#Y'all I already have over 70 ideas for rec lists in my drafts and I only decided to make this blog a few days ago 😭

[zukka-fic-recs]

Zukka Fic Rec List - Recent Reads

Just some fics I have read (or reread) and really enjoyed lately! 💕

Unpathed Waters, Undreamed Shores by @onmyliteraturebullshitagain

Available on Ao3, Complete, Teen, Internalised Homophobia, Colonialism, Selkie/Seal-merman Sokka, H/C, Blue Spirit Zuko, Blue Spirit Sokka, Betrayal, Zuko Joins the GAang Early, Slowburn, Enemies to Friends to Lovers

Wordcount: 141,659

Sokka is a sort of merman/seal-shapeshifter who gets caught in a net by Zuko's ship just before canon, and canon events unfold from there. This fic is amaaazing. And owwwww, my heart, their relationship is so freaking sweet I can't even describe how it makes me feel, I'll tear up, don't look at me. The plot, the premise, and the characterisations, all shine through. There's even a cute komodo rhino! One to reread for sure.

it's just me and you by capt_snoozles / @capt-snoozles

Available on Ao3, WIP, Teen, Trans Zuko, Single Dad Zuko, Fluff, Trans Author, Izumi (!!!), Coffee Shop AU

Wordcount: 35,104

Zuko is raising Izumi in Ba Sing Se in this AU. One day while working at Suki's coffee shop he bumps into Sokka. Tiny bits of angst here and there, but overall this fic is a wonderful source of fluff and happiness. Love it.

Boomerangs and Rainbows by mindbending

Available on Ao3, Teen, Complete, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Major Character Death (for more details the blog @boomerangs-and-rainbows has spoilers), hopeful ending, Panic Attacks, Torture, Child Abuse, Slowburn

Wordcount: 67,555

This fic is about Zuko haunting Sokka from Season 2 onwards - basically Zuko joins the GAang early, but as a ghost. Don't let the tags or summary scare you away! I know they're heavy, but I promise this fic is worth a shot, I love it with all my heart. The premise is so great, very creative, and all the little relationship facets and cultural things that the author put in are so interesting. There's humour, there's angst, there's love, there's grief. It's an excellent fic. Another one I love to reread.

when the prison doors are opened by alternatedoom

Available on Ao3, Complete, Explicit, Mostly Canon-Compliant with slight Divergence, Underage, Dub-con, FWB, Fuck buddies to Friends to Lovers, Animal Death, Humiliation, Dubiously Consensual Voyeurism (Toph)

Wordcount: 164,644

The GAang agrees to Zuko's offer to be their prisoner at the Western Air Temple. This is... Whew, hothothot for one thing. Also, the feels, oh the feels. While the relationship is explicit from the start, it is very heart-warming as the connection between them begins to grow. The interpersonal relationships and interactions are great, and fantastic characterisation which felt very grounded in reality. Well-written.

I'll Share the Moon, If You'll Share the Sun by @anarchycox

Available on Ao3, Mature, Complete, Past Zumai, AU - Canon Divergent, H/C, Lies

Wordcount: 86,514

Arranged Marriage AU. Iroh staged a coup against Ozai and ended the war early. He and Hakoda arrange a marriage that will link their two nations. This fic is sweet, steamy, and well-paced. Love Zuko and Sokka's relationship here.

Some Say Love is a Burning Thing by @paintedlight

Available on Ao3, Explicit, WIP, Canon Divergent, Canon-Typical Violence, Child Abuse, Suicidal Thoughts and Implied/Referenced Suicide, PTSD, Enemies TO Lovers, Minor Zumai, Past Yuekka

Wordcount: 77,642

Inspired by The Handmaiden (a film which I also adore, so you can imagine how much I'm enjoying this fic!!!). Sokka makes a deal with Mai to help her capture Zuko in exchange for Hakoda. This fic is... So. Good. The angst, the yearning, the treachery, the characterisation, the plot, ugh. I highly recommend giving it a shot. Also, Boiling Rock! What's not to love?

through the ice, darkly by chuffystilton / @volkswagonblues

Available on Ao3, WIP, Teen, Biopunk, AU - Canon Divergent, Role Reversal, Mystery, Kid Fic, Southern Water Tribe, Airbenders

Wordcount: 44,705

This series is so cool!!!!! The world-building is amazing, and the way the author skillfully allows the plot to gently unravel is so compelling. The execution of the role-reversals is so perfectly thought out and makes perfect sense in this 'verse. Reading this makes me want to hold my breath, it's fantastically well done.

The Art of Burning by @hella1975

Available on Ao3, WIP, Gen, Slowburn, Dadkoda, SWT Fleet, Blue Spirit Zuko, OCs, Kid Fic, Azula Redemption, Torture, Imprisonment, Internalised Homophobia, Angst, H/C, Food Issues, Zuko Wump

Wordcount: 336,447

This fic... Man, this fic is good. Zuko gets kidnapped by the Southern Water Tribe fleet. A lot of bonding and angst and character development. I love the OCs in this and the platonic relationships are great - the Zukka is very very slowburn, but what there's been of it so far is fist-clenchingly lovely. A lot of angst and it gets quite dark, but also a lot of comfort. And look at the wordcount, so much fic to enjoy!