling from?”

At this Zuko jumps nearly a foot in the air. Not knowing what to say, he has never been good at lying. Sokka opens his mouth to respond, not expecting Zuko to try and pull off any story he comes up with. But Zuko cuts him off, giving a horrible answer.

“Yes, we’re travelers?” He say brashly, it sounding more like a question. Sokka just smacks his forehead.

“Do you guys have names?”

“Names, yes we have names. I’m Lee, this is Shu.” Zuko gestures to Sokka beside him. He pauses slightly before continuing. “This is our Uncle Mushi.”

Iroh looks over and gives Zuko a death glare. Sokka rolls his eyes, slapping his hand over his forehead. Of course Zuko would give the only good name to himself.

The girl just turns around, eyeing Sokka and Zuko. “So are you guys siblings?” Obviously they look nothing alike. No one would ever say they could be related, but Zuko already started digging the hole.

“Cousins, twice removed.” Sokka blurts out quickly, smiling at her. Sounding more convincing then anything Zuko as said in the last minute. This seems to be enough for her and she turns back around, tending to Iroh.

Just as she goes this you can see a light bulb go off for Iroh. “Well, Lee is named after his father.” He looks a at Zuko, mischievous grin spreed across his face. Sokka grins back, being able to tell where he is going. So he does the only logical thing and helps out.

“Yeah, so everyone calls him Junior.” Sokka bumps his shoulder into Zuko’s. Practically feeling the irritation radiating off of him.

“Mushi, Junior and Shu, huh. I’m Song” She steps back, smiling at them all, wiping her hands clean. “You all look like you could use a good meal.

Sokka squints his eyes at her, wondering where this hospitality is coming from. The meal sounds nice, but can they afford to stay here much longer. He can see how being this out in the open is affecting Zuko, how nervous he is. Honestly it’s making Sokka nervous too. They really haven’t made it that far from Azula, they can cover a lot less ground on foot. Sokka really misses Appa. Yeah he was smelly, but he did his job, though he must admit he loves Appa.

“Sorry, we need to be going.” Zuko looks over to Sokka, how gives him a small nod. Agreeing with what Zuko is saying.

“That’s too bad. My mom always makes too much roast duck.”

At that Sokka’s opinion changes, snapping his head over to Song. He’s never had duck before, never having the opportunity to. But his mouth waters at the thought. Besides it’s been a while since he’s had a home meal. Sokka looks over to Zuko, silently pleading for him to change his mind.

“Where exactly do you live?” Iroh moves over to Song, a grin spread across his face. Seems him and Sokka had the same idea.

Zuko slumps and rolls his eyes. “Fine, we can go.” He says it more to Sokka than to Song, but she still nods her head.

The dinner was a little awkward, three strangers joining in on such a close family. But it was nice, the meal nice and filling, the people nice. Sokka could swear he saw Zuko smile at a couple of his jokes. That is definitely the highlight of the evening, even if no one else noticed it.

The conversation shifts a little, at their second serving of tea.

“My daughter tells me you are refugees,” Song’s mom walks into the dining area, carrying in the tea set. “We were once refugees.” She sits down gracefully, a pleasant smile on her face.

“When I was a little girl the Fire Nation raided our farming Village.”

Zuko tenses, feeling uncomfortable by the mentioning of  his home. He tries not to make it obvious but it’s hard when Song is starring at him. He glances over to his uncle and Sokka, both of them looking uncomfortable. Suddenly Iroh tea is very interesting and Sokka won’t look up at anyone.

“All the men were taken away, that was the last time I saw my father.” Song continues, not noticing the shift in mood. Or maybe she does but doesn’t care.

Though as she continues Zuko, relaxes a little, feeling connected to what Song is saying. “I haven’t seen my father in many years.”

Sokka looks between the two, the way Song eyes won’t leave Zuko’s face. And he hates it. But why… why is bothering him so much. So he does the only thing he can think of.

“My dad left for the war when i was 13.” It comes out awkward, but he needs to get Songs eyes away from Zuko.

It doesn’t last long though, her eyes drift to Sokka for a second before there back on Zuko. That just makes his blood boil. But Zuko’s aren’t one Song anymore, instead he’s staring at Sokka, a frown on his face. Sokka smiles at him, bumping into him and slips his arm behind Zuko’s shoulders.

“Is your father fighting in the war, Lee.”

Sokka can feel Zuko tense. He carefully puts his cup of tea down, not daring to look at anyone. He doesn’t say anything because honestly what is he supposed to say. Yes my father is in the war. He’s actually the Fire Lord that is killing everyone.

Zuko sallows, only paying attention to Sokka hand squeezing the back of his shoulder.

Sokka walks out of the out house and nearly jumps out of his skin, Zuko is standing right outside, an awkward look on his face.

“Tui and La, Zuko. What are you doing?”

“I-“ He takes an uneasy step to the side, letting Sokka walk past him. “I’m sorry about your dad. I didn’t know that happened.” He says quickly, spitting it out before he can worry any longer.

Sokka taken aback, surprised that Zuko feels he has to apologize. “Zuko, there is so way you could have known.” He moves to place his hands on Zuko’s shoulders, trying to reassure him.

“You don’t have to be sorry, they was no way you could have been involved. You were a child when it happened.” Sokka squeezes his shoulders, making that he understands.

“I don’t blame you.”

And Zuko believes him, he smiles at Sokka feeling the weight of everything fall of him. He doesn’t have to worry about other’s mistakes, his father’s, his sisters, his mothers.

Sokka’s hands slide down Zuko’s arms, a light pressure the whole way down. “Let go back inside ok.”

Zuko’s eyes follow Sokka’s hands, suddenly he feels hot all over. He nods quickly and practically runs into the house.

Sokka just shakes his head, a soft smile falling on his lips.

Sadly Zuko’s good mood is dampened by Song wanting to pull him away as soon as he steps in the house.

Sokka wonders around the house trying to find Zuko. He expected him to be right there once he walked inside but he’s no where to be found. After a while he comes across a door and slides it open a little peeking his head out.

Right there is Zuko, but he is talking to song. Or more of Song talking to him. Sokka doesn’t dare move, he can see the look on Songs face. She’s looks at Zuko like she was at the tabel, the one that make Sokka’s chest feel tight.

He sallows, his mouth feeling very dry.

Sokka can’t hear what they are saying but he can see Songs face, and that’s enough. He cna see how Song is scooting herself closer to Zuko, how she is leaning in as she talks.

Then she reaches up to touch his face, his scar. Sokka wants to scream. He can see Zuko cave into himself, like he wants to crawl out of his skin and never come back.

He bows how protective Zuko is of his scar. He always turns his head so he can see and hear everything, that he sleeps with his good ear towards the closest entrance. The way he tries to hide the flinch whenever Sokka waves to close to his face.

And there he is, sitting there frozen, as song touches something so important, so special.

Sokka slinks back, closing in the door silently. He scurries off to join Iroh in the front of the house, preparing to leave.

Less then a minute after Sokka walks up to Iroh, Zuko comes out the door. A scowl on his face as he stomps past them.

“Come on let’s go.” He says quickly walking up to the ostrich horse tied to a fence post.

“Uh what are you doing?” Sokka runs up to him, Iroh right behind him.

“Song said he can take it.”

“Did she really?”

Zuko turns his head, gripping the is ostrich horse’s lead in his hand. His eyes go back and forth between Sokka and Iroh before his shoulders slump. There is no way he can lie to them.

“We need it more than them.”

And Sokka can’t argue with that. He nods his head, grabbing onto the other lead to help Zuko guide her out.

“If we are going to keep her, she needs a name.”

Zuko groans but Iroh just grins.

“How about Wilma.”

Zuko groans louder, Sokka can’t help but laugh.

“Uncle that name sucks.”

“What about Olive, Olive the ostrich horse.”

“That’s better.” Zuko admits, though he looks disappointed about it. Iroh and Sokka snicker.

Chapter Text

It’s been a couple of days since Sokka saw that conversation Zuko had with Song, but he hasn’t been able to get it out of his head. Part of him feels bad, like he should have just left the second he felt it was personal. A larger part of him is still angry. He can understand the anger at Song, even at himself. Sokka just can’t wrap his head around the jealousy he felt the whole time while watching.

He tried to rationalize it, saying that Zuko having a girl so obviously want him made Sokka miss Yue. Which he did, there wasn’t a night that went by where he didn’t stare at the moon, wishing she was there with him. Yhat still wasn’t it though. He couldn’t place what was making upset, all the emotions were just bubbling out of him, until he did something so insanely stupid.

“I saw the conversation you and Song had,” Sokka regrets it as soon as the word spill out of him mouth. He takes a deep breath in, waiting for the explosion to come.

But it doesn’t.

The cricket quit literally chirp in the silent along with Iroh snoring. Zuko just stares are Sokka cross the fire, his singular eyebrow twitching. The glow of the fire casting dark shadows against Zuko’s sharp features, making him look scarier.

Sokka wishes that Zuko would just yell, get loud like he normally does. Instead he is just look at Sokka with in unreadable expression. Sokka wants to say he looks hurt, but no that can’t be. That would mean that- would mean that Sokka-

“Why,” is all he says, his voice cracking the middle of the word. Zuko feels his heart fall. All the trust he thought he built disappears.

Sokka swallows and brings his fingers to pick at the skin around his nails, anxiety growing inside him. “I didn’t mean to, I just-“

“How did not mean to. You just what, couldn’t leave. Something was keeping you from walking.” Zuko shout at Sokka, anger clear in his voice.

“No, I was just, I didn’t-“ What is he suppose to tell Zuko when he didn’t understand his own feelings. That he was worried Song was going to call Zuko cute, tell him she liked him, kiss him. That for some reason it bother Sokka and he just couldn’t figure out why. The reason he listened was because he was worried about all that happening.

So Sokka doesn’t say anything, just staring at Zuko, picking his fingers raw.

After a while of silence, Zuko stands up, glaring down at Sokka. “I’m going to bed,” he growls out, before stalking off.

Sokka’s breath hitches, and gives a small nod. As Zuko gets farther in the distance, Sokka turns his head look for the sleeping mat. He rolls it out far away from Iroh and Zuko. Under a small clearing, the moon in direct sight.

Sokka falls asleep gazing at the moon, tears running down his face.

Things with Zuko have be tense ever since that night, always giving Sokka the cold shoulder. Whenever Sokka tries to talk to him, Zuko will just claim he has go find food or practice with is swords. It’s gotten to the point that Iroh has noticed (though very few things can get past him), giving Sokka questioning glances every once in a while. Sokka doesn’t even have the heart to tell him what happened, not wanting to admit it.

Riding in Olive has gotten ten times worse to. All three of them sitting close to each other, air tight in silence. Sokka has really hated it, missing Katara and Aang more than ever. Sure on the island it was miserable, but having hope is almost worse. They are so close, just out of reach, Omashu no where close. Before it was awkward with Zuko and Sokka, but now that he knows what it’s like to be friendly with Zuko, Sokka misses more than ever. Part of him wants to leave, continue on his own, just so he doesn’t have a glaring reminder of Zuko.

Though he knows he can’t leave, he wouldn’t allow himself. He can’t leave when he still holds onto hope every time Zuko looks at him.

This is there third village in three days, every spare second they are traveling, and when they are not doing that they are looking for food or ways to get money. This has been making Zuko even more infuriated than he already is. Having to rely on others has always irked him the wrong way. However, this has been an eye opening experience for Sokka, see just how vile people can be. Sokka has always been a glass half empty kind of person, never expecting to see the good in people. But this is the first time he is experiencing this cruelty first hand. Sure Sokka can be brash, doing what ever he can to protect his family, but Katara is always there to show him the light.

Katara , he thinks. How he misses her

She, without fail, would jump in to help people, never carrying what it would do to her. Yes, she was stubborn, maybe he didn’t always go about things in the best way. But she would try her hardest, wearing her heart on her sleeve. And Aang. Happy, bubbly Aang. He sees the best in people. Even though he knows better than anyone, just how remorseless people can be. Aang can forgive anyone, walk in their shoes.

Sokka’s heart aches for them. To hold Aang and Katara in his arms again, tell them how much he misses them, tell them he loves them. But he’s no were close to that. For now he just has to hold his head high, carry on to the next day.

Sokka notices that Zuko has been practicing with his swords for a longer then usual. Normally Zuko likes to practice alone, waking up at odd hours in the morning to have some time to himself. But he has been gone for 2 hours now, the sun slowly making it way down the sky. They planned to travel early in the morning, that means an early night.

Sokka can see that Iroh is getting nervous, though he tries to hide it with a soft smile and tea. Distracting himself by traveling to town to get good.

Thoughts of Azula flash through his mind. What if she finally caught up? She found Zuko all alone and took the opportunity. The anger in her eyes when she was looming over him fire in hand. Sokka that she was going to kill Zuko, and she almost did. How could he have been so stupid, Sokka should have never let Zuko on his own. They are on the run from the Fire Nation he should have been more careful.

Sokka gets up running to get Iroh, they need to start looking for Zuko. Then, right when Sokka has taken two steps, Zuko catches his eye in the distance, swords in one hand and a bag in the other. Sokka’s brow furrows in confusion as Zuko continues to walk, not even acknowledging Sokka. It’s been like that a lot recently.

Zuko walks right past him, over to the cave they have been using as shelter. Sokka spins on his heel, eyes following Zuko.

“Where’s Uncle.”

“He left to get food.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. I already got some.” Zuko sits down in the cave. He tosses the bag at the mouth of the cave, by Sokka’s feet.

Sokka squats down, looking through the contents of the bag, finding a large loaf of bread, fresh fruit, and fancy looking tea. Sokka’s confusion grows even more.

“Where did you get this.”

“I got it from a job.”

“With your swords?” Sokka raises an eyebrow, trying to come up with the best plausible explanation for how Zuko could have got this. It couldn’t be anything illegal, something that could get them caught. Zuko just shrugs.

Sokka just sighs and walks into the cave, sitting down next to Zuko. Knowing that no matter how hard he pushes Zuko won’t answer.

When Iroh returns with some day old bread he is just as confused Sokka was. But he bites his tongue, wanting to believe Zuko’s half-assed lie. They all eat in silence, Sokka and Iroh giving each other worried glances.

Sokka is out delivering some supplies for a local shop own when he over hears a conversation between two traveling merchants.

“Ever since Omashu surrendered trade has gone down.”

Sokka freezes

A million thoughts go through his head.Why would King Bumi do that to his people? Surely Aang wasn’t there when it happened? Whoever supposed to be his teacher now? But the biggest on that bothered him the most is, how is he supposed to find Aang and Katara now? He needs to get answers.

Sokka walks over to the merchants hoping  to talk to him, to be able to understand more.

“Um excuse me sir, did you say Omashu  surrendered?” He asks as politely he can.

The man looks a little shocked and nod. “Oh son, haven’t heard yet. Happened a little less than a month ago. Left the market to rubble.”

Sokka lets out a sigh. Katara and Aang weren’t there when it happened, but it doesn’t leave him with any less questions.

“And King Bumi, any idea why he did that?”

The man shakes his head. “Nope, crazy old nut as far as I’m concerned.”

“Ok thank you sir.” Sokka nodded and walked away. He still is confused but a little more at ease. At least enough to sleep tonight.

Another day goes by, everyone haveing fulling stomachs and concerned glance going around Zuko.

Zuko turns around trying to get comfortable on the cold hard ground, off to the edge close to where they keep Olive.Though he is still close enough so he can hear Uncle and Sokka talking softly to each other. Nothing they are saying is really interesting until he hears his name, head turning towards them.

“I feel like Zuko is pushing me away.” Sokka say to Iroh, staring into the fire.

Ever since that night Zuko has been avoiding him like the plague. Sokka can’t just shake it off, is bothering him all the time.

On top of that Zuko and his “working,” as he likes to call it, has pushed further apart. Sokka thought they were finally friends, they finally understood each other. He thought they have come a long way from when they got stranded together in the North Pole. Sokka’s not a big talker about feeling, but he wishes he could have that. Figure out why they aren’t the same.

Sokka can’t help but feel so alone.

After a while of silence Iroh finally speaks.

“Zuko does that to everyone, I even think he realizes it. Once he gets close to people, he pushes them away.” Iroh pauses taking a deep breath.

“I understand that. It’s easier to not get close, don’t have to worry about them leaving.”

Sokka remembers the year after his mom died, how his dad tried to be there but he really just wanted to lay down and forget. How he knows that he himself struggles with getting to letting people in, that’s why he was so apprehensive about Aang.

He just thought him and Zuko got past that already, that they got each other. At least Sokka got over it (being forced to survive together really fastens a bond), obviously Zuko hadn’t.

Iroh looks at Sokka sadly, “Zuko wasn’t always like this. He used to be kind, and compassionate. And I know deep down he still is. But the Fire Nation broke him, like it broke so many of us.”

He remembers how Zuko was before he felt the effects of the war. Before his mother left, before the Agni Kai. He was such a happy kid, finding joy in the little things. He would enjoy nature, watching plays and talking with his mother. But the Fire Nation took that. Iroh can only hope that one day Zuko will get it back.

Zuko feels like he might throw up as he hears them talk. How can they talk like he’s broken and needs to be fixed. Like they know him so well.

This goes on the next couple of days traveling. Zuko going out for hours on end, coming back with more and more food. Iroh and Sokka trying to stay oblivious. Not wanting to believe in the worse.

It’s not until Zuko comes back with and fancy tea set and a brand new carving knife do they finally say something, do they finally have to confront what is happening.

Sokka can hear Iroh talking, but he’s not really paying attention to what he is saying. His head snaps up once her hears Zuko’s voice.

“Do you like your new teapot?”

“To be honest the best tea tastes delicious whether it comes in a porcelain pot or a tin cup.”

Sokka rolls his eyes, suppressing a groan. Uncle and his proverbs. How can he stay so calm in a situation like this.

“We know what you are going, Zuko.” Sokka bits out throwing the knife to the ground.

Everyone freezes, the silence deafening. Then Iroh breaks it, trying to stop it before it gets worse.

“What Sokka means is things have been difficult. We’ve had to struggle to get by. But there’s a simple honor in poverty.” Iroh says trying to stop the explosion before it starts

But sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.

“Yeah and you can do that by not stealing!” Sokka shouts, standing up. “What if one day you steal from the wrong person. You are a Fire Bender and wanted by the Fire Nation. Do you even think?”

“Of course I think! I think about not wanting to starve. About not wanting to plead and beg just to get a few coins!” Zuko screams back, standing up to Sokka.

“Oh and what if you get caught? What will you think then!”

“I won’t get caught.”

“You’re so stup-“

“Boys.” Iroh raises his voice. Wanting to stop the argument before it can get worse. Before they can say something they might regret. “Let’s take a second to think.”

Zuko glares at his Uncle, huffing out a breath. “I don’t need to think.” He snaps out before he turns on his heel, walking out the cave.

“Zuko please,” Iroh shouts after him. “Just remember who you are.” Iroh doesn’t dare follow Zuko. He knows that he needs to be allowed once like this.

The next day Sokka is woken up to Zuko and Olive gone, a sad look on Iroh’s face.