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writermai05 · 3 months

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Arsonist's Lullabye

Prologue: All you have is your fire

Summary: Zuko’s bad day gets a bit better after an encounter with an unfamiliar face.

Pairing: zuko x fem! reader (Live Action or Animated)

A/N: I am delusional, and when I had the idea for a zuko x reader modern AU where he works in Iroh’s boba tea shop, I had to follow through with said idea. Let’s see if this goes anywhere, and feel free to leave comments or suggestions on how the fic could play out maybe :)

Word Count: 773

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Avatar: The Last Airbender, I am merely a nerd who hyperfixates a lot. This is a modern AU that takes place in the avatar world. Bending still exists. Zuko and the gaang are in college in this series !!

TW!: Physical abuse, burns, Ozai in general, Zuko’s backstory is so sad.

Zuko knew it was going to be a long day as soon as he opened the shop at 12pm.

Within the first two hours, he had run out of tapioca pearls, dropped a container filled with matcha on the floor (which by the way, was a pain in the ass to clean up,) and slipped on the floors he had just mopped. Perhaps he was just born unlucky. Perhaps, most people in life didn’t have to struggle the way that he was, the way that he always had. It wasn’t all bad. He was lucky enough to be here, working in his uncle’s tea shop in the Earth Kingdom, rather than in his father’s company back in the Fire Nation.

The Jasmine Dragon was beloved by many. People from all over the city came to have some of the shops' amazing teas and pastries. It wasn’t too busy, having only three people come in today. perhaps because school at the University of Ba Sing Se hadn’t quite started up yet, outside of the students who had moved in early. The shop was particularly chilly today, but the atmosphere managed to maintain the same warm and cozy feeling, with the dim atmospheric lighting and the sage and emerald hued furniture. Zuko had a second to just relax in the stillness.

He appreciated these quiet moments the most. The moments where he could stop worrying about the shop, and overthinking the worst things he had ever done in his life. Such as when he lashed out at his uncle, multiple times, or about the people he had bullied in high school. He was almost able to forget it all. Forget the fact that his younger sister, Azula, was still stuck in a house with his abusive father, or even forget the feeling of his father’s hand, burning the flesh of his face, leaving a scar in its wake, as well as a near complete blindness in his left eye. His demons may be restless, but boy did Zuko keep them on a tight leash.

Zuko’s reverie was broken by the sound of the door’s bell chime. He immediately snapped out of his thoughts, waiting patiently for his assistance to be needed.

“Um, excuse me,”

A girl, who seemed to be around his age, was standing right in front of him. She wore a navy blue dress with a pale blue lining and detailing around the edges. A belt of the same color was around her waist, with a brown leather cord connecting a bag onto her hip. Her black jacket was cropped to about rib length, with brown leather cords fastening it closed, as well as matching black pants and brown boots.

“This is my first time here…Is there anything that you’d recommend?” She asked politely.

There was something about the way her kind eyes twinkled in the orange lighting that made Zuko fluster. He cleared his throat before opening his mouth to talk.

“Well, Lychee juice is a customer favorite. But personally, my Uncle Iroh’s jasmine green tea is the best in Ba Sing Se.”

“The best in Ba sing Se?” She raised her eyebrows inquisitively.

“The best.” he nodded.

“I’ll take it.” She said, reaching to the tote bag slung over her shoulder. Zuko interrupted her actions with the wave of his hand.

Zuko shook his head. “Don’t worry, It’s on me.” he said, as he began punching numbers, into the register.

“Oh no! I can’t let you do that-” She protested.

He shrugged, a blush beginning to warm his cheeks. “For a first time customer.”

“Thank you so much…” She trailed off, waiting for him to tell her his name.

“Zuko.”

“Zuko. I’ll be sure to come by again. And I fully intend on paying that time.” She said with a playful glare.

The boy smiled slightly.

“Your tea will be ready shortly.”

Zuko had Iroh bring the tea over to the girl. He wasn’t confident in his ability to steadily bring the tray of hot tea without causing more burns to cover his body. The older man made sure to give the girl a complimentary fruit tart to enjoy, but not before looking at his nephew with a teasing glint in his eyes. Zuko groaned.

“Not a word, uncle.” He said as he walked through the staff doors into the shops’ kitchen.

After about 20 minutes had passed, Iroh came into the kitchen, clutching what looked like a napkin and some paper Yuan bills.

“Zuko! The girl left this on her table after she left!”

Zuko carefully took the napkin from his uncle’s hand, reading the message.

“Thanks for the tea! - y/n.”

#arsonist's lullabye #atla #atla live action #atla netflix #avatar the last airbender #prince zuko #zuko x reader #prince zuko x reader #atla x reader #prince zuko imagine #modern au #college au #aang #katara #sokka #toph #zuko

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yourhighness6 · 4 months

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NATLA Episode 2 Debrief (by yours truly)

Hi again! Here's episode 1 if anyone is interested. This is going to be another outrageously long post, just a tw

I absolutely loved the ominous start and then it's just:

They really captured the Zuko/Iroh dynamic the cartoon had in this scene. I hope they keep this sort of thing throughout the show. Also, side note, but for whatever reason Zuko seems a LOT more violent in this version. This child needs some serious therapy.

I guess this is their version of the map joke, huh? Low-key disappointed but not as mad as I thought I would be.

I'm not sure how I feel about the writers prolonging some of the conflicts that were resolved back in the SWT into this episode. I guess it makes sense that they would have to extend the drama, but I'm a little disappointed these thoughts didn't make it into the first episode. I'm glad they're included, but I think at this point team avatar had started to feel like family already in the cartoon, so it's kind of annoying and misses the mark a bit.

Yes I'm so glad they put GranGran's blessing back in! I was really mad when they took it out, but this honestly feels more meaningful than it did in the cartoon. It's a precious cultural artifact rather than just a couple of blankets. This is similar to what I was mad about with extending SWT conflicts, but I don't have nearly as much of a problem with it, as it seems like they're carrying a little piece of home with them rather than just extra drama.

The burial scene was very sweet and sad. It gave us a bit more insight into Air Nomad culture, and a sense of closure the cartoon didn't really give us. A+ for Gordon's acting as well (he is perfect for this part, even if he does still need some more acting experience)

Zuko has officially mastered the "my uncle dragged me here and I'm an agnsty teenager" face. A+ to Dallas for this entire scene. I am absolutely LOVING the Iroh and Zuko dynamic. Never change (jk I wish you a wonderful redemption arc)

Suki looks just as beautiful as she did in the trailer. Unfortunately can't say the same for the Kyoshi statue (I wish it had been made out of wood), but there is something to be said for the little shrines to the avatars instead of a few big ones. I actually kind of like that they changed that element, and I hope they explore it more in future episodes, because I assume some of the spiritualism surrounding them would have to be changed. Side note: but I've seen nothing of the spirit world so far and I'm getting a little nervous. I guess I wouldn't mind if they decided it was some long-lost avatar trick or is introduced in the NWT, but if they get rid of it altogether I'm gonna be pissed.

I'm glad they decided to make Kyoshi Island a matriarchal society instead of having a male leader. It just makes sense based on the lore and I like to see more strong adult women than in the cartoon. Also Suki got a mom! Maybe she'll get some development too!

This Aang speech was very in-your-face storytelling, but I feel like the whole show is gonna be like that so I'm just accepting it at this point. I think it stayed true to his character while getting the point across, and it also kind of helped his character compared to the cartoon. He's very emotionally open and has a charming nativity about him, but he's clearly trying to help. Loved it.

He's so awkward I love it. This whole interaction was really cool, because it expanded on their relationship in a cool way. They're both struggling between doing what their parents expect of them to help their respective villages, but are being faced with a pull to the outside world, Suki with her "big heart" and Sokka with his need to protect Katara. Thishonestly gives more depth to their relationship and I don't mind the writers dragging out first episode conflicts if this is how they're choosing to explore them.

Aww look at these cute little siblings. I like that the writers are giving them more time to progress from strangers to besties. Their interactions seem more natural, and Aang's grief more realistic. It's also great to once again see Katara growing more confident and powerful in her abilities. I love the smell of some good character development in the making.

Look at her face! She's like,"I'm so good at flirting. Mother would be proud." Meanwhile Sokka's scared of her. Anyway I'm living for their scenes and they're making me giggle. (Despite Sokka's sexism being toned down it still exists to a lesser level and I love to see her beating his ass while he tries to flex)

I love the new subplot! I love that flashback! I love this conflict! It gives more credence to his fears as a prodigy. Whatever writer came up with this deserves a hug.

AHH the ship is sailing! I love Sokka learning to be more open minded! I love Suki learning to be more open-hearted! I love when characters in romantic relationships learn from each other! This is giving Suki and Sokka development in ways the cartoon did not without trying to play Sokka's sexism off as a joke and also giving us more screentime and when I say I love it I mean I am doing a happy dance right now!

Okay, so just a quick word on shipping besides Sukka because as Zutara trash I am legally required to do this:

It seems like they are keeping the zutara hope parallel intact, with Katara and Zuko both finding hope in the avatar but in different ways. However, I don't think this really changes anything. So far, there's beven nothing to suggest they're going with ZK instead of KA, and I'm a little worried that they're trying to parallel Sukka and KA wwith the way they're setting up both girls as kind of a "teacher" to the boys in a way and giving both ships a huge amount of screentime in the same episode. Also, and I hate to say this, they might be attempting to fix KA by toning down Katara's anger and her "dark side". She didn't get angry to break the iceberg and they're eliminating her entire waterbending scroll plotline. They're trying to make them a better match for each other by watering her down and therefore increasing her connection with Aang and decreasing the chance of a future connection with Zuko over their anger and shared trauma. It's sad news that I didn't want to deliver, and I've seen spoilers that there is another ZK moment later down the line, but at this point, I think KA is a lot more plausible than ZK. *cries*

In slightly less depressing news, they're inserting the avatar state plotline a lot earlier. This makes sense with the condensed timeline, and I think I like the way they're going with it so far. I hope they keep the concept of avatar guide intact, though, and I'm worried that they're going to play into more of a connection to all of his past lives instead of just Roku. I kind of hate Roku but I do think that's a major concept I don't want them to get rid of, and his inaction during a time of adversity mirror's Aang's own challenges with confrontation. Their dynamic is a good one, and I wouldn't be opposed to changed but I really hope they don't entirely throw it out.

Scratch whatever the fuck I said before. I'm back on my shipping bullshit I can't believe we got a BONUS FIGHT! Also kudos to whoever decided Zhao should burn the village instead of Zuko. I was always so pissed at him whenever I rewatched this episode and now I can sleep easy knowing it was that military dipshit instead of him

I love Kyoshi to an unhealthy extent but I kind of wish Katara had been the one to go off on him. It would have seriously fixed things.

COUPLES THAT FIGHT TOGETHER ARE THE BEST COUPLES CHANGE MY MIND

Also, side note, but I love the hair these in fight scenes:

Most action movies hairspray the shit out of them but these actors are allowed to look a little disheveled while they kick ass. Huge thank you to whoever decided that more natural hair is superior cuz they are 100% correct

THE BONUS FIGHT SCENE IS NO LONGER COOL I REPEAT THE BONUS FIGHT SCENE IS NO LONGER COOL

I think this was the perfect conclusion to Sukka (for now)! Sokka learned something so much more valuable and impactful than in the cartoon, in my opinion. His masculinity is handled very well in my opinion, and even if I would have liked to see him wear the warrior outfit, there's something really great about the way he continues to embrace protectiveness, a masculine trait, while having rid himself of toxic masculinity, such as not being able to learn from others. He's leaving a more open minded and humble person and I love the way they portrayed it.

Okay the speech was a little on the nose but I liked it. One of the best things about ATLA was the way they executed Aang's childishness ending up beneficial for the world. I think the new conflict is expanding on that nicely while staying true to its roots. *pats writers on the head*

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH IS THIS REAL I LOVE IT SO MUCH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

IM TRYING SO HARD NOT TO THINK ABOUT THIS LINE AND HOW IT COULD BE ANOTHER PARALLEL TO K/A I HATE IT BUT I LOVE IT AT THE SAME TIME LETS JUST FOCUS ON SUKI SAYING SOKKA HELPED HER AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Also the fan was so cute. That last scene on Appa really wrapped everything up nicely. I like the way they tied in the conflicts between the siblings while engineering growth for Sokka.

Daniel Kim delivered in his two seconds of screentime. Zhao was such a bitch but idk what else I expected. Can't wait to see more of these two bastards in future!

Anyway, to recap:, things I did like:

Aang's new conflicts

Sokka's mini arc

SUKKA

Expanding on Katara's PTSD

Zhao burning the town instead of Zuko

Zuko and Iroh's dynamic

Things I didn't like:

Katara's characterization

Lack of Aang's actual avatar guide

K/A hints and lack of zutara implications

Postponing the Zhao and Zuko agni Kai

Overall, I have to say I think that they're playing into the core themes very well while expanding on the characters. If it weren't for the whole Katara debacle this would be a 9/10 episode, but with the Katara debacle imma give it a 7/10. Still, I can at least understand why the writers made their crappy decisions, even if I don't agree with them. Hopefully certain things are fixed in future episodes, but as it stands I think I'll live (barely)

#natla debrief #emmie babbles #zutara #sukka #aang #sokka #suki #zuko #katara #avatar the last airbender #natla episode 2

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marymary-diva17 · 2 months

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who is she

zuko and mom reader + avatar team

The 100 years war had been very devastating and sad, all four nations had been greatly affected. Nobel families to commoners families had all faced the effects of the war, that had been started many years ago. No one seemed to be spared for the war effects as it kept on ragging on and on.

Zuko “ we can all make camp here” zuko had joined team avatar a while ago, he had gotten feed up with the evil ways of her father and knew he need to be stopped. He had been able to win over them all and from good relationship with them as well.

aang “ wow this place is amazing zuko”

zuko “ thank you”

Hakoda “ good choice young man”

zuko “ thank you sir”

katara “ hey zuko how did you know this home and look at beautiful view you can see everything”

toph “ I don’t think he feel comfortable talking about it” toph could sense zuko had deep feelings about this place.

zuko “ it was my family summer home we will be safe here as we don’t use it that much”

Sokka “ cools maybe we can find some stuff about your father here”

zuko “ ……”

katara “ hey maybe we should sort out the rooms among everyone, and look around as well and hey there town not to far we can go shopping later”

Bato “ that a good idea”

Sokka “ yes and it will allow iroh and his group to meet us here after we sent out a message”

zuko “ my uncle will be able to find us once he read we are here”

katara “ good” zuko had soon left the group to go wonder the place, that once made him happy. He wanted to know if there were any stuff to remember the past.

Later that day

katara “ hey zuko there you are we got started on dinner”

zuko “ oh cool hey where did everyone else go”

toph “ it look around I decided to stay here with katars and suki”

suki “ zuko your home is very beautiful and these flowers are lovely”

toph “ yes and there enough space to move around as well”

zuko “ yes this why me and my sister had many reasons to come here .... when we were younger"

katara " so why did you and your family stop coming here"

zuko " we will stop by sometime but didn't stay here for that long"

suki " oh"

zuko " hey where di your father and other man go"

katara " oh yes they went to hide away the ships so they wouldn't be stopped, we were going to ask you but it seems like you wanted alone time"

zuko " oh that good"

Aang " hey everyone we were wondering around and look what we found"

katara " aang I thought we learned to stop going through other people stuff without permission"

aang " I know I know but this something we couldn't pass up come on guys show them" Soon sokka and Haru had been stopped carrying something in followed by the duke and Teo following them.

sokka " I know what you are going to say katara but you need to see what we found" soon the two guys had put what they were down and leaned it against something.

sokka " zuko why didn't you tell us you had some family portraits"

suki " huh"

sokka " oh yeah get a look at this" sock had soon removed the cover on the portrait soon showing an old family portrait of zuko.

sokka " here is zuko everyone and his sister and father along with some women"

Haru " nice painting zuko we fount this and thought it will be good to share with everyone"

aang " This most be an important family portrait to be covered up in the hall away, we had bene raced and knocked the cover over and saw it"

zuko " you should of left it where is belonged"

sokka " oh come on man we thought it will be good to show everyone we don't know alot about you, and it seems like we know enough about you all"

zuko " I said you should of left it alone ... ahh I'm going for a walk" zuko soon stormed off leaving the whole group confused.

toph " I know I cant see guys but I can sense zuko had become saddened when we came here, and even upset when he saw the painting as well"

katara " it most be about her the women in the painting she so beautiful, I wonder who she is"

sokka " i don't know but now I feel mad"

hair " same here"

duke and teo " yeah"

aang " maybe we should go after zuko and speak with him and say we are sorry"

suki " i don't think that a good idea right now given him some time to clam down" soon night fall had ended as everyone had later for dinner and waited for the return of zuko and everyone else.

sokka " hey I think zuko coming back" the group had looked hoping to see zuko but only saw the older man with the others as well.

Hakoda " hey kids dinner smells good"

katara " thank you"

Hakoda " Iroh and thee other white lotus have come"

Iroh " hello everyone"

Tyro " what what with all the long face"

haru " well there was a situation that happened with zuko"

iroh " what has happened with my nephew"

aang " well we were running around myself and the boys when we came across the painting over there" The group soon looked at the family portrait.

hakoda " the fire nation royal family portrait wow that what the boy looked like all those years ago, it a nice painting"

sokka " well he got mad and stormed off and we think it about the women in the painting"

bato " oh yes her wow who she never in our reports have we heard about her"

katara " she very beautiful but who is she"

Iroh " she is the mother of zuko and azula"

Everyone " ....."

Aang " so that zuko mom"

????? " yes that my mom" everyone soon saw zuko as walked close to them.

sokka " zuko why didn't you tell us she is your mom maybe we can go see her ...."

zuko " we can't she gone" everyone seem to understand what zuko meant by those words.

zuko " one night she was there and then she was gone"

iroh " zuko my boy your brother you will want you to remember her in happy way, not sadness"

zuko " I try uncle but I kiss her still to this day"

iroh " she will be proud of you my boy along with your sister and mai and ty lee alll three of you have gone down different paths in life"

zuko " yes uncle"

katara " zuko we are sorry but if you feel like it maybe you can talk about her with us"

zuko “ thank you” the gang had hugged zuko they knew of his pain of losing someone you love and care about. Zuko did talk to them about you at night, and he seemed happy about talking you and his life growing up. He did make a promise to take his father out of power and restore the fire nation, and make sure a war like this never happened again.

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erisenyo · 6 months

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Since we’re talking max angst and interesting directions… perhaps something with Azula and Ozai? Not necessarily in a pairing way, though do what you will. Something to do with all the carefully-hidden fear and complete loyalty Azula has for him. If you’d like a prompt, everyone I’ve ever cared about has either died or left me, except for you.

For this prompt game! (And also this one!)

Warning for reference to canon child abuse ahead

“Father!” Azula snaps around, shocked outraged rising so unexpectedly through her control that it’s almost—almost, she’s not sloppy, not like Zuzu—enough to seep into the braziers burning around them. “What is the meaning of this!"

“I’ve decided to lead the fleet of airships to Ba Sing Se alone,” Father repeats, not even—not even looking at her as he says it, staring instead at those banners, at that--that phoenix.

“I thought we were going to do this together,” she grits out, clenching her abs and forcing herself to exhale slow and ignoring the way her fire wants to spark, wants to boil up out of her. She did everything right, everything he asked her to do and more!

She gave him Ba Sing Se, gave him Zuzu and her useless Uncle, gave him the Avatar dead and out of the way and so what if he came back, Azula did it and everyone knew, she did everything she was supposed to and now—

“My decision is final,” Father says, smiling up at the airship festooned with his new symbol, and Azula will perform fifty katas to perfection before dinner because the words unexpectedly burst out of her without her permission:

“You—you can’t treat me like this!” she snaps, nails digging into her palms. “You can’t—"

“Everyone I’ve ever cared about has either died or left me except for you, Azula,” Father interrupts, tone abstract and eyes nearly glittering with intensity as his gaze finally drifts to her, and Azula ruthlessly swallows the rest of it back.

“My brother,” he finally continues into the crystalline silence, pausing as if to see whether she will attempt another interruption—as if she’d be so foolish as to point out that the useless lump of a man left, and three times at that, and that just what Azula knows of it.

“My father.” Dead, and for the best.

“Your mother.” Dead, or she’d better be.

“Your brother.” A dead man walking, and Azula doesn’t permit herself to blink at his inclusion.

“All of them, every one of them, has left me,” Father murmurs, shaking his head as if in sadness, and Azula holds her shoulders back and loose and understands without allowing herself to think about it all the ways that left and died are the same.

“Except, of course,” he adds, almost as an afterthought, head cocked and his eyes hooded and intent on her face, “For you.”

Azula breathes in a steady, even breath, her inner flame perfectly still as she bows, perfectly correct. “Father—”

“You would never do that to me, Azula,” he interrupts, words soft and still cutting through the noise of the courtyard as she carefully doesn’t think of the everything he asked her to do and the more she gave him. “Would you?”

“Father—”

“You're so like your mother these days, you know,” Ozai interrupts, Azula holding herself perfectly at ease as he reaches out to brush a lock of her hair back into place, his right hand lingering over her cheek, his thumb tracing the ridge of her brow, fingers resting along her temple, her hair, firebender hot just like her own skin. “Do you remember her?”

They have spoken of her, occasionally, why would—

“No, Father,” Azula says, quickly adding on, “And I would never leave you, Father. Never,” she says, firm, confident, resolute with just that edge of brashness the way he likes it and never thinking of the new scar in the stone behind the throne in the catacombs, a scar from lightning she knows Zuzu can’t generate, he’s too stupid for it. But for all his uselessness Iroh on that ship had been able to—

Father suddenly smiles, slow, his fingers pressing over her hair, cradling the side of her head. “I know you wouldn’t, Azula,” he murmurs, and she keeps her eyes open as his palm drifts from the bridge of her nose to her temple, feeling the calm, calm, calm steadiness of her inner flame. “I know.”

#Not me replying to this...two months later?#I do enjoy all the angst and potential and tension in the Azula-Ozai relationship #that conundrum of your world view and sense of safety being predicated on being the best except if you show it too much...#asks and answers #fic writing #Azula fic #Ozai #my writing #Azula

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njazzy123 · 4 months

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Atla LA live commenting:

Ep 1:

Disclaimer: this is merely my personal view on the first watch of this show. Perhaps you had a better or worse experience.

It's not the worst I've seen but it feels incredibly rushed. They're spewing out all the info at you without giving time to allow the watcher to take it in.

Though I loved the extra time given to see the first attack of the Fire Nation against the Southern Air Temple.

Some of the actors are better than others and it's unfortunately obvious. Though everything seems incredibly cheesy. Which I can mostly ignore since it's a live action from a cartoon.

I adore the name of the Southern Water Tribe Village. Wolf Cove :)

I'm incredibly sad that Sokka didn't put on his war paint and helmet before approaching Zuko :(

They're fight seen is way more dramatic than the cartoon lmao

I notice that Aang already has some hair growing in as he's being taken to Zuko's ship. Nice touch. I like that detail.

Kinda stinks they didn't take the time to check out the old war ship

Sokka: "let's go save the weird kid"

GASP, Uncle Iroh and Aang talk in the jail cells!!!! :D.

Aang: "Is that what you believe?"

Iroh: *ah shi- I'm blabbering too much* oh hey, fam, gotta go- I'll send you some tea

The Force is strong with Aang. That jail key scene is air fire.

AANG IN ZUKOS ROOM. HEY STOP READING HIS DIARY PUNK

He took the staff in Zuko's room, instead of already having one. I'm okay with this difference actually. I like that, it's funny.

Zuko's hinted at obsession with Airbender artifacts is gonna help the Airbender. Gotta love it.

Aang escape

Zuko angy o.O

BUT YEAH GO KATARRA!

But are we gonna see some Avatar State?? ...Nope, guess not.

The way that they show that nature has been taking over the S Air Temple over the course of 100 years is making me very happy. That's a great addition.

OH NO, ARE WE GONNA SEE THE REMAINS OF GYATSO AND THE KIDS OH NO

Oh geez, there he is oh geez. Ouch ouch ouch

THE FLASHBACK IT HURTS

Oh here we go :/. Avatar State time

"you will always be my friend." Dang. New phrase to torture myself over.

The hug 😭

Is he gonna keep Gyatso's necklace?

Ending with some deep truths and Zuko slightly going nuts. Good 1st EP end, ngl.

OH YEAH THE MUSIC

Despite some things that I wish could have been done a little better.... I'm truly enjoying it.

#avatar the last airbender #atla #atla live action #atla la #live commentary #ep 1 #aang #katarra #zuko #iroh #sokka #gran gran #gyatso #spoilters #atla spoilers #atla la spoilers

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socksandbuttons · 7 months

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Every mention of KC makes me sad. Tbh, I really wanted him to be the one to give BM a total L. Someone on the Discord mentioned him being like Uncle Iroh and I WISH that's how it was. He could have been so good for the astral arc.

Right now, I'm hoping he went the way of Oogway. Still around spiritually (didn't he hang out with monks)?

YEAHHhh yeah like... they really brought him up then murdered him right away and then didnt touch upon that very much (just more bloodmoon hate fodder really) Killcode pointing out Blooodmoons flaws wasnt a bad choice, (in fact i still say bm lashing out and killing him still couldve been a deeper impact on bloodmoon. cause he STILL called him father. Thats gotta HURT bruh). Still couldve had Killcode point out all that, and NOT die. And still leave Bloodmoon trying to Prove hes not a tool. (Such as Killcode eitihr over powering and dismissing them or just Injured enough) fsjvsk Altho I will not oppose to KC coming back (lets go trainwrecks!!!) I do wanna see if like they ARE just gonna keep Bloodmoon like this. A static character still needs influence. dont be too sad. fans got this. if the canon does not we do. we hold the lore they forget.

#A DOLLL.... A GD DOLL #sams killcode

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oneatlatime · 10 months

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The Siege of the North Part 1

I'll be watching parts 1 & 2 separately.

Once again, audio commentary is off. Saving that as a treat for rewatches.

Hey look! A giant breach in an otherwise impenetrable wall! Bet that's plot relevant.

This episode has already won. It's already perfect. This face is the last thing the patriarchy sees before death. Katara has so earned this.

And then they pan to the casualty line as well! This opening would have had me hollering at the screen if I had seen this as a kid. Doing my Spice Girls Girl Power pose and everything.

Pakku is still Poophead. At least his writing is consistent.

This is what Aang's all about. This is who Aang is. Just a goofy kid indeed.

Try Off.

Yue! Sweetheart! You're allowed to be confused but you're pushing this mixed signals stuff a little far. "This is wrong; I'm engaged!" *Does the bison-riding equivalent of the yawn and stretch like two minutes later.* I get it and I'm sorry, but you can't literally put the moves on a boy you've explicitly stated it's wrong for you to see. Excellent recovery from Sokka though. Totally not awkward at all.

Given the isolation of the Northern water tribe, are the Gaang the only ones who know what the black snow means?

Zhao the asshole's ego has been turned up for the season finale. And since when can he order Iroh around?

"Do you have a plan?" "I'm working on it Uncle." Translation: Nope!

I get it. She's under the massive pressure of her whole society's expectations and traditions and she just wants to be happy for a bit. But seriously, hot, to cold, to hot, to cold, in five minutes of run time? Not to mention last episode's flip flops too. At what point does it go from teenage angst to stringing the poor guy along?

"I like you too much. It's too confusing to be around you." Ouch. Talk about a no-win situation.

"You don't understand. I have duties to my father, to my tribe. I have to do this." AHEM

These two should sit down and really talk to each other instead of making googoo eyes. I think they would find they had a surprising amount in common.

RIP eleven arctic foxes.

When the chief talks about faces disappearing from the tribe, it pans to Yue, Poophead and some guy with a large amount of chin. Foreshadowing?

Is this the total population of the Northern Water Tribe? Why is the Fire Nation bothering to attack? All they have to do is wait 40 years and the isolationism will do the job for them.

I've been ragging on the Sokka x Yue Knots Landing melodrama, but this is just sad. Real talk, it's ouchy.

"The stillness before battle is unbearable." How would you know? Haven't you been behind your walls for decades? I guess it's set up for Aang's line, but it's a bit clunky.

One fireball just displaced their entire defending force. That inspires confidence. These guys are going to get flattened, aren't they.

One man army Aang is back!

The hammers used to trigger these catapults are making inches deep dents in the catapults' frames. That metal is way too soft. There's no way these things wouldn't tear themselves apart under the stress of operation.

Tying the catapults to the ship and to each other is clever. I wouldn't have thought of that.

OH MY GOD

Hang on what's her name

Jojo Siwa works for the Fire Nation ?!?!?

Appa murdered Jojo Siwa?!?!?

Math time! There are five waterbenders in each boat, five boats on this side, and judging by the ice spikes on the other side of the ship, five boats on that side too. That makes ten boats of five waterbenders, which makes 50 waterbenders, one Appa, and one Avatar to take out one fire nation ship.

Not the clearest shot, but I see 117 ships. So it's going to take 117 Appas, 117 Avatars, and 5850 waterbenders to take out this force. I bet they're regretting not training their female benders now.

You and me both Sokka. The Chief praises Sokka and calls Han on his behaviour twice in this scene. Makes me think that he knows that Han is an ass. Which makes me wonder why he's letting him marry Yue? I was ambivalent about the Chief until now, but if he's knowingly shackling his daughter to that, then I think the Chief is a jerk.

More math time! I count nine waterbenders here. This includes Poophead, who's apparently good enough to teach the Avatar, so let's round up and call it ten. Ten waterbenders per fireball.

Jojo Siwa's ship has five catapults. Assuming that all 117 ships have five catapults each (which is a big assumption, because some of them must be support ships), then that's 585 fireballs without reloading. At ten waterbenders each, they're going to need an additional 5850 waterbenders behind the walls to catch incoming fireballs. I bet they're really regretting not teaching women how to bend now. And with the fireballs, how many of the healers have already been pancaked?

Interesting exposition from Iroh. Waterbenders are werewolves.

It's the problem from a century ago in The Storm episode again! The world needs a fully realised Avatar; the best Aang can do is just one (goofy) kid.

Ooof. Zuko is far from my favourite character, but the dynamic between these two is so comfortable, so well-worn. They feel like they've had no one but each other for years, which has made sense from Zuko's side of things since The Storm, but apparently Iroh has a dead kid (?!!?) and suddenly his side of things makes sense too.

"Remember your breath of fire." "Put your hood up." "Pack a lunch." "Bring a sweater." "Listen to your teacher, learn lots, have fun!" "Call me when you get home" "Eat your vegetables" "Call your uncle. He misses you already."

Han is so well liked that when the guards see him getting attacked, they all collectively decide not to do anything about it. "Should we interfere?" "Nah, it's been a long time coming. He deserves it."

Zuko approaching the wall is accompanied by Blue Spirit music, but he's not wearing his Blue Spirit costume. Thoughts?

HYBRID ANIMALS!!!!! HYBRID ANIMALS!!!!! HYBRID ANIMALS!!!!!

Zuko is such a dumb smart guy. He can figure out that the turtle seals are coming up for air, but he can't figure out that marine mammals and humans might have drastically different lung capacities. Then again, if what the deserter says is correct and firebending is all about breathing, then firebenders probably have training on the kind of breath control that lets you hold you breath for extended periods. On the other hand, they probably learned that in water that wasn't so cold that it made you gasp involuntarily, so we're right back to dumb smart guy.

Does the Avatar world's moon cycle not work like ours? Our moon is out pretty often during the day, but Katara's waterbending is stronger at night. So the Avatar world's moon only appears at night?

Is there a connection between the spirit world and bamboo? The giant panda grew bamboo in the village gate, now we see a gate with bamboo behind it.

Strange face. Do not like.

You smack turtleseal? You smack turtleseal like a football?

Thought that was a palm tree for a sec.

Couldn't the Chief have reassigned Sokka in a way that didn't embarass him in front of all the other warriors?

Zuko's got some crazy swimming skills. He's also frozen to death at least three times by now.

"SHADDUP!" -Aang.

Avatar hypnotised by fish, more at 11.

How does Katara know that Aang's body can't be moved? Last time he went to the spirit world, she was sitting in a village gate cradling her brother's boomerang and Aang was ragdolling into a giant panda statue.

Might want to check your ego there Katara. You may be crazy skilled now but there's nothing wrong with backup.

Zuko having the same problem as Sokka and Aang with announcing his sneak strikes.

I love that when Zuko shows up Yue's just like Biyee!!! I wish I could make that into a gif. She ZOOMS.

It's a good thing that Katara knocked Zuko unconscious because otherwise there's nothing permanent she can do to stop him. Ice cage? Melt it. Water cage? Turn it to steam. Fire always undoes water.

Firebenders are powered by photosynthesis. Zuko one shots Katara here. Even powered by a full moon it took Katara a whole lot of moves to incapacitate him, then he gets one sunbeam and knocks her out with the recoil of one blast. Katara may be the best student Poophead's ever had but Zuko's got years on her.

Clever use of the otherwise counterintuitive ship doors: combination battering ram and landing ramp. Neat.

I normally don't agree with Zhao on anything, but my math shows that inevitable is the right word for the outcome of this battle.

"Where did they go?" How about up the giant very obvious path that is the only way out of the oasis that isn't through a city full of waterbenders on high alert?

Verry cool image to end on, but wasn't the fact that it was brilliantly sunny two minutes ago actually an important plot point?

That's it?

Well. Ok. That's a bit of a cliff hanger.

Final Thoughts

This one's really an obligate two parter huh?

How long has the Gaang spent in the Northern Water Tribe? It feels like maybe a week? Zuko couldn't remain undetected indefinitely on Zhao's ship, so it can't have been too long. I feel like Katara's amazing skills would make sense even after just a week, because we've seen how she progresses quickly when she has the opportunity (the waterbending scroll really did work, loathe as I am to admit it). But I feel like Sokka and Yue's story arc, particularly Yue's changes of heart, would work a lot better if it was established that they'd been around each other for a while. They're both aware she's engaged, but they both make the resolution to just be friends, and before they know it they've spent countless hours together and fallen into horribly deep love and now they're in too far and they have to quit cold turkey but they just keep pulling each other back in like their love is inevitable and before either of them know it, they can't stop loving each other. Yue panics and the scene on the steps of the palace as soot falls happens. They both know that maybe it's wisest to stop seeing each other, but then the Chief assigns Sokka to protect Yue and now they're unavoidably thrown together and they're right back where they started and they can no longer even pretend to deny their feelings and the sheer strength of their love acknowledged wipes out the entirety of the fire nation fleet and when the firelord hears the news he has a heart attack and dies so the war's over and Aang goes into the jewellery business and everyone lives happily ever after and Aang and Katara get married when they're both 35 and Sokka and Yue rule over a joint north-south water tribe matriarchy.

Seriously. Yue is giving me Eowyn vibes. I am WORRIED.

I have my suspicions about the Chief. He'd rather a stranger from the southern tribe guard his daughter than her fiance? I wonder if Han was the politically powerful choice. I guess having only a daughter in a patriarchal society doesn't make for a firm power base. I wonder if the Chief's council or whatever picked Han, and the Chief didn't have the power to refuse. So instead he sends Han on a suicide mission and arranges it so that Sokka can spend time with Yue. Is the Chief aware of Yue's feelings for Sokka and trying to help sneakily? If that's the case, I rescind calling him a jerk. Maybe he has to be seen to favour Han in public, so he takes Sokka off the mission when he and Han fight with an audience, but assigns Sokka to his daughter when it's only Sokka in the room. Maybe the Chief ships them as much as I do?

Anyways...

The Northern Water Tribe have been staying out of the war completely, so why are the Fire Nation even bothering to waste resources on them? Their mandate is to capture the Avatar alive, so a full-scale indiscriminate assault on where he's staying feels dumb.

Zuko's one-sided banter with Katara recalled their interactions in the Waterbending Scroll with the pirates. Kind of off-putting, kind of insulting, kind of creepy.

Aang had a neat fight scene, but not much beyond that. I have a feeling he'll be the star of the next episode. Congrats to Appa on the murderous assist. Air nomads may have been pacifists but their bison sure weren't.

This episode set up a lot of dominoes. The next one is going to have to do a lot of things very quickly.

#atla #avatar: the last airbender #the siege of the north part 1 #it is physically impossible to spell siege correctly on the first try #seige #segie #seage #ceeej #avatar the last airbender

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somewhereincairparavel · 26 days

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Atla, a first time watcher's episode reaction part 5: at this point, this has just become a series lmao. Anyways, today, I watched episode 4-7 from season 3 for the first time! I'd say the most memorable out of them all was "The avatar and the firelord" where we get the revelation that Roku is Zukos great grandfather. Tbh?? I kinda predicted that?? I really don't know how, but I had a feeling that they were related in the episode where roku destroyed his temple in season 1. That was a lucky guess that ended up actually being the truth-

Anyways I LOVE that we discover that both of zukos great grandfathers were best friends. Zuko realising that he has been chasing his great grandfather's reincarnation this whole time is so priceless to me LOL. Also, uncle iroh is finally talking!!! I hate that he got treated so badly by the prison gaurd :(( it breaks my heart.

The beach episode, for me was hilarious lol. Just teenage drama. Azula flirting with the admiral's son had me cackling and cringing at the same time (also when she laughed, it sounded psychotic) Zuko and Mai are such a mess together aswell 💀

but I do think its super super cute that Zuko got hella angry on mai's behalf when ty lee called her aura "dingy" and told mai to stand up for herself instead of letting that behaviour slip. Like ain't no one insults his gf and gets away with it 😤

I like how we got some minor azula and Zuko bonding. Yknow her telling him to come to the beach with him and stuff. Zukos flashbacks of the beachouse was sad as well.

I'll just take the time to say that out of all the members of the gaang, tophs powers and skills have impressed me the most?? Girly can metal bend, earthbend, can tell if someone's lying, can tell if someone's approaching from far away ALL when she's blind????? OMG

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sokkastyles · 7 months

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So about that post we're both included in...the good thing about being at work when I saw that come through was that I wasn't able to respond. lol

I've decided not to respond but something they said that really irked me and wanted to get your thoughts on was this: In all that time between his return and Zuko's exile, there's no evidence that he (Iroh) ever tried to reach out to Azula

This comment and other's like it always irritate me because they always seem to leave out the idea that Azula has to be receptive to Iroh's help. They act like that all Iroh had to do was extend a hand to Azula and she wouldn't turned out the way she did. As if we haven't been shown that Azula has been dismissive of Iroh from a very young age. The idea that Iroh was ignoring her that whole time between when he moved back into the palace and leaving with Zuko, is just another way of blaming Iroh for not loving her enough. I highly doubt Azula was eager to spend time with Iroh around then and tried to avoid it as much as possible. Zuko was trapped on a boat. 😆 You cannot tell me that whatever short time they had together, that Iroh never left the door open for her. At some point, doesn't Azula need to reach out as well?

I'm not sure what I'm asking, I think I just wanted to vent instead of responding to that person. But if you have any thoughts on this, I would love to hear them.

P.S. Sorry for spamming your inbox while going through your old posts. 😁

No problem! Sorry that person reblogged your post to try and continue the argument with me.

You are right that Azula has to be receptive to any attempts Iroh would make to try and reach her, and what we know from canon is that she wasn't. That's why these people always say the doll doesn't matter, because it's evidence of Iroh doing something kind for his niece and her violently rejecting it because she thinks her uncle is a weak fool and her father taught her that people like that deserve to be treated cruelly.

But secondly, lack of being shown him reaching out to her doesn't mean that it never happened. Especially considering Iroh's character and the way he is consistently portrayed, it would be bizarre to interpret him as uncaring towards his niece just because we are not shown it onscreen. The writers expect you to fill in the gaps based on what we are shown onscreen, and what we are shown onscreen is that Iroh, even before his redemption, cares about his family and gets his niece and nephew a gift. We are also shown onscreen that Azula, even as a young child, is cruel towards everyone who is not Ozai, including Iroh, and burns the gift he gives her. Since these characterizations are consistent - Iroh being kind to others, Azula being cruel to others - we can interpret that the reason Iroh and Azula do not have a good relationship is because of what we already know, and that Azula is the reason they do not have a good relationship, and that she would reject whatever attempts Iroh might make to reach out. If the writers wanted to establish that Iroh was uncaring to Azula, it would need to be shown onscreen, since it contradicts everything else we know about his character, and everything we know about Azula and Azula's relationship with Iroh.

It'd be like me trying to argue that Ursa hated Lu Ten, since we never see them interact or get an indication that Ursa feels anything about him one way or the other, except for seeming sad about his death. But that's enough, because we know through everything else we know about Ursa that she is a kind person who cares about her family. Just because we don't see Ursa talking about or interacting with Lu Ten is not evidence of a negative relationship.

I agree that from what we know of Azula as a child, she did not want to spend time with Iroh and probably avoided it. Given how she talks about his reaction to Lu Ten's death, I also think even if Iroh did reach out, he would find it both difficult and extremely painful to be around someone who gleefully made fun of his trauma over his son's death.

Not only does Azula have to be receptive of Iroh, but there is a certain point where Iroh does not need to submit himself to cruelty just because Azula is a child. Azula is also a child with fire powers who is the princess of her nation, and her cruelty towards Iroh is approved by Ozai, who is now the firelord. Can you imagine what it was like for Iroh coming back to that after his son's death, in a world where he was widely seen as a disgrace? How much power does he really have in that situation?

Also imagine that Iroh also has to protect Zuko, who has newly lost his mother, from both his father and his sister.

Imagine, if you will, him inviting both of the children to play pai sho with him one day shortly after his arrival home, aware that he needs to get his niece and nephew away from their father, who now is their only sole parental figure, but also the most powerful man in the country, while he, Iroh, has been reduced overnight to the kooky, disgraced uncle. Even if Azula had accepted that invitation, I imagine that she does not respond well if she were to lose a game to the uncle she thinks is not a real general or the brother she thinks is weak and deserves to be abused. Imagine Iroh trying to problem solve between Zuko and Azula while Azula is shouting at him that he's just a loser who cries all the time because his son died. Meanwhile, Azula is also trying to burn Zuko for taking her piece in the game, and eventually Iroh just has to seperate them both.

And that's sad. It's so sad. I imagine it breaks Iroh's heart to see what is happening to his niece, what his brother is turning her into, just as every cruel jab she aims at him tears open his wounds over the loss of his son, his regret that he might have done something to help her, just as he might have done something to help his brother as he saw Ozai grow into the kind of person he became. We know these are things that are built into Iroh's character, but we also know that he's also not going to allow an abusive person to continue to be enabled, and there's a certain point where what Azula stans seem to want from Iroh is exactly that. They hate him because Azula hates him, and need an excuse for it other than the truth, that Azula was learning to be hateful from her father. They also hate him because he committed the sin of trying to protect Zuko from her and not allowing her to continue the behavior Ozai enabled.

We're also shown this dynamic between Iroh and Azula in the show, from the moment Azula shows up to try and trap Zuko and Iroh immediately susses out her intent and she resents him for it, tries to prevent him from helping Zuko think about what she is saying, and identifies that she needs to seperare Iroh from Zuko. Abusive people are really good at picking out vulnerable people, and also are good at recognizing the people who are less vulnerable and alienating their chosen victims from anyone who is going to be an obstacle, like a protector or guardian. That also increases her hatred of Iroh, that he sees right through her and knows what she's trying to do, and won't allow it. She's not going to respond to an attempt from him to help her because she wouldn't see any benefit to it, because he isn't someone she can manipulate or exploit like Zuko. And she hates that. She hates that she can't control Iroh the way she is used to controlling people, the way she thought she had even her mother under control. Until she learns to let go of that need to control, she is not going to respond to Iroh. Further, he is an obstacle in her continuing to have access to and control Zuko, which increases her hatred of him.

#azula #iroh #abuse cw

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comradekatara · 2 years

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The gaang + their best insults on roast the firelord day?

aang could talk about that time zuko impulsively grabbed a clearly booby trapped egg and got them both stuck to a ceiling grate for a whole day, and of course he could also talk for hours about every time zuko tried to attack him and aang utterly wrecked his shit without breaking a sweat, and he could bring up the “hello, zuko here” incident if he really wanted to humiliate him, but aang simply wouldn’t do that, because he’s a nice person.

quoth katara: “zuko is too short and too gay to be firelord.” “let me be clear, no one is electing uhhhhh little homie gay ass.” etc.

sokka can list off the top of his head at least 15 different public locations at which zuko burst into tears over something deeply trivial. like that time zuko saw a stray cat eat a lizard and he didn’t know whether to be happy for the cat or sad for the lizard. or that other time that he recalled the stray cat eating the lizard incident, and it thrust him into yet another emotional turmoil. but sokka doesn’t actually mention any of that, because he knows that the far easier and more effective roast is to just say “what’s up with zuko’s hair? am i right?” and leave it at that.

toph tells a story uncle iroh once regaled to her about that time his beloved baby nephew put on a one man show in the garden and made everyone watch him as he performed his little poetry and swords recital. (meanwhile, azula appointed herself his manager and charged everyone for a ticket to the performance.) it’s actually a very sweet story, but zuko is of course beyond embarrassed.

quoth suki: “most of you know him as the firelord. i know him as the guy who burned down my village and is embarrassingly obsessed with my boyfriend. food for thought i guess.”

ty lee gracefully abstains from the ritual. of course she has more ammo than anyone, as the only true witness to how terribly he treated mai, but she claims that “he already does such a good job of humiliating himself on a daily basis” that she doesn’t feel the need to add to the pile. (ouch.)

“of course i could roast zuzu, but it seems our father beat me to it. [crickets chirping] what? is that.......... is that too much”

mai has been waiting for this day her whole life (it was all her idea, after all). she simply stands up, infamous letter in hand, and begins to read. “dear mai, i’m sorry you had to find out this way...”

#amphibiayan #asks #the gaang and #zuko #sorry this one took me so long to respond to #my inbox is lowkey a mess rn

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t-h-i-n-g · 2 years

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Hi! I saw that requests were open, so I hope you don't mind me sending one in!

Can I request Zuko with a s/o who used to be a Kyoshi Warrior, but joined the Gang after they went to Kyoshi Island the first time? Preferably taking place during book 2 or 3 when he starts his change, but I don't mind whenever you choose to set the story.

Thank you for reading my request, have a good day!

Till Next Time

(gif credits not mine credits to owner)

a/n: Hello! Thanks so much for requesting, I hope it's okay I got a little sad with this. Not my best writing so sorry if this isn't what you were looking for I might have gotten away a little with it.

summary: being a (now past) Kyoshi warrior you went with the Gang when Suki couldn’t. you get separated from them in the earth kingdom. while there you come across Zuko and take the time to properly know him till you reunite with the others.

word count: 2k

warnings: little angst, sad ending, bad writing, if i missed any let me know!!

atla masterlist m.masterlist

When you first met the group of individuals that would be later known as the Gaang, you were skeptical. I mean who wouldn’t be? One was a bald kid who stated he knew Avatar Kyoshi, the other had a sexist mouth, and the last one… well she was fine you guess. Then when the kid claimed to be the Avatar? Ha, wow sure this child was a hundred years old. You ended up eating your words in the end as he was an air bender thus proving he was indeed the Avatar. The group was then welcomed and pampered. Given food, shelter, and the sexist loud mouth, known now as Sokka, was given some training lessons as well as a boot off his high horse. However, the comfort didn’t last long.

Word spread throughout the nations that the Avatar had returned and was residing on Kyoshi island. Chaos followed as the fire nation came. Burning down your village and the people in it. With a hasty decision Suki told you to go with the group to help them escape. They needed all the protection they could get and with you being one of the top warriors on the island you were the best bet. Not wanting to disobey Suki’s orders, you went with them.

You learned that it was Prince Zuko of the fire nation was the one who caused the attack to happen. And with that new knowledge a fire burned within you as well. Full of hate and resentment. The months that followed only fueled the fire. Dealing with Zuko’s onslaught relentlessly without a proper break. Though with time the aggression from him died out and he seemingly vanished. For a little while at least, as your visit to Ba Sing Se was cut short. You were separated from your group and stranded in the Earth Kingdom. That was when you stumbled into an all too familiar face.

Iroh. He invited you into his new home, giving you the best tea you’ve ever had in your life. You had a sliver of hope that Zuko wasn’t with him even though there were two beds. Maybe he was hoping for the guest? Or how both bed’s weren’t properly made. He didn’t have time to properly set it up yet? And for the fact when you sat down you saw two plates that have been previously set down with breakfast on them seemingly still warm.

What was really the kicker was when, you know who, strolled right in. Instantly he went into a defensive stance, while you placed your head in your hands while Iroh shushed him and tried to calm him down telling him you were a guest. And how he was acting was nowhere to treat a guest.

“What is she doing here?” Zuko practically shouted.

“Do you not have an inside voice,” you remarked. Rolling your eyes you rose, noting how he stiffened once again, letting out a huff of laughter. You grabbed your now empty cup and went to the sink to wash the dish. “I’m not gonna cause any trouble for the person who welcomed me to their residence.”

“Uncle!”

“What?” Iroh groaned, already sick of the arguing. He moved past Zuko to show you where the sponge was. You accepted it with a smile and went back to washing. All the while Zuko stood there, jaw slacked. Exasperated by the fact you were even here. He would have to grow used to it. Well, that was until you somehow found a way to get back to the Gaang. For now this was where you were to reside. What was Zuko gonna do? Pout to Iroh how he didn’t like you here? It’s not like you enjoyed it either, but what else could you do? You were lost in a place where you didn’t know anyone and didn’t have any resources with that.

Over the following days Zuko did indeed get used to it. As did you… kinda. I mean this guy burned down your home. How were you not going to keep a knife under your pillow? Iroh and you really only conversed. Him trying to include Zuko in the conversation. Followed by you saying a condescending statement. For example,

“You noticed those beautiful vases out front this morning didn’t you, Zuko?” Iroh asked, trying to coxe him into speaking.

“How could he?” you spoke before he had the chance, ”He’s been cooped up in here all day. What did you even accomplish today, Zuko? Besides not doing the dishes or sweeping or anything useful for that matter.” Zuko dropped his utensil in his bowl of ramen he was previously eating, turning to you with a sour expression. You swirled your noodles as you looked at him with a cheeky smile. Your chin propped in your palm waiting for a reaction while Iroh scolded you, stating that Zuko did put his dishes in the sink, not being completely useless.

Zuko glanced over you for a moment, before deciding to turn back to his dish and eat quietly. Your smile faltered. Taking in how his brows were furrowed and he lightly bit his lip. A calmer, but questioning demeanor talking over his features. Silence took over the room. That was until Iroh started up another topic. Something about how a cat took a tea bag from him this morning. You weren’t really paying attention, stuck in your own thought.

From then on things seemed to have changed. No more snarky comments from you at dinner or him silently glaring at you whenever you entered the room. Instead more subtle actions that spoke somewhat of the quiet alliance you formed. He would dry dishes that you cleaned. Hands brushing against each other every so often. Quick glances at one another when everyone was sitting at the table to eat. Wishing each other a good morning or night as well.

You began to notice the little things about him. How he bit his lip to ponder things, brushing a hand through his hair when he grew frustrated, in the morning he would sit on the side of his bed for a while before deciding to properly get up. You also noticed the not so little things such as him sneaking out at night and not returning till early mornings.

Over the span of a few days the silent alliance grew more vocal. You asked him if he needed any help carrying things back from the local market. Him bringing up random occasions of Iroh being a dork. There were still moments of silence, but they were more bearable. Like the time you found him sitting on a bench outside as the sun was setting. You sat next to him taking in the sun's receding warmth. You would say that was the moment you truly saw Zuko in a different light. Physically and internally. You gazed in his direction as the warm beams of light cascaded across his face. He was truly relaxed. Eyes lidded as he stared into the horizon. You brought your knees to your chest, resting your head on them as you continued to look at him. Zuko turned his head to meet your eyes. He quirked a brow at you in question. You searched in your mind for the right thing to say.

“You're really pretty when you don’t look like you have a stick up your butt,” you mumbled eyes once again going over his features. He huffed in amusement, raising his eyebrows.

“Wow, really?” he spoke in a soft voice, “‘Cause if I can remember, you called me a horse’s ass looking daddy’s boy during our first conversation.” You let out a loud laugh.

“Oh my god. I completely forgot about that,” you said in a fit of giggles. He chuckled as well.

“Well it obviously like I didn’t. Being resembled to a horse’s ass kinda sticks with you, yknow?” Once you calmed down, you continued to quietly admire him. Watching as the last glimpse of sun fell from his face. Giving him a light smile which he returned.

The following day Iroh was pleasantly surprised to find Zuko up early as well as sitting with you, conversing quietly. Later on he saw you both sitting on Zuko’s bed. You showing him a certain book you bought from the store next door. Explaining what the plot was about and how one of the characters was ticking you off. Zuko watched as you waved your hands around, your face lighting up as you got more excited about the topic.

From doing chores together to just talking it seemed that you both just couldn't get enough of each other. After some time of getting to know each other properly, you opened up to him. Explaining how it hurt to leave your fellow Kyoshi warriors to help Aang but you knew that Aang, Katara, and Sokka needed your help. As well as the fact you didn’t know where they were made you worry constantly. Zuko took in everything you said, apologizing for his actions in the past. Telling you he acted too drastically and wasn’t thinking about the people around him at the time. You took his hands in yours, squeezing them lightly. You explained to him that you could forgive but not forget. The fact he recognized his mistakes was more than enough for you to accept him.

At the time Zuko didn’t tell you he was looking for Appa as a way to lure Aang to him, instead he relishing in the fact he had someone who didn’t completely think he was a some reckless person who only wanted to cause terror to everyone he comes in contact. In that moment he felt completely content. With you, where he was at, and who he could be.

He kissed you and you didn’t pull away.

However, those untroubled feelings didn’t last long. During that night you followed after Zuko, having had enough of wondering where the hell he was going every night. From your past experiences you knew enough to not get caught. You revealed yourself however when he found himself where Long Feng had kept Appa. Zuko took his leash and began to take him away. You approached Zuko quickly when realizing his intentions were not pure.

“Zuko!” you called out to him, slightly exasperated by his actions, “What the hell are you doing?” you questioned pulling the leash from his grasp. He seemingly froze before going to grab the leash back. You held a hand out to separate the two of you, landing it on his chest. Tears slowly welled in your eyes as the realization set in, “What the hell are you doing?” you repeated, the frustration and anger in your tone was evident. Taking the bottom of his mask in your hand you pulled. Making it come undone as his face appeared. Eyes wide and lips closed.

“The avatar I need- for father-” he tried to explain himself.

“Really, Zuko? Your father? You're doing this for the guy who ruined your childhood and sent you away to fend for yourself? Leaving a boy with an army to lead. That man doesn’t seem like a father to me. You know this isn’t the right choice, Zuko. After everything we talked about, what we went through. You have to know that this isn’t what needs to be done,” you told him, searching in his eyes for some understanding.

He was fighting himself. Would he choose to do what was morally right or would he decide that greed and wanting to be back to his first home get the best of him. Or maybe he would do it for you. He never understood how what he felt for you came to him so fast. How it came so easy to talk to you and that it was you he always came to for anything… Well almost everything. His thoughts were too jumbled; he didn't know what to think. So, you helped him make the decision for him.

“Do this and everything I said about you before is true,” you stated, “That it’s true you're just a selfish, immature, reckless, little boy who only ever thinks about what will happen to him now rather than what will become of him in the future. Walk away Zuko or it’s all true.” His eyes were burning into yours. A moment of silence passed over the both of you. Then, he stepped back. You sighed shakily before taking a step towards him and connecting your lips with his. A tear falling down your cheek. You pulled away, giving him a watery smile. “Till next time,” you said softly.

And, you left. Taking away any chance he saw of ever going back home and of ever being with you.

That’s what he saw at least.

#Zuko x reader #atla x reader #platonic!gaang x reader #zuko x y/n #zuko x you #zuko x yn #zuko fanfiction

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