Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Having an on-campus job — while it’s a lot of work, Zuko enjoys it. The only position they had was an extra spot for the cafe near the school of Engineering, and although Zuko’s most definitely not an Engineering major, he works there, as a Political Science major.

His reason for being pre-law is simple. He just wants to lead and understand the ways of the world. Does Zuko think he can graduate and lead the world in a better way for everyone? No.. maybe a little.

But that doesn’t matter for his job. All that matters is that he makes that small six minute walk from his side of campus to the STEM side of campus. He puts on his uniform and takes orders.

So many people have so many different orders. Some just get a frappe and call it a day. Others keep repeating “Plain cold brew,” over and over. “No milk, just plain coffee.”

Zuko thinks those people are the lunatics of the world. But it’s on this day in particular— after a huge exam in the electrical engineering class— everyone rushes there like a flood.

And of course, everyone is in a hurry. “Hi, how are—“

“Plain cold brew—“ They practically shove the money in Zuko’s face! Zuko’s eyes narrow as he snatches the cash.

“Of course.”

As he handles taking orders, passing out drinks and calling out names— he finally walks back to the register. His coworker can’t even keep up the pace. Ugh. This is really just one of those days.

Finally, after about an hour or so, the line shrinks. Those people finally picked up their boring coffees and teas and left. Peace. Zuko is already leaning against his side of the coffee bar because his legs are so sore already.

He looks at the time, only a few more hours until his shift ends. But then he has class right after— ugh. Damnit.

“Hi— Sorry about the wait,” Zuko says with an annoyed huff as he taps on his monitor. “What can I get started for you?”

“Don’t apologize. Everyone’s acting insane.”

Zuko perks his head up. The other student across from him is definitely speaking sense. “I know. Do you know why all those people were in such distress?”

“Aha, yeah. They ran after this awful test. I was just in it too,” The stranger rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, “Post-trauma reward.” He jokes.

Zuko stifles a laugh, shaking his head. “I hear you,”

“I’ll.. hmm.” The stranger looks at the menu. “Can I please—“

Wow. Someone finally said please.

“Can I please get a chocolate chip muffin?” Zuko pushes that into the system and nods. “I’ll get the iced caramel latte — actually. What do you like?”

Zuko looks behind the man. There’s barely anyone left. So, he’ll entertain this. “Honestly, I like the new vanilla latte. I’m usually a tea person though,”

“Ah, good to know.” What the hell is that supposed to mean? “I’ll take the vanilla latte then. With an extra pump of vanilla.”

Sweet tooth.

“Okay. That’s going to be six forty,” Zuko says, “You can tap when you’re ready.”

He watches as the other man grabs his phone, clicking the side twice. The ping of the Apple wallet digitally touching the monitor loads into a Processing screen.

“You’re all set. Can I get a name?”

“Sokka. Two ‘K’s.” He says, holding up two fingers.

Zuko nods as he types that in. “Okay, Sokka with two k’s.” Sokka just chuckles as he walks off. A few more people came in, so Zuko took their orders. Then, he switches with another person. Vanilla lattes are pretty simple.

He remembers Sokka ordered with extra vanilla, so he pumps the vanilla syrup twice before he begins to mix the milk and the coffee. “For Sokka,” Zuko says as he walks to the other side, grabbing a straw and setting the coffee down on the counter.

“Thanks,” Sokka says, taking the coffee. Zuko swears, he can feel Sokka’s eyes just lingering on him for a long while. Then Sokka leaves, and Zuko sighs, feeling that heat in his cheeks. Why?

That was a weird interaction. Sokka seemed to keep looking at him while he was making his coffee, and it seems like he was also the only person who decided to say please and thank you. Either way, Zuko finishes his shift, goes to class, and heads back to his dorm.

———

The next day, Zuko wakes up, groaning because he refuses to go to his 8 am. Why are discussions at 8 am even a thing!? But he remembers he’s scheduled to work at 9 right after, so he’s kind of forced to get out of bed.

Getting ready, he bites the hair tie in between his teeth as he begins tying his hair up. Sometimes he likes to wear it down but.. he doesn’t feel like combing his hair so thoroughly this morning. After that, he brushes his teeth, changes and grabs his bag.

Class is boring. This class— Introduction to Political Theory— it should be fun. It is, kind of fun. But discussion sections at 8 am are never fun, and everyone looks dead. Even their TA.

Zuko spends the whole 50-minute discussion on his laptop. Pretending to take notes while in reality, he’s just looking at the work he has to do for his other classes. Midterm in two weeks for one. A paper— five pages single spaced due in three for another. Mm.

This looks like a future him problem. He moves to his text messages on his phone. His TA is too busy answering another student’s question and it’s college, so.. the TA doesn’t really care. Point-blank.

Zuko’s been missing out on a lot of that lately. But, he cannot help it. His friends sure think he’s a workaholic, but he just likes to view it as hustling.

After class, Zuko is quick to pack his laptop, and rush to the STEM side of campus again. He goes into the back of his work, grabbing that barista apron before he goes out to the counter. The first few orders are — fine.

He moves himself from cashier to making drinks, and then back to cashier. “Hi, what can I get started for you?” Zuko asks, not even looking up at the person who approaches the cashier. It’s ten am now, and Zuko still hasn’t had his break.

“How are you?”

Zuko perks his head up, and his eyes widen when he realizes that it’s the same guy from yesterday. Huh. The — S.. name.. guy.. Sokka. Sokka with the two K’s. Oh, the nice guy from yesterday.

“I’m doing okay. Tired,” Zuko replies, “And you?” It comes out naturally for him. Customer service. He asks almost everyone how they are, but he can’t help but stir the feeling that with this guy, it’s different.

“Also okay. I had to come here to treat myself with some sweet coffee. And sweet baristas, before class.”

Huh!?

Zuko feels the way his face flames up but he quickly ignores that. “Yeah, okay. So, what can I get you?” He asks again, and Sokka looks at the menu before he grabs a breakfast sandwich, Zuko taking it to scan. “Anything else?”

“I’ll get the vanilla latte again.”

Zuko nods his head, charging Sokka for it before he walks off to switch with his coworker. Instead of walking far, Sokka is practically leaning against the counter. Is he serious? Zuko bites his inner cheek. At first he thought that it was just a one day behavior time thing.

“You’re good at that,” Sokka says, and Zuko looks up at him, his eyes a bit narrowed as he pours the milk into the plastic cup. “It’s kind of my job, so I hope I’m good at it.”

Sokka chuckles, taking the breakfast sandwich as the heated up bag gets placed on the counter. “You go here?” He asks through a bite. Oh, so now it’s small talk?

Zuko really doesn’t understand what is going on. As the coffee brews, he looks at Sokka and nods. Might as well just respond, because the coincidence of this going anywhere is so slim. “Yeah. I’m in my third year.”

“Me too,” Sokka replies back, looking a bit happy at that fact. “I’m studying engineering.” Zuko resists the urge to laugh. He figured, because Sokka’s in the cafe in the Engineering school. But hey, nice to know? He assumes?

“Just, plain engineering?” He asks, pumping the vanilla syrup. Twice. Like yesterday.

Sokka shakes his head. “Aerospace engineering.”

“Jesus.” Sokka breaks into a laugh as Zuko looks so shocked. He gets that a lot. “I like building things, what can I say?”

“So.. airplanes?” Sokka nods in response at Zuko’s question. “But like, eh. That’s me. What about you, are you in the sciences?”

Zuko scoffs, shaking his head as he grabs the plastic lid, placing it on the freshly made latte. “I'm a political science major. I just work here.” He says as he hands Sokka his coffee. Sokka nods, as if he’s really digesting that information.

“Nice.” He says, taking a sip. He gives Zuko an approval, a thumbs up. “See this is what I needed,” Sokka says, making Zuko’s lips twitch into a tiny grin. “Bye— uh—“

“Zuko.”

Sokka’s eyes seem to soften at that. He points at Zuko, “Zuko. Bye, Zuko.”

Zuko sees one of his coworkers looking at him sideways, so he sighs and keeps going back to work. He takes his lunch break, working until 3:30. That’s when he gets off, has another short class from 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm.

So then he begins to walk back to his dorm. Tired, he passes out. His mind flashes back to what Sokka said. Sweet baristas. Not just to everyone, just— him. Did that.. no.

No! Why is he even thinking about that? Sokka is a student at the engineering school. He works at the engineering cafe. It’s just coincidence, and it’s not like Sokka is going to show up every day.

———-

Zuko jinxed himself. Sokka is showing up almost every day. He practically can count down the seconds at this point, and he feels like he has Sokka’s schedule partially memorized. Every day at 10:05, exactly— Sokka walks in and waits in line. He’s on his phone until 10:10– which is when he gets to the front.

And he talks. He talks soooo much. Sokka practically leans against the side of the bar while Zuko makes drinks, even when he doesn’t make his own. He’s such a chatterbox. Zuko doesn’t know whether or not he’d prefer Sokka to be the kind of guy to chuck cash in his face and stay silent.

“Hmm. Is it too late to add a muffin?”

Zuko’s eyes narrow as he hands Sokka his drink, today an iced tea. “I mean, if you have cash then I guess I could give you one.” Sokka chuckles, looking in his bag.

“No discount?” Sokka says with a mocked, hurt tone. But he holds out a five dollar piece of cash.

Zuko huffs, grabbing the cash before he goes back to the pastries. He grabs a muffin, before handing it to Sokka. “Chocolate chip.”

“Wow, you know me so well, Zuko.”

Zuko swears — “I’ll see you later.” Sokka adds as he walks away. Out of the engineering cafe.. probably going off to study, or something. Or lecture or— whatever Zuko doesn’t care. Seeing him later?

Later. Right.

And Sokka is right, because after the weekend, he’s in line again on Monday. “Don’t you explore the other on campus cafes?” Zuko can’t help but ask one day as Sokka approaches, which seems to catch Sokka off guard. “There’s one by that physics building.”

“Now why would I check those out?” Sokka asks with wide eyes, before his lips form that coy smile. “Why would I bother when I know I can see you at this one?” Zuko holds back a groan.

“What do you want.” He asks, more of a statement than a question, which makes Sokka clutch his chest dramatically. Sokka thinks for a moment– which is too long in Zuko’s opinion. His eyes narrow, this guy is surely wanting to stick by his side. For whatever reason. Sokka orders, and Zuko is quick to make him pay and rush to make his coffee.

After he hands Sokka his coffee, Sokka hands him five dollars. “Again?” Zuko asks, before he takes the cash, walks to a pastry – this time a banana chip muffin, and hands it over to Sokka. “It’s the only one we have.”

“Can I get.. a croissant too?” Sokka holds up another three bucks. Zuko feels as if he’s about to fume of frustration. Each time Sokka comes in, he does this. He stalls leaving, and makes Zuko do a bunch of extra tasks. He quickly snatches the cash, holding back the urge to chuck the croissant at Sokka’s face.

His kind-of handsome face. “Can I also–”

“Please just take the croissant and leave — just leave!” Zuko exclaims, exasperated. Sokka chuckles lowly, and he just grabs his food, and drink, and finally walks away. Zuko lets out a long sigh, he wants to pull at his hair. Sokka turns a three minute job into a ten minute whim every damn time.

After his shift, Zuko leaves his apron before going to join his friend Aang for a quick lunch. “How are you so happy after having that test?” Aang shrugs his shoulders in response. “Hard to hate when we go to such a beautiful school—“

Zuko rolls his eyes as he bites down on his sandwich. Aang is such an optimist, but he wishes he was like that himself. “Well I’m hating. Because my classes are kicking my ass.”

“Yeah, because you’re working like nineteen hours a week.” Aang retorts back, before he sighs. “Zuko, we haven’t even gone out together this semester. The semester is almost over!”

“You’re so dramatic. We went out a month ago. It’s barely about to be spring break.” Zuko retorts back dryly. Aang shrugs again, eating his own food before sipping his drink. He then lights up, pointing at Zuko.

“That’s an even better reason why we need to plan a fun get together! You, me — Katara, Toph..” Aang claps his hands together as if he’s already getting all of this together. “Or— or, I’m sure there’s a party somewhere before your test.”

“Aang..” Zuko sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’m serious.. I have work, and then I have to work on my paper. Single spaced paper.” He looks at the time on his phone. “Like, see, I have class. And I decided to cover someone for work later again so—“

Aang stands up with Zuko, nodding his head. “We’re going. Somewhere.” Zuko laughs, nodding although it’s more of a fake-believing in that idea kind of nod. “I’m serious, Zuko!”

“Okay. Okay. Bye, Aang.”

Zuko walks off, putting his headphones on and listening to a few calming songs. He needs to relax himself before he raises his blood pressure. After his class, his hand is sore from all that note taking. His professor just loves to talk. Ugh. Like a certain someone.

No. Don’t even start with that. During class, Zuko looks down at his phone again. It’s Aang, of course it is. He should have tried to look more energetic at lunch— now Aang’s going to be determined to find a solution.

Zuko pauses to take one more note before he looks down again.

Zuko turns his phone down, looking up at the lecture slides before he sinks into his seat. This has been a long day. Maybe this is what he needs? To get drunk, maybe smoke for one day? Then he can worry. Right.

Right. That party slowly begins to become what Zuko thinks about as he continues with his day. Going back to work, he thinks about it each time there’s a frustrated customer.

“I ordered a small, and this is a medium.” A snarky girl tells him. Zuko’s eyes narrow as he just looks at the girl blankly.

He sighs. “It's small.”

At least he can drink tonight. “No, it’s not! I’ve ordered smalls hundreds of times, and this is hugeeee!”

Zuko snatches the coffee away and grits his teeth through a fake smile. “Okay. Let me fix that for you.” He says, going to turn his back. He pretends to fix the drink, even though he just shifts cups around before he goes back with a fake smile. “Here you go.”

“Thank you sooo much.” The girl says as she takes the coffee. Oh wow. She’s a dumbass. At least he can go out and enjoy this party. At least. Hopefully. Perhaps a little.

————-

Sokka believes he totally flunked that exam. It’s been a few days since he took it, and when he saw a Canvas notification, his heart dropped to his ass. It was the one test he didn’t feel confident in. Which sucked, because it was also the one test worth the most of his grade.

He sits down on an empty bench in campus, and he sighs as he clicks the notification.

AERO-EN 123A: MIDTERM 1
Grade: 79.9%
Mean: 70%

Sokka gasps, looking down at the grade before clicking to see his work. He.. passed? He got higher than the mean. Oh, “Can’t you round up?” He mutters to himself, looking at the .9%. Even so, he’s thrilled with this score. Guess his sister was right.

If he actually took time to space out studying, he would do good. Wow, Sokka never thought of it that way, honestly. He smiles to himself as he stands, going back to walk to his dorm. Maybe this is a perfect time to relax and unwind. And that’s when Katara texts him.

Sometimes, Sokka is glad his sister got into the same school as him. He would be worried about Katara going off, being far. But, then again, sometimes he worries because.. some of the people he’s met here.. he wouldn’t trust them with Katara, even with their hands glued.

At least he slightly trusts Aang. A bit. It took him some time, but if his sister is happy. He’s happy, and he can tell she’s texting him about the party she’s trying to throw tonight. She’s been telling him about this party for awhile.

Sokka rolls his eyes as he hearts the message. He’s on his way to the grocery store anyways. And Katara is a few months from turning twenty one. At least it’ll be one of the last times he’s buying extra for her. Don’t tell his dad.

He enters the nearest Ralph’s, looking for something fun. He grabs some Smirnoff Ice’s and High Moon’s, before he checks out. On his way out, he stops by Target just to grab a few more plastic cups. He knows his sister. She is going to need them after everyone she’s invited.

Carrying the bags, he walks slightly uphill. He grabs under the bags, balancing as he knocks finally on the apartment. Katara opens the door, smiling as Sokka stumbles inside. “Hi,”

“Hey, I have goods,” Sokka says, pulling out the stuff onto her living room table. “Cups, napkins—“

“Sokka, this is so much.” Katara says as she takes the plastic cups and puts them on the counter. Sokka shakes his head.

“You barely have any. You want people to storm in here and use your actual glass cups?” He asks, raising an eyebrow as he continues to help Katara clean up.

As he cleans around the living room, he makes small talk with his sister. “You finish your exams?”

“Yeah. Like a week ago.”

“Lucky,” Sokka muses, shifting the couch to the side. “Can’t believe I’m helping you set up to host your first party. I feel like I’m doing something illegal.”

“You’re only one year older than me Sokka,” Katara says playfully, and Sokka pretends to feel hurt, clutching at his chest. “Stop that.”

“God, it hurts. My baby sis.”

Katara breaks out into laughter before Sokka smiles, continuing to help set up. “So who’s coming?” Sokka asks.

“Mmm,” Katara hums, pausing to think. “Everyone that I could think of, so, and I asked Aang to ask some of his friends to come to. And I said open invite. So,”

“So, you’re expanding this outside?” Sokka asks, pointing to the patio. Katara nods, she’s expecting a lot of people. “Ah, wow. Okay,”

“Hey, maybe you’ll think someone is cute.” Katara teases, looking at how her brother reacts. Sokka is quick to stand straight, shaking his head with a laugh. “Now—“

“You’ve been single for almost a year!” Katara says exasperatedly.

“God forbid I enjoy being single?” Sokka says back, his eyes wide as he puts his arms out. “What’s so wrong with me being single?”

“Nothing, but it’s just like— you’re about to be a senior.” Katara says, “What about meeting the love of your life in university?”

Sokka laughs, “Katara, please don’t tell me you actually believe this crap. I don’t think I’m going to meet my future partner at a party.”

Katara crosses her arms, and shrugs. “Fine. Maybe you’ll meet them somewhere else. But if you talk to someone at my party, then you have to give me thirty-five bucks.”

“Thirty five bucks?!” Sokka exclaims.

“Twenty three!”

“Ten.” Sokka negotiates.

Katara doesn’t seem satisfied. “Fifteen.”

“Deal.” They shake on it, and Sokka shakes his head. His sister sure is ridiculous sometimes. This party will hopefully be a good celebration of him passing his aerospace exam. And hopefully be a good distraction from the other exams he has next week. Eh, whatever. Only live once, right?

That’s all Sokka can hope as he continues helping with setting up. By the time they’re done, it looks pretty nice. He does have to say so himself, he’s pretty proud of the way this looks. As Katara begins bringing her friends in, Sokka goes past into the kitchen

He’ll grab a Smirnoff to start things off. Besides, he doesn’t know anyone here, for the most part. They’re mainly his sister’s friends. Which he doesn’t mind. He talks to a few people, but it doesn’t really go anywhere.

Some just walk away after Sokka says a bad joke. Sometimes on purpose. He just doesn’t feel it with some people today.

———-

Zuko stands at the door of the apartment. He feels like he’s wearing the most basic, jeans and red shirt outfit of all time. At least it’s one of his cute shirts. At least— that’s what he thinks. He sighs as he opens the door.

“Zuko!”

Aang approaches, giving Zuko a hug. The party started at 10, and he got here at 10:30. And in that thirty minute gap, his friend is already drunk. Or tipsy, Zuko cannot really tell. “Hey,”

“You came! For real.” Aang says, eyes wide as he looks up at Zuko. Zuko scoffs, is Aang serious? He was the one throwing a practical hissy fit at the idea of Zuko not even showing up.

He rolls his eyes, “I’m not making my flashcards for my test to be here. So don’t act so surprised—“ Aang laughs in response, his arm around Zuko’s shoulder as he drags him to where all the drinks are. “Shut up and get something.”

Don’t have to tell Zuko twice. He grabs a cup, before cracking open a High Moon. He pours that into his cup. “Okay,” Aang says, “Okay..” he mutters when Zuko grabs two others, and pours that as well in his cup. “Jesus.”

“I’m not drinking for a few weeks. I need this.”

“I can tell.” Aang retorts back, before Zuko takes a sip. Oh, that’s a good flavor.

“Aang!” Zuko can recognize that voice. It’s Aang’s girlfriend. “Go ahead, no— seriously. I’ll be fine here man.” Zuko says, leaning against the wall. There’s so many people, so he’s practically invisible in this corner.

“You sure?”

“Yes. Please leave me alone now.” Zuko says with a sigh as Aang stumbles away to help with whatever his girlfriend needs. Zuko shakes his head, before he continues to take gentle, small sips.

As he scans the people at this party, he cannot help but grimace a little. They all seem to be the same, it seems like no one at this school has a little bit of personality to them. At least try to be a little different.

“Yeah, okay. Yeah,” A man says as he’s talking to some girl. “I know, I’m pretty great. But you’re great too.” Zuko rolls his eyes.

“You are too pretty to be all alone like this, seriously.” The girl giggles, the guy laughing too. They both sound drunk. Eugh, Zuko thinks. That’s ‘smooth’. The man turns to walk near the table, and that’s when Zuko’s eyes practically bulge out of his head.

It’s the guy.

It’s Sokka from the Engineering cafe. And before he can divert his face somewhere else or maybe turn around so that Sokka doesn’t see him— shit. Sokka sees him. Sokka approaches the table to fill his cup but it seems like it doesn’t register in him that Zuko’s the barista.

Thank God—

“Oh holy shit.”

Fuck!

Zuko turns his gaze to find Sokka already looking at him. He doesn’t know what’s worse. The fact that Sokka was already staring first or the fact that Sokka is here in the first place. It’s one thing to serve coffee and hear him ramble every morning.

Now he’s at the same party?? What if Zuko died. And– is it wrong for Zuko to be upset? Why is Sokka coming every day to the Engineering cafe, practically lean close enough to be face to face with him, flirt with him, calling him a pretty, sweet barista, and just – no. He’s overthinking it.

Sokka’s probably just like every other dumb guy. Flirting to try and get perks out of Zuko in the future. Why is Zuko mad at himself for maybe, deep down thinking something different? Oh no, Sokka is walking closer, and he can see Sokka register that its him.

“Holy shit, what are you doing here?” Sokka asks as he fills his cup before he goes over to Zuko’s side. “Literally my favorite barista ever,”

God here it goes. “Hey, I uh, my friend invited me.” Zuko says, holding his cup nervously now. He doesn’t know why but when Sokka starts talking to him, he gets all nervous. Why? Why’s he like that?

Sokka’s eyes widen, “Seriously? Who? Aang?”

“You know Aang?” Zuko replies back, now he’s confused himself. Sokka shakes his head.

“She’s my sister’s boyfriend.”

“Aang is your sister’s boyfriend?” Zuko asks, the music getting a bit loud. So Sokka leans closer. He has to repeat himself. Sokka nods his head with a small laugh. “Katara?!”

“Yeah. That’s her. Have you met her before?” Sokka asks as he drinks his own cup. Zuko shakes his head before he replies, “No. Just heard of through Aang,”

Sokka nods, and before Zuko knows it, Sokka is leaning against the wall next to him. “Being so honest I know nobody here.” He says, loud enough for Zuko to hear. But the music— and he’s talking through his left side.

“What?” Zuko repeats.

“I don’t know anyone here.”

Zuko still can’t hear. He sighs of frustration, taking another sip before he points to his ear. Sokka squints his eyes in the dark before his eyes widen when he sees the small device. Oh, shit.

“Oh, here. Wait,” Sokka moved over to Sokka’s right side. “Is that better?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

“How did I not know you were hard of hearing?” Zuko wants to roll his eyes. “Because,” He begins to respond. “You only see me at the cafe, and it’s not really important. And my hair hides that one side anyways..” he says, sighing.

“What were you saying?” Zuko asks, Sokka nods as he sips more of his drink.

“Just how I know nobody here.” Sokka laughs. Zuko can’t help himself, he laughs and nods.

“Same. I came here because Aang thinks I'm ‘depriving’ myself of social interactions.” Zuko says with a small air quote.

Sokka shakes his head, that sounds like Katara’s boyfriend. “But you’re so good at interacting with the people who have such long ass-orders!” He says, clearing his throat. “Oh, so sweet but not so sweet, but I want my coffee strong— but not so strong.”

Maybe it’s the alcohol, or maybe it’s just Sokka’s charm, but Zuko bursts into laughter at that. Seems like he’s understood the people he’s working with while he’s been waiting in line. “Literally!”

“Or the people who don’t even know what they want after waiting in line—“

“Like, can you think?” Zuko asks, another laugh escaping him. “That’s so accurate.”

“You know, I’m upset when you’re not there. Nobody makes my order as good as you,” Sokka says, pointing his finger. That makes Zuko’s face burn up.

Why does he act this way?! “Oh, thank you.” Zuko says, looking down with a small blush.

“Ugh. I owe my sister money.” Sokka says, seeing Katara point at him from a few feet away, the crowd moving through, in and out of the patio.

“Why?” Zuko asks.

“Just a deal,” Sokka says, shrugging his shoulders. “Speaking of deals.. which do I have to make to get your number?”

Zuko wants to scoff, “That’s smooth,” He says sarcastically. Sokka finishes his drink, putting it down before he puts his hands up in surrender.

“And bold, since you were practically flirting with those girls before you came over here.” Zuko says, Sokka turning around. Oh. He forgot he was flirting with them before this.

He looks back at Zuko sheepishly. “In my defense, I didn’t know you would be here.”

“So, what, you would have flirted with me first?” Zuko asks, laughing, but Sokka nods. Oh. He blushes again. “That’s kind of a shit response,” And Sokka lets out a small, guilty sigh.

“You’re right, that’s not very good of me, sorry– let's redo.” What? A redo? Zuko just thought Sokka would take that as the hint to just go back and flirt with that other girl. Who even is that girl– Zuko, why does that matter?!

Sokka gestures to Zuko as he pours more into his cup. “What? Am I not obvious enough? About enjoying your company, and wanting you to talk to me?”

“Kind of. But I didn’t want to assume.” Zuko says, his face now red as hell. He’s never been happier that it’s dimmed lighting in here. “Just thought you liked the cafe and liked to ramble forever and ever.”

“I do like to talk. I could talk all night. But I’d like to do that with you.”

Zuko’s whole body feels warm. This alcohol — how much percentage is this? “Oh.” He says.

“Yeah, oh. I only kept going when I learned the best time to catch you. Which, by the way— you work a lot.”

Zuko’s eye twitches involuntarily. “I’ve been told.” He says dryly, and Sokka shakes his head.

“Not in a bad way just, was something I didn’t expect to learn from uh, going there. Oh, fuck. Is that weird? It must be, if you.. don’t swing that way. Or overall. My bad.”

Sokka seems to be the flustered one now. He’s admitting to the fact that he seems to only go for Zuko, and Zuko is already flustered that it’s the case. “No, just, you could have just told me this. I wouldn’t have cared that much.”

He pauses, before he leans against the wall to make sure their eye contact remains there. “Besides I’m gay, so— it’s not like I would mind it too.”

Sokka’s heart thumps. “Oh, yeah? That’s— good— good to know.”

Now Zuko’s the one teasing. He smiles drunkenly, holding his cup as he finishes it. And remember— there were like three vodka seltzers poured into that. He’s gone.

“Yeah? Good to know? Are you just not going to give me your number anymore?”

Sokka shakes his head and fumbles for his phone. “I’m not an idiot.” Sokka says, handing it over to Zuko. Zuko clumsily types his number in, before texting himself through Sokka’s phone. “Here.”

Zuko hands back the phone, Sokka putting it back in his pocket. “I’ll be texting you.”

“Yeah. You better,” Zuko sways back, almost stumbling. Sokka notices this, almost catching Zuko before he helps the man stand straight. “You better have not given your number to that girl too, or else I am actually going to ban you from coming to my work.” Sokka chuckles.

“Jealous? No, you don’t have to worry about that–” He grunts as he adjusts his hold, Zuko leaning into him. “You good? Lightweight?”

“No, not usually. I filled this cup up with lots of — High Moon — M’ not drinking for a long time so, vodka the way to go—“

It seems the alcohol has finally hit Zuko. And it hit him pretty fast. He swore he didn’t feel much before so he kept chugging his cup. That was his first error.

“I think you’re done.. how’d you get here?” Sokka asks.

“Walked.” Zuko replies back, his body instinctively pressing against Sokka’s for support.

Sokka nods his head, looking around as he begins to help Zuko to the door. “Where do you live?”

“Uh.. in the dorms.”

“Okay. I’ll take you back.” Before Zuko can protest, Sokka is already helping him outside. God, he’s freezing. He doesn’t know why, but he’s never been built for freezing weather. Even when he’s drunk, this “liquid blanket” doesn’t work on him. Sokka notices this as they walk, and they take a quick pause. Sokka begins to take off his jacket, Zuko’s teeth are chattering together. “T..that’s not–”

“It’s fine.” Sokka says, wrapping his jacket around Zuko. The warmth swallows Zuko whole, and he lets out a relieved sigh as they continue walking. It’s a fifteen minute walk, mostly silent. Sokka is just making sure Zuko doesn’t fall on his face most of the time, which Zuko secretly appreciates. “Careful,” Sokka says as they walk up the stairs to enter Zuko’s dorm building.

Zuko pauses his steps. “I’m good here.”

A beat. “Thanks.. for walking me.”

“Yeah, of course. Do you have electrolytes? Water?” Zuko thinks for a moment, before he nods his head. “I have some in my fridge. So, I’m all good.” He says in a soft tone. He’s entered his tired phase, the alcohol making him want to nuzzle in his bed and sleep.

“You can make it inside okay?”

Zuko nods. “I got it from here, its fine. Thanks Sokka,”

Sokka smiles, he seems to enjoy the sound of his name on Zuko’s tongue, especially it being so gentle. “Of course.”

Zuko scans his way inside his building, and sure it takes awhile for the elevator to come, but he makes it to his bed with no problem. He showers, brushes his teeth, takes off his left aide to sleep more comfortably on his side, and plops down on his bed. He knocks out in seconds, only to wake up nine hours later– groaning.

That’s when he checks his phone, and his eyes almost bulge out of his head for a second time this week. His texts.

No. The memory of last night, being at Katara’s— ugh. Zuko made himself blackout with that drink. And while he was blackout, he’s pretty sure— right, he met Katara’s brother who was— oh.

Zuko’s face heats up as he looks at the message. Damnit, now that he’s opened it, he has to respond.

Zuko lets out a small sigh. Whatever he got out of his night of drinking, he for sure did not expect for it to be getting this guy’s number. He groggily gets out of bed, reaching to open his fridge for a Gatorade. “Eugh,”

He seems to have forgotten he didn’t drink the left over Gatorade yet because he hates this blue flavor. But he still twists it open and chugs as he gets ready for his day.

The day goes on as normal. Work, school, work. Like how Zuko does almost every day. Except for this day, sometimes his phone buzzes and it’s Sokka.

Sokka saying hello. Sokka wishing him luck on his shift. Zuko has to admit it feels nice, but he still feels so awkward. He’s not used to people being— he doesn’t know. Eager to talk to him?

He’s a very awkward guy. And people sometimes mistake that for him being rude.. Zuko swears he doesn’t want to be rude. He.. he just doesn’t even know how to respond to have of these texts. So when he’s back at his dorm, he tries to rack his brain.

Zuko is laughing, almost giggling to himself as he reads that conversation again. Sokka is ridiculous. But he kinda likes that. Sokka doesn’t seem to care about making a fool of himself.

Maybe he should try continuing the conversation. God, he feels nervous. Why is he so nervous to just text him? Even pressing send makes his heart jump out of anxiety.

Zuko’s heart is beating right out of his chest. Sokka is so direct, on wanting to make plans to see him. He doesn’t know whether or not it scares him or makes him appreciate him more. Either way, now he’s going to see Sokka.

Outside of cafe hours. Outside of in his uniform. Why’s he nervous? When the day they planned to study together comes, Zuko is overthinking what he should wear. In the end he just wears a basic red sweater and jeans.

He listens to music on the walk to a small study spot he usually goes to. Sokka was insisting on Zuko picking, so he decided to make Sokka walk to his side of campus, for once. The small area he’s walking to has a collaborative study space with food nearby.

So, he believed it would be perfect. When he walks inside, he already sees Sokka sitting down. Sokka waves, and Zuko slightly smiles as he walks over. “Hi,”

“Hey, you know this place is pretty nice.”

“Yeah, I love coming here to study. It’s almost empty all the time.” Zuko says as he opens his backpack, getting his notebook and laptop out before he sits down.

Sokka stretches his arms up, before he opens his own laptop. “What are you working on?”

“I’m going to rewatch the last lecture and then do practice problems,” Zuko says, looking back at Sokka. “What about you?”

“Coding.” Sokka makes a face which makes Zuko snicker. “Okay, let’s do this.”

Zuko is pleasantly surprised at how well he focuses with Sokka. He takes notes and sometimes he doesn’t feel like people are walking in and out. He just feels like it’s the two of them.

Throughout the next hour, Zuko doesn’t even notice his hair falling out of his hair clip and hair tie. When he tilts his head down slightly, it just comes off.

Shit.

“Sorry, oh my god. Sorry.” Zuko says awkwardly as Zuko grabs his hair clip, which had fallen onto Sokka’s laptop. How is that even possible?

Sokka doesn’t respond, instead he seems to turn to look at Zuko. He opens his mouth, but he’s speechless at seeing Zuko with his hair down.

Seeing Zuko struggle to get his hair together to tie it up again. The way he looks so annoyed, but also that hair looks so soft— and beautiful.

His heart just expanded three sizes.

“Don’t apologize. Do you need help?”

Zuko pauses, now he’s the one that’s flustered. “I— yeah, could you just hold this for me,” He says, grabbing the hair clip he was struggling to grab along with his hair tie.

Sokka holds it, as if he’s holding a precious artifact. God he’s blushing.

“Thanks,” Zuko takes the hair clip, and attaches his hair.

“You have the prettiest hair ever.” Sokka compliments before he can stop himself. Zuko blushes, red hue forming under his eyes before he smiles sheepishly in response.

“Thanks. You have pretty.. pretty hair too.”

Sokka chuckles in response as they both go back to studying. After two more hours, the two go on a break to get food. As Sokka bites down on his sandwich, Zuko shifts awkwardly in his seat.

This feels too right. He bites his own food, before looking over and laughing at the way Sokka’s sandwich falls apart. “You chomped on it too hard.”

“I was sooo hungry,” Sokka laughs back, grabbing a napkin to try and fix this messy situation. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this productive in my life.”

“Me neither.” Zuko replies as he sips his water.

“So, this means we’re doing this again.”

Zuko blushes at the sudden forwardness. “Oh— I mean yeah.”

“I’m guessing you’re busy,” Sokka says, pulling out his phone. “So whenever you’re free, that’s when I’ll block off my time.”

Zuko’s eyes widen, “That’s actually—“ He pauses, smiling. “That’s sweet. Thank you.” He pulls out his own calendar. The two look, and Sokka almost bursts out laughing. Zuko’s calendar is giving him a heart attack.

“You love to stay busy.”

“Kind of.” Zuko says with a small grin. Sokka finds matching free times, and the two stand up. “Thanks for inviting me to study, Sokka.”

“Pft. Don’t thank me. Thanks for blessing me with your presence.” Sokka says, shrugging his shoulders.

“Oh— you’re welcome?” Zuko says awkwardly. What’s the proper way to react when a guy who you’re starting to think is kinda hot says that? Sokka just smiles and nods his head.

“I like that better.” He muses, grabbing his backpack. “I’ll see you next time.”

Next time.

Zuko walks away, feeling somewhat— happy? He doesn’t know. He loves to be efficient and study, and Sokka seems to notice that and do something about it. Like if he — cares?

But why would he do that? Doesn’t really make any sense to Zuko. Sure he says nice things to him, and is doing nice things for him, but.. hm. Maybe Zuko is reading too much into this.

————

This small thing turns into a big thing. Zuko is seeing Sokka every week. If it’s not at the cafe, it’s studying together at another, or at a library. Sokka has even started to order items at the cafe, just to hand it back.

“What?”

“I bought it for you.”

Zuko rolls his eyes. “I can get a free pastry each shift, Sokka. I don’t need you to buy this for me.” Yet, he still takes it.

“Then what do you want?” Sokka asks, leaning against the counter. Zuko snickers.

“For you to stop leaning close enough for the syrups to knock over,” Zuko chides, but Sokka shakes his head. He’s not going to move until Zuko tells him, isn’t he? He sighs.

Zuko thinks for a moment as he shakes a drink up in his hand. “Maybe a vanilla frosted donut. That would be a nice work-reward.” He mutters.

Sokka nods his head. “I’ll be back with that tomorrow.”

And he sees. Zuko is so shocked when Sokka comes back, and when he’s front in line, he holds up a bag. It’s the donut. “Seriously?”

“You said you wanted it.”

“You made me tell you something,” Zuko says, but he can’t resist smiling as he takes the donut. “Thanks. Do you want the same?”

“Yeah.”

Sokka pulls out his phone, but Zuko shakes his head. “Oh?” He chuckles.

“Just go before someone notices and I get yelled at.” Zuko says with a fake sigh, and Sokka smiles as he walks to the side.

Zuko is slowly beginning to enjoy Sokka’s company more and more. Besides, he’s been coming to the cafe for awhile and he got Zuko a donut. So he’ll cover for Sokka’s coffee order this one time.

A few hours later that same day, they’re studying again together. Zuko rubs his temple, before he taps Sokka on the shoulder. Removing his headphones, Zuko points to a mathematical equation.

“Ah, I got you.” Sokka shifts closer, their thighs touching. Zuko swallows nervously, trying to ignore the way his body reacted to being even closer to Sokka. “This means..”

Zuko finds himself not even paying attention. The way Sokka explains math, and holds the pencil and even looks at him for confirmation that he understands. “Does that make sense?”

“I.. no, sorry. Can you do an example—“

“Yeah.”

Zuko just said that as an excuse to hear Sokka explain more. He doesn’t know, he likes an intelligent, strategic man. Is that a crime? “Oh, I get it now.”

“I think you’re going to do just fine.” Sokka reassures. Zuko sighs.

“I hope.” He mumbles, and Sokka shakes his head.

“You should give yourself more credit. After the test you should text me.” Sokka says, “We should celebrate.”

“And if I feel shit-awful?” Zuko laughs quietly. “You want to deal with me being a mess?”

“Yeah.”

Oh.

———

Zuko doesn’t know why his test approaches fast, but he doesn’t feel so good about putting his phone away. The last thing he sees is a good luck text from Sokka.

And for the next hour, Zuko is dreading his life. He studied so hard, yet the way his professor is wording these questions makes him want to rip his hair out.

He’s getting frustrated at himself. Maybe he should have studied for more than three weeks. Even if he had, he would have still left the room how he did. Quite literally, on the verge of tears.

Zuko can’t stand feeling as if he failed at something. Especially a test. His phone dings.

When Sokka calls him, Zuko lets out a shaky breath. His test ran through sunset, so it’s getting dark outside. He begins walking as he answers.

“Zuko?”

“Hi,” Zuko says, his voice not hiding his upset tone. “I don’t think it went well. It was so stupid!” He exclaims, frustrated. “I’m so stupid.”

“Don’t call yourself that, Zuko. Please. You’re not stupid. Sometimes stuff like that happens. I’m sure you did better than you think,”

“I don’t know, I’m not as smart as you.”

“Zuko you’re wayyy smarter than me. Come on. You did it! Some people didn’t even study as much as you did. Think about it that way.”

“I guess—” Zuko sniffles.

Sokka lets out a sigh at the sad tone. “Where are you?”

“Near the Geology building. I’m walking to my dorm,”

“I’ll meet you there,”

Zuko’s eyes widen, but Sokka was right. When Zuko walks up the stairs to his dorm building, Sokka is there. And he never hung up the phone either. He listened to Zuko practically almost cry over this test.

“Hey,” Sokka says, already hugging Zuko before he can react. “Is it okay if I go inside with you? Feel like you need company.”

“What’s in the bag?” Zuko asks, pointing. His eyes are red from the tears he forced back to dry up.

Sokka smiles, “You’ll see.”

Zuko sighs as he lets Sokka into his building, and then they ride up the elevator to the 6th floor. “It’s this one.”

Sokka looks at the doorbell, clicking on it. “What’s this?” Zuko rolls his eyes and opens the door, showing how the lights on top of the door flash an intense light. “Wow.” Sokka says.

“Yeah. It’s incase I don’t hear someone knock. But I’m only hard of hearing on my left side so, it kinda feels useless to me.” Zuko says before he enters his room, letting Sokka walk inside.

He sits on his bed, and Sokka joins him. “Can I see what’s in the bag now?”

Sokka smiles as he puts the bag on Zuko’s lap. Zuko looks inside, and pulls out a bunch of snacks. Some drinks, “I love this one.” Zuko says, Sokka nodding.

“I remember you brought it up.”

“I did?” Zuko says, he doesn’t even remember. And that’s when he gets to the bottom of the bag, before he pulls out a stuffed animal. “How much did you spend on this?”

“You studied your ass off. It doesn’t matter.” When Zuko doesn’t sound so convinced, Sokka wraps his arm around his shoulder. “I was going to give that to you sooner or later.”

Zuko looks at Sokka, his sad expression forming into a small smile. “Thanks.” Sokka raises an eyebrow.

Is Zuko oblivious— orrrr— “Zuko,”

“Yeah?”

“I’m giving you this stuff because I want to. Because I was going to. Because I like you?”

Zuko’s eyes widen, and his whole face goes red. Sure he thought he was overthinking. But now he thinks he was under-thinking. Each time Sokka said or did something, he thought it was because he was just— that kind of guy.

Like an extremely energized, kind guy. “Oh, I um.. I guess I was trying to convince myself you were just really nice.”

“Because you don’t feel the same?”

“No— because I think I was scared if you were just, I dunno. Being a normal guy I would feel so embarrassed. And awful, because not being liked by you would have killed me.”

Sokka laughs at that, moving the hair out of Zuko’s face. “You’re really fun to get flustered.”

“Am not. That’s just rude,” Zuko says, his eyes narrowed as he sets the bag down. Sokka leans closer, until Zuko lays on his back. “You like embarrassing me.”

“Oh? Yeah?” Sokka asks, his body gently resting on Zuko’s. “Did you get embarrassed when I got you that donut that one day?”

“No,”

“Mm,” Sokka nods. “Looks like you just enjoy me bothering you.” He says, leaning a little closer. His face has never been this close.

Zuko blushes, before Sokka finally leans close enough to close the gap between them. His brain short circuits, Sokka is kissing him. He kisses back, almost seconds later.

He closes his eyes, just feeling the way Sokka lays on him, kissing him tenderly. Then, kissing him deeper. Almost hungrier, which makes Zuko moan into Sokka’s mouth.

Sokka pulls away to catch his breath, just to gently kiss at Zuko’s jawline. He keeps doing that, and then he goes to Zuko’s cheek. Zuko still feels tense, stressed from that test.

“Stop—”

“Nope.” Sokka smiles against Zuko’s cheek, peckering it with kisses. He doesn’t stop, until Zuko begins to laugh. “I like that better.”

“Sokka,”

“Mhm?”

“Can you stop stalling and just kiss me again?”

Sokka feels his chest do a flip as he’s quick to fulfill that request. Their lips meet again, this time more passionately as Zuko’s hands roam to wrap his arms around Sokka’s neck.

“God I want you so bad.” Sokka whispers, “I think I’ve wanted you since I saw you working.”

Zuko lets out a gasp as Sokka’s hands trail across his body, under his hoodie. Feeling at his chest, Zuko reacts, whining through the kiss. “Is this okay?”

Zuko nods in between kisses. “Not enough.”

Sokka is quick to fix that. He slips Zuko’s hoodie up and away, before he takes off his own shirt. Leaving them just in pants, he begins to grind down on Zuko now as they kiss.

“Let me reward you for surviving your stupid test.”

Zuko moans into Sokka’s mouth, his own hips moving up to grind and match Sokka’s movements. Sokka groans, pulling away before he’s quick to practically yank Zuko’s pants off.

Zuko lets out an amused huff, but he doesn’t complain. Instead he looks at Sokka, eyes full of need. He reaches for Sokka’s belt himself, practically tugging hard.

Sokka groans at Zuko’s eagerness, quickly snapping his belt off and then taking off his pants as well. “Lay on your stomach. I’m going to take care of you.”

Zuko holds back a whine, biting his lower lip as he gently shifts himself. Sokka’s hands go to his waist, bringing him closer. Grinding his crotch against Zuko’s ass, feeling himself hardening.

Sokka cannot wait anymore. They’ve been texting, studying— he’s been going to that damn cafe for two months now. All because he wanted to see Zuko everyday.

And now, he wants to see Zuko like this.

“Do you have lube?”

“Do I have— mm—“ Zuko whines softly at the way their undergarments are grinding against each other. “In the middle drawer.”

Sokka reaches over and grabs it, before he begins to take away the last bit of clothing blocking his way. He puts lube on his fingers, before he gently rubs Zuko’s hole with it.

Zuko hisses, his body still so tense. “Gotta make you relax, baby.” Sokka murmurs, grabbing Zuko’s hips and hoisting his ass higher up. Zuko whimpers at the sweet tone, in contrast with Sokka’s fingers working in him.

“I wanna hear you.” Sokka says, leaning down to be close to Zuko’s right side. “Tell me what you want,”

“I want you to fuck me,” Zuko says bluntly, his tone going off when it’s cut by a moan. Sokka’s fingers pushing deeper. “Please,”

“I will.” Sokka promises, leaning back up before he pumps his own cock a couple of times. He aligns himself, before he gently begins to push.

Zuko’s back arches, and Sokka grabs at his waist, making sure his ass is up the way he wants it to be. That’s when he fully sinks deep inside, hearing Zuko whimper at the feeling of being stretched.

“Fuck, you feel so good.” Sokka groans, as he begins to move his hips. Zuko moans, biting his lower lip to contain himself. That makes Sokka thrust a bit faster.

They’re both impatient, pent up— and he refuses to have Zuko quiet. “Ah!” Zuko moans, unable to bite his lower lip at this point. Sokka smirks, that’s better.

“Sokka— ah! Go faster—“

Sokka gasps, the needy way in which Zuko asks makes his head spin. Neither of them want to take this slow. Especially after all the time they’ve spent together without even laying fingers on each other.

His hips begin to snap up quicker, grabbing at Zuko’s ass, just to feel the plump flesh as he drills into the man below him. Zuko moans louder, his eyes half lidded and almost rolling back at the way Sokka hits his prostate. Almost every time.

“Ungh— yeah— right there, feels so good. Oh, Sokka,” Zuko whimpers, Sokka adjusting himself just so he can keep hitting Zuko’s sweet spot at each thrust.

The sound of skin slapping, Zuko’s dorm bed creaking, and Zuko’s moans are starting to fill his dorm. He doesn’t care about people hearing right now.

After a few minutes, Sokka’s pace begins to go undeniably faster than before. His thrusts hit deep inside Zuko, making the man cry out.

“Yeah, let me know how much you love it. Just wanna make you feel good.”

Zuko does, his moans showing this. “Feels so good, Sokka I— fuck, I love it, please, don’t stop— I’m so close..”

At those words, Sokka thrusts a bit harder. “You’re close?” He pants. “Fuck. Me too.”

“Wanna come with you,” Zuko whimpers, making Sokka let out a moan of his own.

Grabbing Zuko’s hips a bit more desperately now, he nods. “Fuck yes. God, Zuko.” Sokka pants, feeling his head get a bit dizzy at the sight below him. “God, that’s it. Taking me so well, you deserve it—“

“Mph— yeah, I’m gonna— oh fuck, Sokka—“ Zuko gasps, he can’t control his body as he begins to come. His orgasm is strong, coming in waves as Sokka keeps fucking him through it.

Sokka grunts, chasing his own undoing as he comes, his hips snapping against Zuko’s ass to bury himself deep in him. He catches his breath, slowly stopping his hips before he lays on Zuko’s back.

He buries his face in Zuko’s neck, planting a soft kiss to Zuko’s side as he gently removes himself. He kisses Zuko’s lips again, cleaning Zuko up first before himself.

“I can change myself,”

“I know that. And if I said I don’t want you to lift a finger?” Sokka asks with a chuckle, standing up and changing himself before he finds fresh clothes for Zuko. He helps Zuko, who’s blushing.

“Wear my sweater.” Sokka says, “I didn’t wear it anyways.”

As Zuko get handed the blue sweater, he raises an eyebrow. “You brought this with you to not wear it?”

“…I was going to give it to you.” Sokka admits with a laugh, Zuko gently putting it on. It does feel cozy, his body enjoying the nice and soft fabric. “It looks good on you.”

“I already have your jacket.”

“That’s your jacket. This is— you borrowing my sweater. That you can keep. For as long as you want.” Sokka says as he lays in bed with Zuko, feeling Zuko snuggle a bit on his side.

He resists a cocky smirk. “Don’t,”

“I wasn’t going to say anything.”

“You were,” Zuko says, shifting his head to look at Sokka with narrow eyes. “Don’t say something stupid right after we had sex.”

“But you liked it though,” Sokka teased, before he just holds Zuko closer. “Okay, okay. I won’t— I won’t say anything. Right now.”

Zuko sighs, closing his eyes and shifting, his leg wrapped around Sokka comfortably. “Save it for later.” He says tiredly. It’s time for a nap.

Sokka yawns, nodding his head. His arms holding Zuko close. “When you wake up are you technically my boyfriend?”

Zuko lets out a little laugh, pressing his face against Sokka’s chest comfortably. “Don’t be ridiculous. Duh.”

Sokka smiles with his eyes closed. “I win—“ A nab against his side. “Okay, I’ll save it for later.”

The two fall asleep, tangled up in Zuko’s bed. And the stuffed animal Sokka bought for him is pressed against them too. Almost signifying the start of something great.