The Tent (Zukka)

Chapter 10: Getaway

That evening zuko had just finished setting up the 'camp' when he began to see sokka coming up the path. His plan was simple; he'd recreated the set up they had at the old camp, with a better view this time of course. He'd positioned the tent so you could feel the sea breeze from inside and look out to the glistening ocean. It wasn't quite sunset yet but there was the slightest hint of pink in the sky. He'd arranged the existing log benches a top of the cliff  around a fire pit he'd made. 

Zuko paced back and fourth along around the edge of the cliff trying to think about what he'd say to the water tribe boy once he finally arrived. He knew he had to apologise first, explain himself. That was easier said than done, though, zuko wasn't the best at explaining how he felt. He'd been venerable with sokka before, but not quite like this, he knew that their relationship rested on how the night would go. 

Meanwhile as Sokka got closer, his anti anticipation for the evening ahead grew stronger. He pulled out the note from his pocket, over analysing zuko's words. It seemed he had forgiven sokka, and the water tribe boy was quickly growing to forgive zuko. He knew he had been out of line but was still craving the boys understanding over his wishes for their confidentially to his sister. He hoped tonight would clear that up. Maybe they'd even time for other activities as well...

                                                                       *****

"Hi," zuko said awkwardly but it was cute when sokka arrived at the camp. 

"Hey" the water tribe boy replied waiting for zuko to indicate his intentions with the invitation but he didn't so sokka continued, "um so I got your note"

"Right yeah, here take a seat," zuko jested for the boy to take a seat beside him on the logs. The fire nation boy sent a flame out his hand and he lit the fire. 

Sokka got lost looking at the flames for a little before turning to zuko where his eyes locked with sokka, "look I-I'm sorry" he stuttered, "i um I talked to aang and he told me that he saw you overhearing him and kat's chat. I get why you're upset, I shouldn't have been so harsh with you earlier" 

Yeah that was good, zuko thought to himself. Sokka contemplated what the boy had said before responding, "ohh yeah. I'm sorry I didn't explain that to you I was just taken back that she said that and honestly disappointed, I really wanted to believe you in thinking she'd be supportive. I guess I was mad or whatever and I took it out you on. But I...I know that wasn't cool"

"It's ok really sokka, please just tell me that kinda stuff moving stuff forward k?" Zuko responded caringly. 

 "Yeah," the water tribe boy smiled lightly at the other, "but um look zuko you said it was easier if we just sunk around and then asked me to be your boyfriend like how do you expect me to even know what to tell people if I were to after that? Like what would I even had said to Kat at that point?" 

Zuko kept his voice steady when he responded he wasn't trying to fight, not tonight, "umm that's true, you're right I suppose. Sokka I know I've already told you some of this, but where I'm from-the people I was around-they're not accepting of what we have. Yes I said it's easier for us to sneak around, cause that's all I've ever known" 

"Ohh, zuko I-" sokka began but the fire nation boy continued.

 "I just I finally felt someone got it, like you got me," zuko tried to hold back but his voice broke, "when my father found out he was horrible to me sokka, he told me I was a disgrace not only to fire nation but it him and my mum. So when I met you I finally felt like you could relate to me, like you accepted me, and even emphasised and reciprocated,  like above all I had found a friend. Sorry that was like super corny" zuko laughed between the tears.

Sokka chuckled and then comforted zuko, "you never have to hide that part of you around me, zuko" he looked into the boys sparkling eyes as the sunset's glow reflected on his tears, "I've always got your back okay? Me aang, toph, we all do"

Zuko wiped the tears with his shirt, "thanks man. I-I know. It's just when you brought my dad and aang's battle up as an excuse not to tell Kat, honestly it hit a nerve. I know you probably didn't mean to but um yeah"

"Ugh I'm sorry I was just a idiot for that I didn't even think"

"Bro honestly we were even thinking for half that conversation?"

"Probably not," sokka laughed a bit. 

Zuko got serious again, "but then you said you didn't wanna tell Kat and it was like a reminder of everyone who I had to keep it secret from before, everyone who didn't approve. But like I get it now, if she's gonna be that way I really don't know if want her knowing about us either. She supported me sokka i don't understand why were any different" 

"I wish I knew," sokka was crying slightly now too, "but I, i have to get something off my chest. When you talked about the other guys, idk i didn't take it so well. You were just being jokey about it I know and I'm really glad you told me and all but like idk, i just haven't experienced some of the things you have. And I got sorta jealous...I know I'm stupid for thinking like that I mean you saw me with suki for months and it's probably all just in my head-"

"No, no, sokka I get it" zuko interrupted.  

"You do?" sokka looked up at zuko his eyes widening. 

"Of course I do. If I knew someone else had been with my man I'd be jealous too" 

"Your man huh?" Sokka smirked now. 

"Yeah" zuko blushed and he slid over to the boy.

Sokka teased the fire nation boy more, "that sounds right doesn't it isn't boyfriend?"

"uhmm" zuko bit his lip. 

Sokka reached his hand up to pull the fire nation boy towards him, their lips met. Zuko responded passionately, he'd miss this. The warm feeling of sokka on him. Yet he pulled away slightly, creating enough space for him to be able to speak, "I'm sorry I-I love you" 

"Me too" 

"About which part?" 

Sokka rolled his eyes teasingly, "both you idiot. Now come here" 

A/N: y'all will just have to wait for the next part 🤭