Zuko and Sokka hopped in the car, Zuko at the wheel because he wasn't exactly in the mood to get whip lash. They were heading to the Dollar Tree to get some candy for the movie because who wants to spend like $12 on candy? No one. Zuko turned the ignition, and Sokka blasted the air conditioner and turned on the radio.
"What's Suki like?" Zuko was just trying to change the topic of discussion at this point, tired of Sokka's seemingly endless rant about whatever he had seen on the side of the road.
His eyes lit up and a huge smile spread across his face, no doubt happy to talk about his girlfriend. "Man, where do I even start? Suki's amazing and kind and just...perfect! I can't wait to see her tonight." It looked like Sokka was about to burst with happiness.
"That's great, Sokka," Zuko sighed.
Sokka was lucky to have someone he cared about, and someone who loved him just as much. Zuko was still skeptical to go on another date. Zuko had a bad past with relationships. He'd called it quits with Mai for the final time about two weeks ago. Their relationship had started smoothly but eventually became off and on. He'd mess up and beg for forgiveness, sometimes, even if he did, she threatened to walk out. Most times she followed through, leaving him in the pain caused by what his head and heart kept tellling him. He would eventually go back and ask for forgiveness. It normally took awhile, but she would come around sooner or later. They were caught in a cycle, an unhealthy one he couldn't bear anymore. He had dumped her, hoping to feel better and stronger. Unfortunately, he still felt empty and sad. The smallest trace of a presence that had been next to him for a year and a half lingered, nagging at him daily. That's nothing compared to his family life.
Luckily Zuko came back into focus as he saw the light turn red. He slammed on the brakes. "Sorry!"
"Jeez, Zuko, pay attention! I want to be able to see Suki at the movie tonight, not at the hospital." Sokka whined.
"Sorry...I just zoned out. It won't happen again," Zuko replied.
"To make sure of it, I'll drive on the way back," Sokka said.
"Fine," Zuko grumbled.
After about five more minutes of listening to Sokka's music, they pulled into the parking lot of the store. Zuko turned off the car and got out. Sokka followed him into the Dollar Tree, ready to get Suki a gift as well as candy.
The boys walked into the candy isle, still unsure what to buy.
"Katara likes Milk Duds, Suki likes Mike and Ike's, and I think I'll get..." Sokka grabbed the girls' candy and continued to skim over his options. "...Hershey kisses do sound good." He picked up a bag and backed up.
Zuko grabbed a box of Hot Tamales and turned to his friend. "This all we need?"
"I need to pick up one last thing for Suki," He smiled and walked over to the flowers. He picked up a good sized bouquet of orange tiger lillies. "Okay, I'm read-" Sokka's phone rang, cutting him off.
He picked up immediately. "Hey, Suki," There was indistinguishable chatter from the other side. "Yeah, we're on our way...we'll see you there in like 20 or so," He replied. "Talk to you later babe...bye"
Sokka turned back to Zuko. "Suki and Katara have left already. We need to hurry!" Sokka ran to the check out counter and paid. He grabbed the bag filled with candy and the bouquet then ran to the car. Zuko followed behind and sat on the passenger side. Sokka turned on the car and drove out of the parking lot.
"So...what's Katara like?" Zuko was bad at starting conversations. Especially alternating sentences.
"Well she's very maternal. She's like my mom, she's really responsible and kind to everyone. She plans to go into nursing next year."
"That's cool." Awkward silence hung in the air until Zuko reached over and turned up the radio.
Stop lights had it out for them. Each one was red, making them even later. Zuko had about lost all patience when they finally got to the movie theater. They pulled into the open spot next to Suki's car.
They paid for their tickets to see "Love Amoungst The Dragons", which wasn't Zuko's first choice. As they walked inside, he saw two girls sitting on a bench, laughing. One was fair, dressed in green and black, obviously older than the other. That must be Suki. The other girl had immediately drawn his attention. Katara. She was beautiful and her eyes resembled the ocean. Rough but soft. Kind but unforgiving. The two had made eye contact, blue hitting gold. He almost forgot how to speak.
Zuko cleared his throat. "Hi, I'm Zuko," he said awkwardly. "Nice to meet you."
