Hey there! So, my internet was having some issues and was not working and then working, so I sat myself down on my internet-less laptop and started typing away at new stuff. Since it's Christmas Break, I have some time and a lot of creativity. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that I've recorded a whole bunch of Avatar since getting my new TV service and DVR. And oh my gosh, Cave of Two Loves is on.

As you can tell, I'm enjoying myself.

I wanna say this takes place... at least four years after the finale.

All mistakes are my own.

The sun was beginning to set as Zuko walked back into the palace. He bore the remnants of a smile and the smell of fruit from the market. He walked slowly through the grounds, listening carefully to the sounds of the palace. He could just barely hear Momo off in the distance, chattering away. Zuko moved through the halls, his smile threatening at his lips again as he thought of his walk through town. He'd been cooped up in a war meeting all day, and on a whim had decided to take a walk. He found himself in a much better mood after visiting the city and having some peace.

Now, as he entered the hallways of the palace and made his way back to his quarters, he thought about sleep. Sleep sounded like a strange idea after the long day of talking with his military personnel. There was something about hotheaded generals that gave Zuko a headache.

Zuko almost jumped out of his skin when Momo landed on his shoulder, and he laughed at himself. He looked up at the lemur, which was curled around his neck.

"What do you want, Momo?" Zuko asked, and the animal made some noise. Zuko shrugged, slightly disrupting Momo's balance. Zuko found the quiet companionship comforting, as he knew Momo couldn't bug him with questions and riddles.

Zuko turned the corner, running into a servant. He apologized profusely, before moving along again. He wanted to get to his room without a run in with anyone. Especially someone that was going to chew his ear off like-

"Hey! Zuko!"

Zuko stopped short, his mind telling him to make a run for it. However, he decided to give Sokka the benefit of the doubt and wait for the warrior to catch up with him.

"Hello Sokka."

"Where did you go? You smell like mangoes."

Zuko sniffed quickly before shrugging. Momo clicked at him, and Zuko reached up to scratch behind his ear.

"I went for a walk."

"A walk? Alone? Someone could have killed you."

Zuko just shook his head at Sokka, finding his paranoia silly.

"Sokka, I was fine."

"Well, next time take someone with you. Like me. I'll always have your back."

Zuko smiled at Sokka.

"Thanks Sokka. That gives me comfort."

Sokka seemed to question the statement for a second, but stayed in step with the Firelord.

"So, how did things go today? I know there was some problems with doubts in the colonies…"

Zuko shrugged slightly.

"There is… indecision about how to deal with them. Politics and war generals don't mix." Sokka nodded, before shrugging nonchalantly.

"Aang wasn't here? You know he's good at getting compromises." Sokka said, and Zuko shook his head.

"I could not find Aang anywhere. Katara either."

Sokka raised an eyebrow at Zuko's statement, shaking his head. He was quiet for a second before his eyes widened and he turned to Zuko.

"Have you had a fruit tart from the kitchen? They are amazing!"

Zuko shook his head, his eyes threatening to roll.

"No, seriously Zuko. It was-"

Both boys turned the corner, and stopped in their tracks. Momo looked up, and stared ahead. Zuko felt his good mood shattering, and his day clicked together. Up in front of him, playing some sort of strange game of tag in the hallway were Katara and Aang. Aang had caught Katara, and yelling "get a room" crossed Zuko's mind. Before Sokka moved, Zuko grabbed his shirt and pulled him the opposite direction.

Both boys were quiet as they walked down the hall, both staring straight ahead. Zuko cleared his throat, stopping for a moment. Sokka followed suit.

"You were saying something about a fruit tart?"

I am in a "Let's put Sokka and Zuko in an awkward situation... together!" so yeah. :)

I hope you enjoyed!

Reviews are always appreciated and encouraged.

-hangingmardigrasbeads