Work Text:
They sat across from each other, knees brushing as Sokka leaned over, a hand on Zuko's cheek. The brush glided smoothly over his skin, coating his face in a soft white.
He remembered when Suki had put the makeup on him, how gentle and caring she had been, every move filled with intent. He tried his hardest to replicate that care, trying to channel his love through the brush and onto Zuko.
The only sound was the soft inhales and exhales, and the shuffle of Sokka's clothes as he refilled the brush with paint. He finished with the base layer, fanning Zuko's face with his hands. Zuko opened his eyes and looked at Sokka, unspoken words traveling between their eyes.
Sokka looked away.
He stifled a sigh and picked up a smaller brush. He loaded it with red paint and looked up at Zuko. He closed his eyes at him, silently instructing Zuko to follow.
Once his eyes were closed, Sokka moved closer. Really close. Almost in Zuko's lap, he hooked a finger under his chin and lifted it a tish. He ignored the slight puckering of Zuko's lips, and focused on painting the boys face.
He smiled at himself, looking at how uneven the eyes were. His own were worse, terribly shaky lines and blotchy color decorated his features. He filled in the shapes, hoping it would fix it at least a bit.
Once he finished the eyeliner, he placed his hands on the top of Zuko's shoulders. Zuko opened his eyes again.
Sokka didn't look away.
Still nearly on top of Zuko, Sokka smiled at him. Zuko smiled back, his eyes had a slight shine over them. Sokka was glad the makeup hid his blush.
He sat back, moving back to touching knees and moved his hands to Zuko's. He stared down at his hands, minor burn scars and bitten nails adorned his fingers. He ran his own calloused fingers over Zuko's knuckles, looking at his hands with reverence, touching them like they were a holy thing.
Zuko let out a long breath next to him. It was such a disappointed sound, full of sadness and want. Sokka couldn't help himself. He looked up, searching Zuko's eyes for permission. As soon as he looked up, he found more than just permission. He saw a longing, a want, a need.
Ignoring the colors on Zuko's face, Sokka reached out and grabbed his face, pulling him in and rushing forward, their lips meeting in a deep, long awaited kiss. Zuko sighed into Sokka's lips, his hand finding the back of Sokka's neck, toying with the short hair.
When they pulled away, Sokka felt tears in the corners of his eyes. He stroked Zuko's cheek, smearing paint down his face and on his hand. He looked down and sighed.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. Zuko pulled him in so his head was against his chest.
"Why?" He questioned.
"That it took me so long." He looked back up, their faces close again. Zuko smiled at him softly.
"It's ok. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to make it up to me." He drew Sokka in for another kiss, and they laughed softly and sadly against each others lips.