Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was the summer before the big four went into university. Yue had been accepted into University of Republic City, which was a 4 hour drive away from everyone. She decided to throw a going away party for their entire friend group to celebrate her new journey. 

Zuko had been helping his uncle garden in their backyard. It was the day of the hangout and since Yue and Zuko lived a 15 minutes walk away from each other, he didn’t need to leave early. 

“Are you ready for the hangout?” His uncle asked him, carefully picking out the last few hibiscus flowers in the garden and placing it in the basket between them. 

Zuko hummed, he had followed suit with the flowers. “I guess. It’s sad to know that Yue will be leaving.” His eyes dropped to the now empty flower garden. 

“Well you are right. It’s sad to see her go and you are valid for feeling that way.” Iroh stripped off his gardening gloves and stood up. “She must be sad to be leaving everyone she knew behind and stepping into a new world out there. ” He gestured at his nephew towards the house.

Zuko stood up and grabbed the basket of flowers. “I know. I just… gotten used to everything already. I don’t want it to change.” He peeled off the gardening gloves after he had placed the basket on the kitchen counter. Removing those gloves felt like a relief, those had been stuck to his hands. 

“The only thing that’s changing is distance, nothing else. You can always talk to her over the phone.” Iroh smiled, washing his hand in the sink. “She won’t be leaving you.” 

Zuko sighed. He really didn’t want to entertain those negative thoughts in his brain right now. “You’re right, Uncle.” His eyes glued on the tile floor. 

“I know how difficult life was to you, my son.” Iroh placed a hand on Zuko’s shoulder. “And how much you have grown with these people. It will be a big step and it’s okay to be sad about it.” 

Zuko nodded, tears brimmed at his eyes. “Thanks Uncle.” 

“Of course my son.” Iroh opened his arms, inviting Zuko in for a hug. Zuko stepped forward to hug his uncle, it was a warm and safe embrace and Zuko exhaled shakily. Negative thoughts looming in his mind. 

There was a soft knock on the door that snapped him out of his head. He wasn’t expecting anyone and neither was his uncle. 

Zuko pulled away from the hug and made his way over to see two familiar faces staring through the glass. It was Sokka and Aang, waving through the glass window on the door. Zuko turned away to wipe the tears in his eyes. 

“Who is it?” Iroh called out from the kitchen. Iroh’s question was answered when Zuko opened the door.   

“Uncle!” Sokka pushed through the door, kicked off his shoes and made his way into the house. Zuko, unfazed, locked eyes with Aang and sighed. They both greeted each other before making their way over to the kitchen. Sokka hovered beside Iroh, both laughing at a joke the boy made. Sokka indeed made himself home. He kept chatting with Iroh with random commentary while he grabbed a few cups from the cupboard and poured sugar into his cup. 

“Sokka made us walk here from Yue’s house for Uncle’s tea.” Aang turned to whisper to Zuko. The younger boy rolled his eyes and leaned over the breakfast bar table. 

Zuko’s gaze fell back on Aang. “Isn’t the party in like an hour? Is everyone there?” 

Aang shook his head. “Sokka drove me and Katara to Yue’s house early,” He tapped his two fingers on the counter, to indicate Yue and Zuko’s house, “and walked all the way here.” The distance between his two fingers shortened until they were side by side. At Zuko's house. 

Sokka placed two full cups of tea in front of them. Aang carefully picked up the cup before he continued. “I’m surprised we didn’t drive here.” He blew the tea first before he took a sip. 

Sokka walked towards the two just to flick Aang’s forehead.  “Well… some people care about global warming and hey, you wanted to tag along. Don’t pretend you didn’t want the tea.” 

Aang winced and rubbed the place of impact. Zuko and Aang both made their way to the dinner table where they all sipped on their tea and chatted amongst themselves. Iroh came by with a cup of tea for himself and some light snacks and joined them in conversation. 

“What are they feeding you, child?” Iroh asked Aang. “You’ve become so much taller, almost taller than these two.” 

“Uncle.” Zuko whined. His head dropped in his hand, in embarrassment. 

Sokka waved his hand in the air. “Uncle, you see he’s been eating steroids. That's the only thing that can explain it. He couldn’t have gained this height in two months.” He rolled his eyes before taking another cookie.

Aang laughed, placing his empty cup on the table. “Sokka don’t lie to Uncle.  I’m just naturally gifted, that’s all. No steroids needed.” 

“Yeah but not in math.” Sokka laughed, finishing the last sip of tea in his cup. Zuko stifled out a laugh, he tried to hold back but he couldn’t. 

“Hey!” Aang pointed at the two boys. “You’re both just jealous of my height.”

“Right… and I painted the Mona Lisa, guess we’re both liars.” Sokka nodded his head, sarcastically. He shot a glance at Zuko, who shook his head in disbelief. 

Iroh laughed, wiping away the joyful tears that brimmed at his eyes. “God, you are all growing up now.” 

Sokka pulled out his phone at the chime, it was a message from Katara in the groupchat. “Looks like the party already started. Suki and Toph pulled up.” 

Aang pulled out his own phone and read the message. “Uh… that’s not what she said.” 

“Well she said something along those lines, not very nicely and I don’t want to read it in front of Uncle.” He stood up and brushed himself off. 

“Right… you don’t want to read this message but you’d lie to Uncle, I’ll keep that in mind.” Aang nodded, keeping that same expression Sokka had before. 

“Aang, your neck is really calling for my hand.” Sokka leaned over the table to imitate him strangling the younger boy.

“See Uncle, this is the real Sokka you don’t see.” He painted a scared expression on his face. “He was about to hurt me.”

Zuko stayed in his seat, in an attempt to hold back his laughter but he couldn’t. He ended up laughing a little too loud. Everyone ended up laughing with him. 

Zuko wiped the tears in his eyes. “That’s Sokka for you Uncle, the real Sokka.”

Sokka smiled and made his way over to Iroh. “Thanks for the tea Uncle. I’ll make sure to be back for more.” He gave Iroh a side hug before making his way over to the front door. Aang followed suit, picking up both his and Sokka’s cup and placing them in the sink. He also made sure to give Iroh a hug as well. 

“You better. I miss seeing my nephew’s friends.” Iroh laughed out. 

Zuko stood up and placed his cup into the sink. He made sure to rinse out the cups that were there so it wasn’t much of a clean up for his uncle later. 

“Have fun at your hangout my son.” Iroh stood next to Zuko, his hand ruffled through Zuko’s hair. 

“Thanks uncle, I will.” Zuko smiled at the touch. “I might come back tonight.” 

“If you are asking to stay over, you can.” Iroh closed the tap water for Zuko. Zuko made the effort to give his uncle a hug before he went towards the door. 

“Bye Uncle!” Sokka called out once Zuko put his shoes on. 

Iroh bidded his farewell to Sokka and Aang while he walked over to the door to close it. 

The walk towards Yue’s house was relaxing, the sun had been setting and the sky painted a beautiful pastel pink with hints of light blue. Sokka couldn’t help but stagger further back from Zuko and Aang to snap photos of the sky. When Zuko turned back to Sokka, his phone that covered his face fell and he exclaimed that he was snapping photos for Suki’s scrapbook she was making. Zuko didn’t think twice and just nodded, continuing to chat away with Aang.

They all had been chatting about how Sokka recently got a job and was able to save some money. Aang was going into grade 11 and he was getting scared from math. Zuko agreed to tutor him once again if his classes were not too bad and Aang was ecstatic. 

By the time they made it to Yue’s house, there were multiple cars parked around her house. There were cars that surrounded Sokka’s car in Yue’s driveway, new cars parked along the street. The music was loud enough that people could hear the bass through the house outside. The boys all stared at each other, in complete shock. 

“When did all these people get here?” Aang whispered out. 

Zuko exhaled, he thought this was a small hangout, just their friend group. He was not in the mood to meet all of these people, respectfully. He did think about walking back home but he decided to stay for Yue and the rest of his friends. He made a mental note to stick around for a while before he gets too overstimulated. 

Once they got to the front step, he was greeted by an unfamiliar face but he seemed well acquainted with Sokka and Aang. 

“Yo!” The boy in front of him went to dap up Sokka and Aang. The boys stood in front of Zuko. “I didn’t know you both were showing up.” 

“I didn’t think it was a full party.” Sokka pulled the boy into a hug. “How have you been?” 

“I’ve been alright.” The boy huffed out. “Chief Arnook invited a few families, didn’t think it was the whole village. Also Aang… what the fuck? When did you get this tall? You were like a little jit when I first saw you.” The boy looked up at him with a scoff. 

Zuko felt something shift in his gut. He stood behind them quietly, debating if he should leave.  

“Oh right.” Sokka scratched the back of his head, snapping Zuko out of his thoughts. He turned around to let Zuko into the conversation. “Zuko, this is Hahn. Hahn, this is Zuko.” 

The boy, Hahn, stretched his arm out towards Zuko. “So… you are the Zuko the others talked about?” 

Zuko took Hahn’s hand for a firm handshake. “Oh?” His eyebrow twitched up as he shot a glance at both Sokka and Aang. The younger boy shrugged his shoulders, Sokka on the other hand, covered his face with his hands. 

Sokka elbowed Hahn, causing him to hurl forward in a grunt. “Go in.” Sokka gestured to Zuko and Aang. “Yue’s probably in there, I’ll have a quick chat with Hahn.” 

Zuko nodded at the boy and walked into the house with Aang. Even though his and Yue’s house had similar layout, the house was decked out differently and now packed with so many people. Zuko didn’t know that this event was a family friend hangout. 

When they found Yue, she was talking to some people. From what Zuko and Aang assume from their body language, they were praising her and wishing her well. There were tears in her eyes as she nodded and talked back to them in her mother tongue. Suki, Katara and Toph have been in the kitchen. Suki was making a drink for herself while Toph and Katara leaned on the counter, immersed in conversation. 

Zuko stayed close to Aang, as much as he could, he hated being in crowded spaces with so many people. Katara waved over to the two of them. 

“‘Tara?” Aang rushed over to her. “What's going on? When did all these people show up?” 

“Well…” Katara rubbed the bridge of her nose. “At first it was one family, then Hanh and his family came, and then Pakku came as well. And now, here we are.” 

“Gosh…” Zuko rubbed a hand over his face, taking note of how fast rumours spread. “I love Yue genuinely but I wasn’t planning all this.”

Katara glanced over the kitchen island to Yue, still chatting with the guests in the main living room. Her voice dropped. “Yeah we weren’t expecting this either. I think they are staying for a while.” She handed him a plastic cup with soda that was on the table. 

Zuko followed Katara’s gaze and then his attention clicked on Sokka. 

Sokka and Hanh both walk into the living room, and almost immediately, Sokka was swallowed by the group of people. Elders clapped him on the back and pulled him into a hug, adults greeted him warmly and the few teens present laughed at something he said. The warm smile remained on his face, the one he wore when he felt comfortable.

Zuko felt his jaw tighten, clenching his fist against the plastic cup he was holding. 

People flooded from upstairs to downstairs at Sokka’s present. As new people approached Sokka, Zuko found himself watching the boy’s movements. His eyes stilled on how he leaned in to listen to the new person, how his laugh echoed through the already loud house and how others hands lingered on his arm a little longer than needed. It doesn’t matter, Sokka was friendly, always has been and always will be. 

Still, from afar, an unwelcome heat settled in Zuko’s stomach. He told himself to look away, but he didn’t. He couldn't.   

“You’re staring.” Suki snapped him from his dase. She swirled her cup of soda she was holding, eyes fixed on the drink. She leaned herself against the counter

Zuko’s eyes flickered to Suki. “Right.” 

When Suki looked up from her cup to Zuko, her eyes were shot red, as if she had rubbed soap in her eyes. “Heard that both Sokka and Katara haven’t…been back in forever.” The words slurred from her mouth. “And Yue is like… a princess back home.” Her eyes fell from Zuko’s to her girlfriend’s. 

“Princess huh?” Zuko spoke, he finished the last bit of his drink and walked towards the garbage. 

Suki decided to follow him. “Hey, try this.” Her voice was barely a whisper. She scanned the area before pulling a small package out from her pocket, placing it into his hand. “A way to put your mind at ease.” 

Zuko was hesitant at first. He looked carefully at the warning labels on the package before looking back at Suki. She was staring off at Yue, who was still talking to some new guest that withered from downstairs. He tried to distract herself by pouring herself another glass of soda. 

“Up to you whatever you want to do. I can practically see the jealousy steaming off of you.” Suki bumped her cup against Zuko. “I’ll be on the back porch, give it back if you don’t end up eating it.” She made her way towards the back door, bowing at the elders that she bumped into.  

Zuko looked at Sokka, who continued to talk to the adults, then back to Suki. He wanted to feel at ease, not have to think about how Yue will be leaving this semester, how people were joyful to see Sokka and the way he behaved to them, his liveliness bouncing from person to person. He grabbed more soda from the fridge, one sip and he decided to take the chocolate from the bags, tucking the empty package into his garbage before following Suki outside.

Zuko's memory was a bit fuzzy from that night, he briefly remembers greeting some of the elders that were there, meeting some of the adults and teens that night. He stayed nearby Suki, Aang and Toph, who also had some of the chocolates as well. Sokka and Katara got stuck in greeting and catching up with everyone in their village. It felt as if the house was filled with people that Zuko didn’t realize when people were leaving and when new folks were arriving. It felt like a good buzz, he felt himself swaying to the music, barely able to keep his eyes open.

Suki had a reason to feel that way, her girlfriend was leaving to a whole new city. But what about Zuko? Why did he feel so strongly about Sokka? 

Zuko clenched his jaw tightly as he took a sip from his drink from Suki. It tasted bitter compared to the sodas but Zuko didn’t question it, chugging down the rest of the drink. He just didn’t want to think about this anymore, wanted to clear his thoughts about everything. Zuko had never tried an edible before and he wasn’t sure how much was in the chocolate he took from Suki. It was as if he and Suki kept having more and more, to overcome the jealousy that brewed in their stomach. 

He didn’t realize when he got outside again but he slouched himself on the front porch, a glass of water resting on his thigh and staring off at the night sky. His mind felt fuzzy and stomach was turning. His mind wandered back to Sokka and how easily he laughed with the other guests. Zuko sighed, rubbing his face with his hand in frustration, irritated at himself for feeling this way.   

“I didn’t know you came outside.” A voice broke through the quiet night. 

Zuko huffed out. “It was getting too loud in there.” He was annoyed that Sokka practically ignored him all night. As much as he wanted to be mad at him, he couldn’t help himself but talk to the other boy. He turned his head to face Sokka. His golden brown hair was messy, almost long enough to cover his ears. Sokka ran a hand through his hair, brushing it away from his own face. 

Zuko couldn’t help but stare at the other boy. Sokka is attractive, he’s known that since forever. His toned skin, lean physique, and especially his beautiful clear skin. Ever since Zuko’s surprise birthday party, everything has changed. He felt different around Sokka, the way his heart fluttered when Sokka’s fingers brushed against his. His mind always winded back to Sokka’s birthday when-

“What are you thinking about?” Sokka’s eyes pierced into Zuko, his crystal blue iris was barely visible as his pupils were blown out. His eyes were extremely red. Sokka knew when Zuko was in his head when he went silent and bit his lips. 

Zuko just stared back at him, biting back every thought of jumping on Sokka. He fixed his gaze back on the sky. “Just thinking…” He noticed there was a black mark on his forehead, it featured an arc with a small dot beneath it. Zuko held himself back from asking, he didn’t want to talk to him after being ignored the entire day.

Sokka hummed, leaning his head on the railing bordering the porch. “Well…I was looking for you.” 

Zuko’s eyes twitched in frustration. After all the interaction with those familiar people, Sokka still looked for Zuko. Zuko’s hands tighten around the glass of water. “Why?”  

“Just cause.” Sokka sighed, he massaged his temple with his fingers. “Do I need a reason to be with you?” He kept his eyes closed.

Zuko rolled his eyes. “Did no one else want to talk to you anymore?” The words were harsh on his tongue. 

“Ouch.” Sokka’s eyes fluttered open, Zuko’s harsh words not affecting him. He shuffled in his seat, picking at the skin around his nails. “I just like being with you.”  

The inside of Zuko’s cheek was almost swollen by how hard he bit himself, in embarrassment. Why did he feel this way to Sokka? Everything Sokka said made him feel a certain way, like he was being praised for doing well, that feeling of satisfaction remained. Why did Zuko want to snatch Sokka away from the others? He kept his movements to a minimum, sipping his water and staring off into the distance, shoving away the thoughts that lingered in his head.

Sokka, on the other hand, said everything that came to his mind, finding every urge to speak to him. He felt a tingle in his head, his movement slow to keep the food in his stomach. He fidgeted before he spoke out. “Do you remember my birthday, when we went out with Suki and Yue…” Sokka whispered out. He began to crack his knuckles, a habit he had when he was nervous. “That night. I remember it.”  

Zuko leaned his head towards the other boy before their eyes met. “Really?” The plastic cup was almost on the verge of breaking. “All of it?” 

“All of it.” His tired eyes travelled from the sky to the other boy. “And I couldn’t stop thinking about it.” 

Zuko huffled out, shaking his head in disappointment. “You remember it now that you're crossfaded?” 

His hands went up in defeat. “No, I’ve always remembered it. I just wasn’t sure how to bring it up.”

Zuko stared at him, letting Sokka’s last words linger between them. He wasn’t sure if Sokka was being truthful or talking just to talk. “Don’t joke with me Sokka.” 

“I’m not.” Sokka inched his way closer to Zuko. “I would never joke with you.” 

Zuko was not in the right headspace to entertain this, because he knew he would do something his sober self will regret. Annoyed, Zuko pulled his hair in front of his face. “You talk a lot when you are high.” 

Sokka’s hand came up to tuck Zuko’s loose strands of hair behind his ear. “Well… I just wanted you to know.” Zuko watched intently as Sokka’s eyes drifted slowly to Zuko’s lips. “I can’t forget how soft your lips were.” Sokka’s thumb slowly travelled down to his lips, brushing off the crumbs that lingered.  

Without realizing it, Zuko felt himself leaning into the touch. His eyes flicker away from the other boy’s, in embarrassment. His heart thundered in his chest, loud enough that he swore Sokka must’ve heard it. When he looked back, Sokka had been staring at him, with such adoration in his eyes. 

“Fuck Z…Don’t look at me like that,” He whispered out. Sokka’s breath hitched as Zuko stared back at him, no clear thoughts in his brain.

“Like what?” Zuko’s eyes were barely open. The grudge he once had on the other boy disappeared.  

“Like that…” Sokka nodded his head to gesture to the other boy. “Makes me want to kiss you.” 

Something in Zuko snapped, all common sense out the window. “Then kiss me.” 

Sokka exhaled shakily. They both leaned in slowly and pressed their lips together. Sparks flew through them both. The kiss was soft and tender, it was as awkward as their first when their lips found each other. Zuko gravitated towards the other, wanting more and more, like a moth drifting closer and closer to the flame.

Sokka cupped Zuko’s face tenderly, caressing the other boy’s cheek with his thumb. Zuko’s hands travelled throughout Sokka’s hair, the taste of the brownies and soda lingered in their kiss. His fingers tickle behind Zuko’s ears, the unfamiliar touch sending sparks of electricity through him. Zuko moaned into the kiss, finding himself pulling Sokka towards him, finding a chance to deepen the kiss. 

Zuko hated the taste of anything sweet but to him, Sokka had been the sweetest treat and he couldn’t help wanting more.

Sokka pulled away from the kiss to catch his breath. On the other hand, Zuko had a trail of saliva trailing down his lips. With their faces inches apart, the tanned boy carefully wiped the drool with his thumb and brought it to his own lips, licking it off. Zuko exhaled shakily as he watched Sokka change his posture to sit on his knees, leaning forward to attach his lips on Zuko’s once again. One hand caressed Zuko’s face to deepen the kiss while the other on the porch. 

Zuko’s hand wrapped around Sokka’s shoulders, to maintain his balance from falling backwards. Sokka bit on Zuko’s bottom lip, drawing a moan from Zuko. Sokka took the advantage to slip his tongue into Zuko’s mouth. 

Zuko was almost delirious, remembering every place Sokka had touched. The warmth lingered there, spreading through him like embers and Zuko found himself wanting to stay in it, to let himself burn. Zuko found himself melting at the touch, not wanting to pull away. Sokka’s tongue explored Zuko’s mouth and it felt so good, licking every part of his mouth. Zuko felt himself twitch beneath Sokka, his eyes rolling back into his skull. 

Zuko was forgetting to kiss back, letting Sokka greedily nibble on his already swollen lips. 

Zuko’s mind flashed back to earlier when Sokka first walked into the house.The way Hahn had been talking to Sokka all evening made Zuko’s blood boil, that guy did not know anything about personal space. Zuko didn’t want to share. He pulled Sokka closer to him, causing them to clash teeth together. 

Sokka pulled away at the contact but also to admire the other boy. Zuko’s lips were swollen because of Sokka sucking and biting on them. There was a string of saliva that connected them.

Zuko whimpered at the absence of Sokka’s lips on his as he fell back on the porch. His mouth was hanging open to catch his breath. 

Sokka ran a hand through his hair, watching the other boy, he sat back. His knees ached from them digging into the porch. “Fuck…” He bit his lip. “Didn’t think I would stop myself.” 

“And who’s stopping you?” Zuko exhaled in an attempt to catch his breath. He tilted his head to get a good glimpse of Sokka, who stared back with admiration.  

Sokka chuckled out. As much as he wanted to keep going, he couldn't. He didn’t want to cross the line they had been tiptoeing around these past few months. He didn’t want to stop, they were just friends. They didn’t even talk about what happened before.

“Sokka…” Zuko slurred out. His voice breached through Sokka’s thoughts.  “Kiss me again.” 

Without thinking, Sokka found himself crawling to the lying boy, easily giving in without question. He leaned over him to kiss him tenderly. 

If Zuko wants Sokka to kiss him, Sokka will kiss him. If Zuko wants to be held, Sokka will be there to hold him. Sokka just wanted to be next to him, and whatever that looked like to Zuko, Sokka was satisfied. If they were friends, Sokka wouldn’t complain if that meant them being near each other. 

The kiss was slow, more delicate than the first. Sokka wanted to touch him and kiss him slowly, because he would not have another chance to hold him. His hand caressed the other boy’s cheek, hands grazing against Zuko’s scar. It felt rough to the tough as Sokka’s fingers trailed the boy’s wrinkles. 

Sokka’s fingers traveled back into Zuko’s hair, Zuko shuddered at the new feeling as he was more sensitive to the touch.   

As they continued to kiss languidly, something shifted in Sokka’s gut. He couldn’t help but wonder how could he hold Zuko so delicately yet both not communicate how he truly feels? Will this kiss join the unspoken kiss they had once shared or will this be different?

Sokka refused to get his hopes up, he knew this moment would inevitably be overlooked, unspoken. That’s what this dance is, cautiously tiptoeing around the lines of their friendship. For the sake of being friends and staying friends, this kiss was best left unaddressed. 

Sokka was the one to pull away from Zuko, or at least he tried to at first. As Sokka slowly leaned away, Zuko reattached his lips to Sokka’s, sitting up to kiss him again. Once Zuko had seated up, Sokka sighed, lightly tapping the boy’s forehead to push him back a bit. “Are you trying to suffocate yourself?” 

“Yes.” Zuko wiped the side of his lip, catching the drool that escaped his lips. “Come here, I want another one.”  

“God Z.” Sokka scoffed out, coursing a hand through the other boy’s hair. “Now look who’s honest when they are high.” 

“Mhmmmm…” Zuko hummed at the touch, shivering at the touch. He leaned forward into the touch, eyes fluttering shut. Sokka brought his hand closer to the boy’s scalp. Zuko leaned his head on Sokka’s shoulder, a tingling sensation went through his back at the touch once again. 

Sokka held his breath as Zuko let out a whine at the new touch. Zuko tried to bite back the whimpers that escaped his lips while Sokka shifted slightly, suddenly painfully aware of how tight his jeans were. 

Just like that, Zuko fell into his touch and Sokka just held him, no other words were exchanged after that. Zuko slowly fell in and out of consciousness, while Sokka sat there stuck in his own thoughts. 

Zuko didn’t realize how long they had stayed there but before he knew it, he was back in the house which is now empty. Zuko had been resting in Sokka’s arms on the couch, there was muffled chatting in the kitchen which Zuko didn’t have the strength to eavesdrop. Sokka’s hand tucked away into Zuko’s dark hair, subconsciously scratching circles into his head. Zuko’s eyelids grew heavier with every passing moment until, at last, he drifted back to sleep.