Wednesday morning Sokka woke up to the best thing that could ever happen to a college student. An email that class was cancelled. His professor's car wouldn't start because of the cold weather so he was having them do some online lab that was due on Sunday instead of today. Sokka yawned as he pushed his phone away from him and burrowed deeper into his blankets. Time to sleep until lunchtime.
He finally woke up again around 12:30 just as he planned and rolled out of bed. He could hear the sound of people cooking in the kitchen and could smell something sizzling on the stove. Intrigued, he pulled the blanket off his bed, wrapped it around himself, shuffling out into the hall. Aang and Katara were in the kitchen, Katara hovering over a pot and Aang huddled at the table with a mug in his hand talking about something glumly. "I know he wasn't my puppy but I still wish I could have said goodbye."
"What's going on?" Sokka asked, shuffling into the kitchen. "Why the long face Aang?"
Aang sighed and looked down into his cup. "Appa got adopted."
"Ohh right. And Appa would be….?"
"The puppy! From my work! He's so fluffy and I loved him so much and now he's gone." Aang looked like he was on the verge of tears.
"There will be more puppies!" Katara said, trying to comfort him.
"Not like this one. He was special."
Just then a light tap came at their door and they looked around, confused. "Crap!" Sokka exclaimed suddenly, throwing off his blanket. "I forgot Zuko was dropping by to pick up a book for our project."
The tap came again this time accompanied by a voice. "Hello? Is anyone there?"
Sokka rushed forward to open the door, and in his haste he forgot about his current attire. "Zuko!" He said, throwing open the door with a cheerful exclamation.
Zuko raised his eyebrows and looked him up and down, then flushed. "You're not wearing clothes." He stated.
"Oh…..uhhh…." Sokka was indeed wearing only boxers. Boxers with seals wearing santa hats at that. "I just woke up." He confessed, going to retrieve his blanket cape.
Zuko stepped inside as Sokka closed the door behind him. "I should have guessed."
"I have the book in my room, I'll just go get it!" He said as he rushed back to the hall.
He could hear Aang immediately begin to tell Zuko all about his sadness about the adopted puppy, and as he stepped into his room he heard Zuko's awkward response. "uhhh...Thats rough buddy."
Sokka laughed to himself and went to go find the book along with a set of clothes. What an awkward dork. As he fished through his pile of library books, his phone began to ring and he paused and looked at the caller ID.
Call from: DAD!
Sokka grabbed his phone and answered as he made his way back to the living room. "Hey Dad!"
"Hey son! I was just calling to ask what day you and the others were planning on heading home for christmas."
"Ummm I'll ask Katara one second." He had made it back to where the others were and handed the book to Zuko. "Katara what day are we flying home for christmas?"
She turned to look at him. "Umm I don't remember. It's the day after the semester ends, what day is that?"
Sokka shrugged and looked at Aang who also shrugged. "December 20th." Zuko interjected.
Sokka turned around and smiled at him. "Thanks Zuko! So I guess that means we're coming back December 21st!"
"Is that the Zuko I heard so much about over Thanksgiving break?" His dad asked, an intrigued tone to his voice.
"No dad, it's the other Zuko. Such a popular name." Sokka rolled his eyes and Zuko raised his eyebrows inquisitively.
"You know Sokka, your cousin isn't flying back with you this year and we already bought her a ticket, if there was….someone you wanted to bring you could give them the extra one."
"Dad. I'm going to hang up on you now." Sokka said, trying to fight his blush. He already had one old man trying to wingman him to Zuko; he didn't need another.
Hakkoda chuckled on the other line. "Alright, well, I'm just saying!"
"Byeeee dad."
"Okay bye son" He said, hanging up.
"Why were you talking about me to your dad?" Zuko asked.
"Uhh...you know just talking about school work and stuff." Sokka lied. "Don't you need to get back to the cafe for your shift soon?" He asked, checking the time.
"Oh right. Well thanks for the book. I'll bring it back this weekend." He gave one last awkward glance around then attempted a small smile and wave before dashing out the door.
"So are you going to use the extra ticket to bring Zuko with us to Alaska?" Katara asked, smiling and setting out a few plates.
Sokka glared at her. "I'm sure he has his own plans, plus he's not one for cold weather."
"Oh you should Sokka! It would be so much fun to have Zuko there!" Aang chirped.
Sokka just continued to glare at them and grabbed a plate. "Have I ever told you guys you're annoying?"
"Face it snoozles I will always beat you at mario kart."
It was 6pm later that day and Sokka had abandoned his homework and was now playing Nintendo switch games with Toph. He groaned and flopped back dramatically after another defeat. "I don't understand how you're so good at this game. You can't even see the screen!"
"You don't need eyes to see." She said laughing and tapping her headset which narrated the game for her.
"I hate you." He groaned, standing up. "Do you want anything from the kitchen?" He asked.
"Twizzlers!"
"Can you get me an orange Sokka?" Katara asked.
The gang was all gathered around in the living room. Toph and Sokka were the only ones playing as Suki was just watching and Katara and Aang were both working on homework. "Sure!" Sokka yelled back.
He spent about 15 minutes in the kitchen, getting snacks and warming up a hot pocket for himself. "Your phone started buzzing like crazy when you left." Suki said as he returned.
"Why? Also why didn't you just tell me then?" He gave her a confused look as he swooped down to check his phone.
9 missed calls from: Zuko - History Partner.
Fuck. Quickly he hit call back and walked a few paces away. Zuko picked up after a few rings and Sokka could tell he was breathing heavily. "Hey dude! Whats up?"
"I need your help." He panted.
"Why what's wrong? Are you okay?" Sokka began to get concerned, Zuko sounded very unlike himself.
"Yeah, fine. Just come here quickly, and alone. The cafe is closed tonight so use the ow!- side door. The code is fuck stop it!-" Zuko's words were interjected with clashing sounds and his sharp hiss. "Ah the code is 63501"
"Okay...are you sure you're okay?" Sokka was very worried now.
"Yes!" He snapped. "Just get here as fast as possible and- oh fuck I have to go." A loud clanging noise came from the other line followed by the buzz of an empty phone line as Zuko clicked his phone off.
"Was that sparky?" Toph asked as he moved back to the living room.
"Yeah he needs my help with something but was being very vague about it." Sokka said, furrowing his brow as he pulled on his coat and shoes.
The gang all gave him a confused look. "Is he okay?" Katara asked.
"I think so! I'll see you guys later." He said, and with that he rushed out the door, wanting to avoid any further questions and also so he could get to Zuko faster.
Sokka made it in almost record time to the Jasmine Dragon and made his way to the side of the building. All the lights were off downstairs and he assumed Iroh must have just closed. It took him a second to find the small pin pad on the side of the door in the dark, but once he got it he managed to punch in the numbers with frozen fingers and the green light buzzed on. He pulled open the industrial door and was met with a long, narrow staircase leading directly to a shabby wooden door. That must go to the apartment. He thought to himself. The staircase looked a big like something from the opening scene of a murder show, especially when the heavy metal door below swung shut and he heard the locks click, sealing him in. Carefully, he climbed the death stairs and reached the landing at the stop and knocked. He heard a strange whining noise from inside and Zuko shouting something muffled. "What?" He called back.
"It's UNLOCKED." Zuko shouted louder.
Cautiously, he turned the knob and opened the door. He had only a moment to look around what appeared to be the apartment in a heavy state of disarray and then a small cream and brown ball of fur tackled him and his legs was accosted with a wet tongue. "What the-mhdha" Sokka had knelt down to push the dog off but gotten a facefull of tongue instead.
"Appa no!" Zuko shouted, pulling the dog off Zuko.
Sokka sat back and leaned across the door he had luckily just closed. When the dog was off him, he had more time to take in his surroundings and the thoroughly disheveled boy in front of him. Zuko was sitting, wrestling with the over excited puppy. His black hair was pulled into a messy half up bun but the majority of hair had escaped and was now flying wildly around his face. His clothes, black as usual, were covered in white fur and what looked like drool stains and his jeans had a giant tear in the knee. The rest of the apartment wasn't much better. Chairs overturned, random items flung across the floor, and rugs upturned it looked like a hurricane had swept through.
Sokka laughed and got to his feet. "Did you get a dog…..?"
"Its for the stupid secret santa." He grunted, now trying to push the dog, who was aggressively trying to lick him, away from his face. "Aang wouldn't shut up about this stupid fluff ball every single morning he came into the cafe, so I went to check it out when I drew his name and the adoption fee was only 20 dollars so I thought….Get OFF ME!" He hissed, pushing Appa back again.
"He seems to like you." Sokka smiled.
"I know, he won't stop trying to lick me! I thought he would be all calm and mellow because when I first saw him at the humane society he was all dopey and wouldn't even move, but then they brought him out and he freaked out and jumped all over me." The puppy had now given up on licking him and was running circles around him and yipping. "What does it want!?" Zuko cried.
"Is this what you called me about?"
"Yes. I figured I couldn't call Aang and...I don't know for some reason you were the first person who came to mind. Now will you help me dammit?" Zuko said aggressively.
"I don't really know much about dogs...but I can try!" Sokka laughed and knelt down. "Here boy" He called.
Appa immediately came running and slobbering towards Sokka. "Woah!" He laughed as the puppy began nipping and pulling on his clothes. "I think he wants a toy, do you have any dog toys?" Sokka asked, playing with the puppy.
Zuko glared at him and crossed his arms. He had stood up from his place on the floor. "Do I look like a dog person?"
Sokka chuckled lightly. "I guess not. You're more of a cat person. Or should I say duck person." He winked.
Zuko blushed and turned away. "I hate you." He disappeared into his room and a few seconds later he returned holding a t- shirt in his hands.
He tossed the shirt in Sokka's direction and the other caught it mid air. "Here. It can tug on this."
Sokka unfolded the shirt. It was a bright red t-shirt with the words Ember Academy splashed across it in ornate gold lettering. "Woah," Sokka said, staring at the shirt. "Who'd you steal this from?"
Zuko looked up haphazardly from where he was picking up discarded items and furniture a few feet away. "Hmm? What do you mean? It's just an old high school t-shirt."
Sokka gaped at him. "You mean you went to Ember Academy? Isn't that like...a rich person school?"
Zuko looked up now with a more scrutinizing look. "More like a place to pump out corporate drones with no moral backbone." He spat out, words full of bitterness.
Sokka recoiled slightly. "Oh...that makes sense" He laughed uncertaintly. "Well Appa seems to like it!" The puppy had immediately grabbed the t-shirt and started tugging and play growling. "Alright, now you've got things under control, I have an essay to finish." Sokka stood up and held the t-shirt out to Zuko.
"What?!" He spluttered, staring at Sokka. "You can't leave me here with that….that thing!"
"He's just a little puppy!"
"He's a monster! He'll destroy the apartment before my uncle gets home and he won't stop LICKING ME!" He shouted as the dog had moved back over to Zuko and began to lap his ankles and wag his tail.
"He just loves you!"
"Well I don't want it to love me."
Sokka rolled his eyes. "Zuko, ever the prickly pear."
This sentence earned him a rather strong glare from the other. "You would be too if you've had this beast nipping at your heels all day!"
Sokka just chuckled again and went to collect his bag. "Sorry buddy, I gotta finish my paper!"
"Please Sokka." Zuko begged.
Sokka turned and looked at the other boy. His amber eyes were wide and his face looked genuinely pleading. "I'll...i'll cook you dinner!" He said, a hint of desperation in his voice.
Sokka pretended to weigh his options. "And...and I'll buy you a muffin next time you're here!"
"Hmmm...okay deal!" Sokka said, beaming. "Come here puppy!"
Zuko, finally free of Appa's infatuation, moved to the kitchen and began pulling food out to start dinner. "I don't understand why he likes me so much." He said, shaking his head.
"Because you set him free!" Sokka laughed, twirling the t-shirt in circles and watching the fluffball jump around. "Aang is going to be so excited when he sees this critter."
Zuko grumbled something under his breath that sounded like "He better be" or something. "What are you making?" Sokka asked, sitting back on his heels to observe the other.
Zuko was now chopping vegetables, facing away from Sokka. The sight of a domestic Zuko, a zuko that was making him dinner, was a sight he could get used to. He thought to himself as he continued to watch him cook. "Dumplings." Zuko replied casually.
The rest of the night moved on, and Sokka somehow managed to thoroughly wear out Appa. By around 9 o'clock, they had finished their dinner and washed the dishes and were sitting on Zuko's couch. "Do you want to watch a movie?" Zuko said after a few moments.
Sokka checked his phone to see the time. His assignment was due at midnight, but by now it was already going to be late. Whats a few more hours. He thought to himself. "Sure! What do you have."
Zuko got up and reached for a pile of DVD's. "We don't really have a lot of streaming services, but we have these."
Sokka scooted closer to see the titles he had in his hand. Half were in Japanese and the other half were things Sokka had never even heard of. "Ecentric collection." He joked.
"They're mostly uncles." Zuko shrugged. "How about this one?" He pulled one from the stack and held it up.
"Seven Samurai? I think that actually sounds familiar."
"Yeah it was in one of our lectures. One you slept through." Zuko said, rolling his eyes slightly.
"Its not my fault the damn class is at 8am!"
Zuko gave him a full eye roll this time and moved off the couch to put the DVD in. After tinkering with the TV for a few moments, he returned to the end of the couch, too far away for Sokka's taste. The movie began to play and Sokka began to get pretty into it. After about 30 minutes of silence, Zuko's voice came floating over the movie. "Are you cold?"
Sokka turned to look at him. "Yeah a little actually, it's like -40 in here jesus." He was also just wearing a t- shirt whereas Zuko had on a hoodie.
"Our heat is slightly broken. Here's a blanket." He tossed a throw that was sitting on the back of the couch towards Sokka and they continued watching the movie in silence.
"Well now I feel bad because you look cold." Sokka laughed after a few more minutes.
Zuko had begun shivering slightly on the end of the couch. "I'm fine."
Sokka frowned at him. "Are you sure? There's room for twooooo." He held open the blanket enticingly. "All warm and...blankety?"
"I'm fine."
"Come on! Now I'm just starting to think this blanket is somehow inferior and you gave it to me as a punishment for something." Sokka pouted.
"If I share the blanket will you leave me alone?" Zuko hissed, trying to fight the amused smile creeping onto his face.
Sokka nodded and patted the space next to him. Zuko rolled his eyes and slid over, allowing Sokka to drape the blanket over the both of them. As he did so, Appa suddenly appeared at his feet, whining. "Aww can't forget about you buddy!" Sokka said, leaning down and picking him up, bringing him to the couch.
"Does it have to sit with us?" Zuko said disgustedly as Appa bounced over to his lap and curled up.
Sokka just rolled his eyes and put his arms on the back of the coach, feet on the otomon in front of him. "You'll grow to love him I'm sure."
"I doubt it." Zuko said glumly.
But Sokka could see out of the corner of his eye a small smile on his mouth as he gave the puppy a small scratch behind the ear. The movie carried on for an hour and a half. The full thing was over 3 hours long, and by the time they were even close to being done, Sokka heard a small snore from beside him. He felt soft hair brush his cheek, and suddenly a weight descended upon his shoulder. He turned his head to see Zuko, asleep and nestled into his side. He smiled and reached over to brush the hair from his eyes. Appa was snoozing on top of him and the two looked adorable together. "Sokka?" His voice suddenly came, very small and very sleepy.
"Yeah?" Sokka whispered back.
"'M cold" He muttered, eyes fighting to open.
"I can get another blanket," Sokka said, starting to get up.
"No." Zuko whispered, his hand suddenly moving to Sokka's thigh, preventing him from standing.
Unconsciously, he turned and snuggled closer into Sokka's side. Sokka fought back a grin and hoped he couldn't hear his heart beating a million miles an hour. Carefully, so as not to wake him, he slipped his arm around the other's shoulders and pulled him closer. His other arm slid slightly around Zuko's waist and his face pressed into the top of Zuko's head. "Warmer?" He whispered.
Zuko didn't answer, he just let out a sleepy snore against Sokka's chest, followed by a very similar snore from Appa. Sokka chuckled and rested his head against the other boy. His eyes were getting sleepy now too, and with Zuko's body heat the room had become quite comfortable. Slowly, he drifted off, still wrapped up with the other boy.
About an hour after the boys and Appa drifted off, the door jingled open and Iroh entered, back from a late night of playing Pai Sho at the White Lotus. He quickly slid off his shoes and closed the door carefully when he saw the mass that was his nephew and his nephew's friend curled up on the couch. He walked quietly over to them and smiled, looking down. Some point during their sleep Sokka had slid down into a more horizontal position and he had brought Zuko with him. He was now laying on his back, Zuko on top of him with his head resting against his chest. Sokka's arms were still wrapped around him and Zuko's hands were bundled up in his shirt. Appa had managed to squeeze against the back of the couch next to Zuko and had his head nestled in Zuko's hair, snoozing away. Iroh chuckled and reached for the blanket that had slipped to the floor. Carefully he draped it back over the sleeping boys and made his way to his room.