#for the avatar mutuals; listen. i know it sound weird and Off to claim the Na'vi dont know what a punch is. so i wont | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

beifongsss · 4 years

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doubts [zuko]

Pairing: (Fire Lord) Zuko x reader (i’m such a simp for Fire Lord Zuko)

Requested?: Yes! By a marvelous anon!: “hi! so i was thinking either a zuko x reader or sokka x reader please, where it's the night of your wedding and you're not ready and then he gets mad but fluff at the end :) if you can't do it i totally understand, thank you !!”

Summary: It’s a day before your wedding and you find yourself in Katara’s room, worried about your duties as the Fire Lord’s spouse. I tried to keep it gender neutral!

.masterlist.

You had met Zuko way before Aang had defeated Ozai, back when he was still the banished prince. The start of your relationship was rough, especially when you remembered how the two of you had constantly been at each other’s throats when he finally joined Team Avatar.

Eventually, the scathing remarks and backhanded compliments faded away to teasing comments and shy smiles as the two of you shared many sleepless nights under the stars. It was during these nights that the two of you opened up to each other, Zuko finally revealing information about his childhood and how he got his scar and you telling him all about your own upbringing and how you ended up traveling with the Gaang. You had ended up sleeping in each others’ arms that night, Momo snuggling in between the two of you.

That night changed your whole dynamic and after Ozai’s defeat, Aang forced the two of you to confess your feelings for each other. Your relationship bloomed quickly, the events you had been through only making your connection that much stronger. It wasn’t a relationship built only on attraction; it was one built on mutual trust and respect, and the confidence of knowing that you were there for each other no matter what.

That was what had led to Zuko proposing marriage at a young age.

When the words came out of his mouth, you had been shocked. To be honest, you had always thought that you’d be the first to bring up the idea of marriage. You had also expected to talk about it once the two of you were older and Zuko had gotten used to his duties as the Fire Lord, not when the two of you were on the edge of seventeen. Despite your surprise, you had agreed after making him promise to wait until the two of you were eighteen.

He had agreed, stating that he was certain that you were it for him.

Now, two years later, you found yourself smiling as the Gaang arrived at the palace. They were there for your wedding, which would be taking place in two days. Zuko had kept his promise and now that the two of you were eighteen, he didn’t want to waste any more time without you at his side.

The first day the Gaang was there was spent catching up with each other. Zuko had even managed to get the day off by asking Iroh to attend some meetings in his place. You had taken them to the city, giving them a proper tour now that they weren’t wanted criminals.

The Gaang spent most of the day silently fawning over the way the two of you treated each other, Zuko buying you snacks that he knew you liked and smiling when you kissed his cheek in thanks and you making sure that he was comfortable being surrounded by so many people. You truly were the perfect couple. Your action-packed day came to an end with a picnic in the royal gardens, lounging around as Aang played with the turtle ducks.

The next day was the day before your wedding, and you didn’t get the chance to see Zuko all day. You spent the day in the library with Sokka, who claimed that he wanted to learn more about the history of the Fire Nation. It felt nice to have a calm day, especially knowing that after tomorrow you would be married to the Fire Lord. Your stomach flipped uncomfortably at your thoughts and you swallowed nervously as Sokka turned to you.

“So?” he asked, a book in his hand as he stared at you. “How does it feel knowing that after tomorrow you’re no longer single?”

“I’m not single now,” you replied blandly. “I’m dating Zuko.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Sokka said, waving off your words. “But after tomorrow you’re like, bound to him. How does it feel, knowing that you’re going to help him run the Fire Nation?”

You visibly paled at Sokka’s words, causing him to put the book down immediately and approach you.

“(Y/N/N)? Are you good?” he asked, gently grasping your shoulder. You didn’t look at him as you nodded.

“I-I’m great Sokka,” you replied quietly, shooting out of your chair and heading for the door. “I just remembered I promised Katara I’d visit her.”

Sokka’s worried gaze followed you as you darted out of the room. He stood there for a moment before shrugging and sitting back down.

“Wow, those pre-wedding jitters must be pretty intense.”

Katara gasped and whirled around as you burst into her room. She was about to scold you when she noticed the panicked look on your face and the tears welling up in your eyes.

“(Y/N)? What happened?” Katara asked, rushing to you and wrapping you up in her arms. She tried to kick the door closed as she led you over to her bed but failed, leaving the door open an inch. You didn’t say anything as she sat you down, your face contorted in a grimace as you thought about Sokka’s words.

“Sokka said something and it made me panic,” you finally breathed out, turning to look at Katara. She snorted.

“Don’t listen to anything my idiot brother says.”

“No, he asked me if I was ready to help Zuko rule the Fire Nation,” you clarified, nervously fidgeting with your fingers. “And I’m not. I’m not ready Katara.”

Katara rubbed your arm as she looked at you understandingly. “It’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it?”

“That’s an understatement,” you mumbled. “I love Zuko, so much. But I’m not the right person to rule by his side. It should be Mai or someone else who knows the proper etiquette and laws of the Fire Nation.”

“You can always learn (Y/N/N),” Katara said softly. “Zuko wants you by his side. We’ve all seen the way you act around each other; he wants you by his side because he trusts you to help him out whenever he needs you to. And you’re gonna do a great job!”

You sighed before replying. “I’m just so nervous Katara. I’m not good enough to marry royalty. I feel so inadequate here, and I don’t know how to change that! How am I expected to help the Fire Lord when I can barely help you cook?!”

Katara chuckled at your words before falling silent. She didn’t know what to say.

Elsewhere in the palace, Zuko was getting out of his last meeting for the day. He walked off in the direction of your bedroom, determined to surprise you with a romantic dinner before your big day. When he didn’t find you, he checked the library, knowing that it was one of your favorite rooms in the palace. The only thing he found was a reading Sokka, who only mumbled that you had gone to visit Katara before he focused on his book once more.

Sighing, Zuko made his way towards Katara’s room, pausing slightly when he noticed that the door was open. He was about to knock when he was halted by the sound of your voice.

“Katara, maybe this marriage isn’t the best idea.”

Zuko felt his heart drop at your words, his throat closing up slightly as he registered your words. Before jumping to any conclusions, he waited a bit, wanting to hear Katara’s response

“(Y/N)? What do you mean?” Katara replied. “Zuko loves you, he’s been waiting for this day for literal years.”

“I know,” came your reply. “But I can’t go through with it. Especially not when I’m having all these doubts.”

“Ok, wait,” Katara spoke again. “Let’s think this through first.”

“Let’s not,” Zuko said, finally stepping into the room. The two of you stared up at him, Katara’s mouth dropping open in surprise as your eyes widened in shock. “If you didn’t want to marry me, you should’ve just said so.”

Katara stood up immediately, her cheeks blushing with embarrassment after Zuko’s sudden appearance. She awkwardly bowed to the boy before heading to the door. “I’ll uh, I’ll let you two sort this out.”

“That was weird,” you spoke first, breaking the silence. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her bow to you before.”

A smile twitched at Zuko’s lips before he remembered your earlier words. You glanced up at him, flinching slightly at the hard expression on his face. “Zuko, I-”

“We don’t have to get married (Y/N),” he spoke bluntly, no emotion present in his voice. “You could’ve just told me and I would’ve called it off. In fact, let me go do that right now.”

“Zuko, no,” you replied, standing up. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, I just didn’t want you to-”

“You didn’t want me to what, (Y/N)?” Zuko snapped, causing you to flinch and take a step backwards. He was angry, that much you could tell. “You didn’t want me to find out that you had no intention of staying in my life, that you had doubts about being with me? What have these past few years meant to you? Because if you were planning on leaving me at the altar you could’ve just told me you didn’t love me anymore.”

“W-What?” you asked, gasping lightly at his words. That’s why he was angry; he thought you wanted to call off the wedding because you didn’t love him anymore. You stepped closer to him. “Zuko.”

He pulled away from you, trying not to look at you as tears pricked at his eyes. His thoughts ran wild as he tried to pinpoint the moment you had lost feelings for him. He knew it was his fault, he didn’t spend enough time with you or buy you any sparkling jewels or-

“I’m so in love with you, Zuko,” you whispered, interrupting his inner turmoil. You sidled up next to him, reaching out to gently brush away the tears that had escaped his eyes and were now trailing down his face. He turned away from you and scoffed, a harsh expression still on his face.

“No you aren’t.”

You felt your heart leap into your throat as you took him in. You held your breath as you turned his head back towards before pressing your lips against his. Zuko’s hands went to your waist instinctively and you could taste the tears he had shed as his lips molded against yours perfectly. You tried your best to pour as much love as you could into the kiss. He pulled away from you first, tears still falling as he looked at you in disbelief.

“My doubts weren’t about my love for you Zuko,” you spoke quietly, your eyes never leaving his. “I have never doubted my love for you. In my heart I have always known that you’re the one for me, as cheesy as that sounds.”

Zuko swallowed as he searched your eyes, finding nothing but the truth. “Then w-why-”

“I was having doubts about myself,” you whispered, cutting him off. “I love you so much that it hurts, but I’m not good enough to rule by your side. You deserve someone better; someone who knows how to deal with Fire Nation issues and help you make the best decisions that will benefit your nation. That’s not me. I barely even know who the Fire Lord before Sozin was!”

“You’re more than enough,” Zuko replied, his voice rough as he reached out to hold you. “You’re all that I have ever needed or wanted and you’re gonna do an amazing job by my side.”

“How can you be so sure?” you asked softly, melting into his touch.

“You can always learn about your duties as the Fire Lord’s spouse,” he replied, causing your mouth to twitch up as you remembered Katara’s earlier words. She had said the same thing. “You’re a quick learner. Besides, I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

You sighed softly as you leaned against him, his anger and insecurities fading as he held you tightly.

“If it makes you more comfortable, we can always postpone the wedding,” Zuko mumbled. You hummed lightly as you snuggled up against his chest.

“No, you’re right,” you replied quickly. “I’m gonna have to learn about my duties anyways, there’s no reason for the wedding to be postponed.”

The room went silent for a while.

“Did you really think that I would leave you?” you whispered, your heart sinking as you realized how upset Zuko was when he thought he would lose you.

The Fire Lord cleared his throat before speaking. “I uh, I- yes.”

You looked up to see him hanging his head in shame.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I just, I could understand why someone like you could stop loving someone like me. You’re too good for me.”

“That’s ridiculous,” you replied, looking at him in disbelief. “Zuko, if anything I’m not good enough for you! I love you so so much. You’ve shown me what it’s like to love and be loved and you’ve always respected me, which is all I could ever ask for. You mean the world to me and I never want you to forget that.”

Zuko stared at you for a minute before leaning down and pressing a kiss to your lips. You responded eagerly, tangling your hands in his hair and causing the royal headpiece to topple to the ground. He backed you up against the desk in the room, breaking the kiss to look down at you.

“I love you too,” he said breathlessly. “More than you will ever know.”

“I can’t wait to marry you,” you mumbled as he pressed his lips back to yours. He smiled into the kiss, only responding by pulling you closer to him.

“So, I’m guessing the wedding is still on?”

The two of you broke apart to see Katara leaning against the doorframe, a smug smile on her face. Your face turned bright red as Zuko’s head dropped onto your shoulder in embarrassment, only managing a small nod. Zuko nodded along with you as he straightened up, intertwining his hand with yours as he began to lead you out of the room.

“Yeah, it is,” he said as he passed Katara, knowing that she was about to go tell all their friends about what she had witnessed. He could deal with the teasing just this once. After all, how could he be angry when he was about to marry the love of his life.

The two of you were halfway down the hall when Katara poked her head out of her room, holding out the royal headpiece in her hand.

“Hey! Aren’t you two forgetting something?”

~ taglist!

@musicalkeys, @mywigglybaby, @bubblebars, @iguessthefloorislava, @dekahg, @boxofteenageideas, @bottledcostcowater, @butterflycore, @coldlilheart

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gladerwolfstarkimagines · 4 years

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Zuko x female reader series: Part Five

The eclipse is approaching and your arrangement with Zuko becomes harder and harder to keep a secret but Azula comes up with a solution.

Part One here

Part Two here

Part Three here

Part Four here

Part Six here

Tagged: @taeeemin @creation-magician @kaylove12

Your POV

"She tried to kiss me on the mouth" Zuko told you "but i casually blocked it" he reported to you. Quite literally reported, after each event he'd come straight to you and report how Mai had tried something and how he’d stopped it. "Zuko you don’t have to tell me everytime you know" you smirked and Zuko nodded "i know bit it feels so weird...i want to tell you, i want to be open so you know you can trust me". You smiled resting your hands on his shoulders "i trust you Zuko, we’re in a crap situation but you’re not the thing i worry about". Zuko frowned at your tone and body language "so what are you worried about?".

You weren’t suprised Zuko had noticed you’d been more tense than usual lately. The reason was you’d been feeling so guilty lately about all the secrets you had. The one about Ozai using Mai for her uncle, the secret you and Zuko were keeping from his actual girlfriend and not to mention the huge secret of your proposal you were keeping from Zuko. That one was the hardest because of how often you saw Zuko and how open and honest he was being with you lately. You’d tried coming clean to him but still didn’t know how to bring it up. You just wanted to ignore it and hope it would go away but of course that wouldn’t work.

You sighed coming back to the present and answered Zuko’s question "i’m mainly worried about your father, i feel like we’re all pawns to him". Zuko nodded wrapping his arms around you hugging you, "i know...but i promise he won’t use me for this much longer, I told him he had two weeks to finish up his deal and he's had one, one more and i break it off with Mai myself". You nodded "sounds good" and smiled up at Zuko. As stressful as being together was you still felt better just by being with Zuko and apparently the feeling was mutual. Zuko looked down at you and moved to kiss you. He did it slowly giving you enough time to move away but you didn’t. This no sex arrangment had been killing you, you thought about Zuko most of the time and even as he’d been talking you’d been staring at his face not really listening. Appreciating the cut of his chin, how messy his hair looked, the glow of his eyes and of course how good his lips looked. So you didn’t have much self restraint by the time he leant in and you let him kiss you, telling yourself one kiss wasn’t that bad but then one turned into two, two into three, then Zuko’s lips moved lower and lower. Soon you found yourself in a familiar position and stopped grabbing Zuko’s hands. "Stop" you said suddenly and Zuko smirked "it’s okay, can’t blame a guy for trying...". "No" you sighed "Zuko it’s not that...i just, I haven’t been honest with you”. Something about the way Zuko was with you made you want to be open and honest with him, you couldn’t keep it from him any longer. “I know what Ozai has planned and it’s bad Zuko. We need to work out a plan". Zuko frowned realising you were serious "y/n what are you talking about?". You sighed distangling yourself from him "I didn’t tell you because i worried it would change everything...make me less exciting and more like a burden" you sighed and Zuko shook his head "you'd never be a burden y/n! I’m sure it’s not that bad, tell me". "Your father told me he's arranging your wedding or well our wedding". Zuko stared before he frowned "ours as in...". "Yup" you nodded. Zuko paused and laughed angrily "wow...without telling us? Or even asking us?". You frowned "well he told me to tell you, he thinks you know". "He didn’t even ask me about it!" Zuko said annoyed "who is he to decide we should get married!". "He said it’s our duty" you said softly and Zuko’s eyes sparked "we don’t have any duties! Atleast not like this, not ones that would force us together! We are not cattle". You couldn’t help feeling responsible and so didn’t reply as Zuko paced. "He’s still trying to make me just like him! Well unlike him i won’t force anyone to be my wife and i won’t be forced into a marriage just because he says so!". "That’s why I said we needed a plan, i’m sure we can think of some excuse to get out of it but it’ll have to be a damn good one". Zuko went quiet and you frowned "Zuko?". "Y/n there is a way but it’s risky..i haven’t even thought it through properly it was just an idea I had". "What is it?" you asked and he sighed. "The more i think of it...y/n you know i care about you more than anything right?". You nodded smiling despite the situation "of course". "And these months with you and the time we’ve been together i’ve been so happy just because it’s with you...i don’t know if i should just..." Zuko sighed and you grabbed his arm "Zuko?". "I feel so selfish" Zuko cried "I’ve seen how the world sees us y/n, how we’ve treated them and I want to do better, I don’t want to be like my father just taking what I want and i’ve tried to change”. You nodded “I’ve noticed Zuko” and he smiled but it still looked pained. “I’ve been trying not to be who I was before, less entitled and demanding but now my father dangles this and i’m tempted. That’s why he chose you, because he knows he can use you to manipulate me, to make me happy. I could marry you and that would make staying here worth it, i could just envoke myself in you and block it all out until i become firelord and I know i could y/n, with you...being with you is more than enough to make me forget the world but that would make me a coward, like my father, and you don’t deserve a coward, i have to make myself worthy of you". You frowned "Zuko what are you talking about, how?". "By helping the avatar" Zuko told you and you went silent. "I’ve been thinking about my destiny and while I know it’s with you i know it’s not like this, i can’t just ignore everything i’ve seen out there y/n so i’m sorry but I have to leave and go help the avatar". "Why are you apologising?" you asked confused and Zuko looked at you before blinking "because i’ll have to leave again...". "Duh but who says i have to stay here?". Zuko’s eyes widenned "you’d want to come with me?". You hit him on the shoulder "of course! They drove you away from me once you think i’d let them do it again?". Zuko stared at you in shock "you’re serious? Y/n this will be really dangerous we'll be fugitives, they won’t hunt us to stop up they’ll hunt to kill us". "Sounds like fun" you smirked "so when we leaving?". Zuko shook his head at you in disbelief "you’d do this for me? All because i said i have to?". "Of course" you smiled "plus you know you’d die without me". "I would but not for the reasons you’re thinking" Zuko smirked and for the second time that day he leant down to kiss you and again you let him. Having the weight of your secret off your chest and at the same time having Zuko confide in you felt so good, it made you feel so free. You were going to get out of this situation, this place and all with Zuko by your side. Knowing that made you felt so hopeful, so excited, so in love. So this time you didn’t pull away as the kiss progressed although Zuko kept checking, as he kept meeting your eyes as if asking if this was okay. In response you took over to show him you wanted this and he was only too happy to let you take the lead.

***

“I’m breaking up with Mai” Zuko told you suddenly, still breathing heavily after your activities. “What?” you asked confused “but your father...”. “I don’t care” Zuko smiled at you “I’m going to do it, today in fact! I’m sick of waiting for other people to do what I want, we’re going to leave soon I don’t have to worry about my father’s wrath” Zuko beamed at you “i don’t care about it anymore! All i care about is you and i’m not treating you like this for one hour longer”. Zuko stood up grabbing his clothes and you sat up “Zuko are you sure...won’t that attract more suspicion from your father?”. Zuko shook his head “No, if he asks i’ll claim I felt bad being engaged to you and dating her, he always said I was too soft so he’ll believe it”. “But Zuko are you sure?” you asked “you don’t have to just for me...” but Zuko kissed you cutting you off. “Yes i do” he smiled seperating “I need to do this for me, for you, for Mai, plus I don’t think i’ll be able to hide it anymore” .You blushed and Zuko grinned noticing. “I’ll come find you after, you don’t even need to get out of bed if you don’t want to” Zuko smirked and you blushed. “Unfortunately I have to, I have training and then lunch with Ty lee, so i’ll see you in the evening, if you can last till then?”. Zuko sighed jokingly “I suppose I will have to” and kissed your cheek one more time before leaving the room.

5 hours later

After your morning with Zuko you felt like you were walking on air. You actually felt like you were glowing and all day you’d been in a great mood. You did better in training then you’d ever done before and knew it was because of Zuko. You still felt exceptionally happy as you made your way through the palace for your dinner with Ty lee. The invitation to have dinner with her had arrived just a few days ealier and you’d accepted immedietly. You were pleased she'd invited you and saw it as a clear attempt from Ty lee to befriend you. You wanted to make an effort to be her friend so were on best behaviour, feeling in the mood to make a new friend but as soon as you entered the room your face dropped. It wasn’t just you and Ty lee...Mai and Azula were there too. Ty lee had been very clear in her invitation it would just be you two but you could see from her expression this hadn’t been her fault. She shot you an apologetic look while Azula smirked openly at you. So Azula had crashed this and probably dragged Mai here too. That was fine, you could deal with this. You smiled at Ty lee letting her know it was okay and sat next to her. Mai looked up as you entered and you purposefully avoided her eye. She definitely looked upset telling you Zuko had broken up with her as promised and you couldn’t help feel guilty. You were suprised she was even here at all given the circumstances but again reminded yourself Azula forced her friends to do things they didn’t want to do often. Ty lee grinned at you and seemed pleased to have you there. Sure enough you saw why, between Mai’s glowering and Azula’s snarky comments this wasn’t the environment Ty lee thrived in. You and Ty lee took over conversation and you laughed about a play Ty lee’s sister was in. Your laughter evidently triggered Mai who slammed her drink down making you go quiet. "Eugh why are you two always so happy all the time" Mai snapped glaring at you and Ty lee “your laughter is more piercing than my knives”. Ty lee looked down obviously not wanting to provoke Mai and you frowned watching. Mai looked at you and Azula smirked. "I assume you've heard?" Azula asked you “about Mai and Zuko?”. You looked up at Mai and she cocked her head to one side waiting for your reply. "Yes" you nodded "Zuko told me" you swallowed. "Before or after it happened?" Mai asked suprising you. "After" you lied "i didn’t know before". Mai raised an eyebrow "how soon after?". "Erm it was late afternoon, maybe 2?" you asked and Mai glared "he must’ve come straight from doing it, asshole". Mai saw you look down and sighed "okay I know he’s your friend so i promise no more Zuko talk okay?". Ty lee laughed nervously and you smiled "sounds good". Azula set her cutlery down and turned to you. It was like the seconds preceding a natural disaster, the look Azula gave you was all the warning you needed but you couldn’t do anything to stop her. "Apart from one thing..." Azula smiled sweetly "don’t you want to tell us the good news y/n? I hear congratulations are in order for you and Zuko". You paled as Mai’s eyes shot to your face and even Ty lee frowned side eyeing you. "What does that mean?" Mai asked and Azula chuckled "should i tell her or you?". You swallowed wondering how to talk yourself out of this but Azula beat you to it "y/n and Zuko are engaged". "What?" Ty lee and Mai cried and you glared at Azula "don’t say it like that! Mai it’s not like that, Ozai ordered it, we didn’t want it". Mai frowned but seemed less angry and then Azula spoke again. "You don’t want to get married? So you’re just sleeping together for fun i guess?". You flinched and Mai saw the look on your face "bitch" she spat. You ran your hands over your face agitatedly "Mai it’s..". "What not true?" Mai yelled but she knew from your reaction that was a lie. "No it’s true..." you admitted and Ty lee let out a mini gasp "that’s why you were asking about Zuko and Mai’s relationship at the ball...". You nodded your head "Mai i didn’t know you and Zuko had also slept together, if i did...". "You wouldn’t have done it? Wouldn’t have slept with my boyfriend?". You winced but nodded. "You knew he was dating me! You knew i liked him! You always told me not to worry! You were just friends! Was this some game?". "No Mai I always meant what i said i didn’t realise i liked Zuko until a few weeks ago and it hasn’t been going on long i promise!". "How long has it been going on?" Mai asked suddenly and you paused "since you got back from the Ember Islands". Mai narrowed her eyes "that was when you and Zuko first kissed?”. "Yes" you nodded hoping Mai couldn’t hear the unease in your voice, you begged her not to ask anymore. Mai tutted but could see Ty lee looked just as nervous as you and she put it together. Mai followed Ty lee’s realisation and stared at you darkly "and that’s not all...is it?" she asked. You shook your head and Mai glared. "The day after we got back?" she yelled “that day!”. "Not the day after you got back...that night, that night was the first time". You’d been trying to be honest but in retrospect you maybe could’ve omitted that detail. Mai looked from Ty lee to you and stepped towards you. "No" Ty lee cried stepping infront of Mai as she yelled at you. "You’re assholes the both of you! I came back from the trip thinking me and Zuko were back on track and that night, and after he’d been with me in the morning he was screwing you! And he has been ever since! All this time!". "It’s only happened twice" you cried and Mai’s anger rose "he’s barely been back from our holiday a week y/n" and threw a glass at you "only two times? Is that meant to make me feel better?". "Mai i’m sorry" you cried but Mai was in a full blown rage. Ty lee was losing her grip on her and frowned "y/n you should go" Ty lee told you "now". You agreed seeing how Mai was eyeing you and how Azula was just watching smugly. "Mai i’m sorry" you said rushing away. You could hear her yelling insults at you as you rushed away and almost jogged down the coridoor. You barreled into someone and as luck would have it, it was Zuko. "Y/n?" he asked seeing the look in your eyes "what’s wrong?". You grabbed onto his hand drawing him into his nearby room and shut the door tightly "Mai knows!". Zuko pailed "what does she know?". "Everything, she knows we’re engaged, that we’re dating and that we’ve been cheating". "How?". "Azula, she said it while me and Mai were together". "Shit, are you okay?" Zuko asked. You were suprised by that question "me?". "Yes you!" Zuko nodded "you had to face Mai’s wrath all on your own...she didn’t attack you did she?". You shook your head and Zuko nodded relieved. "She was just really angry and upset" you frowned "i feel awful". Zuko nodded and bundled you closer to him. He wrapped his arms around you and you sighed against him. "Atleast we know we didn’t do it to be mean or on purpose, we really care about each other" Zuko told you. "I guess" you nodded and Zuko smiled tucking a finger under your chin "don’t worry i’ll sort this out, i’ll give Mai time to cool off then explain". You nodded "she won’t understand but maybe she'll see we didn’t mean to hurt her". Zuko nodded "she will i promise but for tonight you should stay here". You looked at him confused "i should?". Zuko nodded "i know Mai and i don’t think she’d do anything but with Azula whispering things in her ears...i’d feel better if you stayed with me until we left this place”. Just Zuko talking about your escape made you smile and you were hardly going to reject such an offer. You felt exhuasted, drained and wanted to have some company so welcomed Zuko’s offer. He leant you one of his robes and you curled up quickly in his master bed. "This feels weird" you commented “being in your room like this so openly”. “You’ve stayed in my room a thousand times” Zuko grinned and you nodded “yeah but not since we’ve been together”. Zuko frowned if that was a good or bad thing but you made a tired noise and leant into his arms. "It feels nice" you smiled "no messing around, no hiding what we’re doing anymore, it’s finally just us". Zuko nodded "it seems more real". You re-opened one eye "not getting cold feet fire prince?". Zuko smirked "not at all" and drew you closer against him. "Good" you smiled.

The next day

You figured out the whole palace knew about your and Zuko’s engagement due to the fact seconds after leaving Zuko’s room the first person you saw bowed. Not a casual bow, but a full on-the-floor bow to both of you. "Prince Zuko, lady y/n, congratulations". You and Zuko frowned at one another, had Azula or Ozai told everyone? Either way it was apparently out now. "Thank you" Zuko coughed "excuse us" and pulled you along after him. You headed towards the throne room, being bowed to by every single person you passed, and Azula was stood waiting. "Ahh the happy couple" Azula called as soon as she saw you “a whole crowd’s gathered outside the palace following the news". "What, why?" Zuko asked. "To see the future fire lord and his wife of course" Azula smirked "the future rulers of the fire nation... fathers waiting for you both" she grinned before practically skipping away. You couldn't imagine Ozai was happy and Zuko misinterpreted your frown to be worry. Zuko took your hand "it'll be okay, don't worry". "I'm not worried" you smiled "he can hardly kill us, i think that would dampen the mood of the crowd waiting for us down there". Zuko joined you by the window and frowned down at the crowd "they’re all here for us?". "Apparently" you shrugged "i've never been paraded around infront of crowds before, remind me what the royal procedure is again Smile and wave right?". "Pretty much" Zuko nodded and you smirked "maybe i am cut out for this rulimg stuff" and pulled Zuko into Ozai's throne room.

Ozai was not in a good mood and thought a good way to start the day would be to tell you both everything you'd done wrong. "Not only were you not supposed to break up with Ukano’s daughter yet, you were not supposed to announce your engagement either". "I wasn't going to string y/n or mai along any longer" Zuko argued back and you smiled. "Well thanks to your nobility we have a war in a day and the people are crowding the palace requesting details about your wedding" Ozai glared. "Have you tried asking them to go away?" you asked and felt Zuko tense as he tried not to smirk. Ozai pretended he didn't even hear you and fixed his attention on Zuko only "you will deal with this" and strode from the room. You glared after Ozai before noticing Zuko was edging closer to the balcony. "We're going to have to make an announcement" Zuko sighed and you nodded. "Do you think telling them the weddings off will work?". "Nope" Zuko said before looking around to make sure you we're alone "y/n we leave tomorrow, so now we just have to play the part of happy couple, okay? All smiley and so happy to be engaged". You nodded "easy enough, i mean i think i can manage acting happy to be with you". "Ow yeah?" Zuko asked raising an eyebrow. You smirked "yeah, might be hard but i'll manage". "How will the fire nation ever repay you for your service?" Zuko asked smirking and you grinned "i'm sure you'll think of a way to make it up to me, now come on". You took his arm and Zuko nodded to you before pushing the balcony doors open and the crowd erupted into deafening cheers.

You and Zuko finally got to the end of your final day in the fire nation but it felt like the longest day of your life. After your official appearance on the balcony everywhere you went you were stopped and congratulated. Flocks of women congratulated you with so much earnest it was scary. Men who’d never even bothered to meet your eye previously now bowed their heads as you passed, hoping to get in good with Zuko through you. You mother had sent you an 8 page letter telling you how proud of you she was and you burnt it. She hadn’t cared when you’d led you first fleet at 13 or when you’d manned your own crew at 9 but getting engaged made her realise she loved you apparently. As amazing as Zuko was as a marriage prospect you thought it was a bit much. All the women acted as if you were the luckiest woman who ever lived and constantly asked how pleased you were or even how you’d managed it by some of the bold elder women. It took a lot of restraint not to tell them you weren't getting married and even if you were you hadn't won anything or gotten lucky for bagging Zuko...if anything you and Zuko had come out equally well in this arrangement...it was infuriating having everyone treat you special for having a man attached to you. It made you look forward to your escape even more and you focused on making sure everything was ready all day. It was now evening and you were adding the last bits to your supplies as Zuko tried to speak to Mai considering it would be the last chance he'd get before you left. He appeared in your shared bunker red faced and in shock. "It didn't go well?" you asked and Zuko shook his head "i think it was still too soon to try and speak with her". You noticed the red slap mark on his cheek and nodded "yeah i thought it might be to soon". “We can try again if we ever survive tomorrow” Zuko spoke and you frowned. “When we survive tomorrow” you corrected him “we’ll come back eventually alive and well and then you can try again with Mai”. Zuko smirked at your optimism, something he wasn’t raised with a lot of, and nodded “when we come back”. You smiled at him approvingly, Zuko really had changed and you were so proud of the man he now was.

The day of the escape you and Zuko made your way to Ozai’s room so Zuko could confront him. You weren’t too keen on telling the firelord you were leaving but you knew Zuko needed to do this so were supportive. You guarded the door and let Zuko talk to his father in private. When you heard the sound of lightning you threw the door open just as Zuko was rushing out of it. "Y/n lets go! Now!" Zuko cried. You saw Ozai on the floor in a cover of smoke and had to admit you smirked. You knew Zuko hadn’t injured him seriously but it pleased you Zuko had fought back against his abusive father this time. Zuko tugged you to the airship pad and soon had the one picked out ready. You took over flying having more experience than Zuko with vehicles and your ship slipped further and further away from the palace. Time passed and silence settled. You had your eyes fixed in the direction the sky bison had gone but Zuko was looking behind in the direction of the fire nation. “No-ones following us” Zuko said coming to stand beside you. “That took you twenty minutes to work out?” you asked smirking and Zuko blushed. “Hey it’s okay” you smiled patting his arm “i’ll miss it in a weird way too but this is going to be good, this is all going to work out you’ll see”. Zuko sighed yanking you against his chest so he could engulf you in a hug. “You’re right” he smiled “this is what i’ve always been meant to do and we’ll do it, together”. “I like the sound of that” you smiled and watched the last trace of the fire nation disappear from the horizon.

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Angsty Zuko is great but loved and emotionally stable Zuko is superior (that’s probably why I added so many Zuko cuddles but i’m not mad about it).

Next part is the last one in the series!

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