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

Chapter 6: Life Would Be A Party

Jet had made good on his threat, targeting Sokka every chance he got. Why he had interest in him, Sokka had no clue. He only knew it made him very uneasy and upset Zuko. He counted on Toph, a friend he had only recently made, for his protection.

Toph walked him to almost all of his classes and always waited for him after. She didn't mind though. It gave her something to do.

Sokka and Toph were making their way to the rocky hillside Boomie demanded he teach in, when they crossed paths with Jet and his gang. Smellerbee glared at Toph quietly, Toph sticking her tongue out in reaction to the glare she could feel radiating off of Smellerbee.

Jet smirked, circling Sokka and Toph like his prey. "Well, well... It seems we have to talk now, Sokka." Toph dug her feet into the ground, following Jet's vibrations. "He doesn't have to do anything, jackass."

Jet paused in his footing besides Toph. "You're really just a pest, aren't you, Earth bender?" His tone was hardly friendly. Toph was about to turn on Jet when Sokka's voice echoed in her ears.

"What do you want Jet?" Sokka's voice was steady, almost like he wasn't afraid. Toph could feel him shaking.

Jet smiled a wolfish grin, twirling the long piece of grass between his lips as he walked towards Sokka. He paused before him, leaning towards Sokka's face. He looked at him quietly, his grin only spreading. "Easy," he said arrogantly, "I want to watch your Fire friend burn up into little pieces."

Sokka was heavily surprised by Jet's answer, stepping back slightly. Even Toph seemed a little stunned. Sokka held Jet's gaze, contradicting the crunching of his stomach from his nerves. How did someone respond to something like that?

They stared at each other, Jet grinning like a fox.

Toph cleared her throat, stepping between the boys. She pushed Jet away lightly. "Alright, you had your chance to talk." Jet clicked his tongue in disappointment, obediently returning to Smellerbee and Longshot.

When they had finally rounded the corner back towards the school, Sokka sunk to the floor. His hands were covering his face. Toph rested her hand on his shoulder. She didn't really know how to comfort but she somehow knew this would be enough.

Sokka ran his hands over his head, sighing heavily. "What am I going to do?" he asked, mainly asking himself.

Toph crossed her arms over her chest, cocking a hip to the side. "He wants Zuko to burn to pieces. He seems to think you're a trigger that will make that happen."

Sokka rolled his eyes, turning his head away from Toph. Obviously that was the case. "Zuko needs to know." Sokka stood up, the sudden need to let Zuko know overpowering the sick feeling that had filled his stomach.

He looked back at Toph. She waved her hand around, continuing her walk towards Boomie's classroom. Sokka turned and ran.

He went to Iroh first, figuring if Zuko wasn't there Iroh would at least know the location of his nephew. Iroh was at the front of his classroom, his back turned towards the door. Sokka stepped in quietly, knocking on the arch that created the door.

Iroh looked over his shoulder, his brow arched in curiosity. He smiled when he looked at Sokka. "Ah, Sokka," He said warmly, motioning for the boy to come in before turning his back on him. "I was just making some tea. Zuko should be here any minute. Would you like a cup? It's Red Jasmine. Great for the nerves."

Sokka blinked, taking a seat at one of the tables in front of the classroom. How did Iroh always seem to know everything? "Urh.. yes, please."

"Tea is always good for the soul."

Iroh turned, two cups of tea in his hand. He handed one to Sokka, before placing his own on the table and pulling up a chair in front of Sokka. Iroh picked up his tea, taking a long savoring sip.

Sokka stared quietly into his cup, watching the leaves dance around. He couldn't help but wonder why Jet held a grudge against Zuko. Zuko always kept to himself.

"It seems you could use some advice, Sokka." Iroh's voice was calm and sure. He must really know everything.

Sokka took a nervous sip of his tea, fidgeting quietly before looking at Iroh. "There's... this kid named Jet."

Iroh held up his hand. "Say no more. He's always been a problem causer."

Sokka raised his eyebrow. "He just started here..."

Iroh nodded, his hands resting securely on his cup. "Yes, but I've encountered him many times. Along with Zuko. They never seemed to get along."

"He's a pompous jackass."

Sokka turned around to find Zuko leaning against the arc, his arms crossed over his chest. The look on his face was cold, angry.

Iroh smiled, standing up. "Ah, nephew. Come, sit. I'll get you some tea."

Zuko walked towards the table Sokka sat at while Iroh collected a cup of tea for his nephew. Zuko sat beside Sokka, looking him over. Sokka looked back at him. He assumed Zuko had heard about Sokka's encounter with Jet by now.

"Thank you, uncle." Zuko murmured as he faced forward and took his cup, pressing it to his lips and taking a long drink.

Sokka looked down at his cup before taking a swallow of his own. "Why is he messing with me then?"

Iroh glanced up at his nephew as Zuko turned his head, hoping to hide the light blush that contrasted his pale skin. "I would assume," Iroh started, "because you and Zuko are such good friends."

Sokka nodded, signaling that made perfect sense to him. Zuko had never had friends, besides Iroh. It made complete sense.

"It's not even my fault," Zuko protested, a slight desperation in his eyes as he looked back to his uncle. "I had nothing to do with what happened."

Iroh nodded, placing his hands on his stomach. "I know that, nephew."

Sokka looked at them back and forth, curious as to what the subject had suddenly become focused on. Iroh looked at Sokka, smiling affectionately. "That being the case, we will do our best to make sure that nothing happens to what has become so precious to you, Zuko."

Iroh glanced at his nephew you, his golden eyes gleaming the sincerity of his words. "You know I will protect you, both of you."

Zuko seemed to relax with those words, slumping gently in his chair and smiling. "I know, uncle."

Zuko looked at Sokka now. He cupped the tan boys face gently, looking over his face. Sokka glanced over towards Iroh's direction, startled by the fact he was no longer in his seat. He had returned to get more tea.

Sokka looked back to Zuko. Zuko's eyes burned with pain, as he whispered. "I will protect you. I'm sorry you had to get involved."

Sokka clasped his hands over Zuko's, staring at him with quiet curiosity. He wanted to tell Zuko it was okay, that everything was going to be okay. He couldn't find the words though.

Zuko leaned forward slightly, his eyes still captured by Sokka's. Sokka felt his cheeks heat up as Zuko got closer. They both jumped, pulling apart and blushing mad, when Iroh knocked over a tea cup.

"Oh, shoot," Iroh muttered under his breath, crouching down to gather the ceramic pieces. Zuko stood up, walking over to his uncle to offer his help.

Sokka stared at the table top intently, his hands clutching at the edge of his seat. He couldn't believe that had almost happened. His heart thundered in his chest and his pulse rushed. He glanced towards Zuko, wondering if he felt the same way.

The boys left Iroh's room just in time for dinner. Luckily enough, they had missed the surge of hungry students.

Zuko grabbed Sokka's hand lightly as Sokka tried to enter the dining hall. Sokka looked back at him. "What is it?"

Zuko shook his head. "Jet is in there."

Sokka turned to face Zuko, his hands on his hips. "Wow, Zuko. You're the last person I would ever expect to run away from their problems."

Zuko's eyes widened, his voice becoming shrill in his frustration. "I'm not running away! I just don't want him to do anything stupid to you! So sorry." He crossed his arms across his chest defiantly.

Sokka glared at him, throwing his arms in the air and flailing about. "Last I checked, I was handling this Jet issue just fine! I'm a big boy, Zuko!"

Zuko glared at him for a moment, before a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

This increased the intensity of Sokka's glare.

Zuko shook his head and raised his hands defensively. "Alright, alright," he chuckled quietly to himself.

Sokka fumed, turning sharply and stomping into the dining hall. Zuko's brows were arched mildly as he followed behind Sokka. Big boy, huh? he thought to himself.

Aang smiled excitedly at him, grabbing his bowl of tofu soup and twirling his fingers above it. "Look guys!"

Sokka watched, mildly interested as Zuko took his seat next to him. Katara looked them over, suspicious as to what kept them while Toph placed her feet on the table, lounging back.

Aang moved his hand towards Katara, extending his arm. The water from his soup followed his movements. "Katara taught me water bending!" He exclaimed excitedly.

Zuko's eyes widened, smiling at his friend. "That's great, Aang. You really can do just about anything."

Sokka elbowed him lightly. "You're sounding stupid."

Zuko glared gently at Sokka out of the corner of his eye. "Must be hanging out with you too much."

Sokka slammed his hands on the table, tunring towards Zuko, a full on angry pout possessing his face. "Oh yeah?'

Toph flicked a pebble at Sokka. "Oh shut up, will you? You guys sound like an old married couple."

Sokka threw himself across the table, shaking his fist at Toph. "I'll show you old married couple!"

Zuko gripped him around the waist, holding him back from getting into a fight it was gauranteed he would lose. In fact, Sokka would probably come back battered and broken.

After a few useless attempts at attacking Toph, who had smiled in pure amusement the whole time, Sokka went limp in Zuko's arms. Zuko placed him back in his appropriate spot.

Katara looked at her brother, concerned. "Are you alright Sokka?"

"I'm fine." was his short reply.

Katara looked to Zuko for reassurance. Zuko nodded at her. "There's just a lot going on right now."

Toph crossed her ankles, blowing her bangs out of her eyes. "That Jet kid is really getting to him, that's all."

Aang looked around the table, finally becoming a part of the conversation. "I think Jet is awesome." He said quietly, like it would get him in trouble. Katara nodded, obvioulsy agreeing with him.

Sokka, Zuko, and Toph just looked at each other. They hadn't met the real Jet then.

Sokka stood from the table. "I'm going to take a walk." He glanced at Zuko before walking away from his friends. Zuko stayed a few more minutes, chatting idly with his friends. He couldn't leave too soon, or it would seem odd. He also had no doubts that Jet was keeping a close eye on him.

Zuko stood, telling them he was tired and would be heading to bed. As he left the dining hall, he caught Jet's dark gaze on him.

Zuko followed the path that lead away from Ba Sing Se. He knew at some point he would bump into the idiot that was his best friend.

Zuko found Sokka perched lightly on a large rock along the path, cradling himself. He was staring absently at the ground. Zuko cleared his throat, announcing his arrival. Sokka glanced up at him but his position didn't change.

Zuko stood next to Sokka, his hands shoved in his pockets. "You know it's all going to be okay in the end."

Sokka stretched out now, his legs hanging over the edge of the stone while he leaned back on his palms. His head lulled back so he could look at Zuko. "I know." he murmured.

Zuko looked at him, his hip jetting to one side. "You know I'm going to do everything I can to protect you."

Sokka nodded, watching him.

Zuko smiled, removing a hand from his pocket to flick Sokka affectionately on the forehead. "You really are an idiot."

Sokka crinkled his nose, sticking out his tongue. Sure, he was an idiot. He was an idiot for becoming a pawn in Jet's game, an idiot for letting Zuko in, and an idiot for falling in love with his best friend.

Sokka blushed at that realization, snapping his head forward so Zuko wouldn't see. That was the first time he had ever admitted that to himself and it startled him.

Zuko leaned forward, bending at his hips. "Sokka,"

Sokka turned his head, wondering what other insults Zuko was going to throw at him. Zuko lips meshed softly with his.

Zuko pulled away after a couple seconds, backing up slightly in case Sokka decided to tell him to leave. Sokka looked his friend over, waiting for Zuko to make this some kind of joke. His fingers rested gently at his lips and he stared up at Zuko.

Suddenly, Sokka remembered Zuko's words at the clearing. "I thought I wasn't your type," he teased. Somehow though, his voice sounded more serious than teasing.

Zuko shrugged, stretching his arms over his head. "You're not."

Sokka stood up, his arms spread away from his body in his frustration. "Then what was that?"

Zuko lowered his arms, resting his hands on Sokka's shoulders. "Relax. You're not what I'm typically attracted to, alright?" Sokka blinked, nodding softly.

Zuko continued. "I've... I've never liked a guy before." He gulped quietly. Admitting he liked a boy still made him nervous, even if Sokka was the only one to know.

"Me either." Sokka breathed.

Candrala: There we have it.