Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Lee, hurry up!" Jet's voice echoed through the quiet, surprisingly empty streets of the Middle ring. Zuko followed, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about this little 'excursion'. However, that did nothing to erase the fact that Jet and the Freedom Fighters were a... release for him, or rather for Lee, who could do things, feel things that Zuko, as himself, never could. 

“This doesn’t seem safe, the Dai Li could discover us, or the soldiers, or you could at least tell me where we’re going,” Zuko quickened his pace, now beside Jet, who seemed to be ignoring him completely. 

Jet's stride was confident. He rushed through the silent streets quickly, checking, every now and then, and urging Zuko to follow along. He hadn't specified a place other than 'you'll see, this shit will turn your life around!' Zuko faltered a bit, memories from the earlier night occupying his mind.

"You know why I like you, Lee?" Jet's breath hitched after the last word, it was dark and they'd been drinking the wine they stole from that Earth kingdom dignitary. They were both panting slightly, crouching on a dark rooftop, eyes still searching for any soldiers who might be coming their way. 

"You're like me. A fighter. We're here having to fight for these... shreds of peace, for our freedom. You know what its like, to struggle. Those assholes wouldn't know struggle if it punched them right in the gut."

He took a breath," And, of course, you're not that bad to look at," his eyes raked over Zuko, his half covered face shining in the moonlight, "no, not bad at all."

Zuko's face, already red from the wine, flushed more. He did not know that was even possible. He knew he had to do something, say something, anything , but no words came out. Jet leaned closer to Zuko, and there was fire in his eyes. There was passion like Zuko had never seen. His heartbeat stuttered, breath hitching in his chest. 

"Jet..." he protested, but there was no heart in it. He knew that, Jet knew that. 

Jet pressed his lips against his, hot and needy. He stilled against the contact until his brain very helpfully supplied: fuck it. 

Zuko brought his hands up and tangled them in Jet's hair, kissing him hard, he needed this, he deserved this, he...

He was a disgrace. 

He moved himself away as fast as he had given in. Got up from the rooftop, eyes scanning for an escape. His movements were quick as he moved towards an exit, unable to turn, to face Jet now, after... that. 

Still Jet's voice broke through the silence, and he could hear the grin in his voice. "You know what, Lee?  I learnt something new today, some old ...friends have made an appearance. Meet me tomorrow behind the library, I think you'd like to meet them."

Zuko stopped, and turned around. "What ... friends? More Freedom Fighters?"  Zuko couldn't risk discovery, not his, not uncle's. He had to be cautious, he couldn't let his guard down. Not like he had just now. Jet was still dangerous, regardless of being a good kisser. Zuko stomped down on the thought, cheeks, once again, flushing red.

"Nope,"  came Jet's reply. "Just trust me, you do trust me don't you, Lee?" His smirk was outright criminal. It made him appear younger than he was, more boyish. " And don't worry, this shit will turn your life around."

With that and a smooth wave goodbye, he jumped off, landing on another roof, making his way quietly through the catacombs of the city, leaving Zuko standing on the rooftop, reassessing how the fucking hell he got here. 

Now that Zuko was halfway there, his senses had somewhat returned and were shouting at him. He shouldn't have come. He should've listened to uncle. He should've asked more questions, should've never let his guard down, or let Jet... kiss him. 

It was his greatest shame. He was the Crown Prince of the greatest nation on the planet. Or rather, he used to be. His honor, once intact, was now worthless in the eyes of any  respectable Fire Nation citizen. He was dallying with Earth Kingdom peasants, stealing, running around with a group of ragtags who hated the Fire Nation, and kissing boys . He shook the thoughts away and looked at his surroundings. The houses kept getting bigger as they started toward the wealthier district in the city.

He was pretty far away from the Jasmine Dragon. He'd told Uncle to not worry, and that he'd be back soon enough. He was starting to doubt that now. He tightened his grip on his swords, but followed along anyway, footsteps as quiet as a spirit's. 

Jet climbed over a wall into the Upper ring, pulling Zuko along with him. They walked in the shadows, until they reached a sort of clearing. Zuko could hear a bunch of people arguing distinctly, a young man and woman's voices ringing out the loudest,

"...can't actually believe that he's changed?! After what happened last time, why are we even agreeing to this? Don't tell me you trust him again!"

"Of course I don't trust him, how stupid do you think I am-"

"Pretty stupid since you DID agree to this, what were you thinking ?!"

Their voices seemed familiar to Zuko somehow, their accents too thick to be local in any way. A quieter voice tried to reason but it was too timid to be heard. Zuko angled for a better view until Jet called out, "Talking about me?"

The voices quietened, starting to make their way towards them. Zuko lowered his gaze, fixating on his swords, ready for any danger. He still couldn't shake the feeling that something was innately wrong, that he shouldn't be there, and those voices, they were so familiar. He did not, however have time to think about them for long because the people to whom the voices belonged to were now standing right in front of him. His eye widened and Zuko wondered what he'd done in his past lives to deserve this. 

"Hello Je- Oh Spirits. "

Now that was a face and sentiment he recognized. 

Zuko found himself face to face with the boy Avatar and his lackeys. 

Ah, fuck.

"Talking about me?"

Jet's annoying voice, and his annoying face and his annoying everything was something that Sokka thought had been left well alone in the past. But no, he could see Jet making his way towards them with another guy from the Earth Kingdom. Katara just happened to run into him in the markets and then somehow agreed  to meet with him. Had none of his survival instincts passed on to anyone in the group?! Was he really the only voice of reason? 

Aang was also thankfully against the arrangement, and Toph didn't know enough, but his own sister had somehow lost enough braincells to repeat history. 

Sokka fiddled with his boomerang, and squinted to take a look at Jet's companion. His heart dropped. Katara, however, was too busy looking at Jet to really see what was going on behind him. Even Aang let out a soft gasp. Sokka raised his boomerang and Aang got into a bending pose. 

Katara stepped forward, her tone suggesting she'd rehearsed what she was going to say, but well that just didn't seem to matter anymore, did it. 

"Hello Je- Oh Spirits. "

Yeah, honestly that was an accurate reaction to seeing the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, his jerkiest royal highness Zuko, in Earth kingdom green, with dual daos and the most constipated look ever on his face standing next to Jet of all people. 

When was Sokka's life ever going to be easy?

Chapter Text

Sokka swears he's never gotten into a combat position faster. He hears Katara's waterskin click open and air rushing at Aang's palms. Only Toph seemed unbothered by the whole ordeal.

"Who're you ? Why's your heartbeat doing that, what, are you having a fucking heart attack?!"

"Toph!"

"Come on, sugar queen, lay off me, now who are you ?" She says in somewhat the general location of the prince of the fucking Fire Nation what is happening?!

Zuko just stands there like a stunned rabbit-deer until Jet said, "Hey, hey it's okay! I know I should've told y'all beforehand about bringing someone else, but he's cool, he's one of the new Freedom Fighters." He gives Zuko a look, a look that was way too familiar to be given to Zuko, and waved at the gang, "Lee, this is the gaang. Gaang, meet Lee!"

Everyone had identical looks of wariness on their faces while Lee muttered something incomprehensible under his breath and attempted to raise a hand to say hello. No one moved, still in their stances, ready for battle-

Except Aang (and Toph, of course, who looked somewhat concerned for the fire prince's health). Who was just... standing. Staring at Zuko with an expression that made him look way more monk-y than he was. Sokka couldn't hold it in, Zuko was standing in front of them, and looked like he'd already brainwashed Jet and everyone in his periphery and somehow also Aang, but not Sokka. Ohh no. 

"Aang what are you doing ?! It's-"

"Its really nice to meet you Lee!" Aangs voice rang out in the silence. Sokka and Katara spun towards Aang, who looked at them with a clear signal- be quiet, please. 

Katara retreated and Sokka, too, lowered his boomerang, "Hello Lee , I'm Sokka, this is my sister Katara, our friend Toph and Aang, you know, the Avatar."

Jet grinned and nudged Zuko in ribs, who looked like he was praying the earth open up and swallow him whole. Sokka almost felt pity for the guy, almost.  

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," his voice replied, way quieter than all that yelling that they were more used to.

"Don't you mean its an honor ?"

Sokka and Aang almost broke their necks pivoting towards Katara, who had what could only be called a shit-eating grin on her face. Sokka matched it with his own, he had genuinely never been prouder of his sister. Seriously, all her faults, her voice, her personality, everything, forgiven in a moment.

Zuko had never wanted to disappear more. They were going to attack him, all of them together, and Jet would turn against him and they'd turn in him and Uncle and they'd be put in a Earth bender prison or crush their hands or worse Lake Laogai or they could turn them in to Azula or his father or- 

"Its really nice to meet you Lee!"

...what. 

The Avatar was looking at him earnestly, as though he were some child in need of consoling or pitying, but he wasn't attacking. Not just that, no one was. The Avatar had called him Lee? He had recognized him, hadn't he? Zuko didn't look that different with hair. No, he had recognized him, because his Water Tribe companions were just as perplexed at him as Zuko himself was. But the Avatar was adamant, one look from him made his friends lower their weapons and acknowledge his presence. 

It almost seemed like a normal meeting of mutual friends, of course, it did until-

"Don't you mean its an honor ?"

Zuko considered setting himself on fire then and there just to get out of this. 

He looked at the group properly now, the Avatar, still looking at him in that weird wise way, his Water Tribe peasants, who looked ready to fight him at a moments notice, and the new Earth Kingdom girl (was she blind?!) who swore at him. 

"I have to go right now," for once his words did not fail him, but Jet didn't look convinced. Well, Zuko didn't care, he had to get out of there and hopefully wake up from this nightmare as soon as possible. He turned and started towards the town, but Jet rushed after him, grabbing his arm. "What the hell do you mean I have to go?! Didn't you hear them?! He's the Avatar, Lee, the Avatar! He's everything we've ever needed to actually win! Come on! You can't give up on me now!"

Jet's emotions were real, his rebelliousness was real  and Zuko had thought he could live with that. That it didn't matter, they weren't doing anything of significance anyway, but now it was too late. The Avatar and his companions may have held back right now, for what reason, he didn't know. But what he did know was that they wouldn't for a second time. He had to get Uncle and get out of Ba Sing Se yesterday. 

He freed himself from Jet's grasp and without sparing another glance backwards, made his way back to the Jasmine Dragon.

Jet returned to the group looking disgruntled, but shrugged it off. 

There was stunned silence around them, except for Momo's chittering. Eventually, with a pointed look towards Aang, Katara cleared her throat," Jet where did you find him?"  

"He and his uncle were on the same ship to Ba Sing Se, but why? Why are all of you acting this way? Is it the scar?" He ended the sentence in a whisper, "Because he was attacked by this firebender-"

This time it was Aang who quickly replied," Nope, just curious and we have to be cautious, you know, anyways, have to go Avatar duties and all you know, but it was a real pleasure seeing you again Jet! Alrighty guys lets go!" 

"What? But-"

"Bye Jet"

 Once they were far away enough, Sokka grabbed Aang and huddled all of them together in a circle. 

" Okay! Team huddle! Firstly, Aang what the fu- heck?!" He exclaimed with, ignoring a pointed look from Katara. 

But before Aang could even open his mouth to explain his completely batshit insane decision making, Toph interrupted, "No, no. First I need explanations, who was that guy, why's everyone freaking out?!"

Katara exhaled and began the tale of Zuko- professional asshole prince. Sokka zoned out for most of the girly, emotional descriptions to focus on what was important- glaring daggers at Aang. Once she was finally done, he had another member at the 'Glare at Aang' club. 

"Now can we please hear from our inhouse Fire Nation sympathizer?"

Aang at least had the decency to look a little abashed when he said, "I felt sorry for him? Like I had to help him. I'd never been more sure of a decision in my life. ...Now, looking at Sokka, I'm not so sure, but you have to believe me! I think we're all going to be thankful for this in the future. Probably. Hopefully."

Sokka and Katara shared a misbelieving glance. Katara looked at Aang, putting on her most motherly expression she said, "Aang, you know we trust you right?" She glanced again at Sokka," And we'd follow you anywhere? But that doesn't erase the fact that Zuko has been following us everywhere and now he knows exactly where we are? It won't be long before he finds that Appa is missing and makes a move that we might be powerless against."

"I know it seems stupid, but I've never had a gut feeling so strong about something, almost like the spirits are trying to tell me something!" 

Now Sokka knew better than to argue with the spirit mojo dojo, which is probably why Aang even mentioned it, but he could still be skeptical, "Okay, not much to do now that he's already gone! Aang, I trust you with the world, but we at the very least do need to find out why and how he's here."

"I could try asking Jet? He seems to trust him for whatever reason?" Katara said, and started to move in the direction where Jet had left in. 

"Try not to fall in looove again!" 

"Shut up, Sokka!" Katara yelled back, while Aang seemed to retreat into himself like a cocoon.

Zuko panted as he sprinted back to the Jasmine Dragon. It was almost midday now, and the teashop was bustling with customers. Uncle Iroh was doing his 'customer service laugh' as two elderly Earth Kingdom noblewomen flirted with him. His expression changed instantaneously as he saw Zuko at the entrance, and made his way towards him through the maze of tables, chairs and people. 

"Nephew! What happened?! Where were you?" He lowered his voice, "Is there a threat that I should know about, Lee? "

Uncle Iroh led him inside the kitchens and sat him down, all while Zuko could only breathe deeply, trying to stop panicking. 

"Uncle he's here," he wheezed. "The Avatar, Uncle, we weren't following him, but he found us, and now we might be discovered, I'm so sorry Uncle I failed again, I can't think I don't know what to-"

His speech was cut in half as Uncle shoved a cinnamon cookie in his mouth. " Calm down Zuko. Take a breath. Tell me slowly what happened."

Zuko chewed on the cookie slowly, narrating the events of the morning, how he'd been doubtful of these new friends, how it was them, and how the Avatar had refused to recognize him, while his friends obviously had. 

Uncle listened to him with rapt attention, occasionally nodding and sipping tea that he had conjured from Spirits knew where. Finally, once Zuko was done ranting about being a failure and bringing dishonor to the family by not capturing the Avatar from where he stood and fleeing like a coward that he was, Uncle said, "Zuko, fate is not something to be chased, it is something that is with you whether you like it or not. Your destiny lies with the Avatar, but it is up to you to deicide in what way."

"...what? Uncle, we don't have time for these proverbs! The Avatar is here now! We need a plan! We can still capture him! We can! I know it, uncle, we can still go back home! In fact now that I think about it, this is perfect! He's right here! Uncle this may be our chance!"

Uncle had fixed Zuko with a look similar to what the Avatar was giving him, and said, "Zuko, do you really think this is the right path, the one you are setting on. I do not want you to lose your way." 

"Uncle, please , this is what we've wanted! You are the 'Dragon of the West', you should be ruling these people, not serving them tea!" 

"I like tea though-"

"-and I could have my honor back, and take my place as the rightful heir, we could have our life back!" 

" ... If that is what you truly want, then of course I shall help you, Prince Zuko." 

Zuko nodded, grateful. He needed to do this. It might as well be his last chance to make everything right.

“Jet was useless! All I heard was ‘freedom this, freedom that’, how Lee is amazing, and that he’s a great swordsman?! He runs a teashop with his uncle? Some Jasmine Dragon? Where’d that come from?!”

Sokka shook his head, “No. Enough, we need to know what is happening here. He seems to have everyone fooled, but I’m not going to let that happen anymore. I’m going to tail him.”

“Sokka, that’s a terrible idea-” Katara started, but Sokka interjected, “Nope, not asking you. Toph?”

“I actually agree with sugar queen.” Katara silently whooped. “He’s a firebender, a swordsman and knows that someone will be coming for him. You’re being stupid. Also were y’all actually scared of that awkward hormonal teenager? He could barely get a word out without choking!” 

“I also think we should come up with a better plan?” said Aang, quietly. “Also he used to be really yell-y? Angry?”

“No, no, we need to work fast! None of you are getting this, ugh. You know what, you guys can keep plotting, without me- the plan guy! But I’m going to see what that slimy prince is up to!” With that he got up and started out to find this Jasmine Dragon.

He heard Katara’s voice yelling behind him, “Sokka, come on, you’re not thinking straight, this is a terrible idea, I’m sure you can see that! Sokka, come on! Come back!”

“This was a terrible idea!” said Zuko as he tightened the ropes around the Water Tribe peasants hands, who had the audacity to attack him, right behind the teashop while he was training with his dual daos. 

“You know what, you jerk, I’m well aware of what a stupid idea this was. Now let me go,” he struggled against the bonds, but Zuko had used the good rope, it was sturdy and definitely wouldn’t break. 

“I’ll let you go, if you give me the Avatar.”

“Oh come on!” 

Chapter Text

Sokka stared balefully at Zuko's ass, which was trying to figure out a way inside his own teashop. What a loser. Sokka, now with renewed braincells, was trying to figure a way out of the extremely skillful knot tied by Zuko. It suddenly dawned on him that Zuko had been chasing them on a ship. The constant string of words that were absolutely undignified for a prince also confirmed the same. Neither of those things stopped him from trying to reach to the small knife hidden in his boot that Zuko didn't notice when he stripped him of his boomerang. 

Oh, how he missed boomerang. It didn't deserve to hang off the Fire Prince's belt like that. 

Said fire prince had apparently figured out some plan, because he was hauling Sokka off his ass and into the back entrance of the teashop. They'd enetered some sort of pantry, where the fragrant but overpowering smells of exotic teas calmed his nerves. He could still see the inside of the teashop from a crack in the door of the pantry. It was bustling with customers who all looked like they had large egos and stomachs to be fed, and larger pockets to empty. Sokka recognized the old man moving through the crowd with smiles and tea for everyone who looked his way. He'd helped them too, nice man. Didn't deserve such a yell-y, shout-y nephew. The same nephew who was pulling Sokka as violently as possible, without making a sound.

"Stop dragging me, I'm coming!"

"Shut up," Zuko hissed, now pulling him with an increased vigour and and a hand over his mouth. So Sokka did the next best thing, and bit him. 

Zuko yelped and slapped his hand away from Sokka's mouth," What is wrong with you?"

"You're kidnapping me!"

"So?! You bit me! "

" SO? So?! What the hell do you mean 'So?!' You're kidnapping me for ransom for the Avatar and I'm trying to escape and you're somehow shocked about that development?! What's wrong with you?!" Sokka couldn't believe it, maybe the all the yelling took up the common sense part in Zuko's brain. 

Zuko looked perplexed as if Sokka was in the wrong about this. "But you can't escape now? We both know I'm faster than you. Why are you even- can you stop moving for two minutes?! "

They'd finally reached the top of the stairs, despite Sokka's best efforts, where Zuko unlocked a door swiftly and pushed Sokka in, locking the door behind himself.

Zuko couldn’t believe his luck. He had the Water Tribe peasant. The Avatar would do anything for the people in his little gang. He could still win this. His father would forgive all his past crimes and welcome him back with open arms-

The Water Tribe peasant was climbing onto his bed. He had gotten off the ground and he was making himself comfortable on his bed. Did those savages not know any prisoner decorum?! 

“Stop that, get off!” 

“Is this your room?! Like you know the place you live in? Why doesn’t it have anything?”  

“I- You- Just get off my bed! ” 

“Fine! I just thought, you know, a prince like you must live in a way us peasants wouldn’t even be able to dream of. This is just too- what's the word- minimalist? No, psychopathic.” 

Despite all that, at least he climbed off the bed, but immediately started snooping. Zuko was starting to think the kidnapping was maybe a bad idea. He could've just beat him up or something, why take the responsibility. But no. He stayed silent and worked on how he was going to tell this to Uncle. On the other hand, the peasant- Sokka?- found his mask. His eyes widened and he looked at Zuko in horror. "Did you kill him?! You murderer!"

"...what?"

"The Blue Spirit! He was wanted by you guys and he rescued Aang from prison?! Did you even know that or do you just kill anything blue on site?!"

What the hell was this guy on? Then it dawned on Zuko-" Did the Avatar not mention this to you all?"

"His name is Aang, and no mention what?"

"Huh. He really didn't."

"Now you're really getting on my nerves- mention wha-?!" Sokka's eyes widened mid sentence and he dropped the mask as if in horror. "You?!" 

Zuko turned away, trying to mask the emotions flitting across his features, of shame and failure, on doing treasonous acts towards his own nation. While Sokka was staring at Zuko with a renewed vigour. 

"But you rescued Aang, from you know your evil nation? Did you recognize your devious ways and then get brainwashed back?! Was it a tactic? is this a tactic?! Who-" The rest of Sokka's speech was muffled under the pillow that Zuko was smothering him with. Unfortunately Zuko was too late in his efforts to quiet down the peasant. Despite his every effort, the door to his room cracked open, revealing Uncle Iroh holding a tray of tea and cookies and a calm expression.

The expression did not last long, as expected. 

Iroh blinked, and took only about a moment to compose himself, before he said, "Do excuse me, but could I have a word with my nephew, quite urgently if possible." 

Zuko scrambled off of Sokka and physically dragged his uncle outside, locking the door behind him. 

"Uncle-"

"What is the meaning of this, nephew? A friend of the Avatar is currently in your bed. I must question this choice of ...companionship. I hope you realise how dangerous this is-"

"Uncle! He's my hostage! Our hostage! We can hold him until the Avatar surrenders himself, and we will be able to go home!"

Iroh looked disdained, then in an admonishing voice he asked "And how do you propose to hold him, nephew?!" Zuko opened his mouth but before he could say anything, Uncle continued, "We have nothing here, no allies, no support, no armies, no name. If we are found to be doing anything out of the ordinary, the best option presented to us will be death. We are on the wrong sides for both sides of the war and we cannot be making an active enemy of the Avatar now! What do we do when he shows up at our doorstep? Firebend?! What happens when he decides to present his problem to the Earth King?" Iroh loosed a tight breath and looked at Zuko, this time with sympathetic eyes. "This is not the way nephew, I hope you understand that."

Zuko saw the man who'd laid siege to this same city for months and months. He knew Uncle spoke sense, but it hurt to have been so wrong. He bowed his head in shame as Iroh opened the door to his room, revealing Sokka trying to pry open the only small window in there.

"Son, that window hasn't opened once in the last seven years as the last owner has informed me. Best to apply such efforts elsewhere. Zuko, close down the shop, tell our patrons an emergency has befallen. We have pressing matters to attend to. "

About twenty minutes after, the three of them sat around the round wooden table drinking some of the most delicious tea Sokka had tasted in his life. Zuko hadn't touched his cup and was looking at the 

Iroh looked between the both of them and began solemnly, "Sokka- I hope I am saying it right-" Sokka gave a small nod, wondering distantly how he knew his name, "you're free to leave."

Sokka didn't need to think twice before hurrying towards the door he'd been eyeing since they'd sat down here and his cuffs were cut off. His way to freedom was horrifying quickly blocked, once again, by the Fire Prince. How the hell did he move so fast?! 

Iroh's voice continued from behind him, "That is of course if you don't tell anyone of us when you leave." Sokka turned to face him, meeting Iroh's eyes which held an indescribable feeling. "We are no longer after the Avatar. All we want is that you leave us as we are. We won't be in your way again, I give you my word." Zuko's gaze never left the ground but turmoil clouded around him as the words settled. 

Sokka guffawed loudly, "You really expect me to believe that? Really?! After I was just kidnapped by your nephew who was supposedly going to keep me here for ransom?! How stupid d'you think I am?"  Sokka would've sworn he heard Zuko, nonetheless he carried on, "This is probably just some ploy, to make me think I'm safe and you'll attack again."

Iroh sighed, "I realize we have inflicted enough damage that you would be a fool to trust anything I say. For the sake of my nephew's life and my own I ask this of you, to not reveal our identities to anyone who doesn't already know. To stay out of our way and we will stay out of yours."

"How do I know you won't immediately plot behind my back or if you're letting the Fire Nation into the city?! There's no way Prince Hothead over here is only selling tea. You may pretend to be out of our way, but there's no way I'm taking your word for it." A stupid brilliant idea struck Sokka. "Of course you won't be able to do anything with me trailing you everywhere, now would you?" He turned to Zuko with a flourish, who looked ready to set Sokka on fire. 

"Prove that you're only here as refugees and we'll leave you alone, deal?" He put his hand forward, challenging Zuko to fight, but instead Zuko grasped his hand and shook only for a second before he pulled it back and stormed away. 

Sokka could still feel the warmth Zuko's hand left behind after he walked out the door of the teashop. 

Chapter Text

"And so you willingly decided to spend more time with Zuko?" Katara squinted at him, eyes laced with her 'you're so stupid' look. It had taken him some time to get back to where they were staying in spite of Ba Sing Se being probably the most organized existing city. By the time he reached it was almost midnight and Aang and Katara looked like they were about to start looking for him, which did secretly warm his heart. Toph on the other hand looked completely unbothered by their unrest, which? Fair.

"Well, yeah? I mean I had to make sure he's not doing anything illegal behind our backs, right? Also Jet?! We still need to get to the bottom of that." Sokka squinted back at Katara, trying to convey a 'you're much stupider' look but it wasn't getting through, he definitely needed more practice. "You know there's better ways to do all of those things, right? What we need to do is find Appa and get out of here, I have a bad feeling about this place." Katara shuddered which concerned Sokka. Despite being almost always wrong, Katara's instincts were something he'd learnt to give heed to.  

Aang, who'd been quiet throughout their looks and banter finally looked up at Sokka. "I think Sokka's right," he mumbled, "maybe Zuko might know something about this city, maybe he can help us."

"Aang why would he ever help us?! Why would he change now? What if this backfires, think of the consequences, nothing has changed-"

"He might help because he has before." Sokka closed his eyes and threw his head back and a soft laugh escaped him. Before long his entire body was shaking with small broken laughs as he looked at Aang, finally saying, "Why didn't you ever tell us?"

"Tell us what? Can someone please explain, don't leave me in the dark here!" Katara whined. 

"Oh join the club sweetie," Toph intoned, Sokka had somewhat forgotten she was there, which made him feel guilty enough to explain what was going on. "Aang somehow forgot to mention that the masked dude who broke him out of Zhao's prison was actually our very own Prince Zuko, and so  our too kind hearted Avatar thinks that Zuko will help again." He took a small breath. "And I think so too."

Katara looked like her brain was hemorrhaging, which Sokka could understand. "Is that why you refused to recognize him? Why you keep covering for him?! Aang I- I don't know what to say. And you," her gaze settled on her brother, who was actively trying to make himself merge seamlessly into the rocks ('Toph can help with that,' Sokka's useless brain supplied) "If we don't hear from you in more than two days at a time we will go straight  to the Earth King, do you understand?" Sokka nodded, the fact that she'd even agreed was still foreign to him. 

Katara still looked unsure, and her feelings were matched by his, but they needed to keep an eye on Zuko, or atleast keep him distracted while the rest of them searched for Appa. And if that had to be Sokka, then so be it. He looked into Katara's eyes and nodded again, trying to wordlessly assure her, it was all going to work out just fine. 

The next morning at about seven Sokka somehow managed to wake up, say goodbye to Aang and Katara and Toph, who was still asleep-ish, reassure them once again that in the scenario that even the slightest thing started going wrong he'd make a huge scene which would technically ruin their lives, which seemed to calm Katara a little and concerned Aang even more. After all that he made his way through the catacombs of the city to reach the teashop where his first glorious sight was Zuko in an apron. 

Oh this was going to be good. 

"Hi there! Looks like I'm the first customer of the day, does that get me any discounts?" He smirked. He saw Zuko's eye twitch and smirked a little more. Iroh set down the cloth with which he was dusting and actually smiled at him, "Welcome, Sokka! Would you like some tea? Sit, sit, make yourself comfortable. Nephew you must make sure that our first customer gets what he needs," he said, with a pointed glance at Zuko towards the end which made Zuko audibly groan and make his way towards Sokka. Spirits, he even walked reluctantly. "What d'you want?" he basically snarled. 

"You can pretend to be normal y'know?" Sokka commented.

"It's not very difficult to shut the fuck up, y'know? Now, what do you want?' 

Sokka smiled wider, "What are the specials?"

He swore the notepad in Zuko's hand had started smoking, but before it could combust completely the bell rang and a few older ladies walked in, their hands so full with jewelery it was a shock that they didn't rattle every time they moved. Zuko gave him one last look before he moved to serve the actual paying customers instead, and this time he actually forced a smile. The audacity of this guy. 

The Jasmine dragon filled up fairly quickly after that, and all of them looked like they were regulars. Zuko and Iroh took their orders with ease, flitting between known customers all while Iroh smiled and Zuko pretended. Most of their orders were memorized and it was baffling to see all these Earth Kingdom nobles sitting, laughing, and spending comfortably between Fire Nation royalty, who were serving them. There were no signs of hostility, so they did have a solid cover. Sokka felt like he should be taking notes. 

"You should at least order and pay instead of just occupying a full table," said the most annoying voice in the world. Sokka had forgotten about him in the last few hours, but naturally the reason of his being there was bound to turn up again at some point. Unfortunately he did make a fair point. Sokka got up and turned, "Hello, Jet."

Fuck. Shit. Fuck. Shit.

Jet should not be there, he should not be talking to Sokka, he- fuck. Zuko looked with bated breath as Sokka got up and left the shop with Jet, the bell ringing behind them. Zuko had to spill tea twice before Uncle asked him to take a break and hand his fine china to Pao. 

Zuko hurried outside, to do what? He had no idea, all he knew was that Sokka and Jet being together was going to have some horrible consequences. They were both outside the shop where Sokka looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. Jet looked… good. Zuko hadn’t had time to think of Jet, how he knew the Avatar and his friends, why he’d taken him to see them, what his plan was, the kiss. 

“Finally decided to join us, I see,” Jet smirked. “ I was just telling your new friend all about you,” he leaned closer, “You didn’t come yesterday, I missed you.” Sokka squinted trying to lean in to hear what Jet was whispering about.  “Hope I see ya today, usual spot?” His gaze never left Zuko’s eyes, but Zuko could see Sokka’s eyes widening. Finally Jet turned his head away, “T’was good to see you, Sokka, think about what I said, oh and tell Katara I say hey.” He winked, grabbed Zuko’s ass, and skipped out. Leaving Sokka and Zuko in probably the most horrible awkward situation of their lives. 

“ Jet?! Really?! Like Jet? JET?!” Sokka could barely stop himself until Jet’s figure became miniscule in the distance, Zuko had yet to give up his abstaining look of complete horror. Sokka’s face mirrored the look, because how the fuck did people keep falling for that dude?! With that thought it hit Sokka that Jet and Zuko were in fact both men. Zuko was into men. Were heirs of the Fire Nation allowed to do that? Sokka guessed no with the way that Zuko was looking at him. 

The street was otherwise deserted other than a few patrons here and there, and yet Zuko looked around in terror and shushed Sokka, dragging him inside and up into his weird, empty room. He shut the door behind him, and it hit the door frame with a bang, making the whole room shudder. 

Zuko looked at Sokka, and Sokka almost felt bad for the guy. His face was completely red and he looked more distraught even than when he had to let Sokka go. He gripped a side table hard enough that his knuckles turned white, and his breath was sharp and harsh. 

“Hey, hey, calm down man, I mean Jet’s an interesting choice and-”

“Shut up, shut up. ” He moved towards Sokka and gripped his shoulders with an iron grip, “My uncle cannot know about this, he- he will- he’s all I have. Sokka, please. I know I’ve done nothing but hurt you and your friends, and it’s a miracle you haven’t gone to the Earth King yet, but please- my uncle, he’ll-”

He blabbered about some honor besmirching and bringing shame to his family and what not while Sokka’s heart skipped a beat over his own name coming out of Zuko’s mouth, it needed to stop doing that. Also his eyes were golden. It felt like a revelation.

Sokka found himself nodding which seemed to calm Zuko down slightly and also make him aware what position he was in, and moved away. Sokka once again noted that his hands were very warm. He cleared his throat and broke the long silence, “So let me get this straight, in an effort to be discreet you are dating the most idiotic person on the planet, who coincidentally is one of the biggest Fire Nation haters out there, who thinks you’re a non bender refugee, and from what he told me, just as much as a rebel as he is? That's a dangerous game you’re playing there, bucko.” Sokka sat down on the bed, looking at Zuko incredulously as he snorted out of surprise and then the most magical thing happened.

Zuko was laughing. Full body shuddering laughter that started out pure soon had a tinge of self pity seep in, and Sokka found himself missing the first few seconds of startled joy.  His small laugh turned into a groan as he seated himself beside Sokka on the bed and lay down with hands covering his face. 

“What the fuck has my life come to?” He rubbed his temples, staring straight at the ceiling. “Are you convinced enough of my sad state to leave me alone now?”

“Nope, in fact, my motivation to pry into your life has increased tenfold.”

“Of course it has.” Zuko huffed and asked, “How do you know Jet, and you have such strong opinions too.” So Sokka began the tale of Jet, adding a million embellishments and unnecessary details, some sound effects, and naturally, the fact that Jet was Katara’s first kiss which made Zuko red again. Although by the time Sokka had finished his story, with Jet’s plan being foiled, Zuko was pale. It seemed like them, Zuko had somewhat underestimated exactly how deep Jet’s hatred ran. 

“So yeah, he ended up being evil-er than we expected, which brings me again and again to the point- what is it that people see in him?! Is it that piece of grass he keeps chewing? What is it?! He’s literally the most douchebag person I’ve ever met, and I’ve met you!”

Zuko huffed again but did not argue, instead chose silence, so Sokka continued, “Even Katara! Like I can only do so much as an older brother- y’know cooties-” Zuko snorted “-and he’s sort of okay looking but other than that? He’s literally-”
“You know you feel really passionately about someone you don’t even like.” Zuko noted.

“Alright then, question for you- we met your sister.”

“That’s not a question.”

“Alright let me rephrase- what the hell is wrong with your sister?”

“She’s… Well, she’s my father’s favorite. More powerful, more talented, more… everything. She’s the reason we’re hiding. Why do you think we’re not just going back to the Fire Nation? We’re,” a sharp intake of breath, “traitors. My father sent her after us, so we can be tried for our treason against the Fire Nation.”

His head hung in shame, and suddenly everything made sense. That night at the North Pole, Iroh fought Zhao with them, that couldn’t have scored them any points with Fucker Lord Ozai. Plus Zhao might’ve reported Zuko’s adventures as the Blue Spirit, again which didn’t look good either. 

Sokka, for once, had no idea what to say, so all that came out was, “Yeah, younger sisters are crazy.” 

“Tell me about yours.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. I’ve said a lot of things today and I can’t seem to stop.”

“Okay,” He laid down to join Zuko, gesturing with his hands in the air. Sokka didn’t want him to stop, he’d barely said anything ( what was his brain doing?!) “Katara’s kind of like that, except not completely evil y’know? She’s the bender, mastered waterbending, in what, a night? It’s insane, right?!”

“Azula started firebending when she was four, It really is insane.” Zuko added. 

They traded stories and instances, and Zuko told him about times when he and Azula and someone named Lu Ten were happy, and he spoke and Sokka listened with rapt attention, marveling at the position he’d found himself in.

A few hours later, Uncle Iroh opened the door to Zuko’s room carrying tea and lunch to find both boys asleep, half on the bed, half slipping down. He smiled and gently closed the door, perhaps the Avatar coming here would turn out to be a good thing after all.

Chapter Text

A cool breeze woke Zuko, out of both his sleep and his delusions. 

What was he thinking?! Confiding in his enemy, who at the moment was nowhere to be found. He'd been stupid, for a moment he'd actually let his shields down. Zuko shook off his unending embarrasment and got out of bed, walking downstairs as he tried to fix his hair. Not only had he divulged information, he'd let his uncle carry the full brunt of the day because of his moment of foolhardy. 

(No matter the fact that this was te best sleep he'd had since... well, ship beds weren't quite as comfortable as palacial ones.)

It'd grown dark, and the shop was winding down. Women with chunky accessories and full wallets having had their evening teas were paying and flirting. Zuko stood at the bottom of the staircase observing their chunky hands deliver a large tip to... Sokka?

What the fuck?

Then he could finally take in the full picture. Uncle in the corner at the counter talking in his carefree manner that suggested that all these people were on the same level as him. He'd talked like that to everyone, even before- not as much as now, but it'd been there. Lu Ten had been the same. Intentionally leaving these thoughts behind, he forced himself back to reality. Guessing the time, he estimated that Mei Lin should've been on call- replacing him, but in the hubbub- there was no sign of her lazy ass. Zuko had many a times told his uncle that she was nothing but a freeloader- but he seemed to take pity. 

Much like Uncle to try and fix broken children. 

In his thoughts about Uncle- the more important and pressing factor kept slipping his mind. He made his way across the room to where Sokka was wearing an apron and serving tea without spilling a single drop ( the audacity of that asshole to be better at his job than him?). He was collecting hefty tips too, casually chatting and flirting with basically anyone who could talk. Zuko did continually keep noting that this was working in his favor.

As soon as the last customer had left, Zuko himself stormed to the door and locked it, banging it hard for extra effect. Locking Sokka inside. He turned to face his uncle and Sokka- fury no doubt emanating off of him. 

"What in the name of Agni is going on here?!"

Finally Uncle had the decency to look a little abashed, "Well, as it turned out, he woke up earlier than you, and wanted to help! Who am I to turn away a helping hand?"

"And you know, your endless chasing has made sleep a short, short luxury," Sokka chimed in. Zuko wanted to pull out his arms and shove them in his ass.

Sokka had fun? Maybe customer service was his calling, y'know? But now since Prince Jerkyface was awake- it was back on the job. He trailed behind the man, and if he looked very very carefully he could almost see the steam leave his ears. He'd been up for a while and his Uncle looked like he had a lot on his plate- quite literally, as he saw the man juggle 4 teapots and perhaps fifteen cups to tables spread wide across the room. 

All in all the business did seem legit? All the customers had nothing but praises for the sweet old man and his slightly grumpy but understandably teenage nephew. Which was blowing Sokka's mind bit by bit. With one last withering look at them, Zuko turned and left, with Sokka promptly trailing him.

"Fuck off," Zuko growled.

"Wow, you kiss your Uncle with that mouth?"

Zuko didn't dignify that with a response and only rushed upstairs faster and shut the door behind him. Since locking the door was a bit of a farce, Sokka slipped right inside to find Zuko half naked slipping into a black suit of some kind. Incredibly suspicious looking suit at that, so Sokka tried to look past Zuko's abs and to why he might be doing that. Then it dawned on him, Jet! He'd asked him to meet up- 'at their usual spot' no less. This was the gold mine- everything Sokka had been looking for. 

"You know I'm going to come with you to see Jet, right?"

"No you're not."

"Yes, I am." Once again Sokka was met with silence and a grunt. Which obviously meant the most heartiest approval, so when Zuko slipped out a window on the staircase- Sokka followed. Zuko seemed to know his way well. He slipped through quiet streets, going through dark cracks and weaving through the crevices of the carefully planned city. He also scaled walls and took up half his journey on rooftops- climbing which took Sokka just a second longer than he'd liked. And yet their journey continued for some time before Zuko stopped and put a finger to his mouth- signalling for Sokka to be silent (for once). He knocked on a piece for wood in some strange rhythm and lo and behold- from the shadows appeared the Freedom Fighters- or whatever was left of them anyway.

Jet, Smellerbee and Longshot were grinning when they emerged from the shadows. 

"We have a visitor, I see. Tell me, Sokka, has your sister mentioned me at all since we met?" Spirits, even his voice was slimy. Sokka wanted to punch his stupid face. Zuko seemed to have melted into the darkness, so Sokka doubted he'd stop him. Instead of giving in to his screaming impulses, Sokka just gave Jet a very, very forced smile- hoped with all his might that the amount of effort was visible and shrugged. He busied himself with staring at the swords at Zuko's back as Jet finally took his attention off of him and started talking about their new 'target'. 

Zuko looked somewhat as unnerved as Sokka. 

"I thought we were done with this," he whispered, his tone was defiant but Sokka thought he heard a small quiver in his voice. " You said we won't be targetting any people anymore, Jet."

"C'mon now Lee, don't tell me you haven't been feeling that itch- these robberies aren't doing anyone any good. It's these ministers and the fucking traders- them rich crowd- we get just one of them and we're set for a month just off those rings on his fat hands. Now y'knew that- didn't'ya? They're the men whose wives come to shop and wave around their napkins like they're the queens of the world- they're profiting off what the Fire Nation's giving out! They'd sacrfice people like us in a second," Jet's voice was raising like a wildfire, anger seeping from it. In his passion, though, none of them noticed that the rustle behind them wasn't just wind.

There were swords on them before they could turn. Looked like a small patrolling unit-not more than 5 men- and with all the robberies going on in the area, it was only natural that they'd be there. Jet signalled something, broken out of his reverie- and drew his weapon, everyone else in the group doing the same. Zuko had drawn up a mask- but his gold eyes glistened unnaturally bright in the moonlight. Sokka wondered how Jet hadn't noticed, or questioned that aspect yet. The near silent whoosh of Zuko's daos leaving their sheath stirred the patrolling gaurds into action as they barreled towards the group- obviously hoping to be rewarded for bringing back rebels, thieves and such nighttime miscreants.

However, what both the gaurds and Sokka underestimated- was Zuko with swords. Sokka was immediately sidetracked by one of the gaurds trying to pin his hands. He struggled trying to get out of his grip- he stomped down hard and as his hand loosened just a bit, Sokka elbowed him hard- trying to remember everything his father had taught before leaving those many, many years ago. Travelling with so many benders had made him soft- completely unacceptable. He managed to fend him off with some difficulty, and didn't notice the man behind him until he heard Zuko's sword crash with another disturbingly close to his ears. 

He stumbled back and in that could witness Zuko in his full and complete glory. He'd never seen a sight like it. Despite his bending, the only fire was in his eyes, his movements smooth as he cut through every attack sent his way. He'd found out he was the Blue Spirit, which meant he was obviously an incredible swordsman, but Sokka had not been prepared for this. The Freedom Fighters were fine- but it was obvious who the brawn of the group was. Every move was practiced and clean- it looked like he'd wasted no effort doing it. Sokka felt a blush incoming and tried to stifle it down- this was not the time!

It did go away as soon as it'd come, as his head turned to the new incoming noise. More men of the Dai Li were approaching, following the sounds in the streets. Sokka yelled at Zuko to retreat- even with his extraordinary with his swords, he wouldn't be able to hold off against half a dozen new men. Smellerbee and Longshot had long disappeared into the night, hoping Jet would follow, but he stayed behind to pull Zuko out- and follow Sokka in running away from the situation.

The three of them ran- somewhat giddy from the adrenaline, until they reached a gate with metal chains.  

Fuck. 

Sokka looked around for anywhere else that they could turn to, any roof or wall they could scale- but these newer houses had barely any texture, any kinks to exploit. The chains rattled as Jet tried to climb, and when he couldn't, he shook the gates as if the metal would just fall right off. Zuko was staring at the gate- no doubt envisioning every way in which things had already gone wrong and could go wrong this point onwards. Sokka grabbed his arm and dragged him as far as he could without tipping Jet off. "You need to melt those, I'll distract Jet- do it! "

They were going to get caught, they were going to get caught. 

The only person who'd truly suffer from that would be Zuko- they'd find out that he was a firebender, then they'd find out who he was, who Uncle was. No one was coming to save him- not Azula, not the Avatar, not Jet's little group, and most certainly not his father. It was incidentally that moment in a dark alley, with Jet trying to break metal chains with his hands and a knife, Sokka trying to help, him in a strange kingdom with none of his own people that it really hit him how alone he truly was. Without Uncle, he'd have no one. His father had exiled and scarred him, his sister was as brainwashed as he'd been- perhaps even more, and beyond these , there were no people he could call his own.

-melt those, I'll distract Jet- do it!" Sokka's voice broke through Zuko's spiral, shaking him into action. Without thinking very hard, he rushed over to Jet, while Sokka dragged him away to now deal with the few guards who were fast enough to track them here. They were running out of time. While the fight began again behind him- Sokka and Jet doing everything in their power to keep the guards at bay, Zuko summoned his flame for the first time in weeks. He held on to the chains and released his energy in a concentrated form. High temperature, high impact, low area. He could feel it coarse through his body and even in the middle of the dark night- he'd never felt more warm. He felt the surge of his power soften the metal enough for him to jab it with his sword and have it fall apart at his feet. The lock broke with ease and the sound gave Jet and Sokka the opportunity to break away as well and run towards and through the gate with Zuko. 

They were thrown into a closed down marketplace and soon enough they'd found place to hide themselves under the rags that were used to cover the outdoor kiosks and shops, all three close to each other, the heat emanating off their bodies. Sokka let out a soft sigh and his eyes glittered when he looked at Zuko. Zuko's brain told him all thoughts at the moment were just adrenaline of somehow getting away from an impossible situation. It took them another two hours to go back while avoiding guards and staying on the roofs, and corners of the city until they could discreetly climb through the kitchen's window into Zuko and Iroh's home. Sokka felt the entire way back. He'd convinced himself it was just nerves or adrenaline or something- but every accidental touch and glance was sending shivers up and down his body. Seeing Zuko in action, for once not against them, was- as he had named it for the time being- an experience.

One which he would gladly relive. 

As they jumped and shuffled through the city, Sokka tried memorizing Zuko's movements. He would do this with his Dad and Bato and other elders of the tribe when they reluctantly took him hunting. The way they'd held the weapons, with such ease- as if an extension of their own bodies. The way the would wield them, with absolute power and authority. Sokka had always been fascinated by it all. Zuko had been a like a reflection of that part of his past today. For once- it wasn't his fire, but his body. There were differences though- while in his tribe brtue strength was of much importance- Zuko fought withIt grace and rhythm, as if it were a dance. It was different with his bending which just seemed, angry. Sokka tried to free of the thoughts- of the detailed analysis of Zuko's fighting style in his head and to focus on other things. Yue's soft light, looking over them, highlighting the obstacles in their way, pointing out rocks to not trip on. There had fallen a silence between the party, but that was to be expected after the night that they'd had.

What both Sokka and Zuko failed to notice was Jet's silence, which did not sit comfortably but pulsated in between them. 

You see, when Jet had passed the gate, the chains that hit his hand had still been red hot. 

Sokka went back to Aang and Katara that night, and gently snuggled in beside Katara. He'd missed her in all his shenanigans- she would've hated them, which brought him great joy. She shuffled when she heard him get in and fell back in a comfortable sleep as she recognized him with a 'welcome back' grunt. His heart was still somewhat pounding through his chest, reliving the night. He stared at the ceiling for a long long time before he could finally sleep. 

When he awoke, Katara was gone- as she normally was. He made his way to her eating breakfast, rubbing his eyes. He'd slept fine- but nothing like those short few hours with Zuko. 

Wait, ew. What was that? He'd just compared a safe night with his sister to a nap beside his enemy. And Katara lost that contest?! It sent a shiver down his spine to even think of it that way. He couldn't. Nuh uh. He ate his entire breakfast dodging thoughts of Zuko and it never occured to him that he spent his entire morning with his mind on Zuko. All through breakfast, getting ready, bidding goodbye to his friends and making his way back to the Jasmine Dragon- Zuko didn't leave his mind even once. 

Fortunately, Jasmine Dragon gave him something else to focus on. 

Enough customers blocking the way that Sokka hadn't even been able to tell what was happening until he could weasel his way through the gaggle of women trying to get to their favourite peach and lavender infused teas and gossip. Shit. Atleast half a dozen of the Dai Li had completely surrounded the shop. Had they found the people from last night? Could they have? It'd been very dark and Zuko did have a mask. If anything they should've recognized and tracked down Sokka or Jet first. Just as the thought entered his mind, he heard Jet's drawling voice.

"-I saw him, he melted those chains! You yourself know there should've been no way out for us. It was drawn shut, and those chains were heavy. They're both ashmakers- you have to believe me-"

Oh no. Uncle Iroh and Zuko were both out, and Zuko had his swords out. This was not good. "I broke those chains- you're the one who got me into that situation, I just got us out. You're taking advantage of the refuges and recruiting them into your little brigade," Zuko spat out. His face was turning red, but he was still doing surprisingly well under the pressure. His swords glistened in the sunlight, and the mutters of the crowd faded as Sokka focused on Zuko. If they were found they'd lose everything. They could be killed. Worse, Azula and Ozai could find them. Zuko had been honest with Sokka, something in him told him it was all wrong, they were good people.

Iroh was trying to tone the situation down when Jet, finally fed up with the non-compliance of the Dai Li, charged at Zuko himself, metal bars in hand. Zuko's figured loosened as if he'd been waiting for this exact moment and held his swords up to the sun. Metal clanged as they went at each other, and the crowd hurried apart to avoid getting in the crossfire. Sokka remained motionless, transfixed. His brain felt like it'd just been fully emptied and his ears rang with the sounds from their fight. The Dai Li struggled to get in between them, between the constant movement and the glint of the razor edged swords. One of them finally caught of Zuko's arms, but couldn't catch Jet. Sokka saw in slow motion as Jet's arm raised to finally get a hit on a struggling Zuko, when the metal bar in his hand was knocked out by a boomerang. 

"Lee is telling the truth. We broke those chains- that too on the command of Jet. He and his Uncle are innocent refugees, they've done nothing wrong, sir." Sokka heard himself say, even telling the Dai Li that he was with the Avatar and both him and the Avatar himself were willing to vouch on the character of these men. Apparently, they'd met before on his travels and they'd served the Avatar the best tasting tea he'd ever had. Behind him, many other patrons vouched for the same, making sure they're most beloved tea shop wasn't closed down. A lot of these people were of high society. Their words carried weight. So much so that within a few seconds, a unarmed Jet was taken into custody by the Dai Li and Zuko and Sokka let off with a warning, to not be consorting with troublemakers again. 

Iroh closed the shop down for the day, what with all the stress. He assured his patrons that they'd be up and running by the next day and thanked them for their continued loyalty and trust, with a little promise of tea and biscuits on the house. 

He dragged both Sokka and Zuko inside and closed the door behind them. When he looked at Sokka, his eyes glistened. "While I don't particularly remember serving the Avatar tea on his travels, I am eternally grateful for you, my boy. You had no reason to come to our rescue, with all that you've suffered by our own hands- and our nation's." He looked at Zuko, "I'll give you both some time to talk. Once again, Sokka, thank you." He squeezed Sokka's hands and left into the kitchen, leaving Zuko and Sokka alone. 

"Why did you do that?! My Uncle is thankful to you, but he doesn't see this the way I do- what'd your plan, huh? Lull us into a false sense of security and rat us out to the Earth King yourselves. To what? Get an army, use us as a way to get your way? Even disgraced Royals of the Fire Nation will fetch you that much, am I right?" 

Sokka marveled at the distrust that was shining in Zuko's eyes. He hated that he'd taken part in forming it. He hated that even in this moment, Zuko had no amount of trust that someone would actually help them. Which again was fair considering that Sokka himself was wondering what the fucking hell had come over him?! There hadn't been a hint of hesitation. And yet out of all the things that were happening, he just felt a whole lot of nothing, a complete lack, especially of regret.

"There's no plan, Zuko. We're actually the good guys, y'know. I'm convinced that you and your Uncle are here as refugees. You can go back to your life and I can go back to mine. Goodbye." Sokka didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay and he wanted to fight. To tell Zuko that he did believe in him, despite every rational thought in his head, but instead he took one last look and left out the door. 

Zuko's face stung as he watched Sokka walk away. He didn't want to consider the possibility of not seeing him again. He knew they wouldn't go to the Earth King. He knew Sokka would never. Why he'd said all those words, he had no clue. 

He didn't even want to consider the possibility that he would not see Sokka again. 

We're actually the good guys, y'know? 

Shit.