I have grown quite fond of SoZu now and wanted to add to the pairing. Aww.
Avatar is © Mike and Bryan, though really Nick/Viacom.


"I blame the empty-headed one."

Sokka moaned and dropped his head as a reply. His comments weren't nearly as witty as the prince's. He was beaten; he hated second place. He hated losing and that's what was happening to him.

"Will you two just stop? We'll be landing soon," Katara promised, taking her role as motherly figure.


The make-shift raft hadn't lasted very long. Aang had saved the prince once, so why not again? Aang was naturally drawn to helping people, as it was his duty in life. Sokka didn't understand nor did he have a mold to form to as his companions did.

Iroh seemed appreciative of the help and had come to terms with their truce in the war. Now neither he nor his nephew would be welcomed in the fire nation after they had attacked the Commander. He'd apparently done a lot of thinking and welcomed this situation. Zuko only considered it a stalemate and was cautious. Besides, Iroh thought flying looked fun.

Iroh looked at life as one large adventure and took everything in stride. His nephew lived in the moment, seemingly fearless.

"You owe us twice now," Sokka mumbled as the two climbed onto Appa.

"What was that peasant?" Zuko glared in contempt.

Sokka waved it off steadily, grinning to himself. "Just that Aang has saved your sorry ass twice so you owe us two times over."

Zuko leaped at him with a fisted hand, hitting Sokka square in the jaw. Sokka yelped in pain and latched onto his own chin.

"I think you broke something!" He slurred.

The two adults separated the children.

"Prince Zuko, we are guests here," Iroh scolded.

Katara scowled at her brother and dragged him behind her, away from the prince. She studied Sokka's face and declared him undamaged. Sokka wanted revenge, but he'd learned from his first mistake; do not talk back. He kept his mouth shoot. It hurt to talk anyway.

Zuko shook his reddened fist, visibly more damaged than his opponent. He was still angry, still wanted something to take his rage out on. He'd selected a new target for his emotions, considering the other two weren't available anymore.

"We're taking off now," Aang smiled at the group shyly.

Iroh smiled in return and rubbed his hands together hungrily. He sent a look of concern in the prince's direction, but predicted a temporary peace.

"Yip Yip!" Aang cried as the giant beast took off, lifting into the air faster than any ship could float. Iroh laughed and the peace-keepers couldn't help but grin. Zuko's stomach lurched. This was new; this was a change from the ordinary. He hated it. He feared it.