Ember Island [ON HOLD]

06 Z

"What are you thinking of cooking?" Sokka asked awkwardly. My head immediately went blank as he looked deep into my eyes.

"Uhh..." I sputtered, letting my mouth hang open.

"We could make some-"

"Dumplings!" I said loudly, accidentally cutting him off. I felt my cheeks flush as his eyes grew wide. I wanted to slap myself for acting so jerky.

"Okay, I guess we're cooking dumplings." Sokka replied, his statement sounding more like a question. He turned away from me to grab some bowls and spoons. I took a breath.

"Sokka, I-" He turned around, staring directly into my eyes. His were so pretty, a light icy blue. I shook my head.

"I'm just sorry for how I've been acting. I'm just... really stressed out about being the Firelord and all that and I've been taking it out on everyone, especially you. I feel really really bad about it because you don't deserve to be treated badly especially by me because you didn't do anything to me so why should I be mad at you-" I rambled, my palms growing sweaty. Sokka gave me his signature smile.

"Hey hey hey, Zuko, it's okay! I can't even imagine how much pressure you're under right now. I figured you were a little stressed out going on a break like this. But the Fire Nation is in great hands and you deserve a vacation. Alright?" He said, holding out his arms for a hug. I reluctantly wrapped my arms around him, and he pulled me close and squeezed me. I felt, for those few seconds, at peace with the world. I knew that I'd rather keep my mouth shut and have Sokka as a friend then say something about my feelings and lose him forever.

We broke the hug and smiled at each other. Sokka turned back to the bowls and placed them in front of me.

"Can you get the veggies?" I asked, gesturing to the icebox. Sokka grabbed them and put them on the counter.

"Okay, you chop, I boil. I don't trust you with scalding water." I teased, lighting a small fire under a pot. I saw Sokka stick his tongue out at me. I returned the favor, salting the water.

"I can't imagine what the Kyoshi Warriors are up to in the palace. You were a little crazy to hire them as security." Sokka said, starting to dice the carrots. I groaned.

"Don't get me started. I bet Ty Lee has burned the place down by now!" I joked, grabbing the cabbage and slicing it. 

"I trust Suki and Mai with my life and all, but those two together... in the palace... in charge..." Sokka shuddered, and so did I. The thought was honestly terrifying. 

"Can we change the subject? You just told me I needed to relax." I said, checking on the water. The little bubbles started floating to the top and I resumed chopping the cabbage. 

"You're right, you're right. Okay, let's discuss the elephant in the room." Sokka said, dropping the carrots into the water. I swallowed hard, not knowing what he was going to say. Was he really going to bring up what he had done last night? He took a deep breath and I braced myself for the worst. 

"Now that Aang is sixteen, do you think he's gonna propose? I mean, they've been together for, like, four years now. Hey, at this point if they're not in it for the long run I don't understand what they're doing." He asked nonchalantly, starting on the scallions. My brain short circuited; this is the last thing I thought he was going to bring up.

"Well, I don't think he'll do it before taking care of some things. He'd ask your father's permission and probably yours too. And I know he'd make her one of your guys' betrothal necklaces. Honestly, I feel like him and Katara would talk about getting married before he even asks." I answered, busying myself with the dough. It was a strange conversation. I couldn't believe our friends could very soon be getting married. Then again, Sokka and I should have been betrothed to women years ago; nineteen was pretty old to be single. 

"You're probably right. Of course would support them, but I feel like they should hurry it up! We all know  they're going to get married and have lots of babies and live happily ever after." Sokka laughed. I joined him, because it was the truth; I knew Katara and Aang were going to be together forever since I joined their group for the first time. 

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see SOKKA THE VEGGIES!!!" I yelled, watching the water boil over and splatter on the floor. He yelped and stirred the pot as best as he could while I extinguished the flame heating it. He was laughing his head off, now cleaning the water off the floor.

"Sorry sorry sorry!" He apologized in between laughs. I couldn't be mad at him; it was pretty funny. 

"Mistakes happen. I once failed at making rice. Rice." I admitted, rolling out the dough. Sokka snorted.

"That's rough buddy."

"That's my line!" I exclaimed, shoving Sokka lightly. He laughed again and resumed chopping the veggies. I hadn't laughed this much in months.

 Who would have thought that something as simple as cooking dumplings with your friend could make you feel so much happier.