"…and wishing he had always been as good as he had intended to be."
The air was hot enough to take Sokka's breath away, without the fire in every room. He would be thankful when it was time to return to the glaciers of his wintry home. Sokka frowned. He hadn't wanted to leave Katara by herself, but she refused to accompany him to the Fire Nation. She had her students, after all, and someone had to take charge while he was away. Sokka knew these were nothing more than excuses. In fact, he knew Katara enjoyed opportunities to visit warmer climes. However, she stalwartly and repeatedly refused to go to the Fire Nation, even though Lord Iroh had personally invited her along with Sokka. He sighed. Of course Iroh had been disappointed when Katara had not stepped off the boat with him. Zuko hadn't said much about it, until now. He seemed to have materialized from the walls Sokka was aimlessly wandering. At first Sokka had taken him for an apparition, but he was forced the abandon the idea because apparitions didn't speak.
"How is she?" Sokka was confused at first.
"Hmm?"
"Your sister, Katara. Is she okay?" Though Sokka expected it, Zuko was not impatient.
"She's…uh," Sokka decided on honesty. "She's obstinate."
"Uncle too. He won't admit it sometimes." Sokka resisted an urge to scoff. Zuko sounded more like he was describing himself.
"Well, she won't let me interfere. I couldn't get her to come." Sokka offered by way of an apology. Zuko nodded. Then, uncharacteristically, he offered a soft request as he left.
"Take care of her, Sokka."