Movies and Rain (Zukka Modern AU)

Healing Power of Pasteries

By the time they pulled up to Ba Sing Way Zuko's ears were ringing. If he thought the music was loud before, he hadn't been prepared for Sokka's DIY base speaker. On the bright side, the pain in his side had faded to a dull ache, letting him know that it wasn't serious. Though he still wasn't looking forward to the soreness he knew would come tomorrow.

The group buzzed with excitement as they piled out of the Jeep. Katara led the way into the store. Zuko expected them to grab a cart, but they bypassed it in favour of heading straight to the bakery. Zuko almost pointed out that there had been a bakery right next to the ice rink, but let it drop as he looked from one smile to the next. Aang had already grabbed a box and Toph was shoving different flavoured pastries, mostly doughnuts, inside. Toph said something to Aang and he paused, glancing back at Zuko before answering. Tohp gave a firm nod and reached up, grabbing two treats from the top shelf. Zuko hadn't noticed Sokka and Katara at the counter until they turned and headed back towards him, Aang and Toph quick on their heels. Sokka stopped briefly by the beverage section, picking out five bottles and cans and checking them out.

Zuko's bewilderment only grew as the group headed out of the store just as quickly as they'd arrived. They herded back to the Jeep and Zuko expected them to climb back in. Instead, Aang set the box of pastries on the hood while Sokka handed out sodas, teas, and energy drinks.
Zuko's eyes widened as a mango tea was passed his way.
"How did you know I liked these?" He gaped.
"You just seem like a mango tea kinda person," Sokka shrugged. Toph was already digging into the pastries when Aang waved him over. Zuko scanned the group as Aang handed him an apple fritter.
"So is this a regular thing for you guys?" He asked, "Getting sweets and hanging out in the parking lot, I mean?" Aang shrugged like this wasn't strange at all.
"Yeah," he said, "It's kind of a tradition, I guess." Zuko cocked his head to the side, inviting Aang to go on. The freshman hopped on the hood next to the doughnut box as he explained.
"Well I was pretty upset one day after-" he paused, meeting Zuko's eyes and shrugged. Zuko got the hint, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. An apology almost made its way past his lips before Aang continued.
"Sokka had just gotten his license, so he took me and Katara here to cheer me up. After that it sorta became our go-to," he smiled down at Zuko, "Now that you're here, it's kind of like closure, huh?" Zuko couldn't help but smile, though there was obvious guilt in it.
"I wish I could say that I never wanted to hurt you, but I'd be lying. I just wish I could take it all back," he sighed. Aang gri]ed his shoulder and gave it a small shake.
"Nothing can change the past, but we can always move forward." He said. Zuko couldn't help but think he was an incredibly wise kid.
"Thanks," he said.
"Always," Aang smiled at him, and the reassurance boosted Zuko into joining in on the group's conversation.

//An//
The author finally appears >:)

Hey y'all, sorry about the short chapter! I hope you guys like the story so far :)

I've never really made author's notes a regular thing but I might start putting these at the end for some interaction so uhhh

qotd:
What's your favourite fruit?

Mine are probably apples and grapes