Chapter Text
It’s only been 2 years since the end of the hundred-year war and there have already been 6 assassination attempts on the new Firelord. Of course every time his new personal guards the Kyoshi Warriors were able to easily stop the attacker. That still didn’t put the Southern Water Tribe Ambassador Sokka at any ease whatsoever. It’s not like he didn’t trust Suki and her warriors, but he couldn’t just sit and do nothing. After weeks of deliberating (in actuality it was more like 5 minutes of him thinking and being worried) Sokka decided he would join the Kyoshi Warriors so he can help guard Zuko. It can’t be that hard. Right? He has already had prior training from Suki and his ambassador job wasn’t taking that much time, so this should be easy. The only hard part would be convincing Suki. So Sokka spent another 10 minutes coming up with reasons why he should do it. Of course, any friend would do this for their best friend. This was totally normal. The hardest part would be having Zuko not figure out it was him because he knew Zuko already had so much on his plate.
Sokka walked into where the Kyoshi Warriors stayed, “Hey guys do you all know where Suki is?” That question was responded to with Suki running up giving him a bear hug.
“Sokka it’s been too long. While yes I know we see each other every day, but obviously both of us are pretty busy.”
“So about that. Um... Can I join the Kyoshi Warriors again?! Here's the thing I trust you guys, but with all of these assassination attempts, I can’t help, but worry. The problem is if Zuko knew I was doing this he would be worried and then I would feel bad and-”
“Sure”
“I want him to be-... Wait what?” Sokka was surprised he convinced her that easily. The actual reason she accepted was that it was so obvious that Sokka and Zuko liked each other. The problem is they are the most thick-headed people she knows. She is almost worried that Sokka doesn’t even know his own feelings and she knows Zuko is head over heels for Sokka. Her job was hard enough, but hearing Zuko’s tired rants about how pretty Sokka’s eyes are for hours on end. The problem is when talking about this with Katara, Aang, and Toph they all promised to stay out of it. Aang and Katara stayed out of it because they are romantics and Toph stayed out of it because she loved to listen to them be absolute idiots. Now a push in the right direction can’t be that bad. All she would do is help Sokka understand his feelings and she wouldn’t be dragged into this...hopefully.
“Yeah, but I just need to make sure you remember how to do the face paint because I can’t exactly do it for you every day.”
“Sure thing!” Sokka really thought he was a genius.
“Ok follow me.” Sokka was overwhelmed with joy because that meant he could help protect Zuko. Suki started pulling out the necessary materials.
“Oh, Sokka make sure to remind me we need to get you an out =fit fitted since you actually have muscle unlike you used to. Also, don’t worry you would be surprised how much we can make you look like a girl to help disguise you. Ok, so I have everything now do your face paint.” Sokka saw a wide array of brushes which meant Suki was trying to trick him. She underestimates him because it’s almost like she forgot he had a little sister, so he knows his makeup.
“Hey, Sokka I think it’s really cool that you are doing this.” Suki knew she was going to have to be blunt because while she can admit Sokka can be very smart he can also be dumber than a rock.
“He would do the same for me I am sure. Plus it’s what friends do.” Suki realized she would have to be more than blunt also known as being blatantly honest while being insanely passive-aggressive.
“You know the amount of stuff you do for him makes me think you love him.” At the mention of the word love, Sokka accidentally ran the lipstick across the right half of his face and he was doing well too.
“What?! Any good friend would do this! I mean sure he has pretty golden eyes and his face is nice to look at. Yes, he is funny once you get to know him and it is cute how much he loves his Uncle and how much he knows about tea because of that. Sure I get it he is cute when he goes on little rants about the most random things. I am sure that's just things friends think about.” Suki could see the blush growing on his face through the white face paint.
“I want you to think about everything you just said and really use your brain.” SUki just sat there as Sokka was rethinking his life choices.
“Tui and La I love Zuko.” Sokka just sat there unable to think about anything else. When he loved Yue he could tell right away. How come it took someone just telling him for him to understand.
“Who knows?”
“Oh pretty much everyone. Even Toph can see it and she's blind, but don’t worry Zuko doesn’t know. I promised the others to let you figure it out on your own, but you are as dense as a rock. You were so dense that I almost mistook you for an earth bender. I could go on.” Sokka just sighs as he looks at the ceiling.
“I mean I already knew I liked guys too, but he’s probably straight.” Suki was about to call bull shit, but she knew that's not what he needed right now.
“Well fix your face paint and you will get fitted for your uniform and right after that, you will be on personal guard duty for the Fire Lord himself. Also, don’t worry he won’t recognize you. Once I was sick for 2 weeks and Aang covered for me and Zuko didn’t notice. If I am being honest we could have switched places forever and he wouldn’t notice.” Sokka couldn’t help but laugh. It was cute how oblivious how Zuko could be. Damn, he really was in love.