Hello! I am totally new to reading Zukka and would love some recommendations. If you've already done this, please feel free to just link to another post! I would love a few recs of what you consider to be "must-reads". I'm open to any length or rating (although I tend to read rated E), I would just love to start with a few that are phenomenal :)
Hi stavro!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Zukka fics!
Here's a Zukka starter pack for you, I limited it to 10 fics to stop it from getting too unwieldy, but it was really difficult to keep it so short tbh, so if you want more lmk!
Zukka Must-Reads
Blue by blacklipscurse
Available on Ao3, Complete (Part 1), Teen, Slowburn, Canon-Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Blue Spirit Zuko, Secret Indentities, Ba Sing Se, Angst, H/C, Homophobia, Physical Disability, Humour / Humor
Wordcount: 192,682
This fic is a whole damn phenomenon in this fandom and it's phenomenal to match! The way the characters are written really draws you in. It's a very emotive fic and I truly cannot emphasise how funny blacklipscurse's writing is, I laughed a lot. Especially at Zuko, and sometimes Sokka. 😅 There is a sequel but it's a WIP and Blue can stand alone. :)
absence of heat, excess of destiny by theycallmesuperboy / @baegarrick
Available on Ao3, Complete, Gen, Canon-Compliant, Alternate Universe - Soulmate, AU - Soulmate-Identifying Marks
Wordcount: 4,336
Absolute classic, and I love soulmate fics so for me this is top tier.
Real Slow by surveycorpsjean (Ao3) / zanimez (Tumblr)
Available on Ao3, Complete, Mature, Post-Canon, Fluff, Smut, H/C, Angst, Ambassador Sokka
Wordcount: 21,490
The way their relationship gently unfurls in this is very satisfying. Highly recommend!
Hallowed by HairCrescendo / @sword-and-stars
Available on Ao3, Complete, Explicit, Smut, Fluff
Wordcount: 4,615
Smouldering smut and fluffy feelings. I'd recommend all of HairCrescendo's work tbh, they're a fantastic writer and they have about a dozen more Explicit works. ;)
three words that become hard to say (I and love and you) by overcomeeithlongingfora_girl / @overcomewithlongingfora-girl
Available on Ao3, Complete, Explicit, Smut, Praise Kink, Subdrop, Domdrop, Light BDSM
Wordcount: 2,977
This fic is hothotHOT, and yet also so sweet and emotional it makes my heart hurt. Bring a fan and some tissues.
Courtesan by lesbianophelia / @mendontprotectyou
Available on Ao3, Complete, Explicit, Post-Canon, Established Relationship, Light Praise Kink
Wordcount: 2,200
So scrumptious I just want to eat it. Prepare to feel things. 🔥
For Peace and Zuko by BeersForQueers / @omgbeersforqueers
Available on Ao3, Complete, Explicit, Slowburn, Alternate Universe - Arranged Marriage, Future Fic, Canon-Divergence
Wordcount: 43,277
Speaking of classics, honestly you could read anything and everything by BeersForQueers and I would recommend doing so! They're a longtime member of the fandom. They were there for this ship when it needed it most (I want you to know that I just blew a kiss to the sky). Having said that, For Peace and Zuko is one of my absolute favourites. The sequel Ice Cave makes for a lovely epilogue.
when the prison doors are opened by alternatedoom
Available on Ao3, Complete, Explicit, Underage, Sickfic, Angst, H/C, Voyeurism, Animal Killed for Food, FWB, Imprisonment, Dub-Con
Wordcount: 164,648
I don't know if this counts as slowburn given... ahem, the progression of things. On the emotional front, perhaps. Their relationship development is messy in a delicious way, really twists you around into such wonderful spirals... Idek if I'm making any sense, that's what this fic does to my mental capacity! Every character interaction is just so so good and the way the tension gets ratcheted up and then unwound is captivating. I could gush about this fic all day, but instead I'll just leave it at: it's really, really good and you should read it.
In the Soft Light by CSHfic and VSfic
Available on Ao3, Complete, Teen, Slowburn, Pining, Canon-Divergence, Alternate Universe - War Ended Early, Angst, H/C, Firelord Azulon, Miscommunication, Pining, Underage Drinking, AU - Moon Spirit Sokka, side Bakoda, Sickfic, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Bed-Sharing
Wordcount: 83,904
Some of my absolute favourite authors in this fandom and all of their work is fantastic quality. In terms of spot-on characterisation, wonderful descriptions, plenty of humour to balance out the angst... Their writing is masterful, and this is one of my favourites of their fics. They have more mature/explicit works as well. ;) (Side-note: I absolutely adore Zuko in this fic).
(do you take this jerk to be) your one and only by jatersade
Available on Ao3, Complete, Teen, Slowburn, Angst, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Bed-Sharing, Misunderstandings, Pining, AU - Royalty, Alternate Universe - 100 Year War Ended Early, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse
Wordcount: 55,846
I love the arranged marriage trope and I love it when authors play around with the gang's status as the children of royalty and world leaders, and this fic does all of that so well. Jatersade's pacing and the quality of their charecterisarion really elevates this fic.
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I wanted to keep this list to complete fics, but I do have to mention feels like we only go backwards by oldpotatoe, because although it's a WIP it is iconic.
Also, a personal favourite of mine that has been discontinued (but didn't end on a cliffhanger or anything) is invisible string by wilteddaisy (taotu). I have it saved to my phone as a PDF for when I need a comfort read, that's how much I love it.
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I warned you that I was reentering my ATLA phase. 🤣 here's a little zukka with a splash of Suki because I just love them okay
There was an assassination attempt.
There was an attempt on Zuko's life, and Sokka was at the markets rather than at the palace like he should have been.
He heard the alarm ringing out as soon as the attack began, and while the other shoppers all looked up in confusion and curiosity, Sokka felt his heart drop into his stomach. He knew what those bells meant.
His limbs felt numb as he began to push his way through the crowd. They weren't moving out of his way fast enough. He couldn't think straight, could only yelp as his knees gave out beneath him. Small, strong hands gripped his arms and kept him upright. He was vaguely aware of Stuhti calling his name from behind him.
His mind snapped to attention when he heard her say, "maybe it's best if we stay here until-"
"No," he snapped. The words sounded furious and defiant even to his own ears. He'd apologize to her later. "Get me there now."
Stuhti nodded in understanding before stepping in front of him. "Out of our way!"
The crowd hadn't paid much mind to Sokka in his common Water Tribe garb, but Stuhti was in her full Kyoshi regalia. The people parted for her quickly and easily.
The numbness vanished in an instant, adrenaline taking over, and suddenly Sokka couldn't move fast enough. He needed to get back to the palace, needed to be there to protect Zuko, he should have never left, he should be with him-
"He'll be fine," he heard the warrior assure him as they left the crowd behind. "Suki is with him. She'd never let anything happen to him. And even if she wasn't, the Fire Lord is a powerful man in his own rights."
He knew that. He knew that. But that didn't stop the fear from crawling up his spine, creeping into his heart, blurring the edges of his mind.
They reached the palace gates, where two guards were standing watch, glancing uneasily between the ringing bell and the pair approaching them.
"Open the gate," Sokka demanded, and immediately one of them scrambled for the latch.
The bell stopped ringing. All of them turned to look up at it, but none of them relaxed. That meant the attack was over, not that everything was okay again.
As soon as the gate swung open, Sokka ans Stuhti pushed through and began the sprint for the palace. The courtyard was deserted, and the main door of the palace was open. Sokka could hear the shouts and commands before he even raced through the door.
The commotion stopped as the guards and warriors spotted him. He didn't even have to ask before he was being pointed down a hall.
"Ambassador. He's with Suki in his quarters."
Hearing that Zuko was okay did nothing to ease his panic. He needed to see him, touch him, hear his voice-
Stuhti stayed behind as Sokka made the now-familiar journey towards the Fire Lord's chambers. It took less than a minute, but every second felt like a lifetime.
The door was shut and no one was guarding it, but that didn't matter. Sokka shoved it open, slammed it behind him.
"Zuko."
He was there, seated in an armchair, alive and breathing and smiling up at Suki. He turned when he heard Sokka, and then he was on his feet, crossing the room in a few easy strides.
Sokka collapsed into his arms, clung to him, buried his face in Zuko's neck. Relief settled through him and for a moment, he thought he might cry. "You're okay."
"I'm fine," Zuko said. He held Sokka just as tightly and pressed a kiss to his temple. "I didn't even realize what was going on until it was practically over."
"Honestly, we didn't get in on any of the action," Suki said, sounding a little disappointed.
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Sokka grumbled, finally letting go of Zuko and reaching out for Suki instead. She sighed and melted against him, tucking her head under his chin.
"You know, we've been given the rest of the day off," Zuko said, and Sokka could hear his smile.
"Good," Sokka replied, letting go of Suki and eyeing Zuko as he backed up towards their bed. He sat on the edge of it, grinning as the Fire Lord began to approach him with a fond and slightly hungry look. He threw himself backwards into the mattress. "I could use a long nap after the morning I've had."
Suki giggled as Zuko sputtered at him. "The morning you've had? What about the morning we've had?"
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