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gladerwolfstarkimagines · 4 years

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Azula x female reader series: Part 6

Azula learns details about your relationship with Zuko and is furious leaving you isolated in a dangerous situation with few allies. You learn Zuko’s plan to escape during the eclipse and are torn between telling Azula or escaping with Zuko. Azula feels betrayed and no longer trusts you but do you give up on her that easily?

Tag list: @saucy-sapphic @justastranger-passing @azulasprincess @888-rising @sighsam @theblueslytherin @lucyrocks86 @halcyon-arts

Part One here

Part Two here

Part Three here

Part Four here

Part Five here

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Your POV

"So that was a good effort" Zuko said breaking the awkward silence that settled as soon as you walked into his room. You managed not to roll your eyes as you moved about the room readying it for the night. Your training sessions were usually okay but today you'd done particularly bad and you were feeling hopeless you'd ever get better. "Seriously" Zuko said offering you a small smile "you're a new bender it will take time". Your practice sessions had been numerous, Zuko was suprisingly enthusiastic about training you but you hadn't been showing much improvement. He tried teaching you how his uncle taught him but the technique wasn’t compatible with you or something because you’d barely been able to match any of his stances. "Maybe I’m just not that good" you shrugged "you and Azula are royals it makes sense you’re such strong fire benders". Zuko went quiet at the mention of Azula and you scolded yourself for bringing her up, you weren’t meant to do that but you were seeing her tonight so she was on your mind. "Yes well..' Zuko started when there was a knock at the door. "Dammit I was supposed to meet Mai a while ago" Zuko frowned "y/n hide". "What?" You asked confused. "Things with Mai have been difficult lately" Zuko said awkwardly "she’s still not happy you’re my maid and if she sees you she’ll know we’ve been training and it will make her mad, so can you hide?". You nodded ignoring the blush on Zuko’s cheeks and looked for a spot. "Under the bed?" Zuko offered and you frowned "why don’t you just tell her what happened? We were training and lost track of time, maybe if you tell her the truth she won’t be mad". Zuko was thinking it over in his head when she knocked again and he jumped. "She won’t understand so please just hide y/n, I’ll tell her I’m coming soon and get her to leave". You sighed but nodded and rolled under the bed. Zuko sighed with relief and turned the door handle "I'm so sorry Ma..." he started but he stopped abruptly and you heard a voice that was certainly not Mai's. "I dont know what youre apologising for but im sure it's justified”.

Azula's POV

Azula loved catching her brother off guard and it seemed she had done just that. She waited until she was sure you'd have left the training room and came to Zuko's room. Azula wasn’t really sure why she was here, she hadn’t arranged this with you and it wasn’t that she didn’t trust you or anything. She just wanted proof nothing was going on, to see you two together in a non formal setting and see for herself what your relationship with her brother was like. Azula walked into the room amused Zuko looked so angry. She looked around for you but noticed you weren’t here, she imagined you were hiding and that sparked doubt in her mind. If Zuko was hiding you from Mai he must have a reason....

"Azula what do you want I'm late to meet Mai". Azula smirked turning to face him "she's already angry at you zuzu I doubt being late can make matters much worse between you, I don’t think anything can really". Zuko turned red in anger and embarrassment and Azula continued "how was your training session by the way? You’ve been having a lot of them lately haven’t you?". "None of your buisness" Zuko snapped "now get out". "My my not in a good mood" Azula replied "I’m only here for y/n". "Y/n?" Zuko asked and Azula nodded "yeah you know your maid..that's her name". "I know who she is!" Zuko snapped "but what do you want with her?". Azula smirked but she noticed another thing she didn’t like, the suspicion and anger Zuko showed at the mention of your name. "None of your buisness" Azula mimicked Zuko "have you seen her or not? I was sure she'd be here for some reason...seems she's been spending a lot of time with you according to the servants, I’m glad you've made a friend Zuko but if she works for you does it really count?". "You’re one to talk" Zuko spat and Azula frowned confused "I am?". "The way you've treated y/n, is it no wonder she likes me better?". Ow that hit a sensitive spot. What did he mean? Azula wondered. How dare he insinuate you liked him more. It wasn’t true and Azula knew that but it still made her nervous. "and how have I treated the maid brother?" Azula asked her temper already growing. "She told me all of it" zuko explained "how you blackmailed her to be loyal to you! How you lied and manipulated her, used whatever emotions she had for you for your own gain, how she never did any of it because she wanted to but because you made her! Honestly you're a monster". It wasn’t the first time Azula had been called a monster but it was the first time in relation to you so it stung. "And i’m supposed to believe y/n trusted you enough to confess this all?" Azula asked. Zuko nodded "i promised her i’d keep her safe from you and she confessed it all, everything I said came from her lips directly, she hates you Azula but she’s not scared of you anymore, because you can’t touch her now, she’s my maid and you can’t boss her around anymore". Azula was so shocked it took her a while to think of a witty response. You'd really told Zuko all of that about her? Did you really feel that way? How could you say it to Zuko of all people? All Azula wanted to do was run away but she couldn’t, she spun to Zuko and decided to let her anger out on him. "You think she’s untouachble? Nobody is" Azula spat "I am the best fire bender this nation has seen in aeons, you know i can beat you zuzu, speak to me like that again and I’ll give you a scar to match the one father did!". Zuko grunted and lunged for her but Azula was ready, lightning danced on her hands and she aimed. Zuko ducked and it hit his wall instead narrowly missing him. Zuko stared as the spot he’d just been stood on now smoked and Azula smiled satisfied. "Next time I won’t miss" and slammed the door.

Your POV

You made your way down the coridoor still shocked from the events in Zuko’s room. You couldn’t believe the horrible things Zuko had said but for Azula to fire lighning at him. She could have killed Zuko, murdered her brother over an argument. You reminded yourself she missed on purpose, she would never actually kill Zuko...not over something so petty as this anyway. Azula surely didn’t really believe you meant all the things you’d told Zuko, she surely knew it was all for the mission she’s assigned you and understood. You pushed open the door to your room and saw Azula stood there. The look she gave you told you, you’d been wrong. Azula turned to face you her face showing anger as she looked at you. It intimidated you and weeks ago you’d have been terrified but this was Azula, your Azula. You could reason with her and explain everything. She’s listen to you.

Azula’s POV

Azula felt she’d been very understanding. She’d allowed the private training sessions, she understood letting Zuko teach you fire bending and she hadn’t even got angry when you’d accidentally shown Zuko your abilities. What Azula couldn’t get over however was you creating this bad relationship for Zuko’s benefit. Azula watched as you stepped into the room and waited to see if you’d speak first. She was suprised you looked her straight in the eye as you went to speak “Azula I know you’re angry...”. “Of course I’m angry” Azula burst “how long have you been telling Zuko horrible stories about me”. “Well since the day he found out I was a firebender but they were all lies Azula”. “They’re not lies to Zuko, he thinks they’re true...you must’ve been pretty convincing, maybe they weren’t all lies”. “Of course they were Azula! I just made him think i disliked you so he’d trust me, he wouldn’t trust me any other way” you argued. “You couldn’t think of any other way besides bad mouthing me to my worst enemy? To someone I’ve despised since being a child?” Azula asked. “You wanted me to get close to Zuko” you cried “you asked me to do this and so I did, it’s clearly worked”. “No, I seem to recall telling you I could find another way y/n, that I’d use another plan, after your...slip up. I didn’t ask you to carry this on, you carried it on y/n and this is the way you chose to do it”.

The worst part was Azula could actually see the logic to your plan. Zuko hadn’t thought fondly of Azula since she’d learnt to walk, it was instinct for him to blame and hate her, to believe she was a cruel person. And yes Azula had been rude and cruel to many servants so the story would been easily believed but she had been nice to you, nicer than she was to her own friends! She’d protected you, trusted you and even grown to care for you more than she ever had for anyone else. You didn’t need rescuing from her, least of all by zuko but that was the story you’d sold him. As everyone did, even your mind made Azula the villan and Zuko the hero. Azula was snapped out of her rumination when you spoke. "Azula..." you tried again "please I was just doing it for the mission, I didn’t want to have ruined your plan, I wanted to salvage it by any means necessary, it’s working really well but I will stop if you want me to, I won’t keep up this act with Zuko anymore". “I think it’s a bit late for that” Azula snapped “you’ve already convinced Zuko I’m a monster to you and you’ve convinced me that what you really think of me”. “But Azula..” you tried but she cut you off aware she had to end this conversation now while she had control over her emotions. “No” she said raising her voice “the deal is off”. As Azula said those words she felt them hang in the air and saw your face change as you registered what she was saying. “I no longer want you to try and learn Zuko’s secrets, I don’t want you to report back to me, I don’t want to see or hear from you again” she yelled.

Your POV

Azula’s voice rang in the air and you stared at her. You felt scared, shock and sad but mainly angry. Azula had been fine with complicating your job by making you a spy, by making you lose the respect of your colleagues, by making the royals all despise you as a servant girl trying to sleep her way to the top and was only annoyed when Zuko believed a lie about her. "But it’s not true" you cried "Azula you know that! I know that! Who cares what zuko thinks? You’re throwing all this away because of him?". “This is not about Zuko y/n this is about you and I no longer trust or want to be around you”. Azula turned to leave and your anger turned to desperation. "Azula you don’t have to do this" you said reaching for her but she spun around brushing your hand away "who are you to tell me what i have or don’t have to do? I am the princess of the biggest kingdom in the world and you are a mere servant! You don’t speak to me that way ever!". You lowered your eyes and tried not to show how upset her words left you. A mere servant? How many times had Azula told you that you were more than that? And now she was pulling that all away, she was leaving you with Zuko in the middle of a web you’d spun on her orders, you’d manipulated Zuko and almost ruined his relationship on her orders and now she was abandoning you to it. Again as always Azula seemed to read your mind “have fun with zu zu y/n, he’s all you have left” and she stormed from the room.

1 week later

Your POV

"The room is prepared Prince Zuko" you declared. Zuko looked around shocked, you hadn’t been working long but it was true you’d done all he’d asked. He looked around for another job for you to do to make you stay but couldn’t spot any. You been cold and distant as of late and Zuko didn’t like it. "Is there anything else you require?" You asked. Zuko shook his head "no that is fine y/n" and you nodded going for the door. "Wait" Zuko called as your hand touched the door handle. Your shoulders slumped but you turned around passively "yes?". "Y/n are you okay?" Zuko asked. You wanted to scream that question seemed so stupid. Instead you just nodded your head "yes Prince Zuko". You were itching for him to leave you alone but Zuko wasn’t giving up that easy. "No you’re not" he replied. You shrugged not having the energy to argue and Zuko sighed "is it Azula?". You wanted to tell anyone it hurt so much but instead you met his eyes and calmly shook your head "no". Zuko frowned but you didn’t look away from his stare and he sighed "so what is it? You cancelled our training sessions for a reason! And i’ve noticed you’ve been sad y/n, I do notice other people besides myself you know!". You swallowed scared to comment and Zuko frowned again "is it the rumours about us?”. Again you were unsure how to comment, you didn’t want to encourage him or at the same time offend him, he was your employer and the only friend you had left now. "Rumours?" You asked playing dumb and Zuko rolled his eyes "i know you’re aware of them I think everyone is, they all think my interest in you is physical and unprofessional, is that why you’ve distanced yourself from me? If so y/n yo don’t have to I can stop the rumours and we can go back to training". "It’s not about you" you burst before you could stop yourself "I’m not worried my colleagues all despise me or think bad things about me, I dont care the nobels all think I am seducing you for power, I don’t care what they whisper about us as we pass" you burst. You wanted to add the most important one, that you didn’t care Azula didn’t like you anymore but knew that was a lie. Zuko stared at you shocked and you realised you’d just shouted at the heir to the throne and your only ally. "Prince Zuko i’m so sorry..." you started but he cut you off. "No it’s okay I pushed you it’s I who should apologise...but we are friends y/n you can tell me these things". You nodded your head “thank you” but made no move to carry on talking. "You are not happy" Zuko said thoughtfully and he turned to face you. You shrugged in response not seeing the point in denying it anymore. “what if i told you I could help get you away from this? From here?" Zuko asked. You looked at him shocked but truthfully you’d been expecting to be dismissed now Azula didn’t want you here but still it hurt. Regardless you handled it with composure and nodded "where will you resassign me?". "Reassign you?" Zuko asked surpised "y/n i don’t want to send you away!". "You don’t? Then what would you do?" you asked frowning. Zuko paused looking around to make sure his door was closed and lowered his voice “I’m planning on leaving soon and I could take you with me if you wanted". You paused shocked at this statement "you’re deserting the fire nation?” Zuko flushed "well i wouldn’t call it that but yes i guess i am but I never should’ve come back here, it was a mistake, I have to get out of here". "And you’d take me with you?" You asked "why?". Zuko paused "well we know the rumours aren’t true but my family doesn't, if I disappear they will interrogate all those close to me and they’ll turn to you, when I think of what they’ll do to get answers from you, my father alone will...." zuko trailed off before shaking his head "I don’t want to leave you behind to deal with the consequences of my actions, I could sneak you out with me...you could get away from this all if you came with me...what do you think?" Zuko asked. “This is a very kind offer Zuko” you frowned. “But...?” he asked sensing you weren’t totally on board with this plan. Leaving with Zuko would get you out of your situation but something was stopping you. Azula. If you left that would be it for your chances of reconciling what you had with her, you would prove to her she was right and you’d be another person who chose Zuko over her. You’d ruin all you’d had and maybe even Azula. You sighed and looked at Zuko "can i think about it?". Zuko nodded "of course, think it over but don’t take too long y/n the escape is in 2 days".

Azula’s POV

The day of the eclipse was fast approaching and the whole palace was busy finalising plans. Azula too was rushed off her feet ensuring the barracks were sufficient and she’d liked to have said it distracted her from what happened but it only put it off. Azula could go all day without thinking about it or wondering what was happening right now between you and Zuko but as soon as the silence settled or the planning was done it all came back. She’d hear your voice as you told her you didn’t mean it, how you tried to explain your actions away by blaming them on her. It still made her angry. She heard Zuko’s voice as he told her all you’d said and his promise to keep you safe from him. Azula would give up trying to sleep as the voices got too loud and go back to planning whatever she had left to plan. She double checked, triple checked everything but still she found an excuse to keep her mind from thinking but there were some ocassions she couldn’t help. Azula entered the dining room expecting to see her father and Zuko but saw Mai and Ty Lee instead. To be fair Zuko had been avoiding Azula so she didn’t expect him to be here but she thought her father would want to see her before the move to the barracks. “Where’s my father?” Azula barked and Mai shrugged but Ty Lee tried to smile “we’re not sure but we we’re summonded here instead. Nobody else has shown up so guess this is all ours” Ty Lee smiled looking at the food. Azula grunted but took a seat, she had nowhere else to be, she hadn’t realised how much time she’s spent with you until she cut you out of her life. “We were just talking about the move tomorrow” Ty Lee explained although Azula hadn’t asked “I was saying how I’m jealous Mai’s family got such a good spot! Then again I guess it’s understandable, Zuko probably put a good word in” Ty Lee said making Mai smile slightly. Azula had heard things had improved with Zuko and Mai, she guessed now you were no longer making things difficult Zuko had been forgiven and it was like it had never happened. That made Azula angry, she had lost her plan, her favourite maid, her only confidant, her well...whatever you two had been to one another all because of Zuko and he was happy while Azula was alone and miserable as always. Well not if she could help it, Azula was guessing Zuko hadn’t told Mai everything....

“Yes I’ve heard Zuko’s been keeping his favourites close to his chest lately”. Ty Lee shot Azula a wary look but Mai narrowed her eyes “what does that mean?”. “Ow nothing” Azula smirked “I mean you and Zuko have moved passed that whole buisness I’d hate to drag things back up...”. “Tell me” Mai snapped and when Azula raised an eyebrow she sighed “please”. Azula smirked “well it’s nothing really just that night you and Zuko went to go watch the ember island players and he was late...well he was with the maid. I went to his room to tell him father needed to speak with him and he thought I was you, he had her hid under the bed so you wouldn’t see her. He was late for your date because he was busy with another woman”. Mai slammed her cutlery down and stood up so suddenly the table shook. She threw her chair back and strode out of the room. Azula grinned watching and Ty Lee frowned at her. “Did you have to do that?” Ty Lee asked. “I think she should know my brothers cheating on her, would you rather I lie to her like he’s doing?”. “No but you didn’t have to tell her like that” Ty Lee sighed “it was just mean” and she stood up going after Mai. Azula brushed of Ty Lee’s comment, everyone thought she was mean, evil, a monster so why shouldn’t she act like one? Azula savoured her win over Zuko and smirked thinking about what Mai would do to him but the happiness was short lived. Azula looked around the now empty room and felt the familair pang of loneliness she’s felt growing since she’d dismissed you. It just seemed to be getting worse and if ruining Zuko’s happiness couldn’t even get rid of it could anything? She swallowed hard and stood up, she should get back to work.

Your POV

“Those boxes need going to Prince Zuko’s private room in the baracks” you told the servants who had come to help you move Zuko’s belongings to the bunkers for safety during the eclipse. It was all for show really, Zuko was planning on leaving during the eclipse so wouldn’t really need a room in the baracks but you had to pretend he’d be there the whole time. You’d organised all his possessions and managed to save the few he would need on him when he made his escape without arousing suspicion. You still hadn’t decided if to stay or go and time was running out to put it off any longer. The servants all got to work helping you automatically but none of them would look at you. You knew most were scared of you, they figured you had Zuko’s ear and they weren’t wrong you supposed but it was in a different way than they thought. You picked up a stack of boxes too, determined to show them all you weren’t just Zuko’s accesory and led the way to the barracks. You hadn’t gone far down the coridoor when someone came around the corner. Mai and Ty Lee appeared and they seemed to be arguing or atleast Mai was, she was walking ahead as Ty Lee tried to keep up and seemed angry. You hoped they wouldn’t look up and almost made it past them when Mai’s eyes fixed on you you felt your heart stop. “Stop” she called and all the servants halted. Ty Lee was saying something to her, sje seemed to be begging her not do this but Mai didn’t seem to be listening. She looked at the boxes you were carrying clearly marked as Zuko’s things and that seemed to make her angrier. You always found the girl terrifying but now she looked plain evil. The look she sent you told you she wanted you dead, no worse than dead. “Leave us” she spat at the servants. They were all too happy to leave and rushed off, even plucking the boxes from your hands as they passed leaving you very much on your own. You instantly feared what Mai was going to do to you. You thought her and Zuko had made up since you’d distanced yourself from him but apparently Mai wasn’t ready to move on. Ty lee watched Mai stare at you and frowned “Mai don’t...". Ty Lee go" Mai said her voice flat "i wish to speak to the servant alone". Ty Lee looked at Mai but sighed seeing Mai’s eyes were fixed on you unmoving. Ty Lee looked upset but obediently turned and walked back the way she’d come. Mai stared at you and then moved forwards soundlessly and you instinctively went to step back. “Does Zuko often hide you in his room everytime I visit or just when he’s already an hour late to our date?” Mai asked. You paused confused why Mai was bringing this up now, that night was ages ago why was she angry about it now? Mai didn’t seem to care what you had to say though and carried “do either of you think you’re fooling anyone? Do you think the rumours of the two of you haven’t reach us all? That we don’t know you’re together?”. You stared at Mai not wanting to move, breath or do anything to anger her any more. "Do you deny it?" she asked stepping closer again and you backed up into the wall. You looked at her helplessly, what could you say? You couldn’t tell her you were just training with Zuko, she’s definitely tell Ozai to have you thrown out of her life for good. "You should speak to Prince Zuko" you told her shakily "I don’t know what I’m allowed to say". Mai gripped you so suddenly you would’ve flinched but her grip didn’t permit it. She had a hand of your throat and the other on a knife you hadn’t even seen her draw. "Not allowed" she spat "acting now like you’re someone who follows all the rules! What being Azula’s pet wasn’t enough to make you feel special you had to have Zuko too? Bet you brag to all your little servant friends, think you’re going to secure your place here through Zuko and some bastard child?". You shook your head "no Mai! That’s not what I want!". Mai only hissed slightly pressing on your neck harder "I should kill you both for the insult to me!". "Mai it’s not what you think" you couldn’t help saying "please talk to Zuko!". "Zuko?" she spat "you dare be so casual about him to me!". You paled more "no Mai i’m sorry, I just meant...". "I always had my doubts, i knew you couldn’t be trusted, i knew Azula did this on purpose, I bet she told you to do this didn’t she? You think you have no choice but we all have choices y/n and you made yours". Mai raised her knife and you closed your eyes ready for her to kill you. Seconds passed and nothing happened. You opened your eyes to see Mai staring at you hard, her face unreadable. You could barely breathe, she was deciding what to do with your life. Finally she let go and you collapsed back against the wall gasping. You looked up at Mai shocked and saw her fist just as it came down and punched you straight in the face. You cried out and fell down against the wall as blood trickled down your face. Mai straightenned looking at you with disgust "you can tell Zuko i gave you that, if he thinks i’ll allow him to keep doing this to me with you he’s wrong, tell him we’re done, I think it should come from you" she said with a twitch of her lip "also tell Zuko to make sure I don’t ever see you again, if I do I won’t be so forgiving, you’ve both been warned" she spat before she turned and left. You breathed haggerdly your heart pounding as you pressed your sleeve to your nose. You were terrified of Mai but also couldn’t help feel sorry for her. If Zuko had just trusted her with your secret or found a less provocative cover none of this would’ve happneed. Now you had an assassin ready to kill you the next time she saw you and your only escape was with Azula’s brother. The bleeding stopped and you stood up slowly. You either stayed and got killed or left with Zuko abandoning Azula here. You wiped away the blood and carried on walking. If you were going to be killed by staying here for Azula you’d atleast do what she hired you to do.

It was early in the morning and you moved through the palace taking back routes so nobody would see you. You didn’t want what you were about to do getting back to Zuko. You went to knock on the door to Azula’s room when it suddenly opened. You’d been prepared to see Azula but still after not seeing her for a week you felt your heart speed up in anticipation but it wasn’t Azula behind the door. “Ow” Ty Lee frowned seeing you and you stared at her. Azula never entertained her friends in her own room and especially not at this time in the morning. You got suspicious and jealous as your mind worked overtime to work out why Ty Lee was there in Azula’s room at this time of day but you couldn’t think of a plausible solution. “Can I help you?” Ty Lee asked and you heard Azula ask who she was talking to. Azula appeared beside Ty Lee and stopped midsentence when she saw it was you “ow”. Shaking away your jealousy you remembered why you’d come here "I need to speak to Princess Azula" you spoke clearly and slowly. Ty Lee looked to Azula whose face was a mask. "Well i'd love to chat about laundry or mopping floors but I’m busy" Azula said going to shut the door. "Please" you said forcefully meeting Azula’s eye "it’s important”. Azula’s face changed as she met your eye and you saw her nervously look to Ty Lee as if making sure her friend wasn’t getting suspicious there had been any sort of relationship between you. "Go" Azula told Ty Lee "I’ll just see what this is about?". Ty Lee nodded “Okay” and Azula watched until she was gone and turned to you.

Azula’s POV

"Well I suppose you should come inside" Azula snapped "I won’t do this is the hallway, what were you thinking coming to be so publically?" She scolded you as the door shut behind you. "I had to" you said annoyed "it’s urgent". Azula rolled her eyes "what’s so urgent?". Azula had been expecting an attempt to get back together or confession of how much you’d missed her. Instead it was nothing about her. "I know what Zuko’s planning". Azula paused unsure if she’d heard you correctly "what?". "I know what Zuko’s planning" you repeated. So she hadn’t imagined that, you’d actually said what she'd dreamt of you saying for ages. Well true more recently she dreamt more of you giving a grand apology that justified forgiving you but that wasn’t going to happen. "Well what is it?" Azula asked as silence settled and you frowned at her. Azula was aware she'd been the one to pause but she hadn’t seen you in a while and you seemed annoyingly fine. Sure you hadn’t looked at her when you first spoke but you’d practically demnded to speak with her, even infront of Ty Lee too. You’d grown confident and Azula could even tell now by how you snapped back at her or only just caught your eye rolls, you weren’t afraid of her anymore. That both annoyed and pleased her. Caught up in her thoughts Azula almost missed what you’d said. "Zuko’s escaping?" she repeated "tomorrow?". You nodded your head "during the eclipse, that’s what he’s been planning". Azula noticed you looked guilty and her jealousy rose again "so why tell me and betray your precious Zuko?" Azula asked aware she sounded childish but she didn’t care. You actually did roll your eyes this time "I know you don’t believe I didn’t mean the things I said to Zuko but i didn’t Azula, I did all of this to get you this information and well it seemed pointless to not tell you so here i am". Silence settled and Azula felt miffed, your answer hadn’t been what she expected at all. "Well if that is all you can go" Azula said coldly turning away. You fixed your eyes on her in disbelief and Azula felt a mixture of anger and guilt. How dare you look at her like she was the bad guy here. She had told you to drop this and didn’t owe you anything. But as you turned to leave Azula got a sinking feeling, this felt final...you’d said this was happening in 24 hours, that was so soon. Why had you told her? Azula knew her brother, he wouldn’t leave you behind. No he’d take you with him and yet you still told her. Was it just because of loyalty to her or had you wanted to see her? To prove you were on her side? Azula frowned, if she told her father Zuko would be imprisoned or killed and you would be dragged down with him, especially when she was forced to reveal where she got this information from. Azula was still angry and confused at you but she didn’t want to be the cause of your death. She couldn’t be even if it did mean bringing down her brother...could she?.

Your POV

The talk with Azula hadn't cleared anything up for you it just made you feel guilty for betraying zuko. You been split by your loyalty to both of them but your feelings for Azula won you over and all for nothing. Azula hadn't responded how you'd wanted her to and now Zuko was going to suffer for your lapse in judgement. You decided you were going to tell him, apologise and maybe convince him to leave early while he still could and so has been waiting in his room for him to return all morning. You were unpacking the last of his belongings while you waited when the door suddenly opened. "Zuko we need to talk" you started but stopped dead in your tracks to see Azula stood there. “Azula? what are you doing here?”. "Well i heard Mai’s got a bounty out for your head so figured you'd be hiding out in here". You paused but realised she hadn't really answered your question “That still doesn’t tell me why you’re here”. Azula huffed at your tone but carried on “I don’t have long the war meeting starts soon so just let me talk”. You pouted but nodded for Azula to go on. “This escape plan?” Azula asked “the one taking place tomorrow, my brother has extended the invitation to you hasn’t he?”. You paused and Azula nodded “I knew it”. “He has” you tried to explain “but i...” but Azula wasn’t listening. “I am not bothered about Zuko being here or not” Azula explained “I will do you this one thing y/n, I will not tell my father about Zuko’s plan to give you the chance to escape, but as soon as you are out of here I will have to hunt down my brother". "Azula" you tried to explain but she cut you off "no just listen, i will have to do that y/n whether i want to or not so my advice to you is to escape and get away from him, leave Zuko as soon as you can and head for the colonies, you can get away there and be safe I won't follow you there”. “Azula” you said annoyed but she carried on “of course you'll need to find work and money to survive, you could steal some of Zuko’s possessions to help start you off, or even ask him for them I’m sure he won’t mind and use the money to build a life in the colonies...”. “Azula” you yelled and she stopped looking at you clearly annoyed “what?”. "I’m not going with Zuko" you told her and she frowned. "Well why not?" She asked exasperatedly and you sighed "I’m not leaving with zuko, I can’t, not after all I’ve done to him” you sighed and saw Azula roll her eyes. “And I know you think that's stupid” you said noticing her expression “but Zuko isn’t as bad as I thought he’d be and don’t take that personally Azula just because I don't hate Zuko doesn’t mean I dislike you”. Azula pouted and you shook your head ”I feel gulity for what I did to him but that’s not the main reason I’m not leaving” You told Azula “I’ve lied and manipulated Zuko and yes i feel bad for doing it but I did all that for you because you needed me to do it and well I’d pretty much do anything for you". Azula paused taken back and unsure how to respond just blurted "so why does that mean you can't leave?". You smirked slightly at Azula's blunt response and smiled "because if I leave I‘ll be leaving you here alone, and i know you don’t trust me or even like me but I don’t want to do that Azula, I won’t leave you here alone, I promised you I’d be here for you Azula and so there’s no way I’m leaving you, I won’t, not even if you command me to".

Azula’s POV

Azula was taken back by your confession and all the emotions it made her feel. She felt scared, vulnerable, angry at you for not saying it sooner, suspicious, confused why you still felt this for her but mainly she felt hopeful. What you said made her excited, it made her feel warm and happy, something she hadn’t felt since she'd parted from you. She felt safe. Azula stared at you softly and you paused "so yeah...you don’t have to reply but i just wanted you to know that". You looked down and turned away “you should go, the meeting will have started now”. Azula reacted too slowly and when she went to call your name tell you not to leave you’d already gone. Azula moved to follow you but the door behind her opened and her father appeared "Azula?" Ozai asked "what are you doing in here? Are you ready for the meeting?". She nodded although her eyes kept flickering to the door you'd just walk out of and she itched to follow you. "Azula!" her father snapped and reluctantly Azula followed him.

All through the meeting Azula couldn’t concentrate, all she could think about was what you said and how much that meant to her. And more importantly how she couldn't let anything happen to you. As soon as the meeting was over Azula grabbed zuko "i need to talk to you". He glared at her pulling his arm away and it took everything in her body not to just yank his arm and force him to speak to her. "please" she said through gritted teeth and Zuko raised his eyebrows but followed her out of pure shock. As soon as he shut the door Azula started to talk. "You have to take y/n with you" Azula told Zuko and he paused eyes wide "what?"."When you leave tomorrow" she explained. "How do you..." zuko started but Azula cut him off "it doesn't matter, what matters is I know y/n doesn’t want to go but you have to make her! By any means possible". Zuko glared "I’m not forcing her to do anything Azula". Azula sighed angrily he didn't understand. "Zuko if you disappear and she stays do you have any idea what will happen to her? Can your small brain even comprehend what father will do to get information out of her?". "I know that" Zuko snapped and Azula glared "so what's the problem?" She snapped back "she doesn't leave with you then she gets hurt! Or worse! You think your life is worth more than hers! That you can run away and be happy knowing you did that to her?". "No..." zuko frowned and Azula nodded "then make her leave with you! Get her out of the palace and away from here, you have to! Scare her, pay her, guilt her! I don't care what it is just save her!". Zuko stared at Azula shocked to see his sister so desperate. In all his life he'd never seen her so scared, so worried about someone who wasn't herself. "You care about her?" Zuko said shocked "like really care for her". Azula rolled her eyes annoyed it had taken her family this long to notice "just do as i say Zuko, if she get's hurt because of you i'll...". "Got it" Zuko nodded "I'll try and get her to safety Azula I promise". Azula nodded her head suprised she was once pleased with Zuko and grateful for him. "Good" she nodded "i guess it's a good thing I didn't kill you when we were kids". Zuko frowned "thanks?". "You're welcome" Azula nodded before walking away.

Your POV

Zuko knew you wanted to speak to him by the way you kept fiddling with the sleeve of your uniform. Zuko had grown suspicious of you since his meeting with Azula and figured he’d just start the ball rolling. "You told Azula about our escape plan didn't you?" Zuko asked and you froze. Guilt overcame you and you spun around "Zuko I’m so sorry". Zuko nodded his head in recognition but wouldn’t look at you "I suppose it’s okay, she's not going to stop us so it hasn’t changed anything...". "I know but i feel so bad, I could’ve got you caught or worse by telling her, i don’t know what I was expecting to happen when I told her...I don’t know what I wanted from it" you sighed but zuko frowned. "I think i know why you did it, i think Azula does too...I never realised you were...you're close aren’t you?". You sighed but nodded "I mean I thought we were but I’m not so sure anymore". "That’s why you don't want to leave isn’t it?" Zuko asked "you don’t want to leave her". You were terrified to admit it but also it felt so good just to confess your feelings. "Yes, I can't leave her Zuko, i know you don’t like her but she's not like you think she is...I can't leave her behind to deal with this this all alone". Zuko frowned "well she actually asked me to get you out of here". "She asked you that?" You said suprised Azula went to Zuko for help of all people! Zuko nodded "I’ve never seen her care for anyone before but she was certain I had to get you to leave with me, I think she’s scared of what will happen to you once im gone and I am too y/n". You were grateful and touched Azula and Zuko both cared about you so much but it didn't change your mind. "I can't Zuko" you sighed firmly "I guess Azula won’t be happy but I haven’t changed my decision I can’t leave her behind I...I just can’t". Zuko nodded "I understand, well I don’t but I won’t force you". You smiled sadly "thank you for helping me though I never thought i’d grow to count you as a friend but I did, I just hope i haven’t ruined everything". Zuko shook his head "I don’t like what you did but i get it...you did it for Azula because of how much you like her". You blushed but nodded "still it doesn’t excuse what i did and I’m sorry". Zuko smiled softly and placed a hand on your arm "you're forgiven y/n".

The escape had gone fairly smoothly. You wanted to see Zuko off so waited by the airships for him when sure enough he appeared out of breath and shaken but he looked fine. “It went okay with your father?” you asked noticing the smell of burning on him. “As well as I expected” Zuko nodded as you passsed him his supplies and the keys to the airship. Zuko took them from you and paused “You still won’t come with me?” Zuko asked and you shook your head smiling sadly “no”. “You know what they’ll do to you?” Zuko warned you “are you sure you’re willing to accept that?”. You nodded your head “just hurry up and overthrow your father”. Zuko smiled but it was a sad smile and he sighed “y/n...”. “Go” you said hearing the sounds of someone approaching “now!”. Zuko nodded and turned to the airship when Azula appeared. “Honestly I ask one thing of you and you even fail at that” Azula snapped. Zuko looked just as suprised as you that Azula was here. “Azula why are you here?” Zuko asked as if unsure if she was here to help or stop him from leaving. “I came to make sure you got y/n to go with you but as usual you failed”. I won’t force her” Zuko glared “unlike you I don’t just ignore what my friends want”. Azula rolled her eyes “this isn’t a difference in opinion Zuko this is her life you’re letting her throw away” Azula snapped and you stepped inbetween them. “Azula stop, you can’t blame Zuko for this it’s my decision”. Azula finally looked at you and her expression confused you because she genuinely looked scared, something you’d never seen on her face before. “But it’s a stupid decision, do you know what my father will do to you? What I wont be able to stop?”. “I know” you nodded and Azula groaned “so go!” she yelled “run now! disappear! I won’t blame you y/n you have my blessing to do this”. “Sweet as that is I don’t care” you replied. Azula glared at you “you’re going even if I have to put you on the ship myself!”. Zuko watched amazed as you stepped towards Azula and she didn’t back away or push you back. "I told you i’m not leaving" you told her "there no way you’ll get me on that ship atleast not without you". Azula shook her head, you couldn't be serious. "Y/n you have to leave because you’re in danger i’m not" she told you “please go”. Azula stared at you willing you to say yes but you couldn’t. You gently touched her arm and lowered you tone “Azula you know that’s not true, you’re not safe here none of you are”. "You don’t know what youre talking about" Azula glared and you frowned feeling her tense. “Azula your father burned Zuko for speaking out of turn as a child! He’s neglected you emotionally since you were an infant! He sent you out alone across the world to capture the avatar and pitted you and Zuko against one another just because he could! He uses you because you’re valuable not because he values you, you are in danger here Azula just like me and that’s why I’m not going anywhere unless you’re with me". “That’s ridiculous” Azula muttered “my father would never harm me...Zuko was wrong to do what he did...I won’t make a mistake like that ever”. You smiled sadly “you don’t know that Azula and if you do how would your father react?”. Azula flinched away from you and turned so her back was to you “no I can’t”. Azula walked away from you and stood cradling her arms, the sight almost broke you but you had to do this, you were so close. “Azula” you said softly and she shook her head “stop it y/n”. “Azula please come with me”. She didn’t reply so you walked closer "Even if you think you’re safe here you’re not happy here Azula" you told her "i know you’re not, and that’s not fair Azula”. Azula looked at you and you could see there were tears in her eyes. “I know you’re scared and so am I” you nodded “this life is all we know but it isn’t all thats out there Azula, there’s more for you...for both of us besides this” you said gesturing to the palace “you deserve better than this Azula, you deserve to be happy and loved and appreciated and if we leave we can find all that, we can have all that! All you need to do is come with me" you said standing inches away from here. “Please Azula come with me” you begged hand outstreteched. The silence stretched out and the tension was thick in the air. You held your breath waiting for Azula’s reply, not even contemplating what it would mean if she said no. You lowered your eyes figuring Azula didn’t want to come with you when she moved so quickly it made you jump. Azula grabbed your hand and nodded softly her eyes fixed on you “Let’s go”.

Epilogue

You, Azula and Zuko fled the firenation and helped Zuko find the avatar as he planned. From there though you seperated from Zuko. Azula was still torn by her decision to abandon the life she’s knew and joining the rebels didn’t help her process that decision so together you left. You followed Azula’s plan of traveling to the fire nation colonies. It was a rough journey but together you avoided detection and made it to a quiet village where you could lay low. The news from the war was continuous and not easy for Azula to hear. She was struggling to come to terms with what she had done, she’d always planned every inch of her life but now she was without a plan, without a role, without a clear path. Azula considered going back numerous times, not because she missed her father or felt guilty for what she’d done but because she couldn’t see how she could just be Azula and not the firenation princess or a prodogy bender. But each time the thought of leaving you stopped her and you helped her adjust the best you could, reassuring her it was going to be okay and it would all work out. Once the war was won you didn’t have to hide away and Zuko helped you aquire the help Azula needed. Azula started trying to work on herself and you helped her unpack all her unconscious beliefs and traumas. It was hard work and there were many arguments and bad days but you were there for every breakdown, every outburst, every insecurity and you worked through them together. You never wanted Azula to feel alone ever again. As the months passed azula adjusted more to the idea of just being herself, not a weapon, not a firebending prodogy, not an opponent to her brother, just Azula. And you helped her see being just Azula was good enough, brilliant actually.

10 years later

You sat down in your garden on the bench you'd made a few years ago and smiled. The summer was coming to an end and while it was still warm it was a more relaxed heat you could happily enjoy. You closed your eyes feeling the sun on your face and enjoyed the smells of your garden when you felt someone sit next to you. Azula eased into the bench beside you and rested her arm around the back of your chair as she always did. You smiled placing your hand on her knee out of habit and looked at her. "We've been living here for 10 years now but the view still gets me on days like this" Azula smiled "it’s beautiful". You nodded just watching Azula and admired how content she looked. Azula was still the same strong willed confident woman but she was different now. She was no longer terrified of not being good enough, no longer chasing approval or using manipulation and anger as her weapons. Azula felt your gaze and looked over at you "what?". "Nothing" you smiled lowering your eyes. You both knew you'd been caught admiring her. Azula smirked and rested her head against yours "moments like this feel perfect" Azula smiled "and they only happened because of you". You shook your head "not just me, you chose to come with me, you made that leap not me". "Well yes but I did it for you mostly" Azula shrugged "so it was...inspired by you?" Azula asked and you smiled. "Fine I’ll accept that" you rolled your eyes making Azula grin. "Thank you" Azula said softly watching the turtle ducks in your pond "I don't think I say it enough". "You don't need to thank me" you smiled "I did it for you and being here seeing you be happy and grow as a person...that’s all the thanks I need". Azula blushed, something you still found adorable after all this time, and smiled "well still thank you, you saved me and made me the person i am i'll never forget that...ever" she told you holding your face. You blushed too and Azula smirked. She leant in to kiss you when your gate screeched and you heard a small voice. "Aunt azula! Aunt y/n were here!" Izumi yelled and Azula grinned. "About time!" Azula called "did you dad get lost again?" she asked scooping Izumi up into her arms making her laugh. "Yeah" Izumi giggled "mom’s angry he wouldn’t ask for directions just because he’s the firelord". You chuckled and waved to Zuko and Mai who were in sight at the bottom of the path. "Did you miss me?" Izumi asked and you smiled resting an arm on Azula's back "of course we did" you grinned "our favourite niece". "I'm your only niece" Izumi smirked jumping from Azula to you and you laughed "true but you're still our favourite" and tickled her. Izumi laughed and Azula smiled at the two of you. Izumi ran off to her parents and Azula followed. You stood watching your family and smiled as Azula and Zuko greeted each other warmly and Azula hugged mai like the old friend she was. The sun caught Azula’s face as she laughed at a joke Mai made and her eyes glowed as they had years ago when you'd first started dating. You smiled just seeing her smile and felt the familiar warm happy feeling in your chest. You were both safe, happy and together, still in love after all these years and you couldn’t picture it any other way, your life with Azula was perfect.

-----

So that’s it!!! Sorry it was suppppper long I just had so much to write about Azula! I know the ending might be a bit optimistic or idealistic for Azula but I want Azula to be happy and loved so don’t really care. Plus with help support and therapy I think Azula could totally live a healthy happy life and overcome all her past trauma so wrote that. Thanks for all the likes and support!! I’ve really enjoyed this series and it’s been great to see so many Azula fans are out there. Thanks again!!

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the-great-escapist99 · 3 years

Text

It’s All in the Past - Zuko x Reader

Part 26

Summary: University is starting in less than two weeks and Y/n is in need of a new place closer to campus. Thankfully, she learns an old friend is looking for a roommate. However, this old friend and her might have a lot more in common than she anticipated, which brings up quite a few complications...

Warnings: swearing, violence, mentions of rape

Word Count: 4k ish?

A/N: hey lovelies!! Another part of IAITP is finally here! I’m so sorry for the wait but I had a bit of writers block and this part was a doozy. I know this is technically a smau but this chapter is written out because I didn’t feel the smau format would do it justice. Anywho, I hope y’all enjoy and lmk what u think because u kno I’m a simp for your love and support🥺🥺💕💕

Zuko left the apartment at exactly 8:50pm. It was in his best interest not to take his car, and luckily for him it wouldn’t take long to walk to the location anyway. Merchant Street was about a 7 minute walk away and he knew exactly where to find the broken building; it was an old bank, abandoned about 30 years ago, although, he’s not sure why no one’s bought the land since then. He assumed the rendezvous point was the parking lot behind the building since it was secluded: perfect for an ambush.

Zuko knew this wasn’t a perfect plan... he knew that. But, he only had so many options, and right now this was the best one. Whoever had contacted him had information on him and that meant it was his problem to handle alone. He could understand why y/n was upset with him, and he knew she was only trying to help him, but he wouldn’t put her in a situation like this if he didn’t have to. If they were looking to hurt someone then it would only be him, and he was willing to go through with that if it meant keeping her out of it. Zuko knew what kinds of information they could have found, most of them he assumed were linked to his dad and the company; another reason why Azula would be the perfect person to contact if something went awry. He trusted his friends to keep an eye out for him; they were intelligent and resourceful and he knew they could handle themselves in this situation. He just hoped they would keep their promise and follow his instructions in a worst case scenario.

He came across Merchant Street and the building was in view. Here we go, he thought.

He wasn’t aware of the person trailing him.

***

The girls knew she was going after Zuko, but y/n didn’t tell Sokka or Aang. She couldn’t exactly trust them to keep their mouths shut if they knew she was leaving, or not to follow along as well, for that matter. Zuko was stubborn, of course, but she was too, and she wasn’t going to let him steal the title of being the strong, brave one of the group. That was her job! Toph could fight her on that title, sure, but she wouldn’t let Zuko have it, no sir! It was hers and that meant she had to follow him. Not because she cared about him obviously, it was about the glory! Okay, no it was because she cared about him. She’d admitted that to the girls and to him earlier anyway so she couldn’t lie to herself. She was worried for him.

Y/n crept out her window about a minute or two after Zuko had left, just to be sure he wouldn’t notice her. After that it was a trek to Merchant Street and to the broken building a few paces after. The night air was chilly so she was glad she’d grabbed her hoodie before climbing outside. It was October now, and even in the dying light she could see the trees start to change colours. It would have been beautiful under different circumstances. Maybe she’d ask Zuko to see it with her when this was all over.

The scenery reminded her a little of autumn with Zuko when they were kids. They’d spend the day with each other at school and then they’d go home and play games in y/n’s backyard. It was always at y/n’s house because Ursa never allowed them to play near her own. Y/n can understand why now, although she didn’t at the time; it’s probably better that she’d stayed away from Ozai as long as she did.

Zuko was a troublemaker when they were younger. But, there was one day in particular that she remembers where Zuko got himself into pretty deep shit, and he almost brought y/n down with him. The school bully had been messing around with the other kids more than usual that day. Usually, he didn’t bother with Zuko or her since Zuko was known for his fiery spirit and could easily take down anyone who tried to mess with him, and because y/n spent so much time with him no one dared to come for her out of fear of what Zuko might do. But, that day the bully was feeling particularly bold...

***

Zuko reached the back of the building. Across the lot he could make out four figures. As soon as they saw him approach they made their way over to meet him halfway. Once their faces became clearer, Zuko couldn’t believe what he was seeing; or rather who.

“Jet,” Zuko sneered.

“Hey pal. Long time no see.”

“What do you want?” Zuko eyed the other three cautiously. He wasn’t stupid, he knew Jet wouldn’t have brought backup if he wasn’t planning something. Though, Zuko was confident he could take them in a fight if need be.

“Touchy touchy, so eager to get to the point. That’s fine, I figured you would be,” Jet smirked. “Where’re your friends?”

“Not here.”

“Too bad. I was hoping I’d have an audience when I beat the shit out of you,” Zuko stiffened. “Well, not me exactly. My friends here were happy to take up the offer instead.”

“Why’s that? Scared I’ll break your nose a second time?”

At that, Jet growled. He looked like he was about ready to rush in a take a swing at Zuko, but stopped himself.

“Don’t you wanna know what I found?”

“I figured this meet up was more than just a friendly hello, so yeah,” Zuko never let his guard down as they spoke.

“It’s pretty well known that your dad went to prison, I’m not surprised about that. He was a bastard after all, seems to run in the family,” even though he hated his dad, the comment still made Zuko’s blood boil. There were plenty of people in his family who he loved and respected, and he wouldn’t tolerate insults toward them from anybody, let alone this asshole. “But, it looks like there was some pretty illegal shit that went down in the company before he left. The same company you recently took over, am I right?”

“Get to the point, Jet.”

“I don’t think the public would much appreciate it if they knew the kinds of things your company did while your dad was in charge.”

“Like you said, it was when my dad was in charge. Things are different now.”

“It doesn’t make any difference. People don’t care who was in charge when scandals happen, they just care that they happened, and they’ll blame you for it. It’ll ruin you, Zuko.”

“You’re insane.”

Jet laughed, “That’s true.”

“I’ll ask again, then: what do you want?”

“I want my pride back. That night you took y/n away from me hurt, pal. It’s your turn.”

***

Y/n reached the front of the broken building. She was so caught up in her thoughts she didn’t realize she was already there. The place already felt foreboding, and she was hoping whatever she saw behind the building wouldn’t scare her. Not that she was scared; in fact, she was gearing up to tackle anyone who would dare to hurt her man. Yes, her man. Y/n crept around the side of the building, making sure to keep her body pressed against the brick walls. She could hear the commotion before she saw it, and she poked her head around the corner to watch what was happening.

Zuko, in all his glory, was taking on three guys in a fight while a fourth stood back and watched. Most people didn’t know this about Zuko, but he’d been taking different forms of combat classes since he was little, they both had. The difference was that y/n was much more open about it. So, y/n wasn’t surprised to see Zuko handling the three men with ease, though she was still worried. One thing she had learned was that it didn’t matter how well trained you were... one slip up could be fatal. In this case, she was more angry with him than anything else. She knew it would be dangerous and she had told him that, but he didn’t listen. She just wished she had gotten here earlier so she could understand what their motive was. That’s when she began to analyze who exactly these people were to Zuko, but she immediately regretted that decision when she really looked at the face of the fourth person.

Her heart stopped and her blood ran cold when she recognized him. It was Jet. That slimy bastard was the one behind this whole thing. Of course he was! Zuko must have humiliated Jet more than he let on that night, and while that put a bit of a smile on her face, she wasn’t any more relieved about the situation. Then, her heart stopped a second time, but for a different reason.

Zuko had made a mistake.

A small stone had caught underneath Zuko’s shoe in the darkening space making him stumble just slightly, but it was enough for the other three men to take the advantage. Jet laughed loudly as his ‘friends’ began to pummel Zuko. There was a sickening gleam in his eyes and y/n almost panicked remembering it as the same look he gave her the night of his party. Zuko fell harshly to the ground as the largest of the three men struck him on the side of the head.

No, she thought, fuck fuck fuck.

“Hey!” Y/n yelled running out of her place behind the wall of the building and into the open parking lot. “Stop it!” The men stopped their assault momentarily.

“I thought you’d said none of your friends were coming, Zuko,” Jet sneered. “I’m not mad about this particular friend showing up, though. Makes things more exciting, if you know what I mean.”

Zuko didn’t move much from his position on the ground, but he flicked his eyes up to y/n’s own when he’d heard her voice. At first, there was anger in his expression, and honestly y/n wasn’t surprised to see that, but slowly it turned to worry and regret.

“Y/n what are you doing?!” Zuko’s voice gave a hint of something almost desperate, like he wanted her to leave, but she wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. Even now, she was looking for ways to frustrate the shit out of him; this seemed like the perfect opportunity!

“Well, listen, I know you said not to come with, but honestly it was a little boring without you at home so... here I am!” She gave him a half smirk, Zuko just glared back. “Besides, if I’d known it was Jet who called you here I definitely wouldn’t have let you go by yourself.”

“Trust me, if I’d known it was Jet I wouldn’t have come myself at all.”

“Awe sugar,” Jet interrupted then, directing his words toward y/n, “I love that you’re still thinking about me. Although, I’m a little hurt you chose Zuko here over me, especially considering his history.”

“I told you! I wasn’t even in charge at the ti- argh!” Zuko’s sentence was cut off by a boot to his chest. He began coughing harshly. Y/n looked menacingly at the man responsible, striding forward a few steps.

“I told you to stop,” she growled.

“Or what? What are you gonna do, huh?” the man spoke to her with a chuckle. He was quite large, broad in the shoulders, and his voice was deep. Y/n wasn’t very intimidated, if she was being honest. She was more focused on Jet than the other three; he was unpredictable.

“I don’t think you wanna find out what I’m gonna do, so I’ll tell you one last time to lay off!”

The man drew his head back in a loud laugh, his friends snickering behind him.

“Jet, do you believe this bitch?” facing Jet, who didn’t speak, but stared blankly at y/n. The man then turned back to face her himself. “Your boyfriend didn’t stand a chance against us, what makes you think you could do anything?”

Y/n didn’t say anything further to the man. She stared him down, but with a relaxed form. This somehow made him incredibly angry. With one last shove to Zuko’s side, he stalked over to y/n with his chest puffed out. Still, y/n didn’t flinch or move from her position. When he was within arms distance he reached out to grab her, only for y/n to move out of the way just slightly, taking his outstretched arm and tossing him over her shoulder. Although he was much larger than she was, it wasn’t hard to shift herself into a position where he would be at her mercy. As his body flung forward and crashed onto the ground, he stared up at her in shock. He only registered his pain when she took his arm and yanked it to the side. At this point, the other two men had taken their focus off of Zuko to help their struggling comrade. Y/n took care of them just as easily.

Although Zuko had seen y/n fight before, he didn’t realize how much she’d improved since then. It was like watching a dance; a beautifully coordinated and mesmerizing dance. Her movements flowing and graceful, despite the fact that she was taking on three men twice her size. But, Zuko still felt the need to protect her with everything he had, even if she could take these men with her eyes closed. So, he tried to stand. The first thing he noticed was the pain in his chest like a sharp knife was gnawing at his insides; he must have broken a rib or two. Not the first time it’s happened, so Zuko shook off his discomfort and deemed it unimportant for the time being. His priority was y/n.

The second thing he noticed was the pounding in his head once he got himself upright. This made it difficult for him to focus properly, which is why when a figure came up from behind him he wasn’t quick enough to react. Jet pushed Zuko back down to the ground, Zuko landing flat on his stomach, his face pressed into the cement. Jet’s foot landed squarely on Zuko’s back, eliciting a painful groan from the pressure put on his ribs. His foot stayed there, pinning Zuko to the ground and ever so slightly increasing the pressure to his chest. At some point the pressure became too much and Zuko cried out unintentionally.

Y/n whipped her head around at the sound of Zuko’s cry. The fight was basically over and it didn’t seem like these men had much else to offer her, so she knew she could take her eyes off of them for now to focus on the real problem: Jet. As it so happened, he was the cause of Zuko’s shout, his foot pressed into the center of his back keeping him pinned to the rock-hard ground.

“Jet, get off him. Now.”

“Or what, sugar-tits? You gonna punish me?”

Zuko squirmed underneath Jet’s hold, fury emitting from him at the way Jet was speaking to y/n. He would not hesitate to beat the man again if he got the chance. Y/n just rolled her eyes, she knew what Jet was trying to do.

“You sure you wanna try that? Did you even see what I just did to your friends?”

As if in response, the three men groaned from the ground behind her.

“You know,” Jet spoke, “you’re a lot more capable of handling yourself than I thought you’d be. Guess it was a good thing I’d made sure you had a little extra to drink that night. Or maybe not. Could’a been more exciting if I didn’t.”

“Shut up!” Y/n screamed, her fists clenched at her sides. She didn’t want to react, she knew Jet was trying to rile her up so she couldn’t think as clearly. But, he’d hit a nerve bringing up the night he’d almost raped her. It was a topic she was trying to avoid at this moment.

“Awe. Sorry, we’re a little touchy on that subject, huh?”

“I said SHUT UP!”

Y/n went to move toward Jet, ready for a fight, but he had other plans. His foot pressed harder into Zuko’s back, making him cry out a second time, his fingernails scraping into the ground from the pain. Y/n stopped abruptly, her eyes widening at Zuko’s slight whimper.

“Okay, okay, stop. Please. Just-“ she hesitated for a second. “What do you want?”

Jet smiled. “It’s funny since I didn’t really expect you to show up. But since you’re here now, I guess it means something. This prick isn’t worth your time, y/n. He’s weak and he doesn’t deserve you. Why don’t you come back to me? I can take care of you, we can start over. And, I’d never hurt you, not like he has.”

Y/n stopped short at his last comment. How did he know about their past? How did he know Zuko had hurt her before? Jet must have noticed her expression because he continued...

“I know a lot about Zuko here, especially about the things he’s done to people he supposedly ‘loves’. There’s a lot he hasn’t told you. His sister isn’t the only one capable of doing a little research.” At that, he glared down at Zuko, increasing the pressure to his back ever so slightly.

Zuko gasped. So, he knew. He knew about everything; about how he’d asked Azula to look into his history, about his shared past with y/n... everything.

“I’m sorry about what I did to you earlier. But, I’m willing to make it up to you if you come back to me,” Jet spoke calmly to y/n. It was almost too much. Y/n looked down at her feet, unsure of how to go on. Zuko was only watching her with pleading eyes, hoping to god she wouldn’t believe what Jet was telling her.

After a brief moment, y/n looked up determined. She’d made up her mind. She walked calmly toward the two, stopping only inches away and looked straight into Jet’s eyes. Then, she offered her hand to him.

“You’re right Jet. I’ll give you another chance.”

Zuko’s heart sunk. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Just like that she’d left him to suffer at her feet. He was heartbroken, yes, but he supposed he deserved it. It wasn’t like he expected this to last - nothing ever did. He had hurt her too much to ever deserve her love, and y/n knew that. She could never be with him after everything he had done to her. She deserved better. She deserved someone who wasn’t weak like him, someone who could protect her. Zuko was a failure, and he should have known y/n could never love someone like him. His own father didn’t.

Jet smiled broadly, taking his foot off of Zuko’s back and grasping y/n outstretched hand. He walked a couple steps toward her, wrapping his arms around her waist, one hand travelling towards her ass.

“I knew you’d make the right choice, baby. You’re mine.”

Y/n looked him in the eyes, a small smile gracing her lips. Just as Jet was about to lean down for a kiss, y/n took that moment to strike, ramming her knee into Jet’s groin. He doubled over, wheezing, giving y/n the chance to strike his head, making him drop to the ground, his nose spurting blood down to his chin. Zuko was shocked, but immensely relieved. He felt like he could breathe again as y/n rushed over to his side.

“Are you alright? Where does it hurt?” She began asking him once she’d knelt by his side. Zuko just lay there captivated by her.

“You didn’t go with him,” he said finally.

“What? No, of course not! Zuko, I would never choose him over you... did you think I would?” She asked sadly.

“Well... yeah. I mean, kinda? I don’t know, I-“

“Zuko,” she interrupted him, “Look at me. I will always choose you. You’re important to me.”

Zuko watched her as she helped him to get on his feet, a small smile creeping onto his face. He was important to her.

The moment was interrupted by a glint in the corner of his eye just behind y/n. Without thinking, Zuko rushed to pull her behind him, shielding her from the impact of the knife which had just imbedded itself into his shoulder. Zuko yelled in pain, gripping onto y/n’s shirt while blood flowed freely down his back. Y/n was screaming. Jet backed away slowly, after having recovered from y/n’s attack and retaliating with the pocketknife he kept hidden in his shoe. He hadn’t meant for it to hit Zuko, and frankly he was surprised when it did, not fully registering the weight of his actions. He immediately turned and ran in the opposite direction leaving his comrades, as well as y/n and Zuko, on their own.

“Zuko,” y/n cried, “hey, look at me. Zuko, please-“

“Y/n, I’m fine,” Zuko forced out. “Just give me a second.”

“You’re not fine! You-“

“There they are! Guys over here!” A voice shouted suddenly. It was Sokka.

Behind Sokka was the whole group: Aang, Katara, Suki, and Toph. They all rushed to the couple, at which point Zuko began leaning heavily on y/n for support. Y/n immediately lowered the both of them to the ground, looking to her friends in desperation and placing her palm firmly over the wound. Zuko hissed. She maneuvered him into a position where his uninjured shoulder was leaning against her while they both sat on the pavement.

“What happened?” Katara questioned once they were close enough to see the damage.

Y/n looked to Zuko’s injury with regret, “Jet happened.”

“What?!” Toph yelled from behind the group.

“Guys?” Zuko spoke roughly, “What the hell? I thought I told you all not to come!”

“Zuko, I swear to god, now is not the time for this,” y/n looked to him deeply unimpressed. He glared back at her.

“So,” Suki jumped in, “is someone gonna call an ambulance or...? You know, for Zuko’s shoulder?”

“Wait, what’s wrong with his shoulder?” Toph asked, confused.

“It’s got a fucking hole in it,” Sokka put it frankly.

“What the fuck, Zuko?!”

“It’s not that bad! Seriously, it’s just my shoulder, I’ll live,” he glared at them, not wanting to make a big deal of the situation.

“You need stitches,” Katara glared back. “It won’t heal properly if you leave it.”

“Katara’s in nursing, you gotta trust her, Zuko,” Aang spoke for the first time since getting there.

Zuko looked to the ground, as if it would give him an answer to his problems. He never liked the hospital. It brought back too many memories from when he was younger. Then again, his friends were right. He needed proper care, and they weren’t even aware of the possible fractures to his rib cage.

“Fine,” Zuko relented. “But, you’re not calling an ambulance. We can just drive there.”

“Zuko-“

“Y/n, I’m serious. I just need something to bandage it and I’ll be fine until we get there.”

She said nothing, but nodded reluctantly. She looked to the rest of the group and they all seemed to be in agreement: they would drive. Y/n moved to stand, careful not to move Zuko’s shoulder the wrong way, and helped him to his feet as well. Once standing, Zuko seemed to sway a bit so y/n put her arm around his waist to steady him. She looked to him concerned, his eyes seemed unfocused and all his concentration went to making sure he didn’t fall over. Obviously, he was in a worse state than he was letting on, but he’d never tell them that. Instead, he leaned slightly onto y/n as they took a few steps forward. About a five steps in, however, his knees buckled and y/n had to jump in to catch him before he hit the ground.

“Zuko!” Y/n screeched. Sokka jumped in to help as y/n held Zuko in her arms. His eyes were shut tight, fists trembling. “Damnit, I knew it!”

“I’m fin-“

“Don’t.”

Y/n was at the end of her rope. She turned determinedly to the rest of the group, but before she could get a word out she realized she didn’t have to say much for them to get the message. Sokka and Suki were already running to grab Sokka’s car that was parked just down the road while Katara, Aang, and Toph helped in making a makeshift bandage for Zuko’s shoulder. Y/n turned back to him. His eyes were drifting and he felt limp in her hold. So much for being fine, she thought. In reality she was freaking out. She didn’t know what else to do, she wasn’t a doctor!

“Zuko...” she spoke softly but stern, cradling his cheek in her palm. He drifted his focus to her eyes, searching them, but it seemed like he was struggling. “You gotta keep your eyes open for me, ‘kay?”

“Y/n,” his words were almost like a whisper, “sorry...”

“Hey, no, don’t do that. This isn’t your fault.”

He stared into her eyes, contemplating on something. Then he spoke.

“You’re important to me too...”

“I’m- what do you mean?”

“Earlier you said I was important to you... you’re important to me too.”

He lightly grasped the hand cupping his face in his own, squeezing gently in hopes of conveying what he meant. Y/n got the message loud and clear.

“Zuko-“

“Y/n I need you to lift him up a bit for me while I wrap his shoulder,” Katara chimed in, unintentionally breaking their moment. Y/n did as she was told, lifting Zuko as much as she could while Katara fit the makeshift bandage around his shoulder and torso. Zuko groaned lightly in pain, his features twisted to try and hide how much it really hurt. Y/n did everything she could to help, even if it wasn’t much. Soon, Sokka pulled the car up next to them, Suki in the passenger seat.

“We won’t be able to fit everyone, so you guys are gonna have to decide who’s going first and I’ll pick the others up later,” Sokka stated.

“Y/n,” Aang turned to her, “you should be the one to go with him. I can stay behind.”

“I’ll stay too,” Toph said. “Katara should be in the car with you guys since she’s got the most experience medical-wise.”

Everyone nodded, Aang helping to lift Zuko into the back seat while y/n climbed in after, holding his body as close to hers as she possibly could. Katara got in on the other side of the car and they were off. Y/n never let go of Zuko the whole car ride, thinking of what he’d said to her just before. Of course he was important to her, she loved him and she would do anything for him.

Wait.

She loved him.

Oh god.

They pulled up to the emergency room, rushing to get Zuko help, and the whole way, from the car, to finding help, and finally to the whole gang sitting in the guest area waiting for some sort of update on Zuko’s condition, all she could think about was that... she loved him.

***

AHH Okok so finally finished and I’m sorry if the chapter kinda dropped off at the end🤭😬😬 but I hope you guys enjoyed, I know it’s been a whole long ass time so this was something I was looking forward too! Again, love you guys and I’ll see you at the next chapter💕✨💖🥰

Part 25 | Part 27

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sad3girl · 4 years

Text

I have this idea stuck in my head for a canon divergent fic where Aang and Katara get divorced when Tenzin is around 7-8 years old, and since I couldn't find the year Bumi and Kya were born (if any of you know please tell me) I'll just say Kya's around 11 and Bumi's 14(?). They stay friends and co-parents, but they just weren't working out and they knew it, Bumi gets it because he's a little older and he realized his parents weren't happy, Kya doesn't totally get it at first but then she comes to terms with it and Tenzin doesn't understand at first, and when he does he absolutely hates everything about it and just wants his parents back together.

They have joint custody and Katara lives in Republic City, wanting to expand her horizons and try new things, and even getting a job as a healer because I know that she wouldn't want to just be a housewife. Meanwhile Aang stays in Air Temple Island, going over to Republic City a lot though, and still travelling around the world when needed of course.

I don't really know how but I would see Katara and a reformed Azula kind of starting a flirtationship, before actually starting dating, simply because I really got into that pairing recently but I also think that the concept of parent Katara starting to date socially inept Azula is just amazing (I had a couple of ideas like maybe Katara was already helping Azula adapt to Republic City as a favor to Zuko, and she realizes how much she’s changed and how fun she is to be around, or maybe they run into each other at the hospital, or at a coffee chop and have a ‘meet cute’ though not really because they already know each other, or maybe at a party and at first they’re still antagonistic towards each other, and they keep running into each other so they slowly start becoming friends and then girlfriends, I don’t know, I’m just not sure yet)

As they're still friends Katara would talk to Aang about it, because as we learned from the comics in the Southern Water Tribe same sex couples were not really talked about, and that was in 173 (?) AG (correct me if I’m wrong). And of course, we know that Aang would be totally chill about it since he’s a monk, he would probably be more concerned about the fact it was Azula and tell her so, encouraging her to follow her heart because he trust her judgement, but telling not to be careless.

A couple of months after that starts happening and Azula and Katara have gotten serious she introduces her to the kids. Bumi loves Azula instantly because she’s badass and she doesn't really know how to handle it (though honestly she doesn't really know how to handle any of her girlfriend’s children), Kya is skeptical but she thinks Azula is pretty and cool so by the end of the dinner she likes her well enough, but Tenzin is difficult as always. Now, we know Tenzin has a temper but I don't know if child Tenzin would be prone to temper tantrums and if he would be outwardly malicious to someone he just met, but he definitely wouldn’t be chummy with Azula, probably even glaring at her a lot, and Katara would be able to tell he didn't like her (though he just doesn't like her on principle because even though she's kind of weird he thinks she's cool, but he wants his parents together). Both Katara and Aang would try to talk to him about it and try to get him to give Azula a chance but it wouldn’t really change his mind at first.

Sokka would be incredibly suspicious of Azula, because he's Sokka, but Suki would keep him in check when they visit and are inevitably forced by Katara into a double date (which Zuko and Mai had warned them about, apparently Katara loved double dating since the divorce, even before Azula. Once, she forced Aang to go on a double blind date which ended in disaster, but became a very funny story after a while). With time he would lose his suspicions and actually come to like Azula, because of how happy she made Katara mostly, but he would never admit it to her face, their relationship mainly consisting of empty insults to one another, despite actually coming to care for each other.

I feel like the divorce would sort of give Aang a reality check and make him spend some more time with his kids, though I may be totally off base. But he would hang around Republic City as much as he could, because he already only gets to see his kids half the time (I picture them trying to divide their time with the kids as evenly as possible, even though ultimately due to work Aang spends less time with them). And by being in the city a lot it would give him more time to hang out with Toph when the kids were at Katara's.

Then their friendship would flourish into something more, but you know slowly. Aang would have lunch with her when the kids were at school, they would just hang around her house, with Lin and baby Suyin (because Su would be around 1-2 years old at that point), Aang would try to help the police force after hearing more of Toph's stories and realizing a lot of what he does lately are just meetings and wanting to help, but she would mostly be annoyed at him when he tried to help, like with Yakone, only sometimes letting him tag along.

Their feelings and attraction grow with time and they both know the other feels it too, but both of them don't really know if it's a good idea so it remains unspoken for a while. 'Uncle' Aang becoming a regular at the Beifong house during the week, unless it was one of his days with the children, or he had work. And 'Aunt' Toph and the girls sometimes tagging along on weekends at Air Temple Island. First time there Toph calls Aang out for spending too much time with just Tenzin and telling him to let him and Lin play in the mud for a while and to spend time with his other children. Which he does. After that they have a deep, long, conversation about parenting. I picture Katara and Azula also going to Air Temple Island on some weekends, just like I see Aang having dinner at Katara's on some nights when he doesn't have the children. Tenzin still doesn't totally warm up to Azula as his mom’s girlfriend, no matter how many times Katara or Aang talk to him about it, but he starts liking her more as an individual after some time.

Lin and Tenzin weren't really friends yet before, but with their parents spending a lot of time together they become best friends, becoming practically attached to the hip despite Lin being about a year younger than Tenzin. Though Tenzin sometimes gets jealous that Lin and Su get to see his dad when he doesn’t because he's at his mom's.

After getting a reality check from Toph, Aang starts analyzing his relationship with his children and realizes he probably has been neglecting Kya and Bumi quite a bit, even if unintentionally. Though at this time I don't think it was quite as bad, since he hasn't started travelling all around with Tenzin and leaving them in the dust. He starts to spend more time with his kids, not just all three of them or even just Kya and Bumi, but also time with each of his children one-on-one. Having a daddy-daughter day with Kya, and taking Bumi to watch his first pro-bending match, letting Kya paint his nails, going to Bumi's school events, teaching him non bending defensive fighting styles, playing with Kya with Waterbending, and of course always still paying attention to Tenzin and spending time with him as he always did. And just overall spending more time with all of them, bonding, even if they're doing nothing.

One night Toph and him get into an argument, because he got involved in some gang related investigation and he tries to 'protect' her, but she can protect herself and she doesn't need him to do anything for her, he of course knows this but watching the woman he's grown to love in danger didn't let him think straight in the moment, of course the realization that he was actually in love with Toph now doesn't come out of his lips. They fight it out with words, and they get pretty loud, they hope that the girls can't hear them since they're at Toph's house, but the fighting just gets worse and worse. And then he just kisses her and she kisses back and then, before they can do something they can’t take back, they break apart, knowing they're being stupid and impulsive and deciding to continue their conversation the next day.

They don't continue their conversation the next day, however, because Toph avoids Aang all day while he tried at every available moment to reach her, failing time and time again. That afternoon he has to pick up his kids so he decides to continue his attempts the next day.

He only manages to reach her at night, in her house, once the girls are already asleep. She still tries to deflect the conversation, and calling him names. But eventually they do talk it out, and they finally let out their feelings, being honest with each other. Toph says that they're too different to actually work, being blunt and cynical as always, telling him that he couldn't even stay married to his dream girl so why would they ever last. And Aang, ever the optimist, tells her that while there is no guarantee for the future, that he knows how he feels, and that it isn't the same childlike love he felt for Katara, that was too much, too soon, too idealistic and coddling and way too much like familial love and most of all just not what either of them needed. That their differences are what makes him believe they can work, because he feels free to get angry around her and he's not scared when she gets angry at him, he doesn't like it exactly but he knows it's because she cares. That she’s honest with him, and that he’s never kept anything from her. That despite not being the most emotional person, she’s the one he goes to when he’s feeling down, not because she fixes him, but because she is there for him and knows he doesn’t need encouraging words, but just someone to listen. He lists every reason why he loves her. Eventually, even Toph can't keep listing reasons why they're bad for each other, she knows realistically that they not. That they're actually a perfect match. So instead of arguing she kisses him, and he spends the night.

Nothing really changes, their routine is the same. Only that when he comes over to the Beifong residence he doesn't leave after dark, he stays the night and the next day he makes breakfast. And when the Beifongs join him and the kids at Air Temple Island, she stays in his bedroom instead of one of the guest bedrooms. They both let Katara know immediately, and she is delighted. She forces them to have a double date with her and Azula about a week after they start dating and only after do they realize that now, for the rest of their lives they have to live with the knowledge that Azula was at their first date, and it wasn't awful (double dates with Azula and Katara become an almost monthly thing after that). For some reason, I think reformed Azula, along with redirecting her energy into planning events (she's totally the event planner of the century) also redirects it into being a huge gossip, so within two more weeks all their other friends are informed of the new relationship.

They decide to tell all the kids after about seven or eight months, not wanting to rush anything and not seeing any reason for it either. They decide to break the news during Sunday lunch at Air Temple Island. Once they do, Lin is unimpressed saying she already knew, Bumi suspected but he's really happy for both of them, especially because he loves Toph already and always has, since she's family either way, Kya is completely shocked but happy regardless, Suyin doesn't really understand anything going on but Tenzin just flips and walks off. It's been a while since his parents got divorced but he's still young and he's hurt that someone he considers family is 'coming between his parents'.

Aang tries to talk to him but he won't even open the door. His siblings try as well, taking some time off of teasing him to try to talk to him but he won't budge. So, Toph volunteers to give it a shot. Aang is reluctant, knowing how blunt Toph can be and not being sure if that's the best idea but she convinces him. Surprisingly, she actually manages to break through to him a little. Not enough he's magically okay with it all, but enough he comes out of his bedroom and has dinner with everyone.

Toph won't tell Aang what she said or what Tenzin said, and neither will Tenzin. But, she does tell him that he and Katara should look into a therapist for him so he can actually start working through all his stuff, as clearly time alone hasn't helped.

Things aren't perfect, Toph and Aang argue and bicker a lot. About pretty much anything they could argue about; grocery shopping, work, spending more time with the kids, giving the kids more rules, being more affectionate with the kids, not coddling the kids so much, where they're going to live full time, if they're going to travel together or not, just, a lot of things. That’s just how communication and relationships work. Katara does get involved a lot in the fights about the kids, not only the ones about hers with Aang's but in the ones about Toph's girls as well, because Katara wouldn't let Toph be such a relaxed parent as she was in LoK, but let's be honest neither would Aang.

Azula moves in with Katara after Tenzin starts actually dealing with his feelings about the divorce, which helps him to finally start accepting the changes to his family, slowly, but he’s trying his best and he's getting there. And him and Azula start getting along better, she always tells off his siblings when they bother him, she likes reading books with him and she teaches him how to cheat in Pai Sho to beat Bumi. She also makes surprisingly good brownies which everyone loves (and when Sokka comes to visit he always asks if she poisoned them before eating them). She gets along great with Bumi because he loves hearing stories about her adventures and she always helps him with school. And Kya just adores her because she teaches her how to act like a princess. Azula is actually a really good step mom to all the kids, and it really warms Katara's heart to see them all getting along and playing board games, playing with dolls, reading, baking together, or in one particular instance plotting revenge against some girl who pushed Kya (which she had to intervene, but she thought it was cute nonetheless).

Toph herself is also a great sort of step mom, having already known the kids all their life and being their favorite ‘Aunt’, the only real change was she got to spend more time with them and further along she had to help educate them (which she hated doing). They all love her and think she’s the coolest because come on, she’s Toph. Tenzin still has trouble with her dating his dad, but just like with Azula it gets better after a while. It certainly helps that she teaches him and Lin how to prank his siblings. Kya especially loves having step sisters, even if Lin won’t let her play with her hair or do her make up. And Bumi always wants to know what cases she’s working on. Aang as a step dad is basically the same as he is as a dad after the divorce, Lin always loved him because he was incredibly fun to be around, and as a step dad who’s trying his best to be a good dad he’s always there for her even if she just wants someone to play with because Tenzin is at Katara’s and she’s bored. Su takes to him like a moth to a flame, being so young she loves playing dolls with him and being carried in his shoulders.

Toph and Aang (officially) move in together two months after Katara and Azula. They decide to live in Republic City during the week and go to Air Temple Island on the weekends since it's easier considering their jobs and the kids' school. Since Suyin was so young when they started dating, shortly after they start living together she starts calling Aang daddy. The first time it happened Toph didn't even realize it, since Aang wasn't even around and Kya had said it, so she just deduced she was parroting the older girl. The second time it happened with Aang, he had finished reading her a bedtime story and told her goodnight when she said 'goodnight daddy'. He assumed they were both just tired and it meant nothing but he couldn't help but feel extremely happy at the thought that that's what Su saw him as (because if you don't love your partners' children as your own then idk what to tell you), he decided against telling Toph though, thinking it was most likely a fluke and she'd be back to calling him Aang or her preferred nickname for him 'Toes'. The third time it happened Toph freaked out, she had just picked up Su from her school when the little girl told her 'I have a present for you and daddy'. Of course, she didn't let it show and just followed along with Su's conversation, but inside she was completely losing it worrying about what Aang was going to do if she said that in front of him. She didn't have much more time to worry about it or even tell him, because as soon as he got home she called him over with that very moniker. They both just went along with it, both knowing the other was tense and stressed and not knowing what to do about it. Toph was stressed about Aang's reaction, and Aang was stressed about Toph's reaction, but neither of them minded, if anything it filled their hearts with happiness. At night they talk about it and both realize with relief that they're both actually thrilled about it.

Not even a week after, the whole Gaang meets, Katara and Azula already knowing about the whole ordeal. Not even five minutes pass before Azula tells everyone else and Katara's already chastising her.

Azula and Toph become unlikely friends and give each other heads ups when one of the kids is in a particularly bad mood, and they just bond over being step moms and their conflicting relationships with their respective parents (Azula and her mom still have a very rocky relationship though it does improve more and more with time, especially after Ursa sees how good Azula is with the kids, in her own way. And Toph is getting along with her parents better, but I just can't see them being very content with her having children out of wedlock, being high society and all so they're also still working out a lot of things).

Aang still travels for work, but he tries his best to leave his long trips for summer, unless they are emergencies, that way he can take the family in a bit of a family trip even if he still has to work some. During the summer he and Katara make a schedule, letting him have the kids for the first month and a half while he goes in Avatar and/or diplomatic missions, at the end of which they will meet in Ember Island where she will he staying with Azula, Aang and Toph and the girls stay there for two weeks with the whole family, actually vacationing for once. Zuko, Mai and Sokka and Suki also make an appearance with their own kids during the last week Aang and Toph are staying and it is an absolute mess but also a blast. During the trip Toph suspects she's pregnant and doesn't know how to tell Aang, and is worried that the kids aren't going to be too receptive of the information.

She tells Katara first, as soon as she is in Ember Island and she is able to confirm Toph's suspicions. She tries to comfort her and tell her that it's all going to be fine and that Aang and the children are going to be ecstatic, but Toph isn't so sure. She knows Aang will probably be happy, but she's mostly worried about Tenzin and Su's reactions. That night she tells Aang and he's over the moon. They decide to tell all their friends before telling the kids, or Azula, knowing how she can be, so they wait one week for everyone to get there.

Zuko and Sokka tease Aang endlessly (like they did when they first found out they were dating), Mai and Suki are very happy for the couple and Azula claims her 'rightful role' as the child's godmother (which scares Aang a little but just makes Toph laugh). After getting that out of the way they tell all their kids together, and are pleasantly surprised to find out that even Tenzin is excited for a sibling, saying he wishes it's an Airbender like him. Kya just wants it to be another girl, Bumi wants it to be another boy claiming there are too many girls in the family and that the 'men' are outnumbered, Lin is sure it's going to be a girl and that she's going to be an Earthbender too, and Su just wants a baby sister to play with.

That's as far as my idea got, I may get more later but so far I'm not sure if I want the baby to be a girl or a boy, an Airbender or a non-bender or and Earthbender. Just, no clue. But I do know that a while after the baby is born Azula and Katara adopt a 3 year-old Firebender, both of them loving being parents and wanting one more kid (though I feel they could also later become foster parents because Katara definitely has the right gentleness to be a foster mother, and they both just care about these kids in bad homes so much). I really fell in love with this idea what can I say, I could actually go on and on until everyone in the Gaang is a grandparent but I'll just leave it here to (maybe) continue later.

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amberskywrites · 4 years

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Burnt Edges

Masterpost

Pairing: Sokka/Zuko

Fandom / Genre: ATLA / Soulmate AU

Warnings: Abusive parents, Past physical abuse, Childhood trauma, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Discussion of trauma (minor this part, more prevalent in next part)

Notes: This was for @willowaudreykeyes 100 follower DTYS! Second part should be coming eventually, because I do want to write them actually getting together soon 😅

Part One || Part Two

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

Soulmarks.

Sokka wasn’t too interested in them, not as much as all the grown-ups and his sister and the little kids who were told wondrous stories of old about people finding their true love. Sokka was more interested in science, how to fight, how to survive a war. Most of the stories the older people in the village told them ended tragically, anyway. Most of their soulmates had died, their marks a bright white to signify that.

He had been fascinated with them when he was really, really young. He loved hearing his mom and dad talk about how they met or how they found out they were soulmates. It was a boring story, at least that’s what they said, but Sokka loved it. It was such an important event, and his parents had found out they were soulmates in the most mundane way possible, and he loved that their love seemed so simple.

Sokka had wanted to find his soulmate. For years, he really wanted to. He had dual swords crossing over one another, water droplets looking to be engraved into the handles.

But Sokka would never get the chance to meet them. Because at the age of twelve, his soulmark turned from black to white.

It had terrified Sokka that his soulmark had turned white when he wasn’t even a teenager yet. His soulmate couldn’t be dead, right? They must have been as young as him. A kid somewhere in the world had been killed and Sokka knew that because he had felt a hot pain shoot up his spine and as soon as he saw the mark on his lower back he discovered it to be white as a pearl.

The mark suddenly stopped being that comforting to Sokka. Instead it manifested nightmares that his sister or Grangran would have to help calm the boy down. It had felt like someone had burned him, when the mark turned white. Was that how his soulmate had died? Scorched by a fire? Sokka wouldn’t dismiss the idea. He knew the fire nation was full of some of the cruelest people. He wouldn’t put it past them to scorch a child to death.

Sokka had lost interest in his soulmate, almost forgetting that he had one in the first place. He wondered a lot why anyone cared about soulmates now though. Too many people had white marks scorched into their lower backs, and others knew their soulmates could be anywhere in the vast world, in the middle of a war, and what were they going to do? Risk being murdered by checking every nation for their soulmate? It didn’t seem worth it.

Three years went by. The pitying looks from his tribe stopped appearing because they had to accept it at some point, hell, they probably assumed it would happen to one of the kids sooner or later. Sokka trained and trained and trained the best he could to become a warrior. His skills were awful, he knew that, but he had to try. He never got the chance to meet his soulmate, never got a chance to try and protect them. He wanted to at least protect his tribe and his family.

He had to make a change of plans once Aang came into the picture. Katara was a determined and stubborn and fierce girl, but he was still her big brother. He didn’t feel right letting her go off with Aang on her own, and she was definitely not going to be content in just letting the little airbender boy leave.

In their free time between each destination, conversations always returned to soulmarks. It didn’t annoy Sokka really, he was fine listening to them talk about their marks and wonder who Katara’s soulmate could be (Aang appeared to not have a soulmark). Aang had asked about Sokka’s mark. If he had any guesses as to who his soulmate could be, or what he thought they might be like. Sokka just shrugged and showed his mark to Aang. The airbender had been surprised when he had learned Sokka’s mark was white, and for a little while the talk of soulmarks seemed to stop.

Toph had a soulmark, but it was still pitch black. She had yet to meet her soulmate, and Sokka really wasn’t surprised, considering how protective her parents were. Toph didn’t seem to care, though, because why should a mark dictate who you were supposed to fall in love with? She claimed she’ll marry earthbending instead of some random person.

And then Zuko joined the team.

He never said anything about his soulmark, even after everyone began trusting him. Even when they asked, he just said he didn’t want to talk about it. Instead, he’d turn his attention to Aang and start telling him where he needed to improve on his firebending, much to the others’ amusement and Aang’s frustration.

Sokka didn’t really care about Zuko’s mark at first. So what if the fire nation prince didn’t want to share? It was probably some noble fire bender, or maybe even Mai. Sokka knew the two had dated, and Mai had saved them for crying out loud because she apparently still loved Zuko! But Sokka thought that, if Mai was his soulmate, Zuko would have been fine with sharing. Sokka believed he was right, but he couldn’t be completely sure.

He would never admit that the reason he wanted Mai to not be his soulmate was because he wanted to stand a chance. Sokka knew when he started liking someone. He thought this would have just been a fleeting crush, one that would be over and done with in a few days or a couple of weeks. But the feeling didn’t go away. Instead it grew. It grew into warm cheeks and tumbling over words, a smile appearing anytime he saw Zuko laugh and his eyes lingered on the prince more and more with each passing day.

Sokka tried seeing Zuko’s mark, too. He remembered Mai’s because of a close fight he had gotten in a little while ago, and it had been very distinct, a flaming ring circling around a crown made of daggers. He wouldn’t have been surprised if it was Zuko’s mark as well. Something as stunning and intimidating looking would match Zuko’s personality just as much as it fit Mai’s.

But Zuko’s mark was hidden.

All the time.

And Sokka hated that he couldn’t find out if he was right.

He’d never been more curious about soulmarks until then.

Finally, he broke, and had caught Zuko just after training when Zuko was about to head into the house. The others were all down at the beach to relax, but Zuko had wanted to take a bit of time to himself. At least, that’s what he had hoped. But Zuko’s plans were stopped dead as Sokka caught his wrist. It wasn’t a tight grip, but Zuko still looked at him in confusion and a twinge of annoyance flashed through his eyes.

“Hey Zuko, can you stop that?”

Zuko blinked, brows furrowing and a frown gracing his face. “Stop doing… what exactly?”

“Stop hiding your damn soulmark. I want to see if I’m right.”

Zuko’s eyes narrowed and he pulled his hand away, folding his arms over his chest. “Right about what?”

Sokka bit his lip, his hands going to his hips as he huffed softly. “If you and Mai are soulmates! Or just, I really want to know what your soulmark looks like. Or why you of all people won’t show anyone.”

The watertribe boy watched as the young prince’s face softened for a moment, and his shoulders relaxed a little. “Well, I can tell you you’re wrong about Mai and I. We’re not soulmates. Her soulmates are Ty Lee and Azula.”

Sokka did not sigh a little in relief. He did not.

“Then you know who your soulmate is?”

Zuko shook his head, and Sokka’s heart skipped a beat. He watched Zuko worry at his bottom lip before speaking again, and Sokka thought his brain stopped working for a second hearing Zuko’s words.

“I doubt I’ll ever meet them. Or know if I do. So, to tell you why I don’t show my mark to anyone, there’s honestly no point in me showing it.”

Sokka felt the memories of years ago creep back into his mind. He never liked telling anyone for awhile that his soulmate was dead. That must be why Zuko didn’t want to talk about his soulmate, they must be dead too.

Or know if I do.

That sounded odd to Sokka, thinking about it. If Zuko’s soulmate was dead, there would be no chance of them meeting. Right?

“Wait, is your mark white too then?”

Zuko shook his head. Sokka’s brow creased as he tried to think of how Zuko would not know if he met his soulmate if his mark wasn’t white.

“Then how do you know?”

Zuko glanced away from Sokka, hands tightening on his upper arms for a moment before he relaxed. There wasn’t anything inherently wrong, Zuko knew this. He wasn’t the first person to experience this. But it still felt awkward talking about it, especially after hundreds of people made a point not to ask him. Because most people knew already in the fire nation.

“My mark was burned off.”

Sokka’s eyes widened at the admission, and he tried to catch Zuko’s gaze but Zuko kept his eyes on the bushes that lined the nearby wall.

“It’s another form of punishment, I guess.”

“... Punishment?” Sokka thought he may regret asking.

“From the fire lord for disobeying. Why do you think Azula stays in line so much? I think father did it to me to scare her into listening more, because she started to show more emotion a few years back that father didn’t quite like.”

“Your-” Sokka’s words caught in his throat. “Your father did that to you?”

Zuko hummed, nodding. “I know some other people have also had their marks burned off, but they’re hard to find because they don’t show off their marks either.”

Sokka didn’t seem to be listening, though. His hand tangled in his hair as he processed that Zuko’s mark had been burned off.

“What- do you know what happens to your soulmate’s mark after yours has been burned?”

Zuko tilts his head, thinking. “I think it mimics them being dead. But I’m not too sure. That’s just what mother told me before she left. Azula and I just thought it was a sad legend or something though.”

Sokka was quiet for a few moments, trying to process Zuko’s words. How many people thought their soulmates were dead, but in actuality something had just happened to them right on their soulmark? He had never heard of something like it, but it made sense, he thought. If the soulmark was somehow removed from someone, it made sense the matching soulmarks would turn white. Because the soulmark would be dead, right.

What if his soulmate was still alive?

Sokka barely noticed Zuko leave him.

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ljf613 · 3 years

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Avatar the last airbender for that last ask game you reblogged? Have a nice day! :)

the character i least understand Hmmm.... Ozai, obviously, but maybe Mai? I’ve done a lot of things to handle the expectations of the people in my life, but I’ve never been able to fit, to just be normal-- I wouldn’t know how.

interactions i enjoyed the most Sokka & Katara, I think-- realistic sibling dynamics are my jam-- but I do enjoy the way Mai & Ty Lee play off of each other, as well as the adorable dynamics of Sokka & Suki’s relationship.

the character who scares me the most Good question-- not Ozai, Loser Lord’s pathetic..... probably Koh?

the character who is mostly like me This one’s a little tricky, because the majority of the characters in this story have a) been shaped by war and other trauma that I’ve been lucky enough not to have experienced, and b) they’re all so driven-- I have a hard time motivating myself for anything. That being said, I’m probably most like Ty Lee, with some elements of Toph and Azula mixed in. Like Ty Lee, I’ve kind of shaped my whole personality around my quirks and skills-- the things that make me different, the things I’m good at-- to the point where I’m not sure I can tell how much of it is really me, and how much of it is who I think I should be. And, like Ty Lee, I don’t do well with having that identity challenged.

hottest looks character Again, these characters are all animated, so I can’t really tell? Haru or Zuko, I guess? (Honestly, they’re all a little short for my taste.) I do think Kuei and Kei Lo are kind of cute, in an awkward, geeky kind of way.

one thing i dislike about my fave character Well, as a character I adore Toph, but I suspect that if I knew her in real life, she’d get on my nerves a lot.

one thing i like about my hated character Does Ozai have any likable traits? It kind of feels like he was written to be the most obnoxious, quintessentially Evil character the creators could possibly imagine.

a quote or scene that haunts me The scene where Aang discovers that his people really are gone. As someone who’s spent my whole life in a very tightly knit ethnoreligious group (no matter where I was living), the thought of waking up to find that I was the only one left terrifies me. Also, that scene in “The Beach” where the Fire Nation teens are sitting around the bonfire and talking about their various traumas and insecurities. There’s something very poignant and meaningful about the raw honesty and emotion there.

a death that left me indifferent Alright, this is going to sound horrible, but.... Jet’s? I didn’t like him at all the first time I watched ATLA all the way through, and the way the narrative handled his death was so bizarrely vague that I couldn’t bring myself to really feel much about it one way or another. (”Did Jet just.... die?” “You know, it was really unclear.” Sounds about right.)

a character i wish died but didn’t None of them?

my ship that never sailed Well, I make no secret of the fact that I’m a Toko shipper, but I’m not especially disappointed that they didn’t happen-- I do like Maiko, and I couldn’t see Toko happening that quickly, anyways.

Thanks, and I hope you have a nice day, too!

Send me another fandom

#avatar the last airbender #ask game #thoughts

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iwillsithereandtrytocontribute · 4 years

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Finished Avatar: The Last Airbender last night for the first time and do I have Thoughts! Spoilers ahead.

Overall:

Momo and Appa were absolute sweethearts and I legitimately cried because of what Appa had to go through. They were both super funny and intelligent and I would die for them. The bond Appa had with Aang was amazing and I was scared for Aang and his decisions while Appa was missing.

Sokka is hands down my favorite character, along with Zuko and Uncle Iroh. He is hilarious and knows it. Personally, I love the jokes that make me groan and he was full of them. Sokka's journey with his dad and learning to see himself as a warrior was handled really well. I loved seeing his character develope as he got more comfortable as the unofficial leader of the group. His flair for strategy (something I've always found fascinating) was awesome. Originally I was sure I wouldn't like his character. He was somewhat sexist in the beginning, but he learned not to question someone's ability to defend themselves and he also proved to his group entirely composed of benders that he was a valuable asset.

One of the things I loved about Avatar was how many ways they showed that women can be strong. They're allowed to like girly things and still be considered formidable opponents. They showcased so many different skills and personalities which I really enjoyed.

Which brings us to Katara. She was often underestimated and used that to her advantage. She managed to be strong, protective, and compassionate all at once. She proved herself to Master Pakku (who I don't think I'll ever like) and traveled literally to the ends of the earth to find a master. She always fights for what she believes in which is always something I can get behind.

Toph is a gift honestly. She's just as funny as Sokka and just as strong as him and Katara. I'm not disabled, so I won't speak much on her blindness, but it was nice to see someone with a disability portrayed as one of the strongest members of a team and not have it just be something that's mentioned once and never comes up again as anything important.

I saved Aang for last out of the main group because I've got a lot to say about him. My favorite and least favorite part about his character is how often we're reminded that he's a kid tasked with saving the world, something a lot of books, shows, movies, etc. don't do. While this is refreshing and a great addition to the plot it makes it a little weird when he's 12 (maybe 13) and kissing Katara (who's like 14 or 15 I think). I just think that was a weird thing that never really got resolved. Other than that, his journey of learning to control the Avatar State, figure out how to master bending, and find his place in his group and the world in general was organic and super fun to watch. The scenes where he's just playing like the kid he is really the scenes where he's forced to fight for his life really hit differently.

Zuko. Where to begin? Before watching the show I'd accidentally gotten spoilers from Tumblr so I knew he joined the group eventually. Still, I did not like him when he first showed up. Of course as more of his backstory and his trauma is revealed, you feel bad for him (until he's a jerk to Iroh) for a while. His story certainly has ups and downs, but I ended up really like him and enjoying his banter with the others.

Two more I promise (there might be a part two 🤷‍♂️) Uncle Iroh is the Best! I love him so much. It takes a bit of time getting used to his wisdom and the way he speaks, but he is really wise and funny at the same time. You can tell he really cares for Zuko. He also was never banished (that I know of) which he cared about Zuko enough to enter banishment with him to keep him safe and that makes me really happy. I wish him all the best with his tea shop.

Finally, Azula. I don't like Azula and probably never will. Some of her one liners as great. "I'm about to celebrate becoming an only child." gets a mental "Ooh!" whenever I think about it. I understand she also has trauma, but she dealt with it in a very different way from Zuko (neither way was healthy but Zuko did grow and learn how to deal with it better). I hated her up until the final episode. She was just so paranoid that someone was somehow going to take her throne that she was left defenseless and I didn't feel happy when Katara took her down. I just felt bad for her and what she'd become.

That's all I have for now, there will probably be a part 2 because I have a lot of thoughts about more characters and storylines. Anything specific you want my thoughts about, let me know!

#avatar the last airbender

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bellatrixobsessed1 · 4 years

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Mutilated Mannequin (Part 8)

Azula wishes that she would have had the lip injections done first. They are much simpler, more manageable. She is fully awake, and thankful that she won’t have to deal with the groggy after effects of full anesthesia. Instead she is given an initial injection that numbs her mouth.

She is still somewhat nervous, she has seen some rather unsavory before and after images. But Dr. Guhira makes small talk that keeps her mind from wandering too far. She is under the impression that he can sense trepidation. He has probably performed enough operations to know how to spot it.

She tells him about homecoming and about how his work has been good enough to earn her a date.

He laughs, “you give me too much credit, Azula. You have a personality that leaves an impression, take that into account.”

Azula musters a half smile.

She sees the needle and thinks of the picture of the former model whose lips looked cartoonishly swollen, as though she was attacked by a swarm of bees. Her smile fades. She pulls up the image on her phone. “How does this happen?”

“Malpractice.” Dr. Guhira says simply. “The use of cheap or shady injection material. I will be using hyaluronic acid fillers. They are safer than the older methods, that they last longer and come with less side effects.”

Azula shudders at the name, “acid?”

“Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body. It can be used to treat burns.” Dr. Guhira explains. “It isn’t as intimidating as it sounds.”

She decides to take his word for it, though she still has no love for needles.

It does help to have her father in the room for once. She wonders if it is a reward for showing up without protest. He doesn’t speak much but his presence alone is somehow a comfort.

“This is going to be very quick.” Dr. Guhira notes as he marks the places where he will make the injections. “The healing process will also be quicker; a few days at most.”

She watches him discard a used needle and unbox a new one. At least the man knows what he’s doing. He puts a pair of latex gloves on and steps forward again. “There will be some similarities.” He pauses. “Some swelling and some possible bleeding at the injection sites. Nothing to be alarmed over. Just keep the area clean and watch out for infection. There might be some redness around the area. The worst of it will be a few cold soars.”

It sounds much less tedious and much less painful, again she wonders why she hadn’t started with the lip augmentation.

“Of course there are some rarer side effects. Most commonly is an allergic reaction. It is also possible that the swelling can last for a week or so.”

“Don’t scare her out of this.” Ozai grumbles.

“I’d like to know what I’m in for, father.”

“Do your research after the injections.”

She wants to tell him that most people do their research before having a procedure done.

“I’ve already looked it up for myself, you have nothing to worry about. The more serious risks are the result of unprofessional mistakes. Dr. Guhira is an esteemed surgone. You have nothing to worry about.”

Azula nods.

“Please hold still.” Guhira instructs.

The needle pricks her lips in several spots, its bite is mercifully dulled by the numbing agent. She only flinches once. After the first injection it is only a discomfort. “You’re all set. This process comes with immediate gratification, you’ll notice the difference right away.”

This throws Azula off, with her nose she had time to prepare and ease herself into the prospect of looking different. She shifts uncomfortably, apparently this one will come like a punch to the gut.

“Aftercare is going to be easier as well.” Dr. Guhira notes. “Just avoid lipstick and putting pressure on your lips. I recommend using an icepack, that will help with the swelling.”

“I think that I can handle that.” Azula replies. “Will they feel fake.”

Dr. Guhira shakes is head. “Unless you have an allergic reaction they should feel very natural.”

Azula gathers her phone and her purse and stands.

“Thank you, Dr. Guhira, you’re work is always impressive.” Ozai extends his hand.

The doctor returns the gesture with a firm shake. “Of course, Mr. Kasai, it is always a pleasure.” And to Azula he says, “enjoy your homecoming dance.”

.oOo.

A weekend is plenty enough time for some of the swelling to fade. It certainly has been a smoother process than her nose job. She isn’t sure that she likes the look of fuller lips, though. By all means, it doesn’t look gross or ungodly, but she feels as though her natural lips had suited her more.

Even still, father assures her that this is an improvement and that she just isn’t used to the look yet. She isn’t so sure of that and constantly finds herself thankful that lip injections have the permanence of bright blue hair dye. If she wants to keep her fuller lips then she will have to keep going in. She has no doubt that Ozai would be more than happy to fund that. She doesn’t think that she will be taking advantage of it.

Azula grabs her over the shoulder bag, a designer accessory, red in color and embroidered with a golden dragon. She tugs at a zipper that is just as needlessly opulent; also made of gold and accented with a garnet. She double checks to make sure that she has all of her textbooks and completed homework assignments in order.

She takes one last look in the mirror at a face that is hers but at the same time very foreign. She adjusts her lily pendant and runs a comb through her hair for a final time and the doorbell rings.

“He had you get another one?” Mai asks.

The Kasia chauffeur holds the door open. Mai climbs into the car first followed by TyLee and then Azula.

“He has two more planned.”

“Do you even want to get all of these operations?” TyLee asks.

Azula thinks for a moment. “Yes. I think that they will serve me well in the long run.” She doesn’t mention that they make her feel like a fraud. Like a deceiver. She wishes that she were a natural beauty like the dainty Yue. “I just hope that Yue can keep her mouth shut for once.”

Mai sniffs, “you’re asking for a lot. Honestly, I don’t even know why we talk to her.”

“She knows the best places to shop!” TyLee exclaims. “And her mom has the best cosmetic line. She’s nice sometimes…”

“I guess.” Mai shrugs.

“Oh! I almost forgot!” TyLee rummages through her backpack. “I was stuck on question six.”

Azula takes the worksheet, “geez, you couldn’t have asked me last night? We’re in the parking lot already.”

“I could have waited until we were sitting in lit class.”

Mai rolls her eyes.

.oOo.

She can’t help but wonder if anyone else has noticed the fullness of her lips. If they have no one has commented. She had expected more hushed whispers, but perhaps she hasn’t made changes profound enough to catch the eye of anyone she didn’t know well.

It is a relief.

“Does it hurt?” Chan asks, gesturing to her face with his spork.

“Not terribly.” Azula replies. She can’t gauge how he feels. “It’s a little uncomfortable.”

“I can imagine, your lips are puffy as hell. Isn’t it hard to eat?”

She finds herself shifting awkwardly at the attention placed on the swelling. “As long as I don’t open my mouth too wide, I’m fine. It’s not as bad as it was yesterday.” Azula shrugs.

“You talk to TyLee yet?”

“Briefly.”

“And?”

“I said that Azula should go for it!” TyLee declares. “I’m really, really excited to see her dress. She always has such beautiful dresses.”

“Then who are you going to take to the dance?” Azula asks.

“Well I was hoping that Chan could set me up with Ruon Jian.”

“Trust me, he won’t have any objections.” Chan snickers. “I’ll let him know that he has a homecoming date.”

Azula listens as the conversation carries itself out, paying special attention to how she eats. She is relieved to know that Yue didn’t make an appearance. She doesn’t feel like listening to the girl make remarks about the ‘gross swelling’.

The bell rings and she gathers her belongings, throwing out what remains of her lunch. “I’ll see the two of you in lit tomorrow.” She waves Mai and TyLee off. “And the two of you in gym.” She says to Chan and Jet.

“See you around.” Jet gives a two finger salute.

Azula turns to leave.

“I know that you’re not used to having a boyfriend so I’ll give you some tip.” A smug and mischievous smirk plays across Chan’s face.

“Oh, will you?” Azula quirks a brow.

He nods, “you see, may couples will kiss each other goodbye.” He leans in and the playful mood is chased out by nerves.

Azula pulls away, “I-I don’t think that that’s a good idea right now. I just got…” she motions to her lips.

“Right…” she hears the disappointment in his voice and chides herself for backing out. Why does she have such a hard time letting affection in? He stuffs his hands into his pockets and mutters, “I guess I’ll see you around.”

“Wait.” Azula grabs his arm. She points at her cheek.

Chan gives a slight laugh, “I guess that’ll work.” His lips grace her cheek for a fleeting moment. “I’ll see you in gym class.”

She has had her first kiss, sort of, she should be elated. She doesn’t know why she feels nothing but awkwardness and discomfort. She wonders if that is how a first relationship is supposed to feel. Deep down she knows that it isn’t.

.oOo.

Five hours after school ends and she is still thinking about it. As the Kasai family chauffeur drives her back to Agni High for astronomy club, she fixes her stare out the window. She thinks that she should have let him kiss her lightly on the lips. She has only been with him for a day and she has already let the boy down. She sighs and tries to tell herself that she just has to get used to being in a relationship. When she does, it will be better for her in the long run.

There are a lot of things that she just has to get used to.

A lot of things that will serve her well in the grand scheme of things.

She touches her fingers to her lips.

The chauffeur holds the door open for her “I will be back to pick you up at 8:00, Ms. Kasai.”

She offers a single nod and makes her way to the gaggle of students clustered around three telescopes. Azula has brought her own but decides that she won’t make a scene of herself so early in the year. Instead she finds a spot and within the small circle and waits for Pathik to announce what they will be looking for.

“Partner up.” The principal says. “There are ten of you here today so that should be easy.”

Easy, she thinks sarcastically to herself. She never has an easy time finding a partner when her usual circle isn’t around.

“I guess that we’re stuck together.” Katara remarks.

Momentarily she thinks off going solo. “I guess we are.”

“We have three telescopes so two groups will have to wait.” Pathik points out. Perhaps she will whip out her own telescope afterall. But she isn’t fond of the idea of having to share her things with her rival’s sister. She folds her arms over her chest and waits for one of the first partners to observe the moon and pass the telescope over.

“You got another surgery, did you?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Cosmetic surgery isn’t exactly private, everyone can tell.”

Azula flinches.

“I just don’t get it.”

“Don’t get what?”

“Why you would want it? I never understood why people would want to change their face like that.” She pauses. “Why do you, of all people in this school, want plastic surgery?”

She isn’t about to let the class nerd and teacher’s pet know that she, in some metaphorical sense, is itching and writhing in her own skin. That she has surrounded herself with friends who can pass as emerging models. She feels less obligated to do so, with the girl sounding so condescending matter. “Of course you don’t understand, you’re very content being...homely.”

“Homely.” Katara replies flatly. “Thanks. Just because I don’t cake on makeup...you know what, nevermind. I might be ‘plain’, but I like my face the way it is.”

Azula folds her arms.

She can’t help but feel a prickle of envy.

Envy at her confidence.

And envy at, despite her words, Katara is also more naturally beautiful. She has the same soft features as Azula; a rounder nose and chin and softer cheeks. But, coupled with fuller lips and big, bright eyes, they work for her in a way that doesn’t work for Azula.

She realizes that Katara is still taking. “What was that?”

“I said it’s our turn to use the telescope.”

“Before that.”

“I said that you don’t need it. The surgery.”

A lump forms itself in her throat and she swallows it. Just when she had been growing to like the surgeries and the favors they are doing her. She resents the dork for bringing her doubts to the surface once more.

She almost asks why Katara if she likes the way she looks currently. Some deeply rooted yearning for praise. Instead she responds, “what I do with my face is none of your concern.”

#Avatar #Azula #Katara #TyLee #Mai #Sokka #Zuko #Fanfiction

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