Distractions (Sokka x Zuko) [COMPLETED]

Chapter Eight

    When Zuko finally returned to sparring practise, he was surprised to find that Sokka had improved even further than he thought. It wouldn't be long until he could beat Zuko in a duel. The challenge was exciting. His anticipation growing with each spar. Sokka could feel it too and he could see it reflected in his actions and expression.

    His blue eyes sparkled every time he almost knocked Zuko off balance or successfully made it through a parrying session without losing his footing or form. The exercise was exhilarating and they soon began going until they broke out in sweat. One particular day, they ceased their session and sat on the floor to catch their breath. Sokka undid the top of his tunic and pulled his hair out of the bun it had been falling out of. Strangely Zuko found his gaze hard to take off of said changes. 

    With his loose hair framing his face and his exposed chest glistening with sweat in the lamplight, Sokka looked different almost. 

    "What?" He asked, bringing Zuko out of his trance. "Do I have something on my face?"

    "No, I've just never seen you with your hair down..." Zuko replied softly, fiddling with his hands.

    "Does it look bad?" Sokka brushed his hand through it, examining a lock.

    "No it looks good!" Zuko shook his head, his tone coming off a little strong. "I mean... It suits you."

    "Thanks," Sokka smiled, his face feeling a little hotter. "I've been meaning to cut it actually, but this length isn't too bad."

    "Do you usually have it shorter?" Zuko arched a brow. He wasn't used to the mindset of having short hair.

    "Around the sides, yeah," Sokka lifted the top part up, gesturing to the shorter hair that went around. "I usually have an undercut."

    Zuko tried picturing it and then the familiarity of Sokka's face panged in his memory again. Maybe he'd seen him with the undercut before and that's why his brain couldn't recognize him? Because it was longer now?

    "I'm growing mine out," Zuko gestured to his hair, shutting away the determination to pinpoint Sokka's identity before it could fester and drive him insane. "I had long hair as a kid but then had to cut it."

    "I'm sure it'll look great," Sokka beamed. "I mean you already look good with it at the length you have it at now."

    "Thanks." Now it was Zuko's turn to blush a little.

    "So have you had anything interesting happen lately?" Sokka switched the subject, leaning forwards to prop his head up on his hand. 

    "What would you consider interesting?" 

    "I don't know. Meetings, relationship drama, stuff like that?" Sokka shrugged.

    "Are you insinuating that I'm having issues with my girlfriend?" Zuko frowned.

    "Not at all!" Sokka shot up to sit straight. "I didn't even know you had one honestly. I just..." Zuko relaxed at the clarification, allowing Sokka to as well and he sighed. "Being a guard is sort of boring as the only things I do is stand in the hallway and listen to other guards' problems."

    "Why? What do you do apart from work?" Zuko frowned again, this time in confusion.

    "I spar with you, and I sleep." 

    "You don't go visit your family?" 

    "Kind of hard to do right now," Sokka sighed, looking a little glum. "Considering how far they are and all."

    "Do they not live in the Fire Nation?" 

    "Nope," Sokka shook his head. "Earth Kingdom colonies."

    "Oh." Zuko pursed his lips. 

    "Even then, it's just my sister and the other two." Sokka shrugged.

    "Where are your parents?" 

    "Dad's a historian so he travels around a lot. My mom died a long time ago." Sokka brought his knees close, holding them to his chest.

    "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Zuko murmured, looking away. "My mom is also gone."

    They were silent for a while. Sokka once again being hit with the realization that they were incredibly similar. He'd played with the idea before but it was really starting to seem like Zuko was just confused. That's what Katara had said after the fall of Ba Sing Se but she made it to sound like he'd just been manipulating her. Katara had always had a bad habit of switching sides without really hearing anyone out. Not that he could blame her, but it was still something to factor in when letting her opinions affect how his own were formed.

    And there was no reason for Zuko to manipulate him. He had no idea who he really was and thus had no reason to trick him. So what happened in Ba Sing Se- which sucked but it happened- was likely a lapse in judgement and maybe Zuko could still redeem himself. Maybe, just maybe he was actually a good person.

    As for now, Sokka would continue trying to wean information out of him. It shouldn't be too hard as he seemed to be warming up to him somewhat. And maybe if it didn't amount to anything, at least he'd be better at sword fighting for the invasion. 

    "So do you know if there's a good way to deflect bending with sword fighting?" Sokka asked, looking over.

    "Uh... Well..."