68. SUNSET

Azula leaned up against a palm tree, watching the glistening waves crash against the dark sand. The sky was a mix of orange and yellow, the sun low, barely sitting above the horizon. Azula sighed, running her fingers through her hair, trying to tame the wild beast as the wind continued to tease it.

She was absolutely exhausted from spending nearly the entire day on the beaches of Ember Island with Sokka. Now, they had made their way to one of the more secluded spots on the island, giving them some private time. Not that they were taking advantage of that at the moment. Azula wasn't even sure where Sokka was at the moment. He had disappeared a few minutes ago, without an explanation. Azula didn't think it was anything to worry about though, so she stood her ground by the tree and enjoyed the glowing warmth of what was left of the sunlight.

Sokka and Azula had been friends for quite some time now and the two were usually inseparable. To anyone on the outside, it was obvious that they cared for each other deeply. He was just about the only person who Azula trusted. They appeared a bit like siblings, though everyone on the inside saw it a little differently. In truth, their relationship was probably closer to being romantic than sibling-like. It was a complete secret, but Azula believed the term for her relationship with Sokka was "friends with benefits."

"Hey, 'Zula," Sokka said, some distance away from her. She cocked her head to the side, glancing in the direction of his voice. Immediately, Azula's eyes went slightly wide and her mouth hung agape. Sokka stood there, his hands on his hips in a superhero pose. He was also completely in the nude.

"What are you doing?" She asked him skeptically as he started to walk closer to her.

"Why else would I be naked?" He answered, his voice borderline seductive.

"We're going to get caught," Azula told him, he shrugged, pulling her away from the palm tree and into his arms, her back against his bare chest.

"I thought you said this was one of the most private parts of the island?" He questioned, grinning.

"It is."

"Then what are you worried about?" Sokka whispered, tightening his hold on her. He kissed her temple, then her cheek. She tilted her head towards him, putting her face at the perfect angle for him to kiss her lips, which he did. He slowly lowered his lips to hers and kissed her with gentle passion. She kissed him in return, her hands moving across the muscles of his arms. Azula licked at his bottom lip a little. He parted his lips and let her enter, his tongue meeting hers. Sokka strengthened the intensity of the kiss a bit, one of his hands reaching across her body and cupping her breast. He kneaded it a few times before his hand moved up a little, tugging at the strap of her dress. He pulled it down on her arm a little, nearly exposing her.

Without warning, Azula broke the kiss. Both were breathing heavily, both had unexplainable expressions on their faces.

"Did I do something wrong?" Sokka asked, kissing her cheek again.

"No..." Azula trailed off, her eyes focused forward at the magnificent display of colors before them. She looked confused, conflicted. Sokka ran his fingers through her hair as a comforting gesture.

"What's wrong then?" He murmured. For what seemed like eons, the only response to his inquiry was her silence.

"Sokka," She started with a sigh. She looked back at him, almost paralyzed by the concerned look on his face. She tore her gaze away and looked back at the sky.

"What?" He cupped her cheek, caressing it, hoping to get an answer out of her.

"I think...I think I'm in love with you."

Okay. Are you guys dead from the diabeetus YET!?!?!

Inspired by this pic~ http : // waterbender196 . deviantart . com / art / I-think-I-m-in-love-with-you- 107259779 GO CHECK IT OUT.