Zuko and Sokka sat at the edge of camp, sharing a companionable silence. They weren't exactly friends, but they both enjoyed having someone around who was their own age and gender. It went a long way toward easing their loneliness. They rarely spoke, but they often found themselves retreating from the insanity of their companions.

"You know, I was always a disappointment to my mom."

Zuko blinked, taken off-guard by the abrupt statement. "What?" he asked, staring at Sokka.

The other boy gazed at the sky, not meeting his eyes. "The Southern Water Tribe's a little short on benders, as you know, and my mom was convinced she was going to give birth to one. Something an old fortune teller told her, I think. Turns out she was right, but it wasn't me. She was a good mother, and I know she loved me, but I could always tell she loved Katara better. It was alright; I had my dad. He didn't play favorites, but he spent time with me, taught me how to be a warrior… told me he was proud of me. But then he had to leave. For a long time I felt like he had abandoned me. I still feel like that sometimes, even now."

Silence stretched for a few moments, and it was Zuko who eventually broke it. "Why did you tell me that?" The question wasn't annoyed or irritated, simply curious. Sokka had never confided in Zuko like this, and the prince had certainly done nothing to encourage it.

Sokka finally looked at him, his eyes calm but searching. "I just wanted to let you know that we have a lot more in common than it seems. I understand—to some extent—how you feel about your parents." Another silence stretched between them—not awkward but not exactly comfortable. After a moment Sokka spoke again, "Although, when it comes to our little sisters we have absolutely nothing in common."

Zuko smirked, his gaze traveling to Katara, who sat on the other side of the camp with Toph. "I wouldn't be so sure…."

Sokka's boomerang promptly came down on Zuko's head, but the boy grinned widely. "I'm pretty sure I'm obligated to kill you now."

….