Chapter Six: Comfort

A week past since Sokka and Kira's adventure in the market, and not much changed. Although, Sokka and Kira had become fast friends, talking whenever they could without anyone catching them. Kira would make excuses for why she would specifically need Sokka for a chore that she needed done so they could spend more time together. They both enjoyed having someone to talk to; Whether they needed to talk about something that was troubling them, or if they were just lonely and needed a friend. However, in public, Kira and Sokka hid their friendship and acted as they were supposed to, always to laugh about it later on.

Sokka sighed and wiped the sweat off his forehead with a rag that he carried with him. He looked around as he finished weeding the garden with the other servants. Now it was off to Sokka's favorite chore… Cleaning Kira's bedroom. It gave them a chance to talk during the day, while making it look like Sokka was still working. A small, lopsided grin made its way onto Sokka's face and he walked back towards the palace, leaving his weeding tools by the small shed.

It didn't take him long to get up the stairs and to Kira's room. He had been all over this palace so many times, he knew where everything was. He whistled a cheerful tune under his breath and turned the corner to go down Kira's hall. But something made him stop. The usual silence coming from Kira's room was now replaced with angry words. But.. Who was Kira fighting with? Sokka knew it wasn't right to eavesdrop, but something seemed wrong. He walked quietly over to the door and knelt down so that he was eye-level with the doorknob. He leaned forward and pressed his eye to the keyhole. The man Kira was arguing with was out of sight, but Sokka could see Kira.

"Yen is a perfect match for you, child. You'll do well to remember that!" Sokka knew that voice. It was Lord Ozai. But why was Kira arguing with her father? Did she tell him that she didn't want to marry Yen? Kira had told Sokka about the problems that she was having with Yen; She had even told him about the bruise on her arm and Yen slapping her, and Sokka urged her to reconsider.

"But, father, I do not love him! You don't know what he's said to me! What he's done to me! I will not marry him, and you cannot make me! Get Azula to marry your prized warrior." Kira crossed her arms over her chest and looked away. Sokka heard Ozai growl with fury and take a step towards Kira. But Kira stood defiantly.

"I know that Yen has worked very hard to try and impress you, and still you refuse him. I've seen the things he's bought for you. You're such an ungrateful princess." Ozai's hands glowed with fire for a moment.

"Father.. He hit me!" Kira yelled, a look of disbelief on her face. She couldn't believe her father thought of her as ungrateful.

"Good. He should teach you some respect." Ozai raised his hand and slapped Kira across the face, knocking her to the ground. Kira cried out softly in pain as she hit the floor, and Sokka had to do all he could to stop from running in there. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. Lord Ozai reached down and roughly pulled Kira to her feet with a tight grip on the back of her neck.

"Father, please.. I'm sorry." Kira begged, only to get throw against a wall. Kira sobbed as her back hit the wall painfully hard.

"Don't make me regret giving you this honor, Kira." Lord Ozai said as he stroked her cheek. She remained still, her lower lip trembling. Sokka's eyes widened when he turned and started walking towards the door. He quickly scrambled behind one of the long hall curtains just in time to hear the door open, and then close a few moments later. He peaked out when he was sure the Fire Lord was gone, and saw that the hall was clear. He walked back over to the door and placed his ear to the wood. He could hear Kira sobbing softly, and his eyes saddened. He gently opened the door and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

"Kira.." He whispered, looking down at her. Once her father left, she had slid down the wall and hugged her knees to her chest. She looked up at him with watery eyes and then looked away. Sokka walked over to her and knelt down in front of her, putting a hand on her knee. She looked at him again and put a hand over her red, stinging cheek. Sokka opened his arms and she slowly leaned against his chest. He picked her up bridal-style and carried her over to the bed, laying her down. He then crawled onto the bed next to her.

"It's okay. I'm here." Sokka wound an arm carefully around her waist and pulled her into his chest. Kira's tears were silent now, but she buried her face into Sokka's shoulder and closed her eyes tightly. Sokka combed his fingers through her hair and he even felt her smile a little.

"Thank you, Sokka." Kira whispered, gripping the front of his shirt. Sokka smiled and shook his head.

"Don't worry about it. Just rest." Sokka and Kira stayed like that for a long time. But Sokka didn't mind. He didn't understand how any father could do that to their child. But apparently the Fire Lord was an exception to that rule. After a while, Sokka felt Kira's grip loosen on his shirt, and her breathing slowed down. She had fallen asleep.

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Hi. Sorry for the shortness. I wrote this at like 2 in the morning.