#the moment of seeing the painting of sokka's mom? how did you manage to make it so telling character wise--so sweet so PAINful AND so | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jaceyneedsabetterusername · 4 years

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Stars and Stones

Pairings: Sokka x Reader

Summary: You were lucky enough to find a man you truly loved in what little was left of the Southern Water Tribe but not telling anyone about it leads to some problems when a marriage is arranged with someone else.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 4700

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“How many stars do you think are really up there?” You asked Sokka as the two of you lied side by side on a seal-skin blanket, staring up at the night sky. The stars always shone with brilliance when you were away from the lights of the village but something about tonight made them look even more dazzling than usual.

Sokka’s arm was bent so that his head was resting on his hand and you lied on his bicep, your body practically lying on his. You felt him shrug beneath you, “Probably millions.”

“They’re beautiful.” You commented, eyes locking on a particular cluster of stars that had a few specks of pink and blue in it.

“None of them are as beautiful as you.” He complimented.

You couldn’t help but laugh, “You’re so lame! That’s the oldest line in the book!”

Sokka sat up just enough to look down at you with an offended look, “I compliment you and you call me names? Not even a thank you!” He scoffed, his voice raising in pitch.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” You laughed, leaning in and trying to peck him on the lips, but he kept squirming away.

"No! No! It's fine, I see how it is." He teased while wiggling away from you, trying to sound serious but his voice raised a few octaves, like it always did when he was joking around.

Finally, you ended up having to nearly roll on top of him and hold his head between both of your hands. He quit struggling when you squished his tan cheeks together and exhaled exasperatedly through his nose while cooking an eyebrow. You giggled and finally claimed that kiss he'd been jokingly avoiding, “Thank you.”

Sokka’s eyes stayed closed for just a short moment after you pulled apart, savoring the moment, before you settled back into your old spots. This time, you snuggled a little closer into the thick, soft coat covering his chest and using it to warm the exposed skin on your face. Even in the spring, it was never warm enough to be truly comfortable in the South Pole.

The two of you lied like that for a while, just taking in each other’s presence, feeling each other's chests rise and fall with each breath. If you hadn't both been wearing your thick coats, you probably could have heard his heartbeat.

What you and Sokka had was strange but perfect. Your parents had been close personal friends with Chief Hakoda and his wife so when you and Sokka were born around the same time, your mothers pretty much had it decided that you’d be friends. Much to their excitement, you and Sokka became closer than they ever could have imagined. You weren't just friends, you were best friends, soul mates. At first you both insisted that it was a platonic soulmate situation, that you were meant to love and support each other in everything from a friend-like position. But that all changed a few months ago when you and Sokka went fishing.

Katara would usually go with him but she'd gotten sick and their grandmother didn't want him going alone so you joined. While you were out, though, a storm had surged in without warning and the swells toppled Sokka out of the boat and into the freezing waters. You jumped in and saved his life, setting up camp in an ice cave you stumbled upon before managing to drag a very weak and sick Sokka into it. You were a waterbender but knew close to nothing about how to harness your powers. All you were able to do was pull the water off of his body and out of his clothes but it didn’t stop the damage that had already been done.

The next day, you managed to get him back to the village where the healer had fixed him up. After that night though, everything had changed between the two of you. A thickness hung in the air between you two that had never been there before, one that you initially attributed to a sudden feeling of gratitude and protectiveness but it wasn’t long before you both realized it was so much more than that.Your jokes teasing each other about how ugly the other one was became less and less frequent. Your little friendly side hugs turned into full fledged embraces. Some compliments were even exchanged occasionally. And then, finally, one day, you kissed and everything changed. Things were unofficial but neither of you ever felt like it needed to be. Your relationship was never necessarily a secret but you also weren't those most affectionate couple in public so most people in the village didn't notice a big change. Nobody really knew that the two of you were together but neither you nor Sokka cared much because you two knew and that was enough.

Sokka was grateful for the thick fur covering both your chests so that you couldn't hear his heart thudding out of control right now. He shifted a little, grabbing something in his pocket, "Hey, Y/N?" He began, but just as soon as he started, his confidence completely fell.

"Mhm?" You hummed, turning to look at him.

You were so beautiful it almost hurt him. Sokka’s chest tightened every time he got to look into your eyes like this and truly appreciate just how stunning you were. And just like that, he let go of the small object and dropped it back in his pocket. "I - uh - I just wanted to say that I think you're perfect."

Your cheeks flushed bright pink and you giggled adorably, "I think you're perfect, Sokka." You kissed him one more time, this time on the cheek.

"We should probably head back." You said, reluctantly pushing yourself off Sokka.

His arms shot out to pull you back in, "No," he whined, "Not yet!"

You allowed him to pull you down and you crashed back onto his body, your arms wrapping around his torso, "My mom said that she wanted to talk tonight. She said that there was something important." You said important like it was something spooky and ominous.

Sokka’s eyebrows furrowed, "What is it?"

You shrugged your shoulders, finally standing up, "No idea. She just said we needed to talk."

You reached down to help pull Sokka to his feet. He dusted the powdered snow off his pants, "That doesn't sound terrifying at all." He noted sarcastically. His face dropped into something a little more serious, "Did it… did it sound like something may have happened to our dads?" He asked nervously.

Your dad had gone off to fight with Hakoda and the other men in the tribe three years ago and nobody had heard from them in a long time. It was hard to keep your mind from wandering to the worst case scenarios but you shook your head, "I don't think so. My mom's voice didn't have that kind of tone. But I guess we'll find out…" Now that the thought was in your head, you found it difficult to shake and it was all you could think about for the short walk back to the village.

Tents were scattered around the familiar tribal village. The woman who lived beside you was out front, smoking fish over the fire to preserve for the next storm that was sure to hit any day now.

Your tent looked like every other, it felt like, save for the markings painted in black onto the flap that covered the opening that your mother had painted on, some of the old symbols that her grandmother had shown her from back when the Southern Water Tribe was a thriving nation, back before it had been brought to the brink of extinction by the Fire Nation. You too, always thought they were beautiful and you could only hope to see the war end in your lifetime so you could help rebuild your tribe.

“Let’s see what’s going on.” You muttered out loud, though mostly to yourself, as you swept aside the painted hide. Sokka followed you into your fairly spacious tent to see your mother with a man you didn’t know and a boy around your age.

It appeared as if your mother and the unknown man had been in conversation because they stepped away from each other ever so slightly when you and Sokka entered. You looked strangely at the new man and the boy who looked very similar to him. Both appeared to be water tribe but they were nobody that you had ever seen in the South (and you knew almost everyone in the small group that existed now). “Y/N, I’m glad you’re here,” Your mother began before glancing behind you, watching as Sokka came to enter as well, “Oh, and Sokka.” She added, her voice falling slightly, as if his presence was somehow a nuisance, which was something that had never been an issue before. Your mother usually loved him.

“You wanted to talk?” You asked, wondering who these men were and why the hell they were in your home.

Your mom took a deep breath in and wrung her mitten covered hands together, “Well, um, maybe it’s best if Sokka stepped outside.” She nodded to the door, trying as politely as possible to encourage Sokka to leave.

“Why would Sokka need to leave?” Nerves began to rise as your brows furrowed. You didn’t know where this was going but you didn’t have a great feeling about it.

She swallowed hard, nodding in acceptance and resigning to the fact that Sokka would stay, “This is Hato and his father Tekah. They’re both from the Northern Water Tribe.”

“The Northern Water Tribe?” You asked in surprise. You’d never met anyone from… well anywhere other than the Southern Water Tribe, other than the Fire Nation soldiers that raided your village years ago, but you hardly counted that as ‘meeting’ anyone.

Tekah leaned forward ever so slightly in a small bow which his son mirrored, “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Y/N.”

“Finally?” You cocked an eyebrow, shooting a glance to your mother.

She sighed and looked at the ground before clasping her hands together nervously, “Your father has been gone for over three years now, Y/N. You’re getting older and the world is getting more and more dangerous. I need to make sure that you’re safe. So Tekah and I have been speaking for some months and we’ve arranged for you to marry his son, Hato.”

You nearly choked on air. “What?!” You and Sokka exclaimed simultaneously.

You were in utter shock and disbelief that your mother could do this, “You arranged my marriage without telling me?! How could you do this?”

The look in your mother’s eyes was pleading but stern, “Y/N, I know I probably should have told you sooner-”

“Pfft, yeah!” You scoffed, interrupting her.

“But…” She paused, her eyes scolding you for your intrusion, “This is for your safety and security. Your father told me to protect you at all costs when he left and this is what it takes. Hato is a very pleasant young man and I think you will really grow to love him. I know I did the same with your father! But I think you and Hato would get along very well. He’s a waterbender too!”

You looked at the Northern Water Tribe boy, who stood there silently. His tanned cheeks were flushed red with awkwardness and embarrassment but his face remained relatively neutral. His blue eyes were piercing and his bone structure was sharp. His dark hair hung down, about jawline level, accentuating his sharp features. Despite his angular features, he still looked very kind. He really was an attractive young man and, under different circumstances, you could have possibly considered the possibility of dating him. But these weren’t different circumstances.

You looked to Hato, “Look, Hato, you are a very attractive guy and you seem very nice so please take no offense to this but I will not be marrying him!” You told your mother firmly, keeping your voice calm but final, “I appreciate the protection effort but I am a waterbender and more than capable of protecting myself.”

“I heard that you are a waterbender, only one of two that still exist down here. There are many waterbenders in the North and you can be trained to be a healer with the rest of the women.” Tekah tried to make this sound like a perk but all you could hear was with the rest of the women.

An undignified tcha left your mouth, “I don’t want to be told by some guy how I’m allowed to use my powers! I want to fight!”

Your mother looked unamused by your insolence and raised her chin, looking down on you, “Y/N! This is non-negotiable. Tekah is a very highly regarded member of politics in the Northern Tribe and Hato is one of their strongest warriors. Not only will you live in a safer place, but you will live a life where you will want for nothing!”

“Nothing except free-will!” You yelled, gesturing to the Water Tribe boy, “You talk about safety and security and wanting for nothing but what I want is a choice! I don’t even know this boy!”

“But you will get to know him. And you will grow to love each other.” Your mother insisted. She looked up to Tekah with an apologetic look. When you glanced at the older man, you were surprised to see that he didn’t actually look angry at you. If anything, he almost looked as if he understood. Perhaps he was forced into an arranged marriage that he didn’t want to be in himself, you pondered.

Tekah gestured kindly while he chimed in, “I understand your reservations, Y/N. But please be assured that Hato is a wonderful young man who can provide for you. You can come live in the Northern Water Tribe in a thriving community and live happily with my son. You can always come back and visit whenever.”

You felt cornered and attacked. What were you supposed to say? If you said yes and agreed to marry Hato, you’d be forever miserable, leaving behind Sokka, the only man you’d ever really loved and forced to move to the opposite side of the planet. If you said no, though, then you’d be directly disobeying your mother as well as disrespecting Hato and Tekah. But this wasn’t as simple as refusing to do the dishes or laundry. Refusing this marriage had serious implications on the honor of yourself and your family.

“Just because you had an arranged marriage doesn’t mean that I have to, mother!” You insisted, your voice raising with anger.

Your mother looked furious with you now, “You are embarrassing yourself and your family. We all have to make sacrifices for the better good.”

“The better good of what?” You scoffed, “Did you get a good deal for me or something? Am I worth a lot of goats?�� When your mother didn’t respond, you looked over to Hato, “What about you? You’ve been awful quiet. What do you think about all of this?”

The boy looked shocked that you asked what he thought about the arrangement, “I, um, I am honored that your mother has chosen to trust me with her daughter.” Hints of obligatory respect and neutrality were all over his tone and you could sense it.

“But do you want to marry me?” You pushed, needing an honest answer because you were pretty damn sure that it was no.

“Our parents have arranged this marriage-” He stammered, trying to formulate a response that would please everyone but you didn’t give him a chance to finish.

“Do you want to marry me?” You asked a little harder this time.

His eyes were wide from your onslaught of honesty and his jaw twitched as he tried to formulate words but failed repeatedly. Hato glanced up at his father, who returned the gesture with a non scrutinizing gaze. “I would love to get to know you better.”

Hato finally landed on a response that he felt was honest enough while still pleasing your parents. You sighed out, “See? He doesn’t want to marry me either. Why would anyone want to marry someone they don’t know?”

“Because they understand that survival is better than individual wants.” Your mother sounded exhausted with this argument, “Why is this even such a big deal to you? You’ve never shown interest in a potential husband here.”

You peered over your shoulder to see Sokka standing behind you. His blue eyes were wide with shock and fear that he was about to lose you. Sokka couldn’t believe this was happening. Neither of you ever thought that not announcing your relationship would have any real repercussions until right now but neither of your parents seemed like the arranged marriage type. While they did happen in Water Tribes, not all marriages were arranged and many people got to choose who they loved.

In your desperate silence, Tekah whispered to his son, “Why don’t you give it to her.”

Hato dug in his pocket and pulled out a small necklace. A round blue charmed that was hand carved with intricate designs was looped into a blue cord. Your eyes widened when he extended it to you, knowing exactly what it was. “I made this for you.” Hato announced with a small proud smile at his work.

You took the necklace and inspected the beautiful carving he’d done, “This is beautiful. And you are very talented but-”

“But she can’t marry you!” Sokka interjected suddenly.

Everyone in your tent looked to him, almost all of you having forgotten he was even there. “Sokka! This is none of your concern!” Your mother scolded him, completely shocked that he would have made such an outburst. Sure, he was usually goofy and talkative but his parents raised him to know when he should and shouldn’t speak.

“Actually, it is…” He admitted quietly. He shot a quick look at you, your eyes meeting in a moment of stillness before he stood up straighter and stronger, appearing to try assert himself as having some form of authority. “I want to marry her.”

Your eyes widened with shock. That was something that hadn’t really been discussed between the two of you. Of course, you never wanted to break up with him and you were both getting to the age where marriage was inevitable. You wanted to spend the rest of your life with him but nobody had ever actually officially brought up the idea of marriage.

“What?” You, your mother, Tekah, and Hato all exclaimed at the exact same time.

“What is this, Y/M/N?” Tekah asked, his first hint at actually being irritated during this exchange.

Your mother’s eyes narrowed at you and Sokka, “I don’t know but someone better explain quickly.”

Sokka took an audibly deep breath behind you before stepping up to stand directly beside you. You looked down and watched as his hand weaved itself into yours. When you turned back up to look at your mother, her eyes were still upset but her mouth was opened slightly in surprise. “We’ve been friends our whole lives but we’ve been more than that for a while now and I love her!”

This wasn’t the first time you guys had told each other you loved each other but you'd never felt more power or sincerity behind the words. These weren't just words he said to you but this was an act of defiance against elders for you, an out-in-the-open declaration of love and a promise to spend forever with you.

"You guys are together?" Your mother asked, more shocked than angry this time.

You held onto Sokka's arm and nodded, "Yes. And I love him too, Mom." You shifted attention over to Hato and his father and gave them a sincere look of apology, "I am so sorry that you came all the way down here but I won't marry you. I can't."

Realizing the beautiful engagement necklace Hato had carved for you was still in your grasp, you left Sokka’s side to press it into Hato's palms, "This is beautiful but it's not for me. Find the girl it's meant for."

Hato's eyes moved from where your palms were clasped together and, if he was being honest, there was no spark at your touch. His father had told him that you were beautiful (according to your mother's letters at least), and they were far from wrong, but he couldn't deny that he had no actual desire to marry you either, especially not after seeing that you and Sokka were in love. "I am not one to go back on my word. If you wish to be married, then we will be. But I'd rather have taken a wasted trip across the globe than live knowing that I'm responsible for the unhappiness of two people who were meant to be together. " He announced to the group of you, pocketing the necklace.

“Thank you.” You whispered, nearly tearing up at the overwhelming gratefulness for this man. You stayed standing there before your mother and Tekah, gaze cast downward but leaving yourself to their mercy, though you had no intention of backing down from your decision.

Hato turned to his father, “Please, father, let’s just return home. Please don’t make her do this.”

Tekah straightened up, his lips in a tight line. His face was straight but strong and definitely not looking too happy anymore while he glared down at you and then to Sokka and finally to his son. Finally, he sighed, “I am proud of you son. You’ve chosen to put the wellbeing of others ahead of your own and, while I don’t appreciate the wasted trip, I do appreciate your empathy. And I too understand the pain of having to marry someone that’s not the one you love.” He confessed sadly. Hato looked slightly surprised at the confession but stayed silent.

Tekah looked over at your mother and bowed slightly, “The arrangement is off. Thank you very much for being willing to trust my son with your daughter, regardless.”

Your mother’s face finally softened, seeing that neither Tekah nor Hato were angry. “I offer my deepest apologies for this entire incident,” She began low and seriously before the frown lines on her face gently softened, “But the last thing I want is for my daughter to be unhappy. Had I known about this relationship,” She gestured between you and Sokka, “I would never have propositioned this arrangement.”

“I understand. We wish the best for you.” Tekah nodded a cordial farewell before gesturing for his son to follow him out of your tent.

Before they could totally leave, Sokka nudged Hato’s arm. The Northern boy stopped and looked over before Sokka gave him a small grateful smile, “Thank you, man.”

Hato cracked a crooked smile, “I can tell you really love her. Treat her well. My best wishes for you both.” He patted Sokka on the shoulder in that endearing boyish way and then shot you a brief smile as well before exiting the tent behind his father, leaving you and Sokka with your mother.

It was quiet for a mildly uncomfortable moment as everyone took in the events of the past twenty minutes. You breathed in heavily, realizing that you had pretty much just agreed to marry Sokka.

“Y’know, I actually had something to give you.” Sokka reached into his pocket, breaking the momentary silence, “I had this whole thing planned out where I meant to give it to you under the stars earlier and it was going to be all romantic but then, I don’t know, I guess I just got nervous. But I want to give it to you now.”

His hand slowly opened to reveal a little carved stone around a cord, much like the one Hato had just presented to you. Only, this time, the symbol was totally unique. On a thin light blue stone, there were three curved “lines” extending from the center in a partial spiral, almost like three little octopus tentacles. Instead of there being lines, though, there were three small carved out circles that decreased in size as they went further out. A single purple crystalline bead of amethyst was placed on either side of the main stone and then a slightly smaller clear gemstone that you guessed to be some sort of quartz sat on the outer sides of the amethyst.

Gingerly taking the necklace from Sokka’s hand and holding it in your own. You almost couldn’t breathe. Your mouth was open in utter admiration at the beautiful object that had been created for you. Even with all the little imperfections, like how the amethyst and quartz beads weren’t totally smooth, it was absolutely the most perfect gift anyone had ever given you.

Sokka’s hand reached behind his head to scratch nervously as he watched you stare at the betrothal necklace, “I know it’s not totally perfect but this was the best one that I made. And believe me, I made, like, a ton of these that all failed and-

“It’s perfect, Sokka.” You interrupted, nearly choking back tears. “Are-are you sure you want to do this?”

Sokka shrugged, “Well, I did just crash your arranged marriage and spend a month making probably about 30 failed stone carvings, which are pretty hard by the way, so, yeah, looks like you’re stuck with me.” He said with a sarcastic air of flippance. He suddenly looked nervous but hopeful, his hands rubbing together in front of him, “Do you accept?”

You nodded with a large grin, “I do!” You threw your arms around him, clenching the necklace securely in your hand as you held him tight. Sokka’s arms wrapped around your waist and he held you like he was about to lose you, lifting you off the ground. You leaned down and kissed him deeply but stopped when your mother cleared her throat. Sokka set you back down and you both turned to your mom, who stood there, finally looking almost happy for the first time tonight.

She stepped towards the two of you, “Sokka, you are a wonderful young man. While I wish you two had been open about your relationship so we could have avoided this whole situation, I am honestly glad that of all the people that could be marrying my daughter, it’s you.”

Pride and honor welled up in Sokka’s chest. Even though he was the chief’s son, he’d never felt like anyone had taken him seriously for anything. But this, right now, having your mom tell him that she trusted him with you, the most important thing in either of their lives, was the greatest honor he could think of.

You couldn’t wipe the smile off your face. You were actually going to marry Sokka! “Oh! Do you mind?” You held up the necklace to Sokka.

“Of course!” He took it and clasped the necklace around your neck. You turned and adjusted the pendant so it was lying flat against your clavicle.

“How does it look?” You asked, doing an adorably little shoulder shimmy to show off the jewelry.

Sokka wanted to chuckle at your cuteness but found himself unable to, too swept up in the beauty that was you, but even more so now with that necklace around your neck, “Like it was meant to be.” He smiled genuinely.

“I can’t wait to show it off to the tribe tomorrow!” You held the pendant gently and did a little happy dance, your voice almost a squeal. When you stopped, you leaned your body against Sokka’s and caressed his face gently with your hand, “But I can’t wait to marry you more.”

Sokka picked you up and nearly threw you over his shoulder, “I don’t want to wait until tomorrow.”

You laughed and squealed as he ran out of the tent towards the center of the camp, where a few people were still milling around before going to bed, yelling, “I want to tell everyone now! Hey guys! She said yes! We’re getting married!”

#sokka #sokka x reader #sokka x you #sokka x y/n #sokka imagine #sokka fanfic #sokka blurb #Avatar The Last Airbender #atla #sokka drabble #atla fics #stars and stones

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sad3girl · 4 years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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meterokinesis · 3 years

Text

How It Feels to Have a Heartbeat

Read it on AO3!

Part of the ATLA Big Bang 2020! I’ll be rbing art for this fic as well.

Summary: From the time he was a child, Sokka has seen ghosts. After years of dejection, he's learned to keep his observations to himself. This works fine until their mother is killed at the hands of a Fire Nation soldier and Sokka begins to see Kya everywhere, always lingering next to Katara. After being thrust into the Avatar's mission, Sokka must grapple with his abilities on a large scale.

(Or, five times Sokka saw ghosts and one time he didn't.)

Sokka was three years old the first time he saw a ghost.

His grandfather, his father’s father that is, had died a few weeks before. Sokka’s parents had explained that he was now in the Spirit World, where he would watch over them. That didn’t explain why Ataatattiaq lingered by their doorway the day after he was buried, but Sokka noticed how he followed Dad around during his first few days as chief, and how he smiled at Hakoda’s good work. Two weeks later Attatattiaq was gone, but Sokka still felt him in the way Dad smiled and performed his duties as chief. He felt his grandfather in the pride Hakota had for his children too.

________________

The ghosts didn’t stop after that.

Sokka became used to seeing them, and by the time he was ten it wasn’t unusual to occasionally see the spirits of the recently passed spending a few extra days with their loved ones before they moved on to the Spirit World. He’d even worked out general rules for how they acted:

1) They can’t wander around however they want. They have to be attached to someone or something—like a loved one or their most prized possession. 2) They can’t speak. Or at least, they can’t speak to Sokka. 3) They can touch things, but the physical world won’t feel it. 4) They’ll stay as long as they need to, and no longer.

Sokka never told anyone about the ghosts because he didn’t need to. Gram Gram handled all the spiritual goings-on in the Southern Water Tribe, and she always told him to stop making up stories. So he did. It was more fun to have a secret, anyway.

________________

Everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked.

Well, to be more precise, everything changed when the Fire Nation killed his mom.

He remembered the grey, sooty snow that littered the pristine white hills of the South Pole. He remembered how Katara cried when she told him and Dad. He remembered running home, only to be kept outside to take care of Katara while his father tended to their mother. He remembered Hakoda telling them that Kya was gone. Not dead, gone. And he remembered the chill in the air as they buried her, the only casualty. And he remembered seeing her again.

The night Sokka buried his mother, he tossed and turned. The polar leopard pelt he slept on was made of needles, irritating him with every movement. Too exhausted to sleep, he opened his eyes to a faint blue glow emanating from the corner of the room.

Sokka moved his head just slightly, the figure quickly coming into sight. There was Kya, hand sweeping over Katara’s hair the way she used to when they were toddlers and refused to go to sleep. She looked at his sister with this mixture of indescribable warmth and love and sacrifice, the kind Gram Gram would tell stories about on the coldest nights of the year. Kya didn’t look up, though Sokka stayed awake until dawn began to break. The entire night he watched her while she watched Katara, their own quiet vigil.

Kya wasn’t there every day, but Sokka got used to her presence. She watched as Katara learned to sew, her face never losing its eternal pride—even when Katara dropped a stitch. She smiled as Katara progressed in her waterbending. She held her daughter when Hakoda left for the war. Sokka swore he even saw her cry the first time Katara healed someone.

She never looked at Sokka, but that was okay. Katara needed it more.

________________

When Sokka and Katara found Aang, she kept her distance. Instead of staying a few feet away from Katara, she now hovered on the edges of Sokka’s vision, a barely-visible gleam of blue. That should have been the first clue that something was wrong with Aang, an early hint to exile him before he got them all killed.

Sokka should have known that danger follows the Avatar wherever he goes.

Kya flickered in front of Sokka, her edges fuzzy in a way he’d never seen them before. Katara was nowhere to be seen.

Sokka pushed himself to a standing position, trying to approach his mother. In five years, this was the first time she’d ever reached out for him, the first time she’d looked away from Katara. Kya pointed, and in the distance Sokka saw the outline of the abandoned Fire Nation battleship.

He was running before the flare even fired.

When Katara and Aang came back, he had already made up his mind. Get the Air Nomad out of his tribe, make sure Katara was okay, and prepare for war. As he banished Aang, he saw Kya run her hand over Katara’s hair just like always. She didn’t glance his way.

When the Fire Nation attacked for the second time, Sokka was sure of one thing: he would defend his tribe or die trying. His war paint was smooth and wet on his face, a feeling he by now knew all too well, but he refused to let it show. Fifteen was probably too young to die, but it was worth it for Katara. He would protect her, just like he always had.

He understood Kya. Though he and Katara fought on an almost daily basis, he couldn’t imagine letting someone hurt her. At least, not while he was alive.

________________

As Sokka clung to Aang—the Avatar’s—giant sky bison, he tried to hold his head high. He had done it, or at least part of it. Katara was safe, the village was safe, and now Katara could become a waterbending master—just as Mom had wanted it. He tried to ignore how Kya sat in the corner of Appa’s saddle, the deepest sadness he’d ever seen in her blue eyes. He’d done the best he could.

Maybe one day he’d be able to explain it to her.

________________

The Southern Air Temple was a graveyard.

This wasn’t a surprise, of course. No one had seen Airbenders in a century, and any who had managed to survive the Fire Nation’s attacks were clever enough to know that living at an Air Temple was a death wish. But Aang still believed, so Sokka said nothing.

As Appa set down at the temple, all Sokka could see were ghosts. Old men, young boys, those with arrows and those without. They milled about, playing games and pulling pranks. One, an arrowless boy who looked about Katara’s age, played hide and seek with a group of younger kids. They were all so young.

Sokka watched the game unfold, and after about ten minutes a pattern seemed to emerge. The boys would play for a few minutes, then reset. They always went to the same hiding spots, and the same kids were always found. These children—ghosts, they were ghosts—were trapped in an endless loop of playtime. An eternity of childhood. Sokka couldn’t remember what that felt like.

He watched in silence for another few moments, wondering what it was like to grow up playing for fun and not for war. Sokka had known since the day he was born that one day he’d be a warrior. It was inevitable, a fact of the universe. The sky was blue, polar orcas ate turtle seals, and Sokka was made for battle. It was nice, in a way, knowing what your path was from birth. Then the Avatar had to screw it all up.

The day went on. Aang and Sokka played airball. Sokka got thrown into a wall. He and Katara argued over whether to tell Aang about the Fire Nation helmet. Sokka got buried in snow. The usual.

Sokka shook the snow off him for the fourth time that week and followed Aang and Katara toward the temple. The ghosts were denser here, and older as well. Where the younger boys had no arrows, these ghosts did. They were dressed in monk clothes as well, and many sported beards. They milled around, a few pulling off to the side to speak in small groups. Sokka did his best to avoid them, but as they got closer to the sanctuary, it was impossible. A few spirits passed through Sokka, and though he didn’t feel anything, he shivered.

Aang opened the sanctuary, and the crush of spirits was gone. There was nothing, except for Aang and the soft glow he gave off. This was almost worse than the overwhelming crowd, sort of like the second after coming inside while a snowstorm rages. After feeling everything, it was disorienting to feel nothing at all. Sokka lingered near the door, half in the quiet and half out of it. A foot in both worlds, just like him.

When Aang finished talking with his past lives, Sokka was the first one outside. Aang gave off an uncomfortable sort of glow, as if his spirit multiplied and divided itself when the occasion arose. He waxed and waned like the moon, and Sokka didn’t know what to do with that. Aang didn’t fit into the rules, didn’t fit into his plan. He liked the kid, sure, but something about him felt wrong.

His stomach clawed at itself, and for the third time that day Sokka remembered how little he’d had to eat. Unlike Aang, not everyone could live on plants alone.

WHRRRRRR.

Sokka glanced at Aang for confirmation, but deep down he knew. The Fire Nation had tracked them, and they had the disadvantage. He reached back and his fingers closed on his club, ready to attack. He’d join these spirits of people long-dead, wandering through cold empty halls.

Instead, an animal hopped out.

“How about we eat it?” Sokka blurted out, his stomach rumbling in agreement. Aang glared at him, then picked across the temple, following the rodent—was it a rodent? Or maybe a monkey?—down a stone path. Maybe they could eat it later.

The lemur—he had decided it was a lemur—was constantly just out of reach, and quick, light-footed Aang reached the destination first.

“Hey, did you find th-” Sokka started as the structure came into view, but cut himself off.

By the time Sokka stepped into the tent, Aang was on the floor, a spirit gently rubbing circles on his back. A spirit that looked a lot like the statue near the entrance.

“Hey buddy,” Sokka said, voice hushed, “I was kidding about eating the lemur.” Aang didn’t respond, and only then did the various masses cluttered near the walls begin to take shape. Specifically, they were pieces of Fire Nation armor. Broadly, they were tokens of death. He reached out to touch Aang, maybe to comfort him the way he used to comfort Katara.

Instead, Aang began to rise, his eyes and tattoos a blinding white. Sokka gasped and reeled backward, the cold packed dirt leaving scuffs on his palms. The wind picked up, whipping Sokka around like a rag doll. Aang was both living and not, a ghost in a human’s body and a person with a spirit’s abilities. He was hard to look at, and even harder to breathe around. For a twelve year old, his soul felt centuries old. Maybe it was the Avatar thing, but part of it just felt like Aang.

Sokka clung to the stone tiles of the temple, scrabbling for a secure hold. If he really wanted to, Aang could throw him off the mountain without a second thought. But he wouldn’t… right?

Katara materialized in the corner of Sokka’s vision, her arm thrown over her face as a shield against the wind. She screamed something inaudible to him, but when he opened his mouth to respond it was as if the breath was stolen from his lungs.

Everything went black at the edges as Sokka tried to regain oxygen, sputtering and coughing as he gripped the stone tiles.

Katara pulled at the back of his shirt, using him as a tether. In his ear, she screamed, “What’s happening?”

“He found out Gyatso died,” Sokka yelled back, pushing himself up on wobbly legs. Blindly, he fumbled for Katara’s hand, the way that Southern Water Tribe kids had been taught to do in times of danger. When things were rough, grab a buddy. Sokka was lucky enough to have a built-in one.

“Aang!” Katara began, shouting over the howl of the wind. “This isn’t you!”

Aang glowed in response, but did not speak.

“I know how you must feel. I lost my mother to the Fire Nation. But just because you lose a part of your family doesn’t mean you lose all of it! Sokka and you and I are our own family now. But you have to calm down, it’s not safe!”

Sokka bit back a retort about how both of them lost a mother, instead holding Katara up as the wind tore at her hair.

The glow dimmed as Aang sank back to the ground and the windstorm quieted. After a minute or two, it was just the three of them. Katara stumbled toward Aang to wrap him in a hug, and Sokka followed a second later. He hesitated on the edge of the group before deciding to clap Aang on the shoulder the way he’d seen the men in his village do.

“Aang?” Sokka croaked, his voice still raw. “Just because they’re gone doesn’t mean they aren’t still with us. They’re looking down at us, somewhere. Gyatso is probably so proud of you.”

Aang nodded silently, then forced himself to his feet. Katara followed close behind, ready to catch him if he should fall. Sokka lingered for a second, and he was rewarded with the blue spectre of Monk Gyatso blinking into reality beside him.

Gyatso gazed after Aang and Katara in silence, a soft smile on his face. Then, he turned to Sokka and gave a shallow bow, which Sokka quickly returned. Gyatso winked, and then he was gone, the only trace of him a light breeze ruffling Sokka’s hair.

Sokka grinned to himself, then sprinted after the others.

“Hey, so are we going to get something to eat or what?”

________________

Something about Yue was special.

It wasn’t just that she was pretty, because Suki had been pretty too.Yue was ethereal, the kind of girl people wrote poems about. Something about her drew him in, but he couldn’t name what. Yue seemed to contain multitudes, an ocean so deep that Sokka would never reach the bottom. But he was fine with drowning while he tried.

Yue seemed most at home under the moonlight. It made her brighter somehow, like she shined from the inside out. Sokka had never known someone like that, as far as he knew, but she seemed familiar.

The Northern Water Tribe wasn’t anything close to what Sokka had expected. Katara fumed whenever she came home from healing lessons, and Kya glared at Pakku when he came close, as if he had somehow slighted her. Maybe he had—Sokka didn’t pretend to know anything about ghost rivalries.

Speaking of rivalries, he hated how the boys in the village looked at Yue, like she was a piece of seal jerky or something. He heard Hahn talking about the power he’d have once they were married, about how pretty she was. Those things were true, of course, but she was so much more than that. She was funny, and kind, and smarter than anyone gave her credit for. It took everything in him not to tell her so each time he saw her.

Quick jokes turned to conversations turned to secret meetings. On nights when the village was silent and the moon was bright, the pair sat under the stars and talked about everything they could think of. Yue, while isolated, had been taught by the finest tutors. She was a master of philosophy and storytelling, and once confessed to Sokka that if she wasn’t a princess—if she wasn’t bound by duty to be nothing more than a pretty doll made of snow and glass—that she would have liked to see the world, to perhaps go to the mythic spirit library. In return, Sokka shared his adventures, recounting battles and run-ins with the Fire Nation. Most of all, he told her about home.

On one such night, he finally confessed, something he had never done before.

“I have something to tell you, but you have to keep it a secret,” he blurted out in the middle of a discussion about snow rat legends.

Yue leveled him a look, her gaze probably kinder than he deserved.

“Who will I tell? My mother? Hahn? The moon?” It was a jest, but she was earnest. Her gloved hand crept over top of his, holding it in place. “Your secrets are safe with me.”

Sokka nodded, swallowing hard. “This is going to sound strange, maybe even like I’m lying, but I’m not. This is the truth, I swear on my Gram Gram’s grave. Well, she’s not dead yet but you get the point…” he rambled.

“I see ghosts. Or spirits, I guess you could call them? Either way, I see them. A lot. Like my mom. And my grandfather, for a little while. And all the Airbenders. They don’t talk or anything, but they’re there. And I know it doesn’t make sense because y’know, science, but I’m not crazy an-”

“Sokka.” She cut him off, leaning in. “I believe you.”

He blinked back, startled. Then he blinked again.

“You do?”

“I do.” She relaxed back against the hard-packed snow wall of the building behind them. “There are much stranger things in this world than a boy who sees spirits. Maybe that’s how you found Avatar Aang—your spiritual connection.”

This was not how he had expected this conversation to go by any means. Screaming or horror he had prepared for, but not Yue’s easy fascination.

She was still talking, but he hadn’t caught most of it.

“I’m sorry, what?” He asked meekly, trying to feign a smile.

“Tell me about them!” She responded, her face bright. “I want to hear all about the spirits you’ve seen.”

“Ah.” Suddenly his mouth was drier than the desert, like he had just drunk seawater. “Well, the first one was my granddad. He disappeared after a few weeks, after my dad took over as chief. Then there were a few more, like people who went out for hunts and didn’t come back. I’d see them wandering through the village and realize that they’d died out there. Those ones were particularly sad, because I didn’t really understand death yet. I was a little kid, y’know? It took a few times before I started to recognize who was a homecoming warrior and who was just a ghost.” Yue nodded sagely, patting his hand comfortingly.

“Then my mom was killed when I was ten. Katara took it pretty hard, she was the one to find her. Mom hangs around more often than not, keeping an eye on her. She doesn’t really interact with me, just Katara. I think that’s fine. We can both protect her.” He peeled his gaze from their intertwined fingers up towards Yue’s face. The way she looked at him made his heart ache. Her other hand came up to cup his face, and in this barren, frigid place she was so incredibly warm.

He leaned forward, expecting a kiss, but she remained where she was.

“You are spectacular, Sokka. I cannot wait to see who you become.”

A second confession caught in his throat, but it died as he took in the way she looked at him. Instead, he smiled. This could be enough.

“Thank you, Princess.” That’s right, Princess. Not only that, but a princess who was betrothed to someone else.

Yet still, that night when he crawled into his camp roll, he couldn’t help but smile. What had once been a shadowy weight on his shoulders was now a gentle secret held between Sokka, Yue, and the moon.

________________

The clandestine meetings had only grown from there. They rode on Appa and went on long walks, ever the picture of North-South friendship. But at night, they’d sneak out to the walls of the city to have the things never afforded to them. Sokka’s childhood, or at least his adolescence, had been built on war games and paranoia. Yue’s had been similarly solitary. As the only daughter of the chief, her experiences with her peers had been limited to formal dinners and suitors vying for her hand.

In a way, things had only gotten better since Sokka told her about his spirit-sight. They were bound by something neither could explain and did not particularly care to attempt to.

Occasionally, these meetings resulted in acting as juvenile as possible, other times they’d sit and have serious discussions until the sun began to rise over the horizon. This was both of those.

Sokka shushed Yue’s giggles as he dropped a snowball off the top of the wall, ducking back down as it landed on the head of the sleeping guard below. A glove slapped over his mouth did a valiant effort of suppressing his laughter, and out of the corner of his eye he saw her doing the same. Could Hahn do this, make her laugh like she had never seen joy before? He doubted it. He doubted Hahn would ever do anything that would make him worthy of Yue’s attention, much less her hand in marriage.

“You’re looking at me like that again,” she murmured, the mirth gone from her voice.

“Like what?” Sokka asked incredulously, but deep down he knew.

“Like you love me,” she said simply, her gaze not wavering.

Sokka’s heart plummeted to his stomach, but gallantly he responded in a wobbly voice, “And what if I do?”

Yue smiled as if that was the saddest thing she had ever heard.

“I’m betrothed to Hahn, Sokka. I need to do this, for my people. It’s my duty, just as protecting your tribe is yours.”

Once, Sokka had watched as an ice shelf plummeted into the sea after a particularly warm summer. It had been the loudest sound he’d ever heard, a gut-wrenching, booming, cracking noise. Now, the sound of his heart splintering had beaten it out.

“You’re not marrying your people, you’re marrying Hahn. Hahn, who doesn’t care about you at all. Not the way I do.” He grasped her hands tight, holding on for dear life. “No, Sokka. This is how it has to be,” she said wetly, and it was only then that he realized she was crying. “You have to let me go.”

He nodded numbly and released her hands, but did not stand. She looked at him through tear-tipped eyelashes, and a beat of hesitation filled the air. Yue leaned in and placed a single kiss on his cheek, then rose from their secluded spot and walked into the night. Sokka sat there, slumped against the wall. He wondered if broken hearts had ghosts too.

________________

The achingly quiet peace of the Northern Water Tribe didn’t last long, but he hadn’t been naive enough to think it would. It seemed as if no matter what, the Fire Nation would always come through to destroy it all again.

He butted heads with Hahn, to no one’s surprise, so Chief Arnook had assigned him as Yue’s bodyguard. It took everything in him to tamp down the little flutter his heart had made. She had made it clear that no matter how she felt, she would marry Hahn. And Sokka had to deal with that, the way he had dealt with all of the other little heartbreaks.

Grey snow fell over the Tribe like an omen of doom. Fear twisted in Sokka’s gut, and it took everything in him not to immediately abscond with Yue to somewhere that the Fire Nation would never reach, if such a place existed. But that wasn’t his job, and it wasn’t what Yue wanted.

The next day flew by in a flurry of movement. The Fire Nation attacked, then stopped, then began again. Katara and Aang were struggling to hone their waterbending in time for battle. The Northern Water Tribe troops clearly knew as little about their enemy as the Fire Nation knew about them, and Sokka, ever the strategist, could not see an outcome where they would make it out alive.

It all came down to Yue, as many things did. The Spirit Oasis was beautiful, a spot of tropical warmth in the arctic desert. Unfortunately, the sheer energy of it was overwhelming. There was so much there, a quality Sokka couldn’t hope to quantify. It was like how the iceberg felt, magnified by a hundred. It seemed that Kya agreed, because she lingered outside with him. His mother’s blue-ish figure remained just out of reach, but if he tried to forget that she’s dead, she could almost be real. Almost.

Yue burst out of the Oasis, panting.

“The Avatar’s floating and glowing and Katara says it’ll be fine but we need to go get help and—”

“Woah, woah, woah, catch your breath. He’s in the Avatar state. We can go get Appa, but Aang can take care of himself,” Sokka reassured her, leading her away from the Oasis and toward the city. Kya watched reproachfully from outside the Oasis, refusing to leave Katara. That was fine, at least she’d have one of them.

Sokka doesn’t worry until he sees Kya waiting next to Appa, her mouth pinched in the way it always got when she had bad news. Even after six years, Sokka had that look seared into his memory.

Katara.

He grabbed Yue’s hand and pulled her into Appa, then raced back to the Oasis. He had already lost his parents to the Fire Nation, albeit in very different ways. He refused to lose his sister too.

Of course, because this was Sokka’s life and very few things can ever go the way they were meant to, Aang got kidnapped. In the middle of a siege. By the Fire Nation. Lovely. At least Katara was okay. If anything happened to her… well, Sokka wasn’t sure what he’d do. Nothing good, no doubt.

This is how Sokka ended up driving a Flying Bison with a saddle full of the Avatar, his kid sister, the girl he loved but could not have, and the unconscious disgraced prince of the Fire Nation.

Then, as if the night could not get any worse, the moon turned blood red. Of course it did.

Yue slumped against Sokka, her eyelids going slack. His heart pounded in his ears. Something, that ethereal ineffable quality that Yue had always possessed was gone now, disappeared into thin air.

“Something’s wrong with Yue,” he hissed, only to find Aang already nodding.

Yue coughed weakly, and Sokka handed the reins off to Katara in order to cradle Yue’s head in his lap.

“I was very sick as a baby,” she began quietly, barely loud enough to be heard over the howl of the wind. “I didn’t cry or even open my eyes, and they said that I wouldn’t live very long. My father had seen a vision when I was born of me as the Moon Spirit, so he prayed to Tui every day for my recovery. He placed me in the Oasis on a full moon, and Tui healed me by giving me a little piece of her life force.”

Sokka’s mouth dropped open, but he bit his lip to keep himself from saying anything. So this was what had been different about Yue, in addition to everything else he liked about her. She had been touched by spirits, just as he had. Twin flames of a living spirit and a boy who saw ghosts.

Wordlessly, Katara steered them toward the Oasis. Sokka saw a man in Fire Nation armor below, holding a large white fish above his head. Yue gasped, and tears began to run down her cheeks. Sokka silently wiped them away.

Aang and Katara climbed onto the snow when they landed, but Sokka remained with Yue. Katara and Aang could save the day with their bending, but Sokka would always save the people.

Everyone was yelling and Sokka clung to Yue, his boomerang in his free hand. He could do this small thing, he could save her. He had to.

Sokka had forgotten that, in the stories, spirits moved on when they had to. No sooner and no later. He was but an observer, a stowaway audience to the wheel of time.

________________

Sokka lowered Yue next to the pool, but his hand still clung to hers.

“Sokka,” she began, not unkindly. “You have to let me go.”

“No,” he pleaded, squeezing tighter.

“Yes,” she murmured, and before he could speak, she was pressing her lips to his. Her hand came up to cup his face, just like it had all those nights before, and he felt a tear slide down his cheek. He couldn’t tell whether it was hers or his.

She turned to touch the white fish, and Sokka watched as her spirit flowed out of her and into it. Someone—the old man who had been watching—placed it back in the water. Sokka cradled her body, even though he knew she wasn’t Yue anymore.

Katara and Aang hung back, but Sokka tipped up his head to see Yue floating over the pool. She looked like a goddess or something in a white flowing robe. Just like all the other ghosts, she looked painfully real.

She floated down to him and touched her forehead to his. Yue mouthed something, but he couldn’t hear her. She never knew the rules, how could she? He’d never gotten the chance to tell her. Her dainty hands tipped his chin toward hers and she kissed him, but all he felt was air. It was the thought that counted.

And then she was gone, filtering away like moonlight through the clouds. Instinctively, he squeezed where she once was, but there was nothing but air.

Sokka slumped forward, and out of the corner of his vision, he saw a hand touch his shoulder. He turned, expecting to see Katara or even Aang, but instead there was Kya. She smoothed a hand over his wolf tail and he could see her mouth the words to the old lullaby she used to sing to them when they were young.

And all at once, Sokka began to cry.

________________

There was a tea shop in the middle ring that Aang liked, which meant that Sokka was usually the one who had to get everyone’s orders. He didn’t mind so much; the old man who ran it was nice and gave him advice. None of it really made sense, but Sokka appreciated it nonetheless.

The only downside of this was the ghost that lingered in the shop. It was silent, like all ghosts, but it had this quiet energy about it. Him — it was a him. Sokka had taken to calling him “Topknot Man,” in honor of his topknot. It was vaguely Fire Nation, but it wasn’t as if Sokka could ask about it. What would he say? There’s a spirit of a young man who looks like he could be Fire Nation sitting in your shop all the time. What gives? He wasn’t an idiot.

The ghost was sitting by the window today, watching the people pass by with a smile. The old man—Mushu—was talking a mile a minute. His son or nephew or something was adjusting well. He’d had a date and it hadn’t been terrible, all that jazz. Sokka nodded along, but he was watching the ghost instead.

“Sokka? Did your thoughts get buried by badgermoles?” A raspy voice asked, drawing Sokka back.

“Sorry, sorry. I was just thinking about stuff,” he responded sheepishly.

“Ah, yes, stuff. My nephew is incredibly concerned with it as well.”

“The Spirit World. I’ve been thinking of it a lot.”

Mushu nodded. “It is a lot to consider. There are many things we will never know about our spirits after they’ve left their bodies.”

“I… I like to think that sometimes people stick around,” Sokka murmured into his drink.

“Well, of course they do. But that’s only for the spirits to know.”

“The spirits. Of course,” he sighed and paid for his drink. “Thanks Mushu, have a nice afternoon.”

As he walked by the ghost on his way to the door, Sokka could swear the man smiled.

________________

Jet was an asshole. But that didn’t mean he deserved to die.

There was something indescribable about actually watching someone die. It was like one second they were there—whole and full of a brightness Sokka had spent his whole life trying to describe. And then it was gone, and in its place a shell. That’s what Jet was like; one second a candle burned, and in the next it was snuffed out. It was nothing like Yue’s death, which felt painfully natural. Jet’s death was a hitch of breath, a cut-off sentence.

Sokka pulled Katara away from the body, leaving Smellerbee and Longshot to their friend. He buried his face in the top of her hair, trying not to pull her hair-loopies. When he looked up, it took everything in him not to gasp. There was Jet alright, hovering next to his body and looking sadly at his friends. Sokka reached out, but Katara just hugged him tighter. Right, no one else could see him.

Jet glanced over at Sokka and gave one, solitary nod—the kind Sokka associated with warriors and people who played at being them. But he swallowed hard and nodded back. He blinked, and Jet was gone.

________________

Jet wasn’t like Kya—there was no rhyme or reason to when he showed up. Sometimes it was in the thick of battle, like the attack on Ba Sing Se, and others it was during quiet, forgettable moments. Nonetheless, he was a welcome presence. The rebels never seemed to notice his presence directly, but they relaxed when he was nearby. They fought better too.

And every now and then, Jet would look Sokka’s way and smile or nod or wink. In those moments, Sokka would forget he wasn’t alone, just for a second.

________________

Even in death, Jet seemed to harbor an affection for Katara. Sokka, of course, was not fond of this.

Katara lingered by the bow of the ship—Hakoda’s ship—staring off into the waves. Aang was below decks, trying not to die and ruin everything. And Sokka? Well, he’d spent his days plotting their next steps. He made plans for as many contingencies as possible: if Aang was fine, if Aang died, if Aang lived but couldn’t be the Avatar.

The wind teased at his wolftail, curling the edges of the maps he had laid out on the ship’s deck. Ahead, an otherworldly glow flickered. Sokka glanced up and stifled a gasp. On the railing sat Jet. Had he been flesh and blood and bone, he and Katara would have been close enough to touch—close enough to kiss. Instead, he stared out at the waves beside her, contemplating something Sokka couldn’t put his finger on.

“Katara!” Sokka cried out, waving his hands at her. “Can you come over and look at this?” She rolled her eyes, but complied, leaving Jet and the sea behind. Katara bent over the maps and plans, and Sokka stared over her head to make eye contact with Jet. Quickly, he pointed from himself to the spirit in that childish I’m-watching-you way then bowed his head as well. Sokka almost missed the way Jet stuck out his tongue back at him.

________________

Sokka used to hate Zuko, and everyone knew it. He was stuck-up and jerk-y and not worth Team Avatar’s time. It didn’t help that he was pretty enough to make Sokka’s heart skip a beat, even with the scar. Especially with the scar.

It didn’t matter what he thought about Zuko—what mattered was fixing everything after they’d broken it all apart. At times, Sokka found himself staring at his ceiling, wondering why exactly they had been the ones chosen for this. They were kids after all—powerful kids, but kids nonetheless. A bender for each element, with an incredible warrior and a boy who saw what shouldn’t be seen to boot.

The war had been over for a week, and Sokka tried not to notice the ghosts that crowded the streets of the Fire Nation. There were so many—all of them aimlessly wandering. Sokka darted through the palace in a desperate and frantic hope of escaping them. After multiple wrong turns and frequent evil glances from the staff, he finally ended up outside the right door.

Sokka raised his hand to knock, but before his knuckles could connect, Zuko opened the ornate door.

“Come in,” he muttered and moved aside to make room for Sokka. The two had become almost-maybe-friends since Zuko joined them to defeat Ozai. In the weeks since, the twerp had started to grow on Sokka, not that he’d ever admit it.

“So, what’s up? What did you call me here for, your princeliness?” Sokka drawled, plopping back on a fancy chair and propping his legs up.

“I need the White Lotus’ help,” Zuko began.

“Then why ask me? Your uncle or Piandao would love to help.”

“Because… because I can’t tell them!” Zuko sputtered.

“Why?” Even Sokka couldn’t tell if it meant why not or why me.

Zuko did not meet his eyes. “Because it’s stupid. They’re just going to dismiss me as foolish. You have their favor for some reason, and I don’t know if I can do this alone.”

Sokka looked up, startled, at Zuko’s outburst. They were friends, sure, but Sokka had already had his magical Zuko field trip. On the other hand, anything that was too silly for the White Lotus was usually right up Sokka’s alley. “Okay, okay, I’ll help. What is it?”

“I need to find the person who killed my mother,” Zuko whispered, as if he was on the edge of tears.

Killed his mother. That… well, that didn’t make sense. He would have seen Zuko’s mom by now if she was dead. Someone that Zuko loved this much wouldn’t just abandon him after she died, right?

“... If I tell you something, you have to promise not to freak out,” Sokka began slowly.

“Okay?” Zuko rolled his eyes, but sat down on the chair opposite Sokka anyway.

“So, uh, I can kinda see ghosts? Like spirits. Of dead people.”

Zuko frowned, but didn’t say anything.

“Like my mom? She shows up every now and then. And Jet hangs out with the rebels and Iroh has this kid who’s always at the tea shop—”

“Lu Ten?” Zuko interrupted, shooting to his feet.

“Maybe? He has a topknot with a fancy thing in it.”

Zuko nodded and began to pace around the room. “But why are you telling me this?”

Sokka cleared his throat loudly. “Because… because if your mom cared about you the way you said she did, she’d be here. At the very least, I’d be able to feel her. But she isn’t, so how can she be dead?” He mumbled.

Zuko stopped in his tracks, but didn’t say anything. Sokka pulled at his collar sheepishly, his stomach churning with every silent second that passed.

“Thank you,” Zuko finally said, his voice just a hint rawer than usual. Then, he began to stalk toward the door.

Sokka’s heart pounded. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Did he think that Sokka was crazy? Was he going to call the guards?

“Wait!” He called out desperately, “Where are you going?”

Zuko tossed the barest glance over his shoulder. “We have a lot of work to do.”

________________

It had been three weeks since Sokka’s confession, and the days had been filled with preparations. Zuko and Sokka would soon set out on an expedition to find his mom, and Sokka would be lying if he said it didn’t make him seven kinds of nervous. Zuko had named him as his official security detail to limit the amount of people tagging along, and it did nothing to quell the queasiness in Sokka’s stomach.

This isn’t going to end up like Yue, he told himself. You’re not in danger. You’re going to help Zuko find his mom. He grimaced and adjusted the pack on his shoulders. For someone with so much money, Zuko seemed too eager to rough it.

Sokka looked out over the entry hall of the Fire Palace. A shadow flickered in the corner of his vision, but when he looked there was nothing there. He shoved down his dismay. Of course Kya wouldn’t come to see him off. She was probably checking on Katara or doing ghost errands or something.

But there it was, that flicker again. This time it came from the columns that lined the hall. Glancing at Zuko, who was talking to the guards before their departure, Sokka slipped over to the other end of the hall.

Leaning against the ornate wall was Topknot Man, who Sokka had gleaned was actually Lu Ten. Lu Ten grinned at Sokka, then drifted closer. Stopping a foot away, he looked at Sokka, then at Zuko, then back at Sokka. He reached out with a single, transparent hand and placed it on Sokka’s shoulder. Though there was no substance to him, Sokka could feel its weight.

Be careful with him, Sokka could hear in the back of his mind, like the words to a song long forgotten. He stood agape, as Lu Ten tried to cuff him upside the head and drifted away. Was this a shovel talk? Could ghosts do those?

“Sokka?” Zuko called somewhere behind him.

Sokka started. “Coming!” He returned, before crossing back to the not-ghost-hunting party. Zuko smiled as he came into view, and Sokka grinned back. Maybe this was why the spirits had chosen him. Maybe it had all been for this moment, when he’d finally get to help.

As the pair walked into the light of the rising morning, Sokka couldn’t help but think that he was finally done with ghosts. He was ready to join the living.

#atla big bang #atla big bang 2020 #hifthah #atla #sokka #zukka #yukka #sokka sees ghosts au #katara #kya #zuko #aang #lu ten #iroh #my writing

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hexx-bunny · 3 years

Text

if you keep moving, you will come to a better place

zukka, abo, omega!Zuko, alpha!Sokka, slow burn When Zuko presented as an Omega, he knew Ozai would find the worst possible way to get rid of him. He is to be married off to anyone who wins a stupid tournament. Zuko has other plans though, which include escaping and living his life however he wants. But it proves harder than expected. Cue Sokka enters his life, a non-bending Alpha unlike any he ever met. A marriage that may or not happen. And a long, weird roadtrip that shows Zuko the rest of the world is not as cruel as his Father made him believe.

AO3

Chapter 1:

Zuko was ten when he presented. Earlier than expected, and worse than anyone could predict. He still remembered those days vividly. After a visit to the doctor, he was scolted back to his rooms, which he was forbidden to leave. Nobody would look at him. The guards, usually gentle sometimes, avoided him. He could hear his mom and dad screaming at each other from the other side of the Royal Wing. Was he sick? Was he going to die? He didn’t feel like he was dying. He just felt alone, and scared.

When the door finally opened he almost jumped from the bed, waiting to see Uncle Iroh. His uncle never lied to him. But Azula waltzed in with a smile that never brought anything good.

“Guess what I just found out, Zuzu~”

“Go away, Azula. I’m not in the mood.”

Since their last presentation of Firebending progress to their grandfather, she’d been more smug than usual. Azula ignored him, tapping a finger to her lips as she studied him. She knew how to press his buttons.

“What?!” Zuko snapped.

“Hm… nothing. Just, I thought Omegas were prettier. But you still look the same.”

The boy’s heart froze.

Omega. Omega?

“You think it’ll make it harder to marry you off?” she continued, “Since, you know, that’s all you are good for now. Maybe they’ll give you to some old, gross man. Actually, I’m kinda sad. I really wanted to keep seeing you embarrass yourself in front of grandfather, but Omegas aren’t allowed to Firebend and all,” Azula chuckled, “At least it explains why you are so bad at it. Omegas are just… not made for that stu- Hey! I’m not done, come back!”

But Zuko wasn’t listening anymore, he was running before he noticed. Omega. He was an omega. Dad may not like him very much but he wouldn’t… he couldn’t right? Ursa and Ozai’s screams were too close, and before the guards could stop him, Zuko was opening their door.

“Dad!” he cried. He was an Omega. He was crying. He felt like the smallest thing in the world, yet he gathered all his courage for that moment. Zuko’s tiny fingers grabbed the red robes of his dad, his mom was trying to pull him away but he refused to budge, Dad, please! I- I don’t care that I’m just an omega, I promise I’ll try harder. I’ll get better! I’ll… I’ll train more, and master Bending, please, please don’t give me to an old man. Please, I pro-”

That part he remembered in flashes: Ozai’s pure look of disgust. His hand moving. Zuko braced for a slap. The heat, the unforgiving heat, he didn’t expect. It burned. It burned. It burned. Something smelled bad. The bright light died, and as everything went black, he heard his mom crying.

“Look at what you’ve done,” was the first thing Ozai spat when he woke up. The pain almost made it hard to hear. Actually it… was kinda hard to hear. Why was his face covered up? What had happened? “Do you know how hard it’ll be to find you a mate now? Nobody wants a weak, scarred Omega.”

Ozai didn’t visit him again. Neither did Azula. Those days were spent in silence, in pain, Ursa cradling his body. Zuko wondered which of them was shaking.

He had ten years, still Zuko never got fully used to the scar. The way people turned their faces when they saw it was maybe part of the problem. He knew what they whispered about him, about how ugly it was, nobody would want a mate like that. Any partner he managed to find would certainly be just after his position. Correction: any partner his Father managed to find.

Zuko guessed he would find out in a few hours.

He stared at his reflection. Maids and servants only prepared married Omegas, Prince or not he was supposed to get ready by himself. It didn’t look so bad. His long dark hair half secured on a high ponytail with the Fire Nation symbol. The red robes also fitted him well, even though they were a pain in the ass to walk in. Zuko would gladly kill whoever had decided Omegas needed to wear so many layers of clothing. The most important part, the makeup, was missing. He didn’t exactly despise that part, but he despised how the paint would only bring more attention to his scar. He had angrily scrubbed it all off, better to endure his Father’s anger for one more day than to be mocked for walking around like a half-painted clown.

Mothers were allowed to help their unmarried Omega kids. Ursa probably would’ve managed to paint him well, she would’ve looked over his shoulder to their reflection and said Zuko looked beautiful. But she was gone.

Zuko let his fingers touch the golden earrings. They used to belong to her. That was when the door finally opened.

Uncle Iroh gave him a half-hearted smile.

“Are you ready?”

He had been the only person Zuko could count on for a decade. When he was banished from learning Firebending for being an Omega, Uncle Iroh would sneak him out of the palace late at night and teach him. When Zuko was prohibited from fighting, Uncle Iroh gave him double swords as a secret birthday gift and taught him how to master them. And when Zuko told him he was going to run away after today’s celebrations, it was Uncle Iroh who hugged him tightly and promised to help. Even though it would break his heart, Uncle Iroh always helped.

Zuko often thought his Uncle was probably the only decent Alpha in the world.

“Yes.”

Here is how an ideal life for an Omega would take place in the Palace: they would learn just enough to manage a household and attract a mate. After sixteen, Betas and Alphas would start courting them. By eighteen, it was normal to be married off to a mate that could bring status to the Omega’s family.

Here is what Ozai decided: Zuko would learn enough to manage a household. Nobody wanted to court him, he was too damaged, too much of a black sheep. Instead of marrying him to some foreign Prince or Princess, he decided to host a mating tournment. He invited nobles from all the world to fight for Zuko. Dogs fighting over a scrap of meat.

The marriage wasn’t even going to be officiated in the Fire Nation if a foreigner won. Zuko was theirs, and therefore no longer Ozai’s problem. Azula, who to nobody’s surprise presented as an Alpha at twelve, was his heir and all he cared about. Soon there would be high status Betas and Omegas begging for her hand and Zuko would only be on the way.

As always. Always on the way. A blemish on his plans, reflected by the one on his face.

Ozai didn't even spare him a glance when Zuko arrived at the podium, sitting on the smallest throne right next to Azula. The Palace courtyard was bursting with excitement. It was impossible to figure out which of those people came to fight or to watch. The complete lack of respect for the noble participants was unlike the Fire Lord, who would plan even the tiniest detail, showing there was a hierarchy and his place was at the top. It was just another sign of his disinterest, that tournament was not for him, it was to humiliate Zuko. And now, surely with any high ranking nobles leaving for what they would consider an insult to their status, he was left with…

“The rabble is very interested in your hand, Zuzu.”

He had an escape plan. It was not a question of if, but when. He had it all ready. He could firebend, he could fight, he had the money and supplies Iroh smuggled to him. Still, seeing how many old, terrible Alphas and Betas were in line to mate him was terrifying. Zuko’s biggest fear for years stared back as dozens of eyes: being forcefully mated off, raped and diminished to a baby-making machine until his death.

Happened with his mom, why wouldn’t he have the same fate?

A warm hand gripped his shoulder. Uncle Iroh sat on the last throne.

The drums begin playing, a mimeckry of his heartbeat.

No. No panicking. Zuko was gonna get out. A few hours, and he was out.

“By the way,” Azula whispered by his ear, looking as bored as ever, “Your runaway kit is ridiculous.”

Her hand grabbing his arm was all that stopped him from jumping away. The pit on his stomach grew, it felt about to swallow him whole.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” he croaked.

“C’mon. You are not that dense,” she relaxed her grip, “Father doesn’t know about it. Yet.”

“What do you want, Azula?”

The first nobles stepped on the makeshift arena. Zuko couldn’t care less.

“A deal. Father just wants to get rid of you, but General Zhao has other plans. He thinks if he wins, you’ll give him some political leverage. He’ll probably try something stupid like killing me and putting one of your… spawn on the throne. I know, a complete idiot. I’ll kill him by the end of the year, I swear he is so boring…”

“What are you talking about,” his throat felt dry. Zhao was never part of any of his plans. Azula clearly knew that.

“Well. He set some of his agents on you," she shrugged, as if those were old news, "Here is what’s gonna happen: If he wins, you are on the heart of the Fire Nation, surrounded by his men and legally mated. There is no way you could escape.”

“Yes, I can,” Zuko gritted his teeth.

One of the contestans was knocked out. People cheered. The second round began.

“Be realistic, Zuzu. Now, if he doesn’t win one of the two things will happen: either some low-level Fire Noble wins. You are still stuck here. And his agents will probably try to make a widow out of you and he'll sweep in, oferring to take you. Daddy will agree, of course, you know it. Or, some Earth Kingdom nobody wins. Zhao is too much of an idiot to know how to infiltrate the Earth Kingdom, but he is set on making his agents follow you to the borders. Maybe he’ll try to make it look like an accident on the road. Who cares. The thing is, you will be out, then you can run. Unless… someone tells daddy dearest of your little plan.”

Zuko’s scar throbbed. He thought he was being so smart. But at every corner, Azula seemed to take pleasure in proving him wrong. He looked angrily at her with his good eye.

“What do you want ? Spit it out.”

If he weren't so immersed in his own desperation, Zuko would’ve been shocked at the way her face changed. Few people could see when her mask of cruelty slipped, and then, for a moment, Azula looked heartbroken. It was gone as soon as it appeared. He briefly wondered if he had imagined it.

“I won’t tell on you if you find Ty Lee for me. She is on Kyoshi Island. Tell her,” she forced the next words out, low and too sincere, and making sure Ozai wasn’t listening, “I wish there was another way.”

Zuko was taken aback.

“But- how would you even know I did it?”

“I know all about your stupid concept or honor. You would do it. And you wouldn’t use it to blackmail me,” Azula faked a yawn “Deal?”

Not like you are giving me a fucking chance here, Zuko thought. Yet, he muttered:

“Deal.”

He stared at the sea of green and red uniforms that made the crowd. Air Nomads would never participate in such a ritual. And the Water Tribes never seemed to care much about their business. The arena was already marked by Earth and Fire bending, each disgusting Alpha trying to out-Alpha the other. For a moment he spotted General Zhao and Zuko forced himself to take a deep breath. He thought he saw a flash of blue clothing, but it was probably a trick of the light.

Those few hours suddenly felt too long to endure. The third round was about to start.

#zukka #zukka fanfic #zukka fic #atla fic #abo zukka #abo #My writing

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fearfulkittenwrites · 4 years

Text

Zukka Youtuber AU (pt 1)

Youtuber au inspired by @ratatosk-express – Link to the post (https://ratatosk-express.tumblr.com/post/622032956613115904/okay-so-idk-if-youtuber-aus-are-still-a-thing)

Sokka has a channel dedicating to his inventions and other projects, but his live streams are particularly famous for the amazing stories he tell.

Basically everything is the same, except it’s in a modern setting and Sokka is relatively internet famous.

** Hey, just a little heads up, I change some things from the original post, I hope it’s not a problem! **

Sokka tells his audience a lot of stories during his streams. Most of them are from his journey with the avatar, although he occasionally talks about his childhood in the Southern Water Tribe. Many of his fans watch these streams because of them, even if the overwhelming majority believes them to be fake. After he came back and decided to expand his content, Sokka found out he is particularly good at storytelling, and it granted him an audience that didn’t even followed his main channel but appreciated the contents of his lives.

He got annoyed sometimes when he recieved comments that treated his life experiences as a fantasy. His biggest mistake was sharing Yue’s story with his fans; all of the teasing and ‘yeah right’ comments really got to him, but there wasn’t much to be done. It was quite a surreal story, and if they wouldn’t believe him there wasn’t much he could do to prove it. Too many people have already forgotten the old spirits of the moon and the ocean and how crucial they are to water benders, so if they didn’t believe that, they wouldn’t believe Yue’s sacrifice.

They did believe his stories about the Kyoshi Warriors. After all that happened the girls became quite famous, and even if they thought the details were too exagerated and fake (I mean, the avatar was there? And he dated one of the warriors? Please.), it wasn’t impossible, that’s for sure. I mean, he did talk about attending formal events with his boyfriend, so, yeah, why not? The Kyoshi Warriors attend those too, don’t they?

Speaking of his boyfriend, he told them little about him. His audience knew he existed, but he was never seen on camera and there were many stories or commentaries involving him, but he never went too deep into it. When asked about it, he told them his significant other was a private guy, and he himself didn’t feel like there was a huge need to share their romantic lives online. Most people were pretty respectful from that point onwardars, although there are always some exceptions.

More often than not, his quick comments about his daily life involved him, and everyone though they were super sweet, although most of them gave his audience the impression that he was dating a very socially awkward and overly emotional man. They weren’t exactly wrong, they just didn’t have the whole truth; still they always asked Sokka to see them at least once during his lives. One of the most know and loved stories about him had been told in a stream as he built a new house for the turtle ducks’ lake. The last one was getting too old, and he had nothing else to do with his time.

“Hey, did I ever tell you guys about the time my boyfriend brought like, eight little turtle ducks home?”

The comment section was filled with negative responses, although some were very panicked.

“Yeah, it’s true. Happened about two weeks after I moved in. They were all babies and their mom got hit by a car? Some jerk was probably speeding and the poor creature died, leaving her children behind. He brought them here because they were too young and he was afraid they’d die if left alone.”

Many comments were praising him for the action, and some were worried about what happened to the little creatures.

“It was kinda of cute but I got a little freaked out about where to put them. Then he told me we have a pond? I swear, this place is so big I could die from starvation after getting lost on my way to the kitchen.”

He laughed. Once again, a lot of comments talking about how full of shit he was flooded the chat.

“I’m serious guys. I’d rather bring him to my tribe, but that’s really not an option, unfortunatly. So I moved here, and I think I only know about 30% of this building even after being here for like, almost a year.”

Someone told him to write a map.

“Hah, yeah, I should probably do that.” He smiled. “Actually, that reminds me of that time me and my friends got stuck in a cave with a bunch of crazy hippies while trying to get to Omashu. We were looking for an earth bending master for Aang. It was wild, the tunnels kept moving so I couldn’t keep a map of the labyrinth, and a badger mole almost ate me.”

The comment section went wild again. Some people were excited because he was finally telling a story, some people were calling bullshit on the moving tunnels... It was chaotic, and Sokka loved that. He was pretty chaotic himself, so this crazy comment section always amused him.

Sokka didn’t care that his stories weren’t believed. He understood that his situation was... unusual. Besides, many stories he told were of public knowledge already, he just set the record straight for most of them, adding unknow details or straight up correcting lies. There was only one thing he couldn’t stand being questioned on; his skills. When he mentioned he once built an armor for Aang’s sky bison, he wasn’t mad when they laughed at the idea that he was the avatar’s friend, no, he was mad when someone commented that he was lying about knowing how to build an armor. After that, he put out a series of videos on his channel in which he forged an armor for himself from scratch, even if he knew he’d never use it (And every single one of them started with a screenshot from said comment).

So his irritation at this moment really shouldn’t be a surprise. After showing off the sword he made for his channel, he told his audience about how he learned all he knew in the art of the sword from Piandao, who told him he had great potential to surpass even him. Of course, the comment section laughed again.

“It’s true!” He exclaimed, exasperated “Why would I lie about something like that? Okay, I see why I would lie about something like that, but really, I’m not lying. I swear!”

The comments still went on.

“Okay, you know what? I’ll prove it.” He got up and moved some furniture around to open enough space for a duel “HEY JERKBENDER,” He yelled from his door “GET IN HERE! AND BRING YOUR SWORDS!”

The audience heard a voice.

“What is it, Sokka? Did something happen?”

“No babe,” They heard Sokka answer, with a much softer tone this time, before planting a kiss to the other’s face “My viewers think I’m lying about being a swordsman, so I need to prove myself.”

“Really?” They heard an unimpressed voice.

“Hey, you’re all about honor, aren’t you? Help me defend mine for once.” Sokka apeared in the picture again, smiling, followed by Zuko, as in the Firelord Zuko. Many jaws were dropped.

“Fine, but I won’t make this easy.” He swung his dual swords.

“Me neither.”

They attacked each other for some time, occasionally getting out of the frame before jumping back in. Sokka eventually tossed an used shirt at Zuko’s face to throw him off. It made him confused, but he didn’t give up so easily.

“Unfair!” He exclaimed, getting up and defending himself from another one of Sokka’s attack “I’ll fire bend if you keep this up.”

“You’re getting me a replacement for anything you burn!” Sokka complained, jumping on his bed for leverage, but Zuko kicked it and he fell with an emasculating yelp. The fire bender had the upper hand now, but Sokka was quick to get up.

Eventually, Sokka managed to disarm Zuko, and used the tip of his sword to lift his chin up.

“You really ought to practice more with the swords.” He said, a smug smile on his face.

“Shut up, you dork.” Zuko answered, a little frustrated from the loss, but mostly proud of his boyfriend’s mastery.

He walked up to his boyfriend, replacing the blade with his fingers.

“Thanks baby. You’re the best.” He leaned in and softly kissed him. Once he tried to step back, he felt Zuko gripping him by the waist, holding him and deepening their kiss.

“I miss you. We barely had any time together this week.” Zuko complained “Go by my room when you’re done, okay?”

“Sure babe.” Sokka smiled, still being held by Zuko “Wait, why don’t you say hello, then I end the transmisson, huh? They’ve been wanting to see you for a while.”

“Really?” Zuko asked, a little amazed and curious.

“Yeah! I think they fell in love with you after I told them about the turtle ducks. But, honestly, who wouldn’t.” Sokka smiled and guided him to the camera “See guys, I told you I’m a...” He turned his face to the screen again “Oh.”

“Oh.” Zuko mimicked, watching as the comments rolled in faster than he could read, all of them some sort of variation of ‘Is that the fucking Firelord?’.

“I-I...” Sokka stuttered “I mean, I’m pretty sure I mentioned his name.”

A comment said ‘Yeah but there are many Zukos in the world’.

“It’s not my fault you don’t believe my stories! I told you I travelled with the avatar, the same avatar who is friends with the Firelord, who happens to be my boyfriend. I thought it was kinda obvious.”

‘Wait’ Said another comment ‘SO IT’S ALL TRUE???’.

“What do you mean it’s all- Yes it’s all true. Of course it is.” He looked at the comments flooding in and sighed. “Y’know what? I’ll deal with this tomorrow. I love you guys, but I’m a little too tired to do this now. Byeeee!”

With that, he turned the stream off. Zuko had an amused smile on his face.

“What?” Sokka asked.

“Nothing.” He answered “I’m just... I don’t know, when you said they wanted to see me I thought it was because I’m the Firelord and all. But... They didn’t know. They wanted to see me from the dumb stories you tell them about me.” Zuko smiled at the ground “You must’ve painted me in a very kind light, love.”

“I mean... There’s no way I can paint you in a bad light, really.” Sokka placed his hands in Zuko’s waist “You know that, don’t you?” Zuko kept his gaze fixated on the ground “Zuko, baby, you’re a great, kind, brave man. And I’m madly in love with you because of it.”

“I love you too Sokka.” Zuko smiled, but still couldn’t bring himself to look at Sokka. After some time together, Sokka figured it was best to just let him look at wherever, if it made him comfortable. He already had to sustain too much eye contact as fire lord, so when he was in his arms, Sokka just wanted the man to be at ease. Even if that meant he wouldn’t always look him in the eye.

“C’mon,” He squeezed his sides slightly “Take me to your room, my lord, because mine is too messy for the cuddles you deserve.” Sokka teased, getting a small chucke from Zuko as he turned to walk out of his boyfriend’s chaotic room.

“It is impressive how messy your room is, considering our maids clean it everyday.”

“What can I say? It’s one of my many talents.”

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I know that originally Zuko’s supposed to win, but like... In my mind, after all that happened, their skills were pretty much on the same level, and considering that Sokka would have more free time to practice than the Firelord would, well... I think his victory is not all that surprising plus i think his smug smile directed at zuko would be so cute and make him melt af

#Zukka #Zuko #Sokka #ATLA #avatar #avatar the last airbender #modern au #youtuber au #Zukka youtuber au

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mystic-kitten-writer · 5 years

Text

Limerence [M] ︳14

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 4900+

Notes: Chapter 14! Please enjoy, and thanks for the love everyone <3

Masterlist ︳13 ︳ 15

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Forelsket

(Norwegian/adj.) The euphoric feeling you experience when you’re in love with someone.

~ Azula ~

“I have been waiting for five days Azula. Five. Fucking. Days.” He hissed under his breath. His chest heaved as he ran his fingers through his messy brown hair, no longer pulled back into his classic ponytail. Someone feeble would have cowered under such a glare, his blue eyes looking like a tsunami itself.

I smiled and pushed back my hair, placing it into my classic updo with ease, not a care in the world. Oh, how the tables have turned. To think that just last week it was me, being all angry and puffy. I could see his temple pulse in irritation, not amused at all that I gave zero fucks to his temper tantrum. “You told me you had a plan. That everything will be ready when I arrived. Well?” he spoke once again as if I hadn’t heard him the first time.

I rolled my eyes, letting out an exhausted sigh, “The plans changed, and I adapted.” I said with a quick flick of my wrist. His jaw clenched in annoyance, “That’s fucking great you can adapt, I don’t care. What happened to the plan?” He stepped closer to me; his chest swelled in annoyance. I smirked, he was about to snap, “I have a new plan already set, right before the Earth King arrives. It’s going to be quite a delight; either everyone dies or…we watch drama unfold.”

“End of the week? Drama? Delight?” He raged with a huff. He spat on the ground and kicked the dirt under his feet. For a split moment, I thought he was going to jump over the edge of the cliff at which we stood. He turned around sharply, with a pointed finger, “Fuck this, fuck you, fuck everything. I don’t have time to wait around like some lap dog Azula. I have business I have to deal with in the Earth Nation.”

I scoffed, and crossed my arms, only for him to glare. It was time to stop playing around or else he was going to have an aneurysm. “What was your sister’s name?” I said vexedly. His eyes widen, taken about by my question before he sneered. “My sister? Why do you care?”

“Tell me,” I said with a hint of playfulness in my voice. His eyes narrowed suspiciously as he watched the way I swung my ponytail from side to side. “Kasa.” He said sharply, and I smirked. “Wrong.”

“W-what-”

“Kasa Jiang.”

“H-how did you know that.” He said hurriedly. The muscles in his arms tensed as he eyed me cautiously. “I have my sources,” I said with a smile as I twirled the end of my ponytail around with my fingers. “Sources? No one besides other Earthbenders knows that Azula – that’s how I found out.” I rolled my eyes, “Next question. How did she die?”

“She died protecting a village. Fire Nation troops were attacking and-”

“Wrong. She died because she was fucking a Firebender.”

His eyes widen, and within seconds I could hear the bones in hands crack as they balled into tight fists. I grinned, I got under his skin. “How dare you say that- my sister would never-” he raged, but I lifted my hand, interrupting him mid-rant.

“‘be with a Firebender?’ Your sister was no Avatar – don’t be such a fool.” I said with a laugh, watching the way he grounded his teeth, trying his hardest not to lash out. It was ironic, given that within a flash, he could easily be the one manipulating me - literally. “You know, she looks nothing like you…” I said with a smirk as I pushed my ponytail behind me. “Must have gotten everything from her father, General Axe. Well, almost everything - rumours say she is a Waterbender. But based on how nervous she was with me, seems more of a fact than speculation. Think about; a Waterbender. Just. Like. You.”

His mouth opened and closed, confused and unsure as to what to say next. His eyebrows pinched together before he finally spoke calmly, too calmly. “What are you going on about Azula?”

“Your niece.”

“What niece?” he sneered.

I scoffed, “The one that’s fucking my brother.”

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

“Have you seen it anywhere Sokka?” I whinnied as I crawled along the floor of my bedroom like a toddler. I pouted in disappointment, where could I have put that stupid notebook? I was outside with Sokka, and I wrote ‘go out to eat’ a bunch of times. Then I went to see Zuko and Aang…and now it’s gone! Did I drop it outside? But a maid would have for sure have found it and given it to me by now. “Sokka~! Come on, yes or no?” I cried out once again. I raised my head slightly, only to see Sokka comfortably lying on my bed, eating something – all this man does is eat!

I grumbled and reached over my bed to grab a pillow, only to fling it at him. “Sokka~!” I blubbered out in annoyance. His eyes widen as he winced as the fluffy pillow hit his head - as if it actually had hurt him. “What do you want from me now?” he complained. I rolled my eyes, “My notebook, have you seen it? I seriously wrote a single page in it, and it’s gone.” I huffed. Sokka shrugged before stuffing his face in…cookies? Did he find my hidden stash?! This MAN. “If you only wrote a single page in, who cares. Just get a new one. No point fussing about it.” Sokka spoke as he chewed on another cookie.

To distract myself from killing Sokka for the nth time this evening, I went back on my hands and knees, looking underneath my bed. Gosh…where did I put the damn thing? I knew it was silly but it was my notebook, and I wanted it. I lifted the blankets that hung off my bed as I gazed around. Just dust – hey…was that a cookie? How in the world did a cookie get left under my bed?

“What are you doing?”

My head shot upwards, knowing that deep, husky voice all too well at this point. It was the only voice in the world that could make my knees weak and make my heart beat a million times per second. “Zuko?” I spoke, well more like questioned.

His arms were crossed across his chest as he leaned against my door frame. A look of interest danced in his eyes as he watched me scramble upwards, dusting off my dress. A grin painted his face before he let out a charming chuckle, “What are you doing?” I blushed and nervously scratched my head, why does it seem like he catches me at the worst of times?

“I’m looking for my notebook. I think…I lost it.” I said with a pout.

“Oh, you must be talking about this.” He reached behind him, pulling out a small notebook. It’s tiny. It’s white. It’s mine! My eyes lit up with excitement as I dashed towards him, grabbing it from him in an instant. “IT IS! Thank you, thank you, thank you~!” I gushed as swung my arms around his waist and hugged him without a second thought.

Zuko chuckled before gently patting my head, while a muscular arm wrapped around my waist, “You left it in my room, although you didn’t seem too preoccupied with it during that time.” Zuko teased as I blushed and hid my face in his chest. Gosh, I could get used to this. There was something safe about being in his arms, even though it was usually to hide from the embarrassment Zuko always managed to inflict upon me. But despite it all, I felt happy and safe. I breathed in deeply, smelling his natural woody scent, almost like firewood. Is it creepy that I know his scent like the back of my hand?

“What are you doing here so late into the evening? I thought you and Aang were working.” I mumbled into his chest. We had two days left. Two days before my party, but that also meant that we were two days closer to the impending arrival of the Earth King. I knew it was a big deal, but as the days got closer, the more stressed out Aang and Zuko seemed. In fact, they were so busy that I didn’t even get to see Zuko all day yesterday, not in the morning nor for a goodnight kiss.

“Well…we managed to finish early. And I can do whatever I wish for tonight and tomorrow.”

“W-what! Really!?” I said excitedly. The thought of Zuko unwinding for a bit was a blessing. Also, the fact that I may get to spend more time with him may or may not have something to do with my happiness… Zuko chuckled and nodded, “So what is Aang doing now?” I asked as I danced happily in my mind. “Hot springs.”

“Aang and hot springs?” I said in unison with Sokka. It was then I remembered that Sokka was still here, eating my cookies, on my bed.

“He isn’t feeling too well. His nose has been stuffy since yesterday, and he has a dry cough. Figured some heat and relaxing could do him some good.”

“Sick?” Sokka spoke with worry as I heard him shift around on my bed and standing behind me. I frowned and quickly pulled away from Zuko, I was definitely no master healer like Katara was. Even though my mom was an amazing healer, I just never caught as on as fast as I did with combat skills. But even my rusty skills could do something to help relieve some of the symptoms Aang may be experiencing. “Can you bring me to him? Maybe I can take a look? Heal-” But Zuko shook his head and slowly brushed my hair behind my ear, “I figured you would offer. But he said no. He didn’t want to take you away from our date; he’ll feel guilty.”

“Date?” I repeated with a tilt of my head, confused by what he meant. Did we plan a date…and I forgot? Oh my gosh, please don’t tell me I forgot. Zuko already probably thinks I’m the most neediest and clumsiest human being on the planet, let’s not add ‘forgetful’ to that list. As if the confusion on my face was evident enough Zuko laughed, “What’s wrong? You don’t want to go on a date with me?” He said as he placed his hand on his chest as if I had hurt him.

I blushed and furiously shook my head, “N-no, that’s not it! I just don’t remember…us planning one.” I said honestly. I pouted and felt guilty, how could I forget a date?

“Of course you don’t remember. I just decided like, twenty minutes ago.”

Sokka snorted, and I could hear him fall back onto the bed, “This guy.” He said between laughs. I glared at Zuko, and he gave me a grin like a Cheshire cat. “You made me feel like poop!” I cried out and slapped his chest. He laughed and poked my nose, “Come on, grab a sweater, it’s going to be a bit chilly by the time we get back.”

“Excuse me, but you aren’t taking my sister anywhere without telling me.” Sokka butted in. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms. “Oh please. I’m old enough.”

“And I said I don’t care. You can be 100, 200, 1000 for all I care. You’re under my watch.”

“You’re just bitter cause Suki isn’t here,” Zuko said with a scoff. I giggled watching Sokka look hurt but nod, “You right, but that doesn’t change the fact that I want to know. I swear if she comes back with any more of those damn marks on her neck-”

“You saw!” I whinnied out while Zuko laughed.

“Love, you could see those marks from a mile away. Although…they do seem to be disappearing no thanks to Lia’s efforts…hmmm…maybe I can add some more elsewhere on you...” Zuko hummed as he leaned awfully close to my ear. The butterflies in my stomach started fluttering, and I could feel sparks dancing along my skin from his warm breath on my neck. Just when I thought I had my raging hormones in check, it all came bubbling up once again.

I blushed and in a quick motion bolted to my vanity, “You – keep it in your pants,” I said sternly as I pointed at Zuko. “And you-” I started with a pointed finger at Sokka, “Get out of my room and you owe me cookies!”

“Where in the world are we going Zuko?” I whinnied out, although, in my defence, I had every right.

It was late in the evening, purple and orange hues painted the sky, almost as if a painter just leisurely brushed the horizon with fresh paint. The sun was almost completely hidden behind the mountainous range, settling in for the night. If you looked far enough, you could see a few stars starting to peek out from the black curtain of nightfall – ready to shine and say hello to all of the night owls. It was crazy how different the landscape was in comparison to the Southern Tribe. Besides the obvious, the greenery and nature of the Fire Nation was almost equal to that of the Earth Nation, which came to a surprise.

I didn’t really expect to see such lush landscape, and I found myself once again distracted by the dark green hues of the trees and shrubbery that decorated the forest. I could already start hearing a few animals waking up from their slumber, while others dug away to rest. I was utterly captivated by the scenery; it wasn’t normal to roam a forest during the dusk, well, more like night. How beautiful this must all be during the daylight…

I glazed up at Zuko, only to find him lost in his own thoughts. I smiled as I studied his features. Zuko really was a work of art. The way his brows pinched together in deep thought or the gold in his eyes that twinkled whenever a new idea came to mind. Although I knew better than to say it out loud, I found it adorable how he would unknowingly pout whenever he was in deep thought. His soft pink lips all pressed together in thought. I smiled to myself remembering us with Kiyi playing in the water, another wave of admiration engulfing me.

It was mysterious how my heart felt like it was being squeezed whenever I looked at Zuko, or better yet, thought of him. Like a thousand fireworks were being blown at once and it brought me so much joy, it hurt. I knew it was silly, to adore someone so much. Infatuation, limerence; all words meant to explain strong feelings towards someone whom you just met. But Zuko was more to than just that, more than just a ‘honeymoon’ stage or love interest at the moment.

What was this? I’ve known him the least amount of time, just a little bit over a month, yet it felt like I’ve experienced everything life has to offer with him. I’ve had fickle crushes throughout my time, but Zuko, he was different. I could read him like a book, recognize his subtle gestures and decipher his intentions with just a huff. What was this feeling? Was it normal? Am I just crazy? Love? I scoffed to myself. Love. What a funny word, mainly because no matter how hard you tried to define it – you couldn’t.

‘You just know’ Aang said when I asked him at what point in time he knew he loved Katara. ‘The moment I saw her. I…I think I loved her before I even realized it.’ Aang said with a laugh. I looked back at Zuko and pouted, “What’s on your mind Zuko?” I asked quietly. It was then he seemed to snap out of it and gazed downwards at me. His grip on my hand tighten, and he smiled, “Nothing, we’re almost there.”

I raised a brow, not wholly believing him. There was something off with him, even at my bedroom. As if something was hiding behind his thoughts, as he anxiously zoned in and out of the conversation. I let it go and allowed him to continue guiding me through the forest. “Since I can’t know where we’re going…can I at least know how you know of this place?” I asked.

Zuko laughed and nudged my shoulder, “Why? What’s wrong, tired?”

“We’ve been walking for almost an hour! I really do like the nature walk, but I enjoy my bed a bit more.”

“Well, if you wanted to get into bed that bad, you should’ve told me earlier.”

I gasped and hit his shoulder while Zuko laughed at my rosy cheeks despite the dark skies, “Zuko~! You know what I meant. ”

“Not really, tell me, what would like to do to me in bed babe?”

“I swear Zuko, we’re in the middle of nowhere, and it’s dark. I'll not hesitate hiding your dead body somewhere.” I glared as he teased me without remorse. Zuko chuckled before letting go of my hand and instead lazily draping his arm over my shoulders, pulling me closer, “You wouldn’t hurt me. You like me too much.” He hummed pleasantly.

“…oh shut up,” I grumbled as I crossed my arms and pouted. I hate it when he is right; I couldn’t even kill a fly even if I wanted too. Zuko’s hand tighten around my shoulder, halting my movements suddenly. I looked up at him as he looked down at me with a look of joy, “You trust me, right?” He asked unexpectedly. I raised a brow, “Of course I do, why do-”

“Good. Shut your eyes and let me guide you. I want it to be a surprise.” I opened my mouth to protest. It’s not like I didn’t trust him, but I could barely walk without falling during the day with eyesight, let alone in the night with my eyes closed. But the look on Zuko’s face looked like a child during the winter festivals. I let out a breath of submission and closed my eyes, how can I say no to a face like his?

I could feel him come from behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist while his other hand carefully covered my eyes. He pressed himself from behind me before he leaned into my ear and whispered, “Walk forward, I’ll guide you.” Hesitantly, I found myself tightly gripping Zuko’s arm that was hugging my waist. Move forward? Is this man crazy, I can’t see where I’m going!

“Trust me; you’ll be safe. I promise,” Zuko muttered in my ear, his lips grazing as he spoke. I found myself relaxing feeling his steady heartbeat on my back. Trust him…of course I trust him. “I trust you...” I whispered as I began moving forward. Zuko chuckled at my baby steps, as I ever so wisely kept walking forward, step by step, “A-am I close?” I asked, but my question was answered as Zuko firmly held me in place.

“On the count of three, I’m going to move my hand for you to see, okay? Ready…one…two…three.” The sudden warmth that engulfed my eyes left and I fluttered my eyes open.

A pathetic gasp escaping my lips was all I could muster up as I looked around me. We were so high it felt like I was in the skies itself, just another star that had the privilege to graze the air. My feet were right at the edge of the cliff, not even a hair away from the end, but I was so overwhelmed with the sight to be anxious at all. I could see everything, coast to coast of the Fire Nation. The way bodies of water trickled down the ridges of the hillside or the illuminating lights of towns that scattered throughout the land…

“Zuko…I-I can see everything,” I said breathlessly. Zuko chuckled as he pulled me closer against his body, feeling his warmth melting onto my cold skin. It was then I noticed just how chilly it had gotten from being so high in the sky. I could faintly see the mist that formed just below us, “The royal palace is built on the highest mountain, well, an extinct volcano to be exact. But, this is the highest ridge of the crater…you can see everything.”

I turned around, noticing that nothing but stars were above, “H-how did you know.”

“How did I know what?” Zuko asked with a small smile.

“That I would love this.”

Zuko chuckled before letting his fingers tenderly graze my face, “Seems like I know you better than yourself. Don’t you remember?” I titled my head to the side as I tried to read his face. “Remember?” I repeated. Zuko laughed and poked my nose playfully, “It wasn’t hard to figure out you love nature. You showed me the Southern Lights in the middle of the night, took me to see those trees, what are they called again…ahh, quince! And I always see you taking walks in the garden almost every day.”

“You know I take walks in the garden?” I said a bit taken aback. Zuko grinned and nodded, “Every morning, you go for a walk around the gardens, usually with Kiyi or my Mom. It makes me smile since you always seem to be in your little world during those walks. I can see you perfectly from my office.” I blushed and found myself smushing my face once again in his chest; he watches me during my walks? I make him smile? “Don’t say stuff like that….” I grumbled into his chest. I could feel his chest rumble as he laughed at my expression and I looked up at him.

“So tell me Zuko. Why did you bring me here?” I asked as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Zuko sheepishly looked away, and I could see a faint tinge of pink starting to paint his cheeks. “No reason…” he said unconfidently. I pouted and shook my head, “Nope. Somethings up. You were zoning out the whole walk here. What is it?” I spoke light-heartedly as I ran my fingers through his hair mindlessly. Soft and silky, as his hair slipped through my fingers effortlessly.

I could see his eyes dart nervously back and forth, failing to stay on me and I grinned. He was nervous, and suddenly the need to tease him grew. It was rare for Zuko to stumble, to lower his guard and be as vulnerable as he was now. Logic would argue not to tease him when he is finally opening up, but I also knew that based on how our relationship was, teasing meant we were comfortable enough to be with one another. “Aww, cat got your tongue?” I pestered, mimicking the same words he once told me when I was tongue-tied.

Zuko frowned and I heard him grumble under his breath before speaking, “H-have you ever thought about, what, uh, we are?” Zuko muttered. I raised a brow before shrugging my shoulders, “I’m your Imperial Consort.” I said, but Zuko seemed dissatisfied with my answer based on the huff he released. “N-no. I mean, like besides that. Don’t you ever wonder what, you mean to me, and vice versa?” What in the world was he trying to get at?

“Uhh…Zuko, you’re losing me here. I’m your consort, and you’re my Fire Lord. Did you forget?” I said with a nervous laugh. Zuko groaned before letting his head fall against my forehead, “You’re really not making this easy for me…” I laughed and poked his chest, “How can I if you aren’t making any sense!” Zuko pulled away before hastily running his hand through his hair.

I giggled watching him look so flustered. If there was one thing I knew by now, he was not a man of words. Zuko had no shame teasing, flirting, even being too cocky for his own good in front of everyone. Yet, here he is, the same man who just moments ago teased about giving me more hickies, having a hard time formulating a sentence.

With a heavy breath, Zuko finally attempted at speaking once more, “It has been…brought to my attention that I haven’t exactly been …forthcoming revolving my feelings.”

“‘Brought to my attention,’ ‘forthcoming’ – Zuko what in the world-”

“You know what, forget it. Just pretend I never said anything!” Zuko grumbled as he angrily threw his arms in the air and turned on his heels. I rolled my eyes exhaustedly before walking over to a defeated Zuko, “Just say it already! What are you trying to tell me.” I grumbled as I poked his shoulder.

Within a flash, he turned on his heel, “I’m trying to tell you how I feel about you for fucks sakes!” He blurted. My eyes widen as he crossed his arms irritably and huffed. Tell me about his feelings? Before I could utter a word he continued speaking, “You don’t realize how much I think of you. That the moment I wake up till the moment I sleep, hell, even my dreams, all I do is think about you. That you somehow managed to consume every fiber of my mind, body, and damn soul.” Zuko ranted.

“And I realized that it only took a second of knowing you to know that I wanted you. I gave you that seal, thinking that it would be enough. That you having the seal was in a way sealing our relationship. But I realized that it isn’t enough.” Finally, he cupped my face before placing his forehead against mine, “What I am trying to say is I want you to be mine. I want us to be official official. Fuck the seal, fuck the whole consort bullshit, I want you to be my girlfriend. I want you to be mine, only mine..”

His cheeks at this point were aflame, so red that despite the nightfall it stood out like a sore thumb. His chest heaved from spilling out every single thought and emotion that seemed to consume him from the moment we met. But without thinking twice, I let a small giggle slip my lips. Zuko’s eyes widen in disbelief before he pulled away, “Are you seriously laughing at me? I just poured my heart and soul, and you're laughi-”

“You’re an idiot Zuko. A giant idiot.” I said with a smile. I quickly pulled Zuko back towards me and pecked his soft lips. I could feel his body relax instantaneously as I smiled into his lips. Ever so slowly I pulled away and found myself caressing his face; my hand falling from his forehead, over the ridges of his scar, his sharp cheekbones, his high nose, down to his soft lips.

“Zuko. I was always yours. I was yours the moment you walked off that ship. The moment you kissed my hand, and even the moment we fought…” I whispered as I gently pecked his lips once again. “I know you’re not a man of words, but that’s okay. Because you show how much you care about me through your actions. The way you hold me close to keep me warm, giving me the seal, the fact that you introduced me to your family…” Zuko pulled me close as I snuggled my face into his neck, “They say actions speak louder than words, and you Zuko, my boyfriend, are a living example of that.”

I pulled away to look at his eyes, only to see a sense of relief and a proud smile on his face. “Yue, I like you. I promise I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you’re safe. To make sure that nothing will ever happen to you.” I smiled and found myself pressing my lips against his. A sweet, innocent kiss. My hands found it’s way around his neck while he pulled me closer to his body and indulged on my lips. “Zuko…” I muttered. Zuko pulled away slightly, “Hmm?”

I love you.

“I like you so much,” I said. Zuko smiled before placing another peck upon my lips, “I think like is not strong enough of a word at this point babe.”

~ Azula ~

I scoffed to myself as I watched Zuko embrace Ying Yue. He chastely kissed over her, as they muttered to themselves, completely oblivious to their surroundings. It was a fluke that we managed to find these two lovebirds trailing along together at this time of night. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep brother,” I said with a taunt as I turned around on my heel and back into the darkness.

After not hearing footsteps behind me, I swiftly turned on my heel, “Mai, let’s go.” She frowned as she walked behind me, her head held up high as she trailed along. But despite her prideful walk, I could see the look of hurt and betrayal lingering in her eyes as she watched the way Zuko locked lips with another woman. I smirked as we walked into the night.

Hurt, betrayal, anger – emotions that only help fuel the fire. Feelings that can even motivate the purest-minded to the dark.

Oh, how I love the dark side of the moon.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

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redrobin-detective · 5 years

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Be Soft

So @captainkirkk had a birthday the other day and I promised a fic in her honor. I chose Fire Lord Zuko and one of my favorite quotes to guide me. I am so happy to know you friend, thank you for your writing and for being my mutual. May your day and all others be warm and blessed.

Be Soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place. ~ Iain Thomas

XxX

“Prince Zuko,” Father spoke in that slow, clipped tone he used when he was displeased. “Why did you leave your firebending lesson early?”

“I saw something,” Zuko muttered, overcome with shame and embarrassment.

“And what did you see that was so important that you felt the need to disrespect the teacher I pay good money to tutor you?” Father continued with a sneer.

“A-Azula left early too, even earlier than I did,” he defended, pointing at his sister who gave an indifferent shrug. Everyone knew who the favorite was, who would come out on top.

“Azula is a prodigy and does not need the lessons you so desperately need to even call yourself a bender much less my son,” Zuko squeezed his eyes shut and bowed his head so his father couldn’t see the tars stinging in the corners of his eyes at the cruel words. It would only make his dad angrier.

“So tell me, Prince Zuko, what did you see?” Father asked again, this time almost managing to sound genuine but Zuko knew he was at the end of the man’s patience.

“I uh saw one of the recently hatched turtleducks being followed by the garden master’s cathawk and I was worried that it would get eaten. So I um,” He saw his father frown in disapproval. “I uh chased off the cathawk and carried the turtleduck back to the pond. It’s mother snapped at me but the baby was safe at least.” He all but murmured the last part. Beside him, Azula laughed quietly into her hand.

“So you abandoned your lesson to chase away an animal from doing what nature intended it to do,” Father huffed and smoke billowed out of his nose. He stood up abruptly and grabbed Zuko by the front of his tunic before he could move. “This is why you so inadequate as a prince. No one cares about tiny mewling creatures in a pond, all that matters is the power you hold and how you use it. You may have stopped that cathawk today but what about tomorrow? Either it will feed on your precious turtleducks or it will die. You need to learn to do the same or a similar fate may befall you.” He let go and walked past Zuko without another look and out of the room.

“I told ya Dad would be mad,” Azula gloated from next to him.

“Shut up,” Zuko mumbled from the ground.

“Both of you, stop that,” Mom said, bustling into the room with a pinched look on her face she stooped down to his level and it melted into concern. “Are you okay Zuko?” Azula rolled her eyes at the display and stalked out of the room with her head held high. But Zuko didn’t notice, didn’t care, with his mother’s arms now around him.

“Yeah,” he said into the sleeve of her robes, trying to wipe his tears away as discreetly as possible but Mom probably noticed anyway. “Am I, am I a bad prince because I didn’t want the baby turtleduck to get eaten?”

“Oh Zuko,” she said into his hair, “no, baby. You’re a good prince and you know why?” She pulled back and wiped her thumb across some wetness staining his cheeks. “It’s because you care about living things, even when it’s hard. You’re hardworking and brilliant and you use it all for the sake of others. I would want to live in a nation knowing my Fire Lord did everything he could to protect me and my family. That is the mark of a true leader, using your power for the betterment of the world.”

“Do you think I could be that kind of a person?” Zuko asked meekly.

“Oh my love,” she said with a kiss, “of course you will. You’ll be the kindest Fire Lord the world has ever known.”

XxX

“Oh Agni which one of these do I answer first,” Zuko asked himself picking one of the literal dozens of scrolls littered on his desk. He’d felt on top of the world a week ago when the Fire Sages had crowned him Fire Lord but now he wonders if he’ll really be able to fix his broken nation, this broken world. The scrolls contained everything from demands of reparations from the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes, generals at the front demanding orders, Fire Nation dignitaries disagreeing with his ideas for a new, brighter Fire Nation. Basically everyone wanted a piece of him and he just didn’t know if he was enough.

He stalked over to the wall on the other side of room and stared at a painting Sokka had given him before they’d left. It depicted Zuko with his swords doing some sort of firebending, or at least that was how Sokka described it. It pretty hard to tell but it had been made for him by his friend, a fact that still takes him off guard. Who would have thought he’d ever be nostalgic for the War? Simpler times now that he thinks on it, stop the Fire Lord and save the world but now he’s Fire Lord and he doesn’t know how to fix things. He doesn’t know if anyone could. He was tired from too many late nights, worn down by the physical and emotional stress of the last few weeks and aching from the inside out at the thought of being exactly what his father said he was: nothing.

He growled, pulling away from the wall and going back to his desk where the scrolls are still lying, just as accusing and disbelieving and unanswered as they were a moment ago. There’s a quiet little knock at the door and a hesitant little “My Lord?”

“What!” Zuko snapped, spilling some scrolls from the desk in his anger. As quickly as his frustrating bubbled it fizzled out and he chased after the frightened servant who had staggered back out into the hallway. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, you startled me and I’m just so frustrated and I didn’t mean to scare you, really.” He was about ready to get down on his knees when the servant, an older woman he remembers seeing on the periphery of his childhood, kind of stopped and stared at him as if she didn’t know what to make of him.

“Are you alright, my Lord?” She said finally as he kind of awkwardly staggered to his feet deciding he probably looked ridiculous going for a bow with this woman. He swayed a little bit, pushing some of the hair out of his face.

“Yes, obviously, do I not look alright?” He asked and she pointedly took an extra telling few moments before nodding her head. “Yeah, I thought so.” He sighed leaning against the wall. “I’m sorry again for earlier, that was inappropriate of me. Can I make you some tea to make up for it?”

“I,” she said before shaking her head as if to clear it. “No I was coming to ask if you wanted tea.”

“I do but I’d like to make it, need to do something with my hands. Here, come inside, we can talk for a moment,” he said, leading the woman into the room and setting her on the plush royal stool. “What’s your name? Is green tea alright? It’s all I have in here.” He babbled as concentrated on measuring the tea out just so while he lit a flame for the ever present pot of water.

“I am Maki,” she said softly, “and yes, my Lord. Is this what plagues you?” She asked gesturing to the scrolls sill covered his desk and now the floor. He grunted, playing with the water’s flame.

“I don’t know how to answer them in a way that will make them listen to me, I need them to respect me, to take a chance with me on peace but I don’t know how,” he sighed watching the leaves steep in the water.

“If I may my Lord,” she began hesitantly. “I would be honest; you have done more than most to end the war. They cannot doubt your motives, explain yourself as you have to me and I believe they will listen. Mistakes are made freely but so few are willing to extend the hand out in repentance and understanding.”

“Huh,” He said mulling over the words before pouring the tea for the two of them. “That just might work.”

XxX

Zuko had faced many monsters in his life both in spiritual and human form but it never got any easier. The trails punishing the war crimes of those from all four nations during the war went on years after Ozai was taken down. As Fire Lord, he was responsible for those charged within the Fire Nation and it anguished him to see how many of his people were guilty of crimes against humanity.

He knelt down in front of a row of liberated prisoners from a camp, mostly deserters or war criminals or rebels who couldn’t keep their mouths shut. They were clearly underfed, overworked, their bodies strained and exhausted beyond measure. Their suffering was imbedded in every lines along their skin and their fear lighting in their eyes like candle flames. It made him want to turn away in disgust and anger but instead he held out a hand.

“Your cases will be reviewed, some of you may still face prison time but it won’t be like this,” he said, emphatically, trying to put as much honesty into his words as he could. If his voice broke a little at the end and his hand shook a bit then all the better to convince them. “The rest of you will be allowed to return to your lives and your families, all we ask in return is that you give our peace a chance. Are these terms acceptable?”

“You would really let a go?” A young woman, probably around Azula’s age asked with a sneer. His father’s years on the throne showed very little sympathy towards disagreement, no one was free from punishment. No wonder she didn’t believe him.

“Guard, release their manacles. While the records are reviewed they don’t need to be chained, once they’re off, get rid of them. They’ll never be put on anyone ever again,” Zuko ordered.

“B-but my Lord!” One guard stuttered, “the prisoners will riot, they need to be contained.”

“Unless they want to risk their chance of going home, I believe they deserve the chance to feel like humans again,” Zuko side-eyed the guard. “Unless things were happening in this camp that you fear retaliation for.” Several guards looked away and Zuko knew he’d be investigating their records, as well as speaking to the prisoners themselves, as well.

“Sir, I must protest. It’s not safe for you and, to be honest, it is beneath a man of your status to kneel before peasants and miscreants. Every one of them is here because of crimes they knowingly committed against the state. Everything that happened here, to them, was justified.” The head guard said with a face that looked as if he had never smiled before. A few of the prisoners bowed their heads or shrunk away from the man’s very presence. He’s sure he’ll find that every heinous act in this camp was committed or authorized by this man. It’s times like these he most understands his father, how easy and good it would feel to lash out this man with both his fire and his privilege. But he stays his hand, if only for the people behind him. He needs to show them that he means what he says, that he believes in pretty words like peace and justice. They were worth something, a long time ago, he hope to bring those words to life again.

“Justified,” he hisses, “or not, I want them set free. And we will decide what or what not is beneath me when I’m reviewing the records of everyone at this facility.” He stood tall, putting as much confidence as could into his posture. He would save these people and he would do it the right way. “Let’s begin, shall we?”

XxX

Forty Eight was still too young, he decides wearily. He’d been Fire Lord for three decades, fought and lost many battles, won a few in-between, and put his heart and soul into restoring the Fire Nation. And yet here he knelt, feeling as fragile and helpless as a child. Forty Eight was far too young to lose a father.

“Uncle,” he croaked, “can I get you some more tea?”

“Not now,” Uncle said with great effort. “Your tea making has much improved nephew but I fear my stomach cannot handle it.” Zuko looked down at his worn hands and wrestled with them anxiously. There were people outside waiting for him, his wife and daughter, his friends, his nation, all grieving the impending loss of one of its finest heroes. But in this moment, nothing existed but him and his uncle.

“What troubles you, my Lord?” Uncle whispered, almost a sigh.

“You know,” Zuko said back just as quietly.

“Death is another part of life,” that weathered, weary hand reached for his own and Zuko held on as tightly as he could allow. “I have lived a spectacular life, made mistakes, redeemed myself, raised a boy into a man,” Zuko suppressed a sob, “helped save the world, ran a shop. I have done what I was meant to do and now it is time for me to depart. My body is failing and my spirit longs for peace.”

“I know,” Zuko admitted, thinking of the slow progression the years had worn on the man who had always seemed larger than life. “And I thank you for staying with me for as long as you could, for being my family when I had none. I,” he bowed his head and brought Uncle hand up to his forehead. “As your Lord, I give you permission to have your rest. You have served your nation honorably General Iroh, you go with honor and-and with love.” He said with as much composition as he could muster, shoving the pain he felt letting his uncle go in favor of relieving the pain his uncle felt at being forced to stay for his sake.

“Zuko, my Zuko,” Uncle said warmly removing his hand from Zuko’s forehead to rest it along his cheek. He hand was cold and thin but Zuko cupped it anyway. “I know this is difficult but your words me so much to me. The blessing is nice, but the true blessing is watching you bloom like a cherry blossom, beautiful and kind, is the greatest gift of all.”

“I tried Uncle,” Zuko said, some of his grief abating in the face of Uncle’s proverbs. “I’ve done my best to be a be a good leader, to not be like my father. It’s been hard Uncle, it’s been so hard,” he nuzzled his Uncle’s hand. “Sometimes I get so frustrated and angry and it hurts but I tried to be what this nation needed.”

“My Prince, my Lord, my dear Nephew,” Uncle said, “you are. It is precisely because it has been so hard that makes your accomplishments shine even more brightly. Watching you grow, seeing your light, it has been the pleasure of my life, Zuko.” Zuko smiled into his uncle palm, still feeling small and afraid and so terribly sad. But his Uncle is ready and Zuko thinks he’s finally ready too.

“Go in peace,” He said, gently resting Uncle’s hand on his harshly rattling chest, “go with my love.”

“I must share it with every living creature,” Uncle said, “and I am all the more glad for it.” Uncle closed his eyes and Zuko knew that everything they had to say had passed. This time is for his Uncle and him alone. He leaned down and kissed his brow one last time before sweeping out of the room. He wanted to stay but the man had wanted his privacy and Zuko could not deny him. Still, he thought, standing outside with the others, leaning heavily on Aang’s shoulder as the inevitable comes and passes. It was hard to be gentle, to let the softest part of him out for everyone to see. But he was raised with both cruelty and kindness and he knew which he wanted for his country, for his family. For his Uncle’s memory and for all the people he hoped to save, he could only go forward and hope it was enough.

#happy birthday captainkirkk #I wanted to write you some Soft!Zuko and it didn't quite end up getting there #i love your versions but with this quote in mind I was pulled elsewhere #I focused more on the *difficulties* of being kind #Zuko was always passionate and sometimes volatile who was raised under cruelty #It can be hard sometimes to hold out a hand when you want to strike someone #to whisper when you want to scream #its one reason I love him because he MAKES that effort #even when it pulls out him he grits his teeth and says 'NO I will not be like those before I will be stronger and I will show mercy'#also wanted to show a depiction of a Good Death which we rarely in media #we talk about in my Hospice classes where Death is about resolution and peace #anyway I hope you had a good bday #sorry its a few days late #thank you for being my friend :)

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pigeoncentric · 4 years

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i did an A:TLA rewatch and took notes because that’s just what i do, and here’s the notes if anyone wants to see my thoughts

i haven't watched atla since about a year before korra started airing, so like, around 2011. i should also mention that i never watched korra through to the end, but i guess i'll do that after this. if i feel like it. i do know that the biggest bottles were never popped

i have such a clear memory of the first episode. it must've been on nickelodeon pretty often, even though when it was airing, i only watched it occasionally. i remember they also aired the library episode super often.

aang's voice is so tiny and sweet

i gotta turn off my dumb adult brain and put my dumb kid brain back on so i can better appreciate the nickelodeonness of it all

sokka and zuko's first interaction.......

zuko's intimidating approach and then his tiny teen voice

SOKKA AND ZUKO'S SECOND INTERACTION............

zuko's like "i'm going home." with aang. he must be feeling an incredible mixture of feelings, thinking he has the avatar and can reclaim his Honor. but he also must be terrified to go back, and in disbelief... fortunately he's not going home like he said and there are even more confused feelings in between

i just remembered that iroh's voice actor dies between seasons :(

thinking a lot about dante basco... no thoughts in particular, just a lot of them... and how he shipped zutara lmao

"my troubles cannot be soaked away!"

hei bai looks like a ben 10

mounts list (added to as i progressed through the series): zuko's rhinos. earth armored ostriches. metal noshing mole. north pole goatyak. azula and friends' fur geckos. sabertooth moose lion if you're not a wimp. appa-sized beetle. moose with aquatic features. Eel Hound.

you can't out-mom-friend katara. even when she's yelling and being reckless

it's true... airbenders are weak to nets.

the n*tfli* captions are making several mistakes. eat my ass ne*f*ix and hire me to do flawless captioning instead you dumb fucks

YEAH! even by episode 13 in season 1 we already know zuko is a good boy! well also by episode 12. and earlier. well i've seen the series before.

i've just learned that zach tyler eisen is the voice of aang and i have to give him huge props for having the perfect voice. i pay a lot of attention to voice acting, usually in a nitpicky way, and i've never heard an english voice actor whose voice is perfect on the level of ikue ohtani... and when he was like 12 years old. incredible. i'm not being remotely sarcastic

i gotta be 100% honest. i had completely forgotten the existence of zhao and that he's actually a pretty important character, at least in season 1. also his voice actor is pretty good. generally the voice acting is good in this show, and i'm picky.

god the animation where aang makes one catapult catapult the other is so good. also appa just picked up and grabbed a guy. with his fist. wait how many toes does appa have? is that 18 in total? also appa has scutes on his ventrum. anyway i love that appa can pick up and grab a guy but generally chooses not to. gives it more weight when he does choose to

zuko tells turtle seals to be quiet and then touches them unkindly :(

zuko busted out of katara's ice orb instead of melting it :\

zuko put his hood up like iroh told him to but aang just has his naked bald head in the snowy cold :(

seeing zhao grab and bag the moon spirit fish made me feel sick. such a foul act

god. the quality rope. i noticed sokka mention it and was like, "was this a chekhov's gun or a red herring" and then a few minutes later there was a pointed pan over to the quality rope.

anyway examining the quality of the voice acting here leads me to a thesis i might gather evidence to prove: american english voice acting for cartoons is far higher quality than american english voice acting for anime dubs. or is that just something obvious that everyone already agrees on

anyway anyway, the episode ended without the quality rope being put to use. unless i missed it, which is entirely possible.

jesus i heard azula's first lines and got an instant flashback to all the tumblr drama about grey delisle and her tumblr account and how she pretended it wasn't hers or something let's just erase all of this from my brain right now

this is kind of out of nowhere and borderline inappropriate but i'm glad characters in avatar are illustrated with nipples when they're shirtless... it always disturbs me a tiny bit when shirtless characters are depicted with zero nipple, not even a hint of nipple. (Aladdin.) not just because it implicitly stigmatizes something everyone has, but also because this scenario always plays in my head where it's like, a little kid sees a cartoon character without nipples and they think, "so i'm not supposed to have these..." and they start feeling weird and bad about themself... all you need to depict a nipple is a single unobtrusive dot. nothing visually offensive or explicit about it.

even to an audience who doesn't understand any cultural context, you can't not see the significance of zuko and iroh cutting off their topknots...

fandom seems to see sokka as the silliest one when in fact at least 40% of his entire role as a character is to be the tsukkomi

underrated moment: "you've got an elbow leech." "WHERE?! WHERE?!"

zuko should be a good boy and only steal if it's from pirates

stealy zuko stealing money and buying iroh a teapot !

god i forgot what a tiny baby voice toph has... so tiny

zuko trying really really hard but doing a bad job hammering (tears)

azula set up zuko and mai for a lucky sukebe...

when zuko's mom told him not to forget who he is, she didn't mean to remember that he's a prince and an heir as he revealed to the unsuspecting earth kingdom village. she meant to remember that he's someone with at least the base level of empathy and compassion, unlike most of his immediate family...

i still think aang's voice actor did a great job but i bet it sucks to be a young boy doing an excellent young boy voice and then when you grow up a little and presumably experience some puberty you just Cannot do the young boy voice anymore. hopefully in most cases where that happens, it's at least not abrupt

placing a bet that the writer for episode s2:e10 (the library) is different than most of the other episodes. i don't like it very much, at least in the first several minutes. if it's a name i recognize from the credits of several other episodes, i might be a bit disappointed in them. seriously, there's one stinker after another. and with such a great concept of an episode...

i didn't recognize the name of the guy who wrote this episode so i thought i was right but no, he wrote a bunch of episodes. must have been off his game for this one... either that or i'm in a very unforgiving mood and don't realize it... also when i went on wikipedia to look at who wrote which atla episodes, i learned that the animation for the show was split between two animation studios, and they're both korean. ah, i guess that doesn't mean all the animation took place overseas, as DM movie has a headquarters in the US. according to wikipedia.

oh, they're BUZZards... i get it... i gotcha.

aang with a vengeance is both scary and sad to see. but he does understand that property damage is nothing compared to a life

people who love azula are the exact same as people who love vriska: [comment redacted]

they have american birds in the avatar world. i keep hearing an eastern wood-peewee going "pee-pee-uwee" in the background :3

the serpent's pass seems geologically implausible.

sokka should really get face paint all over his face when he kisses suki. or like, the cartoonish image of when someone is covered in lipstick lip smacks, but it should be suki's makeup color

appa's been through so much and now he has to meet a boarcupine?!?! fortunately he still knows how to pick up and grab... but still :(

he touched appa's scutes and read them like a palm...

longshot translated his meaningful stares into out-loud words for katara and friends

zuko forgot that azula always lies :(

zuko should know that being redeemed in his father's eyes is the opposite of what he wants...

i LOVE aang's passionate tsungi horn dance

there are spring peepers in the fire nation

god the dripping of the rotten clams is so excessive

you know how ultrasonic humidifiers can create water vapor without heating it into steam, by vibrating it super fast? let's try that with waterbending, it'll be cool

two different bad guys have been skipped across the water like a rock

i love the fake time lapse of cleaning the river... and it showed how with pollution in real life, stopping the source of the pollution is not enough. it needs to be removed as well

sokka deserves LOTS of credit just for being able to handle a boomerang.

GOD THE SLOW PAN OVER THE BEAUTIFUL SWORD (in 3:4)

sokka also deserves LOTS of credit for being able to admit he doesn't know everything.

i managed to forget that zuko turns his back on iroh, while remembering that at some point, iroh gets buff

the voice of sokka's master is the voice of the boulder. right? right? no? are you kidding me? i suck at this

seems like kissing azula would have immediate consequences, like something melting

zuko is poorly socialized

zuko still forgot that azula always lies. even when she's being somewhat humanized in an episode like this.

so avatar roku had earthly attachments he did not let go of, presumably. such as his wife. did he have unfettered access to the avatar state? that's what i would ask him during this expositionfest if i was aang.

so sozin could do heatbending... that's amazing. i think i missed that the first time around.

that's right, zuko came back and his hair is long enough, but he hasn't recreated his topknot.

hawky is the only atla animal that poops on camera.

if you're gonna bend sweat, you might as well bend spit, and it's a little easier to obtain

wait so... is combustion man also a heatbender? i'll have to look into it later. [looked into it later: the avatar wiki has termed it "combustionbending?" are you shitting me?]

ooh it's the bloodbending episode! i'm pumped.

someone made a post about how when they watched this show and they were a kid they were thinking about how the characters are hot, and now they're watching as an adult and the characters are all tiny children... that's how i've been feeling. also season 3 episode 8 aang's voice sounds a little bit pubertous.

anyway damn this bloodbending episode is outright traumatic. good shit

oh, now zuko's topknot is back.

appa's armor covers each individual toe <:3c

i seriously misremembered the course of zuko's character development. and the timeline of the invasion in general. but now i understand that zuko has to tell his dad to eat shit face to face.

watching zuko's "zuko here" practice speech hurts 100% as much as it did the first time i saw it. and when he's delivering it to the gaang it's impossible to watch. i didn't put my hands on my head-- they just went there unbidden.

i kinda can't help picturing dante basco's face every time i hear zuko talk. the whole time. it's sometimes not optimal to know the faces of voice actors. especially when you're like me and you're not good at pushing out unwanted mental images.

what the fuck, combustion man? he just loves assassination so much you can't take back any orders. also i can't help but imagine that if you put a slice across his third eye his combustion would be fully inhibited. well i guess that's not a problem anymore.

i like that the gaang are a variety of heights, and that they're all noticeably shorter than most of the adults they meet. it just makes it feel realistic

if it was a US max security prison and prisoners were escaping they'd probably just fucking murder them

i love how when mai starts up the gondola again and azula is like "what is she DOING!" and ty lee just makes an "iunno" noise

tfw your best friend abandons you because you wouldn't let her murder her own brother

chit seng didn't get to free his girlfriend and best buddy :(

funny how azula seems almost docile when she's getting everything she wants. typical narcissist. well ok not the least bit typical.

sokka ate the rose. i remembered this scene Too clearly. but i didn't remember that.

um... was that the full moon? when katara bloodbent that guy? i should've looked at the sky... i went back and looked and still didn't see if it was the full moon. maybe the wiki knows. i don't care enough to look it up properly.

i was wondering when the melon lord would show up

none of the teens understand the obvious solution of defeating the fire lord by beating him INTO SUBMISSION (or oblivion) instead of killing him. just like in every anime fight ever. it's over when you acknowledge you've lost or you can't fight anymore, not when you die. (for the #1 best example of ending a fight the right way, see the way luffy defeats crocodile.)

so i know aang's gonna defeat the fire lord by essentially hitting him with a forced purification beam to the face and make him realize the errors of his ways or something. the fun part is how we get there

bumi bending entire houses through the air

aw i forgot the turtle island didn't have a cute face.

jyong jyong firebent a jet platform to fly around on?!

i guess the firelord can fly around like bakugou katsuki

i forgot that aang took away his firebending... and sokka hops up to him like "well, look at you, buster"

i'm glad i decided to watch this again. even if i didn't do a great job paying attention tbh. well i did spend a bit of time carving a little wooden spoon while i was watching. anyway i was thinking i wouldn't move right on to korra but rather read some of the atla comics that i know exist but have never read whatsoever. i wonder if i can find them in some kind of library...

i found the comics illegally on the internet and read a whole bunch (up until the end of the "zuko finds his mom" arc). i didn't write my thoughts down as i was reading, so i don't remember them. that's how my worthless brain works. i do remember that i found the comics satisfactory as an accurate extension of the show, and that i feel ambivalent about how azula is written/treated in the comics.

i don’t know if i feel like rewatching korra yet.

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jaxsteamblog · 6 years

Text

Who dies first?

For weeks, Katara had felt the weakening of his heart. They didn’t discuss it, since Zuko knew the lines of her face so well and had known before even she had realized it. They were both so old, they had even begun to recognize the age of their children. This reality was, of course, inevitable.

Izumi was no longer Fire Lord. Iroh II had ascended the throne years ago and Takara was the Crown Prince, going on adventures with his cousin Yi.

And so many had already died.

While Zuko went to rest one afternoon, Katara sat in the sitting room of the palace. Azula’s son Dante - Katara’s great-grandson - served her coffee in small, delicate cups. She tried to remember how things were before, when her own children brought her tea. They did not have electric lights back then, or air conditioning or television sets. The electric cars didn’t run so fast and not everything had come with a screen. Katara could go in the kitchen now, where very few servants - no, employees - worked, and she could press a hand to a cool screen. It would read her hand print and serve her favorite dessert without any words spoken.

It was convenient, sure, but she missed talking to people.

“Mother.” Katara roused, noting that she had drifted in her thoughts.

“Kya.” Katara said with a desperate warmth. She loved her children so much, and she panicked at seeing their age. Izumi bent down and kissed Katara’s cheek.

“Hello grandmother.” Dante said and lightly hugged Izumi’s thin frame.

“Go and check on the dragons boy. I’ve been waiting for Kyrek to hatch for days now.” Izumi said brusquely and waved Dante away. Dante, ever the long suffering teen, rolled his eyes but darted away. Izumi huffed and sat down, still holding onto the head of her cane.

“He looks so much like his father.” Katara remarked and Izumi made a noise.

“Unfortunate really. But at least Azula settled on the Firebender in the end.” She said.

“There’s nothing wrong with other Benders Kya.” Katara said.

“Other Benders are not the descendants of Avatar Roku and heirs to the Fire Nation throne.” Izumi quipped. Katara laughed but shook her head, drinking some of her coffee.

They settled into a silence that was only achieved in age. They were both just breathing in the same moment and that was enough.

“Will father wake up today?” Izumi asked suddenly and Katara sighed as she set down her cup.

“I think so. But I don’t know when he won’t.” She said. Izumi, ever stoic, nodded.

“You can go, you know. We’ll all be fine.” She said and Katara patted her daughter’s lap.

“I know. But your father and I.” Katara stopped and looked around the room. She didn’t even recognize the palace anymore.

“You’re named after my mother.” Katara said.

“I know.”

“But you’re nothing like her.” Katara added and Izumi laughed.

“I know mother.” She replied. “And Azula is nothing like her namesake, nor Iroh his.”

“So what if we don’t come back?” Katara posited.

“What do you mean?” Izumi asked.

“I always thought that one day I would come back, and your father and I would have more time. But perhaps only the Avatar comes back, and the rest of us simply fade away.” Katara said. “We love you children, but your father and I just want another day together.”

Izumi was stunned into silence and Katara picked up her coffee again.

“Grandfather is in the spirit world.” Izumi said.

“Zuko has never been able to do that. I could go there, I think, but not your father.” Katara said. “And I won’t go there without him.”

“Mother, I.” Izumi cut herself off and sighed. “I know I am not a warm person.” Katara didn’t respond, but busied herself with her coffee.

“Kya made so many decisions over her short life that were hard. But she met every difficulty with a spine of steel. You’ve been pushed over out of a desire to make people happy, but Kya made every choice that made life better for herself and her family. I think I am more like her than anyone wants to admit.” Izumi finished.

“Well-” Katara started, sounding affronted.

“If either you or father had any ounce of devious ambition, you would have married much earlier than you did.” Izumi interjected and Katara grunted her acceptance.

“Azula is vainglorious and insecure, and Iroh is about fame and family. By the time we get to the next Zuko, he’ll probably be moody and overly righteous. You’re not even dead yet and Takara is full of confidence and sass.” Izumi continued.

“So you think we come back?” Katara asked.

“Don’t be absurd. This just proves that personality is inherited and neither of you will ever really be gone in the first place.” Izumi retorted and Katara chuckled.

“But it will never be Zuko and me again.” She said wistfully. Izumi turned a little in her seat and the two women actually looked at each other.

“Mama, if I know anything, it’s that you and Papa will be together forever.” She said and Katara’s eyes started to water.

“I love you Kya.” Katara murmured.

“I love you mama.” Izumi said.

Over the past week, they had seen everyone. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, even Korra had stopped by. Perhaps the universe was telling them it was time, and they had all had a sweet farewell with promises to see each other again. So as Katara left the sitting room, she kissed her daughter and told her she would be down later for dinner.

Katara walked down the hall and nodded to the strangers she passed. The government was being handled more and more by the congress and so there were never any ministers hanging around the palace. Servants were long gone and the palace staff changed almost every season. Everyone carried passes with embedded chips, verifying identities and allowing privileged access. People talking to earpieces had to halt suddenly, bowing in respect as they finally caught sight of the old Fire Lady. The respect she garnered was less about her power - which was nonexistent - and more about her status as a relic.

She missed Iroh; she missed Rin, and Sokka.

Katara staggered in the hall and braced herself against the wall. A guard stepped out of the shadows, speaking urgently into an earpiece while coming to her.

“Are you alright ma’am?” They asked, gently holding her elbow. Katara looked at them and was almost shocked to see a bare face and not an iron mask. She felt their spirit, and was more shocked to know that they were an Airbender.

How had things changed so much?

“I’m fine. But would you escort me to my room?” She asked. The guard smiled and nodded.

“Code Blue resolved. Escorting Painted Lady to her room.” They said into their earpiece and then offered their arm. When the guards started to integrate technology into their protocol, Lu Ten had suggested the code name and Katara had found it amusing. Now it seemed like a sad satire, as she tried to imagine herself back in the paint and dress.

Katara made it to her room without another incident and she closed the door firmly behind her. Zuko was still asleep on their bed and she slowly moved toward it. Their bed had been lowered years ago and Katara easily slid herself up and onto the mattress. As she did, Zuko shifted and rolled over, opening his eyes.

“Hello my love.” He whispered as Katara laid down facing him.

“Did I wake you?” She asked.

“Yes, but you’re always worth the waking.” He said. Katara smiled and leaned in to kiss him.

“Izumi says we can go now.” She said when they parted and Zuko put a hand to her cheek.

“Well, now that we have her permission...” He quipped and Katara laughed.

“I think we’ll be okay Zuko.” She said. “I think everything will be okay.”

“I know we will.” He replied and they kissed again. “As long as we’re together.”

“Mmm. You’re warm.”

“All the better for napping.”

“A nap does sound good.”

“Come here.”

“I love you Zuko.”

“I love you Katara.”

The siblings had not been in the same place at the same time in a very, very long time. Izumi had gotten into a fight with the Fire Sages when they attempted to cremate both bodies and Iroh had only managed to pull her off after she had hit the head sage with her cane a good number of times.

Then Lu Ten and Izumi had fought over what to actually do. The Water Tribes - all four of them - buried their dead, either at sea or under cairns. As the former Fire Lady however, Katara was given the right to be cremated. Lu Ten wanted to take her to the South Pole, while Izumi demanded that their parents be cremated together.

Kozin and Riza stood back, watching as their older siblings started throwing things at each other.

“Mom can’t come back unless she goes to Sedna!” Lu Ten shouted.

“Their bodies have to stay together!” Izumi shouted back. “I can’t split them up!” Izumi collapsed, sobbing, and Lu Ten rushed to her, cradling her as she wept.

“Mama and Papa have to stay together!” Izumi cried. Everyone was quiet, awkwardly trying not to look at each other while Izumi’s wails filled the room. Finally Undine, Riza’s daughter, stood from her seat and cleared her throat.

“Okay so, I have kind of a gross idea.” She said.

Izumi looked hollow as they all sat on the jet flying to the South Pole. The box in her lap could have been filled with helium for how tightly she was holding onto it.

The funeral at the Fire Nation had been massive. Kiyi’s descendants had shown up and stood with the family during the cremation. Korra, Lu Ten, Kozin, Iroh, and Azula did the actual ceremony, keeping the Fire Sages confined to the dais for the rest of the rite.

The nation entered a month of mourning and the flags in Republic City were lowered to half mast. Black drapes were put over the windows of the Fire Nation and Water Tribe embassies and the South Pole museum was open to the public with free admission for the month. Hira’a set a large bonfire and fireworks went screaming into the night sky almost every day.

Before all of that, however, the family had another rite to attend. Undine had flown back to the South Pole immediately after the cremation and started prepping. When the rest of the family landed in Haida, it was packed with people.

All of the high ranking people from the Swamp Tribe and the Island Tribe had made it, and the Chief of the North had brought a long a dozen other families. It was a tense political time, since Undine’s daughter was a Firebender and ineligible for the chiefdom, and the North Pole had been suffering a low birth rate for decades. Power had been shifting to the Swamp Tribe since the fracturing of the Earth Kingdom and no one had ever wanted to say anything publicly.

Now, with the Matriarch of the United Tribes dead, all of the leaders recognized it was the time to address things.

Izumi didn’t care about any of it. She had rejected this part of her life a long time ago. But the Water Tribe would never let go of her.

Lu Ten held onto her as they stepped down out of the jet and the gathered crowd started to cheer. The prodigal daughter had returned, and she had come to honor the Great Mother herself.

It was ambiguous if they meant Sedna or Katara in that moment.

The large family of Zuko and Katara were given a clear path to the sleighs. The electric motors were silent and Izumi wondered when they had stopped using polar bear dogs to pull them. She was getting far too old for all of these improvements.

It took five sleighs to seat all of the family. They were massive vehicles but they slid over the ice and snow with ease. The blades hovered under the sleighs themselves, using magnets to disperse the weight so there was no fear of cracking even the summer ice. Still, Izumi clutched the box like it was liable to fly away.

It took two hours for everyone to situate themselves at the coast. Korra, Izumi, Riza, and Undine took over for this portion. Korra, Riza, and Undine brought up a pillar of freezing ocean water. The water shifted as they pulled it up and a dragon formed. The crowd gasped in awe, but as Izumi saw the shocked faces of the Benders, she knew this had not been planned. Izumi’s eyes narrowed as she eyed the dragon.

She remembered all too well the last time they had met.

“Aivilayoq.” Izumi muttered darkly, but the water dragon didn’t respond. Without another word, Izumi walked forward and held out the box in her hands. The dragon lowered its jaw and Izumi placed the box inside the swirling maw.

“This is for Sedna.” Izumi said loudly. “My parents are being returned to her.”

The water dragon snapped its jaws shut and swirled over itself, diving back into the ocean.

It had been a gross idea, and Izumi didn’t want it discussed. While her parents’ hearts had been burned together, their bladders had been surgically removed beforehand and dried. The Polar Tribes believed the bladders held the spirit and that they must be returned to Sedna in order for the spirit to return.

Now, as was the macabre custom, there was a large festival. Everyone got stinking drunk at the feast and stories were told about the great heroes, including their children.

As Izumi looked around the room, she was startled to see how right she had been when she had spoken to her mother. Sokka’s face was reflected in fragments among various people. Toph’s laugh was heard from the throat of an over eager Metalbender. Iroh had Zuko’s angular features while Undine had Katara’s round face. Seven people in the hall were Firebenders because of Zuko. A Kyoshi Warrior was part of the royal family. The Avatar herself looked more like Izumi’s grandmother than Izumi did as her namesake.

Katara and Zuko would indeed live forever.

#jax writes #steam canon #we all knew it was going to be sad #zutara #why yes this is the only time in her life we see izumi cry

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zutaraturtleduck · 7 years

Text

Our Happy Ending (2/2)

Summary: How things could have concluded if Zutara was the endgame.

Read on: ao3

Part 1

The Gaang was in Uncle Iroh’s tea shop in Ba Sing Se. It was a calm and peaceful moment, a far cry from their usual action-packed adventures. Uncle Iroh was playing the tsungi horn. The girls were chatting. Zuko was serving tea. Sokka was ‘capturing the moment’, but ended up being laughed at after they saw how much of an epic fail his painting was.

Aang stepped out of the tea shop, taking a moment for himself. The sunset reflected the same hues as the one during the comet. It could have been a pleasant scenery to remember if they were simply kids enjoying the moment, no war, and no responsibilities, only themselves to think of. Unfortunately, they were no simple kids, the hope of ending the war and finally bring peace to the world lies in them.

Even though he was the most volatile in the group, literally and figuratively, recently Aang found himself reflecting. Like on these blank moments when he was free to think of anything, his mind unconsciously ponders about what transpired in the war and what would he do next as the Avatar.

Considering the other worse things that could have happened; he was a lucky kid. He was lucky that a lion-turtle showed him a way how to defeat Fire Lord Ozai without actually killing him – take away his bending, instead. He was lucky that a rock hit him at his chi trigger point that allowed him to go Avatar State, instead of letting a timid clueless kid fight a psychotic power-driven adult.

He knew that he won’t always be lucky, and he has to fully face his destiny: to be a fully-realized Avatar. Every time he tried to run away, people precious to him paid the price. This time he’ll face the problem head on like what Toph had always said.

Katara, the only earthly attachment he can’t let go of, his forever girl. She was the person who woke him up from his century of slumber. She was the mother who took care of him and whom he nourished from. She was the teacher who taught him and guided him in his journey as a waterbender. She was the sister whom he swore loyalty to. She was the best friend he relied on. She gave him a family to belong to. How could he let her go? How could he live without her?

But then, he had a life before her, before his slumber, his life as an airbender. It was his heritage and it will be his legacy. If he didn’t run away a hundred years ago, could the war have been prevented? Could his people still be alive?

Him being the last air nomad, it was something he could hardly believe, not because he was still in denial, but they weren’t called nomads for empty titles. Among the four nations, they were the most adaptable and most likely to blend in the crowd. He had memories of encountering his own people posing as nonbendering citizens of the other nations and managed to fool everyone except their own kind.

No air nomad might be occupying any of the air temples for the past years but it doesn’t mean that they were extinct. They might be living in the other nations feigning as part of their nonbending residents for self-preservation.

That has to be it. He left them before, now he’s going to find them.

Aang didn’t know how long he was standing outside but a presence next to him, retrieved him from his thoughts, Katara. She simply stood there, saying nothing. She could feel her gaze on him then on the beautiful sunset.

“After this… You’re going back to the Southern Water Tribe, right?” Aang said, putting words on Katara’s thoughts.

“Yeah…” Katara hated her maternal instinct sometimes. Going back to her tribe meant that she’ll be leaving Aang on his own, and it made her feel guilty. Yet, it was her deepest desire to rebuild her tribe now that their people were back. They were open to venture the seas, and keep in touch with the other water tribes. “How about you?”

“I know this sounds crazy, but I’m going to look for my own people, the air nomads. They are alive somewhere out there Katara… I could feel it.” Aang said with conviction.

“That’s great Aang!” A small supportive smile crossed Katara’s face. But as much as she wanted to stay happy and hopeful, reality likes to go against her. “I guess, after this, each of us is going our own separate ways… Are you sure you can manage on your own?”

“I have to Katara.” Aang whispered in hard certainty. It was like he was telling it more to himself than to Katara.

“It’s not like I’ll ever be alone anyway. The world needs me, and it better be there for me too,” Aang joked, shifting his heavy tone to a lighter one. “We could always visit each other, including the Gaang. If everyone is up to it, we can camp again somewhere like the good-old-days, but this time it’s not the Fire Nation we’re hiding from, but fromour responsibilities!”

The two chuckled like the kids they actually were. Finishing his heartily laugh, Aang spoke again. “Katara?”

“What is it Aang?”

“Uhm… Regarding what I did to you during the Ember Island Players… I… ah… I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I understand that the play upset everyone… well, maybe except for Toph.” As much as Toph was amused with how her character was portrayed, Katara won’t ever live down how spot on Zuko’s actor was.

“No. It’s not. Forcefully kissing you like that wasn’t the right thing to do whether I’m upset or not.” When Aang heard what happened to Zuko and Azula’s Agni Kai, at first he felt relieved that all of them managed to win their own battles. Yet when the details with how the fight started to sink down in him, like how Zuko desperately cried as he attempted to redirect the lightning that Azula shot at Katara and how frantic Katara was every time Zuko was in pain, he felt his internal organs plummet in shame.

His friend Zuko, who wanted to regain his honor more than anything else, was willing to throw it away and possibly his own life just to save Katara. Yet he, as the person who proclaims to love her, what could he do for her? What was he doing to her? Fly away and let her deal with the crucial situation on her own? Not considering how his actions would affect her?

It was a hard fact to accept, but maybe that’s the reason why he needs to let go of her. He might be the Avatar and the direly world needs him, but not everything in the world is about him. He needs to stop being self-centered and learn how to empathic.

Katara felt a pang of pride upon hearing Aang’s words. She was proud that the boy she found in the iceberg has been growing up.

“I accept the apology.” She awkwardly smiled at him. “So this means… we’re… friends?”

“Friends.” Aang agreed and gave back Katara’s motherly hug.

Zuko didn’t mean to pry, but he had been watching Katara and Aang outside of the teashop. He can’t help wondering, what they could be talking about. He saw Aang flash a goofy smile at him, catching him staring at them. He immediately set his eyes elsewhere with pink tint on his cheeks. Aang broke the hug with Katara and started walking towards the teashop.

“It’s your turn buddy Go talk to her.” Aang discreetly whispered at him, letting Zuko have a private moment with Katara away from the Gaang’s meddling, particularly Sokka’s.

“And Zuko…” Aang had a mature and kind expression across his face, which made Zuko swallow an imaginary lump along his throat. “Take care of her, okay?”

“O… Of course!” Zuko awkwardly replied. What was Aang hinting at?

Zuko walked towards Katara while rubbing the back of his neck. He didn’t exactly know how to start a conversation with her. Ever since his Agni Kai with Azula, things were either intense or awkward with her.

“Hi, Katara… Are you okay?” he managed to say in his best cheery voice he could manage.

Katara raised a brow at him as if telling: “Seriously Zuko? That’s the best you can manage?” Then she laughed lightly at him. She let out a light laugh before answering him seriously.

“I’m fine. Just kinda feeling weird after Aang and I… Uhm… I really don’t know how to call it… Technically, broke up?” Katara shrugged.

“Oh.. I didn’t mean to…” Zuko didn’t really know what to say. Should he apologize for being nosy or because he might be a reason why it happened?

“There’s nothing really to apologize for,” Katara replied in a neutral tone that put Zuko to ease. “Our break up is a mutual one. I just find it weird that we ‘broke up’ when we’re not officially together and I was sort of expecting that things are going to be a bit more dramatic… You know how Aang could be at times. But really, I’m thankful with how we neatly concluded things.”

“I see.” There was a long silence between them after that.

“Katara…” “Zuko…” they called the same time resulting to some amusing gestures.

“You go ahead,” Zuko gave way to Katara. He might be great at delivering political speeches, but can be a total dimwit in personal conversations.

Katara took a deep breath before saying anything. “About what happened during the Agni Kai with Azula…” They never had the chance to talk about it. After the Agni Kai, they were either wrapped in their own busy schedules or accompanied each other in serene silence, afraid to break the thin ice that is protecting the rapport they established from their own chaotic thoughts and feelings.

Though, sometimes at night, her own thoughts haunted her, making her restless as she lay on her bed. “Did he do that because he has feelings for me?”

And then, there were her feelings. “What do I feel about him?”

She could still remember how he cried for her as he ran towards the lightning’s path. That, together with the last moments with her mom, they were her most tragic memories she won’t ever forget in her life.

One thing is for sure, things between them are no longer the same like it was before.

“I’m sorry.” Zuko immediately replied. He already knows where she could possibly drag him with this conversation and he also recognizes how much this girl could affect him, even stronger than what Sozin’s Comet could do to him. His last Agni Kai, didn’t only pave way for him to rightfully earn the throne, but it also awakened the potential feelings he harbors towards the master waterbender. Whatever he felt for Katara, it’s something he cannot hide from himself any longer.

But he was no longer the prince who can be in romance with anyone he pleases. He is now the leader of a nation which owes the world a hundred years’ worth of recuperation for the war his ancestors instigated. Pursuing romance at this crucial political phase would be like a juggling his mother’s precious china and failing to catch either one or all of them.

So before she could make him falter with his decision, he firmed himself.

“I’m sorry.” Did he just say that? Did he understand that she was referring to their standing as friends and not what had literally happened? He must have. For a moment Katara’s body felt numb. A bit later, hurt started to gush like water from the dam. Was he rejecting her?! Was he betraying her again? She didn’t even let her finish what she was about to say! She can’t help flashing him a painful look that emphasized her glassy blue eyes.

Zuko felt something in him crash. “I didn’t mean it that way...” Yet, she looked away.

“Katara, I’m not denying what we could possibly feel towards each other. It’s just that, I don’t want for either of us to hold on to something that would hardly work given our current predicament. I’ll be in the Fire Nation trying to win the trust of my people and reform our ways. You’ll be in the South Pole, helping to rebuild your tribe. Between us is a lot of work so we can truly live in peace and harmony.” He looked at her, looking for any sign of understanding. He was relieved to see that her expression has softened.

She discerned what he was trying to imply and she felt stupid for all sorts of things, for overreacting, for overthinking, for thinking badly of him, for being immature, for hoping too much, and so on. Seriously, he is too dangerous for her. How could he trigger emotions and actions far from her usual parameters?

“If we still feel the same way by the time we can have some time to ourselves, we’ll talk about it, okay?” she heard him say. His golden orbs sincerely and intently gazed on her blue ones and his large hands enclosed her smaller ones.

“Okay,” she managed to voice out. “But promise me that after this, we’ll keep writing to each other, and you’ll also write to Sokka, Suki, Aang and even Toph.”

“I promise.”

Hands intertwined together, and her head on his shoulders, they watched the sunset.

Author’s Notes:

Hi guys! I hope you enjoyed that!

What do you think of the characters? Were they OOC?

Please read and comment. Constructive criticism are highly accepted.

#zutara #zuko #katara #aang #my writing #me trying to save aang's character

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heroineimages · 7 years

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Jedi AU, part 3

Here’s part 3 of the Korra Jedi AU I’ve been tinkering with. No major character deaths this time. Just Korra recovering from her injuries and getting a new arm and leg out of it. I also establish a little more backstory here. Also, I made Sokka a Jedi. Feedback is always welcome. (Part 1, Part 2)

Korra felt the rock strike her hand again, breaking bones and sending the lightsaber flying from her grip. Zaheer hurled another barrage of rocks and debris into her chest and face faster than her poisoned legs could dodge, throwing her backward to the rocky ground. Unable to focus to get her saber back, she watched helplessly yet again as Zaheer pulled her weapon to himself and sliced it in half with his dual-saber.

The lightsaber had belonged to Tenzin’s uncle, a great Jedi Master named Sokka. Losing the weapon still made Korra ache inside when she thought of it.

The dream continued, as it always did, with Korra feeling Zaheer slam her against yet another boulder while the poison continued to ravage her body. Ribs and a shoulder fractured at the impact, and Korra could feel the ache once again as her body reacted to the memory.

As before, she felt the terror and helplessness as Zaheer used the Force to lift her broken body by the neck, holding her several feet off the ground. Again, she felt the iron grip of those unseen fingers, crushing the life from her throat. She remembered preparing for the end to come.

But a new presence intervened—a presence darker than Zaheer and all of his Red Lotus combined.

Horrifying mechanical breathing filled the darkened canyon, and the sound of another lightsaber ignited from somewhere behind Korra, adding a red glow to the blue from Zaheer’s saber. She saw Zaheer’s face turn pale as he dropped her to the dirt in a heap. Barely conscious, Korra watched again as her attacker backed away in panic. The last thing she recalled before blacking out was a massive, black presence striding past her as Zaheer continued to back away.

Whether in this nightmare from her past or in visions of possible futures, that black presence now haunted her dreams almost nightly. Korra felt her breathing calm as the darkness subsided. Alerted to the presence of the Red Lotus and its anarchist Dark Jedi—Zaheer, Ming Hua, Ghazan, and P’Li—Darth Vader and the 501st Legion arrived to deal with the threat.

According to Suyin, none of the Red Lotus on planet survived Vader’s visit.

How Korra was alive, no one knew. Lin and Jinora found her and got her to safety while the Imperials were busy wiping out the Lotus. Days later, some of Su’s scouts discovered Zaheer’s saberstaff while investigating the battle site. They gave it to Su, who gave it to Tenzin, who gave it to Korra as a replacement for the saber she’d lost.

But three years after her defeat, it was that dark shadow, not Zaheer, that continued to haunt Korra’s nightmares. Though he’d poisoned, broken, tortured, and brutalized her for hours, Zaheer was somehow less terrifying than the dark presence that she’d only seen for a moment before passing out.

Korra’s mouth felt dry as she began to wake up. She found herself baffled at the fact that she was waking up at all. Her last memories were of battling the Empire. She’d been burned by a Flametrooper and took at least one clip from a blaster bolt, but continued to fight on. She’d resigned herself to dying at the Imperials’ hands to defend those she cared about, rather than risk meeting Vader again.

And now she was waking up.

Korra opened her eyes, then gasped and closed them again against the light. Why did people insist on keeping her in bright rooms every time she awoke from unconsciousness?

“Korra?” a familiar and welcome voice asked to her right.

“Hey, Jinora,” she rasped, opening her eyes slowly this time and trying to focus on her young friend.

She felt Jinora take her right hand. Her left hand and arm felt… wrong somehow… heavy…

“I am really, really glad you’re alive,” Jinora murmured, clutching Korra’s hand. “We weren’t sure you’d make it.”

“I was pretty sure I wouldn’t,” Korra admitted, her eyes finally focusing. She could see the tears in Jinora’s eyes as she pressed her cheek against Korra’s hand.

“I don’t think I could have handled losing you and Dad in the same day,” Jinora said, squeezing Korra’s hand again before laying it back on the bed.

“I am so sorry about—” she cut off as she started to reach her left hand across to comfort Jinora. Her left hand that was now made from metal and wires and tiny hydraulics…

In her peripheral vision she noticed Jinora bite her lower lip apprehensively, but Korra’s attention was focused on the metal appendage attached to her left shoulder.

“Huh,” was all she said, flexing the cybernetic digits. “So that’s why my arm felt weird.”

“Yeah, they had to replace your left arm, and Aunt Kya says they’ll replace your left leg once the prosthetics arrive tomorrow,” Jinora explained.

“Neat!” Korra laughed, moving the arm back and forth. “Who’s ‘Aunt Kya’?” she asked, watching the servos move in her elbow.

“That would be me,” a new voice said from the door. Korra looked up to see a handsome, middle-aged woman with greying hair standing in the doorway. She wore blue and white medic’s robes and a rank insignia that Korra couldn’t identify. “Welcome to the Alliance medical frigate, Redemption, Jedi Korra,” she continued, stepping into the room and sitting on the bed next to Korra’s. “How’s the arm working out so far? We’ve got ways to cover it if you’d prefer. Some of them almost look as convincing as the original.”

“It’s great,” Korra smiled as she repeatedly picked up and dropped the edge of her blanket. “Can we cover it in plastoid armor? Maybe even paint some old pieces of Stormtrooper armor dark blue with a light blue stripe down the center and attach them to the prosthetics.”

“I’ll see what we can do,” Kya promised, chuckling. “We’ll get the leg attached as soon as it arrives, then give you a couple weeks to recover and learn how to use and maintain the cybernetics.”

“Sounds perfect,” Korra assured her. “So, Aunt Kya, huh?” she inquired next, resting her chin on her metal palm, just for the novelty of being able to do so.

“Yeah, it turns out Jinora’s dad is my long-lost brother, Tenzin,” Kya laughed, leaning back. “I was about four or five years old when the Jedi Temple took him away for training, like they did my Mom’s brother, Sokka, when he was a kid. Uncle Sokka I actually met a few times, but my little brother I never saw again.”

“Aunt Kya and I got to comparing notes while you were recovering and figured out that we’re related,” Jinora added, finally smiling. “Her older brother, Bumi, actually led the transports that came to evacuate Su’s people after the battle a week ago. Weird coincidence, huh?”

“You know what your dad would say about coincidences,” Korra chided, smirking. “But, yeah, the Force works in weird ways, sometimes. More than one Jedi philosopher has theorized that it even has a sense of irony.”

“That makes a weird kind of sense,” Jinora agreed. “I remember Dad talking about that.”

“Anyway, I figured you were hungry, so I’ve got food coming up from the galley already,” Kya informed her. “Other than that, it’s probably best if you rest up for now.”

“I doubt I can go very far,” Korra laughed it off.

“I’ve got other wounded to check up on, and we had to evacuate a listening post a few hours ago, so I’m expecting even more here really soon,” Kya apologized, standing. “But I’ll try to find time to check back on you later.”

“Sounds good, and thanks,” Korra assured her.

Kya winked and left.

Korra was sipping tea and working her way around these dry Alliance rations when a familiar boisterous voice sounded from the doorway.

“Korra!” Bolin laughed, rushing in to hug her. “You’re okay! Oops, right, mind the arm, sorry…” he trailed off, eyeing her new arm.

“I’m glad to see you’re alright,” Opal added, entering just behind Bolin. “You looked really bad when they brought you in.”

“I’ve had worse,” Korra assured them as Opal leaned over to hug her.

“Yeah, sure you have,” Mako chuckled from the doorway. Behind him followed an attractive young woman with long, wavy dark hair. The woman wore a baggy, crimson flight uniform, but somehow managed to look shapely and elegant in it.

Mako and Bolin both wore drab-grey Alliance infantry uniforms, while Opal wore a charcoal infiltrator jumpsuit with clips at the shoulders and waist to attach light combat armor. Hugging Mako in turn, Korra was fairly impressed with how professional and military her friends looked.

“No, actually, she’s had worse injuries. Like, a lot worse,” Jinora confirmed for Korra.

“Jeeze, when was that?” Bolin asked. “Oh, this is Asami, by the way,” he added, introducing the pilot.

The elegant woman with the wonderful light-green eyes smiled graciously and extended a gloved hand. “Lovely to meet you,” Asami assured her. “I’ve never met a Jedi before; it’s a pleasure to finally meet one.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Korra smiled, raising Asami’s hand to smooch a gloved knuckle. Asami looked surprised but not unflattered by the gesture.

“But to answer your question, Bolin,” Korra went on, releasing Asami’s hand. “Did you hear anything about that Red Lotus group that infiltrated Imperial City back home three years ago?”

“Um, yeah, some kind of anarchist group, right?” Bolin answered, searching his memory.

“And several of the higher-ranking members were exiled Jedi, according to some reports,” Asami added, sitting by Jinora.

“I remember hearing from Su that you got hurt during that, but she never said how bad,” Mako frowned.

Korra nodded, suppressing a grimace at the memory. “Tenzin, Lin, and I were among the first to respond. I got captured during the Lotus’s evacuation from the city. They poisoned me before I could escape, and I ended up fighting two of their leaders. I took out Ghazan, but that maniac Zaheer broke half the bones in my body and was about to crush my neck when–when—” she cut off with a shudder, gasping and struggling to control her breathing as Vader’s shadow loomed across her memories once again.

“Maybe we should talk about something else,” Jinora suggested carefully.

Korra just nodded, closing her eyes and leaning back. She focused on clearing her mind to slow her breathing. As her breathing calmed, so did her heartbeat.

“Um, okay, so I have a question,” Bolin offered, sitting on a nearby bed next to Opal. “So back when we were playing Shockball, back in Zaofu and Imperial City, were we technically cheating by having a Jedi on our team?”

Korra chuckled and opened one eye. “Yep,” she answered, grinning. She could almost hear Mako roll his eyes as the others laughed. Asami had a particularly pleasant laugh that Korra made a goal of trying to hear more often in the future.

#my writing #my stories #The Legend of Korra #Avatar Korra #Jinora #Mako #Asami Sato #Bolin #Kya #Zaheer #Jedi AU #Korra AUs

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