Candrala: Obviously, I do not own Avatar or the ideas from Harry Potter tied to this story.

Chapter 3: Wash Away the Rain

It had taken a few weeks for Sokka to accept the idea of Zuko being a friend. The words they had shared in the clearing had shaken him. He didn't realize how lonely he really was, was so clearly written on his face.

Sokka was the last to arrive at dinner that night. Katara and Aang had comfortably settled into a conversation with Zuko, who was smiling and happily conversating back. Sokka took a deep breath, smoothed out his Water Tribe garb, and marched to his place at the table.

He gently cupped his hand on Zuko's shoulder, looking down at Zuko. "I was wondering if I could sit with you somewhere, so we can discuss something." Zuko's eyebrow arched slightly in mild curiousity and surprise. "Uh... sure."

Zuko pushed away from the table and followed Sokka to the back of the dining hall where fewer people were located. Aang blinked, watching the two, "Well... That was odd." Katara couldn't help but agree.

The table Sokka chose was empty, the staff not expecting anyone to sit there for it was small. Sokka nor Zuko minded though. Sokka was too nervous to eat and Zuko rarely ate.

Both boys sat quietly at first, awkwardness hanging thick in the air. Sokka layed his head on the table, looking to the side while Zuko rested his hands in his lap staring absently at the wood table.

After a few more moments of silence, Zuko cleared his throat, "Well...?"

Sokka turned his head, resting uncomfortably on his chin and staring at Zuko's chest. "You said... we're more alike than I think..."

Zuko crossed his arms, watching the other boy curiously. His tawny eyes glittered slightly in their curiousity. "Yes.. I did say that."

Sokka sat up slightly, resting his chin in his palm. "How... did you know?" Sokka looked at Zuko, curiousty laced with caution and pain in the boys ice-y eyes. "No one else notices, not even my own sister."

Zuko blew air out his mouth, his bangs waving gently out of his eyes. He leaned forward slighty, getting more comfortable. Sokka was trying to open up to him, meaning that he wanted to create some sort of relationship. Zuko was grateful for that.

"Well," Zuko mused silently to himself then continued, his voice gaining more certainty as he continued. "When you have been exposed to such conditions, it's not hard to see it in other people. I'm more curious as to why you know the feeling of being lost."

Sokka's gaze wavered, his attention briefly caught by the movement of students. He didn't want anyone to ruin this conversation. "My sister is a brilliant water bender, dating one of the promising benders ever seen in a long time. My father wants me to be a great warrior."

Zuko watched him, waiting for him to continue. When Sokka didn't, he prompted him. "Why would that make you feel lost?" he asked quietly, somehow already knowing the answer.

Sokka sat up now, looking straight at Zuko, his eyes brimming with the feelings he kept to himself. "Well, I'm not a promising bender. I'm not a promising warrior either. What does that leave for me? Not much of anything." He rested against the table lazily, a weight seeming to lift off of him.

Sokka was surprised how much he could actually open up to Zuko, even if he had just accepted the idea of them being friends.

Zuko rubbed his hand against his chin, contemplating. "I'm sure... there is plenty out there for you to accomplish. But you aren't going to find it here." He motioned around to signal he meant the school. "At the same time Sokka, you have so many people behind you, pushing you to your limits and to be the very best you can be." Zuko's eyes gleamed with envy.

Sokka curled in on himself a little, accpeting how selfish all of this seemed to sound. He knew, though, that Zuko understood. His eyes widened sightly when he felt Zuko's hand brush his hair in a sort of sentimental not that came out awkward, considering Zuko was hardly ever affectionate.

"It'll be okay," Zuko murmured quietly, pulling back quickly. "That's one things my uncle has been able to drill in my brain."

Sokka looked up at him, offering a genuine smile of thanks. Zuko smiled back. Maybe this friendship wouldn't be so horrible. Maybe Sokka and Zuko could figure things out, together, without being judged or questioned.

They both silently hoped so.

The next day classes were called off, it being the start of the weekend. Kids ran about the hallways of Ba Sing Se, calling out to their friends in hopes of making plans. The weather was sunny, probably the last summer-like day they would have before the leaves changed colors and a chill crept over the school. Everyone was going to take advantage of today.

Aang, Sokka, Katara and Zuko had decided to head to the clearing and practice their bending. Zuko planned on getting some sparring in, wanting to see just how grand of an air bender Aang was rumored to be.

"Aang, how about a little sparring?" Zuko called over his shoulder as they entered the clearing. Instead of answering, Aang bolted into the clearing and took his stance, waiting patiently for Zuko to catch up. Zuko chuckled, quickening his pace and then taking his starting stance.

Sokka plopped down into the grass, plucking a piece and chewing on the end of it. He stared up at the sky, before casually glancing back down to the mock battle taking place before him. Katara sat gracefully next to him, tucking her skirt under her legs. "You know," she started casually, "Zuko's not all that bad of a person."

"Hn," Sokka agreed, twirling the piece of grass in his tongue as he leaned back on his palms. "Not a bad bender either."

Katara nodded, looking from the spar to her brother. "I hope you can figure out who you are, Sokka. Something tells me Zuko's friendship will help you to do that. You're both strong people and equally stubborn." She paused at Sokka's glare. "Maybe he's just what all of us need."

Sokka rolled his eyes slightly, utterly confused by what Katara was trying to say. He didn't really care what she thought. She acted more like his mother than his sister, which is why he could never confide in things with her.

Katara sighed softly, unhappy to be ignored. A smile lit her face though when Aang was able to knock Zuko down with an unexpected sweep of his glider. "Great job, Aang!"

Zuko groaned, sitting up slightly from his awkward and painful position on the hard ground. "Alright, I forfeit." Aang rushed over to him, offering his hand. "I am so sorry, Zuko! I thought you had seen it coming!" Zuko took his hand, grateful for the help up.

Sokka plucked the piece of grass from between his lips, smirking, "Where was your mighty fire power when you needed it Zuko? You must be getting shabby hanging out with us."

Zuko glared at him playfully, aware that the boys main language was sarcasm. "I guess I got distracted." Sokka continued, "Oh and what from?" Zuko smiled, pointing to Katara, "Your beautiful sister, of course."

Sokka choked quietly on his spit, Katara blushed and murmured a quiet thank you, and Aang laughed, clasping Zuko on the shoulder. "Isn't she?" Aang asked excitedly, then danced over to Katara and plopped down next to her, murmuring quietly to her.

Sokka stood, strutting over to Zuko, resting his arm on the older boys shoudler and glancing around to make sure no one was listening. He looked up suspiciously at Zuko. "She's taken, ya know," Sokka stated, pointing towards Katara and Aang.

Zuko snorted, offended that Sokka took him as an idiot. "Obviously." Sokka backed away, raising his hands in defense. "Just warning you. You're not really her type anyway." Zuko chuckled gently, resting his hands on his hips. "Who's type am I then? Yours?"

Sokka felt his cheeks flare up, quickly willing it away. He threw his arms up, exclaiming loudly, "You fucking wish, buddy!" Zuko punched him gently in the arm, laughing. "Don't worry, I was only joking. You're not really my type."

Sokka blinked softly, curious as to what that meant as Zuko walked over to join Katara and Aang.