Distractions (Sokka x Zuko) [COMPLETED]

Chapter Ten

    The sea spray was soothing. It reminded him of being out at sea with his crew and Uncle. But he wasn't. Instead he was with Azula and Ty Lee and Mai. On their way to Ember Island. He held back a sigh.

    Sokka had made a good point. Why wasn't he supposed to be at the meeting? He was the crown Prince. It made no sense. 

    Maybe that just meant his father didn't trust him. It made sense but it still hurt. He'd been banished for just over three years and his only contribution to the fall of Ba Sing Se was "killing the avatar." A feat that was not his achievement and also likely wasn't even achieved. Unless his assassin had succeeded in what he'd done already. But he hadn't gotten any word back, so it was likely that the Avatar was still alive.

    Whatever. He wouldn't dwell on it. 

    Mai said something to him but he'd been too lost in thought to hear what it was. She didn't seem to intent on receiving an answer though and just returned to her spot beside Ty Lee. 

    "Lighten up Zuko, we're going to a beach! It's supposed to be fun!" Ty Lee chirped.

    "Oh let him brood, he's just upset that we weren't included in the big meeting," Azula shrugged, waving it off. "But it's really not such a big deal. I wasn't invited either."

    Deciding not to say anything, Zuko kept his eyes on the water. He already wished that he wasn't in their company. He would much rather be with Sokka. The realization wasn't surprising but he definitely felt strange about it. He'd never really had a person he wanted to spend all his time with. His Uncle was close to that but sometimes his infinite wisdom and level-headed thought process got a little tiring. Sometimes Zuko just wanted to get shit done. Feeling terrible? Act abruptly and hope it works. Sure it might not work right away but at least he got his results faster. Better to spend less time and be disappointed than spend a long time and not know, right?

    He hung his head over the side, letting his bangs get lifted by the breeze and the ocean spray his face. It was refreshing with the heat. Maybe the beach would be nice. It would be good to rekindle whatever happened to make him feel so awkward around his sister and friends. 

_

    The longer Sokka stayed in the Palace, the less he could justify sticking around. He really hadn't done anything. Hadn't learned any new intel, only polished his layout of the city and had gotten to know the guy that'd been trying to capture and or kill him for the past year. So overall, not very successful.

    But he didn't feel like that about Zuko anymore. It definitely helped that the Prince had no idea it was him and therefore had no reason to harbor any murderous intent towards him. Heck, no wonder he was so mellow- he thought Aang was dead! Sure he was troubled about something. But whether that would help them win the war or not; Sokka had no clue. And he didn't have the time to try and figure that out as it would definitely be a more tricky question to get an answer from. Especially when it's competition was "are there any hidden entrances to the palace?" Which admittedly was also risky, but had a better chance of being answered. Probably.

    In all fairness, Sokka was not an idiot when it came to social cues and he could tell Zuko was starting to harbor some kind of affection for him. He didn't seem to be the kind of guy with a lot of guy friends (or friends) his age - which admittedly Sokka didn't have either-  and so he'd light up whenever they hung out or talked. He often seemed out of breath before they sparred, almost as if he'd run over after doing whatever Princely duties he needed to do. And it was mutual, Sokka liked talking to him about things he couldn't with Aang or Katara or Toph. He could complain about whatever he wanted, whoever he wanted and Zuko wouldn't be able to tell anyone as he had no idea who Sokka was talking about. And Zuko could do the same but just because if Sokka did say something then Zuko could have him executed! Win win!

    And now that Zuko was gone... He was lonely again. But unlike before- he didn't want the company of the group. Though he missed them and would of course love to see them again... He found himself waiting in the training room for a few minutes before remembering and training on his own. He caught himself looking down the hallways, not out of fear but out of anticipation. He looked at the clock and the calendar not because he was counting down the seconds, minutes, hours or days for the invasion- but simply for that day. Not too far from now. But it felt like it was.

    Zuko felt far away. And unlike just a few months ago when he would have been comforted by the thought, happy even- he wasn't. Sokka missed him.

    Suppose he'd have to get used to it. After all, soon he'd have to leave and prepare for the invasion. The one where Aang would kill Ozai, and the one where Azula and... Zuko... 

    Right... The invasion.

_

    Lo and Li's beach house did in fact, smell like old lady. The first thing Zuko wanted to do when he got into said beach house was leave. Thankfully, after an old lady anecdote, they were excused. 

    Mai stopped a ways away from the water and looked aside, offhandedly telling Zuko that they were to set up there. So he took out the towel for sitting on and their black umbrella from the carry bag that he had been deemed worthy of carrying earlier. After setting it up, he settled in the shade next to Mai, who leaned into him but seemingly only to keep herself out of the sun. Her head was turned away from Zuko, looking off in the direction that Azula and Ty Lee had gone. The latter was currently enjoying the plethora of boys who'd come to help her set up. 

    Deciding to look in the other direction and just people-watch, Zuko noted a shell in the sand next to them. He picked it up, noting the intricate details. 

    "Here." He held it out to Mai.

     Maybe she'd like it so much that things would stop being weird between them.

    "Why would I want that?" She looked at it like it was a squashed bug on the road.

    "It's pretty. I thought girls liked pretty things." Zuko stated, frowning.

    "Maybe stupid girls." She rolled her eyes and looked back to where she'd been before.

    "Forget it." He tossed the shell, also turning away.

    So much for that...

    Another thing caught his eye and he stood up. Mai didn't seem to really notice or care, so he didn't say anything and just walked off. 

    It was really hot... So maybe she'd like ice cream better?