Alright, good, now just hold that position," Sokka instructs Zuko as he steps up behind the omega, body pressing flush against them, and leans forward to hold the other's hand. His other hand is placed against Zuko's hip to help keep his posture.
"Just a minor correction," the alpha breathes softly next to Zuko's unblemished ear. The contact and tickle of breath has the omega blushing, missing the fact that Sokka doesn't actually correct anything.
"Alright, now when you swing your arm forward at this angle, you wanna release right, about, here," Sokka instructs further, keeping his hand on Zuko's as he goes through the motion slowly in demonstration. When he returns them to the ready position, he steps away. The spot on Zuko's hand, his hip, and the space behind him is suddenly noticeably cold without the alpha so close. Zuko manages to hold back the shudder.
When Sokka had offered to show Zuko how to throw a boomerang, he didn't realize it would be so... close. Intimate almost. But the thought of being able to wield a weapon he'd never heard of before coming here was a thrilling concept, and he readily agreed to it. Zuko could put up with a little close contact for knowledge. Sokka was just correcting his stance anyway.
After a confirming nod between the two, Zuko snaps his arm forward and, oh shit, the boomerang is actually spinning correctly, arcing in the way it's supposed to as it soars through the air.
And now it's coming back, and it's really fast and, oh shit, the boomerang is actually coming back.
Zuko dives out of the way, panicked. The boomerang smacks into the ground behind him and skids away, sending sprays of snow with it. Sure, they used a light training boomerang, but it is still heavy, readying the trainee to use a weapon meant to kill or stun on impact, and instructions on how to properly catch it had refused to come to mind as it sang through the air towards Zuko.
Sokka laughs joyously as he helps Zuko to his feet, patting the snow off the omega for him. Zuko blushes again, letting the alpha continue.
"Hey, catching is honestly the hardest part. The throw was good, though. How about we move on to a side throw instead of overhead next?" Sokka's ocean eyes shine at the suggestion, and Zuko's interest is piqued as well.
"Yeah, let's try that."
Sokka takes every opportunity to 'correct' Zuko, enjoying the shy, pretty blush that paints the omega's cheeks.
-----
-----
Zuko is pulled from dreamless slumber when someone slips into his room, scent alphan. Familiar.
"Sokka?" he asks sleepily, confused. The sun is hours from rising.
"Shh," answers Sokka in a whisper. "Dress warm and meet me in the stable." Without further explanation, he leaves.
Zuko is awake now. Confused and curious, but awake. Sokka didn't sound alarmed, or angry, or rushed. He almost sounded eager, a low buzz of excitement about him. Zuko dresses quickly, leaving groggy Miko behind, and enters the stable to find Sokka strapping a pack to Kote's saddle, already geared up to go someplace.
The low fire of the open hearth as he passed let Zuko know it must have been just after midnight. Where would they be going so late, and in the dark?
Sokka hops onto Kote, taking the front to lead, and Zuko joins behind him. The alpha twists in his seat just enough to tug Zuko's fur-lined hood further over his face, obscuring his vision. Zuko frowns, but all the alpha can see is pouty lips.
"Keep your head down. The wind burn can get pretty bad this late." The words are kind, Zuko can't see it, but he can hear the smile in his voice.
"Then why go out?"
"Secret," Sokka teases before he takes Zuko's hands to wrap around his middle. "Keep your head down, ok?" Zuko nods into the alpha's solid back as he leans into him. The sharp chill of the night makes that promise easier, inching closer, holding tighter, trying to absorb whatever heat the alpha emits.
Kote pads along the snow in a casual gait, the crunches of her footsteps the only noise in the stillness of the night as they leave. By feel of the direction alone, Zuko knows they're heading towards the nearby ice hills by the ocean. The air may be chilly, but the gentle rocking, combined with being pressed up against a warm body so late into the night, Zuko feels relaxed enough to doze as they travel. He only comes back to full awareness when Kote stops.
"Keep your eyes closed. Please? Trust me." Sokka hasn't dismounted, hasn't pulled away from Zuko yet, keeping his vision blocked.
Zuko frowns, biting his lip. But Sokka hasn't given him any reason to not trust him, and Zuko relents with a grunt, which Sokka has come to realize is a confirmation.
Sokka dismounts and guides Zuko down, the omega blushing as, hyper aware of touch with his sight taken away, the alpha's hands slide up his sides as he goes down, keeping him from tumbling. He still ends up in Sokka's arms as he touches down, blush heating further before the alpha takes his hands to lead him away.
They're climbing, Sokka keeping him updated on how the terrain changes, obstacles to look out for. Sometimes he even picks Zuko up to sit on a higher ledge he can't climb without seeing. It's all rather annoying in an embarrassing kind of way, but Zuko promised, so he goes along with it.
Finally, they reach their destination, Sokka leading him just a little further forward, positioning him just right. The water tribesman stands really close to his front, just off-center when Zuko feels his chin being tilted up gently. The contact makes his heart flutter like birdwing, but he doesn't have time to question it before his hood is pulled back, and Sokka takes a step to the side so he's no longer in front of the omega.
"Ok," Sokka says in a breathy whisper, a ghost of anticipation in his voice, nearly missed in the quiet night, "you can look."
Zuko opens his eyes and gasps.
The new-moon, midnight indigo sky is clear, beautifully lit up by a hundred million tiny diamonds scattered across it. It's crisp, and they sparkle and twinkle merrily in the endless celestial sphere that stretches beyond sight. Most mesmerizing, though, are the rivers of color dancing and swirling among the stars. Green is prominent, but it's blessed with streaks of purples, blues and slivers of reds as well. The astral river of painted light flows above and beyond them, brighter than even the stars, gracing the snow around them with soft blushes of color, and reflects in the open ocean before them like a mirror.
"Beautiful," he manages to say.
"Yeah, sure is."
It's that same tone from before, Zuko recognizes, and this time he turns soon enough to catch Sokka looking directly at him, not the stars, not the lights. In those ocean eyes he can see the spirit lights swirling within their depths, not unlike the actual ocean before them, focused entirely on Zuko, like he's the only thing worth looking at. Like he's something precious.
Zuko can't look away, as easily caught in those eyes as if swallowed by a colorful ocean of shining stars. His heart hammers in his chest, throat dry suddenly.
Sokka turns away first, sliding the rucksack he had earlier grabbed off his back to pull out a thick, insulated fur blanket, which he lays down. He sits and offers a hand to Zuko, which the omega takes, lowering and sitting snug against Sokka. The alpha pulls out another thick fur blanket to drape around them, wrapping them closer together, leaning into each other's space.
They watch the spirit lights in comfortable silence for a time when the ocean below them glistens with movement, a whale pod gliding by in the serene calm of the night. The spray of water as they breach the surface sparkles, not unlike the stars themselves, exciting the couple as they admire the pod.
Suddenly, everything just seems right in the world. Nothing else can compare to this, the peace, the beauty, the company, the warmth at his side. This moment, above all others, means more than Zuko can find words for. As long as he can keep this moment close to him, he could be happy. This moment, now his favorite, dearest memory, he vows to remember forever, etching every tiny detail to heart, held close and protective to his core, like sheltering a butterfly.
The image of the sky, stars, lights, the ocean, the whales, the ethereal hills around them, Sokka at his side. The warmth from that very person, pressed firmly against him, like that's where they belong, the feel of the fur below and wrapped around them protectively, the breeze curling around them, nipping at their noses. The smell of the salty ocean and cool crispness of the night, comforting scent of alpha and omega mixing together into the air. The soft puffs of sea spray from the whales logging lazily on the surface, not unlike their own foggy breaths ghosting before them. He can even taste the tang of salt on the tip of his tongue. Zuko takes in all these details of this moment to treasure forever.
They stay there long after their faces go numb, long after the whales have drifted past. Neither seem to mind the chill, even as the spirit lights start to fade. It's only when Zuko starts to nod off again that Sokka nudges him to stand so Sokka can repack the blankets.
The climb down is easier, and Kote rouses from her own nap as they approach. They travel back much the same way. This time Zuko is much quicker to fall into a doze, snuggled up against the warm, comforting presence before him. It seems right.
-----
-----
Zuko feels off. Not unpleasant, but something he can't pinpoint. Like something just out of his reach, so close but just grazing his fingertips. He felt it when first he awoke, lingering starlight memories from the night before filtering back to the forefront of his mind. He gently places them aside to continue his day.
Another noticeable change is that Zuko can't act the same around a certain alpha. While Zuko is able to greet everyone with a good morning wish just fine, even suffering a hair ruffle from Bato, the moment Sokka graces him with his radiant smile and warm greeting, Zuko becomes a stuttering mess.
Zuko decides it is safer to stay quiet the rest of the morning and scurries off to Marga as soon as he is able to.
The old beta knows something, crafty, ancient, wonderful witch that she is.
Marga hasn't said anything, but she's been smiling and throat singing a low tune all morning. It makes Zuko feel antsy. He snips a little harshly as he prunes one of their potted plants.
"What wonderful weather we've had lately, wouldn't you agree, Zulee, dear?"
Zuko jumps. An unplanned stem gets snipped off. Oops. "Oh, uh, right. Yes. Weather. Very...," he blinks, "good." He clears his throat. "It's good weather." He sets the leafy stem aside to dry later.
"Do you have any plans?" Marga manages to crack an eye open just a bit more so Zuko can see the shine in them when she smiles slyly.
"No, no, just the usual... stuff. Stuff that I do. Every day. Nothing unusual."
Marga nods sagely, like she just confirmed something. It irks Zuko that she might know something he doesn't but should.
"Well, you have fun, dear," she wishes him before going back to throat singing.
Zuko focuses intently on plant care for the remainder of his morning before he can leave.
Sparring is... distracting. Or actually, Zuko is distracted.
They're sparring with swords today. Real blades, dulled for practice, having moved up from the wooden variants long ago. Zuko usually excels at this, but today his movements, to match his thoughts, are slower, less sure. The object of his distraction stands before him, his opponent, the alpha, Sokka.
Sokka himself is no different, fighting the same, acting the same, but it's like Zuko is seeing him for the first time. He watches the movements of the alpha, skipping back and forth with each strike, the hard muscle flexing beneath tanned skin, the way he grins, sharp alpha canines glinting. The ocean eyes that continue to capture Zuko seem to hold more power, pulling him further into their depths, and it's by muscle memory alone that Zuko is able to parry and deflect as long as he can.
Soon even that isn't enough. In a blink, Zuko's blades are knocked out of his grip and he's on his back, pinned beneath a heavy body, his hands held above his head and a dull blade pointed at his throat.
It's Sokka's first win with the blade against him. Zuko should be frustrated, or feel something with that blade pointed at him, but staring up in shock into the mirthful eyes of the grinning alpha, pressing Zuko down, warm bodies flush against each other, all he can think is that he doesn't not like the feeling.
Heat starts to rise to Zuko's cheeks, chest fluttering, and he hides his hitched breath by clearing his throat. "That's enough for today," he rasps.
Sokka blinks in confusion, and Zuko uses that distraction to finally turn the tables, freeing his hands to slap the blade away and flip positions, rising to his feet in the same movement. And just like that morning, Zuko scurries away without another word.
That evening around the hearth for dagmal, Zuko makes a hasty seating arrangement change, sitting now between Aang and Bato, the furthest he could get from Sokka. He ignores the various looks thrown at him.
This, of course, thrills the second in command, who fondly ruffles the omega's hair and announces his son must be getting over his 'phase' and now fully accepts Bato as his dad. If Zuko is being honest with himself, it is certainly a large step up and a healthier relationship than what he had had with his actual father.
But that's not a thought he wants to go over right now, and welcomes the usual outrageous distraction that Bato provides. Something about a father-son wild snow leopard caribou riding bonding expedition that Hakoda shoots down with a swift, chiefly decree of, "Never in your wildest dreams."
-----
-----
In the morning, Zuko wakes up late to oversensitive skin and recognizes he's going into preheat. He promptly blames all his strange feelings on that, then panics when he counts down the time between his last heat and this one, and realizes it is shorter than it was before the last one. Is this his new regular? Sure, he's getting older, Zuko is nineteen now, but it still seems like such a short time frame between heats. He isn't ready.
A wave of heat hits as he sits up, stomach clenching, and Zuko has to take a moment for himself and still his racing heart and even out his breathing. He might need heat reducers for this one if it is hitting him hard like this already.
Zuko can barely manage to dress properly before he stumbles into the central room, leaning against his door frame, holding his stomach as he looks around in an unfocused daze. Heads turn to him in worry, taking in his appearance and distress. Without a word, he rushes from the igloo. He needs to get to Marga and back fast.
There's a shout behind Zuko as he leaves, some commotion, and half-way before he reaches Marga's igloo, Katara grabs his hand and loops his arm over her shoulders, steadying his uncertain footing.
"You know, it's possible to ask for help, idiot," Katara chides, not unkindly, as she helps him the rest of the way and into Marga's igloo. Zuko can't speak, throat dry, so he just thunks his head to Katara's in thanks. She gets the message.
Inside, Marga has already laid out everything he needs to make a heat reducer. Like she knew. Thanks for the warning, you old crone.
Zuko sits to start making a few doses while Katara complains he shouldn't be the one making them, that if Marga knew - which she most certainly did - she should have already had some made. Marga just tuts at her, because she knows Zuko would want to make his own anyway. The actions and process of creating soothe him, a normalcy in his life that clears his head a little as he blends and shakes the little vials to completion.
It took less than an hour, but by the time they return, the igloo is empty. Outside Zuko's room is the insulated pallet, ready to cover the door, and inside a supply of food and a bucket of water are already waiting.
Katara barely manages to get Zuko to his bed before he collapses onto it and she leaves him to his privacy, shifting the pallet into place behind her.
-----
-----
Alone, aside from Miko, Zuko is struggling, even with the reducer he took earlier. Sprawled on his back in bed, naked and still too hot, he pets Miko idly, the rhythm keeping him sane as he pants and tries to think through hazy thoughts on what could help.
Lessons from Marga float lazily by, her words, "the best remedy for a heat is a good alpha," ring out, and all Zuko can hear after that is his mind echo like a drum SokkaSokkaSokka.
"Oh, Agni, I'm in trouble," Zuko groans and tips back another bitter vial of heat reducer before reaching for the whale bone dildo. He will never, ever admit to Katara, or even himself, how many times that dildo has gotten him through a moment of weakness.
-----
-----
After his heat finally passes, Zuko is disgruntled, because he is still pent up and moody, and the stupid medicine didn't help at all. He must have gotten the mixture wrong.
The male omega still sits between Aang and Bato, because he doesn't want to take any risks, and for once, the older beta actually behaves, likely sensing the foul mood Zuko is in. Bato simply pats his adopted son's back before rubbing soothing circles, and, ok, the beta pheromones actually do calm Zuko some.
A deep breath releases some lasting major tension, enough to finish his bannock and after-heat stew, specially made for him in its own little soapstone pot. It really does work to recuperate lost energy. Zuko is almost afraid to ask what is in it.
With Marga, Zuko brings up his current problems and theory about getting the heat reducer wrong.
"Zulee, dear, you did everything correct. You are a bright young man. Have more faith in yourself. I watched everything, and the herbs were new and potent. There was nothing wrong with the reducers," Marga assures confidently as she puts a pot of water over the hearth to boil.
Zuko frowns. "Then why didn't it help? And why do I still feel...," he grimaces for a second, "needs, even after the heat?"
"We went over this, dear. As you grow older, your body matures and your heats will be more regular and frequent." She sits again, bones cracking and groaning, and without fully turning, gives him a sly look. "Heat reducers are less effective when the body calls for a specific alpha."
Zuko sits up straight, rigid in posture, heat creeping up his neck and cheeks.
"You know, now that I think about it, I feel fine. I think I was just overreacting. Heat delirium and all that, probably didn't feel like it worked. Yeah, I feel great. That must have been all it was," Zuko rambles quickly and nods, trying to sound certain and calm even though he feels anything but.
Marga just smiles.
Aang and I were thinking about heading to the Northern Water Tribe to find a water bending master," Katara announces one evening, completely out of the blue.
"What?! But-," Sokka starts, losing his place with wrapping the leather strips on his new bone knife. What a shame, it was turning out amazing.
Hakoda strokes his chin in thought. "Hm, well, it shouldn't be too dangerous now. And it would be a good experience."
Katara sits up straighter, chest puffed and an accomplished smile on her face which she directs to Aang.
Aang grins back. "Thanks, Hakoda, sir! I didn't really wanna go alone, and Katara has too much talent to not train properly."
Katara blushes. "Thanks, Aang."
The avatar gives her a thumbs up to accompany his brilliant, face-splitting grin.
"Sokka, Zuko, you should go, too," the chief adds.
"What?!" Sokka and Bato cry in unison.
Zuko just blinks in surprise.
"Hey, don't I get a say in this as his father?!" Bato glares at Hakoda.
"No," the chief replies easily, arms crossed.
"Isn't it still dangerous for a fire bender? The entire Earth Kingdom is between us," Sokka asks, using reason.
"Even avoiding the populated waters between the Fire Nation and Ba Sing Se, you can take a sea route for most of it. Lay low for the rest. Sokka, this is a good experience for you as future chief. And as to why Zuko should go, the medicinal healing knowledge is more advanced in the North than here. It would be beneficial to the tribe. But it's really your choice each."
Sokka grumps, crossing his arms and looking a lot like his father at that moment. He wants to go, but he doesn't want to leave Zuko. On the other hand, he's hesitant to the omega joining on this trip.
Zuko hasn't said anything yet, but his face is pinched in contemplation.
"Oh, please join!" Katara prompts, mostly looking at her fellow omega. She clasps her hands together in a pleading action.
"Yeah, it'll be like an adventure with new friends!" Aang is bouncing in his seat.
"Couldn't be safer than traveling with a water and fire bender, the avatar, and a Southern Water Tribe warrior," Hakoda adds slyly, weakening any reservations.
Sokka closes his eyes and grits his teeth.
"What would the Northern Water Tribe think?" Zuko asks quietly.
Hakoda makes eye contact with Zuko as he speaks, projecting his confidence, "You are a member of the Southern Water Tribe, approved under the watchful eyes of Tui herself. You are protected under Tribe law, even if the North finds out about your past. You are as much a brother to them as they are brother and sister to you."
Zuko nods, then after a moment, gives his answer: "I'll go."
Sokka sighs, because his decision is made now as well. "Fine, but we're taking Asu and Kote."
Zuko smiles at the idea.
Bato gruffs, "Well, there's that, at least."
Hakoda nods. "That should be fine. The summer is upon us, and with full warriors, we will manage."
"Aaw, but it's gonna be so much slower instead of just flying on Appa!" The avatar whines.
"That's my stipulation. Nothing less." Sokka juts out his chin in a challenge.
"I'd like them to come too. It could be fun," Zuko adds.
"C'mon, Aang, it's not like we're in any rush." Katara tries her own polar puppy eyes.
The avatar's cheeks dust a light pink. "Well, I guess I could circle around on Appa. Get a little more sight-seeing in while waiting, and find good spots to rest," Aang relents. "But we're also stopping by my home first!"
"That's fair. It will be a good stop before crossing the ocean expanse," the young alpha agrees.
"Well, then," Hakoda slaps a palm onto his bent knee, "looks like you four need to prepare."
-----
-----
It doesn't take them more than a few days to prepare. Since they don't barter with money, they gather up their goods they'd been saving for the next trade ship to either sell or trade during their travels.
Sokka had plenty of furs, dried meats (that are mostly for themselves during travels), and hand-crafted weapons. Katara had her embroidered leathers and furs and jewelry made from polished stone and smaller bones. Zuko had a padded bag of salves and brews. He made extra to leave behind just so Marga wouldn't have to work so hard while he is gone. Aang, not having the patience for any crafts in his time there, figured if he ever needed to, he'd wow and amaze the masses with his air bending skills. Entertainment is worth something, right? Or offer a ride on Appa. Who wouldn't want to ride on a giant, fuzzy sky bison?
Sokka had complained that Aang better pull his own weight then if he couldn't pay for anything. Sokka wouldn't let the avatar go hungry, as it is against his nature, but he could certainly complain about it. Aang is getting too old to rely on others.
But Katara, ever the soft heart, told Aang it was a very good idea and she'd gladly share her creations if needed, and Aang didn't have to do anything more.
Tui and La, the avatar better hope he gets a good, understanding mate, otherwise he won't be a reliable provider!
-----
-----
"Well, now, looks like things are coming along nicely," observes Hakoda, stepping back into the igloo, seeing the bag-packing process. There's a few already packed rucksacks while items are being organized and placed in the remaining ones.
"Yup, we'll be ready within the hour," Sokka doesn't look up as he marks things off a list, double checking everything as they're packed away.
"Except you're forgetting one important thing," Hakoda says ominously.
"What?!" The young alpha quickly shuffles through his papers, scanning them hurriedly to see what he may have missed, and looking back at the packed rucksacks like he can see through the leathers.
The others have stopped putting items away to listen, just in case they have to repack for room or do something else.
"Yup," Hakoda replies, much like Sokka did earlier, "you still need to complete ice dodging." It takes a minute for that to register. The corners of Hakoda's mouth twitch up, trying to keep up the act of seriousness, but his eyes shine playfully.
Sokka didn't realize he'd let his jaw drop, but it snaps up quickly once he catches on. About the same time Katara did, if her delighted gasp is anything to go by.
"Really?" The young warrior's own eyes shine, a smile creeping across his face.
The chief nods. "It's time."
"Alright!" Sokka launches at his dad in a hug, slamming into him and wrapping him up tight. The older man laughs and returns the hug, adding Katara when she comes to join them.
"Well, you better explain to your crew what this is all about if you want their help."
They turn to look at the remaining two. Aang looks like he's trying to be excited, but his cluelessness shows through, looking much like an eager puppy told to do a trick for the first time.
Zuko just looks confused, head tilted to the side, face scrunched up in thought. Miko has taken the opportunity to bat at one of his shaggy locks of hair.
×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×
Ice dodging is a rite of passage among the Water Tribes. It sounds dangerous, and the possible loss of a boat, let alone the irreplaceable lives involved, would be a huge loss of already highly valuable materials, but compared to the Fire Nation's old rite of killing dragons and driving them to extinction, Zuko has no right to say anything. Besides, this is apparently a no-women-no-omega thing as well, and yet Zuko and Katara get to complete it. The two omegas share a grin after being told that.
"But I've never sailed before! What do I do?" Aang frets in slight panic.
"That's ok, Aang. I have some experience sailing. I'll help you," Zuko offers, and Aang looks relieved, letting out a long sigh.
"Oh, that's good," Hakoda says, seeming impressed. "How'd your last trip go?"
"Well, the boat sank." The omega replies bluntly.
"...Sank." Hakoda blinks, trying to make sense of that.
"After I crashed it into the ice."
"Crashed." Hakoda has that thousand-yard stare now as he numbly repeats the word.
"I think it was the storm that damaged it, but I'm pretty sure I got the sailing part down before that. I managed to get here before drowning, at least." Zuko still remains rather matter-of-fact about the experience while he speaks.
Aang looks a bit panicked again, not so sure of his helper anymore. The other Water Tribe members appear a little pale.
"Zuko, son," Hakoda starts, a bit tentative, "one day you will have to tell us exactly how you got here."
"Hey! Don't go stealing my son!" Bato pushes Hakoda aside angrily to stand in front of Zuko. "But seriously, you sure you don't want to stay here?"
Zuko blinks, then looks over to the cutter ship. "Yes, this one's much bigger. Pretty sure the other one was just a shore boat."
Bato stutters in shocked surprise before he steps back and takes a deep, calming breath, then lets it out in a raucous laugh.
"Ha! Just one more way my son is cooler! To get here by himself in a little shore boat! Beat that, 'Koda!" The beta boasts, slapping the chief hard on the shoulder as he rounds the other to board the cutter ship.
"Alright! Let's get this over with!" The beta jeers to them from on deck.
Hakoda pinches the bridge of his nose in exasperation, but they all board without further taunts or worrying accounts of past events.
"Katara, hold tight! Aang, hard starboard! Ease up on the jib!" Sokka commands from the bow, keeping his eyes on the ocean and dangers before them.
"What's a jib?! Or a starboard?!" Aang holds his head, turning circles in a panic.
"Trade! Keep this pulled towards you!" Zuko shouts while pushing Aang towards the rudder while he takes over the jib. Honestly, assigning Aang the jib probably wasn't a good idea, but Zuko's job is to assist where needed, so that's what he is going to do. He works the jib just in time to avoid a nasty-looking iceberg.
"Good, now keep this speed for just a little... now turn to port, easy, easy," the alpha instructs.
This time Aang looks to Zuko for explanation, only slight desperation showing.
"The other way. Just a little- yeah, right there," Zuko offers over his shoulder while adjusting the jib again.
"Spiri-! Whale! Hard port! Hard port!" Sokka shouts urgently.
"All the way, now, Aang!" Zuko instructs and the avatar turns the rudder further, luckily having just learned what port is.
"Now hard starboard again! Shit! Aang, put some wind in the sails! Hold tight!" The alpha yells, holding onto the ropes to brace himself.
The rudder is easier for Aang to remember, changing direction without further instruction, and he sends a blast of wind into the sails just as Zuko grabs ahold of the rope of Katara's sails to help her, the rope from the jib already wrapped around his other wrist and hand. Together, muscles straining, they're able to hold the sails firm while the wind propels them forward, avoiding the whale tail that slaps down behind them, spraying water over the boat. With a flick of her hand, Katara shields them all from getting soaked.
×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×
"Who'd have thought a whale pod would pass through. The odds of that happening... Pretty exciting stuff. Anyway, good job!" Hakoda cheers the four teenagers as they all stand back on shore, panting, shaking and coming down from their adrenaline rush. Aang gives up his composure and flops down to sit before going further, falling onto his back to stare at the sky. He raises a shaky thumbs up. Katara leans down a little more to pat his shoulder.
"For reference," Zuko says between unsteady breaths, giving Sokka a judgmental eye, "you should probably have explained starboard and port first, at the very least."
Sokka grins sheepishly while holding the back of his neck.
Hakoda chuckles, bringing back a small bowl of black paint he had set aside earlier.
"Hey, hey, wait! I call dad rights on this!"
"Nope," Hakoda replies candidly, working on mixing the paint with his finger, "I'm calling chief over dad rights."
"Oh, you dick," Bato growls with actual resentment.
"Suck it, ass-" Hakoda stops short when he realizes he's still in front of the kids, and looks up to see four pairs of eyes staring at him in wide-eyed disbelief.
"So here we have four outstanding individuals, now seen as men - and woman - within the Southern Water Tribe!" Hakoda, voice a touch higher in pitch, says overly loud, pushing the conversation on to avoid further remarks. The speech lacks its usual flare. Bato snickers behind him.
"For Katara, the mark of the brave. The main sail takes courage to battle the strong winds. You inspire your crew." Hakoda draws a half moon on her forehead. Katara's eyes shine with pride at the honor bestowed upon her.
The avatar jumps back to his feet as the chief turns to him, exhaustion gone in a blink.
"For Aang, the mark of the trusted." He draws a crescent, curve up, on the air bender's forehead. "A steady hand is needed to steer, and you were able to aid with your bending when needed."
"Thank you, sir!" Aang chirps.
Hakoda nods and steps down the line to Zuko next. "For Zuko, also the mark of the trusted. You were able to help your crew mates where and when they were needed most." Hakoda paints the crescent onto Zuko's forehead.
The omega flushes and averts his eyes once Hakoda takes his hand away. He smiles, thankful and happy with the praise.
The Water Tribe chief turns to Sokka next, redips his finger, and squares his shoulders as he addresses his son.
"For Sokka, the mark of the wise. Your quick thinking and ability to lead under pressure kept your crew safe from danger." He paints a crescent, this time with the addition of a dot under the curve. Hakoda places a hand on Sokka's shoulder. "You'll make a great chief someday, son." The alpha smiles proudly down at his son.
Sokka's eyes glisten with moisture, returning his dad's smile, letting the confident words fill his chest with warmth.
"Thanks, Dad," he sniffs.
"Well, I may not have been able to give you your mark, but I can give you this," Bato says to Zuko as they're grabbing their last rucksacks to place on the cutter ship.
Asu and Kote are already boarded, looking pretty excited. Even Asu is panting hard, head swiveling to take everything in. Miko prances between everyone, winding through legs and being a general fuzzy nuisance. Appa is packed to the side, enjoying a send-off meal of sea grass. Aang and Katara are already seated on top of him, waiting for the ship to depart before takeoff.
Zuko turns, then looks down at Bato's hand, holding a small bone dagger out to him. It's simple, but well-used and taken care of. A personal item. It must have been Bato's own dagger.
"Um, thanks?" Zuko turns it in his hands, looking it over before sliding it into his boot.
"Now, don't be afraid to shank anyone if they deserve it."
"Uh," Zuko can't think of anything to say except, "Ok?" Bato nods. It was apparently the right answer.
"And don't run off with strangers."
"I don't think I'll-"
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"I have a feeling that's not mu-"
"And dress appropriately for the weather."
"Now you're just being-"
Suddenly Zuko is wrapped in a warm hug from the beta. He goes stiff, unsure how to proceed.
"Uh," Uncoiling a little, he awkwardly pats the beta's back.
Bato pulls away, holding Zuko by the shoulders at arm's length.
"I am so proud to call you my son, Zuko." The beta says so sincerely, his usual snark nonexistent, smiling at Zuko openly.
The omega's chest tightens and his face heats in a blush.
"S-same." Ah, shit.
Realizing what he said, Zuko's face reddens to the point where he feels he might combust. He can't get on the boat fast enough.
"Bring your daddo back a souvenir, son! Remember to go to bed on time!" They hear the shout from the shore as they sail away.
Zuko pulls his hood down further to hide his face when Sokka looks at him questionably.
The ocean behaves nothing like Zuko's last experience. Agni shines brightly down on them, the waters are calm, and a steady wind in the sails are a constant for them. Zuko is a little bitter about that, squinting a quick glare at the waters, but it's hard to be mad when Sokka looks so free, standing at the bow of the ship, one foot on the gunwale as he peers out into the ocean before him, so purely serene in his expression.
They'd spent the last few hours paying attention to their sailing, looking out for any lingering icebergs and growlers, but now the last of the South Pole was long behind them. There was nothing but water for miles. Aang had circled them on Appa for a while, alerting them to better routes from his aerial view. After the bergs had thinned out enough, though, he announced they'd have Appa take a break on the last big iceberg, then fly straight ahead to the part of the Air Nomad territory he'd have to lead them around to find the right spot to dock. Then they'd have to take Appa up, because apparently the temple couldn't be reached without flying.
Appa had flown past them hours ago. The sun was starting on its afternoon decline. They'd agreed to sail through the night to meet back up sooner, Sokka not liking being split up.
So here Zuko sits between Asu and Kote, who have settled enough to sleep, watching Sokka, who looks like he was born to live at sea. Fitting that his eyes are like the very ocean itself. The wind rustles the warrior's clothes, already out of his parka. The change in temperature is noticeable, but Zuko keeps his on for now, thank you.
"Where have you traveled?" Zuko's not one to initiate small talk, but he's curious, because Sokka looks more at home on a ship than he did at his actual home.
The alpha looks back at him, eyes still peaceful and bright, but also a little... embarrassed? "Well, I've been to the Northern Tribe years ago, when I was still a kid, and all around the South Pole, but nowhere else."
"You can't be serious." Zuko stares at the other.
"Not like I got much chance to," Sokka says with a shrug.
Damn it, some of that shine has dulled, and it's Zuko's fault. He should have figured as much on his own.
"But I think that's why my dad really wanted me to take this trip. I'll get some new experiences, see new sights, gain some world knowledge." The alpha bounces back on his own, and Zuko is grateful.
"Well, I may not have had the best experiences, but I've been to a few places, and know some things. I'll help where I can," Zuko offers.
Sokka smiles. "That sounds pretty cool."
"Miko, leave him alone!" Zuko chides the snowshoe cat for what feels like the fifth time in the last hour.
Miko mewls, putting on the innocent act as he prances away from under the mast, where Spit is perched, looking with one judging eye cocked down at the cat. Miko really has no idea how close he was to getting barfed on.
Spit was sent along with them to send back the message when they reached the Earth Kingdom. It was too dangerous to go completely around by sea, the Earth fleets heavier closer to the Fire Nation. So they are going to go directly north as far as they could by sea, travel by land in the more remote part of the Earth Kingdom, then try to hitch or barter themselves a ride for the last leg across sea to the Northern Water Tribe. That last part is the real unknown variable, but if needed, Sokka and Zuko would lay low somewhere while Aang and Katara flew ahead to send back a ship for them. Their return would basically mirror this, picking up the cutter ship on the way back.
"He's just hungry," Sokka remarks over his shoulder, pulling up a small net he'd thrown overboard earlier in the day.
"Well, I'd rather not take any risks," Zuko huffs as he watches Miko pace the deck, the cat watching Sokka, likely knowing what is going on.
They don't need much, just enough for the animals, and it's a reasonable haul the alpha pulls up. He snatches two wiggly fish before dumping the rest directly onto the deck in front of the polar bear dogs, who waste no time snatching and gulping the fish down whole. Ew.
Miko is sitting pretty in front of Sokka now, eyes wide and behaving with the prospect of food. Sokka laughs and kneels to give the cat the fish. Miko takes it and doesn't look back as he runs to a corner to eat.
The other fish gets tossed high into the air, Spit swooping by to collect it. Sure, the bird could collect its own food, but easy meals keep it close.
"Here," Zuko hands Sokka a cold steamed bun after the alpha had cleaned up.
Sokka nods his thanks, sitting beside the other. He grimaces after his first bite. "Just not the same, cold," the alpha pouts, then his face lights up with an idea.
"Hey, hey, couldn't you, like," Sokka mimes with one hand over the steamed bun, wiggling his fingers over it before pulling back and spreading his fingers wide like something just happened to the bun, "fwoosh heat it up?" Sokka offers his bun to Zuko to do just that, smiling in anticipation.
It takes Zuko a moment to catch up. When he does, he scowls and swallows his bite before replying. "No."
"Why not?" Sokka goes back to pouting.
"I'm not a stove, Sokka." Zuko looks very annoyed now.
"I didn't say you were! But it would be nice to enjoy a warm meal. And you are a fire bender." Sokka's not sure why Zuko is so against it. Don't benders enjoy working with their element? Aang and Katara do, using it every chance they got. But even after it was discovered Zuko could bend fire, the only bending he'd done is blow smoke in Sokka's face.
"Exactly. The sun's setting and although it's unlikely in this stretch, I don't want us to create a beacon for other ships. Plus, wooden boat." Zuko taps the side of his foot against the deck for emphasis. His previous annoyance is nonexistent now, but he looks uncomfortable, shifting in what can be taken as a nervous gesture.
"Fair enough," Sokka relents as he chomps into his cold bun again. Zuko probably just doesn't feel safe anymore away from the South Pole. Sokka is glad he was firm about bringing the polar bear dogs.
The spirit lights send them off that first night. Faint and wispy, a long streak of color stretches towards them from the home they sail away from.
"Good bye. Take care."
It seems to say.
"We're watching."