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I'll be watching you (Every breath you take)
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"..Have you ever met my parents?" Right before Zuko felt himself start to drift off, Sokka laying down comfortably on top of him with his head on his chest. Where had that come from?
Even though Zuko wanted to question why Sokka was asking that all of a sudden, he started to wonder that as well. Had he really met Sokka's parents? He can remember a time when he went to escort Sokka to live with him permanently, he wasn't really sure if he had truly said anything at all to with Hakoda or Kya due to the fact there were many children hanging off of him and trying to touch his hair.
The only thing he remembers was feeling eyes on him, and when he turned his head he had locked eyes with Sokka's mother briefly. And she did not look happy.
To be fair he had forgotten about it, it had been.. a year. Sokka had been living with Zuko for a year even though they had been together much longer than that. And out of that entire time he never really got a proper blessing to marry, or even court.
"I.. no, I don't think I have my love." He could feel himself being jostled as Sokka started to sit up, his thighs straddling Zuko's hips. "Then let's take a vacation, yeah?" "Vacation?" Sokka nodded. "Mhm! You can come to the south with me, I haven't seen them in some time either."
Zuko didn't think this was the best idea. Even if he imagined the look that Kya gave him, there was no doubt about it that neither her or Hakoda would be fond of him. Zuko came to rest his hands at Sokka's thighs, the bed robe being moved to the side a little. "Well if you would like to go, you're welcome to. I can make sure you get there safely."
Sokka raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. We can get there safely." With the way Zuko averted his gaze and seemed to avoid it altogether made Sokka a little agitated. "Sokka.." He didn't want to start a fight that he knew he couldn't win.
"I don't think it's best that I go with you." Sokka could only scoff. "Why not? It'd be nice for you to meet my family." Zuko's finger tapped at Sokka's thigh, a few quick movements as he tried to figure out how to word this.
"Well– I most likely wouldn't be welcomed there." Sokka's face seemed to soften up a bit. "No chance. They'd love you! Dad already likes you."
It could be classified as 'like' perhaps. If you saw any sort of engagement between the two without Sokka being there it was almost awkward and strained. Only a few looks could be given and some small nods of greeting and that was honestly it. Conversation would be gracefully resumed once Sokka got back though.
"Come on," Sokka pried, his hands moving up and down Zuko's chest in a way. "It'll be fun.." Zuko shook his head. "Love, it'll be a waste they won't want me there."
But Sokka only tilted his head, a look glinting in his eyes. "Please?"
And it was like that was he getting a new coat tailored the next day. He would have used his older one, but it had no longer fit and it was a one visit sort of coat. He needed multiple ones to stay for as long as Sokka wanted.
And Sokka of course, stayed to watch as he got measured. He was supposed to be writing a letter to his mother and father– perhaps Katara as well if she was there by the time he was.
Sokka had been sat in a chair nearby as a few women wrapped tape marked with numbers around Zuko's half nude body, his eyes still watching despite the ink from his writing utensil dripping a bit. Zuko had glanced over, a smile unhidden when he saw the look on Sokka's face.
"Your ink will dry out, love." His arm stretched out as another measurement was taken at his forearm. Sokka only shrugged, giving a small look back at the paper in his hands. It was already almost finished, loving words all over it- letting everyone know he would be in the south soon and missed them dearly.
"It'll be fine. I'm done with it anyway." He let the base of the utensil down, setting it somewhere and rolling the parchment up so it could fit in a scroll carrier. All he had to do was give it to someone in the palace and it would be sent in a matter of minutes so he didn't have to worry about it.
Once measurements were taken, Zuko was all done.
"Everything should be finished by the time it's ready for us to go." He still felt a little on edge. Everything he thought about in his head was what he thought would go wrong. He was overthinking every single thing even though they hadn't started packing just yet.
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"Sokka should be here soon." Katara turned to her mother as she watched her set up for Sokka's return. She was making loads of food, made sure Sokka still had his own tent to stay in, even decorated— she just wanted everything to be perfect.
"I know." Kya had quickly responded, fixing up the same thing for the fifteenth time and then backing up to take a better look at it from afar only to go and fix it again. "That was supposed to make you calm down a bit, mom." Katara could only laugh seeing how jittery her mother was. It had been a while since she had seen Sokka. Katara was able to see her brother once or twice every few months as her husband could simply take her to the fire nation, easy.
But Kya? It wasn't as simple as that. She frequently wrote to him, asking about every single thing and even had a special place to keep every single message that Sokka sent.
But it wasn't like she was really next door, so of course she'd be nervous. "I-I know." She repeated, but now less certain. "It's just..it's been a while. I don't want anything to look out of place or- maybe he can't stay for as long as he says?"
"I doubt that's true mama. I'm sure he and Zuko will stay as long as they can." Kya seemed to tense up at that familiar though unpleasant name, and then her shoulders slumped. Katara was able to see the way her expression shifted from anxious to annoyed in just a second. "Well yes, I'm sure of that."
Her daughter held in the laugh that bubbled up, pursuing her lips a little.
"Mom."
Kya took a breather that almost sounded like a groan. Anyone could tell you that Kya was not fond of Sokka's mate, by any means.
No matter what you do to explain it, her mind simply will not change. She understands Zuko's turn around, she understands he's currently undoing years and years of terrible things his nation has done, she knows he's a good man.
Thing is, she just doesn't care.
Her disappointment when she first found out Sokka and Zuko were together was a simmering feeling. When they delivered the news they were mated, she held in as much as she possibly could. But Sokka going to live with Zuko? It sealed the deal. She did not like that man, better yet she would gladly say she hated him.
Only reason she didn't voice it was because Sokka was so happy. The light in his eyes when he looked at Zuko was proud, she'd smell the way his scent would get almost sweeter whenever they got near. She couldn't take that away.
"When will you bring that nice boy of yours over? Aang." She changed the subject quickly, putting aside her worries of the tents decor and taking her place next to Katara. "He's busy with republic city. If you really want him to come over I'll see what I can do."
Kya nodded, but she seemed to be staring off into space. After a moment, their hands were touching on Katara's accord. Her fingers wrapped around Kya's in a comforting sense. "I'm not saying you have to like him– I know how you feel. Trust me."
A small squeeze.
"Just focus on Sokka."
She could do that. If she could simply pretend Zuko wasn't there or at least barely acknowledge him maybe this little visit would go well. "Alright." Kya finally had a smile put onto her face.
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The gut feeling in Zuko's stomach hadn't gone away. Despite never getting sea sick, being on one of his ships atop of moving waters didn't make it any better. His body stood stiff, hands gripping at the ships railing tight as he watched the waves go by and the sun start to set. The trip wouldn't be long, about a few more hours into the morning. That was the problem.
He could somewhat pick up footsteps from a few feet away, getting closer until he felt a warm weight at his side.
"How long are you gonna stand out here? Getting dark.." Zuko sighed. "Sorry." Sokka mumbled, nuzzling his face at Zuko's shoulder. "Don't be sorry. Come to bed." The bedding on ships weren't as comfortable if Sokka was too awake, he was sleepy enough to tolerate it but not sleepy enough to rest without Zuko with him.
"I'll be there in a moment love, I'm just.." He didn't need to finish for Sokka to understand. Sokka's hand inched towards Zuko's still tight on the metal, a simple graze already having Zuko's hand eagerly hold his. "What if I make a bad impression?"
Sokka was gonna make a small joke as Zuko already had made a bad impression in terms of- well everything. But the genuine look of almost fear made him keep his mouth shut. "Baby, you're gonna be fine-" "You say that but I don't think I will."
Sokka's brows bunched up, his hold on Zuko's hand loosening a bit. The alphas scent was pungent, it didn't smell bad but it felt like it was burning Sokka's nose. His breathing was all off no matter how much he tried to suppress it and despite not really looking at Sokka, he could still see the emotions swimming in them.
Zuko was still upset, but he chose how to say his next words carefully. He finally turned and faced Sokka instead of spacing out at the sky and ocean. "I just..I don't want to mess it up."
There were so many scenarios going through his mind. What if he addressed them the wrong way? Or did something to disrespect something important to them? Said the wrong thing, did the wrong thing, didn't help enough, or even dared to dislike something.
Sokka didn't consider himself the absolute best at scent stuff, it was mainly Zuko who initiated it no matter what the cause was. For jealousy reasons, clingy reasons, purposely releasing pheromones for Sokka's comfort, or just because he wanted to.
He was sure he wasn't doing the best at it, but when Zuko had caught sweet pheromones wafting near him was when his shoulders had finally slumped and his body naturally gravitated towards his mate.
Zuko felt as if he may fall over from it, his mind already feeling a little fuzzy.
Sokka hadn't even needed to ask if he was doing it well, Zuko's head had dropped onto his shoulder and his hands came to rest on Sokka's sides. He could feel Zuko's nose brush against his neck, the fabric of Sokka's wed given necklace tickling the tip of it a slight.
A hand pat the middle part of Zuko's back in a comforting manner. "Feel better?" "Mhm.." That made Sokka feel a bit relieved, his omega relishing in the satisfaction of calming his alpha down successfully.
"Good. Now come to bed. I'm tired and if I lose sleep cause of you I swear."
With Sokka tucked beside him, sleeping was always easy. He found himself drifting off more often than staring up at the ceiling and waiting for exhaustion to take over like it used to. Their bodies tangled together, Sokka's purrs still active even as he softly snored. A gentle rumble in Zuko's chest responded, crooning back affectionately.
When the front of the ship bumped against the icy edge of Sokka's home, Zuko had still been picking up a few packed items. "I'll be with you in just a second love." He delivered a kiss to his temple.
"Are you sure?" Sokka had asked, despite fighting with excitement and impatience. "I can help you carry if-" "It's alright, I have it." His smile was reassuring enough for Sokka to hurry as he quickly jogged through the halls.
The familiar cool air brushed against his face the moment he stepped off the ramp that led him down. A smile was already starting to show as he looked around, seeing and smelling the likes of his home. The white snow made his eyes light up, he could feel it turn into little droplets of water whenever it touched his skin.
He could see children running around, blue and white furred clothing enveloping comfortably around them. As his eyes scanned over, they finally landed on a familiar face.
"Katara!" He almost tripped as he slid off the ramp, running towards his younger sister and wrapping his arms around her the moment he was close enough. It had been a while since he had seen her, but not as long as he had been from his parents. "It's good to see you too, Sokka." Katara laughed fondly, reciprocating the tight hug that took a bit to end. But when Sokka caught sight of two figures behind her was when he had finally let go.
He didn't instantly embrace either of them for a reason. His heart ached as he took them in, his father's features looked the same as he could remember with only a few grey hairs streaking through a primarily brown head of it.
Kya was still as beautiful as ever, barely any wrinkles besides the ones near her eyes that you would probably need to squint and look close to see properly.
Sokka couldn't even get out what he wanted to say before he rushed towards them, the hug not as tight as the one he and Katara had but it was just as meaningful. "Oh Sokka.." Kya spoke first, the smell over her overpowering though comforting. "Look at you," The embrace broke, but his mother's touch still stayed.
Her smile, so soft and warm just like her eyes.
Sokka could feel her hand holding the side of his head, thumb brushing up against his cheek like she wanted to make sure he was really there. "haven't seen you in so long– did your hair grow?" Kya's fingers subtly threaded through the parts of his hair closest to her touch. "Oh- yeah. I never really have the time to cut it."
Kya shook her head. "That's alright, it looks perfect on you." Her face seemed to fall a little bit when her eyes got lower, zeroing in on what was around Sokka's neck. Instead of the usual bone necklace that was almost always seen secured there, it was a red and blue mixed thing of fabric.
And what hung on the front of it was a circular jade piece with the fire nation symbol hand carved on it.
He didn't.
Kya's attention turned over to where the ship was still settled, the ramp having another person on it who was carrying various bags underneath his arms, gripped tight by his hands, and one more over his shoulder.
Right. Zuko. Kya was so caught up with the few seconds of happiness seeing Sokka that she damn near forgot he would be here.
The air around them now seemed tense. Hakoda had wrapped an arm around Kya's shoulder, giving a reassuring squeeze. She didn't turn over to look but she just knew Katara was giving her a glance.
Despite the many bags Zuko was carrying, he made it over here relatively quick. Almost a second later the ships ramp retreated, and as did the ship. It felt so suffocating, so awkward and they barely got here. Kya's glare was as cold as the climate around them, her expression almost showed disgust.
Katara spoke first, not being able to take it. "Zuko! How've you been?" Her voice was too high, strained and desperately trying to ease everything out best as she could. Zuko blinked like he hadn't expected to he spoken to even by one of his friends.
"Ah, I've been well." He nodded, doing his best to hide the nervousness creeping up at him. Hakoda had attempted to do the same, similar like his daughter he greeted Zuko. "Glad you could make it." Even with a sentence as simple as that, Hakoda could feel himself cringe internally when his wife gave him a look.
A, why are you talking to him? Look.
Only a few seconds more of silence went by that felt like grating seconds.
"Mom! Didn't you make dinner for Sokka's return?" Kya hummed. "Yes. Please, right this way." She took Sokka's arm and pulled him close as she walked, her grin finally retuning when Zuko was out of her sight.
Katara winced, but followed. Hakoda was the only one who lingered. "I can help you with those, I'll show you to your tent."
Zuko had already messed up like Sokka assured him he wouldn't. The help the other alpha offered just felt like a sort of pity to keep Zuko from feeling left out or feeling like he did something wrong. It was a nice attempt, but it didn't work. If anything, it just made him feel even worse.
.
"So how are things down there?" The fire nation. Sokka had paused his movements of gathering food onto his plate. "With Zuko? Oh, it's awesome."
Kya gripped at her own plate as Sokka spoke, her jaw tight. "Y'know one time he had an entire part of his palace renovated for me? Just so I could have a work place there like I do here." Goodness did Kya feel so conflicted. The fondness emitting from Sokka made her happy, it did. But at the same time it just..
"Never thought I'd–" Sokka cut off as he perked up, catching a whiff of his mate and his father entering at the same time. "Zuko! You're back!" He had hurried to set his plate on the table, pulling Zuko deeper inside. "Mom makes the best sea squid soup, you have to try it. Let me get you a plate."
Zuko was about to sit down before he saw it again, Kya looking at him. "Oh..um," He pressed his lips into a thin line, standing straighter and putting a gentle hand to stop Sokka from going back over to where the food was displayed.
"You don't have to get it for me, I have it." Sokka tilted his head, looking over his shoulder then back at Zuko. "..You sure?" "I'm sure. Enjoy your food, I'll be with you in just a second." A little hesitation was with Sokka's steps, but a kiss to his cheek was all that was needed for him to sit down.
All the food presented looked absolutely wonderful. He had of course eaten his fiar share of Water Tribe food– specifically southern, but there are a few things he hadn't tried before. Like Sokka had insisted, he got a few scoops of the soup and tentacle mixed broth. He liked the smell of it, he could feel his stomach tighten at the thought of the taste on his tongue.
There were some trays of fish and other various meats that he settled onto his plate, he hadn't even noticed he was getting closer to Kya. When he had set the utensils down, he flinched away seeing he was too close. She hadn't said anything, just looked him up and down before muttering.
"Enjoy."
"Yes- Yes ma'am. Thank you." Conversation had already started before Zuko sat down, Kya coming to sit down next to Hakoda and Katara not too long after.
Things felt a bit lighter, even though Zuko mainly just spoke to Sokka and Katara it was fine with him. The weight on his body was lifted just a bit. Even though Zuko had enough on his plate, Sokka was constantly shoving things in his mouth from his plate for Zuko to try.
"You like that one? Here, try this one."
It was nice.
After dinner, it was much too dark to converse any longer. Zuko and Sokka were stuck to each other's sides like glue, walking along happily along the snow towards where they were staying for the time being.
Kya and Hakoda stayed behind to clean up the left overs, gathering dishes and stacking them. "..How do you feel about him?" Hakoda raised his eyebrows a bit when he heard the question.
"About who? Zuko?"
"Yes. Zuko." Hakoda looked like he was deep in thought for a moment, mouth opening before closing like he couldn't form a correct opinion. He didn't not like Zuko, he didn't talk with him frequently even when they had first met. There was just a nod given and reciprocated and that was sort of it. At first, he definitely wasn't fond of him either- but acceptance slowly slithered it's way in.
"He's not...terrible. Why?" He asked, but deep down he knew.
Kya set down a set of plates too harshly, the way they clacked sounded like they threatened to break. "He's just.." Kya shrugged, glancing off. Her feelings were so mixed now. She didn't know what she expected seeing Zuko again.
He's not who he used to be, but the bitterness she felt for the nation in general wouldn't ever go away and that's just how it was.
"Is it because he's the Fire Lord?" Hakoda questioned. "No."
Hakoda sighed. "Is it because he's Fire Nation?" Kya didn't say anything. There was no straight answer she could really give right now. She was iffy about Zuko for many different reasons. The lack of knowledge they were given before Sokka had left, the way they hadn't been asked if Sokka could be courted, and then all of a sudden they were just married.
When there was a touch at her face, she instantly leaned into it. "Kya, it's alright." Was it?
"You don't have to like him." So she was told, even by Katara who did like him. Kya wondered how she did it. No, she knew how it went but she didn't know..how.
"Why don't you rest. I'll finish up, and why don't I talk to him tomorrow. Get some answers."
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Muscle memory woke Zuko up early, even if he wasn't back at home. He and Sokka were surrounded by a mix of Zuko's newly tailored coats, and furs that were already present for Sokka to nest with.
The omega was snuggled right up against Zuko's chest, sleeping soundly and taking in his body heat.
There was a noise that made Zuko's head snap up, and his lip instinctively curled up- teeth baring and getting territorial before his eyes even got the chance to see who was actually there. Though what wasn't a threat just stood Hakoda, holding a few items in his hands and paused the moment he heard a deep growl.
Zuko's palm slapped towards his mouth with his eyes getting wide. He can't believe he just did that. Growled at his mates dad, fuck.
"..Should I go..?" Hakoda backed away slowly, and Zuko shook his head. "No it's alright– I'll be there just in a sec." With a nod, Hakoda had slipped out and Zuko swear he wanted to disappear. His head threw back, trying to calm himself down. He knew he wouldn't he able to live that down, simply adding onto the terrible impressions he kept making.
Carefully, he slid out of the nest feeling a little conflicted about leaving when he doesn't even have work but maybe it was just a small talk. Sokka was a heavy sleeper when he knew he had nothing to do.
He chose a coat that wasn't apart of the nest, sliding it on and trying to put the snow boots next to their things on quickly as he could as they were difficult to get past his heel. He let his covered feet grind into the ground to make sure they were on all the way before getting up
His arm moved the flaps of the tent as he left, looking around for Hakoda to see where he stood. He hadn't been far, onlf a few feet away from where he was.
The first thing Zuko had done when walking up to him was apologize, he felt so bad and better yet embarrassed by his behavior. He felt like some young pup who couldn't keep himself in check. But Hakoda made it seem like it wasn't a big deal and slapping his hand on Zuko's back.
"It isn't all your fault. Should have knocked or– just made myself known." If Zuko was by himself he would have let out the biggest sigh of relief. "Thank you sir." Hakoda huffed, shaking his head. "Enough with that sir stuff. Just Hakoda is fine."
"Yes sir– Hakoda." Could he loosen up a bit? Then, something was handed to him. A spear with the tip of it sharp and made of bone. "You fish?"
Zuko gripped at the base. "I have before, but I'm not as good as Sokka." When they were younger and Sokka took him fishing, he would have been lucky to even catch one or two. It was always Sokka who got the large bunches of them.
"Welp, today you'll learn how to fish better. Come on." The hand on Zuko's back pushed him to where the boats were settled and near open cold waters.
Unfortunately, he sucked at this. Hakoda already had his net full while Zuko had exactly two. They had spoken about a few things, Zuko sometimes only giving half answers due to focusing too much on what was moving in the water. His eyes were currently squinting as he leaned over the boat, almost a little too close as the tips of his hair were dipped in.
"..Can I ask you somethin'?" Hakoda leaned back, no longer worried about the fish. "Mhm."
"You wanna tell me why you didn't come to us? When you were interested in Sokka, I mean." Zuko went still, a fish swimming past him quick just when he had it. His hold loosened on the spear, but then tightened. He sat up, quiet for just a moment.
"I know I messed up on the courting thing." Hakoda nodded, honestly agreeing. That, he did do. "But I had to be sixteen still when I courted him." This had his interest a bit more piqued.
"I didn't know I was courting him sir- uh, Hakoda. It just happened. Felt like I had to." In all honesty, that could be something to be agreed upon between the two. He felt the exact way about Kya. "I just couldn't help myself, I got ahead and the game and.."
There was this apologetic look on Zuko's face, his nail scratching against the spear. "I wanted to send a note when we were actually official, but I thought it would be dumb. But now I realize me not doing it was even more idiotic." Hakoda snorted.
"I see," With a sigh, Hakoda picked his spear back up and scooted closer to Zuko. "I get that. You were young, stupid. As was I. I can't tell you to not do it next time,"
They laughed.
"But I can tell you to learn from it. Understand?" "Yes sir." "Good."
.
Sokka had woken up to Zuko gone, which wasn't completely uncommon but it was a little disappointing considering Zuko didn't have to do anything today. He yearned to go look for his alpha, but he was much too tired right now. He could wait for a while and ask him why the hell he left and be mad later.
He was in the middle of doing his hair, no need for a mirror as he did it a few certain ways everyday. Too caught up with it, he hadn't notice his tent flap being brushed open, Kya stepping through the threshold of it but stopping in her tracks.
She saw what Sokka's hair hid, the deep, big, and very visible mating bite right at the back of his neck that not even the betrothal necklace could cover.
When he had finally finished tying it up the way he liked, she made herself known. "Good morning." She smiled when Sokka looked over, and quickly came to sit beside him. "Morning mom. I didn't miss breakfast did I?"
Kya chuckled, her son not even trying to be funny but it still got something out of her. "No, I haven't made it yet there's no need to worry." Her expression changed. "..But, I'd like to ask you something if that's fine?" Sokka shuffled a bit, brows furrowing together with concern. "Yeah, what's up?" Despite neither of them having gloves on, their chilling touch still felt warm when Kya grabbed his hands.
"How do you feel about Zuko? You like him, yeah?" Sokka looked suspicious, which was to be expected but she just needed an answer.
"Of course I do. Why?" Kya pushed. "You can see yourself forever in his life? Children?" Sokka looked taken back, but still answered truthfully. "Yes? Mom– are you okay? What's the matter?"
He was worried, rightfully so. Damn, maybe Zuko was right. Did she really hate him? He was so excited and caught up in Zuko meeting his family he hadn't been paying much attention. "Mom?" Kya had finally let go, exhaling greatly. She had looked up for a moment, swallowing the lump in her throat and blinked quickly.
"Alright," She hadn't looked troubled any longer, though her reddening eyes still worried him. "That's all I needed to know I'll get started on the food if you're still hungry." Sokka nodded, but not completely sold.
"Okay..see you then."
She pressed a kiss to Sokka's temple, getting up and leaving.
Weird.
Zuko had come back a few minutes later with Hakoda by his side, and while Sokka was about to get onto him for not telling him where he was he noticed the bags of fish they held. "Sokka!" Zuko exclaimed, holding up his own. There wasn't a huge load of fish in it, but it was way more than any amount he's ever caught before.
"Oh, so you left me to go fishing with my dad? Wow, Zuko." His tone was only teasing, but Zuko took it much too seriously. His face fell, genuine guilty in his eyes. "What—? no I was just-" Zuko looked over where Hakoda was already walking away.
"Sokka."
The next few days had went by smoother than Zuko expected. Kya had actually spoken to him. Now, it didn't seem like she wanted to but she still did. Despite her often clipped tone and cutting conversations short, it was enjoyable. He could tell she was a very sweet woman, though he always knew that of course.
When it was fine for them to leave, the goodbyes were long and heartfelt. Zuko almost didn't want to leave, he had just adapted to this cold!
Katara was expected to leave soon as well, but she still gave her goodbyes. "Come again soon."
.
Zuko and Sokka had figured out a schedule to be able to visit more often. Few times every few months, even if it wasted a few recourses it was worth it.
Kya had especially looked forward to the more frequent visits, always so happy to see her son and..Zuko was there too, yes. But this months visit had been different. They waited where the ship usually parked itself, waiting to see the pair come out but they had taken a bit longer than usual.
Neither had been rushing, and Zuko was much closer to Sokka than usual. And even from here, both Kya and Hakoda could pick up a different scent. Not like it was someone else's scent, which was odd. It smelt milky sweet.
Kya squinted a little bit when they had gotten closer, only for her eyes to go wide and for her jaw to drop.
"Hey mom." Sokka had seemed gleeful, while Zuko was a little pent up and it had only gotten worse when he looked over at them.
"You're pregnant?!"