#suki: zuko i told you this was gonna happen | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

t-h-i-n-g · 2 years

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

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

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

Till Next Time

(gif credits not mine credits to owner)

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

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

word count: 2k

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

atla masterlist m.masterlist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Uncle!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He kissed you and you didn’t pull away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s what he saw at least.

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

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calyxthenerd · 18 days

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@thirdlotusprince3

Somewhere in Omashu:

He wakes up, feeling the effects of a nasty headache he doesn’t remember how he got, so he goes to rub his eyes, but face is weird and he doesn’t feel the scar that has been there for eight years, the symbol of his resistance and the kindness that he sworn by since that day of black sun, it’s gone, he looks down, but he realizes he can’t see anything, but he can feel the bedding around his body, and it feels weird, did he get shorter? he goes to get up and tumbles out of bed and when his feet hit the ground, he’s suddenly overwhelmed by the sensation of every little movement around the city, he clutches his head and he screams

—————————————————————

Firelord’s palace, caldera city

She wakes up, feeling extra woozy, since when does she get headaches? And then there’s the sunlight against her eyelids, she opens her eyes, and stares out at the bedroom she’s in, knowing full well that’s not her room in the palace in Omashu, where she was currently in an ongoing competition against king Bumi to see who could be the the other more until one of them croaked, but this room didn’t have the earth kingdom greens and browns she was told about, it looked like what fire felt like, burning and bright, and- WHAT THE FUCK? SHE COULD SEE OUT OF HER OWN TWO EYES?? She quickly went to the mirror, after all, being blind your whole life, you want to see what you look like, but when she saw two golden eyes, a scar around one of them, staring back at her, she did what she never thought she would do, after all, her tough façade is as smooth and resistant as the earth she bends, but when she saw her best friend in the mirror, she screamed

—————————————————————

After relaying the situation to Bumi, the only one brave enough to check in on the yell that he let out, he got helped onto an ostrich horse, vowing to never tell Toph that he let people help him do things while in her body, and quickly set off to the palace, wanting to get there before his chaotic best friend screwed up his years of progress in restoring the honor of his nation, by accident

—————————————————————

As the scream that echoed through the palace alerted everyone of trouble brewing in the Firelord’s quarters, General Iroh, who came home to visit, Advisor Mai, and Kyoshi warriors/personal security to Firelord Zuko, barged into his bedroom, to see him staring at himself in a broken mirror, as manic as his sister was before she was sent to the mental hospital, so Iroh gestured for everyone to stand still as he moved forward, not wanting to spook the boy

“Nephew” he said softly

“Ah yes, you are my uncle, Iroh, and I am your nephew Zuko, who can see out of his eyes” she replied, stiffly

“Nephew are you alright?” He asked, now concerned

“Actually, I’m not Zuko?”

Iroh was now suspicious “Who are you then, some kind of clone?”

“A shapeshifter!” Ty Lee declared, way more excited than she should’ve been, as usual

“An extraterrestrial?” Mai questioned, deadpan as always

“A spirit?” Suki, ever the logical one, supplied

“None of those, I’m actually… Toph” she grimaced as all of their faces shifted into complete and utter shock

“Oh dear, would you want some blindfolds? I imagine sunlight must hurt after a lifetime of nothingness” Iroh provides

“Actually” she turns to Suki, taking her time to commit all of their faces and figures to memory before addressing the girl “could you call the gang here? Before we fix whatever spirit stuff made this happen, I want to see… everything”

“Of course” the warrior smiles fondly, at her friend “I’ll send a messager Hawk right away, come on Ty Lee, I know you love sending mail” “Yay!!” And both brunettes exit the room

“Iroh, Mai, I want you both to stay here and help Zuko when he arrives, while me… I’m gonna take a walk around the city”

“As you wish, Ms Beifong” they both say, bow and go sit down at a table in the corner as she leaves

—————————————————————

The next month or so, consisted of the group of old friends traveling around all the kingdoms so two of their beloved friends could experience the world like they’d never have before, and in the last day, when they were back in Caldera, a spirit appeared “hello earth spawn, child of agni” “hello grand spirit” the whole group said “I switched your souls to give you perspective, a jaded young soul who deserved to experience the beauty of the world like never before, and a man who had the world at his feet, needed to answer the callings of said world once again, you both were given this experience to make you better people, kinder to yourselves and those surrounding you, and you learned everything you could, so I’m going to put your souls back into their respective flesh, but rest assured, your memories will remain, after all, without them, this would all be fruitless, would it not?”

#toph beifong #fire lord zuko #avatar the last airbender

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kawaiichibiart · 18 days

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Random assortment of ATLA AU ideas I'm probably not gonna do anything with but needed to get out there:

AU where Zuko was never banished from the FN due to the people of the FN revolting when they found out. Word of the Agni Kai and the War Meeting had made it's way across the nation and the majority were in favor of Zuko. So much that they were planning a mutiny. Annoyed, but seeing a way out, Ozai orders a tower be made far away from Caldera. Once it's made, Zuko would live there. If they win the war, he'll forgive his son and welcome him back. The tower is built and Zuko is dumped in there. Only one way in and out and he can't open it. The other option is literally barred. Blah blah blah, we get into book 2, Suki has been caught by Azula. She's on her way to prison, not sure where she'll end up. And she's surprised when she's told she'll be keeping the prince company. Because, what prince? And she's put into Zuko's tower. In short, Zuki prison roommates AU but it's not in the Boiling Rock.

No one understands how it happened. Why it happened. They prayed to the moon. So, why did the sun respond and save their daughter? She prayed to the sun. She prayed and begged for him to answer. The one who answered her was the moon. Sun Spirit Yue and Moon Spirit Zuko AU. Bonus if both can bend the element of the spirit that blessed them (firebender Yue and waterbender Zuko).

Zuku joins the Gaang early and poses as Sokka's wife the entire time (fiancee if we go as early as book 1 and up until they get to Ba Sing Se in book 2. Zuko: I must find my darling husband!! I'm so worried about him... Katara: Seriously, what do you see in that guy? Zuko: He makes me laugh.)

The SWT has collapsed. Men have gone to war, and the remaining women, children and elders have split between finding sanctuary in either Kyoshi Island or the NWT OR living a new life at sea as pirates. Sokka becomes well known as a decent pirate. He won't raid someone just to raid them. They have to have something he wants. And right now, his attention was in the rather pretty boy (he assumed it was a boy anyways) onboard Zhao's ship. He'd usually go for maps and plans and even rations when he raided a ship, but this time he's thinking of getting a person. Huh, kidnapping...well there's a first for everything. (Basic summary, the SWT doesn't exist, Sokka is now a pirate, and yes so are Katara and Kanna. Their biggest enemy personally is Zhao, who's hunting down the Avatar (whom they're hiding in their ship). Sokka eventually notices Zuko, who was given to Zhao rather than banished. Blah blah blah, it's easy to tell Zuko hates Zhao, hopefully he won't mind a small kidnapping if it means getting off Zhao's ship (he does but honestly he'd rather be on Sokka's ship, it's a lot cleaner and the avatar seems nice, the bison is a bonus.))

Despite his attempts, Zuko is unable to join Team Avatar. Not able to turn to either side, he runs off and goes into hiding. While on the run, he reunites with Jin and they end up having a heart to heart. Things are confessed but in the end they get together and go on the run together. They open up a secret camp for people like them, on the run from the war. They heal the injured as best as they can and work together to make food that can last a few days. The first time things turn sour is when Jet enters the camp. He's hostile and picking fights until he's given the choice to cool his attitude or leave and hope someone else takes pity on him. Things settle down and he gets close with Jin and Zuko. More time passes by and they're eventually approached by Team Avatar, Aang and Toph both seem pleasantly surprised to see Zuko, but Sokka, Katara and Suki (whom the two water siblings freed from prison alongside their dad) weren't, Hakoda doesn't say anything. Like with Jet, they were given a choice, cool the attitude or leave.

Growing up, Azula always trailed after her mother and older brother. Despite being their father's favorite, Azula preferred their company. Call her overprotective, but like Uncle Iroh and their cousin Lu Ten have told her over and over, they were dragons. And dragons hoard and protect what's theirs. Ursa and Zuko are Azula's hoard, and she wouldn't let anyone hurt them. So, when Ursa disappears, when Zuko gets burned and banished, she decides enough is enough. The war against the other nations has ended, it was time for Civil War. And once she won, she'd bring her real family back. Ozai touched her hoard, it was about time he learned why you should never touch something belonging to a dragon.

Is this how adoption works now?? He just, finds kids lost at sea, abandoned in random places, having run away? Hakoda's not sure why it happened. It started when he found a young girl adrift on a small boat. Her white hair hidden with scarves and her hood. Yue, Princess of the NWT. Ranaway upon learning she was engaged to someone who wouldn't care for her or her people. Then came ex-Prince Zuko, who had been abandoned on an island they stopped to camp at. He'd been living there for about 3 years, maybe longer, he's unsure. But hey, what's another kid? He joins their crew... Fuck his earlier words, he doesn't need more kids. But Hakoda just sighs as a small girl (Toph) follows Zuko aboard. Seriously, is THIS how adoption works now? How's he gonna explain this to Sokka and Katara and his mother? They'll accept Yue no doubt, Toph might also be easy, but Zuko? Fuck, he needs a drink- BATO STOP LAUGHING!!

She didn't want it to end the way it did. She hated what had happened to him. What Ozai did to him while she was gone. What their mother did when she abandoned them. She remembered when Zuko was happy. When he'd smile at her and tell her he'd love her. She remembered the expectations put on him, the extra lessons and how little he was allowed to sleep. She was...jealous for so long. Both of their fire were unique, hers a brilliant blue and his a kaleidoscope of colors. It wasn't fair he was treated special... He wasn't treated special. And she was blind to that. She was blind and the truth was falling apart right in front of her. She hated this. She hated what this war had done to her family. What it did to her. What it did to Zuko. And she hated that she just stood there as her brother was carted off somewhere, ignoring his gaze as he was taken away. She hates everything... (sorta a roleswap between Azula and Zuko but not really?? Both are strong benders, Zuko just peaked later on but not too much later. As the oldest, a lot of pressure was placed on Zuko and thus Ozai's attention was on him as well. Azula, upset with this, did everything she could to upstage him. The two have a good relationship, but Ozai favoring Zuko didn't help and so Azula left to capture the Avatar, stating she wanted a challenge and to prove herself. She got a ship, and set sail with Iroh at her side. Azula eventually joins to Avatar's side and branded a traitor alongside her uncle. Zuko is tasked at bringing her home and despite how much he'd rather join her, Ozai's grip on him is too strong (not in the sense he's loyal to his father, but in the sense that he's too scared to leave). We eventually get to Agni Kai during Sozin's Comet and Azula comes out victorious, but it feels like an empty win because she knows Zuko had lost long ago. This was just the fight that broke him (also yes, Azula becomes the Firelord).

#atla #atla au #avatar: the last airbender #avatar the last airbender #avatar au

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ssreeder · 11 months

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okokokokok. i've read the newest chapter twice to process and now i have thoughts. also hi how are you?!!

so much important stuff happened in this last chapter it's kinda crazy. it's all coming together... like sokka told suki there's someone else (its okay suki!!! she'll understand soon. i feel like she's a pretty empathetic person but like yeah this is hurtful and confusing) any future suki and zuko interactions are gonna be so interesting? wild? idk what word to use or what to expect but i am excited.

also aang's oops moment and now the earth kingdom army know about iroh and there's guards? are guards good or bad or both? im unsure i trust none of these guys. and then of course sokka losing his cool at the general the chapter before hasnt really been addressed either? like what happens when sokka sees them again (or if he finds out jet's involvement...thoughts and prayers jet you'll be so fucked). also the earth kingdom did definitely torture zuko. i don't think team avatar and iroh will love that too much when it comes to light.

and best part for last: the reunion?!?!? oh my god?!? zuko may be on his death bed but will always be conscious enough to tell someone not to touch his man. love that. and then sokka just sitting and talking to him was great and everyone in that room was likely kinda confused and getting some hints about how close they really are- but it doesn't matter!!! they're together again!!! 🎉🥳 pop the champagne!

the parts with the blood were so gross tho oh my god. i could like feel it in my belly. (which is what body horror like imagery should do. you were v successful lmao) i was back and forth between my body cringing at the blood parts and then smiling and happiness because aw theyre cute. a wild reading experience for sure. 10/10

uhhhh cant wait for reunion 2.0 and sokka telling the truth and everything really! hope you have a good week and hope rude commenters fucking leave bc what the hell. ��️

HI IM GOOD HOW ARE YOU?!?!

Yeah future Suki will probably be much more understand than in-the-moment-Suki. Especially whenever she learns out this mysterious other person is Zuko haha.

Ughhh yeah the whole EK thing involving Zuko & war crimes & who takes the blame and how they will proceed from here is a bit of a mess… some of that gets addressed next chapter but yeah, General How knows Iroh is in the city so that will be interesting how he deals with that news.

(Fingers crossed Jet doesn’t get exposed or Sokka might stab him in his sleep)

Haha Jee & Sokka are destined to just NOT get along it seems haha.

Yeah that bloodbending scene was a whiplash between body horror & AWWWW SOKKA LOVES HIM!! they need their reunion 2.0 though…. Some peace & quiet where Iroh & Jee aren’t silently JUDGING them haha

<3 thanks for the ask!! I hope you enjoy the next chapter!

#the next chaoter doesn’t have the zukka reunion though!! ughhh #I’m so upset #but I didn’t wanna rush it #they need to cuddle up together & talk about stuff #ahhhhh so much stuff to talk about #but yeah that EK stuff will be a mess #because there are a lot of corruption & also how much blame does quon deserve & what was in his rights and what wasn’t?#Sokka just better not see him again haha #or he might comit some war crimes lol #;)#Jet also…. yeah he is kind of safe though because only quon and Fong know that Jet sent the letter #alright anon!!#new chapter hopefully tomorrow if I can get through the comments lol #:)#LIAB #ITF #ask

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impossiblycolorfulpanda · 10 months

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Aang: Hey guys. Zuko and I are gonna need Appa for a while. If anyone wants to come with us, by all means hop on.

Katara: Why? What’s going on.

Aang: Vaatu has Azula. We’re going to get her back.

Katara: You two are still trying to save her? Still trying to fix her? Even after everything she’s done?

Aang: First of all, I don’t like the term ‘fixing,’ she’s a person, not a wind-up toy. Secondly, what are we supposed to do? Just let her suffer and die?

Katara: (shrugs)

Aang: You don’t have to come along, ya know. We all know how much you don’t like her.

Katara: And why do you think that is? She took over Ba sing se, it was her idea to sentence the entire earth kingdom to suffer the same fate as the air nomads, she shot you and Zuko, she tried to shoot me, she attacked Suki, and held a bunch of kids hostage. She’s dangerous and insane. She had plenty of chances to change and rejected them.

Zuko: I won’t let her commit any more war crimes, but I won’t turn my back on her either. I owe her too much.

Katara: I get that she’s your sister, she helped save your life and overturned your banishment, Zuko, but she tried to kill you and corrupt you afterwards and has become viciously psychotic. (To Aang) Don’t you get it? She almost killed you! Another fire nation monster almost took someone else I care about the most away from me! I swore to myself I wasn’t gonna let that happen! Not again!

Aang: This isn’t like with your mom or with your dad, Katara.

Katara scoffed.

Aang: Your mom dying, Vaatu killing your dad, none of that was your fault. Don’t ever tell me that I don’t understand!

Katara: I’m sorry I dismissed your tragedy before. I just don’t get how you can be so easily forgiving. I once told you that I will never forgive Yon Rha, regardless, if Hama killed him or not. As for Vaatu, he’s proven to be the worst of the worst, I, personally, wanna do a lot more than just kill him. I want him to suffer as badly as possible, for everything that he’s done. And he’s going to. But I thought what I said about the southern raiders would teach you something.

Aang: Teach me what?

Katara: That some people don’t deserve to be forgiven. You don’t owe people who hurt you any forgiveness.

Aang: Look, I’m sorry I was demanding and forceful about forgiveness before. I realize that I wanted you to forgive for my sake rather than for your own. But forgiveness is not about deserve, it doesn’t make you weak, it doesn’t make you a doormat. You can still set up boundaries, you can still be concerned for your own safety. Yes, it is hard, but trust me, it’s worth it. Once the threat level of your enemies is neutralized than that’s the moment where it’s recommended to forgive them, not for them but for yourself, if you don’t then they take power over you. Forgive them for your OWN sake.

Katara: You think rescuing her will reduce her threat level and it’ll persuade her to be on our side? Even when she’s good enough of a liar to fool even Toph? You found out that the air nomad philosophy was flawed and sometimes hypocritical. You’ve broken your no kill rule many times and you’ve never even noticed but learned to be ok with it. I bet that means you understand that some people deserve to die.

Aang: Are you saying I should kill her when I get the chance? I don’t need to kill her. I’ve said before, ever since I reopened all my chakras, Azula and I have become more connected than ever. I can see past her lies better than Toph can. Yes, I’ve broken the oath, as did the other monks in a desperate attempt to survive, even when that meant going against their own lessons. It all still haunts me, but it shows that things aren’t as clear cut as I used to believe, and a certain amount of inner darkness is needed for internal balance. My culture’s a part of me but it doesn’t define me, and as the avatar, I’m required to embrace all ideologies, even some completely opposite of my own, I don’t need to trade one for the other.

Zuko: Can we hurry this along? Azula still needs us.

Aang: Clocks ticking guys, anyone who wants to come needs to head on Appa now.

Sokka: We’ll likely run into Vaatu again. You’re gonna need all the help you can get.

Sokka, Suki, Toph, Mai, Ty Lee, Aang and Zuko hopped on Appa. Zuko saw Katara standing there.

Zuko: Katara, please.

Katara clutched his fists, sighed and climbed aboard.

Aang: Yip-Yip.

Appa than launched off.

#atla #atla au #atla headcanons #aang #azula #zuko #katara #sokka #toph #ty lee #suki #mai #this is supposed to be a parallel to the southern raiders #ozai #vaatu #atla book 4 air #ozai is vaatu

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zutarawasrobbed · 1 year

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I posted 123 times in 2022

49 posts created (40%)

74 posts reblogged (60%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@the-badger-mole

@zutaramonth

@stardust948

@sneezypeasy

@zutarawasrobbed

I tagged 102 of my posts in 2022

Only 17% of my posts had no tags

#zutara - 78 posts

#zuko - 37 posts

#katara - 36 posts

#atla - 27 posts

#avatar the last airbender - 12 posts

#anti kataang - 7 posts

#anti maiko - 6 posts

#atla original scripts - 6 posts

#anti k@taang - 5 posts

#incorrect quotes - 4 posts

Longest Tag: 96 characters

#what kind of grown ass man thinks “hmm i should murder this child for disagreeing with my idea?”

My Top Posts in 2022:

Honestly, after the shit Aang pulled at the ember island players, I 100% would’ve supported the episode ending with Aang walking in on Zuko and Katara making out.

509 notes - Posted March 18, 2022

Sokka: Katara, how many times do I have to tell you-

Katara: Because you don’t know how he feels about me! What if he doesn’t like me? He’s gonna be the Fire lord in a few days.

Sokka: He literally jumped in front of lightning for you! I think it’s clear!

Katara: Pshhh, he would’ve done that for anyone and you know that.

Sokka: … *Deadpan* He used Suki as momentum to save you from falling rocks when his sister found us at the air temple. Suki was just lucky his shove happened to get her out of the way too. I don’t think he’d do that for just anyone.

Katara: No he didn’t-

Suki: Yes, he did. He flat out told me.

513 notes - Posted January 26, 2022

Suki: Why don’t you just tell Katara how you feel?

Zuko: *Scoffs* Are you crazy?!?! That’s the stupidest thing I could ever do. We just started to be friends!!! No. I’ve made enough reckless decisions in my life.

Also Zuko: *Yeets himself directly into lighting*

682 notes - Posted January 11, 2022

Guys..

The original script adds so much context for a lot of scenes, but this one?

Zuko didn’t just start sleeping next to Katara because he wanted to be close to her. He also wanted to be close enough to protect her from another ambush and bomb attack.

And Katara could sleep with a smile on her face because she knew Zuko would be there to protect her. Zuko gave her the opportunity to sleep without being alert 100% of the time for the first time in probably forever…

I’m not okay 😭

696 notes - Posted October 14, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Katara: So, let me get this straight. You were in a war meeting... thirteen years old… defended new recruits from being used as fodder… and in return, you were challenged to an Agni Kai- at thirteen- by the officer who proposed it… But on the day of the Agni Kai, you- at thirteen years old- were met by your father… who you refused to fight… and instead of calling it off… he burnt half your face off and banished you?

Zuko: Yes…

Katara: *Nods* Excuse me.

2 Hours Later…

Ozai: *Cell opens* What-

Katara: It’s a full moon tonight.

Ozai: … Why-

Katara: *Sighs and starts sand timer* You have 10 seconds.

Ozai: *Apprehensive* For what?

Katara: To run, before I gut you like a fish 😁

1,918 notes - Posted January 14, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review

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whatisreggieshortfor · 2 years

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Bending Swap (AKA Why You Never Listen to Sokka’s Idea)

Sokka convinces Aang to swap bending abilities to screw with Zuko. It’s fun until it’s not.

Came up with this idea with @legallyspawned

The Gaang sat around their fire, quietly snickering to themselves as they watched Zuko do more of his fire bending stretches. The past few days, they’d been busy playing pranks on him, Aang was transferring bending abilities between their friends, starting with giving Sokka the ability to fire bend. It had lasted nearly an hour before Zuko finally stomped off and Aang took it away, and upon Zuko’s return they’d convinced him he imagined it. Toph had used Katarra’s water bending, Katarra had used Aang’s air bending, even Momo had briefly used Toph’s earth bending.

And while originally Aang was going to give him a break from the pranks, Sokka was being very convincing.

“Just imagine it with me!” Sokka said enthusiastically, gesturing to where Zuko was too far to hear them, “He’s never even imagined bending something else.”

Toph snorted, “I’ll gladly switch with Sparky for a few hours to see this chaos ensue.”

Sokka snorted in response to her statement, but didn’t comment that she wouldn’t see anything, “Come on, please! Just one time and then we’ll stop.”

Aang looked over at Katarra, wanting her opinion before he voiced an agreement or not, and she looked amused at the idea. The bald boy sighed with a smile, “Fine. But everyone has to be up in the morning when he wakes up, because he’ll notice right away!”

“So no going to sleep tonight, got it.” Sokka nodded seriously.

“That’s not what I-“ but Aang was cut off as Zuko made his way back to the fire, “Hey Zuko! How- uh, how you feelin’?”

Zuko raised an eyebrow at him, “I’m fine? Are you okay?”

Sokka just elbowed Zuko, “Just ignore him, you know how he gets when my sister smiles at him.”

“I do not!” Aang protested, but quickly fell into a love sick look when Katarra laughed at the statement. Suki snorted where she sat nearby.

“So, Sparky,” Toph announced loudly, “Since your imagination has been running wild with the idea of us bending different elements-“

“I’m still saying you guys are screwing with me!” Zuko cut in.

But Toph continued undeterred, “What element would you choose if you couldn’t do fire?”

Zuko shook his head, “I think I’d rather not have any. And I don’t mean that none of them are as good, I just mean…the fire is a part of me. Without it I wouldn’t be the same person.”

Sokka softened a little bit, “You know that’s not true, right?”

“You guys became my friends because I started teaching Aang. If I hadn’t taught him-“

“Whoa whoa, there’s another possibility there. Without your bending, you might not have fought so hard to prove to your dad that you were-“

“My father would have cast me aside a lot earlier in life.” Zuko told him softly, staring into the fire as his hands gripped the log they sat on, “And maybe being gone earlier would’ve made me a better person, but I have the life I’m happy with now because I had it.” Sokka reached out, squeezing Zuko’s shoulder before watching him get to his feet, “I’ll see you all tomorrow. I’m gonna turn in.”

Sokka watched him, waiting til he was gone before turning to the others, “Now we’ve really gotta do it. Show him that fire bending doesn’t define who he is.”

“I never thought I’d say this,” Katarra responded, “But I think Sokka’s got a good idea.”

When the sun breached the horizon the next morning, Zuko moved to the nearby river to begin his stretches, as he did every day. But even he had to admit, his body felt odd. He felt like he was being watched, but couldn’t find the eyes, so he shook it off.

Until he got to the stretches that used his bending.

As he thrust his hand forward, a rock the size of a small dog flew across the river and he jolted, looking around for Toph as he continued. Then it happened again. And again. Until he started to panic. His fire wasn’t coming out, but he was shoving around rocks that he wasn’t even sure he could lift, and then he couldn’t control it.

Sokka thought it would be funny. He really did. But as he watched from his perch in a tree, he would admit he miscalculated. He could see the unease turn to actual fear on Zuko’s face, as no matter what move he made a rock bigger than him went sailing through the air. He turned to where Katarra ducked for cover a distance away, “This might’ve been a bad idea!”

“This was YOUR idea, Sokka!” She called back without missing a beat, trying to get a clear shot to the water so she could whirl a rope of it around Zuko’s body until he calmed down.

“You guys never listen to me! Why would you start now!?” Sokka felt heat on his skin and turned to see Toph engulfing the boulders in flame with a maniacal grin.

“I FULLY SUPPORTED THIS IDEA AND I FEEL LIKE I’M RIGHT!”

“What the HELL is happening to me!?” Zuko screamed, trying to lower his arms, but every twitch through his anxiety ridden body sent another piece of earth soaring.

Suki snuck up from behind, smacking her fan into the base of Zuko’s skull, effectively knocking him out. She blew a strang of hair from her face as she caught, “Brainiac! Come help me carry your boyfriend!”

Sokka squawked as Aang glided to the ground, and the avatar just looked sad, “I need to stop being talked into things.”

Before anyone could reply, they witnessed a glow overtake the young air bender’s eyes and he spoke again, with a different but familiar voice, “I have told him time and time again. You must be one with your bending. Do not panic.” There was a sigh before they saw him smile, “I am glad he has found you all though.”

Then Aang was back, and Sokka was admittedly teary eyed, “I miss that old man. But no one mention that to Zuko. He misses Iroh enough without knowing that he popped in for a second.” The others nodded as Sokka hoisted his ‘not-my-boyfriend-thank-you-very-much’ onto his back.

When they got back to camp, Aang immediately changed out the bending, hoping that they didn’t emotionally scar Zuko any more than he already was.

When the young fire bender finally awoke later, Sokka had to duck to avoid a plume of flame when the first thing he did was try to access his fire. But then he admitted what they’ve been doing.

“Why?” Zuko asked.

Sokka gestured uselessly, as the others had scurried away, “It was just a joke at first. But then I wanted to show you that you were more than your power. I got carried away.”

“Why does it matter to you?”

Sokka cocked his head at that, confused expression almost making Zuko snort a laugh, “What do you mean? If I had to describe you, fire bender wouldn’t exactly be the first thing on the list.”

“Well, no,” Zuko gestured to his scarred face, “It usually is the second.”

“No,” Sokka was being uncharacteristically soft with the way he spoke, taking Zuko’s hand away from his scar, “I’d say you were brave. Smart. Reliable. Funny when you don’t try, but unfunny when you do.” Zuko glared at that but Sokka gave him a smile and continued, “You’re confident, but not cocky. Independent. Hot.”

Sokka felt his face heat up at the last one, but Zuko didn’t seem to notice, “Well, yeah. I run hot. All fire benders do.”

“That’s…” Sokka could leave it alone. He should leave it alone. But he’s never been known to leave it alone. “That’s not what I meant. I meant that you’re hot, like attractive. Handsome. Beautiful. Sexy.”

Zuko’s eyes got wider with every word, the sun reflecting in the golden irises, “You…you think I’m attractive?”

“Unfortunately, I have since the moment I met ya.” He tried to joke, “Do you know how frustrating it was to think the guy trying to kill me was hot? That in itself was a turn off but-“

“I thought you were too.” Sokka froze as Zuko blurted it out. But the fire bender wasn’t done, “It was annoying. You were wearing that face paint but I could tell. Seeing you without it didn’t help. I tried to focus on Mai, but she knew.”

“I- Zuko- Are you gay?” When he got a jerky nod in response, Sokka smiled, “I’m bi. Just so you know.”

“That’s…that’s good to know.”

Sokka snorted, knocking his shoulder into Zuko’s, “When you can forgive me for freaking you out the last couple days, how ‘bout ya let me take you out.”

“Yes. I’d like that.”

Masterlist

#avatar the last airbender #zuko x sokka #pranking zuko #No bets we die like air benders

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bleekay · 3 years

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zukki piece commissioned by @moth-time 🌼

hair braiding train~ except sokka is being gooey and in love instead of cooperating 💕

#zukki #blee arts #zuko #suki #sokka #zuko: you can keep suki's ankle but i'm gonna need my hand back #sokka: no❤️#suki: zuko i told you this was gonna happen

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kyoshi-lesbians · 2 years

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More atla gen & sapphic fic recs

ft. water sibling centric fic, aang & zuko friendship, OCs, suki centric fic, mailee, yueki, and rangshi

Gen

morning, an interlude by idleoaths

“Sokka glanced at Katara with a quick smile, turning back to calmly watch the horizon above the gentle waves that faded along the Ember Island shore. They were seated under the shaded eaves on the veranda, sitting comfortably with the quiet fluttering of dragonfly hummingbird wings. Behind them, the soft oceanside wind made a low whistle that kept pushing the slatted bamboo blinds against the edges of the trim.

For a long, peaceful moment, the two of them simply sat side-by-side on the warped floorboards, watching the morning sun.”

in the loving memory by sokkaesque

“[(When Kya died, Katara asked for her necklace. “I am going to be the best waterbender in the world,” she told Sokka, whispering — like a secret, like a promise.)

Sokka sighs. He doesn’t know how to put it in words. Softer than before, he tells her, “You know, you don’t– you don’t need to be a hero all the time. Maybe someone else is already on their way to defeat the Fire Nation. There are many, many waterbenders, out there.”

Then Katara sighs.

She just says, “Not from the South.”]

Or, Kya’s, Sokka’s, and most importantly Katara’s understanding of her identity as the last southern waterbender.”

the three of us by sokkaesque

“[Appa looks at Zuko pointedly, as if knowing what he’s thinking.

Zuko sighs, and follows his own resolution.

“Does it ever get lonely?” he asks, and then kicks himself mentally over it. That was not an apology.

Aang yelps as the crab manages to grab one of his toes, clashing onto the sand and shaking his foot to get rid of the damn thing. He says, “Sometimes!”]

Or, Zuko apologises to Aang. Aang plays with a crab. Appa is there, for emotional support.”

Typical Evening Practice by flerkenkiddingme

“The newly realized Avatar Yangchen arrives to the Southern Water Tribe and stumbles upon a new friend willing to give her a crash course in waterbending and help her feel at home.”

suki centric (/+ sukka)

bruise belies the break by eleonorastay

"In which Suki learns the heroine and the healing can be one in the same."

a brutally soft woman by rolandtowen

“Suki knows this for certain. Being a woman feels like a beautiful kimono, one that she wants to hold out in front of her, but never put on. She's scared she'll fall down and get mud on the fabric that had been pristine her entire life.

That's fine, Suki thinks. She would rather wear armor instead.

a character study on the intersection of femininity and war; for day 2 of ATLA gen week, Kyoshi Warriors”

when the moon peach blossoms bloom by idleoaths

“Suki and her Warriors, growing up in the last years of the war.”

Mailee

The World Falls Away For You by ayyna

"A trip through (and before) canon from the switching perspectives of Mai and Ty Lee"

'Cause I could never set you free by aureshadow

“And suddenly Ty Lee was clinging to her and Mai held her as her sobs slowly subsisted. Mother wouldn’t like this, Mai thought. At least for this moment, Ty Lee has fallen out of favor. The smart thing would be to side with the Princess, to take advantage of my competitor’s misfortune and help the Princess against her.

(Mai was eight.)”

Yueki

i have this breath (and i hold it tight) by leoperidot

"“We’re using each other’s strength to hold ourselves up,” Suki explains. “Without you, I would fall, and vice versa.”

Then, all of a sudden, Suki tugs hard, and the two of them almost crash together.

Yue lets out a panicked yelp, but Suki just giggles, tossing an arm around Yue’s shoulders to steady her. “See? I told you I wasn’t gonna drop you.”

or, what happens when Yue outlives her destiny.”

The Courage of Stars by hella1975

“Chief Arnook had always coddled Yue since her precarious start to life. He tiptoed around her like she was a fragile children’s toy, and if Yue had found it insufferable during her teenage years then she had no idea how bad it would get after that night at the Spirit Oasis. Her father realised that Yue wasn’t as safe as he’d hoped here, that if a single teenage boy could swim into their ranks without conflict, then what was stopping Yue from being hurt again?

Changes were made, the Kyoshi Warriors were moved to the Northern Water Tribe, and she lost the last bit of freedom she had left.

Yue thought the Head of the Kyoshi Warriors was rude and invasive. Suki thought the princess was arrogant and stiff.

And then one day, Yue found a poem on her bed.”

Rangshi

addressed only for you and me by thecenterstaysthesame

“For when I visit your family back in the Fire Nation,” Kyoshi says. “You said you’d take me there one day. Teach me how to say hello.”

Rangi stays silent. Kyoshi doesn’t understand why she’s so hesitant to teach her one simple phrase, and for a moment, Kyoshi wonders if she’s done something wrong. If she’s crossed a boundary, that Hwajae is only for Rangi and her mother, for Rangi and the other Fire Islanders but certainly not Kyoshi, dirty worthless Kyoshi from the Southern Earth Kingdom. She props her arm up, lifts herself up and begins to twist to apologize and to backtrack, and then Rangi answers.

“Saranghae,” Rangi says, her tone weirdly detached and strangled, voice breaking on the last syllable. “Sa-saranghae.”

(Childhood AU. Rangi spends the night at Kyoshi's.)"

#these are all fics i've read since the last time i made a long fic rec post. which was a year ago #so. a little update since then #fic recs #oofta. there's a lot to tag #water siblings #yangchen #suki #sukka #(background anyway)#mailee #mai #ty lee #yueki #yue #r.post

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absolutelyfizzing · 3 years

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Sifu Hotman

zuko x water tribe sibling!reader

request - I want to request a Zuko x fem reader being Sokka and Katara's sister. She can be the older sister or sokka's twin sister. Also when they start dating Sokka and Katara can like threaten him by saying don't hurt my sister or else.

A/N - This is taking place after the war, I'm vaguely uncomfy writing for underage people (or like younger than 17) so I just went ahead and aged them up. I'm sorry if that's not what you were wanting! I'm also sort of ignoring the plot of the comics and stuff and we are ignoring Mai's existence. I don't feel like this was my best writing by any means but i tried and i thought it was a cute idea. There will probably be more zuko x reader coming soon

word count - 2000

MASTERLIST

You took a deep breath in, the warm air refreshing after having just spent the last month in the southern water tribe with your family besides Katara who was off saving lives with Aang. Your twin brother stood beside you, his hair grown out and tied into a ponytail. Your sister would be here in the fire nation in a week with Aang. It had been three years since the war, you had just been kids at the time. You and Sokka were 15 during the last battle and you had felt so old then. Now, looking back, you had been immature and childish but you had grown up. After the war ended you remained in the fire nation for a few months. You had wanted to get a little bit of quiet before you started going on more adventures with your brother.

You had been very close with Zuko while he was traveling with you and the gang. You didn't know why but you trusted him, maybe it was because you trusted Toph's judgement but either way you had accepted him quicker than the others. You remembered how cold the rest of the group had been to him and it almost was funny to you now considering that Katara had just told you a story in a recent letter about Toph, Aang, and Zuko getting into a bickering match about fire flakes that ended in Toph trapping both of the boys into a earth tent. It was also hard to comprehend that Zuko was the new Firelord and he ruled over a whole nation.

It had been 2 years since you saw Zuko in person. It wasn't on purpose but you kept getting pulled in different directions, none of them leading you into the fire nation. You were excited but also scared to see him, butterflies filling your stomach at the thought of seeing him. You'd had a bit of a crush on the new Firelord when you last saw him but you refused to tell either of your siblings, knowing that they would threaten him to high heaven before he even knew about it.

Your brother walking beside you calmed you a bit, his presence being comforting to you. He was much taller than you now and he was more confident than the kid he had been during the war. You knew that the same was true for Aang, though he never grew up in personality. As you approached the gates of the palace you wondered if Zuko had changed.

You realized that he had as the gates opened and he was stood on the steps up to the palace waiting for both of you. His hair was long and it was pulled into a messy bun. His scar was no longer shrouded in his bangs and he seemed more confident in his stance. His robes were long and elegant and you wondered if he wore them by choice of if they were required because of his position. Your brother jogged slightly to get to Zuko faster, having grown to hold a strong bond with the man. You walked calmly but there was a smile on your face as your brother and Zuko embraced. Once the released each other Zuko turned to you. You noticed him gulp a bit and a blush threatened to cover your cheeks. Your grin became wider the closer you got to him and soon you were wrapped in his embrace.

You noticed that his frame was larger. You leaned your head back from the hug to look at his face and he looked well. Like he was happy and maybe even getting enough sleep.

"Hey there, Sifu Hotman." You smiled and Zuko rolled his eyes as he released you from the hug.

"I see we haven't matured in 2 years?" He grunts but you can see the smile trying to creep onto his face. "Toph still calls me that too." He grumbled lowly and you started laughing.

"Where is the little demon?"

"She's away dealing with some prisoners for me. She should be back in a week or so." Zuko smiled. "She's taken up a pretty important role here. She's like my personal lie detector. She likes to sit in on council meetings and scare everyone."

"I think that's actually her dream job." You smiled and Zuko hummed in agreement. There was a bit of a silence as you and Zuko just gazed at each other. He seemed so sure now. You had missed him dearly.

"Okay! Let's get this show on the road, people!" Sokka yelled and you internally groaned that he had to ruin the moment. Before you all turned toward the palace, Zuko sent you a wink and you felt a blush cover your face. As you headed up the steps of the palace you felt a comforting hand on your lower back as the Fire Lord gently followed behind you, Sokka running ahead of you, likely to find the food in the kitchens that he was accostomed to spending all of his time in.

"Can I speak to you in private when we get a moment?" Zuko asks and again your heart rate picks up. You turn your head to look at him.

"Of course" You smiled and he smiles back at you, making your head spin a bit. You spent the next few hours meeting new advisors, getting a tour through new parts of the palace, and catching up with Zuko who seemed to be acting more clingy than you had ever remembered him to be.

"Y/N, would you mind coming with me?" Zuko asked and you turned to face him with a smile.

"Of course!" You chirped as he led you to a secluded hallway away from your brother who was discussing war strategy with an advisor of Zuko's.

When you reached a place where you were out of earshot of others Zuko gently took your hands.

"I have something to confess." He stated and you felt fire on your cheeks, you nodded for him to continue, "I'm in love with you. I have been for years and I've never acted on it because there was always something going on and I was so unsure but now-" he gazed into your eyes with sincerity, "I couldn't be more sure. I want to be with you. If you'd have me, that is." Instead of answering you jumped forward, pressing your lips onto Zuko's in a searing kiss. He groaned and pushed back, trapping you against a wall. He pulled away to press his forehead into yours and you closed your eyes for a moment before opening them again and gazing at the man in front of you.

"Katara is gonna kill you." You mumbled and Zuko smiled.

"You aren't worried about Sokka?"

"I just know that Sokka can't win in a fight against you. Katara on the other hand..." you trailed off and Zuko looked offended.

"That's pretty rude to say to the man who just confessed his love for you."

"I'm just being honest. Toph might have some words too."

Zuko shuddered at the thought of what they could do to him. Sokka would be upset but he could probably handle it. Aang would be happy for both of them he was sure, always the peacemaker and moderator. Aang would probably be the only reason that Katara wouldn't attack Zuko immediately.

Over the next week you snuck around with Zuko, taking alone time any chance that you got. Sokka rarely let you get any peace as he stayed with you nearly constantly. He was always a little on the defence with you and he would likely settle in and ease up over the coming weeks as he got used to the new environment. You were never a huge fighter, though you could hold your own. You also couldn't bend. You were the one of the group who took care of everyone, you were the smartest in strategy by far, and you were the only one who could reason with Toph. Because of this, Sokka had gotten used to just being near you in case anything happened, though it was rare that anything did. You appreciated it normally but now you wanted time alone so that you could spend it with Zuko as you got used to being in a relationship that was more than platonic. But today was the day that the rest of the gang was arriving, even Suki would be joining you so you hoped that would take some of the clingy-ness of Sokka away. You all stood at the front of the palace, much like Zuko had stood for you a week earlier, and watched as Appa approached in the distance. He flew gently in front of you and as soon as he landed in front of you he licked you with his giant tongue and you were covered in slobber. Despite this you couldn't be happier to see the giant animal and you embraced him. You were suddenly pulled away and brought into the arms of your little sister.

"I missed you, Y/N." She mumbled into your neck and you smiled into hers, it had been so long since you had seen her and you felt tears come to your eyes at the relief of having her near.

You spent the next hours catching up with Katara and Aang, who had grown to be taller than you since you last saw him. Toph and Suki arrived that night and you were all glad to be together again at last, old memories coming back and filling you all with joy. You and Zuko looked at each other and you took a deep breath. You had discussed that you would be revealing your relationship to the rest of the group when you were all together but you were nervous for their reactions.

"So... I have something I would like to tell you guys." You stated and all of the conversation died down, all eyes suddenly on you. "Me and Zuko are together." You rushed out and you only got blank stares for a moment before there was groaning from Toph and Sokka.

"You couldn't have waited another year? I didn't think you would have figured it out by now." Toph grumbled and pulled some coins out of her pocket, Sokka doing the same. Suki and Katara held out their hands and money got dropped into them, both with smug looks on their faces. Zuko looked over at you and had the same look of shock that you likely did.

"What?" You mumbled.

"We all knew you were going to get together of course, you've been pining after each other for years, but me and Suki said you would be getting together this month and Toph said in a year. Sokka actually said in 3 months so he was closer than Toph was." Katara stated simply and you still just stared at her, mouth agape. "We also talked about the fact that if he hurts you," Her gaze shifted to a nervous looking Zuko, "we would all be committing some crimes."

"I feel like I should clarify that those crimes include maiming and murder." Sokka glared at Zuko and he gulped.

"But I'm so happy for you two!" Katara exclaimed, her attitude shifting completely. You and Zuko stared at each other in shock and then you smiled at him. You were so happy to finally be together and to have your friends around you.

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sparkles-and-trash · 3 years

Text

The Gaang are Roommates AU ~

note: this is a rewrite and repost of my old roommates au, there was some stuff I wanted to change, and I wanted to make the parts a little longer, so yeah, ta-dah!

- think modern setting in the canon universe, bending is still a thing

- the Gaang are all in going to Ba Sing Se University

- I’m gonna change the ages a bit to make it easier for myself, sorry

- Zuko, Sokka, Suki and Mai are 20, Katara, Ty Lee and Azula are 19, Aang, Toph and Yue are 18

- so, Zuko, Sokka, Katara, Aang and Toph end up living together in a big loft type apartment

- Sokka and Aang are old best friends, they met Toph in Middle School, and Katara is a natural part of the group

- until now Sokka and Katara have both been living in the dorms, and they both hate it intensely

- but now that Aang and Toph are also in uni, they all decide to move in together!

- …but the only problem is that the only place they find that they like is just out of their price rage (Toph’s parents aren’t supportive of her major so they’re not helping out much)

- enter: ~ Zuko ~

- so, Zuko has been living with his uncle Iroh since his Father, who’s a high up in some big and important company the Fire Nation, disowned him for speaking up against the company’s shifty treatment of workers and ruining a lot of sacred land etc

- they’re still firebenders and the scar still happened, not in an Agni Kai, but it happened

- but after Zuko started uni, Iroh really tried to push him to meet some people his own age and make some friends

- the only people Zuko talks to on the regular besides Iroh is Azula, Ty Lee and Mai, and Mai is the only one who is like, his friend yanno?

- the last year the deal was that if Zuko didn’t branch out, Iroh would have him live one year with other students

- it’s his idea of tough love

- Zuko tried to do some random kid’s homework to have them pretend to be his new friend in front of Iroh so he wouldn’t have to, but Iroh can tell he’s lying so easily

- so, Zuko ends up hearing about the Gaang through Mai, who heard from Ty Lee, who plays field hockey, Suki, who’s best friends with Sokka

- so, he goes to meet them, and it’s so awkward mY GOD

- Katara is a B I G environmental activist and HATES Ozai and his company, with good reason

- she eases up a tad when Zuko admits to being turned away from as a teen, but she is still suspicious

- Aang loves him right away, ofc, and that makes Katara even more suspicious because she’s pretty protective of Aang

- she claims it’s because he’s so kind and believes everyone but she totally liikeees hiiiim

- Toph is just like, sure, as long as he pays his rent idgaf

- Sokka is weirdly quiet, because he’s had a huge crush on Zuko forever, and the only one who knows is Aang (and Toph but she ain’t no snitch)

- so, ya boy makes the cut, and before they know it, it’s move-in day!

- but, the idiots didn’t think through the facts that it’s only three bedrooms oops

- and Toph is NOT afraid to pull the “I’m blind and I need my space” card

- and nobody’s up to fight her on it, so

- let’s just say there is A LOT of back and forth, but with Katara refusing to room with her brother again, and Zuko being rightfully scared of Katara, it ends up with Zuko and Sokka sharing a bedroom, and Katara and Aang

- they have separate beds ofc

- but still, tension, man, so much tension

- it takes a while, but the dynamics starts working out really well

- Zuko is good at grocery shopping and likes to clean, and Aang is always happy to help him out

- Sokka loves cooking, so he does that a lot

- Katara is always on top of the others with schoolwork and making sure everyone is okay, and she usually does it in genius, sneaky ways so people doesn’t even notice that she does it

- Toph is clearing the air off bullshit

- like, she will call a bitch out

- but because she cares about said bitch

- so, Aang knows that Sokka has a crush on Zuko because Sokka told him in a weak moment, and Toph knows because she just knows

- Aang is a good friend tho, and he tries to like, ease them together

- but he is so awkward about it, the poor thing, and Zuko doesn’t understand AT ALL

- Toph is just sitting back and sighing a lot

- Katara doesn’t understand either but she just stays out of it (smart girl)

- but okay, we know how oblivious Zuko can be right?

- Sokka can give him googly eyes and blush and stutter around him so much and he still has no clue at all

- Zuko starts thinking Sokka just doesn’t like him at all

- but then one night Zuko has this really intense nightmare

- okay and quick addition, his scar is… handshaped? Like, you can clearly tell what happened to him

- but nobody talks about it, yet

- but then he’s having a terrible nightmare and is talking and begging and pleading in his sleep

- so much that Sokka wakes up

- and he catches on pretty fast, but had no idea what to do

- so he just shuffles over to Zuko’s side of the room and starts tapping his shoulder rapidly

- but nothing happens

- so he just… gently and awkwardly pats his head until Zuko wakes up

- and Zuko is like… wat u doin there bro

- and Sokka is like… just patting ur head to wake you from a nightmare bro

- and they awkwardly just mumble and go back to their beds

- but Zuko is smiling a lot because someone who’s not his family or a family friend really cares about him

- after that, Zuko slowly starts opening up to all of them, but Sokka especially

- he never really tells them about being cast out and burned tho

- until one day he kinda casually slings it into a convo all fast and awkwardly

- it’s just Toph, Aang and Sokka there

- Toph yells so WHAATTT so loudly and just metalbends the whole fridge into a clump in rage

- Aang cries lmao but he tries to hide to and be supportive and not awkward

- Sokka is kinda quiet, but he carefully asks about it that night when they’re in their beds, and they talk a little about it

- Aang tells Katara (with permission) and she awkwardly, but wholeheartedly tells him that he can always talk to her

- they do that «awkward sibling hug» from Gravity Falls after

- *hugs stiffly* «pat, pat»

- but okay, Toph and metalbending when angry, it happens quite a lot

- this was the first time it was the fridge, but the toaster, the microwave, and several other appliances have met the same fate

- everyone is kinda used to it now, and she always replaces it

- except Zuko, who’s still kinda new to them all

- but what are you supposed to say when your new friends is so outraged by the abuse you went through that they crush a whole ass fridge?

- it actually reminds him that he’s cared for here, by these people who owe him nothing, and is not related to him, and it makes him a little dizzy to have people care this way

- he casually mentions it to his Uncle Iroh the time he’s in at work, that his new friend is a metalbender and squashed their whole fridge when she was pissed on his behalf

- Iroh is thrilled

- to the point of offering Toph a job lmao

- Toph, desperate to cut of as much ties with her family and be as self-sufficient as possible, agrees

- and now Iroh have two formerly rich kids with no clue about any sort of customer service and basic stuff like that working for him

- Toph is a hard worker tho, and she and Zuko work surprisingly well together

- Katara is a little relived, because the more those two work, the less are the chances of either of them trying to cook or do too many chores around their apartment

- they mean well, or, Zuko does, but he does so much dumb shit when trying to help lmao

- Sokka starts spending a lot of time over at The Jasmine Drago too

- Aang is still trying to keep the fact that Sokka likes Zuko a secret, but he is having trouble

- Katara is his biggest weakness, and now they’re suddenly alone with her a lot

- someone else who could always read Sokka really well is Suki

. whom he used date in high school, but they parted as friends and everything s cool

- but Sokka is a little taken aback when she comes into The Jasmine Dragon one day, hand in hand with Sokka’s childhood crush obsession, Yue

- for the first time in man’s memory, Sokka is a little speechless

- and Suki’s like “lmao dude I haven’t seen you like this since the first time you saw Zu-”

- cue Zuko popping out behind them like “WELCOME TO THE JASMINE DRAGON FRIENDS OF SOKKA :D”

- Sokka is so fucking red, poor boy is just about having an aneurism at this point

- but luckily something happens and Zuko gets distracted

- Suki is having the time of her life tho, Sokka always used to tease her for her crushes before and after they dated, and suddenly, here they are

- at the apartment, Aang decides they need some apartment traditions

- they’ve been living there for almost three months, after all

- so he decides that weekly movie nights are mandatory

- so are pillowforts

- Katara is actually really excited for it, she loves all things cozy and fall-like

- also… she is weak for Aang, y’all, and she loves seeing him all excited

- Zuko barely knows what a pillowfort is, he didn’t think real people actually made it

- but imagine these dorks in a pillowfort with hot chocolate and lot’s of pillows

- Toph claims that she thinks it’s soo dumb, but she will always make sit in the middle of the group all wrapped in her blanket and laughing when the others jump and get spooked from the horror movies Sokka always wants to watch

- and she will make sure the fort is right and perfect lmao

- Zuko is a little awkward about it at first, but he likes it too

- Sokka always manages to plop in next to Zuko lmao

- they haven’t talked about the head patting incident yet, but Zuko is def starting to feel the butterflies

- one time after a movie night Sokka falls asleep on Zuko’s shoulder, after the others have left for the night

- Zuko can’t resist waking him up with awkward head pats similar to the one Sokka used on him

- Sokka thinks he died and went to heaven lmao

- but then he fully wakes and sees Zuko’s shit eating grin and can’t help but laugh at the whole thing

- and Zuko has his “oh no he’s hot beautiful and I really adore him” moment

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leossmoonn · 3 years

Text

mind games [part fourteen]

masterlist | part thirteen | part fifteen

zuko x fem!reader fluff, angst smau (it has the social media elements, but not as much as the last series)

avatar: the last airbender

summary - being zuko’s best friend is the easiest thing in the world. until he gets a girlfriend and you realize you’re in love with him

warnings / includes - (this counts for any/all chapters) - fighting, suggestive, language, crying, alcohol, cheating, talk about injuries, making out, alluding to sex, talks about sex. you are sokka and katara’s older sister. you, mai, and zuko are seniors in college, sokka and suki are juniors, katara, aang, and toph are sophomores

note - this is just a filler chapter for the next enjoy!

————

“hmm,” mai hummed, turning around and wrapping her arms around jet’s middle. she opened her eyes lowly and looked up at him, a smile creeping up her face.

jet sighed and looked down at her, giving her a quizzical look. “why do you look so happy?”

“i just…” mai sighed, “like having you here in the mornings.”

“oh, yeah? why?” jet smirked. “well one, you’re amazing at sex. two, you’re not a cuddle-hog like zuko,” she explained.

jet chuckled, nodding and laying his head back down on the pillow. he looked up at mai’s ceiling, closing his eyes. he breathed in and out, beginning to think about all the things he had to do today. it was the first week of summer and everyone was enjoying themselves before they had to buckle down and get a real job, not just the JD and clothing stores.

he knew he had to go and pick up food for appa and momo, do laundry, pick up your jeans from the dry cleaners.

jet’s eyes flew open once you came into his mind. he took mai’s arm and threw. it off of him, quickly getting up to find his clothes. mai frowned at his hasty behaviour, getting up and wrapping her blanket around her.

“where’re you going?” she asked. “i-i have to go and run some errands,” jet answered, jumping into his jeans.

mai rolled her eyes as she knew that his errands all were pertained to you. “what kind of errands.”

“pick up appa and momo food, pick up y/n’s jeans from the dry cleaners, other. stuff,” he said.

“y/n can pick up her own clothes. she’s an adult for spirit’s sake,” mai spat. she sauntered over to jet, taking his hand in her’s and pulling him close. “c’mon, stay for a while. we never hang out after ten.”

“and there’s a reason for that, mai,” he rolled his eyes. he yanked her hand away from his, putting his shirt back on. “i gotta go. i’ll call you later, yeah?”

mai frowned and followed him out of her room. “she knows you know.”

jet scoffed, “she doesn’t know shit.” “well, she’s gonna. better just milk it until she figures it out. i hate to say it, but she’s smart,” mai said.

“yeah, and what about zuko, huh?” jet shot back.

“he’s going to break up with me soon. him and y/n are in love with each other. better just let the cat out of the bag.”

“no. she’s not going to figure out and i’m not going to “milk it” or whatever because after this, we’re done.”

mai laughed, “yeah, right. that’s what you said the last time.”

jet snapped his head to her, giving her a hard glare. “you and i have partners already. this, us, we are a mistake, and you know it.” he made his way down the stairs, getting his shoes and slipping them on.

“so? you seem to forget that whenever you come over!” mai balled her hands into fists, still standing on the top of the stairs.

“i still love her, okay!” jet yelled back, looking at mai. “i-i still love y/n. she’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. you? you’re the worst.”

“if you really loved her, then you wouldn’t be in my bed every weekend,” mai snapped.

jet looked down at the floor, knowing that she was right. he didn’t say anything, though, instead going out the door and slamming it shut.

while jet drove back to his place, you were at your sibling’s house, hanging out with zuko.

“gonna do it tonight, huh?” you asked. “yep. is it bad if i say that i can’t wait?” zuko asked.

“i don’t think so,” you shook your head. zuko smiled, “ugh, i can’t wait to be a free man!”

“well, hey, now you’re being a little mean,” you said.

“well it’s true,” he shrugged. “cut mai some slack. i know you two fight a lot, but i can tell she cares about you,” you nudged him.

“yeah, sure. well, i don’t care about or love her,” he said.

you smirked and leaned against the counter. zuko furrowed his brows, “what?”

“i know you say that, but let’s be honest, you love her more than you think,” you explained.

zuko’s face fell and he looked down. honestly, he never really loved mai. sure, he’d said it to her, and he told his friends how great she was. he just didn’t love her like she should. his heart belonged to someone else, anyways.

you frowned and put a hand on his bicep, your heart fluttering as you felt over the muscle. you pushed away your budding feelings and focused on the task at hand.

“did i say something wrong?” you asked tentatively.

zuko shook his head, holding his head up. you were met with his shining, amber eyes. the ones you could get lost in if you let yourself.

“no, i just... i love her but, i don’t love her.”

you nodded, “yeah, that makes sense.”

zuko looked into your eyes, speaking before thinking. “do you love jet?”

your eyes widened at the question and your hand fell from his bicep. you were going to pull away, but zuko’s hand found yours and he intertwined your fingers with his. he never took his eyes off of you for a second.

“do you love jet?” he asked again. more for himself than for general curiosity.

“i-i do,” you nodded. as you spoke, your eyes couldn’t help but trail down to his lips. “i do,” you said more confidently, still looking at his lips.

zuko’s eyes also stared at your lips, both of your hearts pounding against your chests. you felt yourself scoot closer to where you could feel his breath on your lips.

“but do you love him, y/n?” he asked, putting more emphasis on the word. his arm snaked around your waist, his hand gently cradling the small of your back.

you started to breath heavily, your head spinning at the questions and how close you were to zuko. your eyes flickered up to his eyes, seeing his pupils blown wide. you were sure yours were the same. you went back to looking at his lips, leaning in to press your forehead against his.

“i... i think...” you trailed off. your mind was behind clouded with the idea of kissing him. how good it’d finally feel after all these years, how well your lips would fit together with his. you were sure zuko would kiss you better than jet. zuko was a passionate and sensitive guy, while jet was a passionate, but also tough guy. he kissed you rough, but you wanted a slow, fervent kiss. one you knew only zuko could only provide.

but as you were comparing how the two boys kissed, you got turned off on the idea. you closed your eyes and sighed, pulling away from his embrace.

“yeah, i do love him like that,” you mumbled your final answer.

zuko’s heart broke at your words. he knew it was a long shot, but he just wanted you to see that you were with the wrong guy. like he was with the wrong girl.

“um, anyways,” you coughed. “i gotta go and see if jet has picked up my jeans and stuff. i’ll see you later, yeah?”

zuko nodded, looking at you longingly. you gave him a small smile, going up to him and pressing a kiss to his cheek before leaving. once zuko heard the door, he pulled out his phone, giving mai a call.

“hey, babe. everything okay?” mai asked.

“uh, yeah,” zuko nodded. “just um, do you want to come over later? maybe watch a movie?”

mai went silent for a moment, thinking if she should say yes or not.

“mai?” zuko asked. “huh? o-oh yeah. movie sounds great. what time?” mai asked.

“um, 5?”

it gave him enough time to think about how he was going to break up with her.

“sounds good. are we going to be along?” she asked.

“yep,” he answered. “great! see you later!” mai exclaimed before hanging up.

zuko put his phone on the counter, running his hands through his hair in distress. all he wanted was you and he hoped that by dating mai he would be able to get you. how did he manage to screw things up?

————

“heh, babe,” you smiled as you walked through the door.

jet looked up his phone, a smile spreading onto his face. “hey. where have you been?” he got up out of his chair and engulfed you in a hug.

you hugged him tentatively, not leaning in or kissing him like usual. “katara’s. you um, didn’t come home last night,” you chuckled nervously. you moved out of his embrace, going to the kitchen cabinets to get yourself something to eat.

“o-oh, yeah. sorry about that,” jet chuckled.

“you never answered my question,” you said.

“right! well, i was picking up an extra shift at work,” he answered.

you raised your brow while getting out yogurt. “oh, really? why?”

“so i can get some extra money to take you out,” jet explained with a smile.

“you don’t need to take me out. you can come home to me, though. i was lonely,” you frowned.

jet looked at you with regret and guilt. more because he had been sleeping with mai, but you didn’t know that.

“i’m sorry,” he sighed. “tonight i’ll be here. i promise.”

you looked at him, staring for a few seconds before giving in. you weren’t very sure he meant his sorry, or if he was telling the truth, but you had more pressing things to deal with.

“alright. did you pick up my coat?” you asked.

“u-uh, yeah,” jet nodded, confused as to why you still seemed distrusting.

“great, thanks,” you walked by him, not bothering to spare him a look.

jet frowned, going over to you. “hey, did i do something wrong?”

“no,” you stated flatly. “i think i did. is it something i said?” jet asked.

you sighed, “i just... don’t believe you.”

“w-why?” jet stuttered.

you frowned and looked at him as if it were obvious. “you’re not coming home at night anymore, you’re making excuses, y-you smell like perfume.” you voice cracked at the last sentence, thoughts of him cheating on you running through your mind.

jet look the collar of his shirt, taking a whiff only to curse at himself in his head. you watched him with wide, tear-filled eyes as the look of realization came onto his face.

“see? y-you’re hiding something!” you accused.

“i’m not!” jet’s eyes widened. he went to take your hands in his, but they were holding a bowl. so instead he put it hands on your shoulders. “i would never hide or lie to you.”

you glared at him. “you’re lying. just say you’re cheating on me.”

“i’m not!” he scoffed. “bullshit!” you exclaimed.

“why do you think i’m cheating on you?”

“because you’re doing exactly what shan did! what else am i supposed to think?”

“this is just how men act! i’m allowed to stay out at night and hang out with my friends whenever i want!”

“no, that’s how a boy acts. we’re supposed to be communicating, not fighting for each other’s trust!” you scolded.

he looked at you helplessly, knowing you were right. he opened his mouth to say apologize, but you stopped him.

“i’m going back to sokka’s,” you muttered. setting the bowl down harshly and stomping to the garage door.

“b-but you just came back,” jet frowned.

“and i’m leaving. until you can provide me when a better reason, i’m staying there,” you said, grabbing your coat and purse.

“and what if i can’t? what if nothing satisfies you?” jet asks.

you sighed and looked at him, tears rolling down your cheeks. “the truth will satisfy me. if you can’t provide that, then... then...” you trailed off, your mouth going dry. you tried to say the words, but it wouldn’t come out. it didn’t matter anyways, jet already knew what you were going to say.

you gave him one last hurtful look being leaving to your car. jet immediately grabbed the bowl, smashing it to the ground. he put his hands over his face and combed his fingers through his hair violently. tears streamed down his face as he knew he had just potentially lost you for good. how did he manage to screw things up?

————

Like and Reblog!

taglist is open, just lmk if you wanna be on it for this series by messaging me, commenting, and/or send me a message!

@theblueslytherin @thatarthistorynerd @coldlilheart @akiris @serenitytomothings @zukoslosthishonor

#zuko x reader #zuko imagines #atla #avatar the last airbender #atla zuko x reader #atla imagine #zuko x reader smut #zuko imagine #jet x reader #atla jet x reader

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beifongsss · 4 years

Text

nightmares [sokka]

Pairing: Sokka x reader (hopefully the tags work this time)

Summary: Another request from an anon. “ your writing is so good aa!! what about having to share a bed w zuko (or sokka tbh i’m a simp for both) for a couple nights bc there weren’t enough beds for everyone and no one else wanted to “. First of all: thank you!! I’m glad you enjoy my writing :) <3. Second of all, the ideas I had for this fic just seemed to work best with Sokka so forgive me for not choosing Zuko.

Also, I apologize if I haven’t gotten to your request. Some of them really stump me and I have trouble with planning out a fic so some of them might be done in bullet format instead of a fic.

Note!! Suki and Sokka didn’t happen!! pls i’m sorry.

masterlist.

It had been Aang’s idea to go back to Ember Island to celebrate Zuko’s coronation. Zuko, although hesitant, eventually agreed. The royal family’s beach house stood empty and Zuko was finally ready to go back, finally being part of a happy family once more.

It was a larger group than originally anticipated. You had accidentally let it slip to Suki, who then let it slip to Ty Lee, who then informed Mai. The beach house seemed too crowded, not that anyone minded. The only issue was that there weren’t enough rooms to house everyone, even with Zuko and Mai sharing a room already.

The ones who were left didn’t want to share a room, claiming that it was supposed to be a relaxing getaway and that sharing a room with someone wouldn’t exactly be relaxing.

“Alright, alright,” Aang had finally said, his Avatar peacemaking skills coming out. “Look, there’s not enough rooms for everyone to have their own so two of us will need to double up.”

Grumbles spread throughout the group as Aang’s words settled in.

“Listen,” Zuko said. “Whoever chooses to double up can have the master bedroom. Trust me, that bed is big enough to share without ever touching each other.”

“C’mon everyone,” Katara said, picking up a hat. “Write your names on a piece of paper, put them in here, and then Zuko will choose.”

Everyone did as told, crossing their fingers and holding their breaths as Zuko moved his hand around, shuffling the papers before picking one out.

“Okay the first person is,” Zuko began, unfolding the paper. “(Y/N)!”

You huffed silently, crossing your arms and ignoring the relieved sighs of everyone else.

“Don’t celebrate yet, there’s still one person left to choose,” Zuko said, rummaging around the hat again. Everyone went silent once again, waiting with baited breath as the prince Fire Lord plucked another piece of paper out of the hat. A large smirk spread across his face as he silently read the name. Looking up, he made eye contact with the water tribe boy, aiming a teasing glance at him. “The second person is Sokka.”

The group went wild, but not in celebration. Everyone knew about the feelings that the water tribe boy had for you, and everyone knew that you liked him as well. Everyone, that is, except for the two of you. You both remained oblivious to the way the other felt, causing everyone else to feel frustration whenever the two of you interacted.

“Alright,” Katara said clapping her hands to get everybody’s attention. “Let’s go get settled in and meet at the beach in thirty minutes.”

Everyone made their way to their respective rooms and you found yourself following Sokka as he entered the master bedroom. You looked around the room, gazing at the decor and the large window. There was a balcony outside, giving a clear view of the beach. The bed was pushed against a wall, a fluffy loveseat off to the side and a dresser pushed up against another wall.

“I can uh, I can take the couch,” Sokka’s said, drawing your attention back to him. He was standing in the middle of the room, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck as he avoided your gaze.

You glanced at the bed. Zuko hadn’t been lying, it was ridiculously large. Breathing in, you turned back to Sokka. “N-No. It’s okay we can share the bed.”

Sokka’s eyes widened, causing you to backtrack. “Unless you don’t w-want to. That’s-”

“No!” Sokka yelled, a little too loud. He quickly cleared his throat. “No. We can share. I don’t mind.”

You nodded silently, face burning in embarrassment before grabbing your swimsuit and heading into the bathroom to change. Once you were gone, Sokka sat on the bed, burying his face in his hands as he wondered just how he was going to survive these next few days sleeping in the same bed as you.

The rest of the day passed normally. You had helped Aang and Toph build a sand Appa, gone surfing with Katara, and even learned a few tricks from Ty Lee.

It was nice to have everyone together, especially now that they didn’t have to worry about the war. Now they had the opportunity to be normal teenagers; well as normal as one could be when Zuko was the Fire Lord and Aang was the avatar. You had gone to a local restaurant for dinner, enjoying each other’s company as you teased and told jokes.

After dinner you had gone to see a play, much to Zuko’s dismay. The Ember Island Players hadn’t gotten any better since the last time you had seen them, causing you all to leave the play early, instead choosing to head to the bustling streets. There was a festival going on, music playing and fireworks blasting as you walked through the town.

A performer jumped out at you, causing you to yelp and grab the hand closest to you. An upward glance told you that it was Sokka who you had grabbed onto. You blushed furiously, smiling softly when you felt his hand tighten around yours. You spent the rest of the night hand in hand, pretending not to notice the teasing glances from Katara and the knowing smirks from Toph.

When you finally got back to the beach house, it was late. Everyone mumbled their good nights and went straight to bed, too exhausted to stay up any later. You collapsed into bed after taking a shower, snuggling into the pillows. You opened one eye when you heard the bathroom door open, humming as you saw Sokka standing at the foot of the bed awkwardly.

“Hurry up and put out the lights,” you mumble keeping your eyes closed as you buried yourself under the covers. Sokka fidgeted and put his hair down before crawling onto the bed, lying down stiffly and putting out the candles at the bedside. You snorted as you shifted, noticing that Sokka was anything but relaxed. “Just go to sleep Sokka. It’s not like I’m gonna bite.”

Sokka blushed at your words before turning onto his side, trying to ignore your body heat as he drifted off to sleep.

It was the middle of the night when you landed on the ground with a dull thud. Sitting up, you looked over to the best, glaring at the water tribe boy when you noticed him lying spread eagle on the bed. He had unintentionally kicked you off the bed as he slept. Shaking your head, you took one of the blankets and made your way over to the couch, silently thanking the royal family for choosing comfy furniture.

It was half past dawn when Sokka was woken up by you shuffling around the room. Groaning, he sat up, running a hand through his hair before halfheartedly shooting you a glare. “Why are you up so early?”

You jumped slightly when you heard his voice before whirling around, ready to give him hell for kicking you off the bed. Your angry words were cut short however, when you noticed Sokka’s hair was down. You felt a blush rise to your cheeks before turning back around. You had always thought that Sokka was attractive, but something about him with his hair down always got you extremely flustered.

“You kicked me off the bed last night,” you replied flatly, picking up your hairbrush before taking on a teasing tone. “If you didn’t wanna share a bed you should’ve just said so.”

“I-I, no that’s n-not it,” Sokka stuttered, jumping out of bed.

“I’m joking,” you said, turning back around and flashing him a small smile. “Just...try not to kick me tonight okay?”

Sokka silently nodded his head, a sheepish expression on his face as he began to get ready for the day.

The second night came quicker than you anticipated. Ty Lee had proposed a girl’s day and had planned out so many activities that all you wanted to do by the end of the day was sleep. Luckily, you had gotten back before Sokka allowing you to shower and get ready for bed with no distractions.

By the time Sokka had walked in, the candles had been blown out. He smiled softly as he noticed your sleeping figure before showering as well and settling into bed.

Sokka was in the state between being awake and asleep, lying blissfully as he relaxed, when he was woken up by soft whimpers. Looking over to you, he frowned as he noticed a distressed expression on your face, tears beginning to stream down your face. You were having a nightmare.

“(Y/N)?” he whispered softly, not wanting to wake you up harshly. You didn’t respond to his voice, instead flinching in your sleep. Sokka hesitantly reached out to you, laying a hand on your shoulder to try and gently shake you awake. At his touch, you stopped moving, leaning into him. Sokka held his breath as you rolled over, moving closer to him in your sleep. Sighing softly, you nestled your head onto his chest, your scared whimpers subsiding as you relaxed against him. Carefully, Sokka wrapped his arms around you, bringing you closer to him.

Your breathing evened out once more as you fell into a deep sleep, no longer being plagued by nightmares. Sokka couldn’t help but stare at you in his arms, wondering how someone could be so beautiful. His heart raced as he held you and he found himself pressing a kiss to your forehead before drifting off to sleep as well.

~ The next morning you woke up because of the sunlight coming in through the window and proceeded to snuggle deeper into your pillow to avoid it.

“Good morning,” you heard Sokka chuckle, causing your head to shoot up from what you now knew was his chest, not your pillow.

“S-Sokka!” you exclaimed, trying to pull away from him. “W-What?”

“You were having nightmares,” Sokka mumbled, still half asleep. “You rolled onto me and this seemed to calm you down so I went along with it. Now shush and let me go back to sleep. In case you forgot, you woke me up early yesterday.”

You swallowed as Sokka shifted, blocking the sun for you and still holding you close. His soft snores filled your ears as you thought back to the previous night, realizing he was right after remembering your nightmares. Trying to calm your racing heart, you took another look at him before snuggling into his chest and drifting back off to sleep.

When you woke up again, Sokka was gone. A part of you was glad, knowing that you weren’t fully ready to face him after the previous night. You stepped into the dining room, being greeted by everyone smiling at you. Greeting everyone back, you made your way over to the table, taking a seat next to Aang. Looking up, you made eye contact with Sokka, causing the two of you to look away from each other immediately, blushes on your face. You took a sip of tea.

“So anything interesting happen last night?” Zuko asked, causing you to choke on your tea. You received a few weird glances. You shook your head as others replied.

“What about you Sokka?” Zuko questioned once more, noticing that Sokka was abnormally silent. Sokka glanced at you, his face softening slightly before turning back to the Fire Lord.

“Nope. Nothing at all,” he replied.

“Then why is your heart racing?” Toph asked, an innocent look on her face. Sokka’s face heated up as he shot her a glare (not that she could see it) and kicked her underneath the table, causing her to release a low hiss before kicking back. Your face went even redder, causing Mai to speak up.

“Is it hot in here (Y/N)?” she questioned, exchanging a knowing glance with Zuko.

“N-No,” you replied, looking up at her. “Why?”

Mai picked up her cup of tea, taking a sip before putting it back down, a smirk on her face. “Oh no reason, you just seem a little flushed.”

The rest of your day proceeded normally, with the exception of a few comments made to either you or Sokka, which usually ended with the two of you looking like a bright red mess.

That night, both you and Sokka lied wide awake next to each other. Sleep had been evading the two of you, yet neither one of you had acknowledged it.

It wasn’t until Sokka turned onto his side, facing you, that the silence was broken.

“(Y/N)?” the blue-eyed boy questioned, causing you to turn and face him. You stared at him for a moment, noticing the way his hair fell over his eyes and how his eyes seemed to shine brightly even though it was dark. You didn’t say anything, merely humming in reply to tell him that you had heard him. “What was your nightmare about?”

You hesitated slightly before answering, something that Sokka noticed.

“You don’t have to tell me,” he whispered. “I’m sorry for asking.”

“No,” you replied immediately. “It’s okay. It’s just, it’s not really something I like to think about.”

Sokka nodded in understanding as you breathed in deeply.

“In my nightmare,” you began, looking away from him. “We’re aboard the Fire Nation’s airship fleet. Everything is going as planned until it’s not. Suddenly there we are, separated from Suki and Toph and you’re hanging on to the railing of the ship. I keep trying to get to you but there’s just so much fire and debris and I can’t reach you until all of a sudden I can. But when I reach you, you’re gone. You’re gone and Suki and Toph are crying and I’m crying because I wasn’t strong enough to save you.”

“Y-Your nightmares are about me?” Sokka asked, staring at you with a look that can only be described as a mix between sadness and astonishment. You nodded, still not meeting his eyes. “Why?”

“Because I’m afraid of losing you,” you whispered back, finally looking at him. “Because losing you was the only thing that was on my mind when we were taking down the airship fleet even though destroying the ships was supposed to be our priority.”

“But why?” Sokka asked, still not understanding what you were talking about. “Zuko was out there fighting his crazy sister! I think that’s a little more daunting than taking down a few airships.”

“But I don’t love Zuko,” you said, effectively shutting him up.

Sokka’s eyes went as wide as saucers as he took in your words. “You mean...you l-love me?”

You nodded your head, holding your breath as you realized that you had just confessed your feelings.

“I love you too,” came Sokka’s quiet reply, a blush overtaking his features as he smiled at you. Now it was your turn to look at him in shock. “I have ever since you told me off for being a hotheaded, sexist jerk.”

You chuckled as you remembered that argument. He had made a comment about you and Katara being girls and you had gotten upset, resulting in you insulting him. By the time you were done with him, he had been looking at you in a way you couldn’t really describe until right now. He had been lovestruck.

“I can’t believe it took you this long to confess,” you teased

“Can you blame me?” he retorted. “You’re pretty intimidating when you want to be!”

You chuckled before shifting closer to him. You grew quiet before speaking. “You know, last night was the first night that my nightmares didn’t keep me up all night.”

“If you wanted to cuddle with me you could’ve just asked,” Sokka replied, smiling smugly as he wrapped his arms around you. You rolled your eyes before tangling your legs with his. “I’ll keep you safe from your nightmares.”

You smiled softly before looking up at him, being taken by surprise when you noticed him already looking at you.

“C-Can I kiss you?” he asked quietly.

You nodded wordlessly, closing your eyes when you felt Sokka’s lips brush yours. You shuddered slightly before leaning up and fully pressing your lips to his. His arms tightened around you as he kissed you, and yours wrapped themselves around his neck. You pulled away, meeting Sokka’s eyes as he smiled down at you. Silently, he pressed another kiss to your forehead before resting his chin on your head.

The two of you drifted off into the most peaceful sleep either one of you had had since the end of the war.

Sokka woke up grumpily the next morning, reaching out for you when he realized you were no longer wrapped up in his arms. Letting out a low whine, he sat up, realizing that you were gone. He quickly changed into his day clothes, too lazy to tie his hair up before heading downstairs. He entered the dining room groggily, rubbing at his eyes before making his way over to you, leaning down and pressing a kiss to your lips.

You melted into the kiss, only pulling away when Katara dropped her fork.

“When did this happen?” she asked, eyes wide as she looked between you and her brother.

Finally wide awake, Sokka looked at everyone with an embarrassed expression. He looked at you in a panic before answering. “Last night.”

“You guys really just had to confess last night, didn’t you?” Toph groaned, pulling out a handful of coins and handing them to Zuko.

Everyone else grumbled as they handed Zuko their coins as well. You sat there gaping at them, before scoffing in exasperation. “I can’t believe you guys placed bets on us?”

“I can’t believe Zuko won,” Aang muttered, looking at the Fire Lord before looking back down on his plate.

“It wasn’t that hard. I said you’d confess in the bedroom,” Zuko said, a smirk on his face as he made eye contact with you. “The best part was pretending that the second name that came out of the hat was Sokka’s.”

The room exploded into chaos at Zuko’s words, with Toph shouting all kinds of insults at the Fire Lord as she realized that he had rigged the bet to work out in his favor.

You and Sokka sat silently as you watched everyone argue.

“Y’know what?” Sokka asked, putting his arm around you. “I can’t say I’m mad about what Zuko did.”

Looking up at Sokka, you smiled before pressing a kiss to his jaw. “Me neither.”

~ ahahahaa i hope this is good and i hope you like it and it turned out completely different than what i originally had planned and i hope the tags work this time.

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atlabeth · 3 years

Text

transferred part twelve - atla smau

masterlist | part eleven | part thirteen

this takes place about 2 weeks after the last chapter

summary: trying to run from your past is hard, but falling for your brother’s roommate is even harder. little do you know that he’s falling for you as well.

wc: 3.6k

a/n: i’ve been writing bits and pieces of this since the start of this series so. enjoy. that’s all im gonna say lmao

warning(s): cursing, mentions of familial death, mentions of abuse, some angst but also some fluff. this is kind of a heavy chapter because both zuko and y/n talk about their past, but there is fluff at the end.

~~~~~~~~

You pushed your hair out of your face and tried to blink the sleep out of your eyes, catching a glimpse of the time on the corner of your laptop.

3:23 AM.

You should’ve been asleep a long time ago, but all of your professors had decided to schedule tests in the same week so it was one of many, many late nights you had had lately. You thought that they would cool down because midterms were coming up, but BSSU professors kept proving you wrong. Late nights like these were becoming a regular occasion, and right now you just needed a break.

The tea dates with Zuko were the only things keeping you sane. But could you even call them dates?

It was the two of you, together, sitting and talking over tea for hours, and they were happening multiple times a week. In fact, you and him had gotten tea together exactly 9 times in the past two weeks — and that wasn’t even counting all the talking during your shared shifts.

Katara, Suki, and Toph told you that they were dates, you wanted them to be dates, but there was a part of you that was so incredibly scared that you were wrong — that moving past that bridge would ruin the friendship that you cherished so much with Zuko — that you kept things solely platonic. No matter how much you wanted to kiss him every time he gave you that smile.

But thinking about the complicated relationship you had found yourself entangled in with Zuko wasn’t a break, no matter how many times you had pondered over it before falling asleep in the wee hours of the night.

You closed your laptop and grabbed your jacket that had been carelessly tossed on a stool at the kitchen island, making sure to sneak out of the apartment as quietly as you could. You opted to work in the living room, choosing to camp out on the sofa whenever you had to stay up as late as this, just so you wouldn’t wake up Sokka. Your brother had no idea how much you did for him.

The cool breeze hitting your face and the shining stars in the sky were a welcome change of scenery from the lifelessness that was your apartment at night and your computer screen that you were sure was going to cause you eye issues later in life with how bright it was.

You took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling the crisp night air, and started to walk. You were sure you looked like a mess. You were wearing some flannel pajama pants, a BSSU tank top, tennis shoes, and Zuko’s jacket. He had never asked for it back after that night at the party, and when you had showed up to one of your hangouts wearing it, he told you that you could keep it — “it looks better on you anyways” — so you did.

There was something calming about the atmosphere. You knew that a lot of women were anxious about going out at night, especially alone, but that was why you had taken self defense classes. Being friends with Suki was a self defense class in its own, and it was very much appreciated. You allowed yourself to get lost in your thoughts, trying to give yourself the break that you deserved, when the hairs on the back of your neck stood up.

“You know, it’s not safe to be out alone at this hour.”

You let out a scream at the unexpected voice and whirled around, your fists already up to defend yourself. When you saw who it was, you laughed, completely shocked, and hit your hands against your legs, trying to calm your rapidly beating heart.

“Holy shit, Zuko, you can’t just sneak up on someone like that!” you wheezed. You had no doubt that he only had good intentions, but for a second you thought someone was going to try and kill you. You had to admit, the scare was worth it to see the mix of horror and embarrassment on Zuko’s face.

“I’m so sorry!” His hands were held up placatingly in front of him and he let out a nervous laugh as well, but it did nothing to cover up the wide eyes he stared at you with. “I am so sorry, I didn’t even think about that. I- I was just up studying too, and I heard you leaving so I thought you could use some company- I swear, I wasn’t trying to scare you or anything!”

You shook your head but couldn’t stop the smile on your lips, gesturing for him to come closer while you caught your breath. “It’s fine. Come on, walk with me.”

He fell into step beside you and the two of you walked in silence for a while, the only disruptions being the occasional car that drove by. It was eerily quiet, but with Zuko, it was nice.

“So-”

Both of you laughed when you each interrupted the other, and when you motioned for Zuko to go first he shook his head. You paused for a moment, the question on the tip of your tongue, before you decided to take the plunge.

“I’ve been wondering since I got here; how did you end up as friends with—” You gestured around with your hands. “—this whole crew? It’s kind of a weird combination of people, so I guess I just wanna know how you became a part of it.”

Zuko sighed and ran a hand through his hair, causing your eyes to widen a little bit as a stammered apology came out. “You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to-” He gave you a tight smile and shook his head.

“No, it’s fine. You should know about my life if— if we’re going to keep living together.” He knew the moment he met you, the moment he agreed to let you live with all of them, that he would have to explain his past to you. Hell, your siblings might have already told you some of it — he could only hope you’d still want to be his friend after he was done.

“”I.. I wasn’t the best person in the past. I was a horrible person actually, and I consider myself extremely lucky that I was given so many chances to change. I hurt people. Bullied people. Got into fights just because I could. I was just- horrible is the only way to describe it. But your siblings, Toph, Aang? They were all people that decided to give me one of those chances, and they’re a huge reason that I am who I am today.” Zuko spoke slowly, and you could tell that this was something he didn’t open up to many people about. You smiled softly at him and nodded, letting him know that he could go on.

“I don’t know how much you know about my father, but he’s the CEO of our family company. He’s been this huge presence in the business world for as long as I can remember, and he’s responsible for all the wealth and fame that our family has today. And when I was younger, I idolized him. I thought he was the greatest man in the world, that he could do no wrong, and I just followed him blindly. He was the most important person in my life, but.. I was nothing to him.”

“He didn’t care about his friends, or- or his family, he only cared about power. My mother left when I was young, we haven’t heard a word from her since, and- and I don’t even know if he cared. My father would do whatever it took to become as powerful as he could, and that meant—” Zuko’s voice was getting louder and he cleared his throat, trying to keep his cool. There was a certain hollowness behind his eyes, and it tore you to pieces. “That meant hurting anyone that went against him. Including his children.”

“I have a sister, Azula. She’s a prodigy in every sense of the word, and my father used it, used her. She was clearly his favorite, and it drove me insane. I mean, I did everything for his approval, but he only cared about Azula. We had a good relationship when we were younger, but my father molded her into the kind of person he wanted her to be, and— and I was jealous of her. He used that against us, purposefully staked the fire of our competition, one that I thought I could somehow win. But we had both already lost the second we started fighting against each other.”

“It took me a long time to realize that.. that he was abusing us. I mean, he gave me this scar all because I spoke out of turn, and— and I still thought that I could earn his favor, that he deserved to earn my favor! He threw me out of the house when I was thirteen, and I went to live with my uncle. It took an even longer time, but with his help, and the support of your siblings and their friends, I was able to break the cycle. I was horrible to them at first, all of them, and I hated my father for what he did, but it was probably the thing that saved me.” “And Azula.. leaving her will always be my biggest regret. My biggest mistake. I should’ve forced her to come with me when I was kicked out, I should’ve done something sooner, because maybe she wouldn’t have turned out the way she did.” He swallowed hard, his voice strained. “I came back for her once I was stable, and I helped her get out. I helped her get a therapist. It’s been a long process, but she’s getting better every day. But not a day goes by where I don’t think about what I could’ve done to help her more.”

You instinctively reached out for Zuko’s hand, and to your surprise, he took it without question. You gave his hand a small squeeze and led him over to a nearby bench — without realizing it, the two of you had entered a public park that was near the complex. When you sat down together, you moved so that one of your legs was crossed in front of you and the other was hanging down so you could face him.

“Zuko.. I am so, so sorry. I don’t think any amount of apologies will be able to get how I feel across, but.. you didn’t deserve to go through that. No one deserves to go through that.” You took both of his hands, thankful for the warmth they provided. “Listen to me. Are you listening to me?”

He gave a pained smile and nodded. “Yes, Y/N. I’m listening to you.”

“You are not who you were in middle school. You are not who you were in high school. Okay? Your father is a horrible man, and you wouldn’t have done any of those things if it wasn’t for him. What you did when you were younger wasn’t okay, but the fact that you have so much remorse for it today proves that you’re a good person. Zuko, you are a good person, one of the best men that I’ve ever met in my life, and I’ve only known you for a few months.”

You were subconsciously rubbing calming circles into the back of his hands — hands that were still holding yours — while you talked, but it was all Zuko could think about. “I know you feel guilty about leaving your sister, but you did what you had to do to get out. You came back for her, and you’ve helped her get better. She’s grateful for it, Zuko, I know that much.”

“Everyone else has forgiven you,” you murmured, staring deep into the fire he held in his eyes. “You deserve to forgive yourself.”

The silence that passed while you gazed into each other’s eyes felt like it lasted an eternity, when really it was only about a minute. Zuko was the first to break it, clearing his throat and looking everywhere but at you as his words tumbled out. “I’m sorry- I didn’t mean to dump all of this on you at once.”

“It’s okay, Zuko, really. I understand; sometimes you just need to talk to somebody. You don’t know how much it means to me that you trusted me with all of that. And.. if we’re still baring our souls to each other, then I guess I have some things that you should know as well.”

You bit the inside of your cheek; were you really about to tell Zuko about what happened? Most people knew that your mother was dead — killed in a drunk driving accident when you were ten — but you had never told anyone, not even your father or your siblings, about the full effect it had on you. But his eyes told you more than he ever could, and in that moment you knew it would be okay. You could trust him with something you had never trusted anyone else with.

“I’m sure you know that my mother died when I was young.” He nodded and you swallowed, trying to get rid of the sudden dryness in your throat. “It was.. hard. Really hard, on all of us. It was just so unexpected that we didn’t know what to do. We didn’t really have any money to spare, so my dad had to keep working, and I had to take care of Sokka and Katara. I was only eleven, but I basically had to take over the ‘mom’ role. Our grandmother came down to take care of us so we wouldn’t just be a bunch of kids living on our own, but even with her and Katara’s help, it was still hard. Sokka and Katara had to grow up much faster than they should’ve, even though I tried to shield them as much as I could.”

“It was.. a lot. I won’t lie to you, it was a lot. Maybe too much.” A mirthless laugh hung in the air and you had to blink back the tears threatening to spring. “My mother was.. amazing. She was the only one who truly got me, you know? She was just this— this beautiful spirit in the world, and she brought light wherever she went. And when she died, it left this.. huge, gaping hole in my heart, one that I’m still trying to fill. I- I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to fill it. I thought as I got older it would be easier, but i-it’s not. The three of us joke around by calling Katara mom because of how she is, and they sometimes do it to me, and I know that’s all they are, jokes, but some part of it still hurts.”

You were rambling now, spilling your soul to Zuko, going into the most mundane details that you had never told anyone. You had taken away the dam that had been holding back the waters of your emotions for so long, and now Zuko was going to drown in them. But you couldn’t stop.

“It’s the reason why I didn’t drive for so long. I didn’t want to, I was terrified of it because of what happened to my mother, but someone needed to be able to take Sokka and Katara around. And- and as I got older, and I started going to parties and people started drinking, I never did. I couldn’t, I was always the designated driver, because I couldn’t leave that in someone else’s hands. I had to be in control, because if I let someone go, then it was like I was killing my mother all over again, and it’s the reason why I always have to be the one driving—”

You paused to take a deep breath, and as you looked down at your hands, you realized they were shaking. Not just your hands, but your entire body. What the hell were you doing? You let out a tearful laugh, covering your mouth with one hand and shaking your head. “God, I am so sorry, I— I don’t know what got into me.”

Zuko’s eyes never left yours, his own glassy, and he shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize. Like you said, it helps to tell someone. A-and— I know how you feel, what it’s like feeling like you have to give up the world for your siblings. But you have to take care of yourself too. You’re not just what you can give to other people. You are your own person.”

He was thankful that you trusted him enough to tell you something like this about yourself, something that your own blood didn’t even know, but it also made him realize that you had always trusted him.

Your point about driving. You liked to be in control so that if something did go wrong, there wouldn’t be any thoughts of what you could’ve done. If something happened, it was because of you and only you. And on your first day of classes, and many trips since, you had let him drive. It was something so small, so insignificant to anyone, but to you it was a sign of trust.

You trusted him.

“You’re shivering.” Your voice snapped Zuko back to reality and he shrugged, the smallest smile playing on his lips.

“I wouldn’t be if someone had given me my jacket back,” he joked. You elbowed him in the chest and stood up, holding out your hand for him to take to help him up as well. Zuko took it and you ignored the butterflies that erupted, setting a steady pace as the two of you walked.

“We should get back to the apartment. It’s late, and you need to sleep,” you chided.

“You have bags the size of baseballs under your eyes. I think you need sleep just as much as I do.”

“I’m special,” you shot back with a grin.

Yeah, you are, Zuko thought.

The walk back to the apartment was shrouded in comfortable silence and intertwined hands, something that neither of you made any move to change.

~~~~~~~~

Soon enough you had gotten back to your rooms — such a small apartment meant that they were right next to each other — and as you turned on your heel to face him, a shy smile played on your lips. “Thank you. For, uh- coming after me. For listening to me.”

“Of course,” he nodded. The two of you stood in silence for a while, and then Zuko reached out his hand. Your breath caught in your throat as he brushed a loose strand of hair behind your ear, and the close proximity combined with the surprisingly intimate act caused your cheeks to heat up once more. It was like you were caught in a trance.

Your gaze flickered from his eyes to his lips for just a moment, and you could’ve sworn that he did the same. The air between the two of you was crackling with unseen electricity, and before you could question yourself you were leaning forward.

You felt him lean in as well as your eyes fluttered shut, and his lips ghosted over yours. Your eyes snapped open and you stared at him, your lips slightly parted in disbelief — he just kissed you. Zuko just kissed you. It was like time had stopped — and then it all came crashing down. His lips came back to yours with an intense fervor, cupping your face in his hands to get as close to you as possible.

It was bliss in the purest sense. You reciprocated immediately, tangling a hand in his dark hair, letting out a soft gasp as your back hit the wall. Despite how many times you had imagined this moment, nothing could compare to the real thing. It was passionate but gentle all the same, and the warmth that spread through your whole body was familiar — it was Zuko.

Your mind was a jumbled mess. It was split a million different ways; one part suddenly very worried about how your hair looked, one hoping that Sokka and Aang couldn’t hear you, another that didn’t care, but most of them were just screaming about how oh my god you were kissing Zuko.

You knew your whole face was flushed when you finally pulled away, and the warmth of his lips lingered as the two of you stared at each other, breathing slightly labored. You tentatively reached out your hand and softly, carefully traced your finger over a part of his scar. He flinched at the contact instinctively, but you felt him relax and even lean into your touch. It meant more than you could ever say, especially knowing what you knew now.

“You’re so beautiful,” you murmured, your touch impossibly soft against the cracked skin of his scar. “And you’re stronger than anyone knows. Than you know.”

You kissed him again, shorter and sweeter than the first but just as tender, trying to memorize the feeling of his lips against yours as he returned it. You smiled at him and pushed your door open behind you, equal parts nervous and exhilarated about what just happened. “Goodnight, Zuko,” you whispered, shining eyes never leaving his until you closed the door.

As soon as you were in your room you turned around and leaned against the door, smiling to yourself like an idiot. Your hand ghosted over your cheek, the spot where his hands had been, and you sighed dreamily. You had no idea how you were going to be able to finish studying.

This was definitely more than a small crush.

~~~~~~~~~~

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