The Prince and the Pauper

By Mizzy (LB)

Summary: A collection of short stories about Sokka and Zuko, and how their relationship changes over the years.

Pairings – All chapters: Sokka/Zuko

Pairings – This chapter: Mentions of Yue/Sokka

Warnings – This chapter: Fluff, cheesiness, G-rated slash

Disclaimin: The Avatar IP (intellectual property) including The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra series belong to Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, and Nickelodeon. I claim no ownership and make pretty much none dollars off of this fanfiction.

Notes: This is a writing project I started for the "30 Day OTP Challenge" on Tumblr. There will be 30 short stories to go along with the theme for each day. I'm trying to keep this kind of short, so I will hopefully be able to keep up with these daily!

Some chapters may be longer than others, and of course the ratings between chapters will fluxuate. Right now it's rated G, but I will bump up the fic rating as needed. It will probably be rated M by the end of the 30 days. I will of course add warnings for each chapter as needed. This chapter takes place sometime during season 3.

Anyways, enough of me talking. Hope you enjoy the ride!

XXXX

Chapter One

"Holding Hands"

If Zuko had learned anything from being with Sokka, which he did, it was that Sokka never excused himself from meals unless something was really, really wrong. At first Zuko pretended that it didn't bother him. He focused intently on his bowl of soup, half-listening to all the idle conversation around him. Maybe he just needed his space. After all, if anyone understood the need for brooding, it was Zuko. But the group's energy was gradually dying down, and so was the campfire. Zuko was glaring furiously into his soup. His free hand had his chopsticks in a death grip.

"I'm going to go find Sokka," he declared suddenly, startling the others mid-conversation. Katara and Aang just looked at each other and back to Zuko, bemused.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Aang asked slowly, in that tone that always reminded Zuko that the Avatar was older and wiser than he looked. Katara just nodded, glancing at something behind Zuko's back before adding gently,

"Aang's right, Zuko. I think he just needs some time alone right now." Zuko blushed, trying his hardest to keep composed.

"I…I just want to make sure he's okay."

Toph was the one to break the tension, abruptly rising to her feet and making an exaggerated show of how tired she was.

"Well I guess that settles it then! Sparky can go find Snoozles, while I find my bed. Good night guys!" She staggered off to find a suitable place for her rock-tent while the others waved good night, but not before leveling a knowing smirk at Zuko. Zuko groaned inwardly, using the opportunity to leave camp. He could already hear her voice in his head. You're gonna owe me big for saving you from blowing your cover, Princess Hotpants.

Sokka was easy to find. He was only a short hike away, situated on the edge of a drop-off right above where the ocean washed up on the rocky coastline. It was a great view, Zuko mused absent-mindedly. You could see the full moon perfectly from here.

"I don't really feel like talking right now Zuko," said Sokka as the firebender hiked up the hill.

"That's okay. I don't either," Zuko replied, plopping down next to Sokka. He winced. "Wait, that's…that's not what I meant," There was a long pause punctuated with Zuko's "um"s and "ah"s, before he added quickly, "I brought your soup!" Sokka drew back a little, not expecting Zuko to thrust the bowl in his face. The broth was steaming again. "I thought you would be hungry," Zuko's voice was quiet, losing confidence quickly in his master plan.

Sokka, much to Zuko's combined relief and surprise, smiled, and took the bowl, setting it aside. But that sad look in his eyes still ate at Zuko's chest. He followed Sokka's gaze out to the ocean, and nearly slapped himself for not connecting the dots. My first girlfriend turned into the moon.

"You don't have to talk to me about her," he murmured, crestfallen. Jealousy of the moon was not a becoming emotion. But then Sokka took his hand in his abruptly, squeezing it. Sokka already knew. Sokka could read him like a book.

"It's not fair to her to be angry with her. She had no other choice. But," Sokka trailed off with a sigh, "it's not fair to you to see me like this. That's why I didn't want to talk about it." Zuko just squeezed Sokka's hand back. He understood. Sokka needed to protect the people he loved.

"But look on the bright side!" Zuko blurted out. Oh no. This was already starting out all wrong. "If she hadn't…done that…then you and I would have never-" he was cut off abruptly when Sokka leaned over to kiss him. Zuko stiffened, then melted into the kiss, every muscle in his body relaxing.

"Zuko, I love you, but you're a terrible wordbender." The pair laughed into the night.

A/N: This one is pretty short. I might make them longer in the future. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed it! Even if you didn't like it, let me know! As always, constructive criticism is welcomed and greatly encouraged.