Ember Island [ON HOLD]

07 S

Toph picked the perfect spot for our beach day. I couldn't wait to dive in the deep blue water, to build sandcastles, and lie in the sun all day. I had been looking forward to our vacation for months! 

I laid my towel down on the golden sand next to Zuko's. He had his back turned to me, and was gazing off onto the beach. As I sat down and slipped off my sandals, a piece of cloth smacked me in the face. 

"Hey!" I exclaimed, pulling the shirt off my head. I looked up and squinted, trying to figure out where it had come from. Zuko towered over me, giving me an apologetic look.

"Sorry, Sokka! My bad." He said, blushing and grabbing his shirt from me. I shaded my eyes to see his face better.

"S'alright. As long as it wasn't on purpose." I joked, studying his chest. He must have started working out or something, because he was looking stronger than usual. Very muscular and... hot.

What?! Did I really just think that thought? No no no, I was just admiring how strong he is. I'm jealous or something! I want to look like that. Right? Yeah. That's what I was thinking. I felt my face catch fire as my eyes trailed farther and farther down his chest... to his toned stomach... and his-

Sokka no! 

I was sure my face was bright red so I jumped up suddenly and made a dash for the water. 

"Sokka, wait up!" I heard Aang yell from behind me, jogging to keep up with me. I pretended like I didn't hear him as I dove into the blue water. It cooled my face down and I prayed I wasn't blushing like a madman anymore. I poked my head out of the water as Aang cannonballed right next to me, splashing me directly in the face. The salty water got into my mouth and I spat it out. Just as I had shaken the water out of my hair, Katara dove in on my other side, splashing me again. 

"Zuko, you've gotta get in!" She yelled across the shore, waving for him to join us. I felt myself staring at him again, so I focused my attention on Aang, splashing him in the face. He giggled and we began an epic splash fight, but Aang waterbended at me and I fell backwards. I knocked into something hard and fell in the water. I inhaled the salty sea and started choking, trying to get my head above water. Suddenly, I felt someone's arms around me, pulling me up and hitting me on the back. I spat water out, gasping for breath. The person that had pulled me up turned me around, and I was met with Zuko's concerned face. 

"Are you alright? You almost drowned!" He exclaimed, his eyes wide with concern. I felt my face blush again as he stared directly at me.

"Oh uhh, I'm okay. Happens all the time you know." I sputtered.

"That's good. I was sure you'd need mouth-to-mouth." Zuko laughed. What he said hung in the air for a second and he immediately stopped giggling, his whole face turning red. Mine did the same and we awkwardly looked away from each other. I bit my lip, swimming away from Zuko.

"Well, uh, that was a little, like, scary, so I think I'm gonna go rest for a little bit at the house okay bye guys." I stammered, quickly making my way to the shore. I didn't even grab my sandals or towel, I just walked back to the house and shut the door behind me. 

What was wrong with me?! Why am I thinking about Zuko like that? I like girls. Or at least, I thought I liked girls. But something about him made me feel all tingly on the inside, like there were a bunch of fire ants in my stomach. 

Was it possible... that I was feeling something for Zuko? Something more than friendship?

I shook my head, dashing up the stairs to my room and flopping on the bed. Why did this have to happen? Zuko is a great friend, and I don't want to ruin what we have. And I bet he doesn't feel the same. I sighed, my head way to full for my liking.

I was staring at the ceiling when I heard the door creak open.

"Katara, I'm fine. I just needed to rest for a bit." I sighed. I heard Zuko clear his throat.

"Sokka, we need to talk."