Ember Island [ON HOLD]

02 Z

I had forgotten the bedrooms only had one bed in them!

When I had this place redone, it didn't occur to me to put in two beds because Azula and I had always shared as kids. I wanted to slap myself for forgetting something so obvious. Sokka didn't seem as bothered as I was, but that's probably because he's used to sharing beds. I almost never share a bed with someone, it gets too warm and sweaty and you end up getting kicked. 

"Sorry, Sokka. I forgot about the single beds. I can sleep on the couch if-"

"Oh I don't mind sharing. Aang and I used to share sometimes when I would crash with him. No big deal." He said, walking into the room. He sat on the right side of the bed, facing the drawers. He didn't waste any time starting to unpack.

"Which drawer do you want?" He asked, laying his swim trunks down on his lap. I was still processing us having to sleep in the same bed.

"Uhh... I'll take the left, I guess." Sokka nodded and opened his drawer, putting the clothes in it. I realized I needed some alone time to process the situation, so I put my bags on the couch and cleared my throat.

"Hey, uh... I'm going to go start dinner. I'll call when it's done." I said quickly, heading for the door. 

"Okay. Have fun!" Sokka said, oblivious to my awkwardness. I felt my ears getting hot so I closed the door quickly and bounced down the stairs.

I made my way to the kitchen, finally alone. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, reaching for the bowls. Cooking was calming for me; Uncle Iroh taught me a few basics and I was actually pretty good at it. 

As I started rolling the pasta dough, I let my mind wander. Why was I so bothered by sharing a bed with Sokka? It has to just be the fact that I don't like getting hot while I sleep. I hate being sweaty and waking up feeling gross.

Right?

That has to be it.

But I don't think I'd be as bothered if I was sharing with Aang. Or even Toph or Katara. It's just something about Sokka that's putting me off. Maybe it's his constant corny jokes. Or his loud voice. Or his constant need to be all touchy-touchy. Or his soft, silky hair...

What?!

Why on earth would I think that?

I shook my head and realized the dough was fully kneaded. I sighed and grabbed a rolling pin and knife, creating long, skinny noodles. I set them to dry while starting some water. I lit a small fire and covered the pot. I went to the icebox and grabbed two tomatoes, an onion, vinegar, cayenne pepper, jalapeños,  garlic, and my secret ingredient; fire flakes. I started making the sauce as my mind wandered again.

What am I doing thinking about Sokka that way? He's my friend. Nothing more, nothing less. I like girls. I guess I can appreciate a guy's looks, but I don't want to... like... kiss him.

I felt my cheeks start to burn. I wanted to be disgusted by that idea, but I wasn't. 

"Agh! what am I doing?!" I said aloud, pounding my fists on the table. I shook my head, trying to get these thoughts out of my brain. 

The water was boiling by now, so I dumped the now-dry pasta in. I grabbed a pan and lit another small fire, pouring the fire sauce in it. It sizzled, and the comforting smell wafted up and hit me in the face. It calmed me down, and I tried to make an agreement with myself. Whatever these new feelings were, they were not going to get in the way on my vacation. I'm not going to let some silly infatuation wreck the only friendships I've ever known.

I extinguished the flame under the pasta, and strained the water. I put it in a big bowl, remembering Aang's sensitivity to spice. I mixed the sauce and put it in another bowl, allowing for everyone to serve themselves. I grabbed plates, cups, and silverware and headed for the dining room, deciding to set the table. I filled the cups with water and put the pasta and sauce in the middle of the table. Once I was satisfied with everything, I ran up the stairs and knocked on everyone's door.

"Hey guys! Dinner's ready! It's all set up in the dining room." I shouted, assuming Toph was sleeping like the dead. I paused outside my own door, trying to get my head straight.

I knocked softly.

"Hey Sokka? Dinner's ready." I said, opening the door a crack. He was laying on the bed, reading some book. He had an arm behind his head and one leg bent. He looked... pretty hot.

Zuko, no!!

He looked up at me and closed his book. I noticed all our bags were gone off the floor.

"Where's all my stuff?"

"Oh, well, since you were making dinner for everyone, I thought it would be nice if I unpacked your stuff. You know, so you don't have to do it later." He said, smiling and laughing at me. I felt my cheeks blush.

"Wow, uh, thank you. That was so nice." I replied, standing there awkwardly.

"No problem, bro. Now, let's eat! I'm starving!" Sokka said, bolting out of the room and down the stairs. I took a second to gather my feelings and followed him, leaving whatever I was thinking about in our bedroom for later.