I don't own Avatar. Thanks for reading, reviewing, and a special thanks to my awesome BETA reader. Sorry about the cliff hanger, it was just too good an opportunity to waste.

Important notes

I will be doing Christmas/Winter break, but it probably won't be out until like March.

There will be character death in this story (I think there's some in this chapter) and don't go thinking, 'oh D.C won't kill Sokka or Zuko, they're the main characters.' Well I got news for you, there are TWO main characters. If one dies then I still have another to carry the story.

…

Zhao blew the whistle and the game began. Sokka watched his team scatter, but his mind was focused on Zuko. Something was obviously wrong with the boy, but Sokka wasn't sure what to do. Zuko was too stubborn to ever admit weakness even if it was something as little as a cold. Sokka decided he would just keep on eye on the pale boy, but if something happened and he was needed, he would act.

A few minutes into the game, Sokka had take a breather, Jet was constantly passing him the ball. Sokka really didn't mind though, he was pretty good at soccer. The only thing wrong was that while he had to focus on passing the ball, he couldn't keep an eye on Zuko.

Sokka glanced over to said boy, he had been standing in place for the entire game. Sokka was thankful for that. at least Zuko hadn't been pushing himself. Then Sokka heard Zhao's booming voice order something, but he couldn't make out the words. After a few seconds Sokka watched as Zuko moved from the side lines closer into the field. Sokka felt his stomach drop, but before he could do anything Jet had passed him the ball again.

In only a short while, Jet had the ball again , only this time he didn't pass it right away. Jet seemed to be playing with it, waiting for something. Sokka noticed that Jet had his eyes locked on one spot. Curiously, Sokka looked to see what Jet was staring at. Zuko. Briefly, Sokka wondered what Jet could want. Once he saw the smirk growing on Jet's lips, Sokka's eyes widened and he felt his heart quicken.

Jet pulled back his foot and kicked the ball so hard it became air born. Sokka quickly turned to the unsuspecting boy and called his name in warning. Zuko turned his attention to the direction of Sokka's voice, but it was too late and the ball hit him in the chest.

For Sokka everything seemed to slow down as he watched Zuko fall to the ground. He could hear Jet cracking up and a few other students giggling, but he tried to ignore them. Sokka anxiously watched the still body, feeling his panic grow with every second. "Come on, get up!" Sokka whispered to himself, urging Zuko to move.

It must have been a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity to Sokka as he waited for any movement. When none came and Sokka couldn't stand it anymore, he rushed over to Zuko, ignoring the odd looks he was probably getting. Sokka knelled down by Zuko to see if he was okay.

Zuko's usually pale skin was now flushed and covered in sweat. He was also breathing in short labored breaths. Sokka stared at the boy in panic before immediately looking for the teacher, "Call for an ambulance!" Sokka shouted.

Once the words were out of Sokka's mouth the students stopped laughing and tension filled the air. Zhao dashed for the phone in his office, probably to inform the main office of what had happened. Sokka was about to shout again when someone appeared by his side. It was a girl with green eyes and brown hair that was pulled into a pony tail. Sokka was pretty sure her name was Jin.

She had her cell phone out and placed to her ear. "Hello, this is a student from ATLA. A student collapsed after being hit with a soccer ball and needs an ambulance," she said into the phone.

Sokka was a bit surprised about how fast that happened, but decided not to care. He was much too focused on Zuko; Sokka barely even heard Jin when she asked, "Does he have a fever?"

Sokka touched his hand to Zuko's forehead, and the seconded he did, he had to pull away. Sokka hissed in pain, but did his best at nodding. It felt like he had just touched the inside of a hot oven. He quickly became more panicked. No human being should be that hot unless they were set on fire.

"They're on there way," Jin announced to Sokka, but continued to hold the cell phone to her ear.

"Thanks..." Sokka whispered to her, unable to think of anything else to say. Jin just smiled and nodded in response. The two students stayed by Zuko's side while most of the other students were too shocked to even move, although a few began to gather around, curiously watching.

It wasn't long until the ambulance arrived with paramedics rushing about left and right. Before Sokka knew it, Zuko was lifted onto a stretcher and pushed into the vehicle. Of course, Sokka had anxiously followed and wanted to join his friend. "I'm going with you," Sokka stated more then asked.

The paramedic looked as if he was about to argue, but was cut off when the driver called for him to hurry up. Reluctantly, the man agreed, "Fine, but don't touch anything."

Sokka nodded eagerly before jumping into the back of the ambulance with one of the medics and Zuko. Once Sokka was in the ambulance a thought popped into his head. Sokka turned to the crowd of students that formed and spotted Jet. "Tell Katara I'll meet her at home," Sokka said. He was relived when Jet smiled and gave him a thumbs up. Not a second later, the doors closed and the car lurched forward to the hospital.

Sokka's thoughts were cut off by the fast talking of the medic next to him. The man seemed to be talking a mile a minute into a walkie-talkie and occasionally to the driver. Then Sokka looked towards Zuko, he had an air mask strapped to his face and wires connecting to machines. Sokka wasn't sure what they were suppose to be doing, but as long as the machines didn't cause any harm it was okay.

As Sokka stared at Zuko, something compelled him to do something he had never thought he would do with another guy. Slowly Sokka took the other boy's hand into his own, ignoring the ridicules heat. Sokka began to stroke the back of Zuko's hand with his thumb, hoping that some part of the boy could feel it.

…

The rest of the ride was a complete blur for Sokka. He only noticed they had arrived at the hospital once he was seated in the waiting room. Sokka looked at the clock, wondering how long he had been there. The clock told him that it had been only a few minutes, but it seemed like an eternity. He hadn't gotten a single word from the doctors or nurses. Sokka felt like he was sitting on pins and needles hoping, needing the boy to be okay.

As Sokka stared at the sanitized white floor an over whelming feeling of deja vu suddenly washed over him. The situation seemed so similar, sitting in the waiting room of a hospital, and waiting to hear the smallest amount of news to see if someone was okay. The sudden memory of Yue popped into his head.

…

Sokka was walking hand in hand with Yue, his girlfriend. He had had a crush on her from the moment he first saw her, about five months ago. He had been so shy, but after so many awkwardly failed conversations, she took pity on him and just asked him out herself.

When Yue had asked him, Sokka was on cloud nine, but now that they were on the date it seemed weird. Yue had been quiet the entire time. Not even Sokka's best jokes could bring her out of her gloomy mood. After a few more painful blocks, Sokka couldn't take the silence anymore.

"What's wrong?" Sokka asked, concerned. Yue turned to him, sadness in her eyes.

"Sokka...there's something I think I should tell you..." she whispered. The two stopped walking and Yue turned to face Sokka. She parted her lips to speak, but instead of forming words, she began to cough. At first it was little and seemed like nothing, but then her shoulders began to shake violently with each cough. Sokka stared at her unsure of what to do, before he began rubbing her back.

The coughing fit subsided and Sokka was relieved that she seemed okay. That was until she looked up at him. Yue's beautiful soft lips were covered in blood. Something in Sokka told him that whatever Yue wanted to tell him was related to the blood staining her skin.

"Sokka..." was all Yue managed to utter until her eyes fluttered shut and her body went limp. Sokka pulled her close to keep her from falling to the ground

"Yue? Yue!" Sokka shouted and shook her lightly, hoping she would wake, but she stayed silent. "Don't worry Yue, I'll take care of you," Sokka whispered quickly, pulling the girl into his arms bridle style and carrying her to the closest hospital.

Once they arrived, Yue was quickly pulled from his arms and into an emergency room. Sokka tried desperately to follow her, but a nurse moved him into a chair and ordered him to wait.

While Sokka waited for the news he pulled out his phone and called Yue's dad. The moment Sokka told him Yue had passed out he became panicked. Then he began to yell in anger at Sokka. Sokka didn't blame him, he felt so useless.

After the call had ended Sokka dialed his sister. He desperately needed someone with him right now. Katara had become friends with Yue and would probably want to know what happened. Katara sounded frantic while on the phone, probably just as scared as Sokka was. Katara said she would be there soon before hanging up.

It had been only a few minutes until Katara arrived. She looked a mess and had tears staining her cheeks. Gran-Gran was right behind Katara. She also looked worried, but was more composed then the two young teens.

They waited silently, Katara and Sokka sat right by each other. She gave his hand a comforting squeeze. Sokka almost jumped when he heard a doctor calling for him. He was about to get up, but was quickly seated again as the doctor knelt in front of him so that they were at eye level. Then, ever so softly he told Sokka that there was nothing they could do and that Yue had died.

Sokka stared at the man like he had grown seven heads. He heard Katara begin to sob. His grandmother placed her hand comfortingly on Sokka's shoulder. This however, didn't help Sokka. His entire world had shattered.

…

No, this couldn't be happening. Not again. Sokka covered his face with his hands and hunched over so he was staring at the floor. He growled in frustration at the doctors for being so slow. Sokka tried to keep calm, but he could already feel tears in his eyes.

Sokka ran a hand through his hair before a voice broke him out of his stupor. It was a nurse with a weary smile approaching him. Sokka immediately shot up from his seat and ran over to her. She seemed a bit taken aback by this, but just continued smiling, before asking, "You're...Sokka, is it? You came in with Zuko?"

Sokka nodded eagerly at her. "Yes, is he okay?"

"Not to worry, he's fine. He's probably still asleep, but if you wanted to see him you can."

"Yes, I'd love to!" Sokka said, about ready to jump up and down. The nurse nodded and turned, leading Sokka to Zuko's room.

Sokka let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. It wasn't great seeing his friend in such a state, but at least he was alive. Sokka walked closer to Zuko before curiosity struck him. "What exactly was wrong with him?"

The nurse's wide smile flattened before answering, "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you. My Hypocratic Oath prevents me from telling anything about my patients."

"What?"

"I'm sorry, but I can only tell relatives and other family members," the nurse said apologetically.

"Please! I'm really worried about him," Sokka begged.

"I can't do anything, my hands are tied," The nurse said sympatheticly.

"He's my friend, please," Sokka pleaded again. This time the nurse's expression turned into one of thought. She bit her lip before hesitantly looking towards the door. The nurse then closed the door before turning again to Sokka.

"Okay, but this does not leave this room! I can really get in some deep trouble for this, kid. Your friend here had a really bad infection. It seems like he got a bad injury and didn't get it treated. He also must have been running a fever from the infection because when I took his temperature, it was one hundred and four degrees Fahrenheit."

At that, Sokka's jaw dropped. How could someone get so sick without dying, not that he was complaining, but how?. "He'll be okay though, right?"

The nurse nodded. "We cleaned his cuts so he should get better. However he will have to stay here until the infection and fever go away." The nurse smiled once again, but her expression changed as she continued, "However, I am a bit worried of how he got the cuts. You haven't been noticing him acting...strangely, did you?"

Sokka stared at the woman in confusion, asking, "Cuts? As in more then one?"

"Nevermind," The nurse said, deciding he probably didn't know anything. "Anyway, I'll swing by later to tell you when visiting hours are done." the nurse said, slipping out of the door.

Once she was gone, Sokka turned his attention to Zuko. He walked over to the bed and sat down. Sokka noticed that Zuko was now in a hospital gown. The doctor probably needed everything to be sterilize.

Sokka almost jumped when Zuko suddenly stirred in his sleep. Sokka hoped that he would wake up, but all Zuko did was turn his head. Sokka couldn't help but stare at the boy's soft expression. Usually, Zuko's face was scrunched up in an annoyed expression, it was good to see him look completely at peace for once.

As Sokka's eyes wondered over the boy's face, he noticed something different. Even though it wasn't much, Sokka quickly realized what it was. It was Zuko's bandana. He always wore a bandanna over the left side of his face, but now that the doctors had removed it, Sokka could see a sliver of pinkish skin under Zuko's bangs.

Sokka had always wondered what it was that Zuko hid, but had never wanted to ask. He always assumed whatever it was ,Zuko must not have wanted anyone to find out. Now that Sokka was alone and Zuko was asleep, the chance seemed perfect. Zuko would never have to know and Sokka could stop wondering about it.

Sokka hesitantly reached out a hand and brushed away Zuko's feathery hair. Sokka was speechless as he stared in awe at the large scar.

It was a dark pink, almost red, and covered most of Zuko's face including his eye. Sokka couldn't imagine what had caused such a horrible burn. In an almost trance Sokka began to touch the rough skin. That was when a sudden thought dawned on him: Sokka remembered what the nurse had said about Zuko's injuries.

Sokka's hand moved from Zuko's cheek and traveled down his neck and collar bone. Sokka paused at Zuko's chest. When he moved the fabric Sokka could feel something. It was barely noticeable, but it was still there.

Sokka moved his hand under the fabric only pausing briefly to look back up at Zuko's face to make sure he was still asleep. Once Sokka was sure Zuko wasn't going to jolt awake and catch him practically feeling him up, he continued.

From what little restriction the gown allowed Sokka could see white bandages. Gauze was practically all over Zuko's chest and abdomen like some half-assed mummy costume. Sokka looked over the boy, worried about what caused such damage.

Sokka wanted to look over Zuko and see the full extent of the damage, but he didn't dare. Someone could walk in at any moment and the last thing Sokka wanted was to be kicked out of a hospital for stripping a patient.

Instead Sokka moved one hand back to his lap while the other drifted down Zuko's arm and gripped his hand. Sokka noticed there were bandages wrapped around Zuko's wrist as well. How could he have not noticed that?

Sokka mentally kicked himself not noticing that anything was going on. What kind of friend was he if he didn't even know Zuko was getting hurt? A loud clang made Sokka jump out of his seat, almost knocking it over.

"Zuko!" an old man cried out in worry. The man was short and a bit on the pudgy side. He had gray hair down to his shoulders, but most of it had receded from his forehead. He also had a gray beard and gold eyes like Zuko's.

The man was quickly at the other side of the bad, seemingly oblivious to Sokka's presence. After staring down at Zuko in awe, the old man turned his attention to Sokka. "What happened?" he asked.

"Uh, we were playing soccer in gym and he got hit with the ball. After that, he collapsed and just didn't get up," Sokka explained.

The man nodded in understanding, but the look of worry refused to leave his face. After a few seconds, the man turned to Sokka and spoke, "My name is Iroh; I'm Zuko's Uncle. Thank you for helping my nephew."

"I'm Sokka and you shouldn't be thanking me, I didn't do much," Sokka spoke with bitterness.

Iroh shook his head in disagreement. "Sometimes the best thing we can do is to just be there in case someone needs our help," he said slowly.

Sokka nodded at the comforting words, hoping they were true and that he wasn't as useless as he felt. Iroh took a seat opposite of Sokka before speaking again, "Perhaps you should go home. It is getting late and I am sure your guardians are very worried."

Sokka gave one last look at Zuko before nodding again and turning to leave. "Um, thanks. I'll come by tomorrow to see if Zuko's okay. I'm really sorry about what happened to him," Sokka said quietly and gave one last glance at the old man.

Iroh gave Sokka an understanding nod before saying his goodbyes.

Sokka made his way down the hall, his mind so wrapped up in what happened that he barely registered the familiar voice. "Sokka! Are you okay!" Katara asked.

Sokka blinked a few times before he really noticed Katara, Toph, Aang, and Suki standing in front of him. They each seemed to be wearing the same worried expression. "Wha...what are you doing here?" Sokka asked, confused.

"Jet said you left for the hospital in P.E. As soon as I heard, I came running," Katara said, frantically looking her brother over for any injuries. Sokka was about to ask what the others were doing here when Toph spoke.

"When we saw Katara so panicked, we asked what happened. She said you were at the hospital, so we all came to see if you were alright." Toph was apparently reading Sokka's mind.

Sokka nodded, He was starting to understand, but something was still bothering him. "Didn't Jet tell you that I'd meet you at home? I didn't want you to worry- and what are you doing?" Sokka cried when Katara began to lift up his shirt. Sokka quickly grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it back down, glaring at his sister.

"Well, Jet said you were at the hospital so I assumed that you got hurt, but you look fine," Katara stated, confused. "Why'd you worry my like that? I thought something really bad happened!" Katara huffed. Sokka could only stare at her. Had Jet not mentioned Zuko?

"If you're fine, then why are you here?" Suki asked politely.

"Jet didn't say anything other then me being here?" Sokka asked. Katara shook her head.

"I'm not the one who got hurt. Zuko seemed really sick and in gym he collapsed. I just brought him here."

"Zuko? You mean the guy Katara argued with?" Aang asked. Sokka nodded in conformation.

"Phew," Katara sighed in relief, "don't scare me like that. I was really worried." Katara scowled. Sokka muttered an apology even though it wasn't his fault.

"We should go, it's getting late." Suki said. The other teens agreed with this decision and deiced to leave.