#gonna go back to the sokka comes out to hakoda fic now

[pianjeong]

zuko and plants

this idea came to me after i answered that plant ask yesterday; it shouted modern au at me so here we are and GOD it got long (disclaimer, i’ve killed like three plants this year so rlly idk what im talking about)

after ozai burns zuko and kicks him out, iroh gives him a plant to take care of. this starts when zuko's still in the hospital and iroh takes one step into his room and decides it's bland and terrible and immediately drives to the nearest home depot or w/e and buys a big floppy spider plant to put on the bedside table. he waters it religiously and gets the nurses to do it when he has to be away (probably fucking ozai up in court or something) - they all know him as the sweet old man that obviously cares about his nephew v much and if they drop by zuko's room when they're off duty he'll offer them a cup of tea and a story. the only time he seems anything else than that is when he gets asked if he knows what happened and he gets a look on his face that could probably burn the building down.

fast forward to when iroh takes zuko home (half the hospital staff comes to see them off and zuko who was unconscious for a lot of iroh making friends is just like ????); iroh gives him the plant to keep in his room and is like "take care of this" and zuko's like uhhh uncle what the fuck this is too much responsibility i will kill this

iroh insists and zuko's like ugh FINE but secretly he's terrified of killing it bc he thinks iroh will b mad at him so he gets really really obsessive about learning how to take care of it, like, he can't read for long stretches of time bc of his messed up eye but he does it anyway and literally reads every single piece of information there is on plant care (he keeps a journal)

he manages not to kill the first plant, and even tho he didn't want to do it at all it turns out that the routine of having to water it and clip the leaves helps him remember what day it is and doing something with his hands is just. really nice. and it motivates him to get out of bed on his bad days. so once he's had the first one for long enough that he's pretty sure it won't die he starts getting more

he names them all and is the biggest snob abt fertilizer schedules and the Correct Type Of Potting Soil and has a colour coded week schedule on his wall of when to water all of them etc etc etc. walking into his room is like walking into a greenhouse and there's always potting soil under his fingernails.

iroh gets him a shirt that says "plant dad" on it and he takes Great Pride in being a better father to his plants than ozai ever was to him.

tbh iroh originally only meant to give him something to care for so he remembers to care for himself and did not expect their house to become a literal nursery but he supports him anyway. when zuko decides to start working at the jasmine dragon he takes one step in the door and is like PLEASE let me put plants in here, and he turns out to have a really good eye for colour and arrangements etc.

sokka takes him to a botanic garden on their first date. zuko almost cries. when their second is to a nursery he decides he's in love with him already. bonus if sokka actually doesn't care that much about plants but he DOES care about zuko and the way he lights up when he gets to babble about his favourite plants is literally the cutest thing sokka's ever seen.

#THIS IS SO LONG ASJDFLS #pls appreciate it #the plant dad zuko vs ozai line made me cackle and i wrote it i hope someone notices #gonna go back to the sokka comes out to hakoda fic now #if im lucky i'll finish it tonight #zuko #ficlet #text #* #plant dad zuko

[somethingwritey]

commission: “kids in love” - a zukka fic

hi all! i was commissioned to write a zuko/sokka fic by @kurisu-80. it features a 5+1 style, some hurt/comfort, and lots of zuko pining. we brainstormed the premise of the fic before i began, and it’s here just in time for valentine’s day! 

💖 commission me! visit this post for more commission details!

---

Zuko didn’t know how to feel.

The hardest part was over, presumably, and yet the brand new emotion coursing through his body - no doubt unlocked by the Avatar’s reluctant trust - unsettled him. He wanted a name for it.

After thinking it over, he settled on relief.  

For so long, he’d been consumed by nothing but white-hot anger - and beneath that, searing pain - that relief was hard to recognize. It wasn’t hot. Instead, it ran down his back and legs and arms like water. But… he had to admit, he rather liked it.

“Unpack,” came a voice behind him. Zuko jumped a little; he’d almost forgotten that Sokka was still there in the doorway. “Lunch soon. Uh… welcome aboard?”

Welcome.

Zuko hadn’t felt welcome in a long time.

He looked up at Sokka to thank him, but paused - suddenly struck by his eyes.

Blue. Water. Cool. Healing. Wonderful.

Zuko suddenly felt the need to study Sokka’s eyes forever, to never tear his gaze away. Sokka let him for a moment, like he understood Zuko’s need. And then the moment passed, with Sokka shaking off whatever had come over him and exiting the room.

Zuko didn’t move, though, staring after him for a while longer. A new heat had begun somewhere in his body, but it wasn’t anger. It was… contained. Almost hungry. He wished he knew what it meant.

Two new emotions in one day had to be some kind of record.

///

Sokka looked… younger when he slept, somehow. Like one of the tired kids they all were instead of a general orchestrating a covert rescue mission into the depths of the Fire Nation’s most heavily guarded prison.  

Zuko watched him for a few moments before training his eyes back on the landscape around them.

Don’t be creepy, he scolded himself. Sokka wasn’t his to look at like that.

Instead, he thought back to what Sokka had said before they left.

“I have to regain my honor.”

Zuko shivered a little at the memory, so similar to his own favored mantra and yet, somehow so different. Zuko’s had been selfish. He’d wanted to save himself; Sokka just wanted to save his father. And Zuko was fairly certain Sokka wouldn’t mind staying behind in the prison forever if it meant ensuring his father’s freedom.

The Water Tribe boy didn’t need to regain any honor; he had more in every bone of his body than Zuko ever would.

Maybe that’s why Zuko was so drawn to him.

///

Oddly enough, the version of Sokka dominating Zuko’s mind that night wasn’t the one splayed out with a rose in his mouth.

Although he was thinking about it. Maybe a little too much.

But the Sokka that he’d been shown after had wrapped a hand around his heart and squeezed until Zuko thought it might burst.

Vulnerability. Sokka had shown him vulnerability.

He thought about the way Sokka’s voice changed when he talked about his mother’s murder. Beneath the jokes and the sarcasm, Sokka was quietly patching over the part of himself that he’d lost - same as Zuko.

Zuko wished suddenly that he’d told him about losing his mother, too. Maybe the other boy would’ve confided in him further. Maybe it would’ve been Zuko that Sokka would set up candles for by moonlight and looked forward to -

Stop!

That feeling was back. Zuko shook his head and limbs, trying to scare it away. He had to stop this obsession. It was eating away at him, leaving him exposed.

After the war is over, this will end, he told himself. You’re just bored. Nervous. It won’t be like this forever.

By the end of the night, watching Suki sneak away from Sokka’s tent in the early morning light, he’d almost convinced himself that was true.

///

Fire Lord Zuko.

The title still sounded so foreign and unwieldy. Like it didn’t quite belong to him.

“Congratulations, Your Zukoness,” came a voice.

Zuko turned around, raising an eyebrow. “Sokka, how did you get in here? I thought -”

“Eh, Toph is distracting the guards.” Sokka shook his head. “You really should get some better security, I mean. A couple of rocks and -”

“Sokka!”

Sokka smiled, resting his weight on the crutch he was using. Zuko was instinctively aware of the bandages wrapped around his own torso beneath the heavy new robes.

They all bore scars of the recent battle; peace had come at a cost.

“I came to wish you luck in person,” Sokka continued, less joking and more genuine now. “You’ve come a long way.”

“Aren’t you coming to have some tea with Uncle tonight?” Zuko furrowed his brow. Was Sokka leaving? Was this goodbye?

“Yeah, yeah.” Sokka waved his hand. “But everyone is gonna be there. I wanted to tell you in private, I guess.”

In private.

Zuko hoped his cheeks didn’t look as hot as they felt. Even after Sokka left to join his father and Katara outside at the reception, he found himself smiling… just a little.

Sokka had that effect on people.

///

Time was a finicky thing, Zuko was realizing.

One moment, they were children, and the next, they… weren’t. Or maybe they’d never been children at all, too burdened with adult worries and fears their whole lives. Most of them had lost people at a young age, forced to grow up far too quickly.

Aang had lost his entire culture.

Zuko had lost his mother.

Katara and Sokka had lost their mother, too. And now their father.

Chief Hakoda had passed peacefully in his sleep, Zuko had been told. Even after the tenuous usurpation attempt by Gilak, Hakoda’s time at the helm of the Southern Water Tribe could hardly be called blemished. His strength and rationality had brought them to new levels of international recognition and power.

He had been one of the most influential chiefs in Water Tribe history.

Zuko hadn’t been able to make it to Hakoda’s memorial - unable to get out of several Fire Nation industrialization meetings - but he had managed to make it to the South to see Sokka become the next Chief.

“You made it,” Sokka said after the short ceremony. “I wasn’t sure you would.” His voice was heavy - lacking its usual bravado.

“I wouldn’t miss it.” Zuko laid a hand on Sokka’s shoulder, walking with him across the frozen landscape - away from everyone else. “I’m so sorry about your father.”

Sokka’s eyes turned glassy, and he looked away - unable to speak.

“He was a good man,” Zuko continued. “And he would be proud of you. I know it.”

Without warning, Sokka threw his arms around Zuko, burying his head in his shoulder. Surprised, Zuko stayed frozen, wishing he could do more to comfort the strongest man he knew.

“You’re going to make a great chief,” he said quietly.

When Sokka lifted his head, his face was inches away from Zuko’s - closer than the two of them had been in a long time. Zuko almost leaned forward, almost cut through the last bit of space between them, but before he could, Sokka was moving away.

“Thanks, Zuko.” He straightened his furs. “I should get back to Katara and our people now. You’re welcome to stay the night.”

And then he was gone.

////

Zuko hadn’t stopped pacing all morning.

He’d sent the letter after an agonizing few days of rewriting, second-guessing and re-thinking.

But he’d finally done it. Finally watched the messenger hawk lift into the sky. And now, all that was left to do was wait.

“Fire Lord Zuko?” a guard said, at last, bowing low as he entered the room. “The Chief of the Southern Water Tribe is here to see you.”

Zuko took a deep breath, straightening his topknot. “Send him in.”

Sokka burst through the doors, trailed by a couple Water Tribesmen. “I got your message,” he called before he’d even reached Zuko’s side of the room. “What’s the big emergency? Where’s the threat?”

Sokka looked strong - a powerful and more confident version of himself. Being the leader of the Southern Water Tribe had been good for him.

Zuko glanced at the entourage Sokka had brought and winced. He needed to speak with him privately.

“Give me a moment alone with your Chief,” he said to the others. Glancing at his own attendants, he waved for them to be dismissed, too. He wanted the throne room to be perfectly and totally empty.

“What’s this about?” Sokka looked around, seemingly unnerved. “What’s wrong?”

“I wanted…” Zuko cleared his throat. “I want to talk to you. About a partnership between the Southern Water Tribe and the Fire Nation.”

Sokka raised an eyebrow. “What kind of a partnership?”  

Zuko swallowed hard. “The kind where their Chief and Fire Lord are… together.”

“Okay, okay.” The true meaning of Zuko’s words clearly hadn’t registered with Sokka, who began to tap his chin. “We team up, you’re saying? Form a political alliance? Hold on, hold on - don’t we already kind of have one? Isn’t that what my Dad was trying to -” And then he broke off, eyes narrowing. “Wait, together? Like… as a couple?”

Zuko rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, when you say it like that -”

“I didn’t say it! You did!”

Sensing Sokka’s imminent rejection, Zuko tried to save the situation. “I didn’t - look, it’s not like that, I just meant -”

“You made this whole emergency up, didn’t you?” Sokka shook his head. “Just to get me here! That’s -”

Zuko cringed, waiting.  

“Kinda genius,” Sokka finished, nodding. “Somewhat evil. But genius.”

“I’ve liked you for a long time,” Zuko sighed. “I think. It’s confusing. But I just couldn’t wait any longer to tell you. I had -” His eyes widened for a moment as Sokka’s lips landed on his before they fluttered shut.

When they broke apart, Sokka seemed surprised at his own actions. “Is randomly kissing the Fire Lord grounds for arrest here?”

The idea made Zuko laugh. “Not if the Fire Lord wanted it to happen.”

Sokka grinned, and then paused. “You - you did want it to happen, right?”

“Yeah.” Zuko leaned forward to kiss him again. “For longer than you could possibly imagine.”

Finally, Zuko thought, letting himself get caught up in the moment. He understood what that feeling was now, the one he’d been so confused about that day at the temple and every day after that.

Love.

He loved Sokka, so full of honor and eyes bluer than water.

And he probably always would.

----

💖 keep an eye out for more commission pieces coming soon!

💖 message me about writing for you! send a private message or find me on twitter @/catrameows!

#zukka #zuko x sokka #zuko #sokka #atla #zukka angst #fire lord zuko #zukka fic #writing commissions #my writing #commission me #avatar the last airbender #angst with a happy ending #valentines day #mlm #writeres on tumblr

[sokkascroptop]

traitor. (sokka x f!reader) pt 12

part 1 | part 11 | part 13

A/N: Enjoy a fic where Katara is able to express her emotions to someone and not have to keep everything bottled up inside until she explodes in a blinding rage. The next couple parts are gonna be so angsty :) *Also, I never came right out and said this, but I allude to it a lot. Y/N is a tall bitch. That is all.*

Katara peeked her head in. “Can we talk?”

The sound of her voice didn’t soothe any of Y/N’s fears. “Yeah, sure,” she said shakily. 

Y/N sat on her bed roll and left room for Katara to sit across from her. She pulled her knees up and played with her hands. They aren’t your friends. They aren’t your friends, Y/N chanted inside her head. She willed herself to take this well. She always knew this was going to be the ending, that this was going to happen–

“You know how you said I could talk to you?”

Y/N let out a huge breath she had been holding. Maybe this wasn’t a send off, no hey, thanks so much for your help so far, Sokka really appreciates you teaching him to sword fight, but we’re off with the Avatar now! 

“What’s wrong?” More importantly, what’s so wrong that you wanted to come to me to talk to? Y/N wanted to say. She settled herself a little more comfortably against the wall. “Is it about your dad?” Y/N guessed.

Katara froze, halfway between pulling her legs into cross them, her face a mask of shame. “Gods, is it so obvious?”

“Oh–um…” Y/N trailed off, not sure of what to say. 

“I don’t know why I feel this way,” Katara stuttered out.

“Don’t you think that you should talk to Sokka or Toph?” Y/N wasn’t sure that she was the best person to talk to about father-daughter relationships, seeing as she didn’t have one. They knew her better. Although, that might be the exact reason why she wasn’t going to them. 

“No,” Katara waved her hands. “Sokka, he wouldn’t get it. He loves my dad–not that I’m saying I don’t but–ugh,” Katara groaned and dropped her head in her hands. When she looked up again her eyelashes were wet. “Sokka doesn’t get what I’m feeling. I don’t understand what I’m feeling. I really do love Dad and I missed him every single day, but the moment I saw him I just felt this anger towards him. He was gone for so long and I was forced to grow up more than I should have with both my parents not being around. When I needed him the most he left. How–how can I just ignore that? How do you love someone and still be so unhappy with them?”

“Oh,” Y/N realized now what this was all about. Everything always comes back to Azula. Every decision she makes, every conversation she has, Azula still dominated her life. 

Y/N didn’t realize she started crying until Katara grabbed her hand. “No, no. I’m sorry! Don’t cry.”

Y/N squeezed Katara’s in a vice grip. “It’s not the same. Your dad, I’ve seen him look at you. He loves you and Sokka, he cares about you so much. He never meant to hurt you by leaving, but you don’t need to ignore it either. I love Azula because I’m weak. You love your dad because you know that no matter what he did, it was for the best even though it hurt.” Y/N wiped at her cheeks. “You need to talk to him. Tell him everything you told me. He’s probably hurting because you’ve shut him out, but he’ll understand.” 

“I didn’t mean to make you cry,” Katara sniffled. 

Y/N gave Katara’s hand another squeeze, not trusting her voice at the moment. She wished she had the courage to ask what was going to happen to her. It meant so much more now, but they were both teary-eyed and vulnerable; Y/N wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer. 

There were always distractions on the deck while Y/N and Sokka sparred, other warriors stood around eating, talking, watching them; the two of them had gotten used to it and ignored most of the voices, focusing on the task at hand. The difference that morning being that Aang was awake, and Aang didn’t know that she wasn’t their enemy anymore. 

“What are you doing?!” Aang’s voice broke through her concentration. A small gust of wind knocked her to one knee. Sokka’s inexperience didn’t give him the ability to pull back when going in for a strike and his sword glanced across her leg. 

Y/N didn’t feel it right away, in fact she thought he had missed until she looked down and saw the hole in her pants and the blood seeping through the fabric. It was the first blood they’d draw while sparring, and in the back of Y/N’s mind, she was thankful it was hers and not Sokka’s. 

“Oh shit. Oh shit, I am so sorry.” Sokka grasped her wrist and pulled it away so he could look at the wound. “Katara?!”

“It’s just a scratch.” Y/N waved her away after noticing that Aang was leaning heavily on his staff after airbending at her. “I’m fine, Katara.” 

“It’s like the size of my hand. Let her heal it,” Sokka protested. 

“Sokka,” Y/N growled through her teeth. “Let her help Aang first.” 

---

“Sorry, Aang. We should have told you when you woke up last night. I just didn’t want to overwhelm you,” Katara explained as she mended the gash on Y/N’s leg. The water soothed the sting, and when she was done all that was left was a pink scar. 

Aang rubbed his neck. “Sorry, Y/N.”

“No harm done. I probably would have reacted the same way if I saw someone beating up on my friend,” Y/N reassured. 

“You weren’t beating up on me,” Sokka muttered. He was quickly silenced with an elbow to the ribs, courtesy of Toph. 

“Maybe we should tell Twinkle-Toes what’s happened these last couple weeks.”

“Right, so after Ba Sing Se, we had to get you to safety. We went to Chameleon Bay and found Dad and the rest of his fleet. But the bay was full of Fire Nation ships and we wouldn’t stand a chance against them. So, we stole one.” Sokka gestured happily around him.

“So, what now?” Aang asked. “What are we going to do now that I’m awake?”

“My dad and I have been working on the invasion plan,” Sokka said. 

Y/N knew of the invasion plan. They didn’t act like they were trying to hide the plans from her, but it wasn’t like they included her in them either. 

“We won’t have the Earth King’s armies but we’ll have our allies from the Earth Kingdom, the eclipse and a surprise on our side.” Sokka wiggled his eyebrows. 

“What’s the surprise?” Aang asked suspiciously.

“You! The whole world thinks you’re dead! Isn’t that great?” Sokka jumped to his feet.

“Great?!” Aang stood up too, albeit unsteady, and leaned over the railing. “That’s terrible!”

“No, it’s great.” Sokka countered. “The Fire Nation won’t be hunting us anymore and they won’t expect you the day of Black Sun.” 

“No, no, no! You have no idea. This is so messed up!” Aang ran his hands through his short hair and opened his mouth to say something else when a foghorn interrupted him. 

Everyone’s faces whipped around in the direction of the sound. A Fire Nation ship was approaching. 

---

The five of them huddled on the staircase that led below deck, each one peeking their eyes (or ears) over the railing to catch what was happening. A metal gangplank was dropped between the ships and two soldiers and their captain approached Bato and Hakoda. Words were exchanged between the men but Y/N couldn’t hear a thing. 

“Gods, he looks familiar,” Y/N mumbled to herself. 

“Something’s wrong. They know!” Toph grabbed the edge and was about to haul herself over to tell everyone. 

But Y/N grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back. “Wait.”

“What?!” she shrieked. 

Y/N ran up the steps. Sokka grabbed her calf but she shook him off and put on her most confident walk; long legged strides and her billowing cape hid her shaking hands. Y/N still wasn’t sure what she was doing. 

“Captain, what is going on?” She blinked at Hakoda and begged the spirits to tell him what she was doing. 

“My Lady,” He said gravely and Y/N held back a smile. “This Captain tells us that we need to be headed back to Ba Sing Se to support the occupation there.”

“Absolutely not!” She shouted.  

She stepped up on the gangplank and walked towards the three enemy soldiers who had frozen in the middle at her voice. “What is your name?” she pointed at the Captain.

He looked at her, taken aback. “I am Captain Sato. And who are you?” 

His eyes moved up and down her body and she stood a little taller. She put on her most diplomatic voice. “My name is Y/N, daughter of Commander Zhang. Right now you are delaying a very important mission. I command you to disembark our ship immediately and let us be on our way.”

Captain Sato let out a chuckle. “And what mission would that be? Your Captain is heading in the opposite direction of where he should be going and doesn’t even know which Admiral is in charge.” 

“That’s the point, you idiot! I’m on a secret mission for Fire Princess Azula; one of which you aren’t privy to the facts of and neither are they! Get off my ship!” 

He took an intimidating step towards her but Y/N didn’t back down. “I will be sending a messenger hawk to Capital City to confirm this, of course.” His voice was slimy, and she finally knew where she recognized him from. Some dinner party or something. His eyes always lingered too long. 

“You can do that, but know that I will be sending my own to make sure you are stripped of your title, stripped of your ship and you will go back to the Fire Nation as a disgrace. How does that sound, Captain Sato?” she sneered. 

She was met with silence. His face was red and he was breathing heavily. He wasn’t going to risk his job for his, Y/N knew it. “You’re free to go, My Lady.”

“Yes I am,” she growled. 

She marched back to Hakoda and Bato with wide eyes. She stood shoulder to shoulder with them as the Fire Nation ship pulled away. 

Toph grabbed her from behind and spun her around. “Y/N, I laughed so hard when you said you were going to strip him of his title, I thought they were going to be able to hear me.” The younger girl threw her head back and laughed some more. “Who even says ‘privy’?”

“You did good, kid.” Hakoda patted her shoulder, and that little action took a huge weight off her shoulders. Y/N let herself laugh loudly and freely along with Toph; she laughed so hard that she could barely pull a breath back in. 

“I–I don’t even remember what I said. I think I blacked out.” Y/N giggled again and she felt good. 

---

The ship docked in a Fire Nation port at dusk. Food was getting low on the ship but that was just the essentials they needed. It was also exhausting being at sea for so long. They all needed to stretch their legs on dry land. 

Toph, Sokka and Y/N waited just inside of town. It was beginning to get dark outside and Sokka was pacing. “Where are they? I’m starving.” 

“Calm down, Snoozles,” Toph said. “Katara said they’d be right behind us.”

“But what if they got captured? We are in the Fire Nation.” Without meaning it, he looked very pointedly at Y/N. She in turn, focused her eyes anywhere but him. 

“Wait!” Toph said. “I can hear Katara…” She trailed off and gave them both a confused look. “It’s just Katara.”

Y/N followed Sokka and Toph as they ran to meet her. 

“There you are!” Katara’s cheeks were red from running. “Aang is gone.”

“What? Where did he go?” Sokka inquired. 

“I don’t know! He said–he said he needed to redeem himself. He took his glider and left! I think he wants to finish this on his own. He said he needed to defeat the Fire Lord alone.” Katara shook her head, not even she could understand the reasoning behind it. 

“Well come on! We have to go find him!” Toph was already running back in the direction of the ship. Y/N hesitated, but then followed them. The least she could do is give them a proper send off when they took Appa. 

---

Katara climbed up and took the reins while Sokka and Toph clamored up into the saddle. Y/N opened her mouth, but she didn’t even know what to say. Was good-bye something even appropriate? Good luck? Sokka interrupted her thoughts and she realized she was standing there staring at them like a fish out of water. “What are you doing?”

“Saying goodbye?” Y/N replied. 

“Why are you saying goodbye?” Toph asked. She nudged Sokka in the arm. “Why is she saying goodbye?” 

“I’m not a part of your team.” Sokka and Katara shared a look. Y/N felt stupid, like she was missing something very important. 

“You’re coming with us,” Katara declared. “We thought you knew. You became a part of this the moment you fought with us, fought for us. Aang would want you here. I–We want you here.”

Y/N couldn’t help the small smile that drifted across her face. Finally, here was her answer. And it was as simple as Sokka leaning down to grab her hand and help her climb up Appa. She finally had a cause that she could be proud to serve. Because this was what it was all for; uniting the nations. And here they were, five kids doing it themselves on the back of a sky bison.

---

A/N: How do we feel, guys? Send me asks and messages bc i love hearing your feedback ❤️

I think I’m gonna let Toph say fuck in this fic. I don’t know exactly how Katara’s healing powers work when it comes to severity of wounds so I’m just making it up as I go. Also, I don’t know if I’ve made Y/N sound passive at all because of how Azula treated her but I want all of you to know that that is not her in my head at all. She is aggressive and vindictive, and despite all of her internal monologuing, she actually hates being told what to do. 

Taglist: @myexgirlfriendisthemoon @reclusive-chicken-nugget @astroninaaa @aangsupremacy @beifongsss @crownofcryptids @welovediaaxx @littlefluu @lozzybowe @thebluelcdy @ohjustlookalive @sugarmoongey @fanficdepot @teenbiology @13-09-01 @riespage @davnwillcome @naanlianid @creation-magician @lunariasilver @vintagerose1014516 @bcifcng @rockinearthbending-marauders @francesciak @thia-aep @aphrcditeee @milk-n-cheese @solarsuki @sendnuwudes @humbleseame @my--shitty--art @lovingcupcake51002 @loganrwebb

#atla #atla sokka #avatar the last airbender #avatar: the last airbender #avatar #avatar fic #atla fics #sokka x reader #sokka x you #sokka x y/n #katara #mai #ty lee #zuko #toph beifong #azula #hakoda #bato #bakoda is fucking real in here too y'all #suki

[muffinlance]

Hi Muffin! I rlly want to write, & love writing character interactions, but whenever I go "ok brain, it's time to come up with a Plot" my brain is like "I can offer u a vibe, mayhaps a character arc you'd like to see, but No Specifics! Only vibe" :// I rlly admire your Powers of Plot; do you have any advice or tips on How To Make The Plot Exist? If you've already answered something like this/don't want to, I'm so sorry, just take my well-wishes & dw abt it 😅 Sending good vibes your way!!

Okay, so! A good character arc can be a plot. I'll focus on that type of story, since it seems like your style already leans that way.

I'll be using Salvage as an example, 'cause that's my most character-arc-focused story. The plot is unashamedly "Hakoda adopts one (1) prickly Fire Prince". People know exactly what's gonna happen going in, but I'm still getting compliments on the "complex plot". No. No, the plot is not complex, the plot is dead simple. Let us examine how I window dressed it so it feels complex.

Multiple Simultaneous (But Out of Sync) Character Arcs: Everyone on that crew is going to adopt Zuko, and Zuko is going to kick and scream and be adopted. These are givens, no particular tension there. Generally when you're running a character arc focused story, the reader already knows the outcome; the trick to keeping them engaged is the timing. By having the crew accept Zuko at different times and after different triggers (Kustaa is pretty much on board as soon as this half-dead teen starts grumping at his "Uncle", Toklo falls in love at first warm bath, Bato through burn bonding, etc), it feels like I'm doing a plot. Hakoda and Zuko themselves are saved for last, because that's what people most want to see.

Have you ever read a fic where the writer gets to the "good part" too early? AKA, the thing you really wanted to happen finishes in like, chapter two, and you're sitting there with a vaguely unfulfilled feeling because it was too easy? That's what you want to avoid.

On the other extreme, there's the "we're 40 chapters in and it doesn't make sense that they still hate each other" fics.

Whatever your key character arc is, make sure you're only drawing it out as long as it makes sense. And don't be afraid to sprinkle sweet sweet breadcrumbs of progress. In my story, that would be Hakoda realizing more and more that he is dealing with an Actual Child and adjusting accordingly.

EX: At the start of the story he almost guts Zuko for accidentally bending; by the time Bato comes aboard, he's ready to talk the kid down from a just-burned-someone panic attack. I maintain tension not with Hakoda unrealistically clinging to his assumptions about this kid, but by having him and Zuko out of sync--Hakoda trusts Zuko not to intentionally hurt his crew. Zuko does not trust Hakoda not to hurt him. Note that Zuko himself is also progressing, though--his actions show he's much more relaxed around the crew, and is starting to trust that when Hakoda says things he won't just change them.

Which is exactly the problem in the Bato chapter: Zuko trusts Hakoda to follow through on his word. Meanwhile, Hakoda made that "firebend and I kill you" rule back before he knew Zuko. Natural tension! Natural tension based in character growth!

External Driving Events (positive AND negative): Character arcs are internal affairs; external events help prod them along. Think to yourself what events--positive and negative--will help push things in the right direction. You want to roughly alternate these, as a general rule, though they can be weighted differently in the narrative.

EX: in the early chapters, Zuko aggravated the crew A Lot over multiple consecutive instances. Then I did the laundry scene where there was relatively pleasant bonding and This Explains So Much. Narratively, there was about equal word count given to all the small aggravations as the laundry scene, so even though it was one positive event v many negative, it felt "in balance" to reader!brains.

Mind you that events don't need to be action-packed: "doing laundry" is not exactly a chase scene. But it was emotionally satisfying, which is what a character arc story needs.

Background Noise: The size of your story (short, novella, novel, series) will determine how much you want to play with this, but background noise is key for making a world and character interactions feel real/lived in. These are the little things like having a ship dog--Scuttles/Sokka/Seal Jerky is not plot necessary. But having him there fleshes out the personality of scenes in small but "this feels authentic" ways--like the crew teasing Hakoda by calling him "Sokka", and later the crew siding with Zuko on calling him "Seal Jerky" to tease Bato, the OG Dog Namer. Background noise, as a general rule, should not revolve around your main characters--its a natural consequence of the background characters also being people who are living their lives with their own realistic character dynamics.

TL;DR: have multiple character arcs that progress naturally. Keep them out of sync to maintain tension. Use external events to prod development forward; make sure to alternate positive and negative events. Show that the minor characters are also Real People by incorporating background noise.

Now go write something, 'cause that's the only way you'll ever actually figure this out.

#writing stuff #I really really like background noise #it's also the little things like Navy benders keeping track of time and direction with the sun #and the inland Water Tribes having different cultures than the costal ones

[book-of-charlie]

Zukka Goes to a Ball

Hi, this was supposed to be a fluffy oneshot, but then i wrote out the bullet points, and if I write it later I will add a link to it here but for now it’s gonna be a bullet point fic lads, enjoy

(also I wrote this at like 2 am so I’m sorry for the inevitable spelling mistakes and slight rambling)

~~

AU where Iroh took the throne after Lu Ten died, Ozai was cast out for disrespecting Azulon, Zuko and Azula and Ursa had the option to stay and so they did and Zuko and Azula (especially) are better for it, and so Iroh did all the good shit, opening up trade routes and rebuilding the nations and removing the laws that outlawed homosexuality

Aang is still found when Katara and Sokka are out fishing, but the village is being rebuilt, the men are home, and with the Northern Water Tribe’s help, the two tribes have pooled their resources and customs together to preserve the customs they have/had, but also listened to people like Yue, Sokka, and Katara to see what should be done/changed to help make the future better

The customs mean that Sokka and Katara now have the labels of Prince and Princess of the Southern Water Tribe, just like Yue 

But the customs of arranged marriage and waterbending teachings are looser, so Katara is taught by Pakku, who marries their grandmother and they grow up with him as a grandfather

Kya is still dead, the last raid happened right before Iroh took the throne

Aang and Katara spent some time together, fell in love, have been together ever since

Yue and Sokka were engaged (and in love), until the moon thing happened; it happened bc Zhao was a follower of Ozai, and Ozai has gained a group of supporters who prefer Sozin’s, Azulon’s, and Ozai’s ways to that of Iroh’s - and Zhao snuck into the Northern Water Tribe and killed the fish, and Yue gave her life to save it

Sokka is devastated, and the Water Tribes are ready for war, but still hope for peace after so much devastation

Iroh, Hakoda, and Arnook meet to try and solve these things without war, and Iroh explains what happened in the past with Azulon and Ozai, and why the Northern Water Tribe was attacked

The three leaders decide that an all nations ball should be held, and that a union between the Fire Nation and the Water Tribes would be the best way to smooth things over, and to show solidarity

So its decided that either Katara or Sokka must marry Zuko or Azula

Katara is in love with Aang, and so Sokka knows he must be the one to marry into the Fire Nation Royal Family

He talks about this to katara, who thanks him like hell for not separating her and Aang (not that she expected him to, but it’s a relief)

Aang finds out and thanks him too, and tells him that as the Avatar and as the only representative for the Air Nation, hes been invited and that bc sokka is his family too he will smite Azula or Zuko if they hurt him

He knows Aang wouldn't hurt a fly (seriously, how is he a vegetarian in the freaking South Pole), but he appreciates that Aang and Katara will be there to watch his back

he’s not too upset about being the one to marry bc he knows his sister will be happy, but honestly hates that this is happening at all bc Yue is dead

katara and aang distract him from these thoughts by asking him wether he think’s he’ll be drawn to the prince or the princess (bc sokka is bi and both have known that for ages)

he’s not sure, say’s he’ll see

In the fire nation, Iroh talks to Ursa, and they both talk to Zuko and Azula

They dont know about Aang and Katara, so Zuko and Azula talk about both Katara and Sokka

Azula is still a bit manipulative, but is working on it, and Zuko trusts her enough to tell her that he hopes that he doesn’t have to marry the Southern Princess

Azula asks why, and Zuko admits he likes boys

Azula is silent for a bit, and then says that she hopes she wont have to marry either one of them because she, Ty Lee, and Mai are dating

Zuko swears that she won’t have to stop dating them, that he will be the one to marry

azula and ty lee and mai are v grateful and vow to back him up and kick water tribe ass if whichever one he marries hurts him

in other news, Suki is at the ball as Earth King Kuei’s plus one/bodyguard, and she and azula hit it off so Suki ends up eventually dating Mai and ty Lee and azula as well

back to our regularly scheduled program

Before the ball, Sokka is getting ready with Chief Arnook (Hakoda is getting ready with Bato bc they dating bc I said so)

Sokka says “i loved her, you know. And I will do this for our tribes, and even if I do learn to love whichever of them I’m to marry, I’m not sure I can ever stop loving her, and I want you to know that I did.”

And hes awkward about it, but Arnook hugs him, and says “She loved you so much, Sokka. And she would want you to be happy, as I’m sure you know.” Then he pulls back.

“I know we are technically two separate tribes, but I want you to know, I still consider you a son.” Sokka cries a little, and nods, happy that he has the blessing of the man who was supposed to be his father in law. Sokkas just happy that he can still have that, and smiles at Yue as she rises to look over the ball

Shes smiling cause she knows whats about to happen, and does indeed wish sokka to be happy as he can and will be

Hakoda and Bato come to wish Sokka good luck, bc Sokka and Katara and Aang already talked to them about how Katara and Aang intend to stay together, 

Hakoda mentions how proud he is and sokka has to wipe a few tears from his eyes

Iroh and Ursa know the same thing about Zuko and Azula and Mai and Ty Lee, and both wish Zuko luck as well

Iroh makes sure to say how proud he is, and that Zuko is an honorable man

zuko def isnt crying, nope, but he wipes his tears away and carries on 

So Azula and Katara are both planning on pushing Zuko and Sokka towards each other, but honestly there doesnt need to be any pushing

The ball attendees, excluding the royals of each Nation (and the Avatar), get to the ballroom, and the doors open for the royals (who are all announced by name), and of course everyone knows what the ball is for (security is quadrupled, from all the nations)

First comes Fire Lord Iroh, followed by Lady Ursa

Next comes in King Kuei

Next is Chief Arnook

Then Hakoda and Bato

Then Zuko and Azula

Then Aang

And lastly, Sokka and Katara

Zuko and Azula are standing by Iroh’s throne, and as the water tribe royals walk in, Sokka and Zuko make eye contact

And both are so smitten with each other

And at some point, it is asked that at least one of the young fire nation and water tribe royals dance together

And Zuko and Sokka look at each other and grasp each others hands and dance

its a slow waltz

And they just look so right together, the two princes

And they go out on the balcony and talk

Zuko says he wants to get to know sokka better, and sokka agrees

But is hesitant still, and asks zuko if he knows why the ball was happening

Zuko kinda shrugs, and says “there was an attack on the NWT, by firebenders loyal to my father, whos a huge asshole and im glad hes not on the throne. Uncle wanted to prove that hes not his brother, which leads to me having to marry, well, you.” 

Sokka nods. “So they didn't tell you.”

“Tell me what?” Zuko asked, confused

“The attack on the NWT. The mission was to kill the moon spirit.” Zuko gasped, quickly checking that the full moon was in the sky, which it was. He knew what it meant, what would have happened to the waterbenders.

“They didn’t succeed, though, clearly.” He says, trying for comforting. Sokka laughed, harshly, without humor.

“They did, actually. Zhao - former Commander, now Admiral of Ozai’s followers - he killed it. My fiance, Princess Yue of the Northern Water Tribe, had a little bit of life from the moon spirit in her. To save us all, she decided to, according to her father, give it back.”

Sokka looks over to Zuko, who’s horrified

“So they’re expecting you to marry me? That’s kinda fucked up, especially if you loved her as much as it sounds like you do.”

Sokka nods. “Look, Zuko, I like you. I can tell already, I do. But,” and here he looks up at the moon, at Yue, “I will never stop loving her.” Looks back to Zuko “She will always have a part of me, and I need you to understand that if we’re supposed to marry each other.”

Zuko nods, understanding entirely. “It wasnt fair, and I would never ask you to stop loving her. I also can tell that I like you too, Sokka, and I’m willing to follow your lead on this. You clearly did love her, and I completely understand that you will continue to. I’m not…” Zuko takes a deep breath.

“I’m not going to ask you to betray your customs, your family, or any past love. I don’t want you to stop loving her, especially not when you clearly love her so much. And I’m willing to wait as long as you need and/or want to.”

Zuko’s nearly out of breath and hes being so honest it hurts, and Sokka’s crying a little so Zuko freaks out and thinks he said the wrong thing but Sokka is quick to reassure him that he said and did everything right

And they go back inside, together, and everyone looks at them, clearly expecting some kind of announcement here

And Sokka steps up, no longer teary eyed (mostly) and says: “I, Prince Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, with blessings from both Water Tribes, ask for permission from the Fire Lord to court Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation.”

Hakoda, Bato, Arnook, Ursa, and Iroh are all by Iroh’s throne, and all of them step up. The guests had already parted the way. Katara and Azula are standing slightly to the side, but still nearby.  

“I, Fire Lord Iroh, give permission to Prince Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe to court Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation, but only if Prince Zuko agrees to it.”

Both sokka and Zuko sigh in relief, smile, and nod at each other in agreement. Its Zuko’s turn to step up.

“I, Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation, agree to be courted by Prince Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, with blessings from Fire Lord Iroh. I ask for permission from the Chiefs of both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes to court Prince Sokka.”

Hakoda and Arnook step up. Arnook speaks first. “I give my permission for Prince Sokka to be courted by Prince Zuko.” Hakoda is next. “I also give my permission for Prince Sokka to be courted by Prince Zuko, as long as Prince Sokka agrees to it.” 

Sokka smiles at Zuko, and they hold hands to show solidarity between nations. And maybe bc they wanted to

Their sisters and (partners of said sisters) come up to them, smiling

Katara and Aang hug sokka, saying theyre proud of him, but also still thanking him

Azula punches sokka and says to be good to her big brother or else

Sokka says yes ma’am

Katara threatens Zuko, who also responds with a yes ma’am

Azula and Katara shake hands, which scares the ever living fuck out of everyone except Toph who laughs

Shes here bc shes a fuckin beifong 

Aang trained with Pakku already (and katara of course) but has been looking for an earthbending teacher, and so convinces Toph to teach him bc bumi gave him the same advice here as in the show

Her parents aren’t entirely convinced, but Iroh offers to have the Beifongs stay (for business reasons, of course, winking at Aang and Toph), and that Toph will be safe here and can make new friends and future alliances between nations, which convinces them enough to agree to stay for a while

Sokka and Katara had to stay anyway of course, and Aang stays with Katara (and hey, wouldnt it be good if he could learn earth and firebending while at the palace), but everyone else went home

Shenanigans ensue

Zuko and sokka get closer as friends

And still really, really, really like each other

And of course theyre courting each other but soon they start like, dating dating

And fall in love

And live happily

Maybe Ozai tries to ruin their happiness but Toph punches him in his stupid face so its all good

#zukka #zukka fics #zuko #sokka

[theormostat-terminator]

The essey I promised about the first chapter of book 2 of TAOB

@hella1975 here you fucking go;

Firstly, I wasn't expecting it to start off pretty much where it left off with Zuko. (just a thought, not part of the actual thing, just wanted that out there) 

You can just feel from the way how he's losing hope and as he said that "in the beginning he thought he could escape" like,, first he probably thought he could take the guards and blue spirit his ass out of there, and later when he knew that wasn’t possible he probably wasn’t sure the SWT gang would come to save him, since crappy self-esteem and self-worth, but he was hoping, maybe for weeks, that the others would come save him. 

I can just imagine the first time he thought he saw Hakoda, in his sleep deprived, starved, depressed state, he was probably so happy and relieved but then when he realized it wasn’t real... that’s probably around the time he realized no one was coming to save him. That in itself just breaks my heart.

Also I just love how he just takes Zi Se under his wing immediately. How he tries to protect him is just *chef’s kiss* but then also realizes that, even though Zi Se is small and LITERALLY FIVE (i thought he was gonna be older,, like 7 or sumn) he already has had to learn how to survive in literal prison. 

That fact also kinda makes me imagine how even though Zuko is an awkward little turtleduck, he woulda tried to make it easier for Zi Se. Like, if someone died or got taken and is getting beat up, he would just sing or hum to Zi Se to help him sleep or to keep him distracted from the noises and maybe try to play a game quietly to keep him from seeing unnecessarily traumatizing things, (bodies, bad wounds, I can imagine Chan eating another dead cellmate as well *shudder*) and he would like, teach him games or sumn. Trying to give him a chance to be a kid cuz for all Zuko knows, they could be dead the next day.

AND THEN HE WENT AND MENTIONED UNCLE IROH! He better get those swords from Iroh when they meet up again!!

But whenever there’s sumn bad that happened and the people who are currently in said bad situation start talking about happy plans or sumn that was supposed to happen before shit hit the fan... it always makes me sad.

AND THE FUCKING LOTUS TILE MAKES ME WANT TO SCREAM AND BAWL MY EYES OUT OML-

Them the OTHER THING that broke me; Zi Se asking Zuko to teach him how to meditate and then him thinking of Nanook and Tomkin and how hard he’s trying to block out the memories because they hurt too much im- IM IN SHAMBLES

“It was almost impressive, how quickly they’d taught Zuko to fear fire.”

THAT LINE! Because it probably took a long time to get over his fear of fire the first time he got burnt. And now he would have to relearn to now fear his own element. I’m imagining again how when he reunites with the SWT gang and meets with the Gaang how they all know him as very eager to bend fire etc. But now he refuses to use firebending unless it’s the only option and how he’d only use his swords to fight and I’m just... I break my very own heart with these headcanons and thoughts of what could happen. 

AND NOW TO THE SWT 

 I LOVE HOW HAKODA IS LIKE “BRO WTF, YALL ARE KIDS WHAT YA DOING FIGHTING A WAR THAT SHOULDN’T BE YOURS TO BEGIN WITH?!” 

Also just the shock of the “last time i saw my kids they were small and Sokka was so scrawny and katara barely could make small waves. And now they’re soldiers in this damned war.” 

Also I don’t know what I was expecting but how quick the it went from, “yeet, to the north pole” to “DAMN BA SING SE FUCKING FELL WTF-” was not it.

And I can just feel the pain Hakoda feels from being separated from his kids again so fast.

And like, I gET IT, we’re supposed to like Bato and he didn’t have a chance to be emotionally attached to Zuko. BUT WHY IS HE MAKING ME SO ANGRY LIKE AJOJLKJALFJOPWJPAOJFOIHOF. GO KILL FONG IDC BATO DON’T STOP THEM ISTFG!!!! 

And when it switched back to Zuko I was lowkey waiting for Fong to be like. “Look at this prison we have. Look how secure it is. Look how hopeless we’ve got these criminals to be.” And then they like line the prisoners in the courtyard and Zuko’s like holding Zi Se and ready to whisk him away from danger and like he’d be looking at the ground cuz they weren’t allowed to look the warden/guards in the eyes without getting beat up and he doesn’t wanna put Zi Se in danger and then he doesn’t relaize Hakoda and the others are there and when he hears his voice he’s either like “this shit is another hallucination” or whips his head up and sees them and the SWT STILL HAS TO BE LIKE COMPOSED AND NOT CAUSE A FIGHT BUT ZUKO’S RRIGHT THERE AND-  okay i’m getting carried away with what i thought was gonna happen. 

AND I KNOW IT’S SAD AND ALL BUT IT JUST MAKES ME HAPPY ZUKO HAS FINALLY FINALIZED HIS THOUGHT ABOUT OZAI AND HOW shITTY HE IS YES!

AND THE THING ABOYT HOW HE USED TO SCREAM HIS THORAT RAW WHEN BEING BEAT UP/BURNED BUT NOW HE DIDn’T JSUT TELLS VOLUMES, LIKE HOW OGFTEN DID THIS HAPPEN FOR HIM TO GET USED TO IT MY POOr BABY!!!!

The whole pendant thing was so sweet, in the middle of all that, JUST SO SWEET THANK YOU.

And it makes me sad how they have to fight for food and how Zuko is mostly doing it for Zi Se... HE IS SO SWEET BUT THIS IS SO SAD!!!??!?!?!?!

anD LASTLY THE FUCKING AUTOGRAPH THING.

THat was what finally broke me and made me cry cuz like. They were lowkey fighting(not really but kinda) and then he went to buy it but never got to give it and now he’s keeping it there and I can just feel how he’s like, regretting getting mad over something so trivial and now he won’t get to give the apology autograph (i honestly have bad memory so i don’t remmember if they made up or not so Hella if you could clarify that, then yey)

And like i’m just... There’s just so many emotions.

Your writing is amazing and really makes me feel things. I missed this so much and I’m glad you’re continuing it after THREE FUCKING WEEKS!!! I hope you don’t get tired of writing it and abandon the work, that’s my big fear when it comes to long fics that are good and unfinished, that the author doesn’t want to continue it anymore. :(

But yes, this is the end of this essey, sorry it was so long and uninteresting lmao. either way, Love your work, you have an amazing talent with writing, LOVE YOU OMFG.

#Okay gonna go cry over this fic again. #Heartbreaker Hella #the dream wrecker #my hopes of happiness #they are gone for the next few chapters #let us all cry #let's cry like Tomkin with his autograph #no i will never get over it

[kigozula]

A Sokkla Fic inspired by the Story of Jake Long & Rose from American Dragon. Sokka finds out who is Love really is and an adventure is beginning. Will Azula and Sokka be able to live their love?

Chapter 5

They had gathered in the Tea Shop as ever. Lu Ten brew the tea for everyone and joined the three friends at the table, who were having an important conversation.

"See, I've asked some Water Fighters to search for any signs of the Hunstclan, and they found a not-so-secret-lair." Haru explained.

"According to what they told me, it's an academy for young members of the Huntsclan to train."

Sokka smiled and stood up from his chair enthusiastically. "Azula could be there too! We have to go there Haru."

"Yeah, just storm inside and take her, right? Everyone would be okay with that I'm sure." said Toph.

Lu Ten was standing while sipping form his tea. "The only way to get there is undercover. I mean, if you could act like members of the Huntsclan, people wouldn't recognize you anytime soon."

"The problem is, where to find suits?" asked Haru.

"I'm sure some members are walking in and outside, we could just take it from them." said Sokka.

"Sounds dangerous to me Sokka." Haru seemed unsure. "What if they manage to reach the academy?"

"Then we just look that it doesn't come to that."

Everyone gave him skeptical looks.

Toph broke the silence. "Sokka look, I know you want to go to her as quick as possible, but what tells you that she wants to come with you? What if she doesn't even want you?"

"She wants to, I'm sure Toph." Sokka was sure. He wanted to be at least. Granted, part of him feared she would reject him, but deep down he believed, she loved him and wants him back too. And even if she wouldn't want him, he still wanted to make sure she is safe.

"Then it's time to find out if she does or not. You can never know if you never reach her." Lu Ten, supportive as ever gave Sokka an encouraging smile. "I also know a way to easy our plan."

With that he went to a room behind the kitchen and needed some minutes to find what he was looking for. He came back with two Huntsclan suits.

"Hakoda once ambushed two members and since then, we keep the suits in case we'll need it one day. Seems to me like that day is today." he said and winked.

And that was enough for Sokka and Haru to plan through everything. They've put the suits on and went to the lair.

Entering the academy, they were surprised of how large it was inside. They walked until they arrived a room full of students and it looked like it was a cafeteria.

"Oh hey, are you two new?" asked a girl who looked lovestruck at Haru.

"Ehhmm...yeah." Haru got shy.

Sokka's eyes kept searching for any signs of Azula. And he saw her.

"Azula" he whispred.

There she was. Looking beautiful as ever. His heart warmed up immidiately. Happiness took over him. He had to hold back from calling her name aloud and run to her, so that he could give her a hug.

She was walking through the exit.

Sokka looked back at Haru who was surrounded by two girls who were having a discussion over him.

"I saw him first, you better go!" said one of them.

"I go? We'll see who is gonna go!"

Sokka grabbed Haru by his arm who was confused by the girl's behavior and walked in Azula's direction. Busy with fighting, the girls didn't even notice them going.

Unbeknownst to Sokka, Azula noticed the strange guy looking at her. She walked into her room and left the door ajar. Sokka and Haru went into her room. No one was inside.

With a cry, Azula jumped on Sokka and grabbed his arms.

Haru was shocked and Sokka in pain.

"Azula, hey it's me."

She stopped. "Sokka?" Haru put out his mask and greeted her by waving a hand. "Haru?"

She let Sokka stand up. He put out his mask too and only then did Azula realize how much she had missed these emotions in his eyes as well as that huge smile he only showed her.

After a short explanation of how they've found Azula, Sokka wanted to start the next step.

"I'm happy I've finally found you Azula." he said blushing and making her blush in return.

She looked away shortly and Haru coughed when he felt the weird tension in the room.

"Ehm, what now?" he asked.

Sokka made some steps towards Azula.

"Azula, you have to come with us. I mean if you would like to." He was nervous and feared her answer. "If you worry about the Huntsmaster, I can protect you Azula. You don't need to worry about him!"

She was truly flattered. But things were more serious than Sokka thought she believed.

"Sokka, the Huntsmaster is displeased with me. Displeased because I missed my chance to become a full member of the Huntsclan by slaying you." Azula started explaining.

"I'm in charge of training the younger students currently. I can't just leave the academy, let along the Huntsclan. I can't do it just like that."

"But Azula..." Sokka wanted to say something, but Azula interrupted him.

"Besides, Zhao is planning something huge. He didn't even tell me exactly what it is, but I know it's important to him and also dangerous. Even if I could leave, I'd much rather keep an eye on him." she looked into Sokka's eyes and saw worry in them.

"But you can at least come back to school. What does it take for you to come back to your usual life?" he asked her.

Azula's eyes narrowed at that and she closed her eyes shortly.

After a moment she opened them again. Those eyes that had been warm seconds ago turned cold.

"By slaying a Water Fighter."

Both Sokka and Haru were displeased by that answer.

Azula could only be "freer" by doing that?

Footsteps were heard outside and Azula gathered herself.

"I have to go now. Make sure to keep your masks on."

Before she could leave the room, Sokka's hand darted out and held her wrist.

"Azula"

She looked at him. And then at his hand.

"Try to behave inconspicuous. Both of you." And with that she left the room. Leaving behind a lost Sokka.

Haru wanted to reassure him, but he knew that was not helpful at the moment.

"Sokka, maybe we should go before they know who we are."

He didn't answer at first. His eyebrows narrowed and he clenched his fists.

"No! Not without her. I know exactly what to do." a smirk appeared on his face. "Haru, I need you to give me away."

"What?"

"Go out and tell them that it's me."

"Are you out of your mind Sokka?"

"Do as I say and trust me pal." he said with his hands on Haru's shoulders and smiled reassuringly at him. Haru was even more confused when Sokka turned his head to the door Azula left minutes ago and smiled.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The elevator went down. She was turned with her back to the grid that separated her from him. He looked at her deeply.

It took time, but in the end she let him convince her.

Sokka broke the silence.

"Are you ready?"

Azula turned around and watched his face.

"I am. Are you?"

He smiled at her answer. "Yes, I am ready. I can't wait for you to come back.

She smiled back. Just as she was the only person who could make him smile like that, he was the only one for her.

"I didn't know you are this crazy." she said at which he chuckled.

But it stopped when he saw how her face darkened again. She put her mask on and turned around.

Sokka slid his arm through the grid and grabbed her arm to make her turn around towards him.

"Honestly, I am not completely ready yet, Azula." he said. His voice and his face serious.

He pulled her towards the grid and slid his other arm through it too.

Azula didn't quite register what was happening when he carefully removed her mask from her face.

Sokka took her face in his hands and gave her a one last deep look before moving to kiss her lips.

She already closed her eyes when she understood what his intend was.

They shared their first kiss. It was not deep but emotional.

He had to separate from her when he felt the elevator. Still holding her face in his hands, he smiled at her reassuringly.

"Now I'm ready."

Azula smiled at that.

"We will pull through this successfully Sokka. Be careful."

She put her mask on again and turned to the door that would open and lead them to the arena. He waited till the last second before doing the same.

In the crowd Haru ran through the people until he found a place closer to the arena field.

Right now, he was definitely not okay with this. They were crazy. All three of them. Out of breath he regretted joining Sokka's utmost dangerous plan.

The Huntsmaster sat on the other side of the arena. A special place only made for Huntsmasters.

A younger member of the Clan made the announcement through a megaphone.

"Today, we gathered for one of the most important people in our clan. Huntsgirl will show us her loyalty, her strength, and her true self today. If she does that, she is going to be finally a full member. And by that I mean, she has to fight the Water Fighter till the bitter end and win!"

The crowd yelled and clapped.

"A Water Fighter has sneaked between us. Huntsgirl has made sure to bring him to Huntsman after some students suspected him to be a traitor."

Azula and Sokka moved to the center of the arena.

After a start sign, they started fighting. It was completely different from their fights in the past, for they were real enemies back then. Sokka always tried to be more careful, only shielding himself form her attacks after finding out the bitter truth of who she really was.

Today, both of them gave their best to pull off a realistic scene, yet still tried to be careful to not hurt each other.

It didn't take too long and they started with the main part of their plan.

They gave each other a look as a sign and Azula attacked with more power, moving to the edge of the arena so that Sokka would be trapped.

Azula breathed deeply and gave him a "final blow".

Sokka fell hard on his stomach. He drank an elixir he was hiding in his pocket and passed out.

The crowd cheered and Huntsmaster stood up to give a speech.

Haru knew this was all an act. Of course he knew, but he still couldn't help but worry about his friend anyways.

Huntsmaster walked towards Azula.

"Today, my most important student proved that she is worthier than ever to become a full member of our clan. She slayed the Water Fighter spy!"

Azula tried to give him a confident smile, innerly worrying about if they will be able to pull the rest of their plan.

"Huntsgirl, welcome back to our clan as a full member this time!"

Zhao gave her a pleased smile. Everything worked fine so far.

Two students carried Sokka away into a room. The person who slayed a Water Fighter is responsible to take care of the rest. This was ideal since Azula could get away with the plan without any problems arising.

In the evening, Azula and Haru waited for Sokka to gain conscious again.

After Sokka woke up, they all had a small cheer party in the room.

"Say, how come that you carry around a sleeping elixir?" asked Azula with narrowed eyebrows and a smile on her face.

"Lu Ten always gives me some stuff like that, in case I am going to need it. And today more than ever, I am glad he does." Sokka answered smiling too.

"I was unsure if you guys would be able to pull this through, but you did! It was a great idea to drink the sleeping elixir and pretend you're dead." said Haru. "You guys are crazy."

Azula and Sokka's smile grew at that comment.

"Enough with that now, you two have to go before anyone notices what's going on. Just put on your masks and jump out of this window." She opened the window while explaining them how to get out of the academy. "I'll make sure to distract anyone who may come across your way."

Sokka grew sad again. "But... but I don't want to leave you here Azula."

"Sokka, I'll come." she said, smiling at him reassuringly. "Trust me. The Huntsmaster told me I can go back with him to our usual place, so that I can still visit school. I'll be back Sokka, just wait a little longer."

Haru was the first to jump out of the window.

Sokka looked at Azula and they walked to the other mutually.

It was the tightest hug any of them experienced so far.

"I'll wait for you a little longer. I try to be patient but please don't take too long okay?" he told her.

Azula broke the hug, yet his arms stood still on her waist and she took his face into her hands.

"I'll come to you. Now go!"

He started climbing the window whilst holding her hand.

They didn't leave the others hand until Sokka finally jumped out.

They tried to leave the academy as carefully as possible, with Sokka stealing glances at the window Azula stood.

Azula waited a little longer in the room looking through the window until she couldn't see them anymore.

"I'll come to you Sokka!"

#sokkla #sokka #azula #atla #my love my enemy #kigozula

[bellatrixobsessed1]

Purple Pixie

Been feeling not so great about fics lately but I think that this one is sorta decent. Sokkla Saturday, week I lost count so I’m just gonna say 4. 

Summary: “I’ll dye my hair purple if you shave the beard.” Azula begins to regret making this deal.

Azula folds her arms over her chest and frowns. She is coming to realize that she might have gotten the short end of this deal. Sokka looks better--strikingly handsome, actually--for it and she looks utterly ridiculous. She wonders if that was the point.

She ties her hair up and tugs a furry hat over her head. At least there is a fine film of frost on the ground to justify her headwear. She slips on a pair of gloves and a fashion scarf as well before heading outside.

She should have called Sokka for a ride but she is frustrated with him. And yet she is on her way to his house. She wishes that she had waited to bring her car to the shop for a general check up.

She kicks up crunchy brown leaves as she walks along the sidewalk. It is still very early in the morning and the chill in the air makes the steam of her latte  look all the warmer. She takes a sip and then pulls her scarf to cover her nose. Likely it will be a soft shade of pink by the time she sets foot on Sokka’s porch.

“Hi Azula!” Jet calls from across the street.

She returns the greeting with a wave and hastily walks by before he can study her too closely.

Unlike her own family’s home, Sokka’s is decorated as warmly and cozily as ever. The sidewalk is lined with pumpkins and squashes of various sizes. In between each leans a bundle of decorative corn. A smiling scarecrow with button eyes and a joyful smile stands guard at the door next to a square of hay. Avoiding the leafy wreath hanging upon it, Azula gives the door a knock.

Sokka throws it open and inhales deeply. “Ah, glad you can make it! It smells like autumn! Come in, dad made apple pie.”

Azula fights to hang onto her bitter resentment. “Your father always makes very good pie.”

“We’ve got cider too!” Katara calls.

“Remind me to take some home for father and Zuzu.”

“Will do.”

She follows him into the house and takes a seat. Hakoda gives her a warm smile and a hello, “large or small slice.”

“Somewhere in between, thank you.” Azula replies.

“Take off that hat.” Sokka makes a sntach for it. She ducks under his arm and her knees collide with the table. She gives a soft hiss and Sokka rubs the back of his hands mumbling an apology. Her pout deepens and she is folding her arms again. “Come on, let me see it!”

“No, Sokka.”

“Come on…” he whines with a pout of his own.

“That wasn’t part of the deal.” She grumbles. “I said I’d do it but I never said I’d show it off.”

“You can see my results.” Sokka points out.

“Yes, well that was your own choice. I never said that you had to parade your misfortunes around.”

“I don’t have much of a choice, Azula. They don’t make chin hats.” He pauses. “Besides I think I look rather dashing without my beard.”

“That’s what I was trying to tell you.” She mutters. “But I liked my hair the way it was before.”

“Thanks for your sacrifice.” Katara whispers. “Dad and I didn’t have the heart to tell him that the beard wasn’t working for him.”

“Change is sometimes good.” Sokka remarks as Hakoda sets their plates down. Azula takes hers and jabs her fork into the slice with more force than needed.

“Not this one.” She grumbles. “It looks stupid.”

“It does not.”

“How do you know? You haven’t seen it yet.”

“Then let me have a look.” Without any further warning, he swipes her hat.

She slumps in her chair with an even deeper pout. Sokka grins and ruffles her hair. “You really did it!” He comments with a laugh. Her cheeks grow hot. “She really did it, Kat! Look!” He points, “purple pixie!” He pauses. “You didn’t cut your bangs though?”

“I needed something to salvage this.” She mumbles.

“I think that it looks cute.” Katara smiles.

Azula grabs her hat back and yanks it over her freshly cut and dyed locks. Her attention is now fully on that slice of apple pie. It certainly is as tasty as last year’s was. It is warmly sweet enough to pull her mind away from her disaster hair for just a moment.

“C’mon, I think that it looks nice.” Sokka’s playful grin softens into a more sympathetic smile.

Azula gives a pointed sniff.

“Do you want to sit outside?” He offers.

“No.”

“The woods look gorgeous this time of the year.”

“No.”

“Ya know what else looks gorgeous when it changes color?”

“Don’t.”

He elongates the silence. “Your hair.”

She inhales through her nose, picks up her plate and mutters, “I think I’m going to spend the evening watching shitty sports with your father.”

“Oooor, you can sit on the deck with your newly beardless and highly clever boyfriend.” He holds up an armful of flannel. “I already got the blanket and there’s a quilt on the chair outside so we can get extra cozy.”

“I hate you, Sokka. Really I do.”

“Aaand, I have two mugs of cider…”

“I made the cider, Sokka.” Katara interrupts.

“I’ll meet you on the deck.” Azula grumbles. She is greeted by a crisp breeze that is perfumed burning leaves, likely from the house down the road. She thinks fondly of the bonfire that her father is due to throw.

The breeze rattles the branches and the trees sneeze a plume of dried leaves in her direction.

“Do you still have that oldies album in your purse. The one that you stole from your dad?”

She nods. “I’m getting tired of carrying it around with me so you better find your ‘right time to listen to it’ moment soon.”

“Well it just so happens that I’d love to listen to it now.” He replies smugly and cups her hand around a hot mug of cider. She hands him the CD and makes room for him on the chair. He gestures for her to sit on his lap and wraps the quilt and blanket around her Rosemary Cloony and Frank Sinatra sing their odes to the season.

“This is nice, right? Watching the leaves fall.”

Azula nods, “it’s fine, I guess.”

“I really do like it, you know? The haircut and the purple.”

“You better.”

He kisses the top of her head. “I wouldn’t have agreed to that deal if I thought that it would look awful.”

Azula takes another drink from her cider and watches another cloud of leaves drift down.

“But if you really hate it, I don’t mind you dying it black again.” She feels his arms tighten around her torso.

She sighs. “I’ll keep it for a few days and see if I can get used to it.”

His eyes light up. “Great! Maybe next fall you can dye it blue!”

“Yeah. We’ll see.”

“It can be an autumn tradition; when the leaves change color your hair can…”

“Now you’re pushing it.” She rolls her eyes.

“I think that it’s a great idea.”

“Shut up and help me finish this slice of pie, Sokka.”

“Don’t mind if I do.”

She drinks in the rustle of the leaves as it mixes with the vintage tunes on the radio. Savors the smell of cooked apples and burning leaves. She leans into Sokka’s arms. She supposes that her autumn is off to a good start, all things considered.

#Avatar The Last Airbender #Azula #Sokka #Sokkla #Sokkla Saturday #Fanfiction

[mamahanu]

fanfic tag game

I was tagged by @dragonnan. Thanks, friend! I love these!

Questions:

Ao3 Name: HanukoYoukai

Fandoms: ~long inhale~ Well... I’ve been writing for a while. A long while. So... I’m just gonna follow dragonnan’s example. Bear with me. 

Currently writing fic for (that are posted/going to be posted):

Final Fantasy

MCU

Captain America

Spider-Man

Deadpool

Avatar: the Last Airbender

Currently finished and recently posted (yes... there are WIPs for these fandoms, and yes, I’m still working on them):

Dragon Prince

Merlin

Wrote fics years ago (and I may still revisit the fandom):

Glee (on FFN)

Harry Potter

Wrote 1 or 2 fics but won’t write more:

Diabolo

Weiss Kreuz

Fruits Basket (deleted... it was bad. I’m not sorry it’s gone)

Wolf’s Rain (see above)

Haven’t published any fics yet but have (or had) ideas ~cracks knuckles~:

Doctor Who 

The Legend of Zelda

How to Train Your Dragon

FireFly

Split/Glass (crossover idea... it’s outlined...)

Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn

The Flash

DC

All up and coming plans are subject to change depending on my whims as a creator. ;-)

Number of fics: I’m only going to count the fics that are currently posted between Ao3 and FFN. 

Spider-Man/MCU/Captain America/Deadpool: 16 (this includes the crossover with Final Fantasy)

Dragon Prince: 1

Merlin: 4

Harry Potter: 1

Glee: 2

Diabolo: 2

Weiss Kreuz: 1

Total: 27

1. Fic you spent the most time on: Omertà hands down. Wow that fic... I mean, just posting it took 10 months. And I started writing it way before I posted the first chapter so, I think I spent about a year and some change on it. 

2. Fic you spent the least time on: So This is Christmas. I was a pinch hitter for an Irondad Secret Santa. I got this one written in a few hours due to the deadline. 

3. Longest Fic: Again, Omertà. The final word count on this bad boy is 154,668. 30 chapters. It was supposed to be 10 chapters and about 50,000 words. That did NOT happen. 

4. Shortest Fic:  I Like Oatmeal. The word count is 652 and it is easily the shortest thing I’ve ever written so far. This was just a fun little crack fic that broke me into the Merlin fandom. 

5. Most hits: In all honesty, this is a very difficult one to answer because as far as I can tell, FFN does not record hits very well. My two highest fics for Ao3 are  Omertà with 8008 to date, and You are in Control, I Disappear with 5450 to date (but it’s porn, so surprise, surprise.) On FFN, the fic with the highest hits (if I did my month-by-month math right) is The Trouble with Gossip (using the Ao3 link) with 6102 hits to date .

6. Most kudos:  Omertà again. Really, y’all should read it. It’s pretty good. ;-)

7. Most comment threads/ reviews: Want to guess? You got it! It’s Omertà! You all are so smart. :-)

8. Fave Fic you wrote: What? These are my babies. These are my blood, sweat, and tears. You want me to pick a favorite? You’re crazy. 

...

No, seriously, that’s a really hard question. I love them all and for very different reasons. So I’ll pick one that I haven’t mentioned yet. I’ll say Bear the Burden of Responsibility, which was the fic that broke me into the MCU/Spider-Man fandom (I’d been reading for forever, but this was the first one I wrote). It also was my intro to Irondad and Spiderson, which has been SO fun to write, and the community has been fantastic to be part of, in my opinion. 

9. Fic you want to rewrite/expand on: Hmm. Well, I’m already expanding on it, just slowly. I have a series called Take My Heart With You which is kind of an alternate reality/alternate universe series for Merlin. It mainly focuses on the gap between seasons 3 and 4, and events in season 4, but there is a relationship between Merlin and Percival that I’m playing around with. I also am touching on the friendship Merlin has with Gwen, so there may be elements from previous seasons added soon. I actually really enjoy that one, but I’ve lacked inspiration for it, so I haven’t been writing much in this universe lately. 

10. Share a bit of your WIP or share a story idea that you’re planning: How about both?

Love Runs Deeper than Blood

***SPOILERS! FOR MY READERS WHO WANT TO WAIT UNTIL I POST, SCROLL UNTIL YOU SEE THE NEXT BOLD TEXT!***

“Tarkik.”

“No.”

“Koko.”

“Hmm, maybe.”

“Nanouk?”

Kyra laughed, bouncing the baby boy on her knee. “You have great love for that name,” she said, grinning. Bato shrugged, wiggling his fingers at the boy and making him giggle.

When he brought the child to Kyra, she broke down in tears before immediately thanking the Great Spirits. She fell in love with his soft hair and golden eyes, and she held him like she could never let him go. Bato understood. He was like that with the boy the whole journey back.

“It’s a good, strong, water tribe name,” Bato defended, grinning. “What about Toklo? For your father?”

“My brother was named for my father already,” Kyra replied. “Maybe Tonraq?”

Bato made a face. “No,” he replied, shaking his head.

“Why not?”

“When I went Ice Dodging, the boy manning the main sail was named Tonraq. He’s the reason I have a scar on my boat,” Bato said, darkly. Kyra laughed.

“Well, there’s always Soomool,” she offered. Bato shrugged. They had been going over names for two days now. Even Kya and Hakoda offered input, with baby Sokka in tow. The new boy was fascinated with the chief’s son. Bato hoped they would become good friends. Kyra handed the boy to him and he lifted him up so their noses could touch. The boy went a little cross-eyed, making Bato laugh.

“You know what his eyes remind me of?” he asked Kyra.

“The sun?” she asked, grinning.

Bato shook his head. “No. Well, yes, I suppose. But they look like the sky during a storm, when lightning strikes.”

“You mean when the sky turns to gold for a moment?” Kyra asked, thoughtfully. Bato nodded. Kyra hummed in thought.

“What about Kallik?”

*** OKAY ALL CLEAR***

Story Idea - Spider-Man Villain/Anti-Hero AU:

Plot: What if Peter stopped the convenience store thief instead of letting him run away? Uncle Ben is still alive, and that major guilt he felt that acted as a catalyst for him to become Spider-Man and look out for the little guy isn’t there anymore. Instead Spidey is a wrestler, then a “hero” who asks for donations to his paypal, and then a mercenary. All his bad guys are now neutral contacts, and he frequently teams up with DP, Moon Knight, and Black Cat (among others), working for cold, hard cash. He drives Iron Man crazy, he baffles Captain America, and Black Widow has a soft spot for him (because she gets that double life). 

It’ll be fun when I get to writing it. I’ve got some semblance of an outline. ;-)

Tagged: I’ll tag @silentsaebyeok, @reachingforaspark, @blondsak, @jro616 and @kitcat992, as well as anyone else who wants to play. And if I tagged you and you don’t, no pressure! <3

#asks #tag games #dragonnan #friends #fun #writing #fanfics

[ssreeder]

WE’RE BACK IN BUSINESS BABYYYYYY

hi sreedie :3

fuck you sreedie no zukka cuddles >:(

but also… maybe not fuck you, it depends on what we DO get in this chapter… you’re on THIN ICE

on another note, I love jee <3

surely just like employ some of the kyoshi warriors to be dishwashers??

pls tell me why when rasu was like “I can sniff whatever I want” I immediately went COCAINE T-T

oh ?? jee what did you DO omg spill bestie

I KNEW jee was a slay, he’s also sus of iroh’s methods

LMAO jee wdym you “know that prince zuko was not into men” literally HOW would you know that information T-T

but anyways yes I’m loving that the hair touching is making a COMEBACK bc I absolutely adore how the fire nation views hair and all the glorious nuances that come with it ughhhhhh… now I’m mad again about shen being dead bc his reaction to the haircut sitch was ICONIC

YOOOOO JEE NOTICED IT TOO SREEDIE I THINK JEE MIGHT BE MY SOULMATE HE ALSO SAW HOW SOKKA HAS ABSORBED ZUKOS PERSONALITY TRAITS WHILE ZUKO IS OUT OF COMMISSION

not jee being offended about the perceived slight agains his cooking skills-

here come the iroh thoughts… I will add them at the end (or potentially in another ask??? I don’t want this to be more mammoth than usual)

OH SHIT OH NO OH FUCK OH ZUKO IS GONNA FIND OUT THAT JEE KILLED SHEN oh okay at least jee has some common sense !! good for him

LMAO not jee being a gossip queen (truly my soulmate, this is actually why we got divorced sreedie you can’t compare)

“dumpling boy” ohmygod obsessed

A TEABAG why is that fucking hilarious pls tell me you have some kind of fire nation lore behind that insult

the reading scene is so sweet ;-; and like I know from second hand experience that being read to when you can’t read yourself is a Huge Deal bc when my cousin had a major back operation our aunt read to her for HOURS daily and it literally bonded them so much. so like, very important scene sreedie you’ve got me in my feels (and I’m WAITING IMPATIENTLY for rasu and zuko to become besties again)

wow the “delivered” part is so gut wrenching. that’s really the tragedy of war isn’t it? everyone just becomes a pawn unless they’re one of the chess players themselves

LMAO not the kiddos getting into fisticuffs upstairs and disturbing one of the most politically tense conversations in the fic

OH SHIT HAKODA LETTERS OMG THE PLOT IS PLOTTING SREEDIE ITS PLOTTING

ohnooooooo stop I’m so fucking sad about hakoda and thinking katara was ignoring him on purpose STOP

ah fuck sokka trauma reveal xxxx

literally so siblings to have bled and shit on each other. something something I’ve had the worst parts of you inflicted on me but I have to love you anyway

sokka trauma time !!

damn baby’s first kill… forgot about the warden tbh

“everyone is always trying to kill zuko” so true bestie they should stop!! stop trying to kill zuko fr omg!! (read that like that one tweet where that white girl was telling isis to stop terrorism lmao)

“what sokka had experienced had layers” LIKE AN ONION please why am I unable to take anything seriously anymore it’s bad

CHANG CHANG CHANG CHANG is the chang bato ship called chato or bang OMG BANG THATS ICONIC love that we’re sticking with it

(in case it wasn’t already obvious I love chang btw)

lmao chang said end sexism in the grumpiest grouchiest way possible

ykw I’m a fan of?? the fact that hakoda has the brain to plan like sokka but the resources to plan like zuko and I think that it’s fucking hilarious

“speak for yourself I’m in fucking agony” I LOVE CHANG I DEDICATE MY LIFE TO CHANG I GIVE CHANG MY WHOLE HEART

ohohohoho sokka you are actually going to be CLOSER to zuko isn’t that dandy

omg eve ;-; our lovely forest lesbians ;-; that you MURDERED

NO ZUKKA CUDDLES BUT ZUKKA WAVE??!!?!?! call me a masochist but I’m enjoying this. anyways.

ZUKKA AND CHANG REUNION OMFG I WILL CRY especially zuko chang reunion ;-; (do Not get me started on my feelings on chang vs iroh) ((jokes I will be talking about in a soon to be sent ask))

also obsessed with sokka having active beef with jee and jee is just like… this kid needs therapy ~cue rbf~

YES MY BBYGORL AZULA READY TO FUCK SHIT UP (but yeah can she pls hold off for a tad longer thx sm <3)

okokok I’ll get onto my iroh thoughts now (in another ask.. bc uh.. this is Huge) but that’s gonna take a hot minute bc I have to become Coherent.

also no longer sick!! for now. (I probably should’ve gone to see a dr much sooner anyways but too late now ig)

HUGS KISSES AND A DRAMATIC HAIR FLIP TO BID YOU FAREWELL <333

*dances on thin ice*

OLLLOOOOO LEEKIE

Yes Jee offend the group of women warriors by asking them to come wash dishes hahaha…. Nice one leekie!

Jee sailed on a ship with Zuko for 3 years… & during that time his gaydar must have broken (I feel like we can blame Zuko for breaking it somehow)

Oh iroh…. You silly silly man <3

I think rasu reading to Zuko meant a lot to him so hopefully baby steps in the right direction ;)

Hahaha it’s ok the onion joke & the sand joke legit never stop…. Damn it media for influencing words so much.

Haha Chang iroh interaction is something I’m looking forward to. It’ll be INTERESTING ;;);)

Ok leekie I’m sorry I know I said I would respond yesterday but I’m a horrible person and this is why we’re divorced! GLAD YOURE NOT SICK ANYMORE WOHOOOO

*sprinkles germs in your food*

#gotta keep things interesting ya know #I am curious your thoughts on iroh #I fucking lovvveee writing Chang #I’ll have a Sokka pov and he is like ANGST ANGST ANSGT ANGSTTTT #Then it switches to Chang and he’s like fuck off baby girl #damn I’m looking forward to Chang Zuko reunion lol #idk about the chang Sokka reunion though #Sokka is not very understanding right now #& yeah he thinks Chang is dead so he hasn’t had time to dwell #but when Chang shows up alive…. ahhhh #it could get rough #I love the drama so it’ll be fine ;) #LOVE YOU LEEKIE #LIAB #ITF #hiiii leekieeeeee #leekie tag #ASK

[zutarasecrettunnel]

if u like fics that are attempts to fix canon and include what are hopefully cute/heartbreaking/romantic moments with ur fave otp then here’s a thing for u, it’s hot off the presses.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13407259/1/What-Stays-and-What-Fades-Away

Preview (essentially the first scene) under the cut

"I knew the meat excuse was airtight" Sokka said proudly. He closed his eyes, lifted his chin, and wagged his finger at no one in particular, "I'm a simple man with simple needs, and friends who understand me". The rest of the group was huddled around the fire on the stone floor of the Western Air Temple, taking in the adventure as the young water tribe man relayed all of the details. He had just returned triumphant from the Boiling Rock with the first inmates to ever escape from the perilous fortress. Darkness engulfed the rest of the temple, indicating the late hour of their return.

Katara predictably sat next to Hakoda, laughing with the others as Sokka continued to tell the story. She soaked in the feeling of having her father back with them just as she soaked in the warmth from the fire. Her annoyance at Sokka's deception had melted away the moment she saw him exit the airship with their dad. Having Suki back was also great. It had been too long since she had seen the other young warrior woman or had an older girl around the camp, and her presence clearly made Sokka beam even more than he normally would have after such a decisive victory over the Fire Nation.  

"Yeah yeah, but when you said you had taken Zuko with you, some of us were on to you," Toph retorted, "You can't fool me." 

"There's no way your feet could tell I was lying from that far away!" Sokka exclaimed. He now had half a dumpling spewing from his mouth as he pointed jokingly at the small earthbender. Everyone laughed in response. 

"But seriously. I couldn't have done it without Zuko," Sokka continued, swallowing what was left of the dumpling bite and suddenly becoming serious. The firebender was also part of the group, listening to the story he had just been experiencing some hours before. But he was quieter and clearly sat somewhat away from the others, still hesitant to expect acceptance from any of them. Even now an awkward, not-quite-smile glanced across his face as everyone turned their eyes to him.

"Thanks, but-," he barely muttered before Sokka interrupted. "He even became a prisoner, too! One of our escape plans even had him thrown in a freezer" He paused to take another bite of dumpling and put an arm around Suki, changing subjects almost immediately. "Suki was also amazing! She climbed a wall! Just climbed it! A completely flat wall! FWOOSH!" Sokka lifted his arm from Suki to begin making a dramatic gesture, trying to pantomime the way she had scaled the wall of the prison some hours earlier. The auburn-haired girl blushed slightly, but looked proud that her prowess as a martial artist didn't go unnoticed.

Zuko looked relieved to see the attention move away from his direction, although Katara's intense lingering gaze didn't escape his notice. The Boiling Rock hadn't been his first experience with freezing cold. He couldn't help but recall the fierce look she had in her eyes that time at the North Pole when she herself had encased him in ice and snow. He had hoped that helping Sokka might make the waterbender warm to him somewhat, but even as she inched closer to her father, familiar beads of sweat started at his temples. She probably still blamed him for her father being at the Boiling Rock in the first place. It wouldn't be this easy to convince her to trust him. Part of him didn't even know why he was so intent on earning that trust, although his mind produced images of glowing green crystals. 

"What was it like there? I wonder if it was anything like the prison ship my dad and I were on," Haru chimed in, mostly looking to Suki and Hakoda. The arctic blast Zuko felt coming from Katara eased as she turned her attention back to the two recent prisoners, both still in their simple red garb. The group quieted a bit. It seemed as though Haru was disappointed that his father hadn't been brought back along with the others. Light from the flames illuminating the space glinted off of Katara's necklace, saturated orange like a setting sun. Zuko's memories also shifted back to that ship and tying that stone gently around his wrist. 

"It's a prison in a huge boiling lake. If the guards at the prison ship were cruel, these were twice as bad. The warden ruled with an iron grip. . .at least until I stuffed his own headband in his mouth," Suki said, adding in plenty of sass at the end. Sokka placed a quick kiss into her hair.

"You took on the warden?" Katara asked with a wry smile. 

"Well see, the freezer plan didn't work. We were gonna use it as a boat, but then we let Chit Sang and some other prisoners take it instead once I saw that new prisoners were coming in. I had to make sure that Dad wasn't with them," Sokka explained, looking at Hakoda who smiled warmly. "So there was no other way off the island except for a gondola suspended in the air. There was no way we could get on that gondola and expect to make it without taking a hostage - and we needed an important one." 

"So we started a riot," Suki joined in, now with just as much enthusiasm for the story as Sokka. 

"A riot?! That sounds like, well, a riot!" Toph's comment drew even more smiles and laughs from the group. Even Haru grinned under his moustache.

"It was. Once we had a distraction and a hostage, we made for the gondola," Hakoda had now joined in the storytelling as well. "Like I told Sokka while we were still in that awful place, those Fire Nation guards were no match for two water tribe geniuses."

"But Azula showed up and attacked us, as usual" Sokka continued, "along with those other scary girls she's always with". Sokka stopped for a moment, but then added, "Oh, sorry Zuko, I remember you told me that tall gloomy one was your girlfriend."

Heat rose in Zuko's cheeks and his good eye bulged a bit as the group turned their gaze on him again. He frowned as he looked at the mix of faces. He still had to force down the urge to get mad as he watched the Avatar stifle a giggle. 

"The one with the knives? Who didn't even care about her own brother back in Omashu?!" Katara blurted before she could stop herself. She didn't know why she felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her veins upon the news that Zuko and the solemn girl might be involved. The thought of him being with a girl who didn't even feel anything for her own family made her narrow her eyes. In contrast, Zuko's eyes widened even further, and his mouth fell open slightly. What was Katara even talking about? Mai had never really talked about her time in Omashu, let alone her interactions with the Avatar. He didn't know how to respond. Her tone was incredulous, but not as icy as any of her previous words to or about him had been since he had shown up. Her expression showed that she was surprised to have uttered the question, as if she didn't know why she cared. But she recovered quickly, her brows immediately furrowing as she once again scowled at the prince. 

Aang, who had been gleefully enjoying the story, studied Katara's face with a raised eyebrow. 

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised" she grumbled, in a lower tone than before. It reflected the tone she took with Zuko when she had faced him alone in his quarters, making threats to his destiny. Zuko's heart began beating a bit harder than before.

Pairs of eyes darted between the two. Toph silently moved a hand to lay flat on the stone surface beneath her. 

"Yeah, but I guess she's not all bad. She actually saved us," Sokka was undeterred in his storytelling. Katara sighed inwardly. "I guess she and Zuko are still in looooovvveee" Sokka drew out and distorted the final word, apparently unwilling or unable to get new jokes. Color gently marked the cheeks of the young airbender and his waterbending sifu at the reference. Things had changed between them significantly since they had been the target of this same gentle ribbing.

Zuko's face was stone. He had been surprised that Mai had saved them, especially since just minutes earlier she had been throwing scrolls at his head, not understanding why he had left her to join the Avatar and save his country. 

Katara moved to clean up the bowls the group had used to share their late night snack. "Well, I'm just glad to have you and Dad back," she said, smiling again, "but I think it's time for all of us to get some rest." She picked up the remaining dishware and heard rustling as the others began to get up and stretch. 

The Duke, Sokka and Aang yawned, almost in unison, as if Katara's proclamation itself made them tired. Teo's wheels squeaked slightly as he began maneuvering around the others. 

Sokka continued to tell the others about his experience even as they all shuffled away to their beds. Finally, he focused again on Zuko. Katara could just make out the last part of their conversation as she and Aang, who had stayed behind to help, began to bend water over the dishes.

"So Zuko, with Mai saving you I guess that means she went to jail. You gonna bust her out once you get back to the Fire Nation just like I did with Suki? I bet she'll find you irresistible once you do!" The water tribe boy gave a series of slaps to the fire prince's back, causing a series of thuds. Katara glanced over her shoulder to see his response to her brother's vigorous friendliness. Zuko looked at his feet, conflicted, and his voice carried a bit more gravel than usual.

"I don't know, Sokka. I have a lot to focus on before I can even think about going back to the Fire Nation."

The line of Katara's lips became completely flat, and she encouraged Aang to help her finish their chore quickly. It had been a long and eventful day.

#zutara

[firelord-frowny]

click the read more if you’d like a modern/real-world ATLA fic in which Zuko turns 21 while living with Ozai and Ozai is a mean and emotionally inept father who tries to do right by his son anyway.

He awakens with a startled gasp to something heavy landing right on top of his head. Flailing and confused, Zuko tries to roll over, bed sheets tangling around him as he only barely registers the shouting coming at him, and the other objects pelting his body.

“Time’s up!” Ozai shouts. His voice is loud, commanding, and urgent, but there’s perhaps an unusual lightness to it; relief, maybe even joy. So far he’s thrown a travel bag, Zuko’s toothbrush and toothpaste, a pair of shoes, and a few items of clothing. “Time to go!”

Groaning, Zuko holds up his arms to ward off any further blows. “What the hell-... Ow! Ow, dad, stop! That hurts!”

Ozai does stop, but only because he’s run out of things within arms reach to throw. So instead, he marches over and yanks the blankets off of Zuko; Zuko gasps at the cold, curling in on himself as his father decrees, “You’re twenty-one. You’re a grown-ass man. Time to get up out of my house.”

“What? You’re crazy!” Zuko complains as he grabs his pillow and sticks his head under it, holding it firmly in place. He only vaguely remembers a flippant conversation about ‘putting your sorry ass out on the streets as soon as you hit twenty-one,’ but he hadn’t thought for a second that his father might have been serious. “Go away! I’m trying to sleep!”

But Ozai grabs the edge of the mattress, and with one strong, valliant motion, he hefts it into the air, causing Zuko to tumble right onto the floor; the young man hits with a dense thud, and an ‘oof’.

“You can sleep in your own damn house.” Ozai snaps.

Zuko snaps back, rubbing bitterly at his bruised knees and elbows,“I don’t have a fucking house!”

“You know why?” Ozai marches over and gives his son a harsh nudge with his foot. “Because you don’t have a JOB.” Another, harsher nudge. “Because you’ve been living it up under my roof for three years too long.”

“Stop kicking me!”

“Then get your ASS up off my floor, PACK your bags, and GET OUT!”

“I can’t believe you’re actually doing this.” Zuko feels like little more than a mutt. He drags himself up to stand, and, crouched over like a kicked puppy, he begins snatching up his clothes from off the floor, and stuffing them into travel bag Ozai had thrown at his head earlier. “I can’t believe you’d kick your own son out on his birthday when he doesn’t even have anywhere else to go.”

“Really?” There’s a levity in Ozai’s tone that makes his son feel sick with disgust. “Because I can totally believe it.”

Zuko reiterates, desperate and heartbroken, “Dad, I don’t have anywhere to go! I’m gonna be on the streets!”

“Don’t be so dramatic. I’m sure any of your friends would love to have you on their couch.” Ozai shrugs. Then, when Zuko huffs, he continues, “I’ve given you luxury and comfort for twenty one years. For twenty one years, I’ve shared my money, my space, and sacrificed my privacy and peace of mind for you. The passed three years since you turned eighteen have been a gift.”

“A gift?” Zuko snaps, forehead wrinkling into a frown and standing up straight to look his father in the eyes. And Ozai takes two menacing steps forward to stare him down - a dare. A challenge. A warning.

“Yes, a gift!” His hands are balled into angry fists. “A gift which you felt entitled to squander. You never got a job. You never paid rent. You never bought groceries. You never cleaned up after your damned self!” He picks up one of the old paper plates that had been sitting on Zuko’s nightstand, and shove it against Zuko’s chest, and Zuko stumbles backward. “All you’ve done is lay up in my home and mooch off of me like some kind of parasite. Except parasites take up less space.”

“That’s all I am to you?” Zuko spits. “You know what? Fine. I’m out of here. I’ll sleep under a fucking bridge, if it means getting away from you.” He hoists the travel bag onto his shoulder and stalks passed his father, making sure to bump into his shoulder as he does so.

“Safe travels!” Ozai calls out, waving as Zuko finally exits the room and heads down the stairs.

***

Zuko doesn’t bother to change into his street clothes - he doesn’t even bother putting on shoes or socks, or grabbing any toiletries on his way out. He’s like a horse with blinders on, and all he cares about doing in this moment is getting out. Getting away from that awful excuse for a father. He stops only to snatch his car keys from off of the bannister by the stairs before throwing open the front door, slamming it shut, and making a beeline to his car.

Even now, out of sight of his father, he’s too proud to cry - he struggles to choke back tears as he tosses his bag into the back seat. He then yanks open the driver’s door, and sort of miserably lets himself fall into the seat where he folds his arms onto the steering wheel, rests his forehead on them, and forces himself to take deep, seething breaths.

He needs to pull himself together. He needs to figure out where to go. He could call Sokka and Katara… they’d want to help, of course, but their dad has never been the biggest fan of him, and he’s not looking forward to Hakoda giving him the third degree before even considering allowing Zuko to stay on their sofa for a few days. He could call Jet… Jet’s been wanting to be roomies since they turned eighteen, and he does have his own apartment, but… well, the place is a dump - drafty windows, cracked walls, vermin infested - and Zuko hardly even enjoys visiting, let alone the thought of living there.

How much would a motel room cost, he wonders? If he got a job right now - as a waiter or a stock boy or something - would he be able to make enough in a day to pay for a night? And what about food? How’s he going to eat? Who’s going to feed him?

His fists clench around the steering wheel until the tendons stand out under his skin, and he presses the back of his head against the headrest as he squeezes his eyes shut and lets out a loud, sharp breath through his nose. He says to himself a hoarse, trembling, “I can’t believe this. I can’t fucking believe this. I hate him. I hate him so much.”

After another deep breath, his eyes open, and he prepares to reach to turn the key in the ignition, but something catches his eye - something sticking out of the visor. A piece of paper. Zuko frowns - he never stashes anything in the visor, on account of him always forgetting that it’s there, and then having it fall out and scare the shit out of him while he’s on the road. He huffs as he reaches up to yank the paper down; it reveals itself to be an envelope, addressed in his father’s handwriting to “Son.”

Zuko’s brow furrows. Is this some kind of a joke? He looks around. Perhaps Ozai is watching him. Maybe this is a prank. Maybe he’ll open this envelope and find an eviction notice. He almost doesn’t want to open it. But once he confirms that Ozai isn’t lurking anywhere nearby, Zuko sighs and tears his way into the envelope.

From inside he pulls out an unextraordinary card, blank on the outside. When he unfolds it, though, to see what’s inside, his heart lodges into his throat. He feels like he might faint.

Zuko, I am sorry that I don’t know how to be kind to your face. My inability to be a decent father has nothing to do with you, and all to do with me. The address of your new apartment is 3200 Paton Avenue, unit 7. The first six months are already paid for. After that, you are on your own. Enclosed here also is your apartment key, and a check for seven grand. This money is to help keep you fed, clothed, and entertained until you find a good job. Please use it wisely. Call me if you need anything. Love, -Dad

Zuko looks around one more time; Ozai is nowhere to be found. Not peeking from a window, not hiding in the bushes, not lurking nearby to witness and take credit for his rare good deed. Swallowing hard, Zuko reaches back into the envelope and finds the key - a simple brass one with the apartment community logo engraved on it - and the check. Paid to the order of Zuko Ozymandias. Seven Thousand Dollars And Zero Cents.

He could cry. He could scream. He could storm back into the house and punch his father square in the nose for putting him through so much strife, only to bestow such a generous gift upon him. He could hug him. He hates him. He loves him. He just doesn’t know.

But, he supposes, he’ll hold off on worrying about that until after he’s all settled and cozy in his new home.

#odetoo requested a fic in which zuko turned 21 and i came up with this Sad But Somehow Kinda Adorable Nonsense #and yeah the relationship dynamic shown here is obviously dysfunctional at best and outright abusive at worst #but like #cannon ozai tried to murder his son with lightning #soooooo #I'd say this is an improvement

[firenationember]

Destruction, Everywhere (OC Fic)

8/?

Authors note: It turns out I love Draya and Katara content as much as I love Draya and Zuko content LOL plus a little Aang and Draya friendship blurb!

Previous Chapters

The next morning, we were woken up by explosions. I remember feeling the ground rumble before hearing the first blast, shooting up in my sleeping bag and looking at the others who had similar expressions on their faces. Aang was already in the air, airbending the bombs away before shutting huge panels that surrounded the courtyard. Toph and Haru, another earthbending friend of the Gaang, created a tunnel and quickly ushered us all inside. I turn to run into the tunnel before I stop, turning back to scan the room for Zuko. Aang asked him what he was doing before I could and as Zuko finished his thought, I ran up to him.

“You’re not facing them alone.” I said, quickly grabbing his arm before he could run off. He swiftly snapped his arm out of my grasp as he turned to me.

“Draya, we don’t have time. Go. I would never forgive myself if Azula hurt you. I can deal with her on my own.” Before I had time to react, he ran off, jumping through the now crumbling panels. Almost in unison, Aang and I yell out for him as Katara and Sokka remind us that time is not on our side. The temple around us was coming down and we had to get out, now or not at all.

My mind was racing as I stood with the group, too busy thinking about what could happen out there with Azula. Was is even actually her, or just some Fire Nation soldiers? I was snapped out of my thoughts as Katara suddenly yelled. We had to split the group up, Team Avatar plus Suki and Hakoda with the others. Aang couldn’t get Appa to go into the tunnel, and this was the only way out. Katara and Sokka hug their dad, sadness clear on their faces as they had to say goodbye again so soon.

Appa flew through the air, protected by a rock shield courtesy of Toph and as soon as she broke it, my eyes scanned the area for any sign of Zuko. I held my breath until I saw him floating up on an airship, letting out a small sigh of relief. We watched as Zuko and Azula fought on one of the airships, fire and lightening flying in every direction. I sat on my knees, sitting as high up on the flying air bison as I could without fear of falling; I wasn’t going to lose sight of Zuko. In one swift movement, they caused an explosion that made them both fly back.

“Come on Zuko.” I say quietly to myself, praying to the spirits that he was okay. Azula tumbled over one side clumsily, Zuko rolled down the other and fell headfirst. Aang flew Appa underneath his body and I sat up, preparing myself to help Zuko fall into the saddle. As he got closer, we made quick eye contact, both holding out one hand. He grabbed my hand and flipped over my body, never letting go as he lands and sits up next to me.

“She’s not gonna make it.” Zuko says as we all watch Azula fall through the air before she shot out lightening from her feet to boost herself closer to the mountain. She slid down the side, holding herself in place and watched as we flew away. “Of course she did.”

We found a spot to set up camp for the night, enjoying how it felt now, being just us again after so long. As we were laughing at Sokka’s toast to Zuko for holding off his sister and her soldiers, Katara stormed off. Zuko walked off after her and we all just watched, unsure what was wrong with either of them. When Katara and Zuko returned, the others and I had already put the fire out and dispersed for the night. Katara went straight to her tent, and I just looked at Zuko, who sat next to the smoldering firepit, letting out a huff.

“Everything okay?” I asked, taking a seat next to him. He chuckled, shaking his head.

“With me or Katara?” I just stared at him in response, scooting closer and giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. He smiled, laying his hand on top of mine and returning the gesture. He was quiet for a few beats before speaking, as if he wasn’t sure what to say. “She’s your best friend, right? Do you know why she hates me so much?” It was my turn to chuckle and shake my head.

“I mean, you did chase and terrorize them for a few months. I’m sure that probably has something to do with it.” I said, as lightly as I could. I felt his body tense next to me and, before he could remove his hand from my arm, I place my free hand on top of it as I turned to face him. “She doesn’t hate you, Zuko. She just doesn’t trust you, and it makes sense why. She’ll come around.” He barely let the last words escape my mouth before he spoke again.

“Has she ever told you what happened to her mother?” I looked at him with wide eyes, shocked by his question.

“Only that they lost her during a Fire Nation raid. I don’t think she likes to talk about it in detail too much.” I say, not knowing what else to tell him. He quickly stood up, letting my hands drop back into my lap.

“Do you know where Sokka is?” He looked down at me, and I wasn’t sure what he was thinking. I stood up next to him and bit my lip as I thought about what I was going to say next. I’ve seen this expression, the night before he and Sokka went to the Boiling Rock prison.

“I think he went to bed Zuko, and maybe it’s for the best. We should all just go to sleep before doing anything impulsive, we’ve had a long day.” His expression went from one of preparing to annoyance.

“You don’t get it. They all trust you; she trusts you. I won’t feel like I belong here until she can trust me too.” He stormed off towards Sokka’s tent. His sharp tone stunned me, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about his sudden explosion. I decided to deal with it tomorrow, going to my tent for the night, hoping his anger probably wasn’t directed towards me.

The next morning, I was sitting with Sokka and we kept Aang company as he fed Appa when Katara approached him and told him she needed to borrow the flying bison. Aang tried to make a joke before realizing how serious Katara was. I held my gaze on Zuko, who was walking behind her and refusing to look anywhere else but Aang. They got into an emotional debate about closure, about revenge, emotions running high. Aang was trying to convince Katara to forgive the man who killed her mother while Katara insisted it was impossible. Sokka, Aang and I waited next to Appa that night, catching Zuko and Katara trying to sneak away. Aang tried to convince Katara to choose forgiveness, one last time.

“Aang’s right, Katara. Whatever ends up happening, I hope you find what you need.” I say, shooting one final glance at Zuko as he retorted back before they flew off. We stood there and looked up at the sky, Sokka walking to his tent with a yawn. Aang and I continued to stand there, even after they were long out of sight. Aang let out a deep sigh. I reached out and put my arm around his shoulder, Aang returning the halfhearted hug with one arm.

“They’ll do the right thing. I know they will.” He said, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

“I just hope they’re okay.” I say with a sigh, dropping my arm and walking back to the campsite with Aang. We walked back to our tents, knowing there was nothing else we could do. I laid in my sleeping back that night, staring at makeshift tent above me as I thought about Katara and Zuko. Their little fieldtrip will either bring them closer together, which would be great, or it’s going to drive a deeper wedge between them. I know Zuko is just trying to get on her good side, but something about Katara’s demeanor before they left is making me worry. My thoughts kept spiraling around until I fell asleep, listening to the ocean waves and winds surrounding us.

While Katara and Zuko were gone, the others and I weren’t sure what to do. Sokka, Suki and Toph took this chance to relax, Toph mentioning how it’s easier to do without “Mother Katara” around. I was sitting with my back against a big rock, away from the others while still being close enough to hear their chattering and watching the clouds, when Aang came over to me. I smiled at him and pat the grass next to me. He plopped down with a heavy sigh and looked up at the sky.

“Don’t you think that cloud looks like a turtleduck?” I asked, pointed to a shapeless white blob, not sure what was on his mind and not sure what else to say. Aang just sighed in response, causing me to turn my body towards him. “Aang, what’s wrong? You can talk to me.” I say, in the softest tone I can muster. He rubs the back of his neck with one hand before turning to face me.

“Do you want to do some firebending training with me?” He asked, clearly not wanting to talk about what was really bothering him. I offered him a small smile before nodding and getting up.

“Only if you promise you’ll talk to someone, even if it’s not me. Something is obviously bothering you Aang. You don’t have to deal with it alone. We’re all here for you.” I place an arm on his shoulder and he smiled at me, returning the gesture.

“Thank you Draya. Maybe after some training I’ll feel ready to talk.” He said, and in one swift movement we wrapped our arms around the others’ shoulders and walked until we found a good place to firebend without destroying greenery. We moved side by side for a while, working on moves that Zuko’s taught us. Aang even walked me through some of the forms for the Dancing Dragon, something Zuko hasn’t had a chance to do yet. It was almost sunset when we decided to stop, both of us sweating immensely and satisfied with our practice today. I walked over to the docks, laying on my stomach to be able to reach the water below us, cupping some in my hands to wash my face off with. I heard footsteps and looked over to see Aang walking towards me, an apple in each hand. He handed me one as I sat up and he sat next to me, taking a big bite of the other.

“Thank you for showing me some of the Dancing Dragon forms, those will be fun to surprise Zuko with later.” I say, trying to make light conversation so Aang didn’t feel forced to talk about anything he didn’t want to. After a few seconds of crunching, each of us enjoying the sweet fruit, Aang sighed.

“Draya. You have to promise not to tell anyone what I’m about to ask you about.” Aang said, sounding more serious than I was ready for.

“Of course, Aang. I promise.” I said, suddenly worried what it was he was going to tell me. Aang spoke while watching the water, waving his hand slowly and waterbending small waves in the water below us.

“Draya… you and Katara are close right? Has she ever talked about… anyone?” My sudden concern melted away at his question, and a small laugh left my throat. Aang’s head snapped in my direction and he threw his hand down, causing the water to explode as if a huge ball was just thrown into it. I gasped as the water splashed up at us, the coldness of it shocking me. “Forget I asked!” Aang said, starting to get up. I grabbed his arm to keep him from leaving.

“Aang, I’m sorry. I wasn’t laughing at your question; I was laughing at how worried I was that something was wrong when really… wait. Why are you asking about Katara?” I asked, looking at him curiously with a small smile. His face became pink as he looked away, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I- I don’t know. I was just curious, I guess.” He mumbled, obviously second guessing ever saying something. I wasn’t going to tell him about the time Katara asked me about Zuko and refused to tell me about whoever she was thinking about, whoever caused her to blush when I asked her if she had a crush. I knew I had to say something though, so I chose my words carefully.

“Katara has a lot on her mind right now, I mean obviously she left with Zuko to find the man who killed her mother. On top of having to be separated from her father for the third time she’s had to try to accept Zuko into the group, someone who’s betrayed all of you, multiple times. She cares about you a lot, Aang. Just be there for her, and she’ll be there for you.” I didn’t know how Katara felt about Aang, or the other way around; at least, they’ve never said it explicitly. I saw it in their interactions, the way she spoke about him when he wasn’t around, the way he looked at her all the time. My answer seemed to satisfy Aang as his once drooping head was held tall, chest puffed out, as he stood up.

“Thanks, Draya, I’m happy I get to call you a friend.” He smiled down at me as he offered a hand up. “Can I help dry you off? Sorry about that, by the way…” He chuckled as I held my arms out, holding my breath as Aang blasted me with air and drying my clothes instantly.

“It’s not a problem when you’re friends with an airbender.” I say, smiling at him as we walked back to our campsite. It wasn’t long after that that we saw a familiar flying blob in the sky, Appa’s shape taking form the closer they got. As soon as the flying bison landed, Katara slid off and walked over to the dock without any attempt to talk to anyone. Zuko was already walking towards the camp when I shot up and met him halfway, greeting him by wrapping my arms around his neck, having to stand on up on my toes. I felt him hesitate for a second, and before I could pull away in embarrassment, his arms wrapped about my torso tightly as he took a deep breath.

“I’m glad you didn’t kill each other while you were gone.” I say when I finally pull away from the hug. Aang and Sokka were standing near us now, Sokka chuckling at my comment. Zuko gazed into my eyes before looking over at Aang.

“Nobody was killed.” He said, maintaining eye contact with Aang. Aang looked over at Katara on the docks and ran over to her, Zuko following behind him. Sokka and I watched from the campsite

“I know my sister, and while she has a temper, she could never end someone’s life. I’m glad your boyf- Zuko was with her, maybe he helped talk some sense into her. You know, considering he used to be a bad guy, he has some good advice.” He said, looking at me and grabbing his arm instinctively, as if I already swatted him, which just made me laugh and shake my head.

“I’m proud of her, and him.” I said, watching as Katara walked up to Zuko and gave him a hug before walking back to camp. That night, as we sat around the campfire, we decided to leave our campsite and hide out somewhere else. Zuko suggested his family home on Ember Island. We all agreed that it sounded like a trap, but he insisted that nobody would think to look there because nobody in their family uses it anymore. Everyone else having already gone to bed, I kept feeding the fire slowly, not ready for sleep myself. I was sitting next to the flames with my knees up to my chest, head resting on top, when Katara walked over and sat next to me. I just turned my head towards her and smiled.

“You were right, about Zuko. He is a kind person. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize that. You’ve got your eye on a good guy, Dray.” I rolled my eyes and laughed, rolling my head back to look at the fire.

“How are you feeling, Katara?” I asked, not giving her talk about Zuko any acknowledgement. She laughed a bit before replying.

“I actually feel a lot better. I don’t know if Zuko told you too but… I couldn’t do it. I don’t forgive the monster for killing my mother, and I never will. But I couldn’t take his life. I… I did bloodbend the wrong guy though.” This time, I picked up my head to look at her. I knew how strongly Katara despised bloodbending, and could see the pain on her face, confusion finally setting in from her words.

“Wait, wrong guy? I thought Zuko knew where to find him.” Katara then explained how the leader of the Southern Raiders retired a few years ago, and that she did bloodbending on the current leader.

“I… I didn’t think it would bother me so much to have that much power over someone who’s so rotten. Once I realized it wasn’t him, and I saw his body fall to the ground, I realized how awful that feeling truly was. I never want to do it again, nobody should.” She said, squeezing her hands together. I reached out, laying a hand over hers until her tension loosened.

“You’re so brave, Katara. One of the bravest people I know. And I’m proud of what you did. I’m so honored to call you my friend.”

“Best friend.” She corrected, holding a finger up and placing her hand on her hip for emphasis. I smiled at her and reached out, hugging her.

#avatar: the last airbender #avatar the last airbender #a: the last airbender #a:tla #atla #atla fanfic #original character fic #oc fanfic #oc x zuko #katara #aang #sokka #slowburn