ONE WEEK LATER

The group had moved camp to near a mountain rockface. There was a small pool of water a little ways away, hidden inside a cavelike rock enclosure. This is where Sokka found Zuko one evening. He was a few inches from the edge of the pool, staring at the water intently. He then turned his head to the small stream that fed into the pool from in between two rocks, then back at the water. He just sat there. Sokka tried to come in quietly but Zuko must have heard him because his head whipped up, startled. He immediately backed away from the water when he saw it was Sokka. He didn't trust Sokka. For some reason, there was an ache in Sokka's chest when he observed this. Zuko finally met his eyes.

"…. What do you want?"

Sokka slowly took a few steps forward and sat gently next to Zuko. He made a snap decision.

" I want to teach you to swim." Zuko just stared blankly at him.

" Why would I want you to teach me how to swim?" he asked with a sneer

" What if you have to escape, and the only way is through water?"

"…"

" Or if you fall off of your ship?"

"…."

" Or if-" He was cut off

" Alright! I get it. I should know how to swim!"

" Why don't you know how to swim in the first place?" Sokka always assumed it was a part of everyone's childhood.

" Before I was banished, I was destined to rule the fire nation. I was trained accordingly. My father never saw it as a useful tool in ruling over the fire nation." Sokka was silent as he thought over this.

" Well its time you learned, so stand up and undress." Zuko's cheeks flushed as he angrily stood up. " Don't order me around!" he snapped, listening to what the taller boy said anyway.

After they were both bare except their undergarments, Sokka eased into the slightly warm water. He held his hands out for Zuko to grab. The firebender hesitated.

" Come on! It's not that bad. Or are you just too scared?" Sokka wanted to irritate him so he would get in. It worked.

Zuko slipped his warm hands into Sokka's cool ones, feeling the rouph callouses formed on the warrior's hands from fighting. Sokka was surprised at how soft Zuko's hands were. Well he was royalty after all…

When Zuko was fully in the water, he shivered slightly although the water was pretty warm. His eyes had an alert look about them. Sokka gently pulled the smaller boy into deeper waters, until Zuko couldn't touch, but Sokka could (Although the water was to the base of his neck.) Zuko made a noise of panic and quickly clung to Sokka, their bare chests pressing against each other. Sokka felt a warm feeling in his stomach. Why does this make me… aroused?... No. No! A firebender is not arousing!

Another of Zuko's yells brought Sokka's thoughts back to the current situation. He gently pulled the boy away from his chest to about arms length. The boys molten amber ayes were filled with fear. "Don't you dare let go!" he cried out. " I won't. I swear on my honor as a warrior" Sokka quickly replied, tightening his grip on the other boy. He pulled Zuko around so that the back of his head was resting on Sokka's shoulder with his torso floating slightly and his legs floating out in front of him. After a few moments of this, Zuko relaxed back into Sokka's arms. Sokka wrapped his arms around Zuko's chest. " What are you doing?" Zuko tried to crane his neck around to see Sokka's face. Sokka didn't know what he was doing. He had the strangest urge to hold Zuko closer, to protect him.

Zuko relaxed again and soon started to doze as Sokka gently pulled him around in the water. Sokka stared down at Zuko's sleeping face. He looks so defenseless… Before he knew what he was doing he bent over and brushed his lips over Zuko's. It sent electric sparks over his mouth. He liked it. A lot. Zuko's eyes fluttered open at the slight touch and his golden eyes seemed to melt Sokka's will power. Sokka fiercely captured Zuko's lips with his own. Zuko tensed up and tried to push Sokka away. Sokka released him immediately, not thinking. Zuko started struggling to swim, head going under water. Sokka snatched at him, remembering why they were in the water in the first place. Zuko sputtered and shook water out of his eyes. He glared up at Sokka.

"What do you think you're doing? Why did you do that?"

Sokka's answered truthfully. " I really have no idea. I just wanted to."

" That's not a good reason. You can't just toy with people!" Zuko seemed annoyed, although there was a hint of sadness in his expression.

" I wasn't toying! I think…. I think you're beautiful Zuko."

Zuko's face blushed crimson and there was an awkward silence. He finally stuttered out a reply.

" You- You think I'm beautiful? Maybe at some time, before… this …" he motioned to his scar bitterly.

"You're scar just enhances how truly beautiful you are." Zuko just blushed at this and looked down.

Sokka couldn't take it. He crushed his lips into Zuko's. This time, Zuko melted into the kiss, his lips molding to Sokka's. Sokka trailed his fingers down Zuko's chest, pausing on his nipple. Zuko gasped, allowing Sokka's tongue entry to his mouth. Their tongues danced together in a way that made Sokka even more turned on, his arousal pressing into Zuko's now hardened member. Zuko surprised Sokka by shifting and grinding his hard bulge against Sokka's leg, letting out a small moan into Sokka's mouth. Sokka continued grinding and kissing while slowly making his way to the shore. He got out, pulling Zuko with him. He layed the smaller teen onto the smooth shore, their clothes used as a blanket. Zuko looked so sexy, sprawled out on the rock. His eyes were filled with lust. Sokka started a trail of kisses down his chest. He gently sucked on a nipple, hearing Zuko emit a cute noise. He sucked harder, and Zuko moaned, his back arching up off the rock. Sokka traveled lower and kissed the boy's navel. He slowly slid the boy's under garment off, releasing his erection.

That's when they heard voices. Sokka quickly jumped up, pulling Zuko up with him. They pulled their clothes on quickly and made as if they were getting water. Aang and Toph walked into the little cove moments later. Sokka could see the look of discomfort as Zuko tried to hide his… problem.