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The Fire Nation was different than Sokka remembered.
The last time he had been here, it was as an outsider, an enemy, a prisoner, and then—unexpectedly—as an ally.
But now, walking through the bustling streets of the Fire Nation capital, he was just Sokka. Not a warrior of the Southern Water Tribe, not a member of Team Avatar on a mission to defeat the Fire Lord. Just a guy in a blue tunic, sweating buckets under the relentless Fire Nation sun, and trying to navigate his way through a city that had once been the heart of an empire built on war.
He was here on a diplomatic mission—technically. That was what Katara had called it before he left.
"The Southern Water Tribe needs to strengthen ties with the Fire Nation," she had said. "You’ll be representing Dad and making sure we’re included in the post-war rebuilding efforts. And please, try not to embarrass yourself."
Rude.
Still, Sokka took the job seriously. Chief Hakoda had trusted him with it, after all. He had spent the last few days in meetings, discussing trade routes, fishing rights, and cultural exchanges. It was important work, but also mind-numbingly boring. And now, with a rare afternoon free, he just wanted to explore the city a little.
He wandered through the market, marveling at the variety of goods on display. Stalls overflowed with shimmering silk, exotic spices, and weapons that made his warrior’s heart sing.
He was just admiring a particularly sharp dao sword when a voice behind him made him freeze.
"You know, I never figured you for a swordsman."
Sokka turned, and for a moment, he didn’t believe his eyes.
Zuko stood there, arms crossed, wearing his Fire Lord robes but with an easy, amused expression on his face. It was a rare sight—Zuko looking relaxed, looking... happy.
"Zuko!" Sokka blurted out, then immediately regretted it. He should have played it cool. Something like, 'Oh, hey, Zuko, fancy seeing you here in your own country.' But no, he had to sound like an overeager child. Smooth.
Zuko smirked. "Sokka. Didn’t expect to see you here."
"Yeah, I could say the same. I mean, I knew you’d be here, obviously, because, you know, Fire Lord and all, but I figured you’d be off doing Fire Lordy things, like—" Sokka waved his hands vaguely. "—signing treaties and making speeches and sitting on your big fancy throne."
Zuko rolled his eyes. "That does take up most of my time. But sometimes, I like to get out of the palace. Walk among the people. See how things are changing."
Sokka nodded. "Yeah, I get that. Being stuck in meetings all day is the worst."
Zuko gave him a considering look. "Want to get out of here? I know a place with better food than this market."
Sokka grinned. "Are you kidding? Lead the way, Your Fire Lordiness."
As they made their way through the city, a familiar voice called out. "Hey, wait up!"
They turned to see Aang air-gliding toward them, Katara and Toph in tow. Aang landed lightly, beaming. "You weren’t planning on hanging out without us, were you?"
Sokka threw up his hands. "I was just about to say something!"
Katara crossed her arms. "Sure you were."
Toph smirked. "I figured Sokka would be too busy stuffing his face to remember we exist."
"Okay, wow, the disrespect," Sokka muttered. "I am deeply wounded."
Zuko sighed, but there was amusement in his expression. "Well, I suppose you can all join us. But I was planning on actually relaxing, not getting caught up in another one of your ridiculous competitions."
"No promises," Toph said.
They all made their way to the teahouse Zuko had mentioned. It wasn’t Iroh’s, but it had his stamp of approval, and that was good enough for them. Soon, they were seated in a cozy corner, sipping jasmine tea and munching on fire flakes.
"Still can’t handle the heat?" Zuko asked as Sokka coughed on the spicy snack.
"It’s an acquired taste," Sokka wheezed.
Aang laughed, twirling his cup. "It’s weird, isn’t it? Not having a big war to fight?"
Katara nodded. "It is. But it’s nice, too. We finally get to focus on rebuilding. Making things better."
Zuko sighed, swirling his tea. "It’s... complicated. Some people want rapid change. Others think I’m moving too fast. And there are still loyalists to my father who think I’m weak for pushing for peace."
"That’s rough," Aang said. "But you’re doing the right thing, Zuko."
"Yeah," Sokka added. "And if anyone gives you trouble, tell them you took down a whole fleet of warships with your angry dragon breath. That’ll shut them up."
Zuko chuckled. "I’ll keep that in mind."
As the afternoon stretched on, they reminisced about old times. They laughed over Sokka getting stuck in a hole during the invasion, Zuko’s failed attempts at humor, and the Boiling Rock escape.
As the sun began to set, they found themselves at the edge of a cliff overlooking the harbor. The sky was painted in shades of orange and red, and the sea below glistened under the fading light.
"You know," Sokka mused, "I never really thought we’d end up like this. Back when we first met, Zuko was all 'honor this' and 'capture the Avatar' that. And now here we are. Friends."
Zuko smirked. "Yeah. It’s funny how things turn out."
Katara smiled. "We fought so hard for this peace. It’s nice to finally enjoy it."
Aang grinned. "And we have each other. No matter where we go, we’ll always have that."
Toph stretched. "Yeah, yeah, enough of the mushy stuff. Who's up for some real fun?"
Sokka grinned. "Only if it doesn't involve more spicy food, Hotman"
Zuko groaned. "I thought we were past that nickname."
"Never."
They laughed, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, they knew one thing for certain: the adventure might have ended, but the bonds they had forged would last a lifetime.