Unexpected Love

Sokka-Part 2

I lie in bed staring up at the ceiling. A smile forms on my lips as I think on the days events. I redeemed myself by brining Suki and Dad home. The past few weeks have been horrible. The invasion plan failed, my invasion plan failed. After having to part with my Dad yet again after what seems like we just reunited and having had our asses thoroughly spanked by the Fire Nation we had to do the walk of shame all the way to the Western Air Temple. 

But I've redeemed myself. Zuko helped restore my honor and helped rescue my Dad. After having dinner with my Dad for the first time in a long time Zuko and I stayed up by the campfire talking for hours.  Only a half an hour ago did we decide to go to bed. 

I place my hand on my chest, smelling the remnants of the campfire on my clothes. I frown because I'll have to wash my clothes tomorrow-not wanting to rid my clothes of those moments I shared with Zuko beside the campfire.

He told me about his childhood and what his mother did in order for his life to be spared. He told me how Avatar Roku is his great grandfather. I told him about the day our mother was murdered, at least what I remember of it. As the fire hugged our bare skin and made the flecks in the Princes gold eyes shine we both watched our hands as the brushed against each other. Neither one of us wanted to reach for the other's hand, but neither of us wanted to pull away either. 

In the moment all our history melted away. It was only us there by the fire. He wasn't the Fire Lord's son, he was just Zuko and I was just Sokka.

I hold my hand up above me and graze circles over the spot his pinky had done the same. I lay in comfortable silence like how we had done after I told him about my mom. We were both familiar with the loss of a mother and both understood the need for supportive silence as apposed to meaningless condolences.

I awake in the morning to light shining through the window. I block it with my hand as I stretch in my bed. Once again I smell the fire and a warm smile returns to my lips. I stand and walk toward the washroom needing to bathe and put up my hair. 

After I shower I wash my fire nation uniform and hang them up to dry in a window. Still standing in the communal washroom only in my wrappings I stare into my reflection and begin putting up my hair.

Zuko rounds the corner with his shirt in one hand and a towel in the other. His hair is wet and shaggy. We lock eyes for a moment before I allow my eyes to travel down his bare chest. I hear a small chuckle which brings me back to my senses-my eyes bolting up to meet his. I feel my cheeks warm as he walks behind me. He places the towel on my head and shakes his hand around a little before I can reach up and pull it off.  Wordlessly we make eye contact in the mirror. He places his hand on the small of my back as he walks out. "Good morning Sokka. I'll see you down at breakfast." 

I watch as he walks out of the room. Then I shake my head and focus back on getting ready for the day.

A few days later I watch Zuko train Aang. I make a joke about jerk bending which earns me a glare from Zuko. I lounge against a rock while sharpening my boomerang, machete and sword. I do my best to pretend I'm not watching Zuko but I can't help but notice how his muscle move as he moves through different fire bending positions.

After they finish Aang jumps on an air scooter and zips out of there before Zuko can make him do any more hot squats. I continue to sharpen my boomerang between bites of my apple as Zuko stalks over, eyes trained on me. "What do you think you're doing?"

I pause, looking up at him. He's sweaty and his chest heaves as he tries to catch his breath. "Hey, I'm just eating my apple and sharpening my weapons," I say with a shrug, trying to act nonchalant. "Nothin to see here."

He sees right through me and with a growl says, "Next time you come over to watch me workout you should try not to stare as hard. It was painfully obvious. Or maybe you could join. It'd do you good. And anyway, I thought you were with Suki." I blush. 

"I wasn't staring. I was... taking notes on workout ideas. That's all," I say with a squeak. I stand up and start to walk away quickly. 

"I didn't mind it. You watching I mean." I stop and turn to look at him. He's staring at the ground scratching his head. 

I take a step closer to him. "How about tomorrow we take Appa somewhere and practice sword fighting?" I say mentally thanking myself for not repeating how I asked Princess Yue out. I brush my finger tips on his toned forearm.

With a weak voice he says, "I'd like that." His eyes meet mine. "Maybe I can bring some food. You know, to eat. Why else would I bring food? It's not like I'll be pouring it all over myself." I chuckle, the image of licking chocolate off of him coming to mind. Then I think of Suki and quickly brush away the dirty thought. A moment later he seems to catch up with my thoughts and quickly says, "I didn't mean it that way.

"Whatever you say Fire Prince," A smile perches on my lips and I turn tossing my apple in the air and I take another bite.