i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) | zukka

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

It was a few months later, in early March, when Zuko brought up the topic of his family again.

Well, he hadn't exactly brought it up, but he did talk about it.

The two were hanging out at Sokka's apartment (Haru was gone for the day), when the subject of families came up.

It started with them taking about how annoying younger sisters can be, and soon morphed into a conversation about why Zuko hadn't wanted to go back to his father's house for that meeting.

"It's not a day I like to remember," He said, catching Sokka off guard, "My dad had never really been the most loving person in the world, but I didn't think he'd do something as horrible as he did."

Sokka put a hand on Zuko's shoulder as the boy continued, "I told him I had a boyfriend, and he flipped. He told me that I was a disgrace to the family name, that I didn't deserve to live under his roof. He-he burned me."

Zuko looked close to tears, and Sokka felt ready to march over to Zuko's father and murder that man, because how could someone do that to their own child!

"Zuko," Sokka said softly, wrapping his arms around the boy as he tried to fight back tears, "You don't have to keep talking if it's to painful."

Zuko shook his head, "I-I want to tell you. I need to tell you," So Sokka nodded and Zuko continued, "H-he burned my face and told me to leave. He said I deserved it for being so disgusting, and I believed it. I know now that he was wrong," He said, before Sokka could tell him that he absolutely did not deserve it, "But back then, as a 16 year old boy, I thought he was right. Everyone had always told me that parents are always right."

He started to cry, his voice breaking on the last word.

"I-I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize," Sokka said, stern but gentle, "You went through a traumatic experience and you are allowed to cry. You're allowed to feel. Your dad is a horrible person, and I know you said you already know, but you did not deserve what he did to you. Not even for a second. You are a wonderful person, Zuko, and anyone who can look at you and hurt you is a monster."

Zuko looked up at Sokka with a tear stained face, vulnerability written all over it.

"Thank you, Sokka," He whispered, "I don't know what I'd do without you, truly."

"I don't know what I'd do without you either."

***

Zuko and Sokka spent the next two months hanging out every weekend, alternating between Sokka's apartment and Zuko's uncle's house.

And throughout all that time Zuko's crush on the boy had only gotten bigger.

Every time he saw Sokka, he couldn't help but fall more in love. He was kind, understanding, funny, and very good looking.

Sokka never pressured him to talk about things, he always comforted Zuko when he was sad or upset. He was a good friend, and Zuko desperately wanted to tell him how he felt, but he was too afraid to ruin the friendship. He valued Sokka, he wanted him in his life. Even if it was just as friends.

Sokka was no better. He had a massive crush on the boy with the scar, and he was going to tell him.

Or at least, he wanted to.

He finally finished his poem, and while it wasn't amazing, he hoped Zuko would like it. He hoped Zuko would read it and tell Sokka that he reciprocated his feelings. He really hoped he wasn't about to make a huge mistake.

***

Monday morning came, and as usual, Sokka headed to The Jasmine Dragon. Only this time he was hoping to leave with more that just a peppermint tea.

The bell above the door chimed as he opened it, and his heart rate sped up, he was really nervous.

"Hey, Zuko," He said as he approached the counter.

"Hi. Peppermint tea?"

"Yep," He waited a bit as Zuko began to make the tea, wondering when the right time to give him the note was.

"Here you go," Zuko said, handing Sokka his tea.

Sokka handed over the money, and before he could chicken out he gave the note as well.

Zuko looked at the envelope for a second before saying, "What's this?"

"It's a poem," Sokka prayed he wasn't blushing as much as he thought he was, "I wrote it for you."

A small smile worked its way into Zuko's face as Sokka spoke.

"Thanks, Sokka."

"Bye!" Sokka practically yelled as he ran out the door. He had originally planned to stay as Zuko read the poem, but now he was too afraid of the boy's reaction to stay.

***

Zuko didn't get to read Sokka's poem until he was done work. He wanted to read it during his break, but he had spent that time finishing up a school project and helping Uncle sort through some paperwork.

Flipping down on his bed after a tiring day, he grabbed the envelope (which he had carried in his pocket all day) and opened it.

Dear Zuko,

I suck at writing so just know how hard I worked on this for you :)

Sunflowers reach,
Up to the skies,
Towards the sun,
As golden as your eyes.

That welcoming smile,
So rare,
So sweet,
I don't think I can live another moment,
Without you in my arms

Zuko, will be my boyfriend?

-Sokka

Zuko's eyes widened as he read the last sentence.

Sokka wanted to be his boyfriend?

His first reaction had been to jump up and scream because his crush liked him back, but he realized that would just make Uncle come check in him and he didn't feel like explaining why he was so happy.

The next best thing was to grab his phone and text Sokka.

So that's exactly what he did.

Ponytail boy

4:46 pm

teaboy: I just read your poem

teaboy: my answer is yes

ponytailboy: wait really?!

ponytailboy: you want to date me?!

teaboy: that's what I just said, isn't it?

ponytailboy: yeah, I was just surprised

ponytailboy: I didn't think you liked me back

teaboy: I didn't think you liked me back

ponytailboy: I guess we were both wrong

teaboy: I'm glad I was wrong

ponytailboy: me too

A/N so that's the end! Well, I'm gonna write an epilogue, but this was supposed to be the end (my friend told me I need to write something with them actually being a couple or else everyone would kill me)

Anyways, have a good day! (And yes I did write that poem myself, it sucks)