It had been a few weeks since Zuko had joined their group. Sokka still wasn't too happy about it, but if Aang trusted him he could at least try. The firebender hadn't done anything to be suspicious of since he joined them, and the five teens were beginning to find a rhythm. Zuko's uncle was away on a trip to visit an old friend in the area, so that left Aang, Toph, Katara, Zuko, and Sokka. At the moment, it was a hot, sunny afternoon and everyone was doing their daily jobs. Katara and Toph were cleaning up the campsite, with Toph grumbling something about women being stuck with the cleaning. Aang was flying over head and searching the area for any approaching enemies so he could warn the others. Sokka was stuck with Zuko catching some fish for dinner in a nearby lake. The lake was small, but pretty deep and Sokka suspected that some large fish might be lurking at the bottom. He found a dock that jutted out into the water. It was the perfect place to cast their lines. He had no problem waiting patiently for the fish to bite, but Zuko on the other hand was quickly becoming frustrated. The irritated teen pulled his line in and swiftly stood up, throwing the pole to the ground in a childish display of impatience.

"Ugh!" he growled " Why do I have to sit here in the sweltering heat and attempt to catch a stupid fish!"

Sokka slowly brought his line in and looked up at Zuko " Because we need to eat to survive. Being a firebender, I wouldn't think the heat would bother you."

" My body temperature is hot enough as it is. It's sweltering outside!"

" Why not take a swim to cool off?" he said in an exasperated tone

Zuko glanced at the water " Nevermind. It really isn't that hot. Let's continue fishing." He sat back down next to Sokka, who looked confused. Was that fear that he saw in Zuko's eyes?

"Really now?" Sokka said with a mischievous glint in his eyes and a large smirk. " You sure you don't want to take a dip?" Zuko didn't notice the warrior's expression and just nodded his head before focusing back on his line. Sokka then slowly stood up and walked behind the firebender.

" Sokka, what do you think-" Zuko was then abruptly shoved off the dock into the middle of the lake. He surfaced and began frantically trying to stay up, shrieking his head off like a girl. Sokka couldn't help but laugh and fall over at the sight. Why was the firebender so afraid of water? Then Sokka's question was answered when the shrieking stopped. He sat up and looked at the water. Where did Zuko go?

" Zuko?... Zuko?" That's when Sokka saw bubbles rise from where the firebender had once been. Sokka didn't even think before he jumped in and dove to the bottom of the lake. He felt a brush of fabric and swiftly grabbed at it and yanked on it, bringing a very much unconscious Zuko up to the surface. He took the smaller teen into his arms and began struggling back towards the shore. The dock was too high to climb, so the shore was the only option. He dragged Zuko out of the water and checked his breathing. There was none.

" How do I get the water out?…. Oh god, I don't know how to waterbend!" Sokka panicked and slammed his hands down on Zuko's chest. The teen coughed and spat water, sending relief flooding through Sokka. Zuko groaned and shifted slightly before opening his amber eyes to see two cerulean blue eyes staring at him worriedly.

" Sokka? He managed to croak out.

" Zuko! I'm so sorry! I didn't know you couldn't swim! I saw that you were afraid of the water so I tried to scare you a little, but… but… I'm so sorry!" Sokka appeared to be extremely worried and guilty.

" It's all right…. I'm not angry." Zuko said quietly, very un Zuko-ish, before sitting up and coughing, his throat feeling very dry. " Can I have a sip of water from your canteen?" Sokka handed it to him and watched as his adam's apple bobbed up and down as he drank deeply. Sokka fell back onto the shore to dry in the sun. He removed most of his clothes, with the exception of his under-pants. Sokka had grown taller that Zuko over the years and was nicely built. His hair was loose down his back and his skin glowed bronze in the sun, little scars here and there. He had broad, strong shoulders with sculpted muscles everywhere. His profile was beautiful. Zuko just watched quietly, a slight blush tinting his cheeks when Sokka noticed him looking.

" You should do the same, or you're gonna be cold."

Zuko hesitated before starting to remove his clothes. When he layed down he noticed that Sokka was watching him also. Sokka was admiring Zuko's porcelein skin tone. The smaller teen also had a smaller build. He had smooth, slender limbs that had a enough muscle to know that he was a strong fighter, and he was a very strong fighter. His waist was narrow and well toned, and his hipbones jutted out slightly. He had grown his hair out so it was dripping into his eyes. He had a beautiful, slightly feminine face. The only thing that marred his beauty was his scar, which Sokka hardly even saw was there. There was a slight blush on his face for whatever reason Sokka couldn't imagine. He couldn't be interested in Sokka like that… Could he?

After the two teens dried and their clothes had mostly dried out, they dressed. Sokka decided to continue fishing, while Zuko headed back to help the others. He probably doesn't want to be near water thought Sokka. Whatever.