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His footsteps are light, Zuko holds his breath as he treads past the door of their bedchamber. He looks over at the sleeping form on his bed, the corners of his lip tugged in a small smile. He untangles his crown, long hair falling into place on his shoulders and chest. He shrugs his robe off, fingers gingerly thumbs the collars of his regalia as he hangs it by the chair next to his bedside table.
The whole day has been nothing but tiresome meetings and social gatherings, his head spinning from the myriad of questions and details he’s forced to ruminate over, that is his duty as the Firelord.
He gently presses his knees on the soft mattress, hand hovering over the snoozing man on the other side of his bed. Zuko contemplates waking Sokka up, perhaps the man needs this well-deserved rest. Perhaps Zuko wants to be selfish.. so he lays his warm palm on Sokka’s shoulder, stirring the man awake from his deep slumber.
“Hi.” Zuko whispers, low and sweet, Sokka opens one eye lazily; half-asleep, and a small smile crept on his lips. Zuko sees this and feels his heart jump in his chest, bursting with love for the man before him.
“Hey. You’re back, finally.” Sokka’s voice is hoarse from sleep and rubs his hand on his eye, wanting to see his lover more clearly, “How was your day?”
“Oh, y’know, tedious. Would’ve loved it more if you were there.”
Sokka only hums in response, pushing the blanket halfway and opening his arms to urge Zuko to come and lay down with him. And the Firelord does, he sighs as if to let go of all the worry he has from the events of the day and just be with Sokka. He gently lays his head on Sokka’s chest, his arm laying haphazardly over Sokka’s body; basking in the warmth of the man, breathing in his intoxicating scent as Zuko eventually closes his eyes and drifts off to sleep at the sound of Sokka’s slow breathing. Finally, he’s home.