Distractions (Sokka x Zuko) [COMPLETED]

Chapter Five

    The next time Sokka went to practise his eye bags were almost completely gone. He'd gotten a notice of mandated rest. His schedule had been cleared for 3 days so he could rest. Who sent it and why? He wouldn't question that. He was only glad that he could finally get some sleep.

    Zuko's things had sat on his chair in the corner of his room for the past two days as he hadn't planned on going anywhere near the Prince for his days off. Some time for relaxing meant he didn't practise sword fighting. He'd get back to that later.

    When he was back, things were strange. No one was asking him to cover his shifts and people were being oddly friendly with him. Not friendly enough to make him comfortable enough to ask why, so he'd just stick with being confused for now but it was still nice.

    "You're back!" Lin beamed at him as he sat down across from her at lunch.

    "Yeah I had a notice of mandated rest or whatever..." Sokka shrugged, picking out one of the pieces of meat in his bowl.

    "Not surprised, the Prince was really angry." Lin shrugged, scooping up a spoonful of broth.

    "The... Prince?" Sokka dropped his chopsticks, looking up in bewilderment.

    "Yeah there was a big announcement the other day. He said that there was a limit to how many hours someone could work and a minimum, basically meaning that people had to stop asking you to cover their shifts or else they'd get the can." She explained, sipping her spoon.

    Not sure how to react to that, Sokka pursed his lips and looked away. He wasn't expecting awful treatment from Zuko but this was almost too much... How terrible had he looked the other day?

    "Honestly I'm glad," Lin spoke up again. "I was considering saying something myself. I felt kind of bad since I kind of started this asking you and all..."

    "No that's-" Sokka shook his head.

    "No, it's my fault," She held up a hand. "I know how these guys get when a yes man joins the ranks."

    "Yes man?" A tiny smile quirked his lips and he picked up his utensils again.

    "You never said no to anyone, that made you easy to take advantage of," Lin pointed her spoon at him. "So that's exactly what they did."

    "Oh." Sokka nodded.

    "Well, they won't be bothering you anymore. Now you can finally get some sleep," She smiled. "You really looked rough the past week."

    "I didn't notice..."

    "Didn't think you did," She shook her head, laughing a little. "You didn't have time to rest; let alone look in a mirror."

    "True..." He laughed a little, taking another bite of his lunch.

_

    Things had gotten a little better after Zuko guaranteed Sokka's rest. Giving orders still felt wrong but these ones weren't as bad. During the three days he'd frequented the training hall, making sure the rooms were all empty. If he'd been practising instead of resting... 

     Well the rooms were always devoid of life. He was glad but he was a little disappointed as he'd grown fond of watching. It was a fun distraction from his messy, confusing life. It was fascinating how someone could just practise in a room without a care in the world. There was a time when Zuko was like that too.

    Once the rest period was up, he'd eagerly left meetings and avoided non-mandatory appointments to go back to the hall. The first day after, he'd made it to the room rather early but there wasn't anyone there. But before he could feel defeated and leave, someone cleared their throat beside him.

    "Your highness," Sokka stood with a hand on his hip, the other propped in front of his mouth. "Nice seeing you again."

    "Oh...uhm..." Zuko took a few steps away.

    "I'd like to thank you," Sokka said, taking no notice of the hesitation. Zuko relaxed a bit, thinking he was about to get lectured. "For allowing me time to rest and fixing my... Overworking issue."

    "It's no problem," Zuko looked away, trying to appear nonchalant about it. "The rule needed to be made, it wasn't necessarily for your sake."

    Sokka watched him for a moment after he'd said that. He didn't seem convinced but he didn't voice it. A little smile spread across his face and he shook his head with a small laugh.

    "Of course," He made a step towards the door. "Oh, would you like to come in?"

    Zuko's head shot back to look at him with that. Confusion spread across his face at the question.

    "Come... in?" He echoed, shifting his weight towards the door subconsciously.

    "Forgive me for being forward- but you've been watching me practise for a while have you not?" The grin on his face broadened.

    Zuko flushed pink and looked away with a little nod.

    "Well," Sokka slid the door open and gestured for Zuko to go in. "If you want."

    Not saying anything, Zuko avoided eye contact as he made his way into the room. It was unchanged apart from the pile of fabric neatly folded in the corner. Sokka stepped in after him and followed his eyes to see where he was looking.

    "Oh, right," He walked over and picked them up. "I wanted to give these back to you."

    "Thanks," Zuko took the items from him and watched Sokka go to pick his sword up. "You just leave that here?"

    "No, only sometimes if I have a shift right after practise and I lose track of time," He shrugged. "No one else seems to use these rooms anyways."

    Zuko nodded a little, looking away.

    "So..." Sokka started, not really sure where to go from here. "Do you sword fight or...?"

    "I do," Zuko answered immediately. "I uh... I've practised a lot of different styles and I've mastered a few of them..."

     "Oh?" Show off. "That's cool. Maybe you can give me some pointers?"

    Sokka laughed a little, hoping he'd take it as a joke but Zuko's face never broke it's seriousness. In fact, he seemed to ponder something for a second before his eyes somewhat lit up.

    "Could I?" He fiddled with his hands.

    A bit dumbfounded, Sokka just stared for a moment. But then he had an idea.

    "Yeah sure," He shrugged. "I offered, didn't I?"

    "Yeah..." Zuko chuckled a little, looking away.

    "Well then, what are we waiting for?" Sokka beamed, shaking off his nerves.

     It wasn't what he intended but oh well. What could happen?