Truth

Truth be told, Azula missed her home. The Fire Nation, no matter what the people did, was a gorgeous corner of the world, and compared to how she was living now, a lot healthier. She wasn't regretting what she'd done, no, she'd never do that; helping Aang was basically saving the world from eternal darkness. It was just a little…aggravating…sometimes. Katara had a tendency to be moody beyond compare (even to Zuko), and Toph, though she handled her blindness well, loved her nicknaming ability a little too much.

Sokka and Aang didn't bother her at all. Aang was a fast learner and a great student, and he always forgave Azula when she apologized for having killed him. And Sokka…he could distract her from anything just simply walking by. She'd been well for nearly two weeks, and he still asked her if she was feeling okay at least three times a day. Sometimes four, but that was only once and it was a cold morning.

Today, he'd only had the chance to ask her twice, but she could understand. They were clearing their camp and packing up to start their way to the Fire Nation; Azula couldn't wait. Ever since the plan to leave was pitched, she always found time in the day to describe the glorious Capital City. Sadly, but some-what not, only Sokka and Aang would listen; Toph didn't care too much ("I'm sure it's wonderful, Princess, I'll remember to look twice..."), and Katara always had something 'better to do.' At least someone listened…someone being two of course. Or three, if you counted Momo.

"Azula," Sokka broke through her thoughts, trying to get her attention so he could take her bag, "What's bothering you?"

Snapping back to reality, she answered with a, "nothing, Sokka," and slid the strap off her shoulder.

"Seriously," he said, taking the bag and handing it up to Aang, "Something's bothering you. You've zoned out three times today."

"Oh…it's just this whole Fire Nation thing."

"Are you afraid to go back?"

"A little bit, I suppose."

"They'll arrest you if you're found, won't they?"

"Yes, and I'll be tried for treason, convicted, and thrown in prison."

"And you're only a little afraid?"

"Maybe more than a little…"

He laughed.

"Don't worry about it, Azula," Aang chipped in from Appa's back, "If you're caught, so am I. At least you won't be lonely."

Azula smiled, and was about to answer, when Katara threw the last bag at Sokka. "Come on, we don't have all day!" she snapped.

Having had the wind knocked out of him, Sokka let Azula take the bag and pass it up to Aang. "Katara, I'm not a wall," he said when he could breathe, "You can't throw things at me."

"We have to get moving if we ever wanna make it to the Fire Nation in time," she said with an attitude, pulling herself up onto Appa.

"Katara, relax, the eclipse isn't for weeks yet," Sokka climbed on next, holding his hand out to Azula.

She took it gratefully and added, "Besides, it's not that long a trip."

"Whatever." Katara turned to the earth-tent that was still standing. "Toph!" she yelled, "We're leaving!"

"I got it, Katara," Aang put a hand on her shoulder and slammed the rock back into the ground. "Good morning, Toph!"

Azula smiled and half-laughed. Sokka placed an arm around her shoulders and asked for his third time of the day, "Feeling okay?"

"I'm fine, Sokka."

Flying at night never struck Sokka as safe, ever since Azula chased them across the region anyway, but tonight he felt out of harm's way. The small princess lay against him, half asleep, and he held her tight as he did Appa's reins, trying to stay awake.

"Sokka," her tired voice forced his eyes away from the sky before him, "Do you really think the Fire Nation is a good place to go?"

"Of course it is," he tried reassuring her, "Where else would we find the Fire Lord?"

She smiled, but the pretty smile quickly faded and she continued, "What if Aang or I get caught, though?"

"Well…" Sokka thought about it for a while. "It won't happen," he at last explained, "The Fire Nation's the last place they'd expect to find you, right? If Aang keeps his arrow covered, we'll be good. Don't worry about it, Azula, no one will find us."

"But Zuko…he knows me, and Aang. All of us."

"And he'll be in the Capital, won't he?" he added, "Just don't worry. Get some rest, it's late."

"Thanks, Sokka," she whispered, letting her gold eyes drift shut. "You never let me down."

Oh, yes, I have, Sokka thought. He didn't mention anything, though, and gently brushed a hand over her silky hair.

They stopped to rest poor Appa outside a small village that morning. Katara, who had gotten the best sleep in weeks apparently, volunteered to go get supplies and drag a tired Aang and Toph along with her ("I said we're going!"), leaving Azula and Sokka alone. All night, Azula's words had slowly gotten to him, and he couldn't take it anymore. He had to confess.

"I'm sorry, Azula," Sokka said to the fire.

Azula looked up; she'd been poking at the fire with a long stick, probably out of boredom. "What for?"

"Well…last night you said that I'd never let you down, and…I kinda have."

"Okay, I'm lost."

"I promised I wouldn't let Zuko lay a hand on you, but I didn't keep that."

"Sokka…"

"I don't know what I was thinking, promising that. I knew I couldn't prevent that idiot from touching you."

"Sokka…"

"Now I feel so bad about it. I mean, loyalty must mean so much to you…"

"Sokka!" the princess finally got her voice over his and he stopped. "Sokka, I know what you were thinking." A small, soft smile spread across her lips, "You were thinking with your heart, not your head. And you did keep your promise."

"I did?"

She glanced back to the fire and stabbed a log in the middle, forcing the flames up higher. "Zuko has guards; they grabbed me, not him."

"Oh…right. I knew that."

"Thanks again, by the way."

Silence followed for a second and Sokka perked up. "Wait, they what?"

"You've never been handled by prison guards, have you?" Azula half-laughed.

"It's on my to-do list." He sighed, "Are you serious, though?"

"How should I know? I was half-blind and half-awake with a spinning head; all I remember is Zuko yelling and you guys saving me."

This made Sokka laugh and completely forget all about prison guards. Azula, satisfied that she no longer had to talk about something like that, joined in laughing. When Katara and company came back some half-hour later, they were sitting in happy silence and leaning against one another.

A/N: Yeah, the ending's not so great, but I had to stop before this became a novel. I have the next one being read-over...somewhere.