#since the reveal I have wanted his ending to be like azulas and I am so fucking stoked that might actually happen

[whileyoureinschoolidothisallday]

okay the thing I wanted to talk about for Touya:

So over on the discord server we’ve been watching s5 of mha cause some of my friends hadn’t seen it yet, and I REALLY wanna watch s6 with them, and last night we finally finished.

I noticed something.

I and probably a ton of other people have talked about how Touya probably related to the High End Nomu he sent after Endeavor and very much sent that one on purpose. HOWEVER, I don’t see a lot of analysis about the Line Guy he also sent his way.

Here’s what I think: I think the Nomu battle was foreshadowing his battle vs Shouto, which was focused on who was the strongest and who could last out between the two of them, and I think the Line Guy is foreshadowing his “battle” with Endeavor.

I put battle in quotations because, like with the Line Guy, I don’t think it’s gonna be much of a fight.

The Line Guy is almost a 1-1 projection of Touya. One of the first thing he says to Endeavor is that he’s so happy he remembers him. The first thing he does when he gets out of prison is search for Endeavor, even before he eats. He’s obsessed with Endeavor. He’s obsessed with dying. He doesn’t want anyone else to kill him but Endeavor. He will hurt other people to get Endeavor to hurt him. He uses one of his sons to get to him.

For most of that battle, Endeavor is frozen on the ground. And per the last chapter:

he’s pretty much in the same position.

How that battle ends isn’t because of Endeavor, it’s because of the kids. They beat the Line Guy because Endeavor is just too frozen up to act. While I don’t think he’s gonna freeze up this time, I do think he’s going to refuse to fight Touya. And like the Line Guy, it’s gonna make him furious. He needs Endeavor to kill him. It won’t fit his narrative otherwise. Often when kids are in situations like Touya was, they start to believe that any attention is better than no attention, even negative painful punishments. In Touya’s mind, killing Endeavor, and therefore getting Endeavor to kill him in the process, is the ultimate acknowledgement.

But Endeavor’s not that violent guy anymore.

I personally have not seen enough from Endeavor yet to like him like some of y’all do, but it would be untrue to say that he is the same man that we started the series with. We’ve been with that man for many arcs now...but Touya hasn’t. The only father he knows is violent, ruthless, cold. He will hurt his family for the betterment of his Hero status without a second thought. He admired those traits in his father because his kid brain understood that as the source of his power. Just like the Line Guy.

And I think it’s gonna end in the same way, with Touya feeling rejected by a man who no longer exists. What’ll “save him” isn’t Endeavor, it isn’t him doing a round-a-bout himself. It’ll be the weight of his grief breaking him. He will never get what he wants now and that’ll be too much to bare. He’ll crack. That battle genius we’ve been seeing, him being always two steps ahead, all of that will start to slip away as his mental health reaches his breaking point, until he makes the one mistake that leaves him broken and sobbing in Shouto’s ice.

Cause that’s what happens with the Line Guy

#dabi #touya todoroki #mha meta #mha musings #tl;dr touya and azula sit at the same lunch table in the asylum lmfao #since the reveal I have wanted his ending to be like azulas and I am so fucking stoked that might actually happen #but seriously if you haven't listened to this guy talk with touya in mind #holy shit does it hit different #everyone has taken steps to break the cycle of violence in the Todoroki family #EXCEPT Touya #and unfortunately that's gonna end up being the ultimate abandonment he just can't get up from #in his mind it's gonna mean he's left behind again

[starlight-bread-blog]

Zuko and Katara Won't Enable Each Other

Disclaimer: If you've read my stance on healthy couples in fiction, you know I'm not gonna care if they would, in fact, enable each other. Flaws & struggles are realistic and have a place in fiction. However, I do disagree with this sentiment and generally love to talk about Zuko and Katara's dynamic. So, here I am.

——————

One of the most common protests to Zuko and Katara as a pairing is the following:

Zuko and Katara are both prone to anger and making emotion-driven decisions. They must never be together, or they'll enable each other's worst tendencies.

One things needs to be clear. When making an argument it is with utmost importance to cite the text. Textual evidence is the proof one doesn't make things up to push their view. Without it, the argument becomes worthless words with no grounds in reality. So, what textual evidence do those who make the argument above cite?

In The Southern Raiders, Katara was going to murder her mother's killer. Such act would weight heavy on someone like her. It's an impulsive and dangerous decision. But Zuko didn't try to stop it, he was enabling that fury.

I've already discussed The Southern Raiders in-depth in its own post, so I won't repeat myself much here. On the post I explain that The Southern Raiders dealt with anger that Katara has been harboring since she was eight, it dealt with her deepest trauma. And by the end of the episode, Katara is changed by the experience, and Zuko admits to have been wrong and grows.

Therefore, The Southern Raiders is an outlier and would not repeat itself under normal circumstances. It is not textual evidence for Zuko and Katara enabling each other in a future romantic relationship. Thus, the argument has no textual evidence and can be disragarded.

If their dynamic is healthy, not enabling, shouldn't there be textual evidence to suggest this?

Not necessarily, since we didn't have much time with Zuko and Katara as friends. Additionally, the burden of proof is placed on those who make the claim. However, I did manage to gather some textual evidence that their dynamic already isn't what people describe it to be in canon.

Exhibit A: Sozin's Comet, Part 1: The Phoenix King

Here, Katara was already rightfully pissed off at A\ang for avoiding what, at the time, seemed to be his duty as the Avatar. She was going to angrily chase him, but Zuko rationally explained to her why he doesn't think it's a good idea. And she understood and calmed down.

Zuko doesn't enable Katara's rage and Katara doesn't keep pushing once she's offered a logical solution. They made a rational decision when it was the easiest to get even rightfully angry.

Exhibit B: Sozin's Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters

A\ang left them in the worst possible time. Katara already has abandonment issues (see: The Awakening), and the force he was supposed to fight is Zuko's abusive father. But they know they have to keep calm and track him down.

If they were controlled by their emotions together, we would see them get worked up. But we don't. Katara and Zuko once again made a rational decision.

Exhibit C: Sozin's Comet, Part 3: Into the Inferno

Zuko accepting Azula's offer to an Agni Kai could easily be seen as irrational. He would want to prove he can beat her. But when Katara thinks Zuko is making an emotion-based decision, she calls him out.

And even insists on it.

And then Zuko reveals that he did think clearly all along, and had a logical reasoning:

——————

In conclusion, the argument that Zuko and Katara would enable each other has no textual evidence. Time and time again they are proven able to make rational decisions without enabling each other's emotions. Thank you for reading.

#zutara #zutara month #zutara month 2024 #anti anti zutara #pro zutara #zutara meta #zuko x katara #katara x zuko #zutara analysis #zutara evidence #zutara forever #zutara nation #zutara should have been canon #zutara supremacy #zutara was robbed #zutarian #zukoxkatara #kataraxzuko

[sokkastyles]

Reading ATLA: The Promise - pp94-158

The subplot with Toph and Sokka training her students is cute, but it’s not funny enough to be enjoyable as even comic relief, and Sokka’s character seems to be ONLY comic relief now. I’m really not surprised, because all of the characters have been flanderized, but the mistreatment of Sokka here is particularly egregious, especially since he’s the only brown skinned boy in the main cast.

This is another page that’s been harped on to death already, but I just want to reiterate how tired I am of seeing Katara be made to feel guilty for prioritizing her own feelings. I’m going to choose to believe that Aang did genuinely want to feel closer to his people and that he isn’t just using it to be manipulative, but the thing is, why isn’t Katara allowed to share in this? Even if Katara felt left out because of her own jealousy, why doesn’t it ever occur to Aang to try and include her, especially since they mean so much to each other. Why is she not included in this part of his life (that coincidentally involves Aang being fawned over by tons of girls who are all in love with him)? This scene could have ended with Katara confessing to feeling left out, and Aang offering to teach her how to play the air flute or something. It would have been sweet and emphasized the comic’s theme of cultural exchange, as well as done a lot to portray the KA relationship as an equal relationship.

Zuko visits Ozai again and Ozai reveals the lesson of his story the previous night - it doesn’t matter whether the Fire Lord chooses to help the hawk or the turtle crab, because whatever side he chooses is the right one simply because he chose it. This sounds a lot like what Azula tells Long Feng about power in the series, that those with power are the ones who have the will to exert it. To Ozai, it doesn’t matter whether his decision is right or wrong, and being uncertain is a sign of weakness. Of course this is an immoral stance, and Zuko says he trusts Aang to do what’s right. Ozai asks Zuko if he trusts Aang more than he trusts himself. And then this happens:

This is a good scene, actually, as heartbreaking as it is. Ozai is manipulating Zuko, and Ozai is right about power in one respect. Ozai has power over Zuko psychologically because he’s able to tap into what he knows Zuko’s weaknesses are. Even though Ozai is in prison and Zuko is the Fire Lord, Ozai is still Zuko’s father and Zuko spent sixteen years living under his thumb.

But ultimately, Ozai being able to boss Zuko around like this just shows that the only power Ozai really has is through being a bully.

It’s frustrating to see Zuko backsliding, and yes, the entire comic is frustrating for the way it retreads previously resolved conflicts, but it’s not unrealistic that Zuko, an abused kid, would still have this kind of reaction, no matter how many times he tells Ozai he’s not going to listen to him anymore. That kind of psychological dependence is hard to break. What’s frustrating is that Zuko has to be completely isolated in order to get to that point, which also involves every other character acting in ways that are OOC. Especially Iroh, who knows Ozai more than anyone and how dangerous he can be even when Zuko is out of his reach, should have foreseen the danger here. If only Ozai could have been put in a maximum security prison far away...perhaps in the middle of a boiling lake inside a volcano...I don’t know, I’m just spitballing here...Not just for Zuko’s safety but that also reduces the danger of anyone in the capital who might be sympathetic to Ozai staging an escape attempt. Especially considering that Iroh himself broke out of that prison without firebending at all.

There’s also a subplot where Kori’s boyfriend, Sneers, who was one of the protestors outside Yu Dao, says she has to choose whether she is Fire Nation or Earth Kingdom, but his name is Sneers, so.

Katara and Aang visit the Earth King and, hilariously, both talk at the same time over the other, Aang saying that the Fire Nation people don’t belong in the Earth Kingdom and Katara saying that Zuko is trying to defend the families living there. Literally nobody communicates in this comic, even when they’re trying to communicate!

Kuei apparently has been taking a page from Ozai’s book of How to Become a Fascist Dictator because he decides that this is the moment that he needs to Be a Man (you tell him, Katara!) There’s something here about toxic masculinity and power dynamics. Kuei’s situation is similar to Zuko’s because he’s also been manipulated by his government and feels the need to prove himself as a strong leader, and the Earth Kingdom is also no doubt experiencing some serious political upheaval in the wake of the deposition of the Dai Li. 

But we know that Zuko isn’t his father, because he doesn’t want to rule through fear and intimidation.

So, Mai broke up with Zuko because he didn’t tell her he was going to visit Ozai, but she had a conversation with Suki behind his back about it - after she went behind Zuko’s back to fire his personal guards and put the Kyoshi Warriors in their place - and she’s mad about him keeping secrets?

I’ve also seen some criticism of Zuko here for ordering Mai to stay, but it was obviously something emotional said in the moment that he instantly regrets - and it didn’t work anyway. She also did the same thing to him at the end of ATLA when she told him never to break up with her again so like, turn about is fair play. Zuko doesn’t know why he says this, but like, this is the kind of behavior you learn if the person you’re in a relationship treats you that way. Also we just saw Zuko’s father order him around. It’s the trauma, bud. We won’t address any of this though, we’ll just pretend Zuko is going nuts because this poor kid hasn’t been gaslit enough in his life.

Zuko’s general comes in to tell him that the Earth King is marching against Yu Dao.

The biggest problem with this is that it’s framed as Zuko turning evil instead of “Zuko needs therapy.” Oh, and to not be around his abusive father. 

Zuko wanting to live for his mom, who left to save his life.

I do like the idea of Zuko and Aang having this shared psychic spirit connection.

Aang and Katara go to warn the people of Yu Dao to flee the city before the Earth King’s forces arrive, but get attacked themselves. Aang meets the Yu Dao chapter of his fan club, who have pretty much straight up appropriated Air Nomad culture, and gets really pissed off and then decides to double down on his stance that the nations have to be separate. Because THAT’S the message here folks, rather than “cultural appropriation is bad,” we’re going for “isolationism is good.”

#the promise #atla comics critical #antikataang #antimaiko #zuko #katara #aang #ozai

[princess-of-the-corner]

Okay so, question: How would "The Siege of the North" play out in the Avatar!Ty Lee AU?

Ahahahahahaha YES I told y'all I would hurt you with a certain Canon line and here we are!

So! Am I starting out with more Azula and Yue? Yes! Yes I am!

They're doing that awkward 'yeah we're in love but you're engaged and this probably wouldn't have worked anyway' thing. But still very much in love with each other despite being 'just friends'.

Also! Fun fact: I adore a headcanon I saw floating around where Fire Nation proposals involve a hand-carved knife! So imagine the vibes of Azula giving Yue a knife. "Aren't you tired of being nice? Don't you want to go apeshit?"

They're having cute but awkward moments together when oh hey black smoke in the sky. Goddamn it the Fire Nation is here to fuck shit up again.

Of course when asked who all is willing to fight, our entire Gaang is down to volunteer. They're already in this, and they plan to see it through. (Ofc our girls of the Gaang stare down anyone who dares to suggest a woman shouldn't fight).

Aang and Ty Lee head out first on Appa, since they're the most mobile and can at least scout out the situation and take down some of the Fire Nation's ships

We also get Yue's actual fiancé, Hahn, being an absolute dick. And the rest of the Gaang just roasts his outdated info on the Fire Nation because damn like. 85 year old uniform? Really? That's your idea? Hahn manages a snarky 'of course /you/ would know' before Chief Arnook breaks it up and tells Hahn to listen to them since they've been on the frontlines for a while, and get up to speed before continuing with the plan.

This lasts long enough to get the plan together before Hahn decides to be an asshole again by discussing the 'perks' of marrying Yue, and poking fun at the rest of them and some standard sexism about the girls fighting, so on and so forth.

The extra boiling point that turns it into a fight is when Hahn reveals the fact that half the Gaang are actually Fire Nation themselves. This fact was kept quiet, only to the Chief, his family, and high council members. Because it might cause issues and distrust to have them here even if they say they're on their side.

Which. Is somewhat what happens. While most of the troops go 'hey even if they were Fire Nation, they've defected from the country, are helping us, and are with the goddamn Avatar so obviously it isn't a trick', there is that unease.

As a result, they're all taken off the frontlines and off the stealth mission. But Chief Arnook gives them a different mission: Protect the inner city. Most of the troops will be at the city walls, with those who can't fight are deeper in the city in the more protected buildings. If the fighting gets past the walls, or if the Fire Nation pull off a stealth mission of their own, they're the line of defense.

He does also mention his more selfish reasons. That he wants them to protect Yue in particular. We have Azula sticking by Yue, who is in the group with Katara, Aang and Ty Lee. Everyone else stations themselves nearby the inner city, keeping an eye out.

Aang and Ty Lee end up coming up with the 'hey, maybe we can get the Spirits to help us!' thing. Because 1.) they're the Avatar, so Spirits should help them and 2.) even Spirits that don't have a stake directly in this conflict, should know that winning this battle will help to Balance the world.

Yue takes them to the Spirit Oasis, where we get the discussion on how to talk to the Spirits. Ty Lee's kinda jokingly like "Hey now for once I'm the useless one with the Avatar Shit™ since Spirits only listen to Aang anyway!"

It works and Aang enters the Spirit World. That whole mess goes about the same. Meeting with Koh the Face Stealer, learning that the Ocean and Moon Spirits are the koi fish, etc.

But when Aang gets back, everything has gone to shit. We're at the point where Zhao and his men are attacking the Oasis. Katara, Azula, and Ty Lee are fighting like hell, but they're outnumbered. Plus they're too focused on protecting Aang and Yue to notice that Zhao was going after the fish instead.

Zhao grabs the Moon Spirit and Waterbending cuts out. Leading to Katara being taken out of the fight, Aang and Yue getting the headache of reacting to the Moon Spirit's distress, and Ty Lee being down an Element. Ty Lee, Aang and Azula are still ready to fight, plus the rest of the Gaang has been sprinting full tilt to get here when they saw shit going fucky.

It should be a more even fight, but with Zhao holding the Moon Spirit hostage.....

Zhao goes on his whole rant about glory and being the 'Moonslayer', while everyone tries really hard to talk him down from being stupid.

That goes about as well in Canon. He kills the Moon Spirit. And between him no longer having his hostage, and fury at the audacity of what he just did? The whole group goes feral.

We get an especially pissed off Iroh for a hot minute here which sends Zhao running. Sokka, Zuko, and Mai all bolt after him.

Ty Lee and Aang are in sync with their rage. Flickering into the Avatar State already. Before they go full force, Aang drags Ty Lee into the water and they join power with the Ocean Spirit.

You know how I jokingly called them in the Avatar State 'Drift Compatible'? This is exactly why. They go full fuckin Pacific Rim.

Back at the Oasis, we get the reveal of Yue having some of the Moon Spirit's life in her. And Iroh somberly telling her that it might be their only chance to fix this, but.....

Azula snaps for a moment. This is fucked! Yue has already given up a lot in the name of her people, and now she's expected to give up her life too? No! Fuck that! She shouldn't have to become something she's not just because 'she is their Princess and her people 'need her' to'! Fuck 'royal obligations', fuck 'what's expected of her', and especially fuck sacrificing anything else!

Yue just smiles sadly. Tells her this isn't about duty or obligation or what anyone else wants from her. She is willing to face anything, even death, even eternity, if it means those she loves will be safe.

A final kiss goodbye, and Yue is gone.

Azula is still for a moment. Shock. Then fury. Burning anger making her move.

She's going after Zhao herself. And while Iroh tries to talk her out of revenge, she doesn't listen.

Azula finds the others still fighting Zhao. A three-on-one battle that he is very much losing.

Sokka, Mai and Zuko can see the anger off of her. The almost unhinged attacks. They notice the Moon is back in the sky. THey don't know what happened, but they know that they had better get the hell out of her way.

Before Azula can do much to Zhao, the Ocean Spirit shows up to drag him down. Though she feels robbed of her own vengeance, Azula can live with that ending. The Ocean Spirit lost its partner that night too.

The battle is over. Everyone tries to pick up the pieces.

Everyone handles this with varying reactions. But Azula is still angry. Lashing out at anyone and everyone who tries to approach her. Picking fights just to get out some of the aggression still in her system.

Eventually, Zuko approaches her on his own. Because as upset as she is, she won't snap at him like she does at the others.

They're quiet for a moment. Not acknowledging. Not talking. Just... existing.

Azula: "My first girlfriend turned into the Moon."

Zuko, unsure what else to say: "That's rough, buddy."

It's unexpected. And it makes her laugh. The laughter quickly turns to sobs, having finally hit the breaking point for goddamn everything they've been through.

#avatar!ty lee au

[zuko-always-lies]

How does Iroh talk about Ozai vs How does Iroh talk about Azula

Iroh only discusses his brother and his niece a few times in the series, yet I believe we can detect patterns which reveal how he feels about them. Much more under the cut.

How Iroh talks about Ozai:

“Avatar Roku”:

Zuko: I have no choice, Uncle. Iroh (angrily): Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you?!?!? (With a look of anguish and worry) What if you're caught? Zuko (turning around from the spy glass): I'm chasing the Avatar. My father will understand why I'm returning home. Iroh: You give him too much credit. My brother is not the understanding type.

“The Storm”:

Iroh: After Zuko's outburst in the meeting, the Fire Lord became very angry with him. He said that Prince Zuko's challenge of the general was an act of complete disrespect, and there was only one way to resolve this... Lieutenant Jee (horrified): Agni kai. A fire duel. Iroh: That's right. Zuko looked upon the old general he had insulted and declared that he was not afraid. But Zuko misunderstood. When he turned to face his opponent, he was surprised to see it was not the General. Zuko had spoken out against a general's plan, but by doing so in the Fire Lord's war room, it was the Fire Lord whom he had disrespected. Zuko would have to duel his own father.

later:

Iroh: I looked away. (The spectators are illuminated by flame, Zuko's scream of anguish is heard in the background, and the camera zooms to a close up of Iroh. The flashback ends, but Iroh's face in the present is in the same pose as it was when Zuko was scarred. It is clearly an unpleasant memory.) Lieutenant Jee (abashed): I always thought that Prince Zuko was in a training accident... Iroh: It was no accident. After the duel, the Fire Lord said that by refusing to fight, Zuko had shown shameful weakness. As punishment he was banished and sent to capture the Avatar. Only then could he return with his honor. Lieutenant Jee: So that's why he's so obsessed. Capturing the Avatar is the only chance he has of things returning to normal. Iroh: Things will never return to normal. But the important thing is, the Avatar gives Zuko hope.

It’s interesting to note that, given the story Iroh is telling here, his tone and wording is shockingly non-judgmental, mainly expressing sadness over what happened.

“The Avatar State”:

Zuko: (dejectedly) Three years ago today I was banished. I lost it all. (He looks up suddenly.) I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, I want my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless. Iroh: (with exaggerated optimism) I'm sure he doesn't! Why would he banish you if he didn't care? (Zuko gets up and walks away. Cut to Iroh's surprised face with the attendants in the background.) Iroh: (negatively to himself) Erg... that came out wrong, didn't it?

Later:

Zuko: (o.c., happily) We're going home. After three long years. It's unbelievable. (Zuko walks behind a thoughtful Iroh, carrying some folded clothing. He walks off to the right of the screen.) Iroh: (skeptically) It is unbelievable. I have never known my brother to regret anything. (Cut to a close-up of Zuko. At first he sounds surprised, and then forceful.) Zuko: Did you listen to Azula? Father's realized how important family is to him. He cares about me. Iroh: I care about you. And if Ozai wants you back... well, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine. Zuko: (defensively, turning his back to Iroh) You don't know how my father feels about me. (He stiffens) You don't know anything. (Cut to the scarred portion of Zuko's face in the foreground with Iroh talking over his shoulder.) Iroh: (gently) Zuko, I only meant that in our family things are not always what they seem.”

Sozin’s Comet Part II:

Zuko: [Voice-over.] Uncle, you're the only person other than the Avatar who can [Side-view of Iroh with Zuko sat next to him. Toph sits to Zuko's right and Katara has her back to the camera opposite Toph.] possibly defeat the Father Lord. Toph: You mean the Fire Lord. Zuko: [Angrily.] That's what I just said! Iroh: Hmmm ... Zuko: We need you to come with us! Iroh: [Close-up.] No, Zuko, it won't turn out well. Zuko: [Aerial view of the group.] You can beat him! [Turns to the others.] And we'll be there to help. Iroh: Even if I did defeat Ozai, [Close-up.] and I don't know that I could, it would be the wrong way to end the war. [Aerial view of the group.] History would see it as just more senseless violence, a brother killing a brother to grab power. The only way for this war to end peacefully is for the Avatar to defeat the Fire Lord.

It’s hard for me to fully capture Iroh’s words, since his tone of voice tends to be a big part in this, but he seems remarkably non-judgmental when discussing his brother. His words seemed to colored by a great deal of sadness and regret.

How Iroh talks about Azula: 

Bitter Work:

Zuko: So uncle, I've been thinking. It's only a matter of time before I run into Azula again. I'm going to need to know more advanced firebending if I want to stand a chance against her. I know what you're going to say: she's my sister and I should be trying to get along with her. Iroh: No, she's crazy and she needs to go down. (Zuko nods. Iroh grunts as he stands up.) It's time to resume your training.

This goes without much comment, other than to note that Azula is “crazy” for doing things that Iroh and/or Zuko did. The only interesting thing to note is that Zuko didn’t just passively “run into Azula” the previous episode; he actively sought her out to fight her, as he does, to one degree or another, in many episodes this series. I’m not sure if Iroh totally understands that, but, if he does, it says interesting and not flattering things about him.

Later:

Iroh: Lightning is a pure expression of firebending, without aggression. It is not fueled by rage or emotion the way other firebending is. Some call lightning the cold-blooded fire. (Iroh takes the tea kettle off the fire and pours it into another pot. He then begins to pour two cups.) It is precise and deadly, like Azula. To perform the technique requires peace of mind.

This is actually a pretty neutral comment. Interestingly, Iroh seems to almost be encouraging Zuko to at least partially adopt Azula’s mindset, or at least Azula’s mindset as Iroh understands it. Still, the way he talks about her seems almost dehumanizing.

Later: 

Iroh: I have another idea. I will teach you a firebending move that even Azula doesn't know, because I made it up myself!

Iroh actually (likely inadvertently) encourages Zuko to stake his self-worth on how his firebending compares to Azula’s firebending prowess!

“The Crossroads of Destiny”:

Azula: I expected this kind of treachery from Uncle, but Zuko, Prince Zuko...you're a lot of things, but you're not a traitor, are you? Zuko: Release him immediately! Azula:It's not too late for you Zuko. You can still redeem yourself. Iroh:The kind of redemption she offers is not for you. Azula: Why don't you let him decide, Uncle? I need you Zuko. I've plotted every move of this day. This glorious day in Fire Nation history. And the only way we win is together. At the end of this day, you will have your honor back. You will have your father's love. You will have everything you want. Iroh: Zuko, I am begging you, look into your heart and see what it is that you truly want.

No real comment here, other than to note that Iroh doesn't bother addressing Azula directly in this scene.

“Sozin’s Comet, Part II”:

Iroh: Yes. [Close-up from over Zuko's shoulder.] Zuko, you must return to the Fire Nation, so that when the Fire Lord falls, you can assume the throne and restore peace and order. [Extreme close-up of Zuko.] But Azula will be there, waiting for you. Zuko: I can handle Azula. Iroh: Not alone! [Frontal view of Iroh from the side of Zuko.] You'll need help. Zuko: [Extreme close-up.] You're right. Katara, [Frontal view of Katara over Zuko's shoulder.] how would you like to help me put Azula in her place? Katara: It would be my pleasure.

Let’s just say the contrast with what Iroh moments earlier said about Ozai is quite palpable.

Overall, Iroh tends to be nonjudgmental, regretful, and sorrowful when he talks about Ozai, even after what Ozai did to Zuko. You get a sense that he still deeply loves his brother and wishes things had turned out differently.

By contrast, Iroh tends to be much more hostile when he talks about Azula, and even when he’s not, he seems to discuss her as an obstacle to overcome rather than a person. There is no hint of past affection in the way he discusses her.

#Iroh #anti-Iroh #Zuko #Ozai #Azula

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Unlikely friends: Imagine being Toph’s cousin and befriending Azula, much to the gang’s horror and confusion as it starts to become something more...

Note: The is loosely based on the comic the search which takes place after the tv show ended

Part two here

part three here

Your pov

You’d never been exposed to Azula much. Of course you knew who she was, everyone in the four nations did, but you’d never met her face to face. You only joined the gang after Zuko was firelord and so the first time you met her was when Zuko recruited her to help find his mother.

You were at the royal palace when Zuko revealed his sister would be coming on the trip with the rest of you. The others all gasped as a girl appeared beside Zuko but you just blinked confused. The girl in front of you was your age, average to small height and honestly just looked tired and worn down. You’d heard Azula had been locked up for a year due to her mental health difficulties and you couldn’t understand how the others didn’t see this all over her.

Zuko noticed you staring at Azula and realised you’d never met before. “Ow you don’t know each other....y/n this is Azula, Azula this is y/n Toph’s cousin”. “Hmmm a Beifong so not a peasant but earth kingdom scum is still earth kingdom scum” Azula replied glancing over you. “Azula!” Zuko snapped but you just shrugged “it’s fine, nice to meet you Azula”. Azula blinked at you confused at the notion any one of her brother’s friends would ever be pleased to see her. She stared at you before moving past you. “Sorry she’s....like that” Zuko commented and you smiled “no need to apologise, i’m sure after everything she’s been through this is hard for her, tracking your mother down...I bet she’s very nervous to be seeing her again, that’s probably why she’s lashing out”. Zuko frowned “I guess, I hadn’t thought of it that way...”.

Throughout the trip you had more patience with Azula than the others because you empathised with her. Yes, she was rude and snarky but you could tell she was only doing that to get a reaction out of the people she knew hated her. You’d grown up with difficult people who liked to annoy an reaction out of you (your cousin was Toph freaking Beifong) and so you knew they usually did it when they didn’t feel welcome or good about themselves. So you never responded to Azula’s quips about you or retaliated in any way and slowly she stopped. Soon you noticed you were the only one in the group who Azula didn’t rush to attack. She largely acted like you weren’t there but you took that as a good sign. If it was just the two of you she seemed more relaxed, less guarded and you were glad you had that effect on her. You wanted her to know not everyone hated her and apparently she did. 

Obviously however Azula couldn’t just be alone with you the whole trip. She was surrounded by the gang who rightfully mistrusted and intensely disliked her. It was a stressful environment and you saw its growing mark on Azula each day...

You usually took the main night watch as you didn’t need as much sleep as the others and you’d noticed while everyone else slept soundly Azula would often jerk and mutter in her sleep endlessly. One night it was particularly bad. Azula curled up into herself and her mutterings sounded more like whimpers. You tried to ignore it and just focus on your book but after a while you couldn’t. So you approached her slowly and realised she must be having a particularly bad nightmare. Azula” you called trying to wake her up. When the girl didn’t respond you walked closer and knelt down beside her “Azula?” you called shaking her slightly. Azula jolted awake suddenly, sitting up so fast she almost headbutted you. She flinched away from you, fire at her fingertips before she blinked “ow it’s just you, what were you doing leaning over me?”. “You were having a nightmare I was trying to wake you” you replied and Azula glared “impossible nightmares are for weak people and children”. You laughed “no they’re not! Everyone gets nightmares, it’s not something you can control and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re weak”. Azula huffed sitting up and pulled her legs into her chest “well either way I wasn’t having one okay?”. You nodded your head raising your hands in surrender “fine”. Silence settled and you looked at her “well i’m going to go sit back by the fire, you can join me if you want. It’d be nice to have some company”. Azula huffed “no thank you” she said sarcastically and you shrugged “suit yourself but the invite is there”.

You sat down by the fire and returned to your book. You heard Azula shuffling around and after a few minutes saw her stand up and head towards you. You pretended not to notice as Azula got closer and only looked up when she reached the campfire. “Since you rudely woke me up and I can’t get back to sleep I’ve decided to sit here, there’s no point just laying on the floor”. You nodded your head “that makes sense” and smiled slightly. Azula looked down embarrassed but seemed grateful you didn’t push it. You sat in comfortable silence, only talking fleetingly and it was calm and neutral. Azula looked the most relaxed and normal you’d ever seen her and sure enough she soon fell back to sleep. You smiled and grabbed a blanket laying it over her. She may be difficult but difficult people were that way because they were hurting. You could sense that in Azula and didn’t want to cause her any more harm. You thought Azula could sense your intentions to her were different than the other’s and that’s why she behaved differently with you. Every time you interacted you saw more of Azula, the healthy happier Azula, but all the walls went back up as soon as the others were around. It upset you Azula didn’t feel comfortable with the others but at least feeling comfortable with one person was a start.

3 days later

You were finally only one day away from reaching the village Zuko’s mom was in and you all sat around discussing what to do next. Well apart from Azula, she was always made to stand away when you discussed plans, nobody forced her to but she felt unwelcomed so would usually go sulk out of earshot. It was decided you’d make the journey the next morning rather than arriving in the middle of the night. You nodded along with the plans before standing up and heading off in Azula’s direction “okay i’ll go let her know”. “Let who know?” Katara asked and you paused “Azula, she doesn’t know the plan”. “So?” Zuko asked and you hesitated “well shouldn’t we tell her....i mean she’s a part of the group now, she deserves to know what we’re dragging her into”. Aang nodded, Toph and Sokka shrugged but Katara and Zuko didn’t look convinced. “Fine i guess” Zuko shrugged and you nodded, going to get Azula from her stance by the woods. The gang all watching on confused. 

The next day

You reached Ursa’s village the next day and found her home easily. She was thrilled to see her children again and the town threw a large party to celebrate the return of Ursa’s son the fire lord. You all attended and the whole gang looked so happy to finally be off the road and in a house, Zuko especially was in high spirits. He was beaming, a grin spread from ear to ear and you smiled to see he hadn’t left his mother’s side since he’d found her again. You saw Zuko’s family, his mom, new little sister Kiyi and stepdad all sat together and paused....they looked like a perfect happy family but someone was missing. You glanced around and saw Azula was outside, as far away from the happy occasion as she could get and was staring intensely at the surrounding scenery. You made your way outside and Azula jumped. “Only me” you said holding up a hand and Azula lowered her hands but her shoulders were still tensed “what do you want?”. “Nothing” you shrugged “just wanted to see if you were okay”. “Of course i’m okay” Azula snapped and you frowned. Over the period you’d spent travelling you’d seen Azula improve, she was less jumpy and agitated but the second you’d reached her mother’s town she was right back at square one. Her mother had been the reason for her initial mental breakdown and you were worried something like this could set her over the edge again. You knew Azula wasn’t one for small talk but wanted her to feel less alone so started talking to her. “You know I haven’t seen my family in 5 years?”. Azula didn’t attack you so you carried on. “They sent me to go live with Toph’s parents when I was 12 and I haven’t seen them since. To be honest it wasn’t a big move I was at Toph’s all the time but still to make it permanent... My father...he worked a lot so I never saw him even when I was home but as for my other family. My mom and I never saw eye to eye on anything, she hated all my decisions and honestly I think she was glad when I left...it gave her more time to focus on my brothers. Her favourites, she’s always preferred my brothers to me just because they’ll carry on the name or whatever”. You trailed off and Azula raised an eyebrow “are you actually trying to bond with me over mommy issues?”. You paused and rushed to explain you weren’t trying anything when you saw Azula had a slight smirk on her face and so you smiled. “Why not?” you asked “my point is, my parents were never there for me and I turned out fine! They only have as much power over you as you let them. Azula tutted “you should save the philosophy for Aang y/n”. You smiled “I probably should but all i’m saying is you’re not a product of what they’ve done to you unless you let yourself be, unless you hold onto that anger. I’ve forgiven my mother and father for how they treated me”. Azula spun on you and you jumped to see how angry she suddenly looked. “You expect me to believe after all she did to you, you forgave her? How stupid do you think I am?”. “I have” you said confused “I hold no anger towards my mother anymore”. “Well you should” Azula commented “she doesn’t deserve anything less”. You shrugged “maybe so but that anger was causing me way more harm than it was her”. Azula didn’t respond and you frowned. “I haven’t forgotten what she...what all my family did to me and I haven’t let them off for it, I set boundaries and refuse to let them treat me that way anymore...but I also don’t fixate over what happened, it happened, it was in the past and that’s where it should stay...that’s where I make it stay, I won’t let it take up any more of my time”. Silence settled and as time stretched on you stopped expecting a reply. That was fine with you, you just hoped any part of what you’d said had made Azula feel a little better. “I’m cold so i’m going to head back inside, you could come with me? I hate entering parties alone” you tried to joke but Azula didn’t glance at you. You shrugged and started back inside when Azula sighed and appeared beside you “come on then, if I must hold your hand with everything”. You grinned as you realised this was Azula’s way of saying she’d come back to the party with you. “But we’re getting food” Azula told you “i’m starving, that food Sokka hands out is awful”. You grinned as you walked in together “blubbered seal jerky, it is awful but it does sustain you”, Azula wrinkled her nose in disgust and you laughed. “I never figured you a picky eater”. “I’m not” Azula said defiantly “but i refuse to eat any animal’s blubber” she commented piling a plate with food. Not wanting to make her eat alone you copied her and filled a plate too. You found a table near the outskirts of the party and sat down together. Azula tucked into her food and you were surprised at her appetite though you knew you shouldn’t be. The girl was a machine of muscle and strength, of course she ate a lot. Still you watched impressed as Azula cleared her plate "you were hungry" you grinned and Azula smirked "why do you never believe me?". "I don’t know maybe your whole history with manipulation?". Azula’s smirk vanished and you worried you’d gone too far when she laughed. It was odd seeing her face contort into a laugh and her shoulders shake but a good weird. You liked seeing it and felt very proud you’d made the fearsome and dreadful Azula laugh. So proud you didn’t even notice that your and Azula’s table was getting attention.

Ursa’s POV

Ursa’s head shot up as she heard a vaguely familiar but sorely missed sound and her eyes landed on Azula almost instantly. Azula was laughing! She was smiling at a friend and appeared happy. Joy filled Ursa’s heart and she felt her eyes tear up to see her daughter happy. "Mother?" Zuko asked and she jumped. "Are you okay?" Zuko asked and she nodded "it’s just your sister...". "What has she done now?" Zuko snapped and Ursa shook her head "nothing! I just, i know i showed favourites and i always regretted leaving you both, i worried it would impact you both beyond repair especially Azula but then i saw her smiling...". Zuko followed his mothers gaze not believing her until he saw Azula beside you. His mother was right, Azula was actually smiling...well her form of a smile which was more of an upturned lip but still for Azula that was insane. "Who is her friend?" Ursa asked "she seems lovely". "Y/n" Zuko said confused "i didn’t even know they were friends" he was ashamed to admit. Ursa noticed and patted his back "i know things can’t have been easy and i’m sorry for my part in that but things can only get better now, for all of us" she said glancing back to Azula and Zuko nodded "apparently so".

Your POV

After the party was finished you were heading to your shared room with Toph when Katara appeared "y/n can we talk?". You shrugged and motioned for her to follow you into the room. She did and once inside you turned to her expectantly. "What are you doing are you insane!" she burst. You blinked "come again?". "Since when are you friends with Azula! Why would you want to be? What is wrong with you?". You took in the comments and breathed "erm...i guess we’ve become friends over the journey, i have spent the most time with her, i didn’t try to become friends with her i just talked to her and treated her like a human and it kind of just happened. As for what’s wrong with me....how long have you got?". Toph laughed and Katara glared "y/n this isn’t funny, don’t you remember all she’s done!". You rolled your eyes "ow yeah all water under the bridge...of course i haven’t forgotten what she's done but i have seen enough of her to know she’s just as broken as Zuko, she’s human Katara and she deserves the decency of being treated like one". Katara tutted "i don’t remember seeing an inch of humanity in her". "Well i’m sure if you start really looking at her you'll find it" you said sharply "now I’m going to bed so goodnight" and you turned away from the water bender letting her know this conversation was over.

Mai’s POV After Ursa had been found everyone returned to the fire nation to celebrate. Zuko was the happiest Mai had ever seen him but he wasn’t the only one who returned from the journey oddly happy. Thanks to her help Azula hadn’t been locked back up upon her return and she was freely roaming the palace. Old habits die hard and Mai found herself watching the girl who’d tormented her through her childhood and was surprised by what she saw. Azula had made a friend and one that actually seemed to genuinely like her judging by your smile. "So...Azula and y/n seem to get on" Mai commented and Zuko nodded amazed that this friendship had formed and that Azula was here at the party at all. He figured knowing their mother would be here she’d have run and hidden but here she was. "They seem quite close" Mai carried on "are they...is it more than a friendship?". Zuko paused "what?". Ty lee nodded "i was thinking the same thing, notice how Azula hardly looks away from her?". Mai nodded and Zuko frowned, clearly lost in the conversation. "I don’t know...i don’t think so" he babbled. Mai rolled her eyes at how clueless Zuko was "well is y/n or has y/n ever dated anyone to your knowledge". "No..." Zuko frowned. "They’re so dating" Ty lee grinned and Zuko frowned "are you sure? I mean my sister...date anyone?". Mai shook her head "you know she is a human being right Zuko? And an attractive one at that, i wouldn’t be surprised if she and y/n kindled something it's actually rather...sweet".

 Azula’s POV

Azula had only agreed to come to this party because you were going to be here and also because she’d been assured her mother wouldn’t try anything with her. Still Azula had been apprehensive to attend and the second you left her side her suspicions were confirmed. She was ambushed.  "Sooooo" Azula heard and turned to see an old friend? Ex friend? She still wasn’t sure but either way there was Ty lee grinning her. "Ty lee" she nodded at her curtly. "It’s good to see you" Ty lee smiled "i noticed you and y/n seem close". Azula raised an eyebrow, Ty lee was never good at being subtle and clearly meant something more with those words. "If you’re worried she’s beating you in the rankings of friendship you needn’t worry, you dropped right out of there the minute you betrayed me". Ty lee paused and Azula smirked "your face, you always were too easy to fool". Ty lee laughed nervously, Azula knew how to joke now?  "But seriously what’s up with you and y/n? Is it friends....is it more?". Azula paused "more?". "Well you guys just seemed very close" Ty lee shrugged "almost couple-y". Azula paused, this was a new perspective for her, she hadn’t even thought about her friendship with you or that it could be something more....now the idea was there she realised it wasn’t such a bad one.  She liked you, she thought you were nice to be around and funny. Not to mention you were beautiful and athletic. Azula thought it over while Ty lee almost burst. "So?" Ty lee finally asked and Azula paused. She didn’t want Ty lee to go around telling people before she even knew what she wanted so she shook her head "me and y/n are just friends". Ty lee looked disappointed "ow...well i’m still glad you’ve got such a good friend, you look a lot happier than i’ve ever seen you" Ty lee smiled and Azula realised she was. Even here at the palace where she had so many bad memories it wasn’t as bad anymore. Azula suspected a lot of that was because of you and felt a blush rise to her cheeks. How hadn’t she worked this out sooner? 

A few days later

All good things had to come to an end. With the mission a success the avatar and all his friends were leaving the fire nation soon and Azula knew you were planning on leaving too. You were going to help the little earth bender with her school. Azula knew Toph was the person you cared most about in the world so of course you’d want to go with her but part of her wished you wouldn’t. She wished you had nothing to pull you away from her.

She’d heard from Zuko you were leaving soon and so she debated back and forth if she should come see you to say goodbye or just let you go. As the time trickled away and the day of your departure arrived she decided to just swallow her pride and come and find you. She found you in your room in the palace doing some very late packing. You had apparently just finished as she found you lining up your luggage for the trip. “Azula” you said happily spotting her and she couldn’t help but smile “hi y/n”. “Hello” you smiled “how are you?”. “I’m good, and you?”. “Great” you smiled “we’re all set to leave soon! I can’t wait to get home”. Azula nodded “I can imagine” and stared at the floor. “Is everything okay?” you asked and Azula tensed. “Everything’s fine I just wanted to say goodbye”  Azula shrugged meeting your eye and smiling slightly. She thought she’d been pretty convincing but apparently not.

Your POV

"Azula what’s wrong? I can tell somethings bothering you" you said frowning and came to stand closer to her. You could tell she was nervous, something you’d rarely seen on the firebender’s face. "I...i was just wondering when you were coming to the fire nation again?". You paused "well i’m not sure honestly, i guess whenever the gang comes again, why have you got a big festival coming up or something?". Azula shook her head "no we don’t...". She sounded disappointed and an idea formed in your head, did Azula not want you to go? "The gang might be too busy to just swing by but that doesn’t mean i can’t" you said testing the water and saw Azula’s eyes widen and her cheeks flush slightly. "I think that would be nice" she said looking down and you smiled softly. Azula wanted you around! "Yeah?" you asked and Azula nodded "i guess i’ve become...accustomed to your presence" she said.

You almost laughed that this was what Azula thought was an honest compliment. No, Azula could do better than that so you prompted her.

"Accustomed to my presence?" you asked raising an eyebrow and Azula searched for words before sighing. "I like being around you" she shrugged going red "so you coming back to the fire nation wouldn’t be a bad thing i guess". You grinned "you’d cope with that idea?". Azula nodded her head still blushing "i would". You laughed and couldn’t stop smiling at Azula’s blush. "Well in that case i’d be more than happy to have regular visits, not to mention you can come visit me and Toph at her school anytime you want". "I can?" Azula asked and you nodded "of course! You think i’d leave you all alone with these firebenders and no escape route". Azula smiled at you, a genuine happy smile and nodded her head "that’s...thank you, i’m sure i’ll be taking you up on that offer frequently". "As much as you want" you said taking her hand "i mean it Azula, even if it’s just for a few hours or a night, you’re always welcome with me". Azula stared at you and wondered again how she hadn’t realised she liked you before. It was so obvious to her now, she only hoped it wasn’t so obvious to you but judging by the fact she had a permanent blush this whole time she wasn’t too sure about that. Azula nodded "thank you y/n" and you smiled "no problem". You carried on looking at her before blushing at your close proximity and stepped away. "So i best be going but expect many letters". Azula chucked and you shrugged "what? I’m not kidding? I love writing letters, you will receive many from me, once a day if you’re lucky". Azula smiled "i promise to reply to every single one" and you grinned "you better". You started towards the door and stopped to look back at her. "I’ve really enjoyed our time together and I just wanted you to know...i think you’re pretty amazing”. Azula blushed "thank you....you’re also very good". You chuckled at her awkward reply and smiled "all i meant was, don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough, from where i’m standing...that’s not the case at all, in any way". Azula’s face turned an even deeper shade of red and you smiled. "Anyway i’ll go now, bye Azula". "Bye y/n" she managed and with a last smile you were gone. Azula immediately felt a pang of loneliness but then thought of what you’d do. She took a few deep breaths and repeated what you’d told her. She was good enough, she was more than good enough, she didn’t need to be insecure or cruel. She opened her eyes, let out a sigh and turned to her daily tasks. She'd see you again soon enough and only 13 hours until your promised daily letter, Azula could wait that long.

____

I absolutely love this idea of Azula finding someone she can be open and vulnerable with and might make this into a 3 part series??

#azula #azula imagine #azula x reader #team avatar #atla #avatar imagine #atla imagine #atla azula #avatar azula #princess azula #zuko #aang #katara #toph #sokka #toph beifong #huan beifong #firelord zuko #atla the search #ursa #atla zuko #atla toph #atla katara #mai #ty lee #fire nation #avatar the last airbender #avatar the last air bender imagine

[alfredolover119]

zukka fic rec list (modern au)

howdy! i’ve been collecting zukka fics i like since uhhh june and now i am sharing my lists with the world. i’m splitting it into three posts so it hopefully wont be too long. this is the third and final one: modern au fics! the other two are canon era and post-canon. [side note!! if youd like a specific type of rec list,, i.e. soulmate au, fake dating, ambassador sokka,, hmu and i’ll post a list !!]

within this post, the fics are in word count order! also, if you’d like a soundtrack for your reading, i might recommend my zukka playlist :^) happy reading!

it’s the lack of creativity for me by @theboilingrock

-1912 words, teen

-soulmate au, humor

The point is, the concept of soulmates was simple on the surface, but the people in Sokka’s life all had special and unique stories surrounding soulmates. So of course Sokka would be the one stuck with only the word “Hi” tattooed on his arm. [In which Sokka overcompensates for his soulmate’s limited imagination in the greetings department (seriously? “Hi”?).]

We’ll play hide and seek (to turn this around) by @engagedzukka

-5502 words, general

-bakoda-centric with background zukka, fluff, meet-cute (note: i had to include this one its just too good not to!! plus the ed sheeran title spoke to me)

Sokka has a plan to ask out the cute boy at the bookstore. Hakoda is a begrudging participant until he meets the boy's beautiful older coworker.

if the shoe fits by @bisexuallsokka 

-5742, teen

-college au, director!zuko and set designer!sokka, tooth-rotting fluff, mutual pining

The stranger is still there, and he doesn’t seem in a hurry to leave. Zuko, on the other hand, is anxious to wrap up his work for the night so he can meet his uncle for dinner. “Can I help you with something?” // The man laughs. “I’m actually here for you. Short-tempered, badass scar, soft looking hair? You must be the director. I’m Sokka.” // Zuko sputters. “What? I-I don't...who described me like that?” // “Well, Jet just said short-tempered, I added the rest on my own,” Sokka shrugs. “He said you were looking for some help designing your set.”

lighthouse beam by @incorrectzukka 

-7167 words, general 

-college au, hurt/comfort, semi-deaf zuko, fluff and angst, mutual pining

Sokka’s breathtakingly beautiful and he’s smart and makes other people laugh. Zuko has a half-burnt face and a deaf ear. It’s not rocket science. // Or, Zuko falls in love with the boy in his Philosophy class.

put your lips close to mine (as long as they don’t touch) by @celestialceci

-9470 words, teen

-college roommates, summer vacation, humor

Zuko hates his home. He likes college alright, but he likes Sokka even better, his assigned roommate turned best friend. Spending the summer with Sokka will be fun, a welcome change of pace he desperately wants. It probably won't awaken anything in him... right?

always a plus one (never a groom) by @hotdamnitszuko

-13133 words, teen

-friends to lovers, humor, sharing a bed, hurt/comfort

Zuko and Sokka decide that the best way to get through the late-twenties wedding rush is to do them all together. As it turns out, being surrounded by people in love all the time will make you want to kiss your single and hot high school best friend.

swords of fate, pride of heart by @zukkababey

-13531 words, teen

-college au, online romance, zoom meet-cute, fluff, bg piandao/jeong jeong

Yeah, attending university via Zoom sucks. But it sucks a little bit less when Sokka gets to stare endlessly at the pretty boy with the cool swords and the cute cats without him ever even knowing. [Or, Sokka and Zuko "meet" in Zoom class. Flirtatious shenanigans ensue.]

earth system history by @pianjeong

-14084 words, teen

-college au, coming out, first kiss, sparring

Sometimes, you just need to sneak into the earth science lab at three in the morning with your best friend whom you are in love with. This is far more of a formative experience for Zuko and Sokka than they originally intended.

Kiss-Proof Lipstick: Fact or Fiction? by @flammable-grimm-pitch

-14171 words, teen

-sephora employee!zuko, mutual pining, idiots to lovers

Sokka gets dragged along to Sephora by his sister and Toph; Zuko provides him with a makeup education.

The Road Between Action and Inaction by @donvex​

-17548 words, teen

-road trip, slowburn, comfort, mutual pining, first kiss

Sokka does a shitty k turn in the parking lot across from the bus station, pulls up to the curb where the boy is looking determinedly at his phone, and rolls down the passenger window. “Hey! Which way were you going?” He may die, but at least his conscience will be clear. // The guy blinks at him. “Don’t.” // Oh, he’s prickly.

There Is COVID in Ba Sing Se by @koala-otter

-17783 words, teen

-quarantine au, roommates, friends to lovers, domesticity

The whole world is under lockdown, and Sokka and Zuko move in together.

Mass Times Acceleration by Haicrescendo

-19417 words, teen

-roadtrip, bed sharing, idiots to lovers, pining, underage drinking

[Zuko calls at three in the morning and says, tears in his voice and rage through his teeth, “I want to run away.” // It’s Sokka’s turn to carry the brain cell in his household but he doesn’t waste a second before he’s saying, “Tell me when and where—I’m coming too.”]

Anything for You by beersforqueers

-23616, explicit

-fake dating, breaking up/making up, fluff, angst with a happy ending, humor

In which Sokka and Zuko have broken up but Sokka hasn't told his family yet. So when Katara and Aang's wedding weekend rolls around and he doesn't want to break Gran-Gran's heart, he asks Zuko to pretend to be his boyfriend for one last weekend. Things don't go as planned.

That Midnight Sky by @zukkababey

-103016 words, teen

-college au, fake dating, strangers to lovers, slowburn, mutual pining, fluff and angst, miscommunication

In Zuko’s strict family, needing a tutor is just about the worst thing you could do. Failing a class, however, is even worse. The only rational solution? Take up Aang on his offer to find him a physics tutor and have Sokka—beautiful, smart, handsome Sokka—tutor him in secret. // When Azula’s arrival threatens to reveal Zuko’s secret, it’s up to Sokka to convince her this definitely isn’t what it looks like. See, he’s actually… Zuko’s… boyfriend? // Hmm. There’s no way this could get complicated, right?

#zukka #zuko #sokka #atla #avatar: the last airbender #fic recs #zukka fic recs #fanfiction #rec list

[asciendo]

In too Deep

Your friends with benefits with Zuko was the best distraction from the upcoming battle with Ozai and Azula. 

But what happens when you slowly begin to catch feelings for Zuko but Sokka sets him up on a date?

It’s been six months since you and Zuko started your little fling. Both of you were the newest members of Team Avatar, Zuko being the redeeming Fire Prince and you being the daughter of a banished Fire Nation general who Zuko and Sokka rescued from the Boling Rock along with Sukki and Sokka’s dad. You’ve known Zuko since you were children but never interacted that much.

Both of you got on each other’s nerves at the start, both being stubborn on how to teach Aang how to fire bend. You knew deep down Zuko was meant to be Aang’s fire bending teacher but that didn’t mean your suggestions didn’t matter.

“I told you, you should teach him to learn how to flow with the energy, not just shoot fire out!” You rolled your eyes as Zuko huffed with a confused Aang stuck in a bending stance behind him.

“He has to learn how to hit his target, am I right?” Zuko marched towards you as you both continued to argue.

“Uhm, I feel like you both have good points, ha ha ha” Aang was always in the middle of your arguments and tried to defuse them, but he knew trying to control two hot heads was almost as difficult as defeating Fire Lord Ozai.

Your argument continued as Aang fell asleep, tired of waiting for his lessons to resume as you and Zuko were almost at each other’s throats, which resulted in Zuko shooting a fire ball on the tree where Sokka was sleeping. “HEY!”

“See! Look what you made me do!”

“What I made you do?! You threw that fireball all on your own!”

“If you hadn’t interrupted my training with Aang, we would be done by now!”

“If you just listened to someone else’s suggestions, Aang would be a better fire bender!” You and Zuko were literally in each other’s faces now, the only thing missing was smoke coming out of your ears as both of you were fuming at one another.

“If you weren’t such a know it all, I would never have gotten angry!”

“Well, you should learn to control your temper!” At your last outburst, both of you stormed off on your own.

“Am I ever gonna learn fire bending?” Aang sighed as he laid on the ground in defeat.

It seemed almost impossible for you two to start your fling, but one night you were practicing your bending on your own, then you suddenly heard footsteps behind you. Zuko.

“What do you want?” You rolled your eyes as Zuko approached you. “You have to let me teach Aang on my terms. I’m his teacher, not you.”

“I’m not trying to be his teacher, you’re just not teaching him everything.” you hated how he made you feel small and less capable, you knew you were a strong bender, almost beating Azula in a match once, and Zuko made you feel like your abilities weren’t good enough.

“I don’t need your help.” Zuko growled as he stepped closer to you. “What? Your ego can’t take a few suggestions, Prince Zuko?” His eyes narrowed at his title and he stepped closer to you till your back was against a tree. “Don’t call me that.” he said through gritted teeth.

“Why? What are you gonna do?” You teased and Zuko’s face turned into a scowl. Suddenly he was closer to you and your faces were almost touching. His exppression turned from anger to softness and you chucked nervously at how silent he became.

, “Zu—“ before you could finish Zuko’s lips were on yours.

You shot back in shock as you couldn’t believe what was happening. Your relationship with Zuko was more of a complicated one, filled with banter yet, deep understanding with your somewhat common past. Of course you found him attractive, with his shagy black hair, toned body and gold, piercing eyes, but you never thought anything like this would happen between the two of you. “Y/N..I-I’m so—“ this time, before he could finish, you crashed your lips on his. You didn’t know what it was but it just felt right, being with him in this way. His lips were chapped but still soft, although as the kiss went deeper you could feel the intensity in the way he grabbed your back and how you tangled your fingers in his hair.

That started your secret “fling” as you called it. Both of you didn’t want the others to know as they were just getting used to the idea of having two fire benders on Team Avatar. They didn’t suspect a thing as your bickering didn’t stop, but at night Zuko would secretly slip in your tent and you two would spend the night together. This happened every night ever since.

You noticed Zuko change a little bit towards you. He took your suggestions when he was teaching Aang seriously and on missions he’d always make sure he was near you.

There were moments when the both of you would sneak off while the gang was distracted, it was easy since you mostly camped out in the open.

You and Zuko would find an empty cave or under a tree far away and you’d get lost in each other.

Those nights when he’d have nightmares of his father, you’d be the one to comfort him. The same with you when you’d dream about your father, who you haven’t seen since you left the Fire Nation. It scared you how vulnerable the both of you were with one another.

One day, when you were bickering, Zuko went too far and made a snarky comment about your father. You looked at him with not just anger, but with fear, you were letting him in. You backed away and left the camp for a bit. He didn’t say anything that horrible, you were mean to him too. You questioned him about betraying Iroh and he replied by calling you out for not fighting hard enough to stay with your family.

It was true, you could have been in hiding with them, but you wanted to do something more for the world. You weren’t hurt by his words, but terrified how it was so easy for you to hurt each other, your fling was supposed to be something fun and to forget about the stress of trying to save the world.

You were in your tent, trying to sleep but failing. The sound of someone crawling into your tent startled you, but you already knew it was him.

“I’m sorry.” You didn’t move, you pressed your eyes shut and tried to pretend as if you didn’t hear him.

“I know you’re not asleep, Y/N.” He lowered down and was sitting next to you, “I said I was sorry alright?” his voice was low but husky and you could her traces of desperation.

“No.”

“What do you want me to say, I’ll say it!”

“Shhh! Are you crazy!” You sat up and attempted to cover his mouth but he dodged your hand. “I’m sorry, okay? I was a jerk, I didn’t mean it.” he looked into your eyes and you knew he was genuine. You weren’t being fair to him, you’re not hurt by his words but scared about what you were starting to feel for him. “You just...you just rile me up so much and my temper...you know how I get and I say things I don’t mean...I shouldn’t be that way towards you, I’ll tell Aang you can teach himsometimes..” you stared at him with such confusion, he was rambling. He only rambles when he’s nervous, and he was nervous with you.

“Are you gonna stop talking or are you going to get in here?” you chuckled and motioned to the space next to you. Zuko sighed then squeezed in next to you in the sleeping bag. “I’m sorry, too.”

Zuko sighed then looked down at you. You faced up towards him expecting to feel his lips on yours, but instead, you felt his lips on your temple. That night was the first time both of you just slept, entangled in one another, and in your heart you knew you were doomed.

6 months later...

“I saw you, you know...” Katara winked at you as you both were gathering water at the nearby lake. “What?”

“I saw you.” She followed you as you continued up the stream. “I see you too?”

“No...I saw you...and Zuko.” You stopped in your tracks. “Yeah, we travel together, Katara. We see everyone every day!” laughing awkwardly you began to gather more water.

“Uh-huh.” You could hear the eye roll in her voice as she walked in front of you with her hands on her hips.

“What exactly did you see?” sighing and giving up, you knew it was useless to lie. You were caught.

“Not much, thank god but...try picking a cave not so near the apple trees next time?” Katara chuckled.

You knew exactly what she was talking about. Zuko had a hard training day with Aang and he needed to blow off some steam, which was what you were there for.

It was your turn to feed Apa so you were gathering fruits for him until you felt strong arms around you.

“Zuko, bad timing, I need to feed Appa.” You smiled, but his grip tightened. “I need you, now.” He grumbled, but you weren’t budging.

“Y/N, please.” His breath was hot on your skin and your body tingled, but you liked to tease him so you broke off from his grip and walked away. You turned towards him and you could see the desire in his eyes, the desire for you. “If I feel like it.” you said as you lifted a tiny bit of your top, revealing your toned abdomen.

Zuko growled and walked towards you and pushed you up against a tree. “I need you.” He whispered and you smirked. “Then show me.” You stared at him with longing.

Zuko chuckled then lifted you up, then you straddled him. He spotted a cave near the tree you were picking apples from and carried you towards there. He placed you on one of the rock formations and you pulled him closer with your legs.

“Show me how much you need me.”

He smirked then crashed his lips on yours. Then the two of you were lost in each other once more.

You ended up telling Katara everything, she said was surprised but also not so much. “So you had a feeling?”

“A little, not really? I mean, you guys are always at each other’s throats but he has been a little bit more... I don’t know concerned about you?” She explained how she noticed that he let you give your input on Aang’s training more, and how when they have a new mission, he made sure he’d be paired with you and she even told you how he talked to Aang about how you shouldn’t be anywhere near the line of fire when the war starts. The time when you and Toph went on a mission to figure out where Boomie was, Katara told you Zuko was pacing back and forth and cursing at how he didn’t go with you, and how it should have been basically anyone but you that went on that mission. “I never knew why, but now everything makes sense.”

You sat there for a minute then opened up to Katara about how scared you were about your growing feelings. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about, seeing how he’s acting, he probably feels the same.”

The two of you made your way back to camp and found Zuko and Sokka laughing with each other. “What’s so funny?” Katara asked.

‘Zuko just scored a date!” Your heart dropped, but you tried to keep your exterior composure calm. “ What date?” Katara asked nervously as she just heard your story and encouraged you.

“We were in town and the girl at the hat store kept following Zuko, like NON-STOP! He didn’t believe she was into him but it was SO obvious! So I forced him to ask her out and he did!” Sokka punched Zuko on the arm playfully and Zuko laughed. “You should thank me, maybe having a girlfriend will make hot head over here less moody.” Sokka plopped down on the mat next to Toph and all you could think about was torching Sokka to no end. “So, when is this date?” Toph asked boredly next to Sokka. “Tonight?” Zuko laughed, “Well you better get ready lover boy.”

“I’m gonna give some water to Apa.” You announced and Katara followed you. “I’m SO sorry, I never would have encouraged you if—“

“Katara, it’s not your fault, you didn’t know, and besides...maybe this is a sign I should call the whole thing off?” you sighed and Katara nodded slowly.

“Oh sorry...am I interrupting?” behind you was a looming Zuko, grinning sheepishly as Katara stared daggers at him. “No, I was just leaving.” Katara huffed and left you two alone. “What’s her problem...”

You continued to separate the water for Apa as you heard him approaching you. “So...I’m seeing you tonight, right?” you stopped, tonight? Wasn’t his date tonight? Your heart suddenly felt lighter as you thought he cancelled with hat store girl.

“Isn’t your date tonight?”

“I mean...after?” your heart dropped. He was still going through with it. You felt your face turn red with anger, what were you to him? An object he can go to whenever he has his needs?! A simple plaything? It started off as that but you thought you somewhat meant more to him.

“What’s wrong with you?!” You stared at him with a hurt expression, his eyes widened and he stopped in his tracks. “What do you mean what’s wrong with me?”

You grunted and he shrugged in confusion.

“Zuko...we have to talk.”

“Uhm...okay, but I kind of have to get ready—“

“We should stop.” Zuko tilted his head as if questioning what you just said, but you knew deep down he understood what you were saying. “Stop what?”

“This! Whatever we’re doing!”

“Why? Is it because if this date? I just won’t go—“

“No, it was fun while it lasted but we’re just postponing the inevitable...you should go.” you turned away to continue with what you were doing. “Postponing the inevitable? What do you even mean by that?”

“We’re just holding each other back. We know this isn’t going anywhere and we’re just delaying it. Go, have fun. It’s time.”

“You wanted this too, you know! You said it was all fun and just a distraction! No commitments, no promises, nothing! You would remind me every night—“

“Exactly! We had our fun and now it’s over!” you turned towards him and his face was full of anger. “I can go on a date, we can do whatever we want! That was our agreement!”

“It was so why don’t you just go!” you tried to control your voice so no one would hear but it was so hard, you were so angry. “I am! I just told you I was going and you snapped and said you wanted to end it!”

“Because I’m not just some play thing you can get whenever you want! I’m not disposable.” You were inches in front of his face and you could feel the anger radiating from him. “What do you want from me...” he whispered and for a moment, it seemed like he was truly asking you what you wanted him to do, and for a second, you knew he’d do it if you asked. “Nothing.”

“You’re unbelievable!” Zuko, raised his arms in exasperation. “Me?! You’re the one going on a date.”

“You said you didn’t care.”

“I don’t.” You did. You did care, too much. This all started out for fun, but, you were in too deep with Zuko, and you couldn’t let yourself fall for him. “Then why are you ending it?! I don’t understand.”

“I just told you! I’m not just something you can just take when you feel like it!”

“Then tell me what you want!” He was up in your face again, you didn’t know what you wanted. You wanted Zuko, but you weren’t allowing yourself to want him. “I want this to end, and I want you to go on your date.” You said softly, and you saw a glimmer of pain in his eyes. “You want to end this so bad? Fine, it’s DONE. You just lost me.” He said with gritted teeth and began to walk away.

“No Zuko, I didn’t...because you can’t lose something you never had.” He turned around and stared at you with wide eyes that turned to sorrow. His expression quickly turned to anger that you thought you imagined seeing the sadness in his eyes.

“I’m leaving.”

“Go!” and he did. That was it. Your “relationship” with Zuko was over, and he was off with some other girl.

The next day you were on your way to Ember Island on Appa. Zuko had a hood on as people might recognize him when they arrived. Sokka kept asking Zuko how his date went but he would just shrug. “Well sorry for trying to get you some action!” Sokka rolled his eyes and Katara hit him, “Ow! What was that for!”

When you got to Ember Island, the whole gang hit the beach. Sokka and Suki were running around, Aang was making sand castles, you and Katara were in the ocean and Zuko was left sulking on the balcony in his ancestral home.

“I used to come here with his family, you know.” You told Katara as you played in the water. “You grew up together?”

“Not really, my father was a high ranking general so we’d be in the same vicinity, but no contact whatsoever.”

“I think you should talk to him...”

“Nah, I think it’s for the best, better to cut it off while it was still early.” It hurt, being around him, knowing your whole relationship was over. Even if it was nothing from the start, you started to get your hopes up and, it came crashing down.

“I don’t know...you both seem miserable now that you guys broke up—“

“We were never together.”

“Come on, Y/N! You both obviously like each other, you just don’t COMMUNICATE!” Katara rolled her eyes which made you laugh. “I think his date or whatever was a sign...it was getting too complicated, it’ll be for the best.” Before Katara could react, you both heard Sokka’s voice.

“Hey! Some dudes invited us to a party, let’s go!” Sokka yelled and the gang agreed to go, they needed a little fun before having to deal with the larger issue at hand, defeating the Fire Lord.

They were on the way to the house on foot with Aang dancing on the way there, Katara giggling, Sokka and Suki walking hand in hand while you and Zuko walked awkwardly next to each other.

As soon as you got to the house, a guy opened the door and invited you all in. The house was filled with fire nation teenagers and you all dispersed among yourselves. Sokka and Suki were dancing, Aang was showing fire bender girls some tricks, Katara was checking out the house and Zuko was sulking in the corner.

You decided to get some punch then someone tapped you on your shoulder. “Hey, I’m Han.” A tall, tanned and muscular guy was smiling at you. “Hey I’m...” you decided not to use your real name unless someone recognized you. “I’m Hania?” You mentally kicked yourself for choosing a name so close to his. “Hmm, interesting, so close to mine.” He winked and you blushed. He was cute, and from the horrible day you had, you needed some harmless flirting.

From across the room, Zuko stared at you two by the punch bowl. “Hey, lighten up! They are a bunch of hot girls here!...but don’t tell Suki I said that.” Sokka shrugged and nudged Zuko. “Zukoooo” Sokka tried waving a hand in front of Zuko’s face but Zuko kept his eyes on you and Han. “What are you looking at?” he looked where Zuko was gazing. “Oh, Y/N’s found a boyfriend ha ha.” Sokka chuckled and walked away and left Zuko there fuming.

“So, do you come here a lot? I haven’t seen you around Ember Island before.” Han asked you as he poured you a drink. “I used to when I was a kid, haven’t been back since.”

“Oh, why not?”

“Hmm, I don’t know, things change I guess?” you looked around for your friends just to make sure they were still there, then you locked eyes with Zuko. His eyes were intense and you could tell he was angry. But you didn’t care, you were nothing, you both made the decision to stop whatever you were doing with one another and you needed a little fun. “Do you wanna go look at the moon outside?” Han nodded and you both headed out to the balcony.

Zuko’s heart dropped as he saw you two leave.

“You’re an idiot, you know that right.” Katara rolled her eyes as she leaned next to him on the wall. “What?”

“I-D-I-O-T.”

“How am I an idiot?” Zuko shot up from leaning on the wall and Katara laughed. “You are so into her.”

“No I’m not!” Zuko crossed his arms and turned away from Katara. “I didn’t say her name, how do you know who I meant?” Katara kinked her eyebrow and Zuko rolled his eyes.

“You’re maybe the least happy person I know but when you were sneaking off with her, you were more tolerable for the rest of us.”

“Wa-wait what? Sneaking off—“

“Cut it out, I saw you guys.” Katara smirked and Zuko sighed in defeat. “Fine, we were fooling around. But that was it. I am NOT into her!” he started to walk away but he heard Katara giggle. “Then why have you been shooting daggers at the guy she was talking to all night?”

“B-because! He could be a spy of the Fire Nation! Her father was a recognized general you know! He could be targeting her and we’re all doomed! AND what if he’s working for Azula—“

“Uh-uh.”

“Stop looking at me like that! I’m not in love with her all right!” Katara’s face froze at Zuko’s last statement. “Love?!”

“What?”

“Are you in love with her?!” Katara started to smile as Zuko’s face turned bright red. “I said I’m NOT in love with her! Are you deaf?!”

“Zuko, I didn’t say anything about love in the first place...you said the word first.”

“So! I just said it to make a point, got it?” He leaned back on the wall and hung his head low. “Well, do you?” Katara asked him again.

Did he love her? All the times they were fooling around, he stared at her while she was asleep. He remembered feeling a sense of peace knowing she was next to him. He started to even look forward to their conversations in her tent rather than the physical stuff. He thought of how she’d throw her head back laughing whenever he told her about Uncle Iroh’s prankster antics when he was growing up. How her eyes shined in the moonlight when they’d take walks after dark. How when it was dusk and the sun would reach her eyes just the right amount and you could tell they were actually golden brown.

Zuko thought about the nights when she’d knowingly wrap her arms around his waist when he was having a nightmare about the Agni-Kai with his father. How her eyes lit up whenever she talked about her family. He thought about how he always wanted to protect her, if they had missions he wouldn’t be able to concentrate if she wasn’t near him, or how he couldn’t keep still when she was out on a mission with Toph or Katara, anxiously waiting for her to come back...to him.

“Shit” was all he said and slumped to the floor and buried his face in hands. “I thought so.” Katara smirked then sat next him. “What did I do? Agh! Why am I so bad at this stuff?” he grumbled and Katara just laughed. “You should tell her how you feel.”

“No! She’s off with that bonehead over there! It’s too late, maybe it’s for the best.”

“Ugh! You two are exactly the same!” She rolled her eyes and Zuko shot his head up. “What do you mean we’re exactly the same?”

“You both don’t simply TALK to each other! ‘Maybe it’s for the best’ my ass!”

“Huh?” Zuko looked at Katara with such confusion that Katara scoffed at him.

“You both said the same thing!”

“About what?” Zuko had no idea what she was talking about. “When you went on that date! She said “Maybe it’s for the best” that you guys break up.”

“She cared about that?” Katara stared at Zuko with astonishment; she didn’t think Zuko was this clueless.

“Zuko,,, I know you’re not stupid, but how do you think she felt when she found out you were going on a date?!”

“I didn’t think she cared...”

“Well she did.” Katara threw her hands up in defeat. How could boys be so stupid, she thought.

“Oh...” Zuko looked down and started remembering their conversation. He noticed the hurt in her voice when she accused him of treating her like an object he can just take whenever he wanted. He felt a pit in his stomach, he didn’t mean it to come off that way. “I-I didn’t even want to go it was Sokka!” Zuko tried to defend himself but Katara gave him a knowing look and he sighed.

“Fine..I was...starting to have...feelings for her...every night—“

“Aah! I don’t wanna hear what you guys do!” Katara began to cover her ears. “Calm down.” Zuko rolled his eyes.

“Every night...she’d always talk about how what we were doing was just a distraction...how this would eventually end...how we shouldn’t commit to one another...I mean we were sneaking around after all.” Zuko looked at Katara for her input but she motioned for him to continue.

“I agreed to it at first, obviously. But over time...I-I uhm...” Katara could see how hard it was for Zuko to express his feelings. Which made her feel bad about how much he holds in especially with how hard his past was. “You fell for her.” Zuko nodded.

“I went on that date because I was...scared. I was feeling too much for her and I knew she didn’t see it going anywhere, I wanted to prove to myself it was nothing. That my feelings for her weren’t real and I could just stop whenever I wanted. But when I went on that date...no matter how much the girl threw herself at me, I knew I could have had anything I wanted with her.” Katara rolled her eyes at that statement.

“I just...couldn’t. The whole time I was thinking about Y/N and what she said to me, how it was over and why it was over, I knew I fucked up the second I asked her out.” Zuko finished. “When did you fall for her?”

It was five months into your fling. You and Zuko were tangled up in each other in her tent. You were just talking about their old lives in the Fire Nation and if they’d even be like this with each other if they both have never left. He laughed at how he would still be trying to prove his honor to Ozai and how you would probably be part of Azula’s crew with Mai and Ty Lee. Both were slowly drifting to sleep until you popped your head up and looked at him. “Zuko?”

“Hmm.”

“Your mother would be proud of you...you know, with the choices you made.” You went back to sleep but had no idea Zuko lay awake all night thinking about you said.

“AW! That’s so cute!” Katara exclaimed, “Alright, alright!” Zuko rolled his eyes. “So, what do I do?”

“You have to figure that out for yourself, lover boy.” Zuko winced at that name as he watched Katara walk away.

The moon was beautiful that night. You and Han talked about your lives with you lying about some aspects of course, but it was nice to talk to someone who had no idea who you were and was genuinely interested in you.

“I’m really happy you came tonight, you should come to Ember Island more often.”

“I’m happy I came too.” You smiled. Han was looking down at you and he started to lean in closer. You knew he was going in for a kiss but you weren’t sure if you wanted to. Your huge fight with Zuko was just the day before and at the moment, you couldn’t imagine kissing anyone else. But before you could decide on what to do, you saw a fist fly to Han’s face and he fell to the floor. Zuko.

“ZUKO!” You shouted but Zuko ignored you. Han stood up and glared at him. “What the fuck man!”

“Stay away from her.” Zuko warned but Han didn’t back down, he threw a punch at Zuko but he ducked. Han grabbed on to Zuko’s shoulders then tossed him inside the party, which caused everyone to stare.

“Stop it!” You yelled as you followed them inside. Zuko got up then speared Han unto the table. He was about to hit him once more but you stood in between him and Han.

“Y/N move.” Zuko said through gritted teeth, but you stood your ground. “No.”

“H-hey, what’s going on?” Aang asked nervously as the rest of the gang stood behind him in shock. The other party goers didn’t know what to do as well. You looked around and noticed everyone staring at you. Zuko was still glaring at Han as he struggled to get up. “What’s wrong with you?” you stormed out the front door with every intention to head back. “Y/N, wait!” Zuko ran after you.

“What’s going on?” Toph asked the rest of the gang. “Beats me...”Aang took a bite from the apple he was eating. “No idea but, let’s go see!” Sokka began to follow you guys but Suki pulled him back. “HEY!”

You were trying to get home as fast as you could. This whole night was a disaster and you just wanted to be left alone. “Y/N!” a familiar voice called but you continued walking. “Hey!”

“Y/N will you please—“

“WHAT!” you shot around at him and he froze in his steps. “I just need to talk—“

“NO! what is the matter with you?! Starting a fight?! Really?!”

“W-well if you weren’t trying to make me jealous nothing wouldn’t have happened!” Zuko shouted as he walked closer to you. “Make you jealous? I wasn’t trying to make you jealous!”

“Then what were you doing with that bonehead?!”

“I was having a conversation. Not everything is about you, Prince Zuko.” You rolled your eyes then continued on your way. “But you were about to kiss him. I saw YOU!” he shouted and ran to catch up with your pace.

“Stop following me, Zuko.”

“No.”

You bended fire at his feet and he jumped. “Hey!” you continued walking but he was right behind you. “Zuko, leave me ALONE!”

“No.” you stopped and turned to him then he stopped as well.

“You had no right to hit him!”

“I don’t care.” You continued on your way home but he continued to follow you. “You can’t just hit people for no reason!”

“I had a reason.”

“And what was that?!” you rolled your eyes but refused to face him.

“You were about to kiss him.”

“So what if I was?!” you raised your hands in defeat, if you kissed him or not it shouldn’t even matter. He stayed silent but continued to watch you with those piercing eyes of his. “Whether I kissed him or not, it has nothing to do with you, Zuko.”

You tried to leave again but heard a loud noise. “AGH!” Zuko shot fire at a nearby tree, which caused you to stop.

“WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU ZUKO!” You were in his face and he was breathing heavily with his eyes locked on yours. He paused then grabbed your face then crashed his lips onto yours. You gave in a little but then quickly pulled away.

“No, you can’t do that to me.” You backed away then ran back to house.

As soon as you arrived you ran to your shared room with Toph and Katara then slammed the door. You forgot to lock it but as you were about to, Zuko was standing at the doorway.

“Zuko, will you please leave me alone!”

“NO!”

“What do you want from me, Zuko?!” You yelled at him. You felt so many emotions in the last two days from anger, sadness, jealousy, defeat...and all because of him.

“You. I want you.” He said, and for the first time he wasn’t yelling and his voice was calm.

Before you could speak, Zuko continued.

“Look, I-I know it doesn’t seem like...I care...about anything really...but...” he paused and you stared at him. “I do care about some things..I-mean—“

“Zuko, you don’t have to—“

“No. You need to hear this.” His voice was suddenly serious and he was staring at you with so much intensity you couldn’t speak.

“I know we both started this thing as a distraction from what’s going on. Escaping from our pasts in the Fire Nation and what might come next with this war. But...along the way...I started...to feel things towards you that I know I shouldn’t and I thought I could control it while we were together I mean...not together like that but...yeah.” he started blushing and wasn’t looking at you anymore. He was nervous and knew it. You suddenly felt your heart warm up to him but you composed yourself once more.

“I thought I could control it, but the more time we spent together, it just got harder. Then that stupid date happened...I never should have asked her out. I know it’s not an excuse but...I just got scared. I mean, hearing you talk about how it’s never gonna work out, how this is just temporary really freaked me out, so I went out with her to try to prove myself that my feelings for you were nothing but...the whole time, I just thought about you...and I instantly regretted it. So I’m sorry for asking her out...I’m sorry—“

“You didn’t do anything wrong with that we aren’t—“

“I’m sorry for acting like I could just take you whenever I wanted. I’m sorry for disrespecting you.” He finished and you knew he meant it with the way he looked at you.”

“Zuko...it’s alright.” He sighed in relief and started to smile. “I think these things had to happen to show us that our time was up. We were going too far with each other and we were just going to get hurt, I mean look at us now, look what happened tonight. We’re not good for each other, and the team might suffer for it later on.” His face dropped when you finished. You could tell he expected another answer from you.

“How can you say that?”

“Zuko, all we do is fight! We argue about everything, we hurt each other and we’re hurting the team with our bickering and disagreements! What kept us going was the physical stuff...and if we don’t have that—“

“Look me in the eyes and tell me it was all physical for you.” He was staring deep into your eyes and you paused. Why couldn’t you just say it? A few words and this could all be over. No more fights, no more drama, nothing. You and Zuko would be nothing.

“Z-Zuko I—“

“You can’t say it because you don’t mean it.” he stated and you stepped back from him. “It’s more complicated than that, you know it!” You turned away from him. “How is it complicated? Yes we do fight, so what? That’s not an enough reason for me.”

“It is for me.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“It doesn’t matter!” You tried to leave the room.

“NO! Tell me what’s so complicated!” Zuko was holding your arm so you couldn’t leave. You bit your lip trying to stop the tears from flowing down your cheeks. “We don’t know what’s going to happen after this war. If I...if you...if something happens, and you know there’s a possibility that one of us...or both of us...” you stopped, you’ve lost your family already, you had no idea where they were, they could be dead, you couldn’t lose someone close to you again. Zuko loosened his grip on your arm, understanding what you were saying. “I’ve lost my family—“

“You don’t know what.”

“I do...and if I lose another person close to me again...”

“I won’t let that happen.” He whispered and you turned to face him. “Zuko, it’s just...I already felt losing you once over this whole thing...I’m not going to do that again and not just because of what the future holds but...how are we sure of any decisions we’re making now? I mean look at us!” Zuko stepped back and just watched you.

“You left your life in the Fire Nation twice and made two different decisions after each time. I didn’t want to leave when my father was banished, then ended up following him to only leave a week later because I felt like I could do more than hide. We’re erratic and unsure of everything, we can hardly make decisions on our own, what more commit? And the fact that there wasn’t even an “us” to begin with?” you sighed but Zuko seemed unbothered by your statement.

“Y/N...I may be unsure about a lot of things. I always think about how...if I’m making the right decisions not only for me but for the Fire Nation. I’m unsure about if this is the path Uncle Iroh wanted for me, if I’m teaching Aang the right skills. I’m unsure about the future because if my father wins, would this all be for nothing. I’m unsure about a lot of things Y/N, but the one thing I’m sure about in this whole fucked up situation is that I love you.” Your eyes widened in shock and his did too. You stared at each other for a couple of seconds, both of you unable to move.

“You don’t need to say it back, I’ve told you everything. I just had to let you know.” He whispered and with that he was gone.

You stood there motionless in the room. Zuko just said he loved you. The same Zuko that drove you crazy, that made snarky comments about your bending, that tested you till you’ve reached your limits. But it was the same Zuko that would hold you at night when you had nightmares, who reassured you whenever you worried about your family’s safety, Who would make sure you were safe whenever you were on a mission, who would secretly hold your hand when you were flying on on Appa because only he knew that heights made you nervous, the same Zuko who just told you he loved you, and you let him walk away.

You broke out of your trance then rushed to his room. You barged in but he was nowhere to be found. Suddenly, you saw a figure on the terrace looking out at the ocean. You walked outside and saw Zuko facing out with his arms spread across the balcony. His muscles looked tense and his head hung low. Walking towards him, you could feel your heart beat outside of your chest. You’ve been around Zuko a hundred times but this felt different.

You slowly wrapped your arms around his waist has you felt his body jump at your touch then relax. Leaning your chin on his shoulder and pressing your face against his, “I love you, Zuko.” You whispered and you could feel the smile on his face. Zuko turned around to face you and wrapped his arms around your waist. He looked down at you and you knew he was going to kiss you.

“Wait, I’m not Han, just making sure—“

“Zuko!” you slapped his arm then he laughed. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” You rolled your eyes and it felt like old times again.

“I love you, and I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise.” Zuko whispered and then he finally kissed you.

#avatar the last airbender #avatar #atlab #atla #aang #zuko #zuko fluff #zuko x you #zuko imagine #zuko x reader #katara #sokka #toph #suki #ozai #azula avatar #zuko avatar #appa #iroh #momo #mei #tai lee #firebender reader #reader #imagines #nickelodeon

[the-firebender-girl]

The Dragon’s Mark (Zuko x Reader)

-> In which Y/N has no idea that she’s being courted.

Part II : The Dragon’s Bride

Zan (簪) is mainly used to fasten and tie hair up into a bun but it also has decorative and symbolic purposes. Wearing a zan is considered as a symbol of one’s dignity. The more rare the materials, the higher the social status of its wearer. The head of the hairpin is usually decorated with motifs of flowers or lucky animals. Dragon and phoenix motifs are reserved exclusively for the use of royal family.

A new world. One filled with peace, openness, and equality. That’s the reality that she lives in right now and she couldn’t be happier. Y/N was born and bred in Agna Qel’a, the capital of Northern Water Tribe. Although her and the rest of their people lived their lives peacefully in isolation behind high walls of ice that protects them from the ongoing war and making them untouchable to the horrors of destruction that has befallen soo many others including their sister tribe, she always wonders what she would find in the unknown world outside if she has the courage to do so. But all her life, she was forced to go by the ‘ignorance is bliss’ code. Especially since her father is a member of the chief’s Council of Elders.

The people of the Northern Water Tribe are traditionally conservative. Women can’t really hold prominent position of power nor can they participate in activities that is considered more of a man’s job such as fighting, thus why their women waterbenders are only taught to heal but never to defend. Women also become marriageable at the age of 16 and some of those marriages are arranged, with the bride in particular having no say in the matter. That’s the sombering reality of it, and Y/N had enough of these extremely sexist views and patriarchal ways of living.

But the arrival of the Avatar and the siblings from Southern Water Tribe changed it all, they’re like her salvation, a way out of this gilded cage of false sense of security. Too long has their people looked the other way while the rest of the world needs them. When the match between the girl called Katara and Master Pakku occurred, she was in audience. Bewitched by Katara’s strong-mindedness, how she kept on fighting despite having minimum experience against a master bender, still she gave it her all and that’s what matters. That’s when Y/N decided that this is the kind of person that she’ll proudly stand by, and thus why she decided to join the Gaang, thankfully they accepted her and welcomed her into the fold.

That felt like a lifetime ago, and now she serves as her tribe’s diplomatic representative in Fire Lord Zuko’s newly reformed court. Much has changed since the Hundred Year War came to an end, especially regarding the shift in societal’s view of women. Chief Arnook decided that she’s the best person for this job since she’s his best advisor’s daughter plus she’s already a close friend of the Gaang. After all the things that they’ve been through together, seeing eye to eye shouldn’t be that much of a problem right? Y/N is well versed in the customs of her tribe and will without a doubt put her people’s best interest at heart, but she has also seen enough of the world to have a clearer judgement on what is best for everyone. What must be done to heal the world and harmonizing the four nations.

But that is a story for another day.

As for today, Y/N has reached the age of 20, officially a full grown adult. Zuko insisted that a celebration should be in order since she’s one of his closest friends and has been a huge help to him ever since his ascendency. Everytime his hot temper almost got the best of him and ruin whatever agreement was about to form during council, she was there like cool soothing water that pacify his anger away. She has saved his face countless of time, building a fine rap that will define his ruling in history. And for this alone, she deserves all the best that he could offer her, but Y/N being Y/N declined.

“You sure the celebration thing is a no go?” Zuko asked again as he looked her way pointedly, meanwhile Y/N is brushing her hair softly in front of a mirror as it settles around her shoulder in waves.

Y/N let out a content sigh, “I just prefer a slow and easy day, you know? we rarely get to experience those...” She said, sparing him a quick glance. “And the Gaang is coming here anyway, it’s been soo long since we all gather in the same place. That’s more than good enough for me, Fire Lord”

Zuko hums which she took as a sign of agreement but his stare never stray away from her. “Alright if you’re sure, i’m sorry I can’t do anything about today’s council hearing though, it’s your birthday and you shouldn’t be bothered with work but they insist that it can’t be pushed back”

Now it’s her turn to stop concentrating on her hair and look at Zuko through the mirror’s reflection. “It’s fine, Zuko. You don’t have to apologize for anything you know, it’s just one hearing session and we’re done! after that we got the rest of the day to do as we please”

Y/N pointed the end of her hairbrush to him, making him raised an eyebrow, “You need to stop worrying or else you’ll start getting gray hair one of these days”

Zuko scoffed but then let out a rare smile that is reserved for those closest to him only, he let his eyes trail over the lengths of her hair which she’s currently pulling into an updo. A traditional Fire Nation updo nonetheless. Fingers moving expertly as if she has done this her whole life despite the significant difference on hair custom in their respective nations.

“You’re getting really good at that...” Zuko said as he silently gives her an appreciative once-over. “It’s like you’re a natural at this, it took me a long time to got the hang of it. Even Azula can’t do it, she made her handmaidens do all the work for her” His eyes darkening as the memory of his sister briefly flashed through his mind, but he reigned himself right back. Deciding instead to lean his body to one side of the wall, giving himself a better angle of Y/N.

“It’s only fair of me to at least try and learn, I know that hair holds a significant place to your people and disheveled hair is considered as impolite. We wouldn’t want that, would we?” She said as she finished her look with one last twist of hair, making sure it looks perfect.

Zuko is touched by her respond, Y/N owes the Fire Nation nothing, in fact it is them who owes her after all that they had done to the Water Tribes, but still she treats them with utter respect and upholds their value despite being an outsider. She really was made for diplomacy.

“Before we go to the War Room, I have a gift for you” He said as he brought the both of his hands to the front, turns out he was actually holding a box behind him this entire time.

He took a few steps so now he’s standing directly behind her sitting figure, he’s soo close that Y/N can smell the intoxicating scent of his perfume, spicy but earthy. Zuko carefully put the box atop of the desk in front of them and pull the lids open, revealing the content.

Y/N can’t help the gasp that escaped her mouth as her eyes roamed over Zuko’s gift for her. A matching pair of hairpins or as they called it here, a zan. Her eyes took in every detail, starting from the heads of the dragon form with each head being surmounted by a turquoise cabochon, it’s made of gold filigree detail over gilded silver substructures. The manes of the dragons are particularly impressive comprising multiple, overlapping gold wire strands. The pierced, almost honeycomb-like shafts, each of which are of long, tapering form, are of finely worked silver that has been gilded with gold plates.

“Zuko this is....” Y/N is at loss for words, but Zuko is panicking inwardly at the unreadable expression on her face, what with soo many emotions flittering through in short span of time.

“Do you not like it? I could always make another one, I knew I should have asked for your input first but I just want it to be a surprise” Zuko sputtered, words keep on falling out of his mouth in his state of panic, even his voice has turned high pitch.

Y/N resist the urge to laugh out loud at his distress, this is becoming far too entertaining and she’s enjoying it more than she should. Not everyday you get to see the Fire Lord acting this hysterical over something so trivial. It’s adorable, really.

She reaches out slowly so she doesn’t startle him, placing her hand gently on his forearm. This seems to do the trick as he is snapped out of his agitation. “Zuko stop... I love it, I truly do”

His mood did a 180 degree turn as bliss overtook him at the sight of her sincere smile, eyes looking at him fondly. Zuko is mentally doing a celebratory fist pump.

“This is too beautiful, I don’t think I deserve it, it must have cost you a lot”

Zuko frowns at her hesitant tone. “You deserve this more than anyone, Y/N. It’s the least that I could do”

Y/N looks to the side while biting her lips in contemplation. A motion that nearly drove Zuko wild. His not-so-little crush on her is now probably bigger than the size of Sokka’s inflated ego. And that really is huge, people.

When her eyes meets his again, gone was the doubt, now it’s just pure gratefulness. “Well if you insist, then who am I to say no?” She said, completing it with a grin.

Zuko let out a relief sigh and give a huge grin that matches hers. “Now that’s what I like to hear”

“Would you mind giving me a hand? I think it’ll compliment my updo perfectly” Y/N asked, taking Zuko by surprise.

Zuko gulped nervously. “I would love that” He murmured as he’s trying very hard to still his trembling hands.

He reached inside the box and carefully took out one of the hairpin, sliding it into one side of her bun. Y/N enjoys the feeling of his hands on her hair, the soft motion bringing her a sense of peace. After he secured the second hairpin in, Zuko look at her through the mirror, admiring his work.

“It suits you, you look lovely”

Y/N resists the blush that threatens to bloom on her cheeks, opting to tease him instead. “Is this just a compliment or are you trying to flirt with me, Fire Lord Zuko?”

Zuko groans, stammering over his own words. “Oh knock it off! why do you always feel the need to ruin the moment”

“Oh i’m sorry, are we sharing a moment right now? I wasn’t aware” She can’t help but let out a teasing smirk, he’s just too easy to mess with.

“I’m just digging myself a deeper hole, don’t I?”

———————————————————————

Something fishy is definitely going on. Y/N can feel it. Ever since she stepped out of the confines of her bedroom, all eyes were on her. It’s not even a quick stare, she receives a full on stare from every servants and guards that passed by, complete with a small bow or curtsy. Is Zuko playing some sort of prank on her and succesfully got the rest of the palace on board with him too? whatever it is, Y/N intends to find out.

It gets even more bizarre once they reached the War Room. The rest of the advisors and generals stood up as they welcome the Fire Lord’s arrival, that is a customary show of respect of course. But the wide-eyed stares that follow her after was anything but normal. Some of them have an astonished look on their faces, body going stiffer than the looming pillars above. After they have shake themselves out of whatever daze they were in, they gave her a small bow. Now that is definitely odd, why in the name of Tui and La would they ever bow to her? no one ever did. She thought that is something that they consider is below their station. Just wanting to go over things quickly, she gave them all a quick nod back.

Council then is in session, with one of the new general that has been stationed to oversee the Fire Nation Colonies in the Earth Kingdom taking the floor.

———————————————————————

The hearing ended in record time. It only took them about 3 and a half hours compared to the usual duration which could take them all day and well into the early morning hour just to agree on something. Guess there is a first for everything.

As Y/N is busy tidying up the documents and materials that has gone under review earlier, one of the old Fire Nation general approached her.

“Excuse me, My Lady. I would like to congratulate you, may Agni bless you and your union”

Y/N’s face morphed into one of utter confusion, what is this man talking about? is he on something?

She struggles to form a coherent reply, thinking hard on the appropriate response. “Thank you, General. Do you mean to congratulate me for my birthday?” She finally asked.

“Ahh of course, My Lady. And for that too”

Y/N never thought that it’s possible to be this confused, what does ‘and for that too’ means? does it means that that wasn’t what he’s congratulating her for in the first place?

“Ookaay” She said as she drawled out the word. “I’ll be taking my leave now have a good day, General” Which he responded to with a salute and surprise, surprise another bow.

———————————————————————

After she successfully made her escape from the War Room before she has to suffer another absurd confrontation, she made it her life mission to find Zuko and torture the answer out of him. Okay maybe that’s too dramatic, she wouldn’t say torture per se, but yeah you got the point because this is getting ridiculous.

Her quest came to an abrupt stop when a pile of human slammed into her, engulfing her in a massive group hug.

“Happy birthday you beautiful human being” Sokka said while making kissy faces at her to which she can’t help but shudder and scrunch her nose at.

“Yeah Y/N! happy birthday, I can’t believe you are 20 now, you’re officially a part of the old people” Aang said, peering up at her from his awkward position of being mushed between Ty Lee and Katara.

“Uhh thank you... but you guys.. can I have some space now” Y/N said, struggling to maintain her balance.

“Oh yeah sorry about that, Missy. We’re just SOO excited to see you!” Toph said as she abruptly pulled back, accidently knocking the rest of them to the ground with her sheer force.

Y/N grinned widely as she chuckle, “You did that on purpose, didn’t you Toph?” Sokka grumbled from his splayed out position on the floor.

“Ehh guess you’ll never know” Toph said as she stuck her tongue out to him and then give Y/N a wink, to which she reaches out a hand to high five her.

“You guys are the worst” Suki’s voice mumbled out from somewhere underneath the piles of tangled limbs and body.

“Sokka, can you please just get up right now? your butt is right in front of my face, it’s really disturbing” Aang groaned, clearly distressed.

———————————————————————

After the incident they immediately went to the Dining Room because Sokka won’t stop complaining about how he’s on the verge of dying if he’s not fed in the next hour. Suki was so annoyed she nearly knock him out herself with her bare hands.

As the 6 of them sat around the long dining table, the door that leads into the room opened as Zuko comes in with Uncle Iroh in tow.

“Oh now he decided to show his face after pulling a disappearing act” Y/N grumbled mentally, shooting daggers in Zuko’s way.

Zuko head straight for his seat meanwhile Iroh took a turn around the table, greeting everyone, making his way towards Y/N last.

“Happy birthday, dear one” Uncle Iroh said warmly as he put his hands on her shoulder in a comforting manner. This brings a smile on Y/N’s face, Iroh is definitely one of her favorite person, you could never tell he was a former battle harden war general due to his welcoming and gentle nature.

“Thank you very much, Iroh” She replied, looking at him gratefully.

He was just about to head towards his seat when something about her appearance caught his eyes. There it is again, that same shocked look that she has received plenty all day long. Iroh threw a knowing smile her way, making her stare back at him dumbly.

Iroh then leaned down so that his face is align with her ear and said in a low voice, “So my nephew has finally grown a pair and pop the question, huh?” He asked excitedly, well it sounds more like a rhetoric question anyway.

Y/N can feel her eyes widening, Zuko didn’t ask her anything, what is he implying?

She glanced to where Zuko is sitting just to find him already looking her way, he looks uneasy watching the exchange between her and his uncle. Eyes flittering back and forth between their forms.

Before she could get any reply out, Zuko gave a signal to the waiter standing nearby and then the Dining Room door opened for the second time. This time bringing in the presence of several servants who are carrying various plates with all kind of dishes imaginable. To her delight, some of it are even Water Tribes cuisine such as sea prune stew and seaweed noodles to name a few. Y/N can feel her own mouth watering at both the sight and the smell.

Y/N tried to catch Zuko’s eye and when it did flicker to hers, she mouthed a “Thank you” at him. Eyes glimmering with a child-like excitement, ironic since this is supposed to be her first ‘adult’ birthday.

This view certainly makes warmth blossomed in Zuko’s chest. What would he give to make her smile that bright everyday...

Or I guess the more appropriate sentiment is what WOULDN’t he give.... he is certain that when it comes to her, Zuko has no limit at all.

———————————————————————

“Man, I feel so full i’m almost nauseous” Sokka moaned, holding his bloated stomach. Mouth making several vomiting motions although thankfully nothing comes out. Yep, he certainly doesn’t look well.

Katara made a sheesh noise at Sokka’s terrible table manner, “If you keep on doing that, you’re gonna make the rest of us nauseous too, idiot”

“I think it’s best to retire to our rooms then...” Uncle Iroh said, “-before something unsightly happens” He added as he too can’t help himself from avoiding looking Sokka’s way.

The rest voiced their agreement and they all stood one by one. Mumbles of good night’s and see you tomorrow’s can be heard around the room as everyone make themselves scarce.

Before exiting, Ty Lee, ever the sweet person, approached Y/N to give her one last hug for the night.

As she pulled away from the hug, she let out a happy gasp and flails her arms wildly, not able to contain her elation.

“WHAT IS THAT?!?! why didn’t you say anything earlier! how silly of me not to notice it at all!!!” She started talking animatedly without pause, leaving Y/N in another state of bewilderment.

“Ty Lee, what are you referring to?” Y/N tried to ask her.

“Don’t play coy with me now, young lady!” Ty Lee shoot back at her, putting her hands on both of her hips.

Suddenly, Zuko swoop in to the rescue. Putting himself between Y/N and Ty Lee, almost as if he’s trying to shield her away.

“I think that’s enough excitement for one night, Ty Lee” He started saying before he put one hand on her back and guiding her out the door as Ty Lee continues to protest against him, clearly still have a lot more to say.

“Oh I see what you’re trying to do, Zuko. Have fun you two!!! don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” Was the last thing Ty Lee managed to shout out before the door was closed in front of her face.

Well that certainly leaves a lot of wiggle room, Spirits knows that Ty Lee is always up for anything. And by anything, I really do mean absolutely anything.

As the both of them are the only ones remain in the room, Zuko turns his full attention to her.

“Would you take a walk with me to the garden? it’s a full moon tonight, no doubt the view will be enchanting” He said in a hopeful tone.

Y/N gives him a small smile as she just looped their arms together for an answer. Then they walk side by side in a comfortable silence.

———————————————————————

True to his words, as the garden came into view, Y/N can feel the sight took her breath away. The moonlight shone softly against the grass, its light reflecting like glimmering crystals in the turtle duck pond. She can certainly see why this is Zuko’s go-to place, his very own safe haven inside the palace.

He guided her to a spot beneath a big tree, right beside the pond where they both took a seat beside each other.

“Mind explaining to me what is going on?” Y/N asked as she trace circles on the palm of Zuko’s hand, a gesture that relaxes him completely.

He cleared his throat, clearly trying to pick his words carefully.

“You know how each nation has different customs right? especially regarding relationships”

Y/N cocks her head to the side so she could look at him better, then she hums to let him know that she’s following his train of thought.

“And by relationship, I specifically mean courting rituals” He continued. “Like in your tribe for example, the man has to make a hand-crafted choker that serves as a betrothal necklace to show how serious he is, right?”

“Yeah... that’s correct” She answers, now her undivided focus is on him as she’s trying to decipher where he is going with this conversation.

“In Fire Nation, gifting zan has the same meaning as choker is to the Water Tribe....” As he said this, his voice turns soft, almost lowering into a whisper as he scans her face for reaction.

Y/N is quiet for a while, the realization of the meaning sinks deep into her, but she tries to keep her face as neutral as possible although inside she’s over the moon.

“Ahh so that explains why i’ve been receiving weird looks all day”

“Y-yeah... wearing that dragon zan is just the same as screaming to the entirety of Fire Nation that you belong to me” Zuko said sheepishly, clearly embarrassed. “Not that I mean to offend by objectifying you, of course”

Frankly speaking Zuko is feeling very frustrated because the girl he has been pining over for the longest time is showing him no emotion at all, it’s nerve-wrecking.

“I’m sorry... I clearly don’t know what I was thinking” He said defeatedly. “You’re free to just leave it in the box and never wear it again now that you know what it signifies”

“And why would I do that?” Her reply got Zuko turning his head back up to face her so fast he nearly broke his own neck. “B-b-but” He stammered, but Y/N quickly shush him by putting her finger in front of his mouth.

“Now that I know... I think I may even want to wear it to sleep every night, perhaps I should never remove it at all, don’t you think?

To say that Zuko is shocked is not big enough of a word to describe what he is currently feeling. Did she just actually accepted his courting proposal?!

“Do you really mean that? and you’re not mad at all?” He asked timidly, eyes searching hers, finding nothing but genuineness.

“Why would I be mad?” Y/N said, as she put one of her hand on his chest, rubbing it softly from side to side. Trying to calm down his jumpy heartbeat but it seems like she only succeded in making it beat even faster.

“So does that mean that you like me back?”

“Yes, Zuko. It means that I like you a lot” She said, erasing his worries away.

He cups her cheek gently, to which she can’t help but close her eyes, sighing in contentment. She leans even further into his touch, loving the feeling completely.

Zuko leaned down to whisper directly into her ear, the feeling of his breath against her skin sending goosebumps all over her body as she could feel her own breath hitch. “May I kiss you?”

“Well you might as well do since we got a lifetime of kissing ahead of us” Y/N said teasingly to which Zuko can’t help but chuckle deeply.

And so he did. He look straight into her eyes, moving his hand to cup her chin instead and slowly leaned in, savoring the euphoric feeling. She can’t help the breathy moan that escaped her lips, Spirits, it’s like he’s drinking her in.

He pulled away for a second to say, “Careful there, i’m never letting you go now”

She just grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him in again “Never said I want you to” and Zuko can’t help but smile into the kiss.

———————————————————————

A loud crash from above interrupted their heartfelt moonlight tryst as they pulled away, startled from the sudden noise.

Zuko and Y/N squinted their eyes upwards, trying to point out the source when they see one of the bedroom’s window pane that overlook the garden is opened with 6 faces peeking out, clearly have not yet realized that whatever sleuthing they were up to has failed.

“Stop stepping on my toes, Sokka” Toph half-shout angrily, followed by a smacking noise and Sokka yell of pain.

“You’re one to talk huh, Toph? you are literally sitting on my lap right now” Suki voice raised above the commotion around her.

“Guys, would you please stop talking, they’re gonna notice if you keep this up” Aang pleaded.

“Clearly too late for you to worry about that” Zuko said from beside her, making the six of them stop and look down. Giving the Fire Lord and the future Fire Lady a guilty smile.

“Nice view from up there?” Y/N said, not wanting to miss out on all the fun. She and Zuko shares a look, one of pure mischief.

The peace didn’t last long for all six of them began fighting again about whose fault was it that they got caught. Meanwhile Y/N just shakes her head at another one of their shenanigans.

Then she laid her head against Zuko’s chest again, craving to be as close as possible to his warmth. Letting his scent engulfs her every senses. How she loves her very own human heating pad.

———————————————————————

A/N : Thank you so much for reading my fourth Zuko fic!!! I hope you all enjoy it because I certainly did🥰

#atla #avatar the last airbender #atla aang #atla rewatch #avatar the legend of aang #atla zuko #atlaedit #avatar the legend of korra #avatar zuko #iroh & zuko #zuko x reader #zuko fanart #fire lord zuko #prince zuko #prince zuko fanfic #prince zuko imagine #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko x you #zuko #zuko angst #zuko drabble #zuko imagine #zuko smut #zuko x reader smut #atla fanfic #atla fandom #atla x you #atla x reader #atla drabble #atla imagine

[chaoticnerdsstuff]

Do you have any Azutara head-canons or AUs?

Here’s an Au where I completely ignore the comics and Lok LMAOO

YES i do have HC'S (btw these aren’t in order)

Katara would be the one to be most supportive of Azula, and her most frequent visitor when they threw her in the… y’know.

Azula HATED Katara at first, She hated that this was the person to defeat her. She hated the fact that Katara always made time in her busy schedule to visit her. She hated that Katara was being kind to her. She hated that she was so sure that her brother was likely the one to convince katara to do this. But never once did she tell her to go away, did she try to push her away with insults? Yes. Did it work? No.

Katara only chose to help Azula because she witnessed her Mental breakdown, and it didn’t help that she knew of Zuko’s and Azula’s Homelife.

Katara was the first person to realize that Azula lost her bending(Headcanon of mine that Azula lost her bending for a few years after her mental breakdown)

It took them both years to realize they had feelings for each other and a few months to actually act on them.

Katara would often gush about Azula to Zuko, while he braided her hair. While Azula simply told her best friend, who is toph, that Katara was attractive and Toph made crude jokes that made the princess laugh her ass off.

After being released from her cell, Azula lived in the South Pole for a year, to her surprise she wasn’t beaten to death for what she has done to them in the past.

Katara and Azula often can’t sleep well, even before they get together if they are in the same place. They would end in each other’s arms for comfort.

Katara is able to read Azula like an open book, the same is for Azula.

Azula is the most awkward flirt Katara’s ever seen and she absolutely loves that about her. Azula gets flustered with a single compliment out of Katara’s mouth. Toph tried to do what Katara did and gave Azula a simple compliment, but all Azula did was call her a dumbass.

Azula is the most physically affectionate of the two.

Azula isn’t overly protective of Katara knowing what she is capable of but the same could not be said about Katara. If someone just gives them a look, she will take them down with her words, Azula loves it.

Katara is the one to encourage Azula to give her mother a chance.

When Azula and Katara play Pai sho, Azula does not care if the woman is her partner she will destroy her. Katara on the other hand doesn’t understand the game and somehow wins 90% of the time. Since then Azula swears Katara is not only a master in water bending but in strategic skill.

Katara is horrible at making Tea. Azula never tells her, when Iroh went to their house and was offered tea by Katara, he almost spat it out in an instant if it weren’t for Azula who was giving him a death glare. Azula refuses to admit that she loves Tea, just not katara’s.

Azula doesn’t mind if she’s a little or a small spoon, Katara usually prefers being big spoon.

Azula and Katara are both morning people! Even if they usually have all-nighters.

Katara practically babysits every time her girlfriend and Toph are in the same room

When they get arguments they both make each other Tea, sit in silence, then begin talking about what and why the topic upset them.

Azula regains her bending when she is in her late twenties but doesn’t use it unless necessary, Mostly uses it to show off to Katara and ZuZu.

Katara still gets nightmares of Azula screaming out flames, And Azula still gets nightmares of her time in that cell. They don’t talk about it until one of them begins shouting in their nightmares.

Azula asked for the permission of Hakoda and Sokka to marry Katara. Sokka knowing how much the woman changed gladly accepted her into the family. Hakoda and Azula got high together and Azula revealed how much she cared about Katara, and Hakoda gave her his blessing. Unknown to Azula, Katara asked for Zuko’s and Toph’s blessing, obviously, Zuko broke out into tears while Toph punched him and told him to get a hold of himself.

Aang officiated their wedding!! Zuko walked Azula down the Aisle and Hakoda walked Katara down the aisle as well.

Since Azula was the first to get married, Ursa often nagged her about wanting Grandchildren. It usually went like this “Mother I am a lesbian” “You can always adopt!” And they have three kids: Oldest is Lu Ten(Water bender), Youngest is Kya(Fire bender), and Eldest is Mira(Earth bender) :D

Katara and Azula get married in the Southern Water Tribe and just throw a party in the fire nation, much to Ursa’s dismay.

Since Zuko got his own dragon, Azula was jealous, so Katara gifted her a Polar bear dog, which was named Fikhar. Which Azula adored from the beginning

When Azula went to the southern water tribe to visit her girlfriend/wife she offered Hakoda and Sokka advice, which they almost always took.

Azula and Katara raised their kids quite oddly, 6 months in the southern pole and the other six months in the Fire Nation. This went on for ten years before they settled down in the southern Water tribe.

Azula was the cool aunt who gave Izumi all these gifts and candies while Katara was the one who told Izumi not to burn down the courtyard or play with her mother’s knives.

#kazula #Katara #Azula #azula x katara #master katara #Fire princess Azula #Zuko #toph beifong #fire lord izumi #Oc children #Hakoda and Azula would get drunk together #Platonic Tophzula #Sokka #hakoda #redeemed azula #azula deserved better #Ursa #uncle iroh #azutara

[k7l4d4]

In Defense of Ursa: Avatar Stuff

Hello all! Today, I am going to be talking about stuff from Avatar: The Last Airbender, in the form of three main points, and a list of topics I got off the internet that I felt like addressing. Enjoy!

Okay, my first talking point is on Ursa, hence the title. Now, ever since the release of the comics and the final reveal as to what happened to Ursa, I’ve seen two major reactions: those that reject the comics outright because they don’t align with their Mama Bear headcanons of Ursa, and those that take the comics as proof that Ursa was a bad mom who failed her kids, with everyone else basically split down those descriptors. 

Now, here’s how I view it: firstly, Ursa is not a bad mom. Does she have flaws and failings? Of course she does. She wouldn’t be a person if she didn’t. But she is nowhere near as bad as her detractors want to paint her. Yes, she ran off with another man, had a kid, and literally changed her identity (via face and memory alteration). But none of those consider the context: firstly, the reason she ran off at all was because she had made a bargain with Ozai to save Zuko’s life by assassinating the previous Firelord, Azulon. Ozai is every bit the type of man who would “tie up loose-ends” by sending assassins after his wife, especially as she’s the only REAL threat to his legitimacy as Firelord in his mind (his brother is too weak, and his kids he can control, or that’s how he sees it). 

Ursa is a non-bender who was thrown into an arranged marriage with a complete monster; running away and doing everything she could to keep Ozai from finding her was the genuinely smartest thing she could’ve done, especially as she can’t give away secrets she doesn’t remember. And Ursa did love Azula and tried to raise her right; the problem is that Ursa didn’t know what she was doing when it came to Azula, especially when Ozai was actively working to encourage Azula’s worst impulses and most self-destructive aspects. One of the last things Ursa did before leaving was kiss Azula good-bye while she slept. Ursa made mistakes when raising Azula, but she genuinely loved her, something even Azula recognized, if only in the form of a fevered hallucination that tormented her as her sanity self-destructed, which to me represented her repressed sense of guilt and loathing over what she’s become under Ozai’s encouragement. Ursa admitted that she could’ve done better by Azula, that’s never been in question. But she didn’t pit Zuko against Azula, nor did she favor Zuko over Azula, she loved them both dearly and did what she felt was her best option when put in a horrible situation by a monster who cared for nothing but himself.

Now, onto my second talking point, the Tyzula ship. In light of the comics revealing the status of Ty Lee’s true feelings regarding Azula (that she essentially scared the crap out of Ty Lee and she mostly acted bubbly around her in an effort to appease Azula), that makes a lot of sense, honestly, seeing as what “convinced” Ty Lee to join Azula’s team was Azula deliberately putting her in horrific danger during a performance by unleashing all the dangerous animals of the circus and setting the safety net on FIRE. But considering Azula’s voice actress’s statements that Azula was in love with Ty Lee, this has given me some thoughts on the backstory between Azula and Ty Lee, as well as the nature of their dynamic. Also, to clarify, Azula’s VA is the ONLY one who I accept Word of Saint Paul from, and I do not even remotely believe in Zutara lack their VA’s do, but I’ll talk on that later.

Now, Ty Lee, Azula, and Mai have all known each other since they were children, all the way back when Ursa was still a strong presence in Azula’s life, or at least was around altogether, and Azula was hardly the unstable creature she became in the end at that point in time, as she was, at worst, a bratty and mischievous kid who picked on her older brother once in a while. Considering Ty Lee and Mai’s respective natures, my best guess as to how they became friends is that they were the only ones who weren’t intimidated by Azula (at least outwardly), and Azula, socially inept as she was and still is, clung to them as her friends. Back then, Ty Lee most likely considered Azula a real friend, and Ty Lee’s bubbly kindness sparked feelings within Azula... who didn’t and doesn’t know how to properly handle feelings like that. As Azula grew older, Ursa left, and Ozai’s influence sunk deeper into her, her personality most definitely took a turn for the dark, leading to her becoming a more and more damaged and dangerous individual, something that Ty Lee and Mai picked up on. These feelings of danger most likely eroded whatever friendship existed between them and Azula, causing their dynamics to shift from being her friends, to being two girls trying their best to survive Azula’s mood swings and dark impulses.

To those who headcanon that Ty Lee (should’ve) served as Azula’s morality pet, keeping her anchored and mitigating her worst behaviors... whose to say she wasn’t? Being a Morality Pet doesn’t require reciprocating someone’s feelings or views of you as a person, nor do you even have to be aware that they view you in a certain way. Azula, in her own toxic, damaged, and insanely fucked up way, genuinely loved and cared for Ty Lee, and made an effort to never reach the same levels of cruelty around Ty Lee at any other point other than her recruitment. In fact, Azula’s aggressive and heavy-handed “recruitment” of the acrobat illustrates Azula’s mentality quite well when it comes to Ty Lee; Azula enjoys all that Ty Lee can do and appreciates both her skills and who she is as a person... but the only way she knows how to show that appreciation is to force Ty Lee to be as close to her as possible, and never EVER let her go. Like, as useful as Ty Lee’s skills and those of Mai’s were, Azula was talented enough to genuinely not NEED them along with her; she chose them to come along because she cared and trusted them above everyone else in the world, and wanted them to be with her for her great triumph... and she was so broken that she never suspected that her dearest friends wanted nothing to do with her (Mai literally only agreed because she was bored and hated her parents, and Ty Lee... yeah).

My third big point is one a highlighted above; Zutara. Now, let me be very, VERY clear... I HATE this ship with a passion. I love both characters, but I cannot for the life of me ever see them together, and think whomever thinks they make a good couple are deluding themselves. The creators themselves flatout stated in an interview regarding a novelization of the Day of Black Sun that the ship literally only exists because of shipping glasses and fixation on the All Girls Want Bad Boys and Love Redeems tropes. To be blunt, the ship is a steaming load of bull.

In Season 1, Zuko and Katara are two people born on opposite sides of a war, in which Zuko both is actively in favor of, the same war which took Katara’s mother from her and left her home a crumbling wreck and their culture in shambles, with her first ever introduction to Zuko being him attacking her village and physically terrorizing her elderly grandmother without a hint of remorse or hesitation, and then proceeding to chase them down all the way to the North Pole, leaving burning ruins in his wake as he attacked and harassed any and all villages that he found Katara, Aang, and Sokka at.

While Zuko had moments in S1 that showed his sensitive side, he was a flatout antagonist who represented nearly everything Katara loathed about the Fire Nation and wanted to defeat, and he was PROUD of those qualities of himself until S2 and S3 tore him a new one and forced him to grow the hell up, and it took until S3 for any of it to STICK. Katara literally never had any positive interactions with Zuko to view him as anything other than as an enemy, and their “moment” in the caves below the Earth Kingdom being just her showing the kindness, empathy, and basic decency she has literally shown EVERYONE in the series since it began, with few exceptions. Katara being pissed off at Zuko in S3 isn’t belligerent sexual tension, she’s genuinely angry at him for putting them all in this horrible situation because he couldn’t get over his daddy issues and betrayed the small amount of trust she had extended to him in the same moment.

Do Zuko and Katara have some measure of chemistry? Yes, some. NOT enough to overcome the extreme hurdles between them, and the fact that they genuinely have never shown any interest in one another like that. Having good chemistry means NOTHING if the two people who have it don’t like each other, and have no reason to feel close to the other. It literally took Zuko helping her track down the monster who killed her mother in cold blood for her to even begin to tolerate him in any way other than tense hostility.

Now, I’m gonna tackle some prompts from CBR, namely, 10 Things in Avatar: The Last Airbender That Aged Poorly. I’m gonna take each one, and either acknowledge it or deconstruct it.

10: Sokka’s Sexism Seems Childish. Um, yeah? That’s the point. His sexism is him being a kid who doesn’t know any better, and it’s never once shown as anything good, and every one of the (few) times it shows up at all, he’s called out on it, or it gets him into trouble, and he grows out of it. Sexism STILL EXISTS. Having a show both acknowledge it, show it as wrong, and have the sexist person in question do their best to change is a good message that kids need to hear. Not every kid will get that message, but if they don’t, they probably were never going to and weren’t encouraged in any way by the show.

9: Toph’s Actor In The Ember Island Play Is A Toxic Stereotype. ...This one I can kind of see what they mean. Having the little girl with incredible strength being played by a huge, burly man does seem toxic. But, on the other hand, Toph IS very strong for her age, and is genuinely intimidating beyond reason for most who cross her path, not the least of which is due to her prodigious skill, only rivaled by Azula in that regard. Finding a female actress who could properly capture that feeling would be hard, especially for a troupe infamous for their bad plays and pandering to the locals expectations and beliefs, so finding the most unilaterally intimidating person in the troupe, at least in the physical sense, and saddling them with the role makes sense, because they genuinely lack female actresses who can properly play Toph’s role. I mean, it’s not much worse than them having a woman play Aang, especially since her portrayal is every bit as inaccurate and peripherally offensive as Toph’s.

8: Aang’s Just A Kid. The article claims that the show doesn’t properly show Aang dealing with the traumas and stress of being the Avatar at such a young age... that is complete bull. Several episodes throughout the series are dedicated towards pointing out that Aang hasn’t handled being the Avatar and all the responsibility it entails as well as he seems, with a large part of his attitude is Season 1 reading more as him trying to run away from his issues rather than face them directly, and one episode flatout having him suffer PTSD style flashbacks from the incident that caused him to run away from the temple, and another directly pointing out that he carries a huge amount of grief and trauma over the deaths of the Air Nomads, blaming himself for what happened. For a kid’s show, Avatar handles mental health VERY well.

7: Zuko Has a Myriad of Mental Health Issues. Yeah. No doy. The show has never once shown him as not being seriously messed up by all that he has gone through and had to endure throughout his life. That’s part of what makes the show relatable, since their ARE Teens and Kids who have had horrible and traumatic lives, and that’s part of what makes them sympathize with Zuko; they know what he’s been through, and more than a few take inspiration from him because of his portrayal. Why is a kid’s show being upfront about darker topics and treating them with the respect they deserve something that’s aged poorly again?

6: Katara’s Endearing Maternal Instinct Got Annoying I genuinely do not see how people think this is a toxic stereotype about women in leadership positions because, news flash, she IS NOT THE LEADER. She acts like a mother because they are all KIDS, she’s been responsible for helping rear all the kids in her village along side the other women and elders, and it’s something that comes easily to her. In many ways, it’s how she copes with the stress of her situation because it’s not any easier for her as it is for anyone else on the team.

5: Sexism In the Water Tribes Runs Deep Yeah, again, no duh. The show has never once shown that these are good things, with the team often feeling uncomfortable with them and one person in particular from the Northern Water Tribe explicitly having a Heel Realization that his adherence to those rules and social structures drove off the love of his life and that he needed to make a change for the better, something that, by the time of Korra, very much has occurred. The show is set in a pre-industrial world, OF COURSE IT HAS THESE ISSUES. Just ignoring that things like this exist isn’t progressive, and having a show make a point of addressing these real and still relevant problems is a good thing because it needs to happen and keep happening until we have genuine equality across the world.

4: The Air Nomads Were Hypocrites. Apparently, the Air Nomads being flawed and having sexist gender based segregation makes them hypocrites. To be honest, considering they were wiped out over a hundred years ago before the start of Avatar, and that those issues still exist in their modern day world in different forms, why is this surprising!? Groups with enlightened teachings that preach tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity have had issues with hypocrisy for centuries, in our world. It’s how the world works still in some places, and we need to make strides forward in that regard. By the time of the Air Benders’ return in Korra, times have changed, and the new Air Benders making reforms is just common sense, something that religious organizations have done throughout the world as times and beliefs have changed, and I have no doubt that, had the original Air Benders lived, they would’ve gotten rid of their segregation on their own. Again, ignoring problems and topics because they show an ugly side to humanity or human history isn’t progressive, it’s stifling and keeps us from learning and makes us more likely to backslide to such practices in the future.

3: Voice Actors: Where’s The Diversity? Okay, this is an actual issue, and one that’s been worked on in the industry and is still being worked on even now. I’ve got nothing to say against it.

2: Katara’s Apropriation of a Deity During S3, Katara decided to heal a sick and struggling Fire Nation fishing village suffering from the pollution and cruelty of the local factory. The local populace mistake her kindness for the intervention of a local spirit named the Painted Lady, something she had NO IDEA was a thing until the next day when the merchant they talked to pointed her out to them. First off, Spirits are not Deities or treated as such. The Painted Lady is considered a guardian and beloved by the village, but they don’t worship or venerate her. And as for Katara’s later actions of deliberately dressing up as the Painted Lady? Considering that anything less would risk her being outed as a Water Bender (which the villagers were surprisingly cool with), it made sense for her to use a local legend to protect her identity, especially when she was traveling with the Fire Nation’s Most Wanted. The villagers chewed her out for imitating the Painted Lady, of course they would, but she genuinely helped them, and they appreciated it, even accepting her help to clean the river so that the problems that kept driving Katara to help would lessen.

1: Westernized Pronunciation of Asian Characters The article claims that the mediocre Avatar live-action film can be given a pass for it’s director’s attempt at honoring the series’ Asian Roots... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!!! But seriously, no it doesn’t, as the Asian Style Pronunciation is literally the ONLY thing the movie does right in regards to honoring Asian heritage. In every other way, it’s far, FAR worse then the original series, as the original creators of Avatar put in a ton of work researching and studying martial arts and Asian culture to make the series. The movie was a joke that basically tried to copy and paste iconic moments into a mediocre film with an over-reliance on very poor special effects.

And that’s the end of it. I hope you all enjoyed this, and let me know what you think, okay?

#avatar the last airbender #tyzula #avatar ursa #avatar sokka #avatar rant #avatar aang #avatar azula #avatar ty lee #avatar zuko #avatar katara #avatar toph #avatar mai #opinion rant #discussion #avatar discussion

[vortexbeyondthestars]

decided to post some of my ideas for a ninjago/atla au besties. tell me whatcha think

under read more cus its kinda long lmao

some background first…

here, the first spinjitzu master is smth that doesn’t actually exist in avatar bc i couldn’t for the life of me figure out what to make him so now he’s like… he’s basically the child of all the original benders: the badgermoles, the sky bison, the dragons, and the moon spirit combined. he was born of their powers, and he was the first avatar, kinda like this au’s version of raava i guess?? so this au’s version of vaatu is the overlord, and like in ninjago, they have this never-ending rivalry. and the overlord is an avatar, too, but more of a dark one. it only cares about corruption and evil.

the first bending master, as he’s called in this au, manages to banish the overlord into the spirit realm, but he knew that one day, it would return. so he creates a land called ninjago and fills it with people of all kinds, each corner of the world having one type of bending. he gave the humans bending, but only one type for each person.

he didn’t want a repeat of the overlord.

so then he has two sons: wu and garmadon. he hemmed and hawed over what elements to give to them, but eventually he chose. wu gets airbending, the element of life and serene and calm. garmadon gets firebending, rough and harsh and the element of destruction. his fire is violet and incredibly hot.

everything goes fine, and the first bending master manages to keep balance of the world as its avatar. except the overlord does indeed return.

garmadon gets corrupted by its spirit and is bitten by the great devourer. he becomes obsessed with power and wanted to be the avatar more than anything in life. he believes that his father was holding his powers back because he didn’t trust him. and he believes that his father was going to hand over his power to wu after he died. and he couldn’t have that.

wu notices his downward spiral and suggests that he take a trip to visit the mortals. maybe that would help him realize that there is reason for their father being the only avatar in the world.

so garmadon goes down into the mortal plane. and meets fire lord chen and his second in command clouse.

fire lord chen is quite interested in an old legend of what is called the serpentine: ancient tribes of snake people said to have been born from the hatred and despair of the overlord, led by the toughest and the greatest, the great devourer. chen wants to bring these serpentine back, and at first garmadon agrees to help him, if only to get revenge on his father.

but he snaps out of it, because he realizes that its the great devourer’s fault in the first place that he’s like this. he betrays chen and clouse and warns wu of their plan, but without telling him whose plan it is. together, the brothers manage to gather together an alliance of the greatest bending masters in the world. garmadon wants their father to help, but wu gives some unfortunate news.

the first bending master is near his deathbed. he is very, very ill, and he is thousands of years old at this point. he wants rest.

so, naturally, garmadon is conflicted about this. he’s ecstatic bc he thinks that he can gain the powers of the avatar once his father passes, but also he’s sad, because, well, thats still his dad after all.

but anyway, the bending alliance manages to defeat the serpentine and seal them away in the spirit realm, like the first bending master had done to the overlord. this… turns out to be a bad idea.

fire lord chen and clouse both manage to shift the blame away from them, and since garmy was the only one who knew they caused the plan, he lets it happen. because he still is a bit evil.

something happens that gives him hope, though: he meets misako, who might be the love of his life. (also in this au that weird love triangle shit don’t happen) they get married, and for a while, garmadon seems perfectly sane. but.

the first bending master dies.

lloyd is born almost right after.

no one makes the connection, though, thankfully, but it is enough for garmadon to lose whatever sanity he had left. he completely goes insane.

he races back to their family monastery believing that he can and will gain the powers of the avatar, somehow, but he doesn’t. and that is too much for him to take. all of this… all of this… waiting… for nothing?

garmadon stares at himself in the mirror. he looks down at his hand, at the bite mark blemishing his skin, and grabs a ceremonial knife. he laughs to himself and places his hand on the mirror, slowly raising his knife towards it… he thinks he can stop all this pain in one easy swoop.

garmadon, sneering at himself: maybe… maybe this will fix it… if i just cut off the damn thing…

first bending master, in the mirror: i would not recommend it, son.

garmadon, face falling: why are you here?

first bending master: i came to speak with you. and to try and help you.

garmadon, snarling: don’t pretend like you care about me! i know what you really think. you think i’m a monster.

first bending master: i think you’re conflicted. the part of you that wants to be the avatar so badly you are willing to kill for it… that part of you clashes with the real you. the one that wants everyone you care about to be safe. your brother, your friends, your wife… your son.

garmadon: *laughs and turns around* why should i care about them, father? they don’t care about me! not my brother, not my wife, not my so-called friends, and certainly not you! the only one who does care about me is my son, and thats only because he doesn’t know any better. he’ll leave one day too.

first bending master, solemnly: you are wrong. i do care about you. i always did. i love you, garmadon. i do.

garmadon shakes, his hand gripping the knife tighter. his mouths trembles, and eventually turns into a scowl. he whirls around to face the mirror and slams his knife into it, shattering it into pieces.

he gets worse from there on. he begins to attack people left and right, villages and cities, even going so far as to consider breaking the serpentine free. he doesn’t get that far, though, because his brother interrupts him.

wu is very concerned, bc, well, garmy was a bit weird but never straight up insane like he is now. so he heads over to his family’s old monastery. there, he finds garmadon, seething and stewing. garmadon doesn’t take his arrival well.

garmadon: ugh! for once, can’t you just leave me alone?!

wu: no, i cannot. this isn’t you, brother! you must snap out of it!

garmadon: this is me! this has been me for my entire life, wu! i can’t change it now, and i can’t even be the avatar. what’s the point?

wu: the point is that father trusted us to take care of ninjago once he passed on. we have a duty.

garmadon: father was a fool, and father was selfish! i am remaking the world in my own image, an image that won’t let anyone have the kind of power that he did, except for those who are worthy!

wu: that’s crazy! you can’t just pick and choose who gets to be the most powerful bender in the world!

garmadon: isn’t that what father did, though, when he died? who is the new avatar, wu?! tell me!!

wu: i don’t know. and neither will you, if you keep this up.

garmadon: *laughs* are you threatening me?

wu: i am.

garmadon: fine. you want to take control of ninjago over me? fine. fine. fine. i challenge you to an agni kai! the battle that was always meant to be.

wu: very well.

garmadon: for the record… i’m sorry it had to end this way, brother.

wu, sadly: no. you aren’t.

cue final agni kai type fight, light vs darkness. fire vs air. obviously, wu wins, and manages to chain garmadon up so he can’t attack anymore. garmadon then has a complete psychotic breakdown like azula, complete with the spitting fire and sobbing hysterically while wu watches sadly.

wu banishes garmadon to the spirit realm, because he doesn’t think there’s anything else he can do.

ninjago is saved.

or so he thinks.

see, chen and clouse are still around. as are the serpentine, biding their time in the spirit realm. they meet garmy and decide that they should work together. garmadon, so torn up by hatred and despair, agrees to help them, if he gets to destroy his brother.

meanwhile, everything is going good.

lloyd is the avatar, obviously, but he’s only like. thirteen when he finds out. he’s an airbender avatar and lived with koko (bc its my au and i get to pick the mom i use) in one of the air temples (idk which one tho). he’s raised believing that he’s just a random kid who happens to serve the avatar, kinda like kyoshi.

that avatar he believes he serves is none other than morro, the adopted son of airbender sage wu. morro is four years older than lloyd, and he was just revealed to be the airbending avatar. morro, of course, is thrilled. but he also gets an incredibly big ego over it, believing that he is better than other people bc he is the avatar. the reason he was thought to be the avatar was because he appeared to waterbend at one point, but it is later revealed to have been simple airbending that pushed the water.

but morro doesn’t realize or know this until its too late. and when he does… its a shitshow.

basically, lloyd and morro are sent to meet with fire lord chen and his daughter skylor, along with wu, koko, and some of the other air sages. skylor is a chi blocker, an incredibly talented one who has mastered all of the different bending fighting styles even tho she herself is a nonbender.

ok so clouse is obviously there. he recognizes lloyd via koko and is fucking pissed. he’s like my ex-boyfriend rival’s son is here?? what the hell?? so he keeps a close on eye on lloyd bc he doesn’t like him. morro, meanwhile, is treated like a king at the palace bc chen wants to get into the avatar’s good graces.

and uh. well, as it turns out, morro isn’t the avatar…

they’re attacked by the serpentine, bitter at the bending masters for having locked them underground. morro is excellent at fighting, but lloyd has more adrenaline.

and lloyd firebends.

cue shock and horror and anger from all sides.

wu is the most horrified of all. the son of his brother… the man he banished… is the avatar?

so yeah thats the background AT LEAST. i dont really know what happens after that but lloyd runs away or something. i will write more i promise!!!

#ninjago #ninjago au #atla/ninjago au #ninjago: masters of spinjitzu #morro ninjago #morro wu #lloyd garmadon #first spinjitzu master #fsm #lord garmadon #sensei wu #sensei garmadon #koko garmadon #clouse ninjago #chen ninjago #sorcelord #sorcelordshipping #its mentioned at least #idk this is just smth i spat out lol #my post #atla ninjago au #atla

[melzula]

Date Night

pairing: Zuko x Princess!reader

notes: you have no idea how excited I was when I saw this request in my inbox

request: Could you write a Fire Lilies blurb about Princess! Reader and Zuko watching the Ember Island's play about their adventure with Aang and the others?

~ part of the fire lilies series ~

When Sokka and Suki had revealed that the Ember Island Players were performing a play about your little group, you had actually been really excited to go. Constant training and preparation for Sozin’s comet was physically and emotionally draining, so a night at the theater with your friends was exactly what you all needed- even if your boyfriend wasn’t too thrilled about the prospect.

“C’mon, it’ll be fun! Think of it as a date night,” you try to convince him as the two of you take your seats

“Kind of hard to do that when it’s not just the two of us,” Zuko grumbles only for you to shush him, hugging onto his arm and snuggling up close to his side the moment the curtains draw. He lets out a small sigh and rolls his eyes as the train wreck of a play begins, but there’s a faint blush on his cheeks from how close you are. Despite how terrible he knows this is going to be, he does appreciate being your boyfriend again.

The play is really... something. Though it isn’t exactly what you expected, it’s still entertaining nonetheless. You were nearly brought to tears at the portrayal of Aang, laughing the hardest you ever have in your whole life. Things took a turn though once you and Zuko were introduced. You aren’t a fan of their distasteful take on Uncle Iroh, and Zuko isn’t too thrilled about their portrayal of himself either.

“They make me look totally stiff and humorless,” he complains.

“Actually, I think that actor’s pretty spot-on,” Katara teases smugly.

“How could you say that?!”

“Let’s forget about the Avatar and get massages,” actor Iroh then suggested.

“How could you say that?!” “Zuko” yelled in response, prompting your boyfriend to sink down in his seat with a frown. At that moment an actress emerged from the interior of the ship. She wore a tacky but very large dress with a poorly put together crown made of icicles, swooning at Zuko’s feet and kissing the ground he walked on; the actress was you.

“Oh, how I long to settle down in Ba Sing Se like the selfish, spoiled Princess I am!” She sighed dramatically. “I’m a dirty water rat that betrayed my people so I can follow my true love!”

You wanted to gag at how corny her acting was, but you also wanted to melt into the floor and hide forever at how embarrassing the portrayal was. You try to ignore the quizzical glances your friends send your way, choosing to shield your profile with your hand instead to save yourself from further embarrassment.

“Zuko, pay attention to me!” The Princess on stage whined only for Zuko to keep her at arm’s length.

“Nothing is more important to me than the Avatar!” Actor Zuko rebutted.

“You know, you’re a pretty bad boyfriend,” Sokka points out, and Zuko scowls.

“I wasn’t that bad... was I?” He asks guiltily.

“Umm... you had your moments,” you defend weakly, and Zuko deflates at your response.

“Even though you ignore me I will stay by your side because I’m desperate!” the Princess proclaimed, wrapping herself around Zuko. “And I won’t even use my water bending to help you restore your honor because I’m useless!”

“Oh, boy,” Toph laughs, “it’s like I’m actually there!”

“Still excited about the play?” Zuko whispers to you, and you merely grumble irately in response as you wrap yourself up in the lower half of his cloak.

It’s safe to say the majority of your group finds the play unbearable. From turning Aang into a whimsical immature child to making Katara overly dramatic and emotional, the performance butchers your characters in every way possible. You especially weren’t fond with the siege of the North segment where your selfishness and desperation for Zuko’s love were emphasized the most. They especially loved to highlight the fact that you paled in comparison to Yue as Princess, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth that lasted all the way to intermission.

“So far this intermission is the best part of the play,” Zuko grumbles from where he’s leaned against the railing. You sit by his feet on the stairs, angrily chewing on Sokka’s fire jerky.

“I’m not desperate,” you mutter through a stuffed mouth, “and I’m not selfish either. I’m a great Princess!”

“At least your actress kind of looks like you,” Aang argued. “I’m a woman!”

“Listen friends, it’s obvious that the playwright did his research,” Toph buts in. “I know it must hurt, but what you’re seeing up there on that stage is the truth.”

“Easy for you to say, you haven’t seen how they’re going to butcher your character yet,” you mumble.

Of course Toph ended up being the only member of your group to give her approval to the actor portraying her. You have to admit though, being played by a buff guy is pretty cool, but you could’ve done without the sonic scream. At this point, Zuko’s cloak is now yours as you worm your way underneath it to block out the sound.

“Oh, Zuko!” Actress you cries suddenly. “My mind is telling me that being with you is wrong, but my heart tells me that there’s still good in you! I want to settle down in Ba Sing Se with you and have weird, mutant bender babies!”

You nearly choke on your own spit at the thought of “mutant bender babies,” groaning as your friends begin to laugh. Zuko’s mind is still trying to process the word “babies.”

“My honor has prevented me from keeping you happy, so now I will succumb to your bewitching good looks and live in a dirty earth kingdom city to please you,” the Zuko on stage replies dramatically.

“Bewitching good looks?” Suki teases your blushing boyfriend with a raised brow.

Things start to get uncomfortable with the start of crystal cave scene.

“I’ve had eyes for you since the day you first captured me,” actress Katara swooned, causing both you and Aang to stiffen in your seats.

“I’m sorry, did you flirt with my boyfriend in the crystal caves?” You glare over at Katara before turning your angry gaze to Zuko. He smiles at you sheepishly, frowning when you remove yourself from his cloak and scoot a few inches away from him.

“Well brother, what’s it going to be? Your nation or a life of treachery?” Azula asked.

“Zuko, don’t do it!” The Princess cried. “I love you!”

“You’re a water rat and you’re annoying and also I don’t love you anymore!” The actor yelled in response. The actress playing you bursted into tears before turning them into a “powerful wave” that knocked Zuko off his feet.

“Is that really what happened?” Katara asked the two of you gently, both of you refusing to meet her gaze. He tries to reach for your hand to comfort you only for you to pull it away. It isn’t a pleasant memory to revisit, and seeing it played out for you again makes things tense.

The second intermission is even worse, though a little boy dressed as Aang does tell you that you’re so much prettier than the real Princess y/n, so that’s a plus. But the ending of the terrible, horrible, awful play leaves your group shaken. You can’t seem to stay mad at Zuko anymore, not after watching his “death” on stage.

“Oh, Zuko,” you murmur softly at the sight of him being consumed by the flames, and your boyfriend wraps a comforting arm around your figure in response. He’s equally just as shaken.

Your group is mostly silent as you leave the theater, Zuko and yourself trailing behind just slightly as you walk along the sand.

“Are you alright?” He asks gently.

“The other stuff I was mad about was stupid, and I know things are different now. But... watching you die?”

“I know,” he murmurs thoughtfully.

“Remind me never to go to another Ember Island play ever again,” you groan, smiling weakly as he drapes his cloak over your shoulders and presses a kiss to your cheek.

“Gladly.”

| tags: @oddment-niwit-blubber-tweak @thebluelcdy @royahllty @the-firebender-girl @coldlilheart @ilovespideyyy @titaniafire @dekahg @emberislandplayers s @kikaninchen-2 @sokkas--boomerang @eridanuswave @royahllty @lozzybowe @izzieserra @melacholy @music-geek19 @thia-aep @thyunnamed @kittenthekat1234567890 @haylaansmi @nataliahaslosthershit @coldlilheart @idkdude776 @aangsupremacy @thirstyforsometea @ihaveaproblem98 |

#zuko #zuko x reader #zuko imagine #prince zuko #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko imagine #zuko and the princess #avatar the last airbender #atla #atla x reader #fire lilies #princess reader #request

[leossmoonn]

chemistry part four

part three | part five | masterlist

zuko x fem!reader

avatar: the last airbender

includes - you, zuko, suki, katara, toph, sokka, and aang

special appearances by - iroh and azula

warnings - language

note - this is a long one sorry not sorry lol

your apartment door opened, revealing all your friends with food and masks on.

“hey!” katara smiled at you from under mask.

you shifted under the millions of blankets you had on you. “hi, guys.” your voice was sore and horase, you swallowed hard after you talked.

“oh, poor baby y/n,” suki cooed. she came over to you with a big bowl of soup.

“hey, y/n! how’re you feeling?” sokka asked, walking in with suki.

“how do you think?” you frowned at him.

“ah, right. well, we are here to make you feel better!”

you smiled softly, “thanks.”

you looked over everyone and saw zuko, who was hiding behind everyone. you couldn’t help the big smile that was forming on your face.

“hi, y/n. sorry that your sick,” zuko said.

“it’s alright,” you shrugged.

“my uncle made you some free jasmine tea,” he said, moving close to you.

“thank you, that’s so nice of him,” you smiled.

“yeah,” zuko smiled at you from under his mask. he was thankful he had to wear a mask, otherwise you would’ve seen how beet red his face was.

“you can set it over here,” you pointed to the coffee table that was in front of your couch.

“so, do you want to watch any movies? or sleep?” suki asked.

“um, we can watch a movie. It is december, so we can watch some christmas stuff,” you sniffed. you grabbed a napkin and sneezed in it, coughing a little

“wow, are you, like, dying?” toph asked.

“i hope not,” you chuckled. you slumped into the couch, curling up in the blankets.

you realized that your pile of blankets were all messed up and half on the floor. you grumbled and sat up, trying to lay them all back on you.

“here, let me help,” zuko said.

you stopped and looked up at him, watching him layer the blankets on you. his ember eyes never left yours.

you snuggled back into the couch when he was done, laying your head against the pillow.

“thanks,” you gave him a smile.

“you’re welcome,” he said.

you two were so focused on each other, you didn’t notice sokka staring at you two with wide eyes, jumping around and pointing at you two in excitment. katara and suki stopped him, sitting him down on the loveseat.

zuko coughed awkwardly, averting his eyes when he realized he had been staring at you for too long. you tore your eyes off him, too, looking at your other friends.

“wanna watch frozen?” you asked.

“frozen isn’t a christmas movie,” aang said.

you rolled your eyes. “it has snow in it. close enough.”

zuko chuckled at your response, which made you smile a little.

“hey, sokka, since you’re always mean to me, can you feed me soup?” you joked.

sokka glared at you, “you’re funny.”

“i know. can someone hand me the soup though, and turn on the tv? make yourself comfortable, guys,” you said to zuko and aang.

aang and katara sat on the chair by the couch, katara sitting on top of aang’s lap. suki sat next to sokka on the little loveseat you had. toph sat on a beanbag you guys had bought when the girls and you moved here. zuko looked around, not finding anywhere to sit.

you sat up, moving your legs so zuko had room.

“here you go,” you smiled up at him.

zuko looked at the empty spot, feeling bad you had to move. he sat down, though, leaning back on the comfy pillows.

“okay, ready?” suki asked.

you all nodded and she started the movie. you ate the soup that aang had handed you and drank the tea that was right next to you. you all watched the movie comfortably.

throughout the movie, you had finished your food, settling back into your seat crease. you never realized it, because you forgot zuko was there, but you had put a little less than half of your body on zuko’s lap.

zuko tensed under you, feeling your thighs on his. he relaxed once he shifted a little and set one of his hands on your knee, which you didn’t seem to notice.

you did notice, though. even through the blankets. you didn’t do anything about it, though. you liked the feeling. it felt good, right. also extremely comfortable. you just pulled the blankets up to your face to hide the blush that kept getting worse and worse.

at the end of the movie, you, sokka, katara, and zuko had fallen asleep. sokka fell asleep on suki’s lap, enjoying the feeling of suki running her fingers throigh his hair. katara fell asleep on aang, her masked-face buried into his neck. zuko had fallen asleep with his head back on the couch ledge, his hand still on your knee. and you had fallen asleep tired and comforted by zuko’s hand on your knee.

“big babies,” toph snickered, hearing sokka and katara snore.

“yeah, they’re our’s though,” aang smirked, running his hand through katara’s hair.

“toph, can they sleep here tonight?” suki whispered.

toph shrugged, “sure. if i hear anything through the night, though, i will murder each and every one of you. you all know i can do it, too.”

suki chuckled, “alright. thanks.”

“mhm. i’m going to bed. nice movie night, guys. see you in the morning. goodnight,” toph said, yawning, walking across the hall to her room.

“what are we gonna do about y/n and zuko?” aang asked suki.

suki pursed her lips. “i mean, they look comfortable. why wake them?”

“yeah, true. would they be mad if we left them here?” aang asked.

“no,” suki shook her head.

“alright. well, katara’s bedroom is on the right, right?” aang asked, scooping his girlfriend up on his arms.

“yep. goodnight, aang,” suki smiled.

“goodnight, suki. thanks for letting us stay over,” aang.

“no problem,” suki said.

aang carried katara down the hall, shutting the door behind him.

suki looked at her sleeping boyfriend. “okay, c’mon big baby,” she said. sokka stirred in his sleep as she lifted them both up.

“wha?” sokka asked. “we’re going to bed, babe,” suki said.

sokka noddd, opening his eyes. he looked around and saw you and zuko. he immediately became awake, pulling away from suki’s grasp.

“OMG, OMG!” sokka whisper-shouted.

suki rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but smile at the two of you.

“c’mon, sokka, they’re sleeping.”

“can i take a picture of them, please? i can use this as blackmail, or give it to them whenever they date!”

suki sighed, “sure. make it quick. i’m tired.”

sokka nodded and snapped a quick picture of you two with his phone. he giggled, turning to suki.

“this is awesome!”

suki smiled and held sokka’s hand, looking back at you.

“yeah, it is.”

————

you woke up to birds chirping and sunlight coming down right on your face. you sat up, groaning at how you had a crook in your neck from sleeping on the couch.

wait. i’m on the couch?

wait.

is zuko-?

you looked next to you, gasping loudly. unfortunately, your gasp woke zuko up.

zuko groaned. he opened his eyes, stretching and looking around. his eyes found yours. his eyes widened and he scrambled to get up.

your legs slipped off of his, having all the blankets that were on you fall. zuko hurried to get his shoes and coat on.

“um, hey,” you said awkwardly.

zuko stopped his action and looked at you. “uh, hi.”

“sorry i like, slept on you,” you laughed awkwardly, getting up and stretching.

zuko looked at you as you stretched, your sweater coming up a little to show your skin. zuko’s cheeks reddened and he coughed awkwardly.

“it’s alright. i was comfortable.”

you relaxed your shoulders, walking up to him.

“i hope you had fun last night,” you said.

zuko took off his mask so you could see his smile.

“yeah, i did.”

you smiled back. “do you want breakfast? i’m feeling a lot better, thanks to your uncle’s tea.”

“oh, i’m glad. and um, no i’m good. my uncle is probably wondering where i am. i’ll see you next week for tutoring?” zuko asked.

“yeah,” you smiled softly.

zuko couldn’t help but stare at you. you were so beautiful.

“bye,” he smiled and waved.

“bye,” you waved back.

zuko exited your apartment, leaving you blushing.

————

note - hope you guys read and enjoy this as new parts are added! this used to be called ‘slow burn’ but i changed the title soo dw its still the same story and whatnot :) if you wanna be on the taglist, message me and/or reply to this post :))

taglist - @sorrythatspussynal @theblueslytherin

#atla #avatar: tla #avatar: the last airbender #zuko x reader smau #zuko smau #zuko x reader #atla zuko x reader #smau #atla smau #fire lord zuko x reader #prince zuko x reader #sokka atla #atla aang #atla suki #atla x reader #atla toph #atla katara

[passable-talent]

hey roe! i love ur work! could i request a zuko x reader where the reader and the zuko have history and they meet at the boiling rock because the reader was imprisoned (either during the invasion or at the catacombs or whatever you think works) and there's a lot of angst and it ends with a kiss or something? tysm!!!

tysm!!!! It means a lot

but u gotta think bigger anon,,, boiling rock was full of firebenders... how abt a childhood friend who defected long, long ago, and zuko could’ve never known? hmm....

in watching the boiling rock for this ask I realize that the bois get into guard uniforms and hide their clothes on the beach. so like,,, did these two dumbasses just strip on the beach and b like “hey yeah bro this is cool”. they think nothing through. HOW DID THEY EVEN GET THE GUARD UNIFORMS IN THE FIRST PLACE-

Sitting in a Boiling Rock cell wasn’t exactly one of Zuko’s top ten moments, but it sure wasn’t one of his lowest, either. He’d been tossed into a singular cell that as of yet didn’t even have a bed, the door shut in his face.

There came three quick knocks on the metal wall beside him, and he walked closer to it, curious.

“I heard you got thrown in for impersonating a guard,” came a voice on the other side, and Zuko regarded it with a healthy amount of susipicion.

“Yeah.”

“Nice,” said the voice, a little laugh following their words.

“What did you do?” asked Zuko, surprised that the voice sounded young, almost as young as himself, if he had to guess.

“Oh, I defected a long time ago. They weren’t too happy with my methods.” Zuko didn’t answer for a moment, and the person in the cell beside him took that as an opportunity to continue asking questions. “Seems like the warden wanted to punish you especially, putting you down here with this lot. Any idea why?”

“I dated his niece,” Zuko answered, his tone definitive, almost as though this information was obvious. There came a pause from the voice, and Zuko wondered what about this information was shocking. It wouldn’t be common knowledge who the warden’s niece is, would it? He thought that that would be safe information to reveal, without revealing his identity.

“Hey, how old are you?” The prisoner asked, breaking their silence. Zuko briefly considered, but decided not to lie.

“Uh, sixteen, why?”

“Zuko?” Zuko froze, and fixed his stare to the wall as though he could see through it if he glared hard enough.

“How do you know that?”

“It’s Y/N,” the voice said, and finally Zuko realized why the voice had seemed so young.

Y/N had been his friend, from academy, back before Zuko had turned twelve. Y/N was one year above him, but was a prodigy, studying under High General Bujing as young as ten years old. They were a dedicated student and a master of strategy as early as twelve- but disappeared at thirteen, never to be heard from again.

At least, by the young prince, whose father decided that telling the prince that his closest friend had attempted assassination on one of the high generals would fill the already ‘weak’ prince’s mind with ‘insubordinate ideals’.

And yet here they were.

“Y/N?” Zuko breathed, lifting his hand and pressing it to the metal, astonished. He had assumed that you were dead. “How are you here?”

“How am I here? I’m a criminal and a traitor, that’s obvious, how are you here?”

“Apparently I’m also a criminal and a traitor,” Zuko answered, and you laughed.

The assignment for the day was mopping, down in one of the lower rooms of the prison. You knew where to go, and yet the moment those doors opened you rounded the walls and hugged Zuko tightly.

“I never thought I’d see you again,” you whispered, and when you pulled away you noticed his scar. Gingerly you reached your hand upward, lightly laying your fingers against the skin, then resting the palm of your hand onto his face to fully cup his jaw.

“I knew that you’d been banished, but...” you trailed off, and slipped your hand around to the back of his neck to pull him into a tight hug.

“I wish I could’ve been there to save you,” you whispered, holding onto him. His arms wrapped around you in return, for just a moment, until a few guards shouted at the two of you to move along. Still, he walked beside you.

“What do you mean?” He asked, and you looked sideways at him.

“I knew your father was horrible, I knew the nation was horrible, that’s why I left it. But to do that to you, I...” you trailed off, and shrugged. “I guess I tell myself I should’ve brought you with me when I left.” His response was minimal, but you noticed it, the way he seemed intrigued by the thought, and slightly saddened that it hadn’t happened.

You had known of Suki, but you hadn’t formally met her until now. She was kind, and understood why another teenager was roped into the daring escape.

Sokka, on the other hand, wasn’t so pleased.

“Sokka, come on. Y/N has a better understanding of Fire Nation military strategy than anyone, even me.” Suki raised an eyebrow in your direction, to which you responded with a shrug. “We need them on our team.”

“The more we try to break out, the easier we’ll be caught. We can’t risk it.” You weren’t going to argue in your favor- in fact, the opposite.

“I’ve been in here for four years. I’m used to it, I’ll be fine,” you assured Zuko, but he shook his head. He grabbed Sokka by the shoulder and pulled him away, but underestimated your ability to eavesdrop.

“Look, we didn’t come here planning to break out Suki, but we are. Y/N is the same, for me, as Suki is to you. Okay?” Your eyes widened as you glanced to Suki, but she hadn’t caught it, and didn’t understand your surprise.

“Okay, fine,” Sokka said, breaking from Zuko’s grasp. He took a moment to ensure no one was around to listen. “I think I’ve got an escape plan.”

You’d stuck by Zuko when you were young, and you’d stick by him now, as traitors to your nation. Even if it meant giving up your only escape plan. He was loyal to Sokka, and you would be too, so you stayed behind, and bided your time, waiting for your next opportunity. Even if it meant listening to Mai scold Zuko through the walls. Sokka came to you with a new plan, though you had a sneaking suspicion you were the last of the group that he told, and when it came time to fight Azula on the gondola, you were one of the first to climb to the roof.

“Ah, Y/N, an old familiar face,” the princess said as she landed, taking in the sight of you and Zuko, side by side. “How quaint. An old traitor, and a new traitor. I’m ever so curious, Y/N, how you can claim to have any morality at all, betraying your nation twice now. Wasn’t it your own mentor you tried to kill?” You reacted in rage, and shot the first plume of fire.

The ride to the western air temple was a long one, filled as it was with jubilation, victory, and reunions. Zuko spent much of it trying to decide how to ask you in more detail about your past. You hadn’t said much to him about it, and he’d never been told, but Azula seemed to know well what had happened.

He didn’t want to push, but he wanted to know.

“Your mentor was General Bujing, right?” He asked, sitting beside you in the metal airship.

“Yeah,” you answered, your tone noncommittal.

“He was the general I stood up to. When I got banished.” Your gaze went to the young prince, and you realized just how little you knew about his past, since you left the fire nation. You also realized his tactic- to get you to share, he would share. You decided to cut him a break, and do it yourself.

You started with what he already knew.

“I lost my parents to the war when I was six. So I was sent to the academy, where they recognized my talent and rewarded me with apprenticeships and a home. Still, General Bujing was the closest I had to a parent.” You paused, and looked toward the front of the ship, where you could see clouds.

“But as I got older, and he put more questionable battle strategies on my exams, I began to see him not as a parent but as a person. And what I saw was, I assume, what you saw. Someone ruthless and angry, who didn’t believe in human life, or didn’t value it.” Zuko didn’t stop you, or interrupt. He merely listened.

“I was scared. And so I did reading, on what the Fire Nation was before Sozin, and what I saw was so much better than what I was raised in. I knew i couldn’t change much, but what I could do was get rid of an old General who would do the worst sort of things.” You looked down at your hands.

“It didn’t work. I was thirteen, of course it didn’t. But instead of killing me, he...” you trailed off, and turned your gaze away from Zuko.

“I was going to kill him, because I thought there wasn’t any good in him. And then he let me go. He spared me.” Zuko’s eyes widened, as what he knew of General Bujing, the man who would sacrifice a brigade of soldiers, did not seem to line up with what you were describing.

“I was arrested anyway, of course, but I thought for sure he’d kill me. He didn’t even challenge me to an Agni Kai. I still don’t...” you trailed off, and let your head thump back against the metal wall. “I still don’t understand.”

“People are complicated,” Zuko struggled out, seemingly trying to conjure some good-ol’-uncle-Iroh advice.

“Yeah,” you said with a breathless chuckle, and scooted a bit closer to him. “It’s good to see you again,” you said, leaning your shoulder against his. It was an odd situation to be in, because you’d last seen him when you were thirteen, and he twelve. But you knew, from what you overheard, that he felt something more for you. Something akin to Sokka and Suki, who you had noticed were clearly an explicitly romantic couple. Because of it you felt it appropriate to notice how much he’d... grown. He was older, now, and his hair was nice, and his cheekbones high, his jawline defined, not to mention an obviously master firebender. You envied that talent, as the only bending you had was leftover from your training, that ended at thirteen.

“It’s good to see you too,” he said, which you barely heard over your thoughts. You didn’t want to make him uncomfortable, as obviously Mai was a very fresh wound, but you knew his feelings were there, and wanted in subtle ways to make him realize that his choices were accepted, welcomed, to you.

You wondered if he was having similar thoughts, noticing how you’d changed since he last saw you.

The moon was high by the time the airship docked at the western air temple. You’d fallen asleep on the metal floor (you’ve slept in worse places), and Zuko decided to wake you up so that you could move to one of the bedrooms up high in the temple.

He crouched beside you, and nudged your shoulder. When that didn’t rouse you, he sat down, deciding to take a moment to study your sleeping face. He brushed back some of your hair from your face, silent in his appreciation.

He’d wake you up. In a minute.

For now, he wanted to lean down, and kiss your forehead.

When he pulled away, he noticed your eyes were open. A smile spread to your lips, and you pushed back your tiredness to respond to the moment in front of you.

“Want to try again, now that I’m awake?”

-🦌 Roe

#imagines #reader insert #angst #atla imagine #atla fluff #atla gaang #atla zuko #atla #avatar x reader #avatar reader insert #avatar imagine #avatar imagines #avatar: the last airbender #avatar #prince zuko imagines #zuko x reader #zuko fluff #zuko imagines #zuko angst #zuko imagine #fire lord zuko #prince zuko #zuko #suki #atla suki #atla sokka

[scarletemeterio-thesecond]

Ways to Say I Love You (Zuko x Fem!Reader)

Warnings: some swearing, nothing else i think.

Genre: Fluff

Fandom: Avatar The Last Airbender

Summary: Different ways that reader and Zuko say I love you without actually saying it.

Word Count: 3263

This one is also part of the writing challenge by @fromthewatertribe! (@astroninaaa) Again, go check her blog, she’s amazing! I chose prompts number 19:  “Okay, so, like, I might, well, it’s not that I might, it’s that I do, I, just, shit! Okay, well, you see— I am kind of absolutely in love with you.”; number 20: “You make me really, really happy”; and number 42: Character A: Fuck. Oh, fuck. I’m in love with Character B! Character C: Yeah. A: Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?! C: What?! I thought you knew!. Also, the whole idea is from prompt number 21: ways to say “I love you” without saying “I love you”.

Reader uses she/they pronouns!

•••

You and Zuko had always been close, you even went with him when he was banished. There was always this unspoken thing between you two, these feelings that you were too afraid to admit. However, you’d always let the other know just how much you loved them without using words.

•••

You were in the tea shop in Ba Sing Se, you were already closed and started cleaning everything when suddenly, you dropped a cup of tea, which ended in you cutting your hand. You let out a soft groan and quickly went to clean your wound. You didn’t say anything because it was already pretty common for you to hurt yourself because of your clumsiness, and quite frankly, you didn’t want to bother anyone.

However, Zuko saw you run to the back of the shop and followed you, thinking that maybe you’d need help with something.

“Hey, (Y/N), did something-?” He stopped talking when he saw your hand and immediately went to help you. “How did you do this?” He was clearly concerned, it was evident in his voice, and your heart melted a bit.

“I dropped one of the cups,” you said. He immediately helped you clean your cut and dried it with a clean towel.

“Wait, let me bring some bandages. Try not to break anything else!” He said, clearly teasing you because of how clumsy you were. When he came back, he grabbed your hand and started wrapping the bandage around it, constantly looking at you since he didn’t want to make it too tight. “I think that’s it.” He said when he was done.

“Thanks, Zuko, I don’t know what I would do without you. You saved me!” You said, half-joking, you gave him a quick peck on the cheek and went back to help Iroh. He let out a sigh and thought about how he wouldn’t change a single thing about you, not even how clumsy you were, and thought that you were the one who had actually saved him, and how you constantly kept saving him every single day.

•••

You truly couldn’t believe what was happening, Zuko had decided to team up with Azula, and now you were fighting against him while the Water Tribe girl fought against his sister.

“Why are you doing this?” You asked, pain and sadness clearly present in your voice. “I thought you’d changed, that you realized this whole ‘capturing the Avatar and going back to the Fire Nation’ thing was useless!”

“It’s not useless! We can go home, (Y/N)!” He said, trying to convince you.

“I’m not going anywhere, and the Fire Nation was never my home. My true home is way closer than you think.”

“What do you-?” He was interrupted by you throwing some fire at him. “Stop it, I don’t want to fight with you, I don’t want to hurt you,” he said since you’d never been actually trained and knew very little about firebending. 

“Then stop this nonsense!” You yelled. He threw a little bit of fire at you and while trying to avoid the flame, you fell. 

He went to help his sister, leaving you there. Once the other girl was out, Azula started walking towards you, but he pushed you to one side so her fire wouldn’t hit you. She looked at him a bit confused, but there was no time for questions since the Avatar had got into the Avatar State. You thought that maybe you’d win this fight, and you could convince Zuko to go with you, but suddenly, Azula shot lightning at the young boy, and all your hopes vanished.

The waterbender girl managed to catch the boy before he hit the ground, and you quickly run over to Iroh. “You’ve got to get out of here. I’ll hold them off as long as I can,” he said to the girl.

“Go, you don’t have much time,” You told her. She smiled at you, and for a moment she hesitated, but she gestured for you to grab her hand. 

You looked back for a second and saw that some Dai Lee agents were coming towards you. You covered your face, waiting for an impact that never came, and when you opened your eyes, you saw Zuko in front of you, ready to fight them. He turned around and pushed you once again towards the girl. “Leave, (Y/N),” he pleaded. “I’d rather you’d hate me while still being free.” And with that, you finally grabbed the waterbender’s hand and escaped.

You had tears in your eyes, and you were feeling a lot of things at the same time. You closed your eyes and for a moment, you wished you could’ve done something to make him change his mind, but it was too late now, and there was no turning back.

•••

At first, when Zuko joined you it was a bit weird. You’d missed him a lot, but you were still a bit hurt after what had happened back in Ba Sing Se. You knew he was trying, though, so you also tried your best to forgive him.

It was late at night and you couldn’t sleep. This was something that happened quite often. You were used to sleeping with a doll that your family had given you when you were a child, but you lost it after you left the Earth Kingdom, so sometimes you just stayed in your room, or even got up and walked around the temple. Tonight, however, you’d stayed for a while near the fireplace, and when you finally got up and headed to your room, you saw someone walking away from it.

“Zuko?” He turned around to look at you and stopped walking. “Did something happen?”

He shook his head, trying to sound calm. “No, I just wanted to check up on you,” he said. “Are you okay? What are you doing awake?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you replied, going into your room. He walked back to it and leaned on the door.

“Can’t sleep?”

You let out a sigh. “You know me too well,” you mumbled. “I’ve been having some trouble falling asleep without my doll,” you admitted loud enough for him to hear.

He smiled briefly and entered your room, sitting next to you. “There’s something more, isn’t it?” You nodded softly, not really wanting to talk about it. He noticed that and let out a small sigh before talking again. “I need to ask you something, something that hasn’t left my mind ever since you said it.” You looked at him, wondering what he was talking about. “Back in Ba Sin Se, you said that the Fire Nation was never your home, that your real home was way closer than I thought.” He made a little pause to see your face. “What did you mean?”

You took a deep breath while you closed your eyes, already feeling a bit nervous. “What I meant is that sometimes your home isn’t a place; sometimes it’s a person,” you started saying. “You’ve always made me feel at home because, well, you are my home, Zuko,” you confessed. “But it was dumb of me to think that you’d feel the same way,” you mumbled, revealing why you’d been so sad during the last couple of days.

“No, (Y/N), look at me,” he pleaded. You did as he said and he grabbed both of your hands. “I made a terrible mistake that day in the catacombs, I would never do that to you ever again,” he said, also thinking about his uncle. “I know I said it a million times, but I’m really sorry, and I understand if you’re still mad at me.”

“I’m not mad at you, I don’t think I was ever mad,” you told him. “I guess I was just sad that you’d chosen the wrong path,” you explained. “But I don’t really think I could ever be mad at you, Zuko." 

Right after you said that he wrapped his arms around you, and you did the same too. "Sometimes I think that even though I made a lot of mistakes, I must’ve done something good to have you in my life.”

You blushed at his words, thankful that he couldn’t see you. When you pulled away, you asked him if he could stay until you fell asleep, and he said yes.

“Would you play with my hair, please?” You asked. He hummed in response and began running his hands through your head. It wasn’t long until you fell asleep, feeling peaceful and calm due to his touch.

“You’re my home too, (Y/N),” he mumbled right before kissing your forehead.

•••

The sun was setting and you had nothing to do, then suddenly you noticed Zuko sitting by himself away from the group. You walked towards him and he turned around a little bit. “Hey, do you mind if I join you?” He moved a bit to the side, gesturing for you to sit next to him.“What are you doing here by yourself?”

“I was just a little bored,” he answered. You chuckled at his response “Have you been practicing lately?” He asked since he was also teaching you how to use your firebending.

“Yes! Aang and I practiced quite a bit while you and Katara were gone,” you replied, clearly excited about learning how to properly use your bending. Suddenly you shivered a little and hugged yourself, trying to stay warm. “I can’t believe that I’m a firebender and I’m always cold somehow,” you mumbled.

Zuko immediately took off his robe and wrapped it around your shoulders. “I wonder the same thing,” he said while giggling. “But I’m used to you always being a little cold.”

You grabbed his coat, softly brushing your hands against his, and put it on properly. “Thank you,” you murmured. You slowly leaned on him, resting your head on his shoulder. “I’ve missed this; I’ve missed us, I mean.”

He hummed in response, thinking about your words and silently getting really nervous. He was also blushing a bit, and he was grateful that you couldn’t see him. “Yeah, me too.”

“Can I be completely honest with you?” For a moment he thought about what you could possibly say, and only answered your question when you called his name to catch his attention again. “I was kind of hoping you’d end up joining us.”

“What do you mean?” He asked you in a confused tone.

“Well, after all the events at Ba Sing Se, I was sad and frustrated but if I have to be honest, I thought you’d end up realizing that going to the Fire Nation wasn’t the right choice,” you explained.

“Wow, you had a lot of faith in me,” he said.

“I always had and I always will,” you started saying. “I feel like I’ve known you forever, Zuko, the real you.”

He smiled at your words, happy to know that there was someone out there besides his uncle who actually believed in him since the beginning. He thought that maybe you were the only one left since he didn’t truly know how Iroh felt about him, but he was still glad to have someone. “Can I be completely honest with you too?”

“Of course you can.”

“I didn’t join the Avatar just to help him win the war, I also did it so I could see you again,” he mumbled. “Because, to be honest, being apart from you was killing me.”

•••

The play sucked, you all agreed on that. But it had sucked even more for Zuko. He even said it himself: it took every mistake he’d ever made and rubbed them in his face. So it was safe to say that he wasn’t in the best of moods. You obviously noticed that and decided to go to his room to check upon him.

You knocked on the door and heard his voice telling you that you could go inside. “Hey, how are you doing?” You asked as soon as you entered. He looked at you a bit disconcerted, so you quickly explained yourself. “I noticed you weren’t feeling so well after the play, so I wanted to see how you were.”

“Oh, well, it’s made me think a lot,” he mumbled.

You sat on the edge of his bed so you could be closer to him. “Do you want to tell me what you were thinking about?”

He looked at you for a second and thought about how much he loved your sweetness and kindness. “I was mainly thinking about my uncle,” he finally spoke. “I still feel very guilty about what I did to him, and I’m afraid he won’t ever forgive me.”

“Zuko, hey,” you said while cupping his face. “I get why you think like that, but I’m sure he loves you and that he will forgive you as soon as we see him again,” you comforted him.

“How can you be so sure about that?”

“Because I know him and I know how much he loves you. You’re like a son to him, Zuko.”

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a second. “Thank you for saying all that,” he mumbled. “And thank you for being here.”

“I meant everything I said, and I’ll always be here for you.” You said while looking at him in the eye. 

“You make me really, really happy, (Y/N),” he told you, making you blush a little.

“You make me really happy, too.”

•••

You’d met with the White Lotus, and now you were in their camp. You could even feel how nervous Zuko was about seeing his uncle again, and you’d held his hand the whole way to the camp, to let him know that you were there with him.

“Everything will be fine, Zuko,” you tried to calm him down.

“I don’t know, (Y/N). Katara tried to calm me down too but I just can’t seem to do it,” he told you.

“Hey, look at me,” you asked him while grabbing his shoulder. He stopped moving and looked at you. “Try to breathe slowly. It’s going to be okay, yeah? Trust me.”

“I always trust you,” he mumbled without really thinking about his words. You smiled softly at his words.

“Then just relax and go in there, I’ll be here until you get out, okay?” He nodded slowly and wrapped his arms around your waist. You wrapped yours around his neck and buried your face in it, enjoying the warmth of his body.

He wanted to say something before going into the tent, but he didn’t know what. It was like there weren’t any words that could express how he felt, so he just smiled at you and you saw him walk away.

•••

“So, it all went well with your uncle, right?” Asked the Water Tribe boy.

“Yes, he forgave me right away,” answered Zuko, still not fully believing it. “I couldn’t have done it without (Y/N), though. I mean, Katara helped me too, but (Y/N) is just… special, you know?”

“Right,” replied Sokka. “So, how long have you known (Y/N) for?”

“We’ve known each other since we were kids. We were always really close, and she even left the Fire Nation with me when I was banished… as you might remember.”

“Yeah, I do, she was never mean to us, though,” said Sokka, teasing the other boy.

“That’s because they’re always kind. They always see the best in people, even when they shouldn’t. They saw the good in me even before I did.” He spoke about you with such admiration in his voice that anyone would think that you’d been together for years now.

“Yeah, and how long have you been in love with them?” Zuko opened his eyes with surprise and looked at his friend. 

“What the hell are you talking about?” Asked the prince, thinking that Sokka must’ve been joking.

“Are you kidding me? It’s clear that you have feelings for her. It’s noticeable in the way you talk about her, the way you look at her… everything.”

Zuko stood there for a moment, thinking about what the other boy was saying. He thought about all the years he’d spend with you by his side, how you were always that kind of light in the darkness for him, and suddenly he realized.

“Fuck. Oh, fuck. I’m in love with (Y/N)!”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying.”

“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?”

“What!? I thought you knew! We even like to guess who will confess first!”

Zuko grabbed his head, still processing everything. “I have to go tell her! I have to go!” He kept repeating.

“Then just go, nobody’s stopping you." 

And so the boy left, looking everywhere for you. Once he found you, he saw you with Katara. She was doing your hair and you were just talking about random stuff when suddenly a very worried-looking Zuko appeared out of nowhere.

"Can I talk to you, (Y/N)?”

You noticed that Katara had just finished your braid, so you said yes. He told you to follow him and before you left, Katara whispered something in your ear.

“I bet he’s going to tell you that he likes you.” You blushed a little at her words and rolled your eyes at her. Sure, one could only dream, but you knew that she was wrong.

Zuko and you were away from the rest of the camp since he wanted some privacy. After all, he was about to say something really personal and important to you.

“What did you want to talk about?” You asked.

“Yeah, right, that. Okay, so, uhm, how do I say this?” He kept playing with his hands, trying to find the right way to say it.

“Did you forget or something?” You said in a teasing tone.

“No, no, I didn’t forget, it’s just that-,” he interrupted himself by taking a deep breath. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “Okay, so, like, I might, well, it’s not that I might, it’s that I do, I, just, shit! Okay, well, you see— I am kind of absolutely in love with you.” His words came out of his mouth in a single breath, barely giving you any time to process them. In the back of your head, you could only think that Katara was right, and at first, you thought that you were dreaming.

You snapped out of your thoughts thanks to hearing Zuko’s voice again. He was apologizing for everything and even began to walk away. “Zuko, wait!” You told him once you realized what was happening. You ran to him and wrapped your arms around his neck, and he did the same around your waist. You pulled away from him a little to connect your lips together, something you’d dreamed about doing for quite a while now. “I am kind of absolutely in love with you, too,” you said once you stopped kissing.

“When you didn’t say anything I thought that you would reject me,” he said.

“I’d never do that,” you replied. He smiled at you and kissed again. “I love you, Zuko.”

“I love you, too,” he said and realized that those were the words he’d been looking for for a while now. The words that completely described the way he felt about you. He pressed his forehead against yours and thought that the next day while facing Azula, he’d have something else to motivate him during the battle: going back to you.

•••

TAGLIST:

@noodlesfluffy

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