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onceonafullmoon · 7 months

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Happy Accidents

Sae x GN! Reader

Part 2 to Misunderstandings

No warnings, after school fluff, takes place before Spain. First date (kinda), Reader is GN but is described as being shorter than Sae and wearing ribbons in their hair. Reader is kinda a anxious mess. NGL this was kinda a pain to get thru, Suki and Naomi are my babies il them T^T

“So, uh… what’s… your favorite color?” You ask, before immediately scrunching up your eyes in disgust of how awkward that was. “...seriously?” His response isn’t exactly uncalled for, but you can’t help but pout anyways.

What does one do when they’ve accidentally scored a date with one of the most infamous boys at school?

Cry? Scream? Die on the spot? Everything listed before, all at once?

Well, first, before all of that, you tell your beloved friends in hope for advice or a comforting shoulder.

And instead you get relentlessly teased (Naomi) and interrogated (Suki).

“Oh my god, you’re so stupid.” Naomi cackles like a witch from your desk chair, wiping tears from her eyes (okay it wasn’t that funny). “Who the fuck says “thanks you too” when someone tells them they’re cute?”

“Nuhh– nice people?” You say trying to defend yourself, although it comes out as more of a question.

This sends Naomi into another laughing fit, making you grab one of your pillows and hurl it at her, scowling when she easily catches it and continues to laugh at you, now grumpy that you missed her and that you’re pillowless.

“Oh, stop it already you clown.” Suki scolds Naomi from where she’s sprawled on your bed, head tilting up to shake her head disapprovingly at the dark haired girl.

“Thank you Suki.” You say, flashing her a grateful smile, only to yelp when she suddenly flips around, looking at you with an intensely excited look in her eyes.

“Was his voice hot?” She eagerly questions, leaning in to hear your answer.

“Suki!” You squawk, feeling your face heat up. “What kinda question–?!”

Naomi snorts. “Oh, but I’m the clown, got it.”

“It’s an important question, thank you very much, we’re talking about our beloved (Name)’s partner here!” She pouts indignantly, ignoring the choked noise of surprise you make at her words.

“Yeah, no, I don’t approve of him either way. That kid has an attitude problem and (Name) deserves better.” Naomi scoffs.

“Oh, who would you approve of then? Fucking Maruki?”

“Yes, I would, and that’s Dr. Maruki to you, you bitch–”

You finally manage to find your voice during their mini squabble and snap in embarrassment.

“I don’t need either of you to approve! That doesn’t matter anyways!” You exclaim. “I am not dating Itoshi Sae!”

Your brother pops his head into your room at this very inopportune time, and looks at you in shock.

“(Name) you’re dating Itoshi Sae?” He asks.

“Yes!” Suki squeals.

“Unfortunately.” Naomi sighs.

“No!” You snap, glaring at your friends before turning to him. “What are you doing here anyways?”

“I was just gonna ask you if I could have the last bag of chips.” He answers.

“Yeah, whatever, go for it.” You sigh.

“Cool, congrats on bagging a future pro athlete, I expect to see some money too.” He responds, leaving just as quickly as he came.

“You wouldn’t see anything even if we were dating!” You call out after him, both annoyed and flustered by his words.

Sighing you turn to your friends, who look at you somewhat expectantly.

“What?”

“I mean, I know I said I didn’t approve… but if he does happen to get rich…” Naomi trails off, as Suki eagerly nods.

“You materialistic jerks, what about his feelings?” You question, only to receive giggles from Suki.

“Interesting that you didn’t bring up your feelings.” She teases, making you startle in embarrassment. “Besides, I have a pretty good feeling, he wouldn’t mind spoiling you.”

Naomi laughs at this. “You’re making him sound like a sugar daddy.”

“Could be.” Suki innocently says, despite the smirk on her face.

“No! No sugar daddies!” You exclaim, face burning. “It’s an equal relationship!”

“Aha, so it is a relationship!” Suki grins victoriously.

“No! You know what I meant you ass!”

“Did we?” Naomi questions with a grin.

You let out a groan. “Don’t team up on me! I need help, not mockery.”

“You got it boss.” Suki salutes mockingly before hopping off your bed to rummage through your closet. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you a first date fit that’ll have him drooling over you as soon as he sees you.”

You give her a blank stare, the thought of Sae drooling over anyone sounding so unrealistic you can’t even begin to imagine it.

Naomi must share these sentiments with the way she rolls her eyes at Suki, at least, that's what you think until she opens her mouth.

“If you want him to drool, just make sure (Name) shows up naked.”

This time when you hurl a pillow at her it hits her square in the face.

Suki snickers both at the remark and the price that Naomi paid for it, watching as you proceed to pick up said pillow and proceed to beat Naomi with it in a flustered rage, much to her misfortune as she lets out muffled yelps.

“Unfortunately, public indecency is a crime Naomi, so I think we’ll do it my way.” Suki hums.

“That’s the only reason?!” You ask, alarmed, finally letting up on your attempt to murder your friend with a comforter.

“Of course not!” Suki reassures. “It’s also because I want to dress you up.”

You look down at the fluffy weapon in your hands and briefly consider changing targets before remembering that Suki would actually murder you for messing up her hair.

“...well, not that I don’t appreciate the help Suki, but when I asked for help, I meant how I should act.”

Naomi leans back on the chair, already recovered from the attempt on her life, and looks at you incredulously.

“Just act like you always do, duh.” She states, as if obvious.

“...” You blink, taking in the advice before shaking your head. “That’s not– I mean, I’m just gonna make a fool of myself again.”

Suki pauses in her closet rifling to look back over at you.

“...You know (Name), we’re teasing you a lot, but this situation isn’t as bad as you think it is. It’s normal to embarrass yourself every once in a while.” Suki says soothingly.

“Yeah, you would know.” Naomi snorts, to which Suki shoots her a withering glare, making her backtrack. “I mean– yeah, Suki’s right. Besides, if you were to act differently, what’s the guarantee that you’d be able to keep it up? It’s better to just be yourself.”

“... I guess you guys have a point.” You concede, giving them both a small smile.

“Good, because I’m pretty sure the fact that you’re a walking L is endearing to him.” Naomi adds cheerfully, yelping as you swing your pillow down on her again.

Suki hums turning back to your closet as the sounds of Naomi’s muffled protests sound in the background.

“Oooh, that top is cute.”

—

When you finally show up at his practice it’s halfway through being finished, and you feel a spark of guilt run through you, threading through the waves of anxiety already ebbing and flowing within.

You probably could have made it when practice actually started had Suki not insisted on spontaneously starting the most difficult hairdo known to man.

“No, trust me, this is gonna look so cute, I swear.” She mutters, yanking your hair.

“There’s no point if it’s over by the time you’re finished!” You snap back.

In the end, she somehow did it, and it did look very pretty, especially with your signature ribbon tied around it, but you couldn’t help feeling slightly salty about it, regretting that you missed watching Sae play, even if only for a little bit.

…Not that it mattered anyways since now you were starting to feel the familiar sensation of nervousness well up within you.

“Breath, just breath, it's fine.” You mutter to yourself as you take a seat on the bleachers, trying to be as unintrusive as possible.

Well, you say unintrusive, but what you really mean is unseen, feeling embarrassed about both being seen all dressed up and being seen by Sae in general.

And if you were a luckier person, you would’ve remained unseen for the rest of the practice, only until it was over and you would only have to bite the bullet of being seen by Sae.

But, you weren’t a lucky person, and as you had once thought before, the gods personally had it out for you, so instead, while you’re busy running through breathing exercises and overthinking, you immediately get pointed out by one of the players while they’re getting ready to leave.

Hirose, who sits in a few of your classes, isn’t quite a friend, but is fun to talk to with his friendly and extraverted nature. Unfortunately, due to that very nature, he is loud and never knows how to use his inside voice.

So, essentially, what’s supposed to be a casual compliment, turns into a spotlight aimed directly at you.

“Damn, (Name), looking good!” He practically yells out.

Immediately, you feel almost everyone's attention shift towards you, and you feel yourself wanting to melt into the ground, cheeks heating up to a temperature almost feverish.

“Damn you Hirose!” You curse in your head, as you send him an awkward smile, praying that Sae just so happened to be distracted by literally anything else instead of you, despite the fact that most of the guys on the field are now starting to murmur to each other (most definitely about you, in a hopefully non-negative way).

He’s not, obviously and unfortunately, and when you look over at him, his teal eyes slowly taking in your figure, you can feel your soul slip out of your body.

“What’re you all dressed up for?” Hirose loudly asks with an oblivious smile, not quite understanding the fact that he’s drawing attention to you, much less the fact that you’re dying of embarrassment because of it.

You hesitate to answer, not quite wanting to say that you’re going on a date with Sae in worry that he’d take offense to having his personal affairs aired out like that (also because even still you could hardly believe he wanted to go out with you), but to your surprise, Sae ends up talking for you.

“They’re with me.” He states, simply, making you look at him in shock, as does everyone else on the field, albeit probably for different reasons.

Hirose openly gapes for a second, before turning to you in shock. “For real?!”

“...Well– yes.” You respond, figuring that there’s no reason in denying it, slightly confused that he’s confirming it with you rather than Sae, feeling that if anyone would lie about being in a relationship, (would this be considered that yet?) it would be you.

What you also aren’t expecting is for Hirose to give you an enthusiastic high five and a conspiratorial whisper to “run his pockets clean (Name)!” to which your cheeks flush in mortification.

(Seriously, what was with the running insistence of you being a gold digger?... or a future gold digger at the very least?)

Either way, the commotion dies down for the most part after a while, although you can’t help but dread returning to school knowing that this was going to be widespread knowledge soon enough… especially knowing Hirose.

Not that you have much time to worry about that anyways when you make your way off of the bleachers over to your supposed date (though, was calling it a “date” overstepping?). But Sae surprises you when he holds out his hand to help you off of them.

Obviously you accept his hand, and obviously it proves to be your downfall (literally) when as you reach for it your shoe hits the support beam on the seat and you end up tripping right into his arms.

“...You’re really clumsy.” He remarks coolly, effortlessly maneuvering you safely onto the ground with strength that leaves you briefly awed.

It’s the first thing that he’s directly said to you so far and you can’t help the flustered look that overtakes your face.

“I–I’m usually not.” You manage to say, mentally recalling how you effortlessly beat Naomi within an inch of her life with a pillow despite her attempts to run.

“So, it's just me then?” He asks, the teasing tone in his voice sending your cheeks on fire.

You decline to comment on that, but Sae doesn’t seem to mind, instead gently grasping your hand in his, (much to your shock) as he begins to lead you to the ice cream shop.

When you slightly stumble (because of course) he sends you a smirk that has you simultaneously wanting to die (usual) as well as the urge to trip him (new!).

You don’t act on either impulse though, particularly the last one as you see the hint of the affectionate gleam in his eye.

The walk is relatively quiet for the most part, neither of you really being big talkers, but even still you can’t help but feel the familiar tinge of curiosity as you look at him, wanting to know a bit more about him.

“So, uh… what’s… your favorite color?” You ask, before immediately scrunching up your eyes in disgust of how awkward that was.

“...seriously?”

His response isn’t exactly uncalled for, but you can’t help but pout anyways.

“Listen, you try being in my shoes, this is hard.”

“Didn’t seem hard when you wrote that letter.”

You want to laugh at his remark, for many reasons that you’re not quite sure how to explain to him just yet, so instead you shift gears.

“Speaking of, how much of that did you read?”

He gives you his signature poker face, but the twinkle of amusement in his eyes has you regretting asking.

“Not too far, just enough to get to the part about the “shimmering teal” of my pupils that “sends your heart racing”, supposedly.”

You’re not sure if you want to curse out Suki for her fixation on physical appearance or punch yourself for your penchant for melodrama, but you have enough hatred within you to do both.

“...is that so?” You question in a voice distinctly higher than your usual pitch.

He doesn’t even attempt to hold back the breathy laugh that escapes him.

“God, you’re cute.”

It’s a miracle that no one has notified the local fire department of the burning embarrassment that’s raging within you, strong enough to probably burn down half the neighborhood had it been able to escape from the confines of your cheeks.

At least this time you didn’t say “you too.”

“Is it fun for you? Torturing me?” You question rather bitterly.

“Most people would love to be “tortured”, as you say.” He says, more so matter of factly than arrogantly, but it still makes you raise a brow.

“..so why me?” You can’t help but ask.

He turns his head towards you, face unreadable like normal, which is still as intimidating as it was before he asked you out, and reaches his hand out to poke you in the forehead, to which you scrunch up your face on instinct.

“‘Told you already… you’re cute.”

“So are “most people” who approach you!” You protest, despite your face flushing.

“Maybe they were.” He says nonchalantly. “But I have my reasons.”

“Which are…?”

He looks at you, seemingly considering, and you almost lean in to hear him speak, until he replies.

“... I’ll tell you next time.”

You gape at him slightly, both annoyed that he just curveballed you and flattered that he wanted to go out with you again.

“You’re too good at this.” You complain as you see the building of the ice cream shop.

“Or you’re just too receptive to me.” He shoots back, seemingly relishing in the way you stumble through the conversation.

“N–not to you, to everyone.”

“Sure.” He replies, rather generously, dropping the subject in favor of grabbing onto the front door to the shop instead, allowing you to enter first as he holds it open for you.

The interior of the shop is actually rather cute, vintage in an American 50’s diner way, complete with the checkered floors, bright colors and non-functioning jukebox sitting in the corner collecting dust from its underutilization.

“Thank you… and wow.” You whisper as you come inside, Sae trailing in after you. “This is so cool…”

“I had a feeling you’d like it.” He says, and you can’t help the smile that slides on your face when he says that.

“I didn’t realize you were so thoughtful.”

“Probably because you were too busy getting lost in my shimmering–”

“Anyways! Is that ice cream? I love ice cream!” You fluster, moving over to stare at the glass counter and examine the flavors.

He laughs, and you can’t help but flush despite yourself, the low pitch of his voice sending your heart racing.

You elect to ignore him in favor of cooling your heated cheeks, stammering out your order to the amused older woman who looks fondly on the two of you, Sae following with his order close behind.

When he pulls out his wallet to pay however, you panic, voicing your objections.

“Wait, you don’t have to pay for me!” You protest.

“Aren’t you supposed to be running my pockets clean?”

He asks, raising a brow, ignoring your protests and handing over his yen to the cashier without a second thought.

“That’s not– I mean, I didn’t say–”

“Besides,” He cuts your stuttering off smoothly. “I asked you out first, so it's only fair.”

“Then I’m paying for the next one.” You say determinedly before realizing what you’ve just implied, your face flushing yet again.

The lady behind the counter coughs in an attempt to cover up her laugh, but you can already feel a steam of embarrassment burst out your ears.

Sae just shoots you a smirk, smug that you’ve walked straight into his trap and you, for the first time, send him a glare, the type you would send Naomi.

To his credit, despite you not wanting to give him any, he takes it like a champ and the smug look stays on his face even through both of you receiving your orders and taking a seat.

You can’t help but perk up at the sight of your ice cream, a happy smile lighting up your face as you take a bite, an enthusiastic hum escaping your lips.

Although, you’re quick to stop your antics when you notice him eying you amusedly, deciding to avert your eyes to the table and act like a sane, rational human being.

“Don’t stop on my account.” He says, to which you shake your head, flustered.

“...stop looking at me and I’ll consider.”

“Easier said than done.” He remarks, to which you feel your cheeks warming.

“...you don’t need to exaggerate.” You murmur, taking another bite of your ice cream.

“I wouldn’t in the first place.” He says stoically. “You look good.”

Your heart excuses itself from its usual job pumping your blood to do an enthusiastic tap dance routine, complete with a hat tip and a cane pop.

“...too good.” He murmurs to himself, not noticing your flustered face.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” You question, moving past your own embarrassment.

He shakes his head, taking a bite of his ice cream. “Nothing, just dumb jocks.”

You raise a brow at him to which he scoffs, understanding your insinuation.

“Shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything.” You say innocently before switching the topic to his earlier words. “Did your teammates do something?”

He sits there silently for a second swallowing his bite of ice cream before speaking.

“They’re just… annoying; they need to keep their mouths shut.”

“Yeah? Did they say something about me?” You press slightly, both curious about what his teammates could have said to set him off as well as slightly insecure.

“...it’s not that they were talking badly about you.” He says, in what seems to be an attempt to comfort you. “It’s just…”

He trails off and you look at him, a hint of an idea on your mind on what he’s trying to get at, but you’re not sure if you have the confidence to actually say it.

“It’s fine…” You say, shooting him a reassuring smile. “I think I get it.”

“Do you?” He asks disbelievingly, but lets a small smile slip on his face. “...I’ll say that you definitely caught their attention.”

“That sounds even more anxiety including.” You reply with a small laugh.

“I’ll put it this way then.” Sae says, leaning in slightly, and you can catch the way the sunlight hits his eyes. “You caught my attention.”

A warm feeling stirs up within you, and you have to fight to hide the flustered smile that threatens to break on your face.

“...you caught mine too.” You end up saying instead, watching as he blinks, the light hitting his lower lashes like sparkles.

A moment of silence settles around you both, although it doesn’t feel uncomfortable, only for it to burst so delicately as Sae opens his mouth again.

“Yeah I know.” He says, a smirk creeping up on his lips as he looks at you. “Something about how my blush red hair reminds you of roses–”

“Okay! That’s enough of that!” You fluster, panicked.

The conversation continues from there, ebbing and flowing in a way you would have never thought when tasked with the daunting prospect of talking to Itoshi Sae and you discover a few new sides to him too.

One that he’s awfully fond of his younger brother, two, he’s a bit of a sore loser, especially when it comes to tiny things and three, that he’s a lot more caring than you originally had him pegged for.

And after a few hours when the conversation comes to a comfortable lull you both leave the shop, you with the flustered knowledge of your newfound infatuation and him with a considerably more relaxed demeanor than when the date started.

“Should I walk you home?” He offers breezily, to which you shake your head vehemently a grimace pulling on your features.

“Don’t worry about it.” You say. “I don’t need you meeting my brother and having him embarrass me.”

“You seem to do that enough on your own.” He points out, to which you shoot him a glare.

“And who’s the guy who likes me despite that?” You shoot back, to which he smirks.

“Me obviously.” He says, a hint of pride in his tone that leaves you feeling warm inside despite your want to stay annoyed with him.

You feel a smile pull on your lips as you turn to him with a sincere tone in your voice. “...I had a good time today, thanks for taking me here.”

He’s slightly taken aback by your shift in tone, and an unfamiliar flush blooms on his face, something that leaves you equal parts amused and amazed.

“...I wouldn’t mind doing this again.” He eventually says.

You have half a mind to tease him, but decided with the way the universe hates you that you should keep your mouth shut in fear of the wrathful vengeance of karma.

“Me neither.” You say instead, giving him a small smile, hesitating for a while before hopping on your tiptoes and planting a kiss on his cheek.

His face turns an interesting shade of pink at the gesture and you can’t help but laugh at the look on his face as you spin on your heel to leave.

“See you at school, Sae!” You call out with a wave as you start to make your way back home, a happy pep in your step even if he doesn’t respond, too preoccupied with his own embarrassment.

(And if you trip slightly on your way back, skinning your knees slightly… well you suppose you could live with that form of karma.)

#blue lock #bllk x reader #blue lock fluff #blue lock x reader #sae itoshi #sae x reader fluff #itoshi sae x reader #gender neutral reader #Maruki is BACK #one day I'll write a persona 5 fic and my demons will be satiated #theres not gonna a part 3 though... respectfully

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larrysanasshole · 2 months

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Something silly about larry who comforts reader because I had a breakdown about my relationships lol

Also inspired by the song moves from Suki Waterhouse and he may be a little high idk

The school's parties have always been strangely uncomfortable events that most people attend simply because there weren't more interesting things to do in Nockfell or.... No, those were actually all the reasons why the school gymnasium was more crowded than usual. The cheapest gaudy colorful decorations hung on the walls and ceiling imitating streamers, and the tables were decorated with tablecloths in strange patterns. Not to mention the food which was the most ordinary snacks. For the most part, it resembled a normal school day, but more elegant.That's why you didn't want to come. There was no point in wasting time getting ready just because someone on the school staff wanted to throw a party to welcome spring. What was it, kindergarten?

Unfortunately, however, you ended up at this unfortunate party, or more precisely, due to your partner. Things had been getting worse between you lately, you were constantly arguing, even about silly things. Going out and having fun together was supposed to at least get your relationship back on track, but it ended just as you might have expected. - Would you please stop reproaching me! We came here to have fun!- your partner said through clenched teeth so that the others would not draw their attention to you, although the tension between you was palpable to the point of being over the top. - According to you, flirting with other girls is fun?- you asked in response equally annoyed and your voice faltered. He did it all the time, acted as if he wasn't in a relationship at all, and when you paid attention to him, the argument started. - I was just talking to them! Do you have to make it so difficult to be with you? You know what, I do not want to hear your answer. If I'm bothering you so much then enjoy yourself.- He announced in a harsh tone without even allowing you to respond only turned away the tension and went to his friends thus leaving you alone. For a moment you still stood still staring ahead before you felt a tightness in your chest.

Crying itself wouldn't have been such a terrible thing yet, if it weren't for the fact that there were people around you who knew you and who might be too pinched the next day at school. - fuck it all- you said to yourself in your mind while taking your purse from one of the tables and quickly headed towards the exit. Your heart was beating uncomfortably fast and your vision was blurred by tears wanting to run down your cheeks. You only allowed it when the still gently cool air hit your face. You sat on the stairs throwing your purse somewhere off to the side, not even anything of value was there. You don't even know what or who exactly you were angry at, that stupid party? Those girls there, that asshole or at yourself for letting yourself be treated that way. A shudder went through your body through your sobs. It was so overwhelming, believing that anything would change. Maybe you really were to blame yourself?

- Not that I'm judging, but I don't think this is where the party is- a playful boy's voice next to you spoke up, making you feel even worse. Lifting your gaze your eyes appeared none other than Larry Johnson. You were familiar with him from art class, but you never had any major interaction, occasionally he threw in some joke during class or something, but mostly you were strangers to each other. Shame mixed with despair for you. However, it did not escape your attention that his expression changed seeing your red eyes and tears still running down your skin. Surely he looked confused, but also slightly panicked? Most likely because of his misplaced joke.

- sorry, this is probably not the right moment- he added immediately with a nervous smile, and his hands began to correct the sleeves of his dark shirt.

- nothing happened, it won't get any worse-you replied without anger or irritation, and this curious thing worried him even more. He moved uncomfortably not knowing what he should do, he wasn't very good at comforting people, but he also didn't want to just leave you, it seemed just as awful. Willing or not, he also took a seat on the stairs, farther away from you to keep a proper distance, but he was there.

- You'd better not say that, or something worse will really happen.- He said wanting to lighten the atmosphere and reached into the pocket of his pants to pull out crumpled cigarettes and a lighter. You felt like crying even more. You silently wiped your tears while looking at your shoes. You heard him use the lighter, and immediately took a drag. You wondered if he was sitting with you out of pity.

- I don't know how to comfort people, if I started talking some cheerful nonsense it would hardly even help- He started to speak wanting to support you in any way. You interrupted him before he could speak further.

- This is solely my fault. I brought myself to such a state- You said raising your eyes to look ahead. Your hands were resting on your knees, it's been a long time since you felt this bad.

Larry was silent for a while, and only through the still hovering cigarette smoke were you sure he was next to you.

- I do not know what exactly happened, but if it is not a meteorite falling from the sky then you can always change something. I mean, the simplest things bring results.- He shrugged his shoulders, he really did not know how to comfort. His words were so simple and yet true and made the

that the wind was not so cold.

- Unless someone hurt you, then it all doesn't matter, please tell me it's not that- he quickly added realizing that he really didn't know what had happened. You shook your head so that sometimes he wouldn't start panicking along with you too.

- Thank goodness, in that case, what else can you do but try to make a difference?- He returned to his speech, and you began to wonder if he knew it was about your partner. You had always thought that your relationship was quite private and no one but you knew about your bickering, but now you were beginning to doubt it. You had no intention of asking, for your own comfort.

- I can sit here and cry further- You suggested quietly wiping your cheeks on which there were fewer and fewer new tears. Turning your head to the side immediately your gaze met his. He was just taking a drag on his cigarette, but at your words he raised his eyebrows.

- In that outfit? On the stairs where everyone walked by wiping their shoes? Along with Travis?- he said with feigned disbelief. Your eyes continued to be red and glassy, but instead of sobbing you burst into laughter. His words were so silly as to be funny, and his facial expression only added more to the humorous flavor of it all.

- bleh, You just made me want to burn this dress now and I feel even worse- You complained while getting up from your seat which brought a smile to his face, he was in no hurry to get up from his seat.

- I'm just telling the truth- He replied finishing his smoke with that he threw the cigarette on the ground and crushed it with his shoe. You looked at him not knowing what to feel anymore. You continued to feel awful, but it was more bearable than a moment before.

- are you going back inside, or are you going home?- he asked, casting his gaze to the front door from behind which the music was still coming.

- I will go home. I'm sorry that you had to witness my breakdown- You muttered, not really wanting to deal with shame yet now, there will be a good time for that, for example, the next day.

- me? I had a nice time at the party, my couple was a little emotionally unstable, but otherwise it's pretty good.- He said once again making something other than sadness appear on your face.

- just don't tell anyone about it- You said going down the rest of the stairs. You didn't hear if he answered you and so it didn't matter now, the confusion in your head was drowning out everything anyway.

Maybe you really could have changed everything? Start all over again?

He made it sound so easy, and even if he was joking, maybe that was the truth? You wondered about this all the way back to your house.

Getting everything in order took a little longer than you would have liked and definitely longer than just crying in your room, but the final decision has already made some changes.

Being single and taking extra art classes really served you!

#sally face #larry johnson #travis phelps #sally fisher #ash campbell #one shot #todd morrison #headcanons #ashley #larry x reader #larry face #suki waterhouse #x reader

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procrastinatingwriting · 2 years

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Yue joins the gaang au and suddently Zutara is no more. Yue is Sokka's permanent partner in this one and decides to learn waterbending from Katara, while also learn hand to hand combat with Sokka and Toph. Aang's crush is suddently doubled since he has a thing for waterbenders (joking aside, I genuinely think this is the perfect rarepair since they are both 'spirits' in a way). With Yue on their side, charisma improves ++4 and Toph doesn't need to run away from her parents, because they lie to them saying it's a trip for royalty (Katara and Sokka are also royal if you think about) with the avatar as the guardian. They end up finding out the truth latter anyways, but the departure is fine.

Yue sees more in Azula as soon as they first meet. She knows the struggles of being a princess and needing to be perfect all the time. She 100% helps Katara blow up that one factory in season 3. In Crossroads of Destiny, both Katara and Yue are caught. Katara proceeds as canon, while Yue is imprisoned for blackmail against the NWT. She has a heart to heart with Azula that shakes her view on the war, but Azula follows the plan anyways.

COD follows as usual but Yue manages to escape and jump in front of Aang to be caught in the lighting, but Aang still ends up injured. Azula is in shock (pun intended) and Zuko is equally surprised. With the Avatar state, Aang is able to gain time for a proper escape, but Azula has Iroh, Zuko and Ba Sing Se, so she is not empty handed.

Zuko is pardoned since he helped Azula, but they are both given the task to catch the avatar when the gaang inevitably tries to attack in the day of the Black Sun.

Azula is consumed by guilt over killing Yue and Zuko is conflicted for betraying Iroh. They both decide to escape Ozai, kind of a last minute thing after Azula sees Yue well and alive. She helps them escape while Zuko is unknowingly giving them time by distracting Ozai.

Yue is very receptive of Azula, but Sokka is not. When Zuko comes around, even less. Katara manages to forgive him tho, since she ended up trusting Azula (as said, Yue's charisma is ++8000).

Yue isn't allowed to go with them to the Boilling Rock since Katara is still unsure about her wounds. Azula hatches a brilliant plan. Another rarepair I love is built, Suko. Something goes wrong and they are locked together and end up having a heart to heart. Zuko reveals to be a huge kyoshi stan. Azula saves them and drags everyone away, freeing most people from the BR.

It's kinda awkward between Suki and Sokka since she had a crush on him, but they manage it. Yue scolds Aang in TSR and while Katara, Azula and Zuko are on their life changing field trip, Yue, Aang, Sokka, Suki and Toph have a conversation with Aang to discuss his crush on Katara and how he should and shouldn't approach it. He admits he was the jerk and they finish the episode planning how he would ask her out properly after Sozin's Comet, and apologize for the stolen kiss.

Everything goes well, but no kiss in the end. Let these kids heal before any relationship lol. Besides Yuekka. That's cannon. End of it.

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yesterdaylovedme · 1 year

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RPers Sought via Discord

I am seeking canon x canon ships for fandoms via discord. This will be a 1x1 situation. I am happy to double! For my ships, please reach out for information as many are crack/unusual. I do tend to stick to MxF romances but if we're doubling up and one pair is MxF, I'm open to adding a same-sex pair. When I double, I use a word counter to make sure posts are equal. I don't require this of my partners as long as they look similar in effort. Should favoritism begin to appear, I'll express concerns but if it happens often, I'm going to end the RP.

My posts tend to be several paragraphs (I guess the term might be novella or advanced literate) in third person, past tense. When on Discord, it's not unusual to take a few messages to complete my post but I do indicate with a (c or cont) if it's continued and end with an (end) to indicate that it's all complete. Due to post sizes being lengthy, I tend to give about 2-3 posts a week. Often more but I would say that's a pace I'm happy with getting from a partner. We all have lives. I'm not going to hound anyone to post unless it's been like, a month. People get busy or bored. It happens. That said, I love a lively OOC where we get to know one another and converse freely even if posts come at a slower pace. I'd rather hear about disinterest and work to fix it, than have resentment or complacency build behind the scenes.

NSFW stuff is bound to happen within moderation and with proper development. My RPs are very gradual, slow burn. I'm in this for the long haul and I expect my partner to be as well. Communication ensures longevity and interest.

My discord: MK Meringue }#0169

When messaging me, please tell me where you found my username and what you're interested in discussing, otherwise odds are I won't reply. Nothing more strange than just getting a 'hi' from a stranger online. Again, my ships are a little off-beat so if we chat and find we're not looking for the same thing, no harm. It never hurts to ask.

Looking for RPers for the following fandoms:

Alice in Borderland

I can write as An, Kuina, Arisu, Usagi. I'm looking for a Chishiya or Arisu. As a note, I am happy to drop other canons (like from Yu Yu Hakusho for example) into this universe if that is of interest.

The Queen's Gambit

I can write as Beth, Jolene, Harry, Townes. I'm looking for a Benny or Harry. A crossover with Godless could be fun.

Fire Emblem Three Houses

I can write as Hilda, Flayn, Yuri, Hapi, Dimitri, Annette, Hubert. I'm looking for a Seteth, Claude, Hubert, Linhardt, Lorenz or Edelgard. Adding Fates characters might be fun here.

Gravity Falls

I can write as Mabel, Stan, Candy, Tambry, Gideon. I'm looking for a Ford, Dipper, Wendy. I DO NOT WRITE DIPCIFICA! Crossover with SVTFOE or Amphibia possible.

Naruto

I can write as Sakura, Ino, Hinata, Sasuke, Naruto. I'm looking for a Shikamaru, Ino or Temari.

Game of Thrones

I can write as Sansa, Arya, Cat, Theon, Tyrion. I'm looking for a Joffrey, Ned, Theon or Jon.

MHA

I can write as Momo, Todoroki, Ochako, Bakugo, Denki, Melissa. I'm looking for a Todoroki, Bakugo, All Might, Eraserhead, Tsuyu, Ochako.

Pokemon SV

I can write as Nemona, Arven, Iono, Larry. I'm looking for an Arven or Nemona.

Death Note

I can write as Light, Misa, Naomi, Sayu. I'm looking for an L.

ATLA

I can write as Suki, Aang, Toph, Azula, Zuko. I am looking for a Zuko, Aang or Katara.

Harry Potter

I can write as Hermione, Ron, Luna. I am looking for a Harry or Cho.

Yu Yu Hakusho

I can write as Yusuke, Botan, Koenma, Koto, Kuwabara, Genkai. I am looking for a Kurama, Koenma, Keiko or Hiei.

Fruits Basket

I can write as Kagura, Tohru, Kyo, Yuki, Hana, Momiji, Kisa, Shigure. I am looking for a Hatori, Momiji, Haru, Kisa, Ayame, or Tohru.

Phineas and Ferb

I can write as Isabella or Candace. I am looking for a Ferb.

Honorable mentions: Dot Hack, Kaleido Star, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Yokai Watch, The Hunger Games, Final Space, The Orville, Star Trek or Doctor Who.

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wwindblumee · 1 year

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I posted 4,794 times in 2022

That's 4,794 more posts than 2021!

1,124 posts created (23%)

3,670 posts reblogged (77%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@ishimarusibs

@mikado-sannoji

@frxxst

@swxxtflowxr

I tagged 4,785 of my posts in 2022

#;..🍃/venti - 1,778 posts

#;; thank barbatos! wait a minute... || ic - 848 posts

#🍃.venti - 774 posts

#;..🌌/kuni//scara || ooc - 532 posts

#🍃.barbatos - 391 posts

#;; playtime~ || xian xiao ic. - 291 posts

#;..🥀/xian xiao - 280 posts

#🍃 ⇝*:･ﾟ✧ 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓼 - 262 posts

#;..🌌/scara || ooc - 245 posts

#🍃.windblume..~ - 228 posts

My Top Posts in 2022:

Event- Corrupted/Grief-ridden Barbatos.

It's been two months.

Two months after <muse> left Teyvat. One fateful morning, they decide to revisit their long-distance Archon s/o. After using a wormhole vision given to them by Venti himself, <muse> finds themself in Liyue.

They decide to walk to Mondstadt- Venti's shown them this part of Liyue before. It wasn't too far from the beautiful city.

After around a mile of walking, <muse> stumbles upon a horrible sight. Ruin. Mondstadt was destroyed, and there was a strange pink glow coming from inside the ruined city. <Muse> decides to brave the breaking stones and buildings to find their dear Barbatos. What they find.. is also equally horrifying. Venti was crying pink tears. He was huge, twice the size of his old statue. He was on his knees and letting out a painful screech/wail. The Archon notices <muse> and looks down at them. It was as if time had stopped as Barbatos stares at them.

His gaze.. it was piercing through <muse>'s flesh, getting more and more intense by each second that passed. Venti's appearance had changed. Every trace of sea-green had turned to pink, as well as his braids. A strange-looking crystal has gone through his chest, appearing on the other side of his back. He was wearing his Archon attire as well. His wings were also different; like those of Dvalin, but ripped and burnt. He also had horns exactly like his old dragon friend. Barbatos' stare turns to a subtle smile and he curls up into a sad ball.

So, <muse>. What will you do? Is this truly your former partner? How will you react?

You can only participate if you have chosen a romantic relationship with Venti. If you would like to participate, please send an ask.

Tagging: @mikado-sannoji (so sorry for another event from me you have to go through, dear mod 😭😭) @mummys-least-favorite @feis-ace-ravens

241 notes - Posted September 10, 2022

Blog event- promotion.

Your muse wakes up to find themself sleeping in a different bed than what they had slept in the other night. You walk out of the room, heading out of the house. You find yourself in a beautiful city, filled with windmills. You decide to try and find the center. You suddenly hear beautiful lyre music and a faint voice. You decide to follow it. It gets louder after you go up a few flights of stairs. In front of you was a huge winged statue. Next to it was a crowd of people, all looking at a 'girl' in the center. 'She' was playing a lyre, her eyes closed and smiling. 'She' finishes after about five minutes. It seems you missed the first part of 'her' show. Will you confront 'her'?

Tagging- @pink-perf3t-z0mbi3 @mikado-sannoji @wat3rpillar @broke-godofmoney @suki-hana @mistbreathing @zywie-adepti @barbatos-the-loyal-butler @ask-tamayo @muzans-least-favorite And anyone else who would like to participate~

249 notes - Posted August 13, 2022

(Just sending this now so I can have it done)

Taka haven't gotten out of bed, which was very strange. Usually he was up at five, and ready before six, but it was nine now and he was just...still asleep.

Venti had slept over the day before, because he'd gotten quite drunk and his friend was nice enough to bring him here. He had already woken up fifteen minutes ago and had been debating on knocking on the other's door. Perhaps he's tired? Venti hadn't quite memorized Taka's sleep schedule, so he was unsure what to do.

253 notes - Posted December 1, 2022

Closed thread with @lone-wolf-of-ragnarok.

It took Venti some time to get the Sustainer to agree- around a whole two weeks worth. He finally got her approval and a more fitting outfit for his friend's universe. She'd left the Archon right outside Mukuro's doorstep, which coaxed a complaint out of the bard. A warning could have been nice... He steps forward, strangely nervous as he knocks on the door.

281 notes - Posted November 15, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Promotion event- Act two.

(This post is customized for every rp. Please start at act one if you wish to participate as well.)

Your muse wakes up. He'd had good dreams the whole time he was resting. He leaves the tent to find a small sprite on Dvalin's back. It was sitting and eating an apple. As soon as it notices your muse, it flies off of the dragon's back. The little sprite grows into a human body... It was the Anemo Archon..? Venti smiles at your muse. "Good morning! Did the song work?"

@mikado-sannoji

329 notes - Posted August 21, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #;..🌌/kuni//scara || ooc #🍃.whoaghh

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theramseyloft · 3 years

Note

You go on about how intelligent/emotional pigeons are, but you treat them like objects and that bothers me. You separate bonded pairs of these intelligent, loving animals so frequently as if they don't have any feelings. And then you wonder why these birds afterward do not just take a new mate instantly. You are continually traumatizing these animals and causing them to shut down because they probably begin to realize any new bond they make will only be severed.

I do that because they are.

There is a huge difference between treating a living being like an object and acknowledging that the feelings of a non-human will not often perfectly align with those of a human.

Different species are different.

They have different physical, emotional, and social needs, even if there are a lot of close parallels.

And there are certainly a lot of parallels between humans and pigeons;

They are self aware cooperative social learners.

They form societies.

Those societies have a culture that varies regionally and they have a base line of values...

But their society, culture, and values are different from a human’s because pigeons are not human.

Nothing specializes in preying on humans. We generalize in preying on everything, as a species, as a whole.

We change our environment to suit our needs as much as we are able, and we are more able with every generation.

While things, objectively, can happen to any human at any time, out of nowhere..

On the whole, we generally don’t expect them to.

As such, our monogamous relationships are, ideally, “Until death do us part” meaning “Until we both die of old age, preferably around the same time.”

To the extent that closely bonded humans are emotionally devastated by the loss of that life partner.

To many of us, a life partner is also counted as lost if they engage in sexual infidelity, and if this happens, we are just as devastated (if not even more devastated) as we could have been if that partner had died.

Pigeons are a prey species that evolved in a cheetah-and-thompson’s-gazelle-style arms race with the Peregrine Falcon.

Their monogamous relationships version of “Until Death do us part” can be better translated; “Until one or the other of us gets eaten on a foraging trip.”

And sexual fidelity does not enter into the equation for a pigeon unless their partner is treading or being tread by some one else at the exact moment that bird wants to tread or be tread by their partner.

A cock who wants sex will seek out his wife first, but if she is not interested, he will go asking all the hens away from their nest until one agrees and crouches for him.

If his mate changes her mind and wants him to tread her, she will seek him out and crouch to present herself.

He will tread his wife, and after they do the cute little “I just had sex” dance that’s reserved for mated pairs (side flings get neither this nor courtship. Just sex and separate.) she goes off to do what ever she wanted to do.

If the cock is satisfied, he goes with his wife.

If he still needs or wants more sex, he can tread as many hens as he wants. His wife will not care, because she has had her turn.

If a hen wants sex, she will seek out her husband, generally, but if he’s busy or away, she’ll present for who ever she likes.

Her husband does not care who filled the egg. He only cares that she lays it in his nest and he gets to help set and raise it.

Pigeons divorce partners they consider to be inadequate. Cocks who fail to fill eggs, hens who refuse to set eggs, partners of either sex that don’t spend enough time reaffirming their bond with their spouses...

Unrequited relationships and love triangles are also relationships that pigeons find themselves in.

A pair is considered to have divorced if one partner or the other moves in and spends their nights in the nest of another partner, not for mating with some one else.

Some times, divorces are mutual, and both birds move on to other mates.

Some times, they are not. And the partner left will pine and keep making overtures to reconcile with the partner that left them.

But when a mate just disappears and doesn’t come back, they are assumed by the remaining partner to have been eaten.

If they were closely bonded, the remaining partner may wait a week or so at most, in case they were lost, in hopes the missing bird will make their way back and reunite.

If, after a week, the remaining bird is keeping to them self and not socializing, something is physically wrong, and anthropomorphizing it as “depressed” can get the bird killed.

The veterinary term ‘depression’ describes an animal that is physically ill, be that from a pathogen attacking it to ingesting or absorbing a toxin or simple vitamin or mineral deficiency.

For example;

A week after I became aware that breeding pigeons could become salt deficient and gave the flock a salt and trace mineral brick, birds that had shown no interest in bonding or courting for months are suddenly flirting with everything that moves.

They were not too traumatized to before.

They had a mineral deficiency.

They did not court because they did not feel good.

With the addition of their supplement brick, lo and behold, they all feel better and are courting again.

I have an entire flock to take care of, and I am responsible for the wellbeing of every individual I bring into the world.

To avoid overcrowding, I have a cap of 10 breeding pair.

Because that is the number of adults and their offspring under 6 months old that my loft can comfortably house.

When ever a new breeding bird leaves quarantine or a keeper reaches 6 months, a bird of the same sex has to be retired and made available to avoid overcrowding and the stress and disease that come with it.

Who retires when is not arbitrary.

There are very strict criteria.

1. Physical health.

Regardless of whether or not I have a replacement ready, a bird who may be hurt by the physical process of reproduction or the strain of rearing young, or who may pass on genes that may be harmful to potential offspring is retired on the spot and adopted out with a strict nonbreeding agreement.

Gus is a sweet boy,

But this happens to him every molt, and we have since found out that it runs in both sides of his family, proving it to be genetic and cumulative.

As cute as he and Leela were together, I cannot let him breed.

Because I would have to be a monster to be willing to knowingly pass that painful condition on to another generation.

He has a forever family familiar with his condition to whom he is going on Monday.

2. Undesirable structure

I do not mean anything as stupid as “This animal isn’t pretty enough.”

Cody is not only gorgeous, but an excellent father who has served our program very well.

But his muffs are big enough to make walking uncomfortable, so while I like the rest of his traits, that’s one I want to breed away from.

Now that I have a brother and Sister of his with short muffs that do not cause them discomfort,

Farthing

and suki

will continue contributions to the project

and Cody is available.

3. Antisocial behavior that disrupts or disturbs their flock mates.

Indica

And Pookie

Are the poster children for flock disruption.

They are a gay and bi mated pair of cocks, who are literally turned on by prying other treading pairs off of each other.

If they see another pair treading, Indica will grab the hen by the scruff, Pookie will grab the cock by his, and they will pull in opposite directions, prying the treading pair apart, and marching them in opposite directions towards the wall.

Indica and Pookie will then throw the bird they have at the wall and then run back to meet each other in the center of the floor, smooch-feed each other back and forth, and take turns treading each other.

On top of this, they defend 15 of the 36 total nest boxes in my loft, refusing to pick a specific one or let any other pair settle in a box to lay.

You may or may not have noticed that when I advertised the available birds on Thursday, I made a point of saying that I would prefer these two be adopted together because they are bonded and would be happier that way.

A prospective new family is coming to meet them on Monday.

But they are SUCH a violent disruption to their flock mates that if only one had a home lined up, it would be unkind to the rest of the flock to keep them both on the insistence that they go together.

4. Shitty parenting history

Parents who tend to ignore eggs or peeps, leaving all the work of setting or feeding to their partner.

This is a personality trait, and such a parent puts dangerous strain on their partner and stress on their peeps.

Their partner will usually divorce them for that, so adopting the bad parent out isn’t “Splitting up a bonded pair”.

Their former spouse is usually looking for or has found some one else with out any interference on my part.

5. Too many offspring/grandchildren

This is to avoid any more inbreeding than necessary.

Betty is one of the best studs here.

He is an outstanding father who sits tight on his eggs, pumps his peeps full, and educates them carefully though weaning.

MANY are his children and grand children, and he has a strong preference for birds with faces like his.

He has already bred with his niece to produce Sherry, and I would like to avoid having him breed to any more of his kin.

Once his peep with Liang is weaned, he will be adopted.

Liang is very skittish, and she liked him right off the bat, so I delayed his retirement to give her more time to feel secure with the flock.

But with her egg hatching, she is allowing herself to be casually flirt with more.

Wukong still likes her. So do Cherub and Ginger, so she’ll have her pick when Betty goes to his new home.

6. Temperament

The Therapy Bird Project is working towards developing a performance breed with a temperament conducive to Therapy work.

All else being equal; The birds are all physically sound with no known detrimental genes, no embellishments too exaggerated, not overly aggressive to flock mates, great parents... Then the bird least interested in human company gets retired.

The ground work of physical and mental base soundness has to be laid first and foremost for that excellent temperament I’m aiming for to shine in their handler’s lives for as long as possible.

You probably have not noticed that when bonded pairs retire at the same time, I make a thing of them being bonded in hopes that they will be adopted together.

Dodger and Alex retired close enough to each other that both are still here, and I would prefer they be adopted together.

But if one of them gets a perfect home lined up where I think that individual will be happy, I will not refuse them that good home for the sake of not splitting up a pair.

You care about the idea of that a LOT more than the pigeons themselves do.

259 notes · View notes

bakugohoex · 3 years

Note

bakugou !! with a reader that beats him in the sports festival and takes first place and all his friends laugh at him for losing to a girl and he's all like "i let her win!!>:((" but then she confronts him bc she's annoyed he Still hasn't acknowledged her as a potentially amazing future pro hero and u can make up thereee

“how am i supposed to protect everybody if i can’t even protect you.”

pairing: katsuki bakugo x female reader

cw: fluff, langauge, kissing

word count: 1500+

a/n: hii, sorry this might have taken a while been busy per usual, hope you liked this and per usual i always make them get together in the end because i’m sap with no boyfriend

summary: in which you and bakugo are the ones to go against each other in the final of the sports festival and after you win, he makes it seem like he let you win, after confronting him he finally gives you what you wanted.

↞ back to my hero academia masterlist

The good old UA sports festival, an easy win for the boy who had told the entire arena he would win.

He had such high expectations for himself.

That’s until you came around.

He hated your quirk with a burning passion.

He hated how you could easily get past him and find his faults.

Worst of all he hated the smug look you had every time you won against him.

He was supposed to be the strongest.

Not you.

So when the final fight occurs between you and the spiky blond.

He was pissed.

He saw how you won against Todoroki with ease and the smirk you had then would never amount to the smirk that you would have crushing him.

“You ready to lose, Bakugo.” He hated the way you had such malice in your voice.

He wanted to punch it right from your pretty little mouth.

Maybe he did admire your quirk and the hatred was a mask.

But that smug look you gave him angered him to the boiling point.

With ease you used your quirk to move past him dodging his hits, he knew you weren’t trying, weren’t bothering.

He even swore he saw you checking your nails and then he saw it.

The yellow bright wisps tangling between your fingers, it almost matched his own explosions that you dodged.

And then you hit him, punching him in the gut.

He didn’t even realise how far you’d gotten to him, a close proximity.

And now that you were using your quirk properly, he resented it.

That one punch made him lose the air in his lungs, one touch was all you needed, and you could control his muscular body.

He always tried to not get close to you, tried to keep a distance.

But you’d evaded his attacks by slicking back side to side past his aim.

He was slow, no. He wasn’t you were just too perceptive, having a quirk that made you touch anything and control it had other perks.

Your ability to control your surroundings just with one gaze up and down.

You knew where his explosions would go.

“I think you’ve lost.” You were smirking as you hummed.

He felt disgraced at how easily you controlled his limbs to move out of the area.

He hated how you had won and there was destruction around you, but you weren’t scratched.

Most of all he hated that you were better than him, that you’d protect them all and that was his job.

You defiantly gloated a bit but once you got the medal and an angry Bakugo stood beside you, you felt bad.

Being the sweetie you are you followed him out to tell him he did good.

But that’s when you heard it.

“I can’t believe you lost to a girl again.” Denki laughed out, Kirishima tried to not say anything sympathising with Bakugo.

Hell, he had fought against you and lost himself due to needing contact as well. Denki the only one scared of you had never dared to partner up with you, but it hit a nerve for Bakugo.

He was angry, pissed even, how could he be a hero if he had lost. How could he protect yo...everybody if he lost against your quirk. The acknowledgement that you had a better quirk, were more perceptive, kinder to civilians. How could he ever beat that, and how could he stop thinking about you and that damn quirk.

“I let her win.” Your eyes widened at the comment and anger boiled over you.

“Bako...” Kirishima was about to speak but you stormed out from your hiding spot.

“You let me what?” You shouted it, he noticed the yellow wisps surround your fingers and Denki and Kirishima were scared to say the least.

Kirishima grabbed Denki’s sleeve, “that’s our cue to leave.”

They walked away and with your brows furrowed and a sneer on your lip you were pissed. “Didn’t you hear me?” He mocked. “I. Let. You. Win.”

You were ready to punch him, make his bones break under your command. But you saw after how he looked down not meeting your gaze.

“Bakugo, i came here to say how you did good, just fucking accept i won and stop acting like a dick.” You had started calm, the yellow disappearing but by the end you became pissed once again.

He didn’t meet your gaze, staring at how your fingers looked rough and calloused, he knew you’d go straight into your bag and get the hand cream that smelled of cherries. He always noticed the smell, cherries or mangos, whatever it was it made him shudder.

Looking up at how your UA jacket was unzipped the black tank top encasing your chest, he noticed your heavy breath at hoe your breasts fell up and down with your breathing. Your neck had a scratch across it, maybe one of his hits did get you.

He finally looked up to your face, the scowl on your face waiting for him to speak. He was ready to say something, but he noticed how plump your lips were. How even thought they were dry they looked ever so delectable

“Bakugo.” You repeated his name, but he was in a daze thinking of you.

He often did this around you, just stared and dazed out thinking about each of your features. It wasn’t because he liked you or anything, he just wanted to get a feel for your weaknesses of course. That’s what he would tell himself every night even though it was a blatant lie.

Hell, even the class had caught on. He would sometimes just stop talking when you walked into a room, and when Sero or Kirishima would ask about it. He would say you was scoping out the enemy, it was a lie, and they all knew it.

You were oblivious and whilst tapping your foot you waited crossed arm for an answer. “I...i...” He was stuck taking in a sharp breath he tried to speak.

The only thing that came into your head was to do something that you never wanted to do. You moved your calloused hand to his face; you felt his want cheek cup against your palm, and you activated your quirk.

“Tell me the truth Bakugo, why did you lie?” He hated how you used your quirk on him but even then, it was a relief that whatever he would say would be what he believed to be the truth and that was that it was a blow to his ego.

That’s all he had wanted to say but the real truth had come out, “how am i supposed to protect everybody if i can’t even protect you.”

Your eyes widened at the comment, letting go of his face. His eyes turned wide, and ears reddened, “w...what?”

This time you were breathless, and you waited for an answer, you turned your quirk off scared to hear anymore.

“I didn’t mean that i don’t care about protecting you, you...you mean fucking nothing to me.” It was all a lie, and you knew it was, his scarlet eyes told no truths.

“That’s not what you said before.” You tried to surprise a snicker to not make the situation worse, but his eyes looked full of regret now.

He took another sharp breathe before finally deciding to confess, “i meant what i said, if i can’t protect you and you’re always protecting me how can i save everybody, how can i be the one who will save you?”

“Bakugo, I don’t need saving or protecting, I want us to be equal and protect each other.” He shakes his head folding his arms.

“You don’t understand what I’m trying to say.”

“Then show me what you’re trying to say.” He thought about your words.

You wanted him to show you, so that was what he’d do. “I’ll fucking show you then.” He grabbed your face, his lips on yours, the long-awaited kiss that had been brewing between you two. It felt real, more real than both your dreams of this moment.

You always acknowledged your feelings, you weren’t an ass just to anybody, only him. You gave the same energy back to make him fall for you, but he saw past your comments and saw your kindness to others. A stark contrast, how you adored wanting to be a hero and most of all how you stuck by your aims through to the end.

His hands caressed your cheek, even with the teeth on teeth, lips on lips, it felt softer but in reality, a mess. You both had craved each other too much, all the pent-up anger from losing against you and the comment Bakugo had made, had made the kiss become lustful and full of sin.

He didn’t care who saw, he didn’t care anymore, you would become an amazing hero and he would as well. But you both would stay by each other’s side till the very end. You would protect him, and he would always protect you.

i’d really appreciate if you guys could leave a like, reblog or comment, thanks x

if you guys want to be a part of a tag list, just reply to any post and i’ll add you xx

@samusimp @alainarose13 @crispychannie @underratedmage @jennammaee @cathy8taffy @sugacious @moonlightaangel @kat-sukis-hoe @effmigentlywithachainsaw @swankiifiied @maat-the-prescriptive @missmultifangirl @tvwhoresblog @kuroos-world @chrrylevi @ukaisgratefulwhore @answer-the-sirens

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forever--rain · 3 years

Note

*hops up and down excitedly* EVER I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ON HERE RN BUT FHDJKSFHA I CAME OUT OF MY CAVE TO SAY SUKKA PLAYLIST!!! DO IT DO IT DO IT I THINK WE ONLY HAVE ONE? ON SPOTIFY WHICH IS A TRAVESTY MAKE ONE PLEASE

BLUE, YOU ARE LITERALLY MY FAVORITE PERSON IN THIS FANDOM. YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRAIN. I'M NEVER GOING TO GET OVER THIS ASK.

Footage of me creating this playlist:

Look. You guys know that I love Zutara. But I don't think you all realize that I love Sukka just as much. Their love is so pure and their vibe as a couple is just... *sigh* 💙💚💙💚💙💚 So putting together this playlist was so much fun. I'll put all explanations of songs below the cut because this reply is already long without what comes next (but you should read them because you'll get the full effect of this playlist).

All The Small Things by blink-182

Cross Me (feat. Chance the Rapper & PnB Rock) by Ed Sheeran

I Think He Knows by Taylor Swift

I Like Me Better (Spotify Studios Version) by Lauv

Ho Hey by The Lumineers

Jackie and Wilson by Hozier

Passenger Seat by Death Cab For Cutie

Stand By Me by Florence + The Machine

The Bones - with Hozier by Maren Morris

Yours - Wedding Edition by Russell Dickerson

Send me a playlist title and I’ll give you 5-10 songs I think would go on it!

All The Small Things

She left me roses by the stairs/Surprises let me know she cares

First of all, Suki would. Second of all, I firmly believe that Sokka and Suki would constantly be doing little things to show each other that they care. Sokka would send Suki his drawings and things he's carved for her. Suki would send Sokka little gadgets and pick up fun little accessories for him at the market. They'd leave out snacks for one another. And they would always, always be there to support one another 100% of the time.

Cross Me

Just know, if you cross her, then you cross me

"WHERE. IS. SUKI?"

I rest my case.

I Think He Knows

He's so obsessed with me, and boy I understand/Boy I understand

I love this song for Sokka and Suki because we all know that Sokka throws off major "THAT'S MY WIFE" vibes in regard to Suki. As he should. But if you think that badass, super cool Suki isn't also low-key super into Sokka in the same way you are wrong. She's the type of girl to totally get why he's into her. (Why wouldn't he be? DUH.) But she would also 100% be like, "Check out this hot, goofy genius! HE'S MINE. I LANDED HIM! THAT'S MY HUSBAND!!"

I Like Me Better

To not know who I am but still know that I'm good long as you're here with me//Damn, I like me better when I'm with you

I picked this song because of the influence Suki had on Sokka's character. Their interactions on Kyoshi Island really did change him for the better. Sokka spent so much of the series lost and feeling as though he didn't belong, but Suki brought out the best in him and helped his character evolve. He saw her, this incredible warrior with a heart of gold who wouldn't take his misogynist crap, and started working to be a better person. And I think we can all agree it was awesome to see him come into his own as a strategist and warrior. A large part of that is thanks to Suki. And Sokka would acknowledge that.

Ho Hey

I belong with you, you belong with me/You're my sweetheart

I don't think this choice needs much of an explanation. Just... They belong together, you guys.

Jackie and Wilson

She blows outta nowhere, roman candle of the wild/Laughing away through my feeble disguise/No other version of me I would rather be tonight/And, Lord, she found me just in time//She's gonna save me/Call me "baby"/Run her hands through my hair

Again, I'd like to point back to Sokka and Suki's first meeting. She comes out of nowhere, sees right through him, and it's thanks to her that Sokka changes his views on women (it takes time, of course, and loss, but he gets there). Also, the loss that Sokka experiences with Yue clearly affects his relationship with Suki in Book 2. He has to learn to be comfortable with the fact that Suki can save herself as well as him. And by the time Book 3 rolls around, we see them working together as a seamless team. He knows she has his back and she knows he has hers.

Passenger Seat

When you feel embarrassed/Then I'll be your pride/When you need directions/Then I'll be the guide/For all time

Oh, this song is so subtly Sukka. I hear these specific lines and think of Toph and Aang laughing at Sokka's Suki sand sculpture and Suki being proud of the fact that he even tried. I think of them being each other's compass, guiding light, and level head in stressful situations. They are so steady for and so true to one another. And I'm not crying, you're crying.

Stand By Me

If the sky that we look upon/Should tumble and fall/Or the mountains should crumble to the sea/I won't cry, I won't cry/No, I won't shed a tear/Just as long as you stand, stand by me

I chose this song because of how Sokka and Suki make one another stronger. They bolster each other. They face down certain death in the knowledge that their partner has their back and that's a beautiful thing. (Also, Florence Welch's voice on this track is incredibly emotive and intensifies the Sukka feels.)

The Bones

When there ain't a crack in the foundation/Baby, I know any storm we're facing/Will blow right over while we stay put/The house don't fall when the bones are good

This is my quintessential Sukka song. I always think of them older, maybe ten years after the war, when I hear this song. The two of them are as unshakeable as they've ever been. Was their first meeting great? No. But they grew together and formed something solid and real. I'm not one to advocate for childhood sweethearts or high school sweethearts (which is what they would've been in a "normal" storyline), but my god. These two would've been the teenage sweethearts who made it. They'd still be super into one another at 85 and just as in love as they'd ever been. If they had trials, they would've only pulled through stronger. These are two people who are capable of seeing past first impressions and loving one another for their true selves and... UGH. I LOVE them, okay?

Yours

I was one in a hundred billion/A burned out star in a galaxy/Just lost in the sky, wonderin' why/Everyone else shines out but me//But I came to life when I first kissed you/The best me has his arms around you/You make me better than I was before/Thank God I'm yours

Sokka said it himself: Compared to the others in the group, he didn't feel special because they could all bend and he couldn't. He lost his boomerang and had an identity crisis. That's the boy Suki met on Kyoshi Island--the boy who felt inferior to his little sister and to the Avatar; the boy who had to put on a false facade of bravado because he was scared... The boy who thought that it was a man's job to be the protector. The boy who thought a girl couldn't kick his ass purely because she was a girl.

Our girl ignited that change in him. Sokka knows full well what Suki's influence has done for him and he adores her for it. He's grateful for her impact on his life and he's obviously blown away by the fact that she loves him. You can tell it's the kind of relationship where he realized that if he was going to be worthy of her, he needed to prove it to her because she knew her worth. She wouldn't settle for a guy who thought she was inferior to him--she wanted someone who would see her as an equal. By the end of the series, she's his partner in every respect. He proves to her that he trusts her to have his back, that he trusts her judgement, that he trusts her in general.

Sokka knows that he's the best version of himself with Suki. He would 100% spend the rest of his life in awe of the fact that she loves him and that he's landed this miracle of a woman who has always seen him as an equal--even when he didn't feel equal to anyone else because he couldn't bend.

#ask evergreen #evergreen answers #playlist asks #thebluesunflower44 #sukka #really #read the explanations for each song you guys #get the full Sukka Feels effect #their love makes me so happy #THANK YOU BLUE FOR REQUESTING THIS PLAYLIST #blue and her big beautiful brain #when I got this ask I lost my mind #and I'm still not over it #*cries in sukka*#sukka my beloved

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thirteenfortythreeforty · 3 years

Text

um no nuance november: atla edition?

this was all over tiktok and ive seen some people do it here so...here we go...some of these are probably hot takes, you have been warned.

most of the fandom seems to forget that katara is a young girl with deep-seated trauma that she never truly dealt with. cut the racism and misogyny. shes not the “token straight,” shes not annoying, shes not technically the “mom friend,” she deserves a better life (and life partner) than she was given in canon.

katara’s comment to sokka during the southern raiders was harsh don’t get me wrong, but it was justified

most of my issues with characters fall on their writing...not the characters themselves if that makes any sense

bakoda should have been canon

why didn’t katara, toph and zuko reunite in korra (they’re literally my three faves i was robbed, plus they all just seem sad...)

mako is hot

if we are talking combat, earth is the strongest element...toph can genuinely just drop a rock on someone and its over

republic city is absolutely unnecessary and frankly, stupid. capitalist propaganda :) why would you american-ize this series? im baffled

i just hope that azula got therapy and some love...her actions were outrageous but as far as we know she was conditioned by ozai to just be a pawn

katoph = best duo (friendship and fighting) in the whole show

katara is not a sister to zuko...that role is for toph

(as much as i love firelord zuko) zuko should have waited at least a few years to actually assume the position but even then i truly think he would hate it and institute a democracy

the humor did not land in for me in lok (list of tried and failed for me is meelo, bumi, bolin, varrick, eska...)

i truly did not feel any strong emotional attachment to any lok character (causing me to be pretty indifferent to most of the entirely new editions to the show)

(i think the large cast did not allow for much development for really anyone, save for korra tenzin and maybe lin?, leaving them all to be pretty two dimensional.)

more rambling under the cut (its more shippy you have been warned...)

the fanon portrayal of aang is a glorified version of the canon (you can criticize your faves!)

aang being a “bad” father in canon fits his (poorly written) character

TAANG IS GENIUS (it makes me like aang more :)

i dont think maiko is healthy...at all (same for bolin and eska and zhu li and varrick) - bottom line: bryke cant write relationships

building on that it felt weird for zuko to change throughout book 3 for him only to revert back to his old life in the finale by staying with mai

sokka and suki are the only valid canon couple

also why is everyone so quick to be “oh suki is bi!!” but so much of this fandom feels the need to say “no, katara is the token straight she can’t be bi...” it seems so silly to say but katara hatred is so normalized in this fandom and it makes me so upset. literally everyone would be fucking dead if it werent for her i love my queen fuck y’all

kanna would not have gone back to pakku

MAILEE BITCHES

why are most zukka shippers women...food for thought

peace by taylor swift is a zutara song...zukkas dont even try to claim that

zutara works...it just seems like antis forget that these two characters (even if it is not explicitly romantic in atla) have such a strong bond. they listen, care, and look out for one another...and bottom line they see each other as equals. (also watch the second half of tsr again...they play off each other and work so well together)

this fandom demonizes zutara shippers for absolutely no reason while completely disregarding actual problematic issues that occur throughout the rest of the fandom

suki in the comics is practically a katara stand in

makorra felt like an attempt to appease the zutara shippers (it failed immensely)

should we love kuvira as much as we do? should we be shipping her with korra...?

in canon it does make sense that sokka could have been suyin’s father, but where did suki go? were they hinting that zuko and suki had izumi, meaning that sokka and suki broke up? but WHY? they were literally perfect with absolutely no complication in canon...tldr: post-atla is so ridiculous

i think this feels salty...and i went on for too long...i needed to get that out...um...

#more incoherent rambling #endless thoughts #um...did i go too far...#possibly #atla #zutara #sukka #zukka salt #katara stan first human second #anti maiko #taang #bby #anti aang #?

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gallickingun · 4 years

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YOUR BAKU IS PERFECT!!! may I pls have more??? 🥺👉👈

a/n: AW THANK YOU! i had to start easy bc he scares me lol. well not him so much as writing him correctly!

warnings: swearing, blood, lil tension; everyone 18+ even if there’s nothing going on.

ps, wow, this took a turn. 18+ for a reason now lol aka spicy but tolerable

“Outta my way, Deku!”

“Eat shit, IcyHot!”

“Fuck off, Weird Hair!”

“You know you can talk to your friends without insulting them, right?”

“Shut up,” Bakugo grumbles, dusting the ash off of his uniform.

“Yo!” Kirishima shouts as he trots over to where the two of you are, loitering over what remains of the training bots. He tilts his head, his face guard outlining his features, “Anyone ever notice that Bakugo never calls her anything mean?”

You scoff, “Oh take it as a compliment. Just means that he cares so little about me that he hasn’t thought of a crappy one-liner for me yet.”

“Hey!” Bakugo’s eyes widen, brows raising to form creases on his forehead. He’s growling now and you wonder how far you can push him, “You’re mean to people you like, I’ve figured you out, Baku’.”

He’s gritting his teeth and his jaw is quivering but you can’t help the giggle that parts your lips. The sound only seems to spur him on in his bout of fury, “You take that back, you raging little bitch!”

“There he is,” Kirishima groans, slapping his palm to his face. He sighs and shakes his head, reaching forward to grab Bakugo around the arms, dragging him towards the locker room.

Pissing Bakugo off had to be the best part of training.

You made it your point to say the last thing to frustrate him; it’s entertaining. And you know he’ll never hurt you, not for real. No matter how far he pushes his limits, he hasn’t ever actually harmed his friends beyond repair.

“Same time tomorrow?” you salute the hothead as he’s roughly yanked to the lockers.

“What did you say?!” He’s screaming from across the yard, his hands ferociously animating in midair. He raises a fist to you before flipping you off with both hands, “You’re lucky Weird Hair is here, or else I’d totally come beat your ass!”

You chuckle as you turn to go to your own set of locker rooms, a hot shower calling your name. There isn’t enough energy remaining in your body to send him another taunt or insult. You also know when is enough with Bakugo - you don’t want to have to have a full fledged one-on-one with him unless you have to. You’d never admit it, but he might overpower your quirk if he were angry enough.

It seems to become a thing then, because now you can’t stop paying attention to the way that Bakugo says your name instead of calling you some rejected insult. Even though he’s moved into an apartment with Kirishima, and he and Midoriya spar on the regular, he still keeps the same nicknames he gave them in high school.

You allow the tiniest of thoughts to wonder if maybe Bakugo just thinks highly enough of you to allow you to have your given name instead of giving you one himself.

The next time you bring it up, you’re pinning him down with your forearm on his throat, hips pressing harshly to him. You’re enlisted in the same agency, have been for about three years now, and you’re both working your way up the charts and the pay rates.

“Why don’t I get a cute nickname, Katsuki?” you tilt your head in genuine confusion.

He’s growling and before you know it, you feel a stinging explosion set off against your thigh and you’re rolling over. He takes advantage of the moment and pins you right back. Your head bobs against the training mat but the rest of your body is rendered immobile. His shins are on yours, successfully pinning your legs down as his hands make quick work of your upper body.

“Why does it fuckin’ matter?” Bakugo grits his teeth and narrows his eyes down at you, unsure as to what you’re getting at. His forearm is cutting off your breathing and he knows it, pushing into your esophagus as he repeats the question, only harsher this time.

You try to move your hand, signaling your surrender before you pass out.

Once he realizes, he’s leaning off of you, watching as you sputter and cough. You even thing you hear him mutter some sort of an apology as you work through your fit.

“I guess it doesn’t,” you manage, voice hoarse. “I’m just curious, since Kirishima said something.”

Bakugo rolls his eyes, resting his palms on the top of his thighs, “He’s talking out of his ass, is all.”

You find your hands are on his knees, casual as if this were normal. You chew on your lip and he gets impatient, brows knitted together as he snaps, “If you’ve got something to say, then say it!”

“You don’t see us as equals, do you?”

He smirks, “Well, I am the one on top of you while you beg for mercy, so you tell me.”

Your face burns bright red at his words and he falters, his breath hitching. He didn’t really mean it, it just slipped out. Or, rather, he didn’t mean for it to come across so honest.

Bakugo is clambering off of you then, his ears burning beneath the tails of his bandana. He offers you a hand, helping you stand to your feet. Your fingers linger a bit too long and you feel the sweat gather in his palms. You wonder if he’ll light you on fire for looking at him like that.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone as an equal.” Bakugo’s voice is rough, hidden behind his arm as he wipes the blood from his face. He smirks and you wonder why you’ve never seen him as he is, “But maybe I could start. Get better, and then we’ll see.”

As he walks away, you make it your personal mission in life to be seen as an equal on the battle field and in real life.

You train harder, longer, putting every part of your being into becoming better. You research strategies, researching the other heroes, playing your strengths off of theirs. You stay up late and wake up early, your body begging for rest but you are unyielding as you climb the sidekick ranks.

It’s another seven months before you’re face-to-face with him again.

You’re paired up as sparring partners, the two of you going head-to-head for a full thirty minutes without even using your quirks. You’re both sweating, his quirk daring to go off if he really willed it to. You know the strength to withstand using his abilities must take a lot of concentration.

“Wow, you’re not half-bad,” he chuckles, swinging a right hook at you. You dodge it easily, reacting by kicking him in the side. He chokes on his own saliva and you smirk at him, “What, you scared, baby?”

You’re not sure why or how that slipped from your lips, but it takes him by surprise. Either way, it leaves you with an opening to jump in the air and swirl your knees around his neck to pin him to the ground. Your legs are around his waist and you’ve got his arms barred upward.

The sight of his sweating palms so close to your eyes makes you a little nervous, but you have enough faith in him to hold back his anger and his explosive fists.

“Fuck,” you hear him mutter. He squeezes his eyes closed and wraps his palm around your face, fingers pinching your cheeks, “You asked for it.”

He swings you by your neck, your legs releasing him as your body falls to the ground with a loud thud, a small wave of energy tousling the ground next to you. Bakugo has you by the throat now, eyes wandering over your face as he inspects you.

“Been training, huh loser?” Bakugo juts his knee into your stomach and you force yourself to withhold from choking on your own spit. Your eyes bug out of your head at the pain but all you do is scrape and claw against his arms and torso, silently begging him to release you.

You glare up at him before reaching out to lick at his palm, thankful for once that neither of you are in your full hero get up. You’re somewhat surprised to taste ashen sweetness on your tongue, but it takes him off guard long enough for you to slap his arm away and stand to your feet.

“You fucking licked me?!”

You shrug, running towards him while he’s still on his knees. Your knee cap pushes into his chest, toppling him to the ground. You’ve knocked the breath out of him, his eyes rolling back in his head as he settles in the ground.

“Yield,” you ask of him, holding him by the throat. “C’mon, Baku, call it.”

The scent of smoke drifts to your nostrils and you barely have time to shake your head before a non-lethal explosion takes your attention away from him. Before he can get the jump on you, you propel yourself backward, flipping twice until you’re far enough away that you feel safe.

“Shows you, fuckin’ lickin’ me,” Bakugo rolls his eyes and his palms are like lighters, sparking as he stalks towards you.

You won’t be bested by him, not after all of the hard work you’ve been putting in for the past few months. You’re thankful that your own quirk is something opposing to his - water manipulation. In the same way that he can pool his sweat and light it on fire, you can turn yours into a weapon.

You call forward the water from your body and the water in the air into your palm, molding it into shards of ice on your fingertips. You start to sling the projectiles towards Katsuki as he walks closer. He dodges them with ease, but the final one slides across his cheek, drawing blood.

Everything inside of you churns at the sight of his eyes hardening, jaw quivering under the stress of his teeth as he grinds them together. He chuckles and it’s dark, but it stirs something in you - now you know he’s giving it his all, so when you win, it’ll be a justified win.

“I’m about to kill your ass,” Bakugo swipes the collected blood off of his face with his thumb, staring you down. “You’re damn lucky that I’m not wearing my gauntlets. I’d light your ass on fire before you even had time to use that shitty quirk of yours.”

You start working on pulling more water from the air, thankful that it’s a rather humid day. Now, if only it could rain. Then Bakugo would be completely out of his element and you would be more than comfortable.

“My shitty quirk just marked up your pretty face, ‘Suki.”

He charges at you and the two of you trade blows for what feels like hours. You have to stay at least a little ways away from him at all times if possible, his quirk only short range without his gauntlets. You’re glad that your quirk is able to become a ranged weapon if necessary.

Bakugo is much faster without his heavy suit, though, and you’re not ready for him to chase you, right on your heels as you try to put distance between the two of you. You lean down and swipe your feet around his ankles, but it seems he was ready for it because he jumps over the top of you and lands just in front of you.

“Not gonna get that one over on me again,” he snarls but it’s just on this side of a smile, his eyes lifting upward as he tangles with you again.

You tilt your head as you block one of his punches, “Am I turning you on, ‘Suki?”

“Shut the hell up,” he grunts.

“Your face is bleeding again,” you comment, twisting his hands in your grasp, hearing his wrist pop under the action. You wince but he shows little reaction to the pain, “Why don’t you clean it up, huh?”

The comment stops you in your tracks and allows him the opening to slam into you, pushing you across the greenway until you’re stumbling over your own body. You suck the water out of the surrounding plants, balling it up in your fists to create your own version of his gauntlets.

“Get over here, and maybe I will!” You call, raising your fists. He’s already sprinting toward you, but you use the remaining water on the ground to propel yourself upward, the spray of it blinding him long enough for you to encase his body in ice.

You’re gritting your teeth, keeping this part of your quirk is especially difficult given that you haven’t had time to hone it, unlike the other ways you know how to manipulate water. You can barely get the words out of your mouth, “Yield, Katsuki!”

You know that he’ll die from asphyxiation or hypothermia before he can blast his way out of your trap. His eyes widen from within the crystalline cage and your lower lip shakes - you were really hoping not to have to use this move, but he’s proven himself to you time and time again that he’s continuously climbing the ladder to get better.

“Yield!” you shout, your blood vessels straining against your skin.

His eyes close and it’s the closest thing to a yield that you’re going to get. As soon as you can, you drop the ice, the surrounding area flooding, the ground turning soggy beneath his feet.

Despite the absolutely enraged look on his face, you approach him and brush your thumb over his cheek, using the water from his face to heal his scratch.

“There,” you let out a breath at the exertion, “now you’re pretty again.”

Bakugo snatches your wrist harshly, glowering down at you, “Enjoy that, because you’re not going to beat me with that stupid quirk of yours again.”

Your jaw quivers but you ask the question anyway, “C-Could you ever see me as your equal, now that I’ve beaten you?”

“If I had my gauntlets, your stupid ice cage would have been toast!” Katsuki is shouting, his grip on your wrist tightening. You try your hardest not to wince but it does not go unnoticed by him as he makes the connection.

He shakes his head, “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to grab you that hard.”

“No, it’s fine, I,” your breath catches in your throat, “I shouldn’t have made you angry, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t you get it?” he growls, yanking you closer, only softer this time. “You always make me angry.”

If you weren’t confused before, you sure are now. You know that Bakugo has a naturally hot-headed temperament, but you never expected him to attribute some of it to you.

“Gah, you’re such an idiot!” Bakugou runs a hand through his hair before blowing a breath out of his mouth, attempting to calm himself down. He really doesn’t want to screw this up. “Every time I see you, I get this, this stupid knot in my stomach. And it just pisses me off! Why are you different?”

You want to laugh because it appears he’s experiencing feelings for the first time, but you don’t want to make him feel humiliated. Instead, you reach your palm upward and wrap your fingers around his wrist, “You make me feel different too, Katsuki.”

He rolls his eyes, “Great. So we’re both fucked.”

This time you do laugh, but only because he’s so blunt. You know better than to touch him excessively, especially in public, “I guess so. Maybe we can fuck together?”

You’ve never seen Bakugo Katsuki’s eyes go so wide.

a/n: well, that was a bit different but still the same lol. not tagging anyone this time bc i don’t want to be a bother :) i hope you guys liked that. feel free to request more/others!

#bakugo katsuki x reader #bakugo katsuki x you #bnha x reader #katsuki x reader #bakugo x reader #katsuki x you #bakugo x you #bnha x you #my writing #morgan writes bnha

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halfpint55 · 4 years

Text

A Defence of Kataang with regards to how they are portrayed in TLoK (it’s long but there’s headcanons at the end)

Note: This is not about shipping wars. This is a safe zone. This is not about Zutara vs Kataang. This is me defending Kataang and the characters themselves...from the writers.

I initially wrote this as a response to a post that got me heated. My reblog just made it too long so here it is as its own post.

Now this post ripped apart Kataang as a couple but more than that said some stuff about Aang himself that hurt my heart. I didn’t really want to pick on this post but its condemning of Kataang was based almost entirely in what we know of them as parents in TLoK and honestly it’s that lil nugget of canon that I take issue with. It has bothered me from the get go because it doesn’t make sense from a writing and story perspective, and it’s been pissing me off since I watched it.

TL;DR nice and early bc this post is gonna be a long one:

This particular condemnation of Kataang rests almost entirely on the SHITTY way they were portrayed as parents by the writers of LoK, and in all honesty, on this particular topic, canon should be ignored.

Overall Kataang parenting is of my biggest gripes with LoK because in terms of writing it’s totally incongruous - it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t align, and it makes zero sense for what we know of those characters, and I don’t know if I can ever forgive the showrunners for allowing it to be written it into canon.

I will also preface this by saying I like LoK - love it. I had a scroll through the comments and reblogs on this post, and a lot of the hate towards this portrayal of Kataang ended up being blamed on the “terrible writing of LoK” which is not where I stand at all. That being said I am so angry at the writers for this one.

The other portion of the concurring comments that were very hateful towards Kataang came from Zutara shippers and honestly for me, although I do ship Kataang, this not a just a Kataang issue. I’m of the belief that Zutara would’ve just as easily been written to have similar issues due to very similar dynamics - Zutara also would have been two powerful benders from very different cultures, and with Zuko/Aang (whoever you ship w her) having a massively important global leadership role that is embedded in who they are, and therefore impossible to ignore as a factor in their relationship.

Now let me be clear, my desire to reject canon on this front is by no means me wanting to believe the best of my faves, and not wanting to hear a word against Aang. It’s not even necessarily a defence of Kataang bc I ship it that hard (I mean I do but I can set that aside for the sake of argument if that’s what you need from me here).

The first, and main issue people have with Aang/Kataang in Korra, is the first point of the original post:

So why in hell would [Katara] be okay with Aang ignoring TWO of their children’s complete existence once he found out they had an airbending son?

And I agree with the post on this front; Katara would not have allowed her children to each be treated differently by their father. I had the same initial thought when watching LoK, and it’s the reason I hate and want to ignore the canon of LoK so badly.

As much as it hurts to think of, we have to accept that Aang wouldn’t have been able to stop his preferential treatment for Tenzin from bleeding through into his parenting just out of a desperate desire to save his culture (which is absolutely understandable - doesn’t make it okay, but it’s understandable; Aang suffered an incredible loss, a massive cultural trauma which he alone carries the burden of). So of course he wasn’t able to hide how excited he was, and forgot to be mindful of his attitude and behaviour towards Kya and Bumi. So this aspect of canon Kataang? Yeah, I’m with it. So far so good. EXCEPT the most unrealistic element of canon is now that Katara would let him. I simply do not believe for a second that Katara would’ve allowed Aang to be the kind of parent LoK painted him to be.

However, I do not think it would’ve been a point of contention between the two of them! Katara would pull him aside, Katara would gently (but firmly) point out what Aang mightn’t be able to see for himself - he’s focusing too hard on Tenzin.

And Aang would listen.

All throughout A;tLA the two of them often help the other sort through their stuff. Aang has a great track record of being receptive to Katara’s advice and help (calming him down when discovering Monk Gyatso’s body, The Desert when he Appa is stolen, Serpent’s Pass when he’s bottling his feelings about Appa being missing). He’s also just so receptive to others’ ideas - he just goes with it and trusts in his friends (think of his trust in Katara’s plan to rescue Haru, his trust in staying behind with Sokka in the library to get the eclipse info). Aang’s humility is one of the most incredible things about him and it’s at the core of who he is. He would absolutely be able to hear Katara telling him he’s focusing too hard on one child - he would be open, and he’d listen.

So to me now canon just does not make sense at all. it does not align with their established character traits. And yes, people change as they get older and grow into adulthood but honestly, the elements of their respective personalities that we’re talking about here are pretty core elements of who these two people are.

Katara has always been fiercely protective of those she loves, strongwilled, stubborn, and ready to (vocally or physically) fight for what she believes is right and that wouldn’t disappear as she gets older. She wouldn’t let Aang’s preferrential treatment slide.

Aang has always been, and chose to be despite his loss, an optimistic, kind, believe in the best of humanity kind of person. He’s open to all points of view, he’s a good listener, he always tries his absolute best to find solutions that are good for everyone. And again his humility, his willingness to love, is who he is. He believes all humans (including fkn OZAI) and all life are sacred, he believes in the absolute right to life. The kid is a vegetarian for crying out loud.

Now the parts of the take in the post that hurt my heart to read about what OP thinks of Aang:

“Aang never made an attempt to establish anything resembling a real familial unit with Katara, basically just stayed around until she popped out an Airbender [...] she was treated like some trophy wife to give birth to airbenders and that’s it!”

I wasn’t going to address this in this post until I read the comments in the notes, because people seem to agree. They share the sentiment that Katara was reduced to “just a love interest” by the two ending up together.

However I do very much take issue w the notion that Aang “basically just stayed around until she popped out an Airbender” (and honestly that entire paragraph - we don’t actually know that Aang didn’t make an effort to establish a family unit). As much as the LoK writers fucked up in their portrayal of Kataang as parents, this is a much harsher judgement of Aang’s character as a husband and father than anything implied by Aang and Katara’s children. I just don’t buy that Aang would view Katara (or anyone he married, even if you don’t ship Kataang) as a trophy wife, whose only role is to have airbender children. He never has viewed her that way - he has always looked at her like she’s the sun, and the most important person to him after she pulled him out of the iceburg. He loves her the most of anyone on the planet. It does not align with his character, his values or beliefs that he’d think of her (or any partner) that way. He is so besotted with Katara for who she is it HURT me to read that part of your take. Aang simply would never. Look at how he looks at her!

What’s more is the unwavering respect and deference he shows Katara as his waterbending master - he recognises and loves her as the whole, complete, three dimensional, TALENTED POWERFUL INCREDIBLE WOMAN that she is. She is NEVER “just” a love interest for Aang. (But ALSO, do we respect Suki any less for being Sokka’s obvious love interest??? No. suki is written to be so badass that Sokka is HER love interest and I think Katara has equally badass energy but I digress).

Moving on!

OP made an excellent point that there would’ve been culturally different values between the two but I don’t think it would’ve been family that was the clashing point. Yes the airbenders value spirituality and enlightenment. But they lived together in massive communities! They supported and raised one another. Their community and culture was strong, and they were bonded in their spirituality! They value love, as well as enlightenment, peace, and the lives of all.

Now, again the points they made about the cultural divides within the Kataang family unit are valid, but also again I dislike how they chose to portray this in LoK. It would definitely be a struggle they faced as a couple. However I think they really missed an opportunity here with where they took it. Because they do at one point in the comics have Katara bring up the fact that their family will be a blend of two cultures, and she brings it up because Aang is trying so hard to bring balance back to the world by means of seperation.

They’ve known from the get go of being a couple that they’re going to have to navigate being a culturally blended family unit.

So I find it so shitty that they wrote it so that Kya got to learn the waterbending culture, Tenzin got Air and bumi got…nothing? It’s dangerously close to the way Disney does the “the girls are carbon copies of mum, and the boys are carbon copies of dad” thing (think Lady and the Tramp). It’s lazy. Especially when we had that “separation is an illusion” episode, AND things like Zuko learning different nation’s styles and applying them to his firebending, and Sokka learning an element of strategy or fighting from every nation.

So give us Kya using Airbending moves with her waterbending (maybe she invents the water scooter)! Give us Tenzin doing more grounded moves that Aunty Toph (or Lin, while they were together) taught him from earthbending.

There are much more creative ways to illustrate the bumps and troubles Kataang might have run into in trying to navigate incorporating equal parts of their cultures in their children and family unit. Even just smaller scale issues like food and meals - how do they figure out how to do mealstimes with Aang’s vegetarianism with Katara’s culturally significant Water Tribe meat dishes? And then even taking into account how picky little kids can be!

Give me a scene where they literally just ate moon pies for a week because toddler Kya would scream if you put anything else down in front of her.

Maybe Bumi demanded sea prunes over and over but Katara and Bumi are the only ones who like them, and Bumi bonds with his mother this way - they go on little one-on-one outings to water tribe restaurants in Republic City, searching for the most authentic sea prunes!

Kya maybe likes the water tribe fashions the most because it helps her connect with her namesake BUT Kya also has a playful sense of humour - not unlike Monk Gyatso - Aang sees how much she loved moon pies and teaches her to throw them with waterbending.

We know Tenzin was a calm, quiet, and possibly shy child. Maybe he loved to hole himself away learning crafts. Give me Tenzin learning to tattoo, Tenzin learning to carve (and carving his first glider - it crashes of course), but also Tenzin learning to carve water tribe adornments and necklaces. Katara tries at first but when she gets busy Sokka comes in and teaches Tenzin to break all the carving rules Katara has laid down (”it doesn’t need to be perfect my little pupil - let the creativity flow!”)

Tenzin may not be able to waterbend but that doesn’t mean he can’t learn other means of healing. As the littlest he spent a lot of time watching Katara work - she teaches him to tie splints, dress wounds, and yes deliver babies.

If you made it here I love you so much for reading. I love sharing my thoughts so HIGH FIVE YOU MADE IT, ur now my friend - the friendship is non-refundable sorry 😌😌

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raikangaru · 4 years

Text

Next Year - Zuko x Reader

Warnings: none

one shot

It had been a year since the defeat of ‘Pheonix King’ Ozai and Zuko had thought it would be nice to return to ember island as like a celebration of the first year anniversary of saving the world. I think it’s cute that he wants to do this, we had all arrived in a large Fire Nation ship and were given escort to the Royal Family vacation home. “Ahh brings back good ol’ memories,”Sokka says as he stretches his arms and runs to the beach front,”Sokka, get our damn bags,”Suki yells at the water tribe boy who pouts in return as he trudges back to Suki. “Let’s settle in first,”Katara says in a motherly tone, some things just don’t change. I smile at the sight and giggle as Zuko, Aang and Sokka carry all the luggage into the vacation home.

“Wow, you guys have really done up the place,”Sokka gushes as we all step into the threshold,”it’s really beautiful now,”Katara adds,”thanks! It was really all just (your name),”Zuko gives me a side glance. “Oh yes, it is definitely beautiful,”Toph sarcastically comments and everyone just stares at her before erupting into fits of laughter. Zuko drags our luggage in the Firelord and Firelady suite, we had requested to have no staff in the home, since this was meant to be just a vacation with friends. “Isn’t it crazy we were here this time last year about to fight your father,”I sigh, looking out from the balcony, warm arms find themselves around my waist and a hard chest presses itself up against me. “Yeah, we were all stressing. I’m glad life turned out like this,”he places his head in the crook of my neck, leaving very light kisses on my (skin tone) skin. “Me too,”I turn my body towards him snaking my arms around his neck, I lean my head against his firm chest breathing in his musky scent,”we should join the rest,”I detach myself from Zuko and rummage through our luggage.

I pull out a more casual Fire Nation robe, the heavy formal robes were a bit too extreme for a fun vacation with friends, I had stripped off each layer one by ones. “You shouldn’t do that infront of me,”my husband whispers in my ear, his warms hands squeeze my bare waist pulling me closer to him,”nope, sorry lover boy. We’ve got friends to entertain,”I move his hands off my waist, wagging a finger at him and continued change into the casual robes. I turn to the mirror, quickly redoing my top knot and perfectly inserting my Firelady hairpiece. “Quickly get changed,”I nag the poor Firelord as he rushes to change into his regular clothes, I laugh at the sections of hair sticking out before I beckon him to the vanity. He sits on the chair and I undo the top knot, brushing his silky smooth hair before gently tying it up again and inserting his Firelord hairpiece. “All done, now come,”I lightly tug him, the rest wait for us the living room.

“Ahh, there’s the royal highnesses,”Sokka teases us, I shoot him a friendly glare, “aww boo always so mean Sokka,”I pout at him before we both broke into laughter,”so what’s the plan?”Suki asks drawing everyone’s attention,”hmm I’m not actually sure,”Katara looks to me and I shrug my shoulders, I haven’t really thought of things for us to do. “We can spare for old times sake,”Aang jokes which earns him a slap from Katara who is no where impressed by him. “I believe there’s a carnival going on in the main streets,”Zuko says, everyone’s head turn to him,”well then it’s settled to the carnival,”Aang cheers rushing out of the house followed by an equally excited Sokka. Their respective partners shake their heads and follow them out, I take Zuko’s hand, intertwining our fingers, waking out the house together,”insane as always,”Zuko sighs and I nod my head in agreement.

The carnival was packed of fire nation citizens, it was a mistake for Zuko and I to wear our headpieces as people bowed and offered us free items which we had politely declined. “This is a disaster,”I sigh as more people continue to approach, Zuko had held onto my hand rather tightly so we wouldn’t loose each other in the crowd, I had just stayed close to him,”wow aren’t you guys just popular,”Toph teases us and I flush in embarrassed,”we apologise,”Zuko answers for us, awkwardly rubbing his neck. “Come on let’s get on the giant Ferris wheel!”Sokka points at the giant glowing wheel, everyone agrees and queues up, we had decided that each couple got their own pod except Sokka and Suki since they’ll have Toph ride with them. We get into the pink coloured pod, it was decorated with tiny lanterns, with two benches painted white and some pink accents on the window edges,”this is adorable,”I gush and excitedly sit, slighty swaying the pod which freaks my intimidating husband, I giggle as he takes a seat beside me.

“Don’t get too excited,”he moves his arm around my waist pulling me closer to him, I lean my head on his shoulder as the ride begins, the movement was slow but it made the ride feel very romantic as the lights of the carnival below glowed and the tents and people became tiny almost like insects. “It’s really sweet of you to invite the others in the one year anniversary of the defeat,”I turn to face Zuko, he cranes his head down towards me,”thanks baby,”his lips connects with my forehead giving me a warm feeling all around I draw my arms around his waist and we stay cuddled as we reach the top most of the Ferris wheel. Ember Island glows as the heroes of the world enjoy the view and time they are spending together, they world in harmony and peace.

“Let’s do it again next year”

m a s t e r l i s t

heya guys, i know you guys are unhappy i’ve been ages in posting a lot has come up and i’m trying to catch up with it. if you guys are still enjoying my writing please leave a like and comment, any suggestions yah guys got please dm / drop it in ask, thanks and have a great day!

next one might be a haikyuu one shot!

all the love xx

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fictionissocialinquiry · 4 years

Text

I promised more the nwanyi spirit and the woman who bent blood excerpts and here it is!

Suki, Toph, and Katara are a team of bounty hunters known as The Runaways in this AU and they were “recruited” by the mysterious White Lotus and offered work with them. Iroh makes them an offer they can’t refuse...

(NSFW: sweary words)

Suki’s smirk remained, plastered into place, but she tilted her head towards her friends and pitched her voice low. ‘The old man’s job offer. Thoughts?’

‘Oh, we’re taking the veiled threats as a serious offer, are we?’ Katara drawled around a mouthful of food. The spoon rubbed against her bandages which in turn were rubbing against her wound but despite the discomfort, the hot meal was doing wonders for her spirits.

‘I take all and every opportunity seriously, you know that.’

‘You really believe the White Lotus, a group whose members we’ve personally hunted down and delivered to the authorities more than once, is interesting in partnering up?’

Suki studied her carefully from behind the mask she wore. ‘I take it you don’t.’

‘Hm, you think?’

Toph poked at her dinner, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. ‘They’re alright,’ she muttered. ‘Silvertongue and Jun and the others we met on the road. They’re cool.’

‘Alright, are they?’ Katara asked stiffly. ‘The people who essentially forced us to come meet their boss because he had a humble offer for us?’ She lowered her voice when Suki widened her eyes in warning. Katara leaned in closer. ‘They’re firebenders, Toph. Zuko definitely is, his uncle and cousin might be too. We don’t know how many more there could be. I don’t trust them.’

‘Well none of us trusts them,’ Toph said as though Katara had pointed out that two badgermoles plus two badgermoles equals a whole lot of trouble. ‘No one trusts anyone in this business, we all know that.’

‘You trust Jun,’ Katara accused in a hushed tone.

Toph frowned, her lip popping free of her teeth. ‘I want to fuck Jun, I don’t trust her, Madame Fussy Britches. Big difference.’

Suki cleared her throat, moving her stir fry from one side of her bowl to the other. ‘I want to take him up on it. Iroh. I think we should take it.’

‘Are you insan—’

Toph elbowed Katara so hard in her ribs that she nearly spat her rice halfway across the table. ‘You sure are light on your feet, fire boy,’ Toph acknowledged, turning to face Zuko. The man stood behind them, his eyes narrowed and calculating. ‘Sneaky little firebender, aren’t you?’

‘Only because you can’t see, Toph,’ Suki said, grinning up at Zuko. ‘He’s actually quite tall. Impressive ninja skills for a man of your… size.’

Zuko went from irate to a blushing mess in little under ten seconds. ‘I’m not— That’s not even—’ he spluttered, dropping his bowl onto the table beside Katara. ‘The waterbender left her herbs at the serving table!’

Katara arched a brow, still rubbing her side. Suki always knew how to exploit a person’s weakness to her advantage; Katara would have high fived her success if the firebender hadn’t been spluttering so close to them.

Instead, she glanced at Zuko. ‘How thoughtful,’ she simpered. Then, after a meaningful look from Suki, begrudgingly added, ‘Thank you.’

The firebender, his cheeks red as flames, slammed down a bubbling cup of tea with the now familiar scent of comfrey, centella, Hei Bai’s wort, and marigold. ‘Don’t mention it.’

Katara lifted the cup and swilled the liquid around. ‘You’ve definitely overcooked the herbs.’

But the firebender bent over his food and ate without any sign of having heard her.

Toph was snickering into her own bowl— something about touchy firebenders— but Suki took pity on him. ‘So, Zuko,’ she began, nibbling at a piece of broccoli. ‘How did the White Lotus end up running a boarding house?’

The firebender chewed awhile, glaring straight ahead even as he answered. ‘The White Lotus is more than you think it is. We provide shelter to those who need it. This boarding house is for wives who need a safe place from dishonourable husbands, refugees who need somewhere to stay while the state allocates them a permanent home, students who can’t afford to live at the university.’ Zuko jabbed his finger across the table, gesturing to the far side of the room. ‘See that old guy in the shabby robes? He’s a cabbage merchant whose never sold enough cabbages to afford a place to live. Used to live under his cabbage cart before someone smashed it. So now he lives here.’

‘For free?’ Toph asked.

Zuko shrugged. ‘Sometimes.’

‘How can your uncle possibly afford to house people for free?’ Katara demanded, before a wry smile claimed her face. ‘Oh, that’s right. His hands aren’t as clean as all that. He’s like us. Trades lives for money.’

‘My uncle does not trade lives for money,’ the firebender snarled with such ferocity that a prickle of trepidation ghosted its way down Katara’s spine. ‘You don’t know anything about us, waterbender.’

#zutara #fan fic #zuko #katara #toph #suki #iroh #lu ten #the nwanyi spirit and the woman who bent blood #dark!verse au

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avatarstories · 4 years

Text

izumi’s birthday part three: sources of wisdom

The next morning, breakfast with the family is awkward. Izumi was a few moments late, having had to stop by the royal seamstress to have the last adjustments fitted for party outfit finished. By the time she arrived at breakfast, everyone was seated, and the only empty chair was between her father and Bumi. Bumi’s stony expression made her want to just be swallowed up by the floor. Maybe she could go find Druk and convince him to eat her. She gives Bumi a sad smile, and he rolls his eyes with a noticeable exhale. Izumi takes her seat quietly trying her hardest to give him as much space as possible.

“Are we going to talk about how Izumi and Bumi are making the air in the room extremely uncomfortable?” Kya says. “Lover’s quarrel?” she jokes.

“Fuck off, Kya” Bumi mutters, looking down at the table in front of him. Kya is across from him and leans in trying to get his attention.

“Excuse me?” she says with a joking lilt in her voice.

Bumi doesn’t say anything. Instead, he throws his tea at Kya and storms out of the dining room. Everyone is silent but all eyes are on Izumi. Having managed to stop the tea from hitting her, Kya bends it back into a cup.

“Well, Happy Birthday, Izumi! What an exciting way to start the day,” Kya deadpans. Zuko looks at Izumi with a concerned expression. Azula looks ready to go to murder. Toph and Lin have their eyebrows raised and are taking a big sips of their mango juices. Tenzin hangs his head and focuses intently at his rice. Izumi notices Katara giving Aang a look that says go after him and when he doesn’t move she shakes her head.

“This looks like a job for a wise old man like me,” Iroh says, pushing his chair back so that he can stand up.

“General Iroh, it’s really ok, Aang can take care of it,” Katara says.

“Uh, I kinda agree with General Iroh,” Aang replies sheepishly.

If looks could kill, the ice in Katara’s eyes would have Aang pinned to the wall. “You are unbelievable,” she says quietly, though the anger and disappointment in her tone are unmistakable. She follows Bumi out the door

“Looks like Twinkletoes is in the polar bear doghouse,” Toph says. Aang groans and then goes after Katara and Bumi.

“Care to enlighten us, Izumi?” Azula asks.

“Not really,” she mutters. “I’m going to the training yard,” she announces quietly, and she walks out the door.

Azula looks between Zuko and Iroh “I would go after her, but I was planning to go boss some staff around to make sure her party is perfect, which I think now needs to be even more perfect,” she says.

“I will see what is bothering our dear Izumi,” Iroh says pushing out his chair once again. He and Azula leave the room.

“Man,” Lin says “I thought mom and I would be the ones to start drama.” At that, Sokka laughs so hard he snorts, and Suki punches him in the side for it. —————————————————————————————————

Izumi is moving through advanced katas when Iroh finds her.

“I have told you before, forms practiced in anger are like tea steeped in unclean water, dear Izumi.”

She finishes the form sending an arc of a flame towards the stone wall with an audibly annoyed exhale.

“Now, are you going to tell me what is wrong or should I guess? Kya suggested a -”

“IM NOT DATING BUMI! CAN EVERYONE STOP THINKING THAT!”

Iroh chuckles. “Everyone used to think the same of your father and Katara when they were yours and Bumi’s ages. When people share a special bond others cannot help but wonder. But of course I did not come here to talk about your father’s youthful affections. It appears you and Bumi are experiencing a strain. Care to inform your old grandfather so he can help you?”

“We had a misunderstanding.”

“I know that I am old, Izumi, but I am not blind.”

“Bumi was telling me about some issues in their family between him and his dad, and I basically told him that he should be lucky not to have the weight of a legacy on his shoulders.”

“So your problem stems from your fear of your future,” Iroh affirms. “Rightfully so on an occasion as momentous as your 17th birthday, but Izumi, you are a kind, gentle, and fair minded young woman, and your father is a picture of health, what has brought about this anxiety?”

Izumi crosses her arms and says nothing.

“Izumi?”

“I overheard some of the noblewomen talking about a curse on the Fire Ladies.”

“And what is this curse?”

“That Fire Ladies who die in childbirth give rise to evil Fire Lords. The spirits make them pay the ultimate price for what they bring into the world.”

Iroh takes in her words. “And so you have applied this to your own birth?” Izumi nods.

“You’re young yet Izumi, but I think you will find that destiny is what you make of it,” he says. “You and your father are the descendants of Sozin and Azulon, but you’re also the descendants of Avatar Roku on your grandmother’s side. There’s light and dark in you, and you will have to chose what nature you will allow to flourish. But knowing you, I would largely place my bets on the light side. And,” he takes a pause, “you can always seek to redeem yourself for your faults. I tried to break through the walls of Ba Sing Se, and then I took it back from the Fire Nation. Your father chased Aang halfway across the world, and now they are best friends. Azula was one of the most terrifying people in existence -”

“She still is.”

He chuckles. “Yes, she still is. But the original fire bending masters deemed her worthy of regaining her power when she lost it and repented, and they even gifted her a dragon egg as they did to your father,” he explains.

“Your father’s legacy was to end a war. Yours will be the equally important one of maintaining peace,” Iroh says. “Now, maybe you should go practice that and make your amends with Master Bumi. I am off to make some tea.”

“What if he won’t speak to me,” she asks.

“Well then your partner dance in front of the court later on at your party will be terribly uncomfortable!” he says walking back inside. ——————————————————————————————————— Bumi does not really know where he is walking to, and he just follows the direction that instinct takes him. He can hear his parents behind him, but he does not stop.

“Bumi please,” Katara calls.

He groans and walks faster. In this instance, he was incredibly pleased with himself because he still remembers some of the secret passageways in the palace that Izumi had showed him as children when they would play hide and explode with Izumi’s Aunt Kiyi and Aunt Azula, so he ducked into one that he knew was coming and hears his parents run right passed. It was slightly dark inside, which made perfect sense considering that usually only firebenders used these hallways and had no need for any other light.

Bumi went off memory and kept his right hand on the wall. If he had to figure this out like a maze in order to get out, that’s what he would do. After about ten minutes in the dark, he feels a variation in the stone that tells him he’s found a door. If he remembers correctly, this one will let him out by the portrait gallery. However, when he opens the door, he’s stopped by a piece of furniture.

“Huh?” he hears someone ask, and soon the furniture is being shoved out of the way and the door opens and bright light blinds him, and Azula is standing in front of him.

She stares him up and down. “I would offer to help you but I will warn you first that if you ruin Izumi’s birthday, not even the fact that your father is the Avatar will save you from me.”

Bumi remains frozen, unsure what to do.

“Well don’t just sit there,” she says, raising a brow. He stumbles into what he realizes to be Azula’s office.

“If you are avoiding your parents who ran after you when you caused quite the commotion at breakfast, then my office would definitely be the best place to hide. Push that back into place,” she commands gesturing to the small table she had just moved.

Bumi has not spent much time alone with Azula. Whenever he would visit the Fire Nation, he and Izumi were attached at the hip. Every summer when Kya would go to the Southern Water Tribe and his dad and Tenzin would go to an Air Temple, Bumi would get dropped off in the Fire Nation for a few months of sword training with Master Piandao. After Piandao passed away, Zuko offered to continue training him since Sokka was busy trying to get Republic City up and running. In all that time, he’d never really gotten to know Azula. From what Izumi had told him, Azula was Zuko’s right hand. She lead his small council and sat in on meetings when he was away on diplomatic trips, which made her an extremely powerful person.

He looks around her office. It’s clean and tidy. There is a small ink portrait of Izumi on the wall to the right of Azula's desk, and vases of Fire Lilies around the room.

Azula studies him while he looks around the room. “Should I ask what’s bothering you or should we pretend this exchange never happened?”

“Whatever you prefer,” he replies.

“I prefer to be well informed.”

“Izumi and I had a fight.”

“I gleaned that,” she says flatly. There’s a pause. “Izumi hates celebrating her birthday. She tells us every year it makes her feel guilty, but the 17th birthday of the Heir Apparent is a rite of passage in the Fire Nation.”

“Why’s that?”

“Traditionally, it’s when the Crown Prince, or in Izumi’s case, Princess, starts sitting on the small council and has to take up a stronger political role than just kissing babies and doing well in school… it’s seen as the last day of childhood.”

Oh Bumi thinks. “That’s why she’s so stressed.”

“Most likely a factor.”

“She never mentioned it.”

“Well, you know Izumi. Unless it’s Zuko, getting her to tell you what’s wrong is like pulling teeth. She is like you in that regard.” Bumi looks puzzled. “I read people very well,” she says in reply to his reaction. There’s a pause as she regards him. “I do not imagine it is easy to be a non-bender in a family like yours.”

“Man, you really don’t hold back.”

She offers him a half smile. “I understand the fear of being a disappointment too. When I was 12 I was so scared of failure and what would happen if I disappointed my father. It was not even two years by the time I self destructed.”

“I’m not going to self destruct,” he mutters.

“Then you might need some help carrying that weight on your shoulders around.”

He is quiet for a minute. “What if there’s no one to help me?”

She glances down at a small ink drawing of her mother, Zuko, and herself that sits on her desk. “From my experience, you can often find help in very unexpected places, but you have to be open to being helped.”

AN: you cannot convince me Azula didn’t get a redemption arc and a lot of healing and become a strange source of wisdom. you just can’t. azula redemptions are a peak of feminist literature.

I imagine redeemed Azula serves Zuko in a position similar to the hand of the king from GoT.

#avatarstories #izumi #bumi #azula #zuko #aang #katara #toph #lin #kya #iroh

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entity9silvergen · 3 years

Text

We Dance To Fast Music (ATLA Fanfiction)

Summary: Zuko didn’t like to dance. Neither did Mai. But Ty Lee did and they’d do it for her. Fortunately for them, Ty Lee cared about how they felt and wanted to show them just how wonderful music could be. All Zuko and Mai knew were slow dances, the things of ballrooms and romance. Ty Lee only knew the dances of friendship, freedom, and fun.

Fandom: ATLA

Characters: Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, Sokka, Suki, Aang, Katara, Toph

Relationships: Ambiguous relationships, Katara/ Aang, Zuko & Mai & Ty Lee, Gaang & Mai & Ty Lee, Zuko & Mai & Ty Lee & Suki &Sokka

Other Tags: Ambiguous Relationships, AroWriMo, Dancing, Dancing Dragon, Tsungi Horn, Wedding, Platonic Relationships, Music

Warnings: None

Word Count: 8K

Chapter Count: 1 (Oneshot)

Author’s Note: This was written for Aromantic Writing Month 2021 Week 2. The prompt is Freedom & Music. It is not explicitly mentioned if characters are aro in this story. The main focus is on friendships and platonic relationships being valued equally. You can decide which however you want to interpret each character’s romantic and sexual orientations.

It also does not explicitly state if any characters are in relationships (except Aang and Katara) so you can read into it however you want. I played around with Mai/ Zuko, Mai/ Zuko/ Ty Lee, Suki/ Sokka, Mai/ Zuko/ Ty Lee/ Suki/ Sokka, or them all just being platonic friends but none of it stuck. There is emphasis that these relationships are not strictly romantic but you can interpret any of them as qprs or romantic relationships.

Also I’d like to say I know nothing about music or dance so sorry if those bits of the story don’t make sense or if their dances are really ugly.

I own none of the dances in this story. The first one is the Dancing Dragon from the cartoon and the last two are inspired by “the beginning of a new and brighter birth” by aloneintherain on Ao3.

You can also read this fic on Ao3 and FFN.

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Part 1

It all began at Katara and Aang’s wedding.

It was a nice wedding, it really was, and Zuko was happy for his friends but did they really have to invite so many people? Aang and Katara had a lot of friends all over the world but half these people Zuko had never even met. He was pretty sure they were all political officials. He supposed he couldn’t really complain, the Avatar’s marriage was a pretty big event for all four nations, but it was stifling to have so many people in one space, however open.

He supposed the one advantage was that no one could see if he was dancing or not.

The ceremony was lovely and Zuko meant that genuinely. Aang and Katara had danced afterward in a beautiful mix of Water Tribe and Air Nomad styles and now the floor was open to the guests. There was a live band of… Zuko wanted to say they were Air Acolytes but they may have been one of King Kuei’s bands from Ba Sing Se. Or maybe it was both. It was probably both considering they were playing a plethora of tunes from different nations and regions. Everyone seemed pretty pleased by the music selection and had taken to the dance floor with their partners.

Zuko was hiding in the corner with Mai and Ty Lee.

Zuko knew as the Fire Lord he would be expected to dance at some point. Not by Aang and Katara, they’d never do that to him, but there were so many strangers here and there was probably some important person here who would start whispers that the Fire Lord had insulted the Avatar by not dancing at his wedding and they needed to start war preparations again. Zuko didn’t know anything about weddings but he was pretty sure that was a thing. Probably. Maybe. And for peace’s sake, he’d dance. Probably. Maybe.

It was just that he didn’t want to? It wasn’t even entirely because he didn’t know how to. He didn’t really have any problems with dancing. He’d dabbled in some of the cultural restoration efforts that involved dancing directly. It just didn’t seem appealing in the slightest. Earth Kingdom officials and royalty were swaying their partners, Water Tribesmen were spinning each other around, and Air Acolytes were leaning against each other, all in tune to the gentle melody. It was nice but he and Mai just weren’t like that.

“Come on,” Ty Lee complained for the umpteenth time, tugging on their hands. “You have to come dance!”

“We don’t have to do anything,” Mai responded, leaning even further into Zuko as if to prove a point. Zuko didn’t complain.

Ty Lee frowned, her grip on both of them slackening a bit. “What’s wrong with dancing? I mean, I know the Fire Nation never really allowed dancing much but we used to do it all the time at home. And in the circus! It’s fun.”

“This looks like the farthest thing from fun,” Zuko commented and gestured vaguely at the mass of men and women before them. “It’s all so… slow. And romantic.”

“And boring,” Mai added helpfully.

“And boring,” Zuko agreed.

Ty Lee pouted for a moment before a look of excitement flashed across her face. “Wait here. I’ve got an idea.”

She was gone before Zuko could protest. Zuko reached out with his newly freed hand and called after her but she’d already vanished into the crowd of people. He frowned a bit and slumped against the pillar he and Mai were hiding by. He didn’t really want to dance but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to be around Ty Lee. She was a constant presence in his life these days and it felt odd to not have her around, even with Mai there.

“Should we go after her?” Mai asked, plucking an hors d'oeuvres off a passing server’s tray to pop into her mouth. She immediately made a face. “Ew. Vegetables. They’re not even cooked.”

“Air Nomads are vegetarian,” Zuko reminded her softly, though he probably didn’t need to. His brow furrowed a bit as he glanced back at the crowd, worried. Should they look for Ty Lee? She’d told them to wait here so maybe she would be back. How long was too long? She wasn’t in danger or anything but-

Zuko didn’t have the chance to finish his thought. Ty Lee barreled past them with the speed of a cat mongoose and the power of an elephant gorilla. She snatched up both of their hands, catching them both off guard, and dragged them both across the venue toward the dance floor.

Zuko stumbled a bit but found his footing quickly and made a noise of surprise. “Ty Lee!”

“Was this your master plan?” Mai said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, when they came to a stop and Ty Lee freed them of her grip. “To grab us when we weren’t paying attention?”

“No, silly,” Ty Lee giggled. “This was my plan.”

Nothing happened for a moment, prompting Mai and Zuko to look around in confusion. They were just kind of standing in the middle of the crowd, people dancing around them. Slowly, the song came to an end and Zuko opened his mouth to ask Ty Lee what was happening but was distracted by the most strange noise.

It was a tsungi horn, he knew that much after having played for years, but he’d never heard it make a noise like the one the band was drawing out of it. It was… hard. Not soft like most music was. And the horn’s toots were coming out sharp and abruptly, accompanied by the melody of some kind of flute. Combined with drums, some stringed devices, and some other instruments Zuko didn’t recognize, they made the strangest tune Zuko had ever heard.

“What is this?” Zuko asked, looking at Ty Lee. “And what are you doing with you hands?”

“I’m dancing!” Ty Lee said with a beaming smile. She put her hands up in the air and twirled herself around as if to prove a point. “I thought you might like this music more.”

“I don’t know if this is music,” Zuko responded with uncertainty as Ty Lee began wiggling her shoulders, “and I’m not sure if what you’re doing is dancing.”

“Isn’t music usually slower?” Mai said as she watched the people around them become inactive. Some were moving like Ty Lee, seemingly happy with the change, but most of them seemed as confused as Zuko. “Don’t you usually, I don’t know, hold your partner and shuffle around?”

“No, silly,” Ty Lee replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “You don’t have to dance with a partner! That’s just the fancy stuff. Most people just dance with their friends.”

“With their friends?”

“For fun!”

“For… fun?”

“I’ll show you,” Ty Lee said cheerfully and took both their hands. She pulled on them, more gently this time, and kept moving her body. Zuko and Mai exchanged a glance, unsure what to do, but shrugged and decided to indulge their friend. Ty Lee was moving fluidly but it didn’t have any structure to it like most dances Zuko knew of. She was just… rolling in tune with the music. It was a few minutes that Zuko realized the rhythm had traveled down her arms to their joined hands and he was mimicking her movements. Ty Lee looked thrilled. “That’s the spirit!”

“This is… not horrible,” Mai said as she allowed her free arm to join in the other half of her body. Without Ty Lee’s influence, her movements were a bit more awkward but it didn’t look totally ridiculous. Ty Lee looked equally excited by her efforts and began shaking her arms around with a bit more energy than she had before.

“I thought you’d like this more,” Ty Lee said, her voice a bit quieter. Zuko’s heart softened a bit when he noticed the nervousness fading off her face. He usually brushed off her exuberance but she really wanted them to have a good time. Affection for his friend welled up inside of him. “I don’t really like slow music myself. I don’t want to slow dance with some random guy. I’d much rather dance with you two.”

“What’s different about this music?” Zuko asked, trying to warm up his body a bit so he looked less like a flailing pig chicken. “How come everyone’s dancing differently now?”

“Fast music is more freeing,” Ty Lee said without a tone of doubt and lifted up both her arms so Zuko and Mai could spin her around. She leaned back dramatically, trusting them not to let her fall. “There aren’t any steps and you don’t have to worry about stepping on anyone’s feet and you don’t have to worry about who you’re with. You can just let the music take over and let your body move.”

Zuko smiled a bit as Ty Lee bounced back up from her dip. He’d never seen three people dance like this with their hands joined but Ty Lee was somehow rocking it despite his and Mai’s hesitation. He’d gladly accept some discomfort for her.

“Looks fun!” a familiar voice said, breaking the awkward jig the three of them shared, and Sokka was suddenly on Zuko’s back. “Can we join?”

“Get off,” Zuko complained good naturedly and shrugged Sokka off him, the other man careful not to accidentally choke the Fire Lord while unhooking his arms from their place around his neck and shoulders. Sokka grinned at him bashfully and Zuko noticed Suki not far behind him. “You two know how to dance?”

“Sure!” Sokka replied. “The Fire Lord’s advisor and guard go to a lot of fancy events, don’t we? We know all kinds of dances!”

“I don’t think what you do counts as dancing,” Suki commented, looking amused. Sokka stuck her tongue out at her and began dancing with a look in his eye telling the world he was ready to prove her wrong.

Sokka’s dance was… different from Ty Lee’s. He moved his whole body, shoulders to hips, in a rippling motion like a wave was going through him. It looked odd. Zuko wondered if it was a Water Tribe thing but judging by the Water Tribe spectators’ stares, it was not.

“You look stupid,” Toph said, pushing past a group of young Earth Kingdom governors who were dancing nearby. By Agni, they were dancing so much better than Sokka. “My feet could see it all the way across the room.”

“We’re outside,” Sokka responded but didn’t let her snipes kill his spirit. In fact, it seemed to only encourage him and his arms joined in. “Come on, guys! Don’t leave me hanging.”

Ty Lee took up his offer in a heartbeat, letting go of Mai and Zuko’s hands, and began dancing in a similar fashion, though she looked far better doing it. Zuko shared a look with Mai and Suki before joining. Mai and Zuko were a bit slow and awkward but Suki didn’t say anything and matched their energy without hesitation.

The music picked up a bit and even Toph joined in, though her movements looked a bit too much like earthbending forms for Zuko to feel safe calling it dancing. The others certainly noticed because Sokka and Ty Lee exchanged a glance and began mimicking water and firebending moves. They were far from accurate, much flashier and they lacked power, but Zuko had to admit the fluidity and spunk they performed them with made them look like real dance moves.

“I now understand why Katara used to be so obsessed with doing this stuff,” Sokka said as he wiggled his arms like a current before swooshing them to one side. Zuko was pretty sure that wasn’t a real waterbending move but Sokka looked too happy for him to care.

Ty Lee gave a few punches before shifting her feet into the footing of a firebender and arching her hands up and spinning around. “I wish I was a firebender. It would be so fun to dance while firebending! Ooh, I wish I had fire like Zuko! Imagine how pretty it would be to dance with rainbow fire swirling around you!”

Zuko opened his mouth to explain that wasn’t how it works but was interrupted by Toph.

“Aang and Katara are coming over,” Toph announced after a bit as the dancers around them parted a bit for the bride and groom.

“Damn right we are,” Aang said good naturedly. He and Katara had changed out of their wedding attire and into something simpler and loose-fitting. “You guys are dancing without us?”

“Maybe!” Ty Lee responded cheekily. “I was just saying how cool it would be to dance with rainbow fire like Zuko’s!”

“Oh that would be cool!” Aang said, eyes lighting up. “Zuko, you should do it!”

“First of all, it’s not rainbow fire. It’s just multicolored.”

“Rainbow,” Sokka said through a cough.

“-And second, I don’t know how to dance, let alone with firebending.”

“What do you mean you don’t know how to dance? We learned the Dancing Dragon together!” Aang exploded without even a pause. He gasped loudly. “We should do the Dancing Dragon together! Katara, can I do the Dancing Dragon with Zuko?”

“You don’t need my permission,” she said with a smile and a step back. “Knock yourself out.”

“Not literally,” Suki piped up, feeling the need to clarify which was probably a good idea in front of someone as knuckleheaded as Aang.

Zuko swallowed nervously and glanced at his friends. Mai shot him a smirk while Ty Lee gushed out her excitement. Sokka just gave him a thumbs up and the next thing Zuko knew, he was standing beside Aang.

They started on one foot, arms spread apart and palms facing the sky. Zuko could feel the sun’s warm rays spark something deep inside him. He took a deep breath and took a step away from Aang.

Both of them shifted into a lunge, pivoting quickly in a circle. With their breathes, ribbons of colorful fire came to life, twisting around their arms with each step. Zuko flet them licking his bare arms as his sleeves rode up with the steps but the fire didn’t burn.

Then came a sharp punch and a wide sweep of the arms. The fire followed the motion and rolled off him like a wave. The heat was oddly comforting on his tight shoulders.

A final thrust of the hand and the two met at the end of the circle, arching sideways to let their fists touch. Colorful fire burst from the contact, briefly engulfing them both before dying down with a few well controlled breaths from either side.

Zuko hadn’t even noticed the spectators until the clapping began.

He jerked upright in a motion unbecoming of a Fire Lord and scratched the back of his head awkwardly. When had all these people gathered around? Had he really gotten that caught up in the dance? It was so easy to lose himself in his firebending.

People from all nations were applauding, even Fire Nation natives. They were a bit slower but the twist of distaste was merely an echo on their faces. They seemed proud. It was oddly validating, though Zuko didn’t want it to be. Maybe this was a good thing.

Aang was suddenly hugging him. “That was awesome! We need to do that more.”

Zuko couldn’t help but smile. “We do. We really do.”

Part 2

“I’m bored.”

“I know.”

“Let’s do something.”

“I’m working.”

“So?”

It was about a month after the wedding and life in the Fire Nation had returned to normal at the palace. Zuko was far less busy than he was when the war initially ended but he and all his friends were still pretty busy. Over the past few years, more and more of his companions had taken jobs with him in Caldera City. Suki and Ty Lee were here because the Kyoshi Warriors now served as guards to the throne, Mai was here because Zuko and Ty Lee were here but her sharp mind for politics quickly landed her a position as advisor, and Sokka had taken the role of Southern Water Tribe Ambassador before deciding he liked it here and took a more permanent position at Zuko’s side.

Zuko liked having his friends around but also that meant he didn’t get nearly as much work done. They were fantastic but they were equally distracting.

At the moment, Mai was leaning against the doorframe of Zuko’s office. To be honest, she kind of reminded Zuko of an outdoor cat-owl, drifting in and out as she pleased. It was a nice change from Ty Lee’s happy polar bear dog personality, Sokka’s badger falcon-like drive when he wanted attention, or Suki’s… speaking of which, where were they? He’d just spent nearly two hours working uninterrupted. Normally one of them would’ve come to bother him by now.

Sighing, Zuko rose from his seat. “Fine. Did you have anything in mind?”

Expectedly, Mai just shrugged.

“Let’s go find the others,” Zuko decided and Mai didn’t protest.

Dramatically, Zuko offered her his arm like a lord would to a court lady. Mai just snorted and flicked him in the side of the head. Zuko laughed and the two began floating down the palace’s halls at a leisurely pace. Both were familiar with it from their childhoods but it had changed a lot since that brief time they returned during the war. With Azula and Ozai gone and new friends in their place, it felt much more like home. Still, sometimes it was nice to walk down these red clad halls and remember the good times, however rare they were.

They found their way to the courtyard. It wasn’t the same one with the fountain Mai and Zuko had fallen into as children nor was it the one that Zuko had spent countless hours feeding turtle ducks. No, this one was marked by memories of sparring. Not with Azula though, with Sokka and his sword, Suki and her fans, and Ty Lee with her acrobatics. And now, apparently, with dancing.

“What are you doing?” Zuko asked as he and Mai came to a halt at the entrance. “Is that one of Aang’s staffs?”

“Yup!” Ty Lee said and swung the staff around to demonstrate, forcing Sokka and Suki to duck to avoid being boxed in the head. “Ooh! Mai! We were just going to come looking for you. We need your knives.”

Mai already had them out. “What for?”

“So you know how it was super fun dancing at Aang and Katara’s wedding?” Sokka asked, toying with his boomerang absently. Zuko suddenly noticed Suki had her fans out too. What were they doing with weapons? And why did they need so many? “We were just talking about it and Ty Lee mentioned she got her hands on some scrolls awhile back with some dances so we decided to look through them and give ‘em a shot.”

“And what do you need me for?”

“I found this dance the Avatar used to do with his teachers,” Ty Lee explained, grabbing Zuko’s interest. “It’s this dance that combines all the elements. It looks really fun so we’re trying it!”

“Wait, then wouldn’t you need me for that?” Zuko asked, confused. “Since, y’know, I’m the Avatar’s firebending teacher?”

Ty Lee giggled. “No, silly. We’ve only got firebenders in the palace. You can’t do a dance with four elements if you just have fire.”

“Which is why we decided to try it with weapons instead,” Suki said, flipping her fans around. She shot Zuko a teasing look. “See, nonbenders can do everything just as well as benders can.”

Zuko matched her look, not missing a beat. “You know I use swords, right?”

“Oh hush.” Ty Lee shuffled him off to the side and rolled out the scroll for Mai to look at. “See, look. Everyone kind of does the same dance but everyone represents their own nation. They bend their own element in their own style but then when the music changes, they switch to another style.”

“So that’s why you have Aang’s staff? We’re going to represent each element with weapons instead?”

“Yup! The only problem is that we don’t have any music.”

“We’ve got that covered,” Sokka said and shot Zuko a look the firebender couldn’t quite catch the meaning of. Zuko stared back and tipped his head slightly, confused, before he noticed Suki pushing something across the courtyard.

“Where did you get that?” he spluttered in surprise. “How did you get that? And who told you about that?!”

“Your uncle,” Suki purred in a teasing tone. She leaned on the instrument casually, careful not to put too much weight on it, and smiled with the same look on her features that Sokka had. Zuko suddenly understood it’s meaning. “Last time we visited him, he said you’re good on the tsungi horn. When we got back, I just had to find one.”

“No, no, no. No.”

“Yes.”

“No…”

“Yes…”

“Come on, Zuko.” Ty Lee looked up at Zuko, hands clasped behind her back, with the most endearing look on her face she could muster. “Please? It’ll be fun!”

Zuko felt himself caving. By Agni, he was so weak. “Fine…”

“Yay!” Ty Lee sprang up and clapped happily while Sokka and Suki whooped and clapped their hands in victory. Zuko found himself smiling. He could stomach some embarrassment to make them happy for a little while.

He tried not to sigh as he settled down on the stool next to the tsungi horn and prepared to play. It had been a long time but the feeling was familiar and the tune came to him easily. Plus, he was a much better firebender than he had back when he’d played for his crew on the ship so he could hold his breaths much longer and steadier. It wasn’t perfect but it passed as music and that was enough for Zuko.

He played a tune his mother had taught him. She’d been a beautiful singer, he remembered. Noren had told her she loved musicals back when the two performed together. Zuko hadn’t particularly liked her musical instruction as a child but now he looked back and wished he’d been a bit more keen to spend those moments with his mother. Music was one of the few connections she had to her time in theatre and those hours spent with Zuko were her way of showing him her old life without revealing the truth.

He should visit her soon. He wouldn’t bring a tsungi horn but maybe he could teach Kiyi some of his mother’s favorite songs, if she didn’t know them already.

Her favorites were always romantics. Ballroom dances for young lovers, songs from dramas telling the tale of two lovers, melodies to play in the background of celebrations- He understood why but none of them felt appropriate for the moment. He wished he knew more songs. Those songs were all he knew so his choices were limited. Still, he played.

Ty Lee, Sokka, Mai, and Suki began dancing. They were slow, getting a feel for the dance. Occasionally, their eyes would flicker back to the scroll. They couldn’t read it from that distance but Zuko could see the heistance on their faces. None of them were dancers, except maybe Ty Lee, but they were warriors so with weapons in hand, they didn’t hesitate for long.

Zuko had long suspected Ty Lee had some Air Nomad heritage with her grey eyes and flighty movements. Right now, holding Aang’s glider, he had no doubt. She was light on her feet, toes barely skimming the ground as she leapt. She didn’t seem terribly familiar with the glider and she treated it more like a bo staff than anything else but she quickly found the opening mechanism and soon the glider was paralleling her airy motions.

Sokka was normally a truly horrible dancer but he always danced with boldness. That didn’t waver with a boomerang in hand but right now, he looked a lot more confident and peaceful than Zuko had ever seen on the dance floor. His movements were fluid, his boomerang spinning out of his hand with an easy flick of his wrist. He turned and caught it with his other hand like he was born to do it.

Suki always fought with sharp, aggressive movements and this dance highlighted that part of her training. Her golden fans gleamed in the sunlight and her heavy steps kicked up dust. Where Sokka’s arms were loose, hers were tense as she jutted her fan out in a way that would slice an enemy’s throat clean open. Zuko thought she never looked more beautiful.

Mai had even less time to prepare than the others but she looked just as stunning. Her knives flipped through her fingers with lightning speed as she shifted into new stances, punching her arms out as if driving her knives into an imaginary foe. Her feet moved with the steadiness and skill of a firebender, never losing her balance, as she weaved around the others in perfect harmony.

It was kind of hard to watch them all while he was so focused on his song. They danced in a circle, mostly not bumping into each other. Zuko guessed the Avatar would normally be in the middle but they looked perfect with just the four of them representing the Avatar cycle. Their brows were furrowed in concentration but they looked like they were having fun and Zuko suddenly realized how inappropriate this song was for something like this.

What was it that Ty Lee had said at Katara and Aang’s wedding? By Agni, that felt like a long time ago. Fast music was freeing. Slow music was romantic but fast music was supposed to be fun. Something you could dance to with your friends.

The Fire Nation had never been a country of creatives, not now and not in Zuko’s youth. They were always traditional and taught their young to stick to those traditions flawlessly. But now, in this moment watching his friends float together in such a wondrous way, Zuko felt the overwhelming urge to deviate from tradition and make the song his own.

The spark of creativity pushed him to take shorter breaths. The tune came out louder and the notes were faster. His feet moved, adding the soft sound of his boots hitting the earth in rhythm with the song. It drifted away from a slow romance to something livelier and more spirited.

His friends seemed confused by the change in music but didn’t let it stop them. They shifted their stances, somewhat surprising their musician. Ty Lee had said earlier that the benders in the dance would change their style. Zuko wasn’t really sure what she meant by that but he was glad he hadn’t messed up their dance by changing his manner of playing.

Ty Lee became less bouncy and more flowy. She stopped skipping around and kept her feet on the ground. She snapped the glider open and began twisting it overhead, letting it ride the air like a boat on the ocean’s waves. Her muscles seem more relaxed and she let the music guide her.

Sokka’s movements became more rooted. He stopped throwing his boomerang, instead wielding it more like an axe. He stomped, like Suki had before though he wasn’t as aggressive as her. He was passionate, like a Water Tribe warrior, rather than fierce like a Kyoshi Warrior.

Suki’s dancing gained more of an edge. Swipes and stomps were replaced by kicks and punches. Equally powerful blows, just different. She closed her fans, wielding them more like blades before snapping them open to arch widely over her head, and lashed out with sweeping kicks.

It was strange seeing Mai move like Ty Lee but it suited her. She shifted onto one foot, balancing carefully, and she waved her knives. They still looked just as deadly as she jutted them out but the motions leading up to them were a lot more relaxed and less conformed.

Smiles had appeared on their faces, making that flitter of nervousness in Zuko’s chest melt away. He hadn’t even noticed it was there until it was gone. Knowing that he was doing something right, Zuko put more of himself into the tune.

Ty Lee’s feet fit the ground, hard and flat. She let her arms spread far apart, muscles rippling in a way Zuko rarely saw. The glider, for the first time, looked like a true weapon. It closed and began moving erratically with each step its wielder took, like it was ready to box someone’s nose in.

Sokka seemed to swell up like a flame as he became more explosive. He wielded his boomerang like an extension of himself, flipping it quickly between his hands. His feet slid across the surface of the ground, leaving slick prints in the sandy earth, while he swung his arms with the power and grace of a komodo flamingo.

Suki became more nimble and she waved her fans the way a court lady might to cool herself rather than like a sharp edged weapon. For the first time in the whole dance, she leapt and let her feet leave the floor. It was almost like she was skipping on chunks of earth, which she had done before with how much Toph liked flinging things around with her earthbending. Mai began flipping her knives again but this time it flowed through the air alongside her movements rather than sliced. She toed the ground seamlessly, steady in her motions, and seemed to drift alongside the others like a piece of wood in the sea.

If they were benders, this probably would’ve been harder for them. They were dancing in the styles of their opposite elements: Ty Lee like an Earth Kingdom native, Sokka like a Fire Nation man, Suki like an Air Nomad, and Mai like a Water Tribe warrior. Inexperienced and a bit unsure of themselves, they were still a bit awkward but no more than they were in the previous element of the cycle. It was still balanced and even in a way that benders could never hope to achieve. Something could be learned from this but Zuko didn’t dwell on it. It was time to change the music again.

Zuko tried to focus on the harmony he saw before him. His beloved friends, the four people he loved more than anyone or anything in this world, were representing the four elements as one. Truly, it was beautiful and brought warm feelings to his chest. He didn’t have the skill to wander from his roots and lessons too much but he took a few liberties and tried playing in a more foreign style, mixing in notes he knew traditionally came from other nations’ songs.

Ty Lee took to a Fire Nation style easily, swinging the glider like glades and crouching into elegant yet deadly poses. It looked kind of odd to see someone normally so sweet poised in such a manner but it suited her well. Her grip on the staff changed and she let the wings flare at the peak of each jab.

Sokka’s leaps weren’t nearly as graceful as the others with his heavier, stockier build. He let his boomerang fly far with each jump and landed neatly each time, never failing to catch his beloved weapon.

Suki waved her fans, open this time, in a way mimicking the current. She spread her arms wide, fan in each hand, and walked backwards, synced with the rhythm. She never tripped, trusting the flow of the others to guide her.

The heels of Mai’s shoes left deep imprints in the ground with each step she took. The aggression of this new gait suited her. She was always cunning and she really seemed to be owning it right now. She fisted her knives, thrusting her hands down in unison with her feet, and showed off the power in her body that she rarely had the chance to display.

Zuko slowed down a bit, the tsungi horn’s noise becoming softer and quieter. It wasn’t slow or sluggish but it was still steady and strong. His friends changed their style for the final time. Ty Lee once again became light and airy, Sokka became fluid and flowy, Suki became bold and aggressive, and Mai became sharp and ruthless. They’d returned to normal but they’d proven normal wasn’t all they are.

The song ended and Zuko lifted his mouth from the instrument to take a gasp of air, letting glorious oxygen fill his lungs. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to go for that long, even with the lung capacity of a firebender, but it was worth it to see the dance come to an end and his friends break their formation to cheer and hug each other.

“How’d we do?” Sokka asked, turning to Zuko. He padded over to him and sat on the ground in front of him. Zuko suddenly noticed how out of breath he was and that his sweat had plastered his clothes to his skin. Who knew dancing could be so tiresome? Not Zuko. “I know I slipped up a few times there but I feel really good about it!”

“You guys did well,” Zuko said, matching the other man’s smile, and he meant it. Yeah, none of them were dancers. Their dancing wasn’t elegant and it wasn’t smooth and they looked lost sometimes but in Zuko’s eyes, they were perfect. “You adapted that dance so well. It’s hard imagining what the original was supposed to look like.”

“I think the scroll said it was supposed to represent balance,” Ty Lee said, looking around for the discarded scroll. Suki found it first and picked it up for her. Ty Lee blinked gratefully and took it from her. “I bet it looks really pretty with all the fire and the water and the earth and the air and everything all mixed together!”

“It looked, um, pretty with the weapons,” Zuko told her, stumbling over his words a bit. He wasn’t used to complimenting people but sitting here with so much affection in his heart, he couldn’t bear to hold back. They deserved to know. “Maybe even better. I know the nations are usually remembered for their bending but I think it’s important to remember nonbenders are just as important. It really shows you guys understand the different countries if you can change the way you use your weapons.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Sokka said boastfully. He shuffled on the ground a bit so he was leaning against Zuko’s knees. Zuko let his hands rest in Sokka’s hair. “Man, wait until Aang sees this! Who needs the Avatar when you’ve got us!”

Suki and Ty Lee laughed while Mai smirked. She looked a bit thoughtful. “Maybe it would be beneficial for the four nations to see a dance like this. With bending. Maybe we should revisit the Fire Nation Dance Restoration Movement.”

“Really?” Zuko exclaimed, jostling Sokka slightly as his back straightened. “You of all people are interested in dance?”

Mai shrugged. “You think it’s a bad idea?”

“No. I’m just surprised. I thought you didn’t like dancing.”

“I don’t,” Mai responded and sat down beside Sokka. “I just think… The dance is really beautiful. And I think it would be a lot more beautiful of the people who were actually meant to do it used it for its intended purpose.”

“And if those people weren’t a bunch of amateurs,” Suki added, getting down to her level so she could knock shoulders with her. She reached out with one arm and knocked Zuko’s stool out from under him, making him fall with a yelp. “You better get on that, Fire Lord!”

Ty Lee caught him before he could hit the ground. “Don’t bully him into making him do stuff for him!”

“Yeah. Don’t bully me!”

“Being nice is a much better way to get him to do what you want.”

“Hey!” Zuko complained but didn’t protest when Ty Lee plopped him down next to Sokka and threw herself onto their laps.

“It’s true,” Sokka said, shifting so his knees didn’t dig into Ty Lee’s back. She’d done this before, they were all used to it and even welcomed it at this point. Maybe she was the most catlike of the group. Mai never did anything like this. “You let all four of us get away with everything.”

“Better not let your enemies know your weakness!” Suki cracked, playing with Ty Lee’s hair absently.

“Yeah, well, if any of my enemies find out my weakness, they have to get through you guys before using it on me.”

“Touché.”

“Do you think the other nations were like this once?” Ty Lee asked, reaching up to poke Mai in the cheek. She didn’t look amused but the quirk of her lips betrayed her. “Like us, I mean. Right now.”

“Maybe,” Mai responded. “I hope so. This is nice.”

“It is,” Zuko agreed. He looked around at his friends, all curled up together, and knew he’d savor this moment forever. “It really is.”

Part 3

When Zuko had played the tsungi horn and watched Mai, Ty Lee, Sokka, and Suki dance, he’d thought they’d looked beautiful.

How could he not? He loved them and he’d always think they were beautiful regardless of how practiced their dancing was or how much they slipped up. But what had stood out to him was how they’d mastered the Avatar’s Cycle dance. Even as nonbenders, they’d captured it’s true essence. The dance was about balance and taking another nation’s style and making it your own and they’d executed it brilliantly.

But as much as Zuko respected their spontaneity and adaptations, it really didn’t compare to the real deal.

They had to still change a few things of course. Aang’s airbending teacher wasn’t present and Aang didn’t really want the dance to focus on the role of the Avatar which meant it was just the four of them dancing in a ring like their nonbending friends had.

Ty Lee and Sokka had looked so excited when they proposed the festival to Zuko and Aang. That was months ago and finally it was all coming together. Mai, Ty Lee, Sokka, and Suki had put so much time into organizing this event and Zuko, Aang, Katara, and Toph had spent so much time perfecting this dance. Now it was time for the nations to see the fruits of their labor.

The festival was held in one of the former Fire Nation colonies on the Earth Kingdom mainland. It was a neutral ground that welcomed visitors from all three countries. Zuko had been nervous people weren’t going to want to travel all this way but right now, looking out at the crowd gathered around the stage, he wondered how he ever could’ve believed such a thing.

Aang stepped out of the shadows first, addressing the audience in his usual, endearing way. He joked a bit, got a few laughs, before sobering up and properly addressing them. “As you guys know, we’ve been trying really hard to restore some of the dances the Fire Nation had in my time but today I’d like to share another dance. One not claimed by any nation. It’s called the Avatar’s Cycle and I’ll need my teachers for that.”

That was their cue to move. Toph didn’t hesitate and stepped up to join Aang in a heartbeat. Zuko and Katara lingered a moment longer, exchanging a glance of mutual reassurance, and followed her to their places.

The music began and they began to move.

Zuko started with firebending forms. They were adapted a bit to seem more rhythmic and visually appealing but they still worked. Flames sprung to life around him, just as he sensed the others’ elements join them, as he took a big step and let himself be swept into the cycle.

A long time ago, rage was the fuel for his fire. Now it was passion. Love, respect, and understanding. That was what the dragons had taught him and what he’d carried with him all these years. Every day he felt the sun rise, anytime he felt a candle light flicker, anytime he saw the spark of life in someone he cared about, every breath he took- These things were his universal truths.

These truths made his fire bloom with beautiful colors as he lashed out in fierce punches and kicks. That couldn’t be helped, firebenders were quick to fight by nature. The breath was what was important though. With steady exhales, Zuko’s flames spiraled and twisted around him, occasionally mingling with Toph’s earth and Aang’s air on either side of him, as he danced. The burning was intense but not hostile. It found tranquility alongside the other elements. Zuko hoped the spectators would understand how meaningful the colors of his flames and its unity with the rest of the cycle was.

The Fire Nation was so angry and that anger was paralleled in their flames. Zuko was once like them, maybe angrier, but now it just seemed so distant. Joy filled his punches and the sweeps of his leg, not rage. The music guided his steps, not hate. His fire was still as strong as any of theirs, maybe stronger.

The music shifted and so did the four benders. Fire became air, air became water, water became earth, earth became fire- Though not literally. Zuko was still bending fire but he was firebending like an airbender.

He tried to think of freedom. He focused on the music and tried to let his mind go blank. It was hard for someone with roots so deep in the Fire Nation to forget tradition and conformity and let go but the music helped. It was fast and upbeat, easy to move to.

Zuko’s fire became a little less controlled as his feet began to touch the ground less. The fire moved alongside him rather than because of him and he let it come a little bit closer to his body than he usually did. He knew he wasn’t going to burn himself so he let the fire do as it pleased.

He took deeper breaths. He could feel his inner flame grow and shrink with each one. The tendrils of fire matched his breaths, swelling and deflating like it was alive as well. It probably was. Fire was just an extension of himself, after all. A part of him not limited to a physical form.

The next element in the cycle didn’t come easily to any of the benders, except Aang but that wasn’t surprising. Fire was supposed to be sharp, heated, and brilliant. Water was rounded, mysterious, and relaxed. But both elements had a hunger and wildness to them that couldn’t be satiated and those similarities were easy to draw on.

Zuko’s movements became more fluid as he mimicked waterbending forms. His fire wobbled a bit but not nearly as much as Katara’s water or Toph’s earth. Uncle’s lessons in learning from the other elements had done Zuko well. He tried to recall the steps in redirecting lightning, taking control of the chi flowing directly through his body. His fire began moving in the same pattern. Instead of surrounding his hands, it trickled like a stream downward before he pulled it back to trickle down again.

Water was one of Zuko’s favorite elements. Not in his youth, of course, but he’d grown to appreciate it over the years. It was steady like earth but also adaptable like air yet it still had some of fire’s spirit. Waterbenders could heal but they could also turn water into jagged, frozen weapons. The diversity and variety was astounding. It’s potential to help or hurt and the delicate balance of its nature made it beautiful in Zuko’s eyes.

He tried to think of change. How he’d changed. Once young and innocent, then young and angry, now aging and filled with adoration for his friends and for his people. The fire followed his hands, flowing like his chi inside of him, and rippled like the surface of the sea.

This was the hardest part of the dance and all four dancers had to slow a bit. The cycle continued but the buzz of concentration surrounded them as they used forms their element was not built for. Then came the next element and ease washed over them once again.

Zuko had to admit he understood why Toph loved throwing rocks around so much. It was fun to stomp and roar and throw weight around. Zuko’s fire seemed to think so too. It seemed to flake off him, embers sparking each time his foot hit the ground and spraying from his hands with each thrust.

Earth was supportive and grounding. Zuko tried to think of the people who had inspired those kinds of feelings for him. His uncle, the Gaang, his friends, his advisors, his mother... Just the thought of them made him feel full. His fire filled out a bit more and, still spitting embers, followed his heavy steps without fault.

They reformed to their initial styles of bending as the song began winding down. The fire sprang back to life a bit more as Zuko’s movements became familiar and seemed to burn a bit brighter. Everyone else seemed happy to regain full control of their elements and they stepped through the last motions of the dance.

The four benders struck a final pose, each breathing hard, and the crowd exploded into applause.

Zuko, Katara, and Toph stepped back to let Aang address the nations. Beforehand, Aang had asked if Zuko wanted to say anything as the Fire Lord but Zuko was happy to leave the speeches to the Avatar.

“This dance once symbolized the unity between the four nations and the friendship we share,” Aang explained once the clapping died down. “I think that’s important more now than ever which is why my friends and I wanted to share this dance with you. The war is over but there are still barriers between us. In my time, music and dance went beyond borders and I hope today’s festival can teach all of you what I’ve always known deep in my heart.”

The crowd cheered again and Aang turned to his friends with a look like a weight had been taken off his back. Katara embraced him. “You guys did great!”

“Can’t compare to the masters’ though,” Sokka called from where he was sitting in the back with Suki, Mai, and Ty Lee. He slung his arms over his shoulders and shot Aang a cheeky grin. “Nonbender gaang rules!”

Aang laughed. “Do you guys want to get out there and show some nonbenders your moves?”

He immediately blanched. “No way.”

Ty Lee giggled at his reaction. “How about you four? You guys going to get out there and teach some people how to dance?”

“Nuh-uh. I’m sitting down and taking a nap,” Aang declared. “Scoot over.”

Suki and Sokka laughed as Aang tried to push them down on the bench. Katara sighed and shook her head while Toph joined in, pushing Ty Lee and Mai on the other side. Zuko couldn’t help but smile. “Maybe we should find a better place to rest than the stage? I think we planned on some of the bands playing from up here.”

“Ugh, fine,” Toph said, giving up much to Mai’s appreciation. “Lead the way, Fire Lord.”

“Gladly,” Zuko responded with a chuckle and dragged the others off the background of stage, despite their whines and groans. It’d been a good day for the nations and hopefully it’d get even better but for now, he just wanted to spend the afternoon relaxing with his friends.

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Author’s Note: I know the nonbenders should have performed as well but I didn’t want to be repetitive. Hope you enjoyed.