Chapter Text
Zuko sighs, rubbing his forehead where there seems to be an ever-present ache these days. It’s late, the candles around him almost ready to burn out, and he’s pretty sure he’s been trying to read the same few sentences for the past hour. He really should go to bed, but he’s stacked with meetings for the next two days, and after that Sokka will be arriving, and he’d really like to be caught up on work by then.
Zuko’s lips twitch when he remembers Sokka is coming. Just three more days and Sokka will be here for a whole three months! It’s always better when Sokka is here. He has a special knack for drawing Zuko out of himself and making things just… lighter. Plus, Zuko’s been aching to spar with someone who isn’t an employee of his (and therefore always letting him win).
He’s still smiling when he stands up to stretch. If he’s going to be up this late, he might as well make himself a cup of tea. He walks around his desk and heads for the door. Peeking out the window, he can see it’s just about dawn—fuck, guess I’m not sleeping at all tonight. He’s still wondering if he can maybe sneak in a nap before breakfast when the door to his study bursts open. Reflexively, he feels himself shift into a defensive position, a flame in hand. He snuffs it out immediately, though, because the person barging into his office is—
“Sokka!”
“Surprise!” Sokka shouts. “I’m early!”
Zuko’s feet are moving of their own accord. He runs forward and throws his arms around his friend.
“Woah, hey, it’s good to see you too,” Sokka gasps.
Zuko can’t reply. He’s too busy burying his head into Sokka’s shoulder, inhaling the scent of him. He smells like the ocean air, and a spice that Zuko can’t quite identify, but loves the smell of anyway. He can feel his shoulders relaxing, like all the tension is bleeding out of him because of Sokka’s touch.
“Hey buddy, you alright?” Sokka’s voice breaks the spell, and Zuko jumps backwards, heat rising in his cheeks.
“Yeah, sorry—I just really missed you, Sokka,” he says, not quite able to meet his eyes.
Sokka clears his throat, then steps forward to pull Zuko into another hug.
“I missed you too.”