#forever lmao

“Oh, is that what you’re doing right now? You know, Zuko, you could stand to use your words.”

“You’re not answering the question,” Zuko says.

Sokka continues glaring up at him, then takes in Zuko’s crossed arms and the sullen look on his face. Sokka sighs, and leans back in his chair, crossing his arms, too. 

“I’m not mad,” he says quietly, looking off to the side, away from Zuko. “I was scared.”

Zuko uncrosses his arms. “Oh.”

“It’s just—” Sokka stops himself and swallows, finally facing Zuko again. “Every time you go running off without a plan, I have no idea what’s going to happen to you. And I know you think people need you, and you’re doing the right thing, but it’s just…” He leans forward, his elbows landing on the desk, his hand coming up to pinch the bridge between his eyes. “I hate it. It scares me.” 

He looks up, and his eyes meet Zuko’s. “I need you, too.”

Zuko walks around the desk and drops to his knees. He takes Sokka’s hand in his. “I’m sorry,” he says, also quietly. 

Sokka leans forward, and Zuko’s head tilts up so their foreheads meet. His other hand reaches out to brush the bruise blooming on Zuko’s cheek. “It’s okay,” he replies simply. 

“No, it’s not,” Zuko says, hissing at the touch.