Chapter 14: Lotus blooms for love

Zuko's POV

I look at Sokka's hand over mine, registering what he had just said in my head. I pull my hand from under his. "Why would you even offer such a thing? And to a former enemy."

"The same reason I asked my former enemy out," Sokka says like it was the simplest thing in the world. But I didn't understand it. Why would he want to be there for me? I haven't made his life easy, I've chased after him and his friends. I really don't get this water tribe boy. Pride comes over me, and I don't give myself time to think my words over before I speak them.

"I don't need your help, I can handle this on my own. And I have Uncle too, it's really none of your concern," I say proudly. But if I would have let myself think I would see that behind the offer given to me by Sokka was way more than it seemed. It wasn't just being there for me during the pregnancy, he wanted more. But I'm too high up to notice it, though somewhere in the back of my mind I do detect it. Somewhere deep down I note the message behind the offer, but I don't let myself believe it. Or maybe I'm just imagining this hint? After all why would a former enemy be interested in me? Why would anyone be interested in me? After all, Jet was right to the point, who would love me? Though Sokka and me did go out on a date. It was only a one time thing, I tell myself. I don't let my hopes up.

"I know it's not any of my concern," he pauses, taking the time to think over his next statement. "But I…I just…What I'm trying to say is that…I think I love you," he tells me, closing his eyes tight and wincing, as if expecting me to explode. I think in a way I did. A bomb of emotions detonates inside my stomach, and I felt a little sick and definitely confused. I couldn't sort out any of my feelings, well all but one. A familiar friend, anger. Seeing as that's the only emotion I could pick out, it was the only one that surfaced. Though there was no real reason for its presents.

"Love me?" I let out a snort of a laugh, "I'm Fire Nation, we're too different. Aren't you supposed to hate me?" I snap at him. I was pushing him away, it's what I do to most people that care about me…that I've grown attached to. Just like I've tried to push Uncle away before, with my bad moods and tempers. But he seems immune, and so does this boy in front of me now.

"Well…I used to. I know it sounds a little sappy, but I know I do care for you Zuko, Fire Nation or not." I don't look at Sokka as he says this. I thought about not even speaking, but one word does come out.

"Leave."

"Zuko—"

"I said leave!" I snap, and Sokka lets out a sigh, then heads out the door. I shake my head, I honestly didn't have a clue why this was happening. Why I felt so confused, yet a little happy. Why would I feel happy? There was no more anger, it had disappeared once Sokka walked out the door.

"It wouldn't work out…" I whisper to myself.

"How would you know, you never really gave him a chance," Uncle was in the doorway.

"Leave me alone, I just want to be by myself," I mumble.

"Opposites attract Zuko, remember that," he says leaving me alone to think. I was tired, seeing how I was woken up in the first place and now along with this frustration, I close my eyes. Trying to think of how this all happened. Think of when exactly the world turned upside down, and why I felt this warm joyful feeling at the thought of Sokka liking me.

Sokka's POV

I walk home in disappointment. I know for sure that I care for Zuko, those dreams I've been having…this was all supposed to happen. Funny that I believe this, after all I'm not much on fate and fortune. But, Ba Sing Se was supposed to bring us together, I'm sure of it! Then again I can't bring myself to say I'm in love. I hadn't even told him that, I had said "I think I love you". All I know is that I want to be with the prince and the way Zuko reacted hurt me.

A couple of weeks passed, and all I thought about was Zuko. I wanted to go do something, anything to convince him we were supposed to be. Make him see it the way I do. But, I couldn't think of anything. Once again my mopping around worried my sister, but luckily she was distracted by Aang. They were out right now, all three of them went to spread fliers in hopes of finding Appa. My heart is heavy, as I sit by the window, trying to think of something to win Zuko over. I had never been so obsessed about anything before. I finally got up, and looked around our little house. Finding a vase full of flowers—Katara most likely picked—I take them and head for the door. I pull the door open and am stunned to see golden eyes looking at me.

"Zuko..wha…how'd..how'd you find this place?"

"I asked some of your neighbors where an idiotic boy with tan skin lived. They all pointed to this house." I stare at the prince, and his eyes shift to the flowers.

"For you!" I blurt out nervously. "I was gonna come…and …see you," I mumble. "Well come on in! You saved me the trip!" I laugh nervously.

"What about your traveling companions, I'm sure I'm not welcome," he states.

"They're not here, and even if they were, well screw them!" I take his arm, and pull him in. Only then noticing how big his stomach has gotten. The black shirt he is wearing under a greenish brown long sleeved Chinese robe is tight on his stomach. The robe was open, most likely because he can't button it anymore. It's only been a couple of weeks, maybe three tops! He's gained so much weight, and his hair was in a different style and a little longer. But the last time I'd seen him, his hair was getting a bit longer anyway, so no real surprise there. It was his stomach that really awed me.

"Sit," I gesture to a pillow next to me as I take a seat. "So why'd you come here?" I ask.

"I…I wanted to ask you something," there was a tone of shyness, and strength in his voice if that was even possible. I wait for him to ask me what he wanted to know. "You said you'd be there for me, was that an offer…to start a relationship?" It was a stupid question, and Zuko knew it I'm sure. But I think he's the type that needs to be sure of everything and all, before he puts anything out there for anyone.

"That's a dumb question," I tease. The firebender practically turned red from anger. He tries to get up, letting out a sound of aggravation.

"Just forget I ever came here!" He snaps. I smile. He looks so helpless, having a little trouble getting up. It's hard to make a dramatic exit like that. I stop him, resting my hand on his, which he was using to try and push himself up with. He glares at me. I only come in close and softly brush my lips against his. Having no idea what compelled me to do so, his lips had just looked so welcoming. I felt kinda embarrassed when our lips touched, but I pushed closer. This is the first time I've kissed a boy, and I don't know if I can explain the feeling going through me. I feel like Zuko was breathing fire down my throat, and that fire spread all over my body before settling in my crotch. It felt so good, way better then any kiss I've ever received. It felt so right.

Zuko pushes against my chest weakly, more like wanting to save his pride then actually wanting me to stop kissing him. But, the prince soon leans into the kiss, and moves his lips against mine. My hand cups his face, and he rests against the touch, only a couple more seconds of this wonderful feeling and I pull away.

"Yeah it was an offer," I tell him, smiling. Zuko pushes me away a little.

"We should take this slow…I've never been in a real relationship before," he mumbles so low I could hardly hear him.

"Me neither I guess, and definitely not one with a boy. But I'm sure you have enough experience for the both of us," I say patting his stomach. He smacks my hand away and makes a move to get up.

"Why not stay awhile?" I ask innocently enough.

"What about the Avatar and your sister, they wouldn't be too happy to find me here," he says.

"I guess you're right," I sigh out, getting up and helping Zuko to his feet. "I'll walk you home, and this time I don't care what you say," I explain as sternly as I can. Zuko rolls his eyes, and I walk him home. On the way we talk a little and I bring up the subject of the father of the child.

"So who's the kids daddy?" I ask him.

A fire burns in Zuko's eyes, "I'd rather not talk about it right know, I doubt you'd even know him," he mumbles out and I let the subject drop for now.

I'd promised him I'd come visit him tomorrow or maybe the day after. I was happy and found Zuko really adorable with his little belly, and the way it made him seem vulnerable. When I get home, Aang and the others had just gotten home.

"Sokka will you help use with the fliers tomorrow?" Aang ask noting my happy mood.

"Maybe," I shrug.

The next day I get up early before anyone else, and head out to go visit Zuko. Luckily the prince was up early too, but he didn't seem to be in a happy mood. He let me into his home, his Uncle nowhere in sight.

"What's wrong Zuko?" I ask while he was eating breakfast, and a lot of it.

"It's nothing," he says simply.

"Are you sure?"

"You wanted to know who the father was right?" He changes the subject, and I let him, nodding my head. "I don't think you know him, his name's Jet," he says emotionlessly taking another spoon full of oatmeal to his mouth.

"Jet?" A light clicked in my mind, "Brow hair Earth Nation Jet?" I ask

He nods his head, "You know him?"

"Yeah, he's like… whoa! He hates firebenders! How'd you…"

"He didn't find out I was Fire Nation till later on," Zuko explains, a hint of anger in his voice as he runs his hand over his stomach.

I let out a gasp, "That night I found you, he did that to you didn't he!?" I rise out of my chair a little.

"It's nothing to worry about Sokka, don't piss your pants." I sit back down, and watch Zuko finish his breakfast. He was right, as long has Jet doesn't try anything again we have nothing to worry about. That and I have no idea were he would be to give him a peace of my mind. I hadn't even known he was in the city. I let myself calm down.

We should go out again sometime," I think out loud. Zuko looks at me a little surprised. "What?"

"It's still strange that I'm dating the travel companion of the Avatar I was supposed to capture…" he trials off.

"Why was it so important for you to get Aang?"

"Didn't you say you promised the Avatar you'd help him spread fliers today? It's past mid morning, you should head back," he says getting up and putting away his dishes. FI he didn't want to share that with me yet, then I won't push it. I nod my head, and tell him goodbye before walking out the door. I didn't really feel right, I felt like something big was bothering Zuko. But, I head off to meet up with Aang and the others.

Zuko's POV

It's still all very strange to me. To be with Sokka like this. After all I've seen him so many times before during my attempts to catch the Avatar, but it took a chance meeting in this city for me to fall for him. I had found that I couldn't stop thinking about him the day he had left offering me his love. I felt something for him, and it nagged at me until I got up to go talk to him. Though it seems like we are exact opposites just like fire and water would be, it's still pleasant to be around him, almost uplifting to be around him.

Key word 'almost', I don't know why I let myself fall for him. It's obvious this won't work, but I suppose it's fine for now to indulge myself with these feelings. The feeling of knowing Sokka likes me not my body, like most of the people I've been around. I also don't feel the need to tell him too much about myself, seeing as we will have to go our separate ways soon. But it'll be nice while it lasts. I gave him a chance just like Uncle said I should. I had gotten so angry on that day, I blocked out what I really felt. Only thinking about how it wouldn't work out. But why not live a little, why not experience a real relationship for once? Not just sex.

Uncle had been offered his own teashop yesterday. I can't say I don't like Sokka, I just know it won't last. Uncle is making a life here, and Sokka has to go on with the Avatar sooner or later. I let out a sigh. I step outside to get some fresh air, only to see the fliers the Avatar had spread on the floor. I think about my life, my future. I see nothing, and I have no idea what I'll do. I don't want to spend the rest of my life in Ba Sing Se, I don't want my child to grow up here. To never know about it's Fire Nation heritage, to have a banished prince as a father. To be rejected by it's grandfather, only because it was born to me. The hated son of the Fire Lord.

I can't hold back the tear that rolls down my cheek, and I wipe it away and step back into the hut, cursing myself. Soon Uncle and I will have a bigger place to stay.

It's evening, and me and Uncle had just gotten through eating. Though I didn't eat much. Uncle now sat thinking of a name for his teashop. His thinking out loud, only reminding me that we have to make a life here, because we have no were else to go. We're both not welcomed at home. I rest my hand on my stomach, and clutch the fabric of my shirt, this time holding back the tears that seem to come so easily because of my condition. This sadness is soon replaced by anger as Uncle once again throws out an idea for the name of the shop. I turn around and head for the door, not being able to take this anymore.

"Were are you going Zuko?"

"Out," with that I slam the door shut. I walk to the part of the city were Sokka resides. I couldn't really explain why my feet lead me here. It's not like I could just knock on the door, there's a chance that Sokka won't be the one opening it. But I wanted to see the water tribe boy, his stupidity could distract me, maybe cheer me up a little. The thought alone seemed to calm me somewhat. I stand in front of the house I know Sokka is occupying. I then walk away slowly, knowing there's no way I could be comforted by him right now. I look back one last time and notice the window at the side of the house. First I panic, noticing someone looking out it but I relax, once I notice the surprised blue eyes belong to Sokka. He gets up quickly, and stumbles away from the window in a very clumsy manner. Only a little bit later, he comes out and runs to me, still in a clumsy manner.

"What are you doing here, are you all right?" He asks looking me over. I think to myself what would give him the impression that I'm not all right. I run my hand over my face to make sure I haven't been caught crying, I was relieved to find no signs of tears.

"I'm fine," I reassure the water tribe boy calmly.

"Then why come all the way out here?" He asks me, I had no time to answer a voice interrupting us.

"Sokka, what's going on?" His sister asks, and I could see her stepping out of the doorway. We were pretty far away, and since it was dark I don't think she recognizes me. At least not yet. I can't be sure of that once she comes closer. Which is exactly what she's doing. She comes down the stairs towards use.

"I'll go," I whisper to Sokka, and turn to get away before his sister recognizes me.

Sokka's POV

"Why'd you run out like that? Who was that person that you were just talking too?" Katara questions, looking around in hopes of spotting someone.

"It's nothing Katara, go back inside," I tell her walking in the direction that Zuko had headed.

"Were are you going?"

I don't answer and just keep going. "Was that the person that's been taking up all your time?"

I freeze and look at her, would it be kinda suspicious if I didn't answer? Wouldn't that be the same as saying yes? I couldn't come up with a lie so I nodded. My sister looks at me, her expression becoming sad. I didn't understand it, I would think she would tease me about it.

"You don't have to hide things from me, from us. I'd like to meet him," she says. I was surprised.

"Him! How'd! Wait! Are you calling me gay!" I say accusingly.

"He was a little bit taller than you Sokka, on top of that he had short hair."

"So just cause someone has short hair they're automatically a guy?"

"I haven't seen one girl in Ba Sing Se with short hair, Sokka. If you haven't noticed they all have long hair, even some of the guys have long hair," she points out sounding all smart.

"Your point?" I ask

My sister rolls her eyes, "Weren't you going to go catch up with him, Romeo?" She says sarcastically. I huff, and turn to once again head in the direction Zuko disappeared to. So my sister doesn't care if I'm gay, at least she didn't act like she cared.

"She'll care once she finds out who he is," I whisper to myself. I turn a couple of corners and soon find Zuko leaning against a wall. He seemed to be caching his breath. But I had a tinge of panic go through me as I saw him wince and rest his palm on his belly.

"Zuko!" I go up to him and he looks at me, all pain disappearing from his face. I open my mouth to ask if he's all right, but he answers me before the question comes out.

"I'm fine", he snaps a little, obviously annoyed with my fret.

I help him sit down, though he pushes me away mumbling under his breath something about being capable of sitting himself.

"So why'd you come to see me?"

"I was taking a walk, I just so happened to end up around your neighborhood," he says. "Have you found the Avatar's bison?" He asks, hiding his worry behind his mean look.

"No," I take a short pause, thinking about that one day I had spoken to Katara. Should I invite Zuko to travel with use? Would he say yes? Could I really expect him to want to come with use? "Zuko…I..I love you, and I'm sure that this was all supposed to happen. Us meeting in Ba Sing Se and shit, and I'm not usually the type to be talking about fate. But the weird stuff that's been happening to me, and falling for you. I know you know I'm gonna have to leave Ba Sing Se once we talk to the Earth king and find Appa. I still have to help Aang and I can't just leave my sister."

"I understand," Zuko tells me in a monotone voice.

"Yeah, I know you do but…I want you to come with us," I look at him hopeful, he's only stunned.

"I'm not sure Sokka," He tells me after a long pause.

"Please think about it. When I offered to take care of you and the baby, I meant it."

"It wouldn't be good for me to travel while I'm pregnant, and the Avatar—"

"You have plenty of time to think about it, ok? Who knows when we'll be done with all our business here or when we'll find Appa. During the mean time I'll do everything I can to convince you to come with me," I announce proudly, holding on tightly to the prince's hand. I plan on doing just that. I've never felt so strongly about anyone before. Zuko has this appeal about him that just draws me close, an almost mysterious air about him. That holds me to him, I want to know him even more, and I don't want to let him go. For once, I don't just want to leave love behind 'cause I have to help Aang master all the elements and shit. I want to build on what I have with Zuko. After all we've been through, after all those dreams, I can't just leave him.

A/N: Sorry for the late update a lot of stuff has been going on. I also had to look at some of the Avatar episodes to make sure my plot and stuff is going along with some parts of that anime, like I've planed. But this long chapter should make up for it.