Distractions (Sokka x Zuko) [COMPLETED]

Chapter Twenty-Five

    Deciding to ignore the awkward tension within their little trio, Sokka huddled them in to explain the plan.

_

    With the addition of Chit Seng, Sokka could feel his escape plan slowly coming undone. It was a good plan. He wasn't totally incompetent and he knew when he had a good idea. But it was a good plan in theory. Just like the invasion was...

    "Are you okay?" Zuko mopped in a sloppy square next to him, keeping his head down. "If you want to delay the escape plan for another little bit so we can make sure your Dad isn't on the next ship-"

    "No," Sokka spoke softly, keeping his eyes pointed forwards. "We've all been here long enough. Especially Suki."

    "Okay..." 

    Sokka felt Zuko's presence leave and he deflated slightly. Why'd he have to get them into this mess. He turned around and watched as Zuko and Chit Seng got into an overtly fake fight. Thankfully, they weren't really being inspected for their acting skills and once Zuko firebended he was promptly escorted away without anyone batting an eye at him or Chit Seng. 

    Later on that day after leaving a few doors open for Suki and the others to slip through, he went back to the coolers to get Zuko. The door creaked open and he put his hands on his hips. Zuko was curled into a ball in front of him but he wasn't shivering or anything.

    "Well I hope you've learned your lesson." Sokka quipped, a little grin gracing his lips.

    Zuko lifted his head and breathed a ball of fire, immediately catching all of Sokka's words in his throat. 

    "Yes, I have." Zuko stood up and displayed his collection of nuts and bolts within his shirt. "Completely."

    "Great!" Sokka glanced both ways down the hall before leaning in to peck the Prince on the cheek. "The others should be waiting down by the lakeside right about now."

    "Okay, let's go." Zuko nodded before turning back to the freezer.

    He lightly released all the bolts and such from his shirt onto the floor and then placed his hands on opposing sides of the wall. Shooting Sokka a nod, he braced his footing and put all his strength into the push. 

    The whole freezer moved out with a low groan and Sokka quickly slipped out through the gap it had created to prevent it from careening down the hill and into the water. Once he regained his footing, Zuko followed suit.

    "There they are." Sokka grunted as they lightly resisted the rolling freezer to keep it at a manageable pace.

    Once the group took notice of them, Suki quickly moved to help them bring the freezer to a stop. 

    "Hey guys, this is my girl and my best buddy, they're coming too." Chit Seng gestured to the two people next to him.

    Zuko watched Sokka repress an eyeroll when he looked over to see his reaction to the statement. He begrudgingly agreed to let them come and they positioned the freezer in the water. Just as they were about to take their leave, a faint whirring sound echoed from their left.

    Sokka looked off in the direction of the sound to see the gondola approach the prison.

    "Sokka what is it?" Suki spoke up, stepping away from the freezer.

    "It's..." He started to say but trailed off, his eyes focused on the gondola.

    "His Dad might be on that." Zuko explained when Sokka failed to continue.

    "Your father?" Suki echoed, her gaze glossed with confusion.

    "It's not certain though," Sokka shook his head. "And we need to take this chance while we have it."

    "But your Dad could be on there." Zuko pointed out the obvious.

    Sokka contemplated something for a minute before sighing and walking up to Suki to put his hands on her shoulders.

    "You should go," He stated softly. "You've been here long enough as is."

    "I'm not going to leave without you." Suki shook her head, taking Sokka's hands off her shoulders.

    "I'm staying too," Zuko put his hand on Sokka's shoulder. "Obviously."

    "Not me, I'm out." Chit Seng spoke up, swinging himself into the freezer boat. "Let's ride baby."

    The trio watched them float away, their expressions wrenched with concern. Hopefully Sokka's Dad was on that gondola. Since their means to escape was officially lost...