#Zuko thought he shouldn’t reply to a conversation he wasn’t a part of

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Azula x Kai Series: Part Three

Part One Here, Part Two, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six and Part Seven. 

The group had well and truly found the Avatar and the chase was on. Team Avatar kept escaping on their furry ride but the sky bison had to sleep sometime with the tank didn't. They were wearing the Avatar down and when they reached a river, the trail seemed to go one way. Clumps of fur were dotted alongside the bank and it seemed pretty straightforward which way the Avatar had gone...almost too straightforward. "The Avatar is trying to give us the slip" Azula said noticing the pattern the furs had been placed in "Mai, Ty lee you follow it, Kai and I will go this way" she said gesturing to a dirt road leading through the forest. Kai was surprised Azula had told him to come with her but he was pleased. Every action Azula did was calculated precisely so her taking him with her was a compliment. Kai noticed Mai roll her eyes slightly at Kai’s smile and he smirked at her. Kai ensured his pack had everything he needed and with a nod to Mai and Ty lee took off after Azula. They rode for an hour in silence before coming to a town. There were clear footsteps leading to the centre and Azula told Kai to go around to the side and wait. "But shouldn't I come with you?" Kai asked. Azula shook her head "your best skill is your bow which is a ranged weapon. You will find a good position and wait. If I raise my left hand like this" she said demonstrating what looked like a casual hair brush "then fire at the Avatar and aim to kill. I'm expecting Zuko to show up and if we start fighting it's your job to decapacitate him, got it?". Kai thought back to their conversation the other day where Azula admitted she trusted Mai completely around Zuko but not so much Kai. It suddenly occurred to him that Azula bringing him wasn’t a compliment, this was a test. She had chosen him to see if he could handle it and he wasn't going to let her down. "I've got it" he nodded and he ran off to go scale some buildings.

 Azula waited a few minutes for Kai to get into place and then approached the Avatar. Kai didn't hear much of the conversation but he could tell Azula was fine by how relaxed her body language was...and then Zuko appeared. He jumped in the middle of the two of them but Azula just fire-blasted him into a building and went after the Avatar. Kai got the message and quickly sprang down from his hiding spot. Zuko hadn't noticed him yet and went to run after Azula when Kai fired an arrow at him, pinning his shirt to the wall. Zuko jumped as the arrow only just missed stabbing him and turned. "Kai...I should've figured. Wherever Azula goes you always follow". Kai shrugged "good to see you too Zuko, or not so good for you given the circumstances, how banished life been treating you?" he smiled. Zuko shook his head "you seriously think you can beat me in a fight?". Kai raised his bow and aimed at Zuko's head "yeah I think I can, unless...". "Unless what?" Zuko spat and Kai smiled "we know I'm better with a bow and you have firebending so how about we make this even. One-on-one sword fight" he said taking his sword out of his sheath with a satisfying ring "no firebending or archery. What do you say?". "I say you're on!" Zuko cried brandishing his own swords. Kai smiled knowing he'd peaked Zuko's temper. He swung his weapons around a little and got into an aggressive stance "bring it on Prince Zuko...or is it just Zuko now you're a disgraced mess?". Zuko yelled and leapt into the attack. Kai could immediately tell this wasn't Zuko's best performance. He hadn't been travelling comfortably like they had and it showed. Zuko was weaker from his time on the road and inconsistent meals. His attacks lacked sustenance and Kai decided to enjoy this. "You know growing up, all the boys wanted to be you. The Prince of the Fire Nation, heir to the throne, favourite of the Queen...so beating you is going to be very satisfying". "You haven't won yet" Zuko replied and attacked more rapidly which only made him sloppier. Kai actually smirked at the desperation coming from the Prince. He sidestepped Zuko’s attacks and let Zuko think he was pushing him into a corner. Zuko was getting cocky and when he started to smile that’s when Kai knew he’d won...but he wanted to play with the prince a little more. 

Kai let his grip falter and gave Zuko hope that his disarming strike was going to hit...then he quickly readjusted his feet and knocked Zuko's sword from his own hand. He kicked it away and aimed at his neck "I win" he smiled. Zuko’s eyes were a ball of rage but he of course always had someone to step in when he failed. 

Kai felt the fireball just before it reached him. He dove out of the way and turned to see Azula's uncle the disgraced Iroh. "Should've known you wouldn't have gone anywhere without a family member to fight for you, first it was your mother and now your uncle huh Zuko? When are you ever going to fight your own battles?". "That's enough!" Iroh called "we don't want to hurt you Kai, set your weapons down carefully". Kai heard Azula still fighting and shook his head. There was no way he was surrendering while she still needed him. "Fat chance old man" and he fired a smoke bomb at the floor. That gave him the time he needed to run off and he was way faster than Zuko or Iroh. He whistled letting Azula know there was danger and hurried back up the buildings to get a good look at the situation. 

He spotted her immediately and realised she was in a bad position. She was being cornered by 6 people including Iroh and Zuko but still she was putting up a good fight. However even the brightest flame can be extinguished with enough force and so Kai waited anxiously, bow at the ready. He could take out the Avatar, he had a clear shot at him but Azula mattered more. So when she gave the signal he fired his last remaining smoke bomb straight into the yard. Azula leapt out of the way but Kai saw Iroh aim for her, trying to stop her from escaping so he quickly fired another bow right at him for good measure. He didn't have time to see if either hit its mark but based on Zuko's scream it did. Kai rushed down the buildings to the mounts and got there at the same time as Azula. "I thought I said to take out the Avatar" she said. "I know but they would’ve captured you” Kai said getting his mount ready. “So the Avatar would be dead!”. Kai shook his head “but I wanted you to get away more! With Zuko and Iroh there, I couldn't let them capture you Azula I just couldn't!" he cried more emotionally than he meant to. Azula paused shocked by his outburst before she looked away "come on let's go". He nodded composing himself and they rode off as quickly as possible. 

They returned to their designated meeting spot to find Ty lee and Mai waiting...dripping wet. "So...how did it go?" Kai asked and Mai shot him a look. "Not good" Ty lee said "we had them beaten and then the Avatar's bison swept us into the river". Azula shrugged "that fur ball is a real inconvenience but no matter, we can guess where they're heading and I have the perfect plan to finally break that city once and for all". Ty lee blinked and Kai could see she was confused. He was going to mouth the name of it to her when she whispered "what city?" to Mai. Azula heard and rolled her eyes "come on Ty lee! What famous stronghold might the Avatar flock to in order to gain support and weapons?". Ty lee blanked "erm the water tribe?". Azula swore and Kai sighed "Ba Sing Sei, he's heading to Ba Sing Sei". Azula nodded "thank you! Atleast someone has a brain!". Azula rode away and Ty lee struggled not to tear up. "Don't cry, you know she hates that" Mai whispered before following Azula. Kai frowned and walked up to Ty lee "here" and passed her a tissue. "Azula didn't mean what she said, she's just mad because I didn't take the shot at the Avatar and chose to save her instead". Ty lee sniffed "you did? Wow that's brave". He shrugged "not really when the other option was letting a girl I care about get hurt. Sometimes you have to be brave and put yourself in danger to protect those you love". Ty lee nodded "yeah I guess you do...thanks Kai". Kai nodded to her and then walked away. Something about his expression softened and then tightened again made Ty lee remember how difficult it was to care for royalty. 

*Flashback*

Kai left to join the archers 2 weeks after Zuko was banished. Mai was understandably gloomier than ever to be without her brother and her boyfriend and so it was just Ty lee and Azula for a while. They’d grown closer during this time, to the extent that Azula would even talk about Kai to Ty lee. 

They were walking through the training school together which Azula liked to do often. She liked to assess the other students and make sure nobody was close to her level of skill and this had apparently extended to Kai. She watched some teenagers fire a bow and only half of them hit a bullseye. Azula snorted as the coach praised them “it seems without Kai around this now passes for archery”, Ty lee laughed and Azula smiled. “When he gets back they’ll think he’s a god because he can actually hit the target board”. Ty lee laughed again “you’re right, when does Kai get back again Azula?”. “Well he won’t be back officially until atleast a year but he will be back home for the winter solstice in 4 weeks. It will be pleasant to have him around again...maybe Mai will actually smile” Azula said. Ty lee had read that absence can make the heart grow fonder and she adored the effect Kai’s absence was having on Azula. She spoke about him often and complimented him more than Ty lee had ever heard. So she was sure the minute Kai arrive back Azula would ask him to be her boyfriend! She couldn’t wait for Kai to return and the weeks whizzed by until he was here. 

Ty lee rushed to the docks with Mai to await Kai’s return. When they got there she pushed to the front and looked around expectantly. “Where’s Azula?” Ty lee asked and Mai raised an eyebrow “probably back at the palace, why?”. “Well won’t she want to see Kai?” Ty lee asked. Mai shook her head “when has Azula ever come to see anyone off or welcome them home? It’s beneath her”. Ty lee shook her head “no..she likes Kai, she’ll be here!” but the ship appeared and all the travellers walked off the ship with no sign of her. Kai appeared and Ty lee and Mai called to him. He grinned when he saw them and rushed to hug them. “You’ve grown!” Ty lee said shocked and he laughed “maybe a little...”. “That’s an understatement” Mai replied and Kai shot her a look “you know i’m pretty much the same height as you now, give me a week and i’ll probably have you beat”. Mai didn’t like that and the two siblings bickered but it was a nice sound after Mai’s stormy silence had been present for so long. 

Ty lee was sure Azula would meet them at Mai’s home or maybe send them a note to come to the palace but nothing. When she hadn’t appeared by the next day either Ty lee thought perhaps Azula had forgotten so went to go and find her. She found her in her room pouring over some battle strategy books. “There you are!” Ty lee cried and Azula raised an eyebrow “am I supposed to be somewhere else? This might be a holiday for the slackers but I still have work to do”. “I know but can’t you take one day off from your studies?” Ty lee asked “Kai’s back!”. Azula didn’t react “and?”. “And it would be nice for the four of us to spend time together”. Azula shook her head “not today but maybe tomorrow”. Ty lee was crestfallen but pretended she wasn’t. 

The next day Mai, Kai and Ty lee hung out in the royal gardens. They were allowed to use them when Azula wasn’t there as friends of the princess and it was a good thing too because there had been no sign of her. Every noise or servant that walked past made Ty lee look up hopefully but nothing. Then finally around dinner time she appeared. “Azula!” Ty lee cried and Kai immediately sprang to his feet. She nodded “yes i’m here no need to shriek”. She stopped in front of the group and her eyes went to Kai. “Princess” he said bowing and she nodded “Kai...how has your training been?”. “Very good thank you” he said “and your studies?”. “Excellently” she nodded and Kai looked down “I brought you something...it’s not much but they’re rather rare” and he took out a small flower which almost seemed to glow. “They’re called the mighty dragons as they only grow on volcanic sites in the fire nation once a decade. We got to harvest them while we were gathering rocks for our bows. I wanted you to have it”.  Ty lee looked at Azula for a blush or any sign of approval but she just nodded “well it’s rather impractical”. Kai nodded “of course...I just thought as our nation's rarest flower, you should have it”. Azula took it from Kai’s hand “I’ll see if I have somewhere to put it” and that was that. 

The rest of the day Azula was rather cold to Kai and paid no particular attention to him. When Azula left, Ty lee was sure Kai must be upset. “I’m sorry Azula didn’t like your flower Kai” Ty lee said later, feeling like someone ought to comfort him. He shook his head “it’s okay, she liked it really”. Ty lee frowned thinking he was delusional and Kai noticed “she did, she took the flower with her. If she didn’t like it she would’ve trodden it into the ground or left it on the grass but she took it with her”. 

Ty lee wasn’t too sure and when Kai left the following week without even a goodbye from Azula she was sure he’d been wrong. Then one week later she happened to go into Azula’s room to look for her. She quickly realised Azula wasn’t in there and went to pause when she saw a light coming from a dark corner. She stepped closer and saw, placed carefully on a hidden shelf in a vase with water, was the flower Kai had given Azula. As healthy as the day he gave it to her. Azula had indeed kept it and was caring for it this whole time. She realised Kai had been right all along and thought it sad that royalty couldn’t express their love and happiness as other people could. Azula might be a princess and Kai a handsome fighter just like in the fairytale...but their lives were very different. 

*End of Flashback*

Azula's plan was a huge drill! She planned to break the "impenetrable" walls of Ba Sing Sei once and for all. The drill was impressive and so far any earth benders that tried to stop it had been pushed aside. Mai and Ty lee also went out and faced a whole shipment of them and came back with little more than sand in their shoes. So everything was looking pretty straightforward and successful. Kai was feeling pretty good about everything and was sure the Fire Nation would succeed. The idea of him being part of the team that broke in Ba Sing Sei made him dizzy with excitement and so he tried to keep busy patrolling the hallways and ensuring the inner mechanisms were working...that's how he discovered the frozen engineer. Azula immediately suspected the Avatar and with Ty lee and Mai in tow they searched the machine. "It's a really good job you noticed the engineer Kai, otherwise they could've been here for ages and we wouldn't have noticed" Ty lee said. "It's no use if we don't find out who did it and quickly" Azula said when she heard a noise from down in the ship's lower mechanisms. "This way!" she called and they stumbled right upon the Avatar. As soon as Azula attacked, Team Avatar fled but the teens were in hot pursuit. They chased them down a corridor where the group split. "You two go that way" Azula said "Ty lee and I will go this way". Kai was momentarily confused why she'd taken Ty lee and not him. He wondered if it was punishment for what happened back at the town against Zuko but if anything it just made him even more determined to do better this time. He nodded and sped around the corner with Mai only to find the two kids from the Watertribe jumping into a sewage vent. Mai groaned "I'm not going down there". Kai shook his head "we don't have to...that leads to the outer side of the tank and we can get there without trudging through sludge" and he kicked open an escape pod. "How did you..." Mai started when Kai smiled "I've been patrolling this thing non-stop, you notice things". “I’m actually impressed” Mai replied dryly. So Mai and Kai hopped out of the pod and ran right around to the underside, right as the water tribe siblings were setting up their plan. They hadn’t even spotted them as they were expecting them to come out the same way they did. "Go for the girl, she's the bender" Mai said and Kai smiled "no problem" and aimed one of his paralysing arrows at her. He just released the arrow when the boy yelled "Katara" and a boomerang knocked his arrow aside. "Nobody hurts my sister" Sokka growled and in response Kai just smiled "I'd dare you to try and hurt mine" gesturing to Mai who threw 5 knives at the boy. Mai pinned the boy to the floor pretty quickly and the siblings turned to the Water Tribe girl. She quickly readied some water and Kai knew considering she had a lot at her disposal they'd have to put her down fast. "The usual?" Mai asked and Kai nodded. They trained together hundreds of times and knew how to work together. They both stood on either side of the water tribe girl spreading her concentration. Mai would trap her with her knives and Kai would nick her with his paralysis arrow. It would've all worked perfectly if the earth bender didn't show up. She quickly knocked Mai and Kai to the side, freed the brother and backed up the waterbender. Mai and Kai knew their attacks weren't that useful against an experienced earth bender so after a few attacks to distract them, they escaped and went back inside, hoping to find a way to shut off that part of the tank. Azula found them while Kai was still pouring over the plans. "There has to be a way!" he cried when the door opened "it's over, we've lost". Both she and Ty lee were covered in mud and looked defeated but Azula never stayed beaten for long. "They've kept Ba Sing Sei...for now" she said and Kai smiled at her tone. He loved her endless determination. So it was back to the drawing board and that involved patrolling the outskirts of Ba Sing Sei to try and capture any important people trying to enter the city. That's when Azula spotted some familiar fur in the forest... The group set out on their Mongoose Lizard and quickly found the Avatar's bison and some friends. "My my you're easy to find, it's really astounding my brother hasn't captured you yet" Azula said after a spectacular entrance. Kai knew who the women were on sight, the famous Kyoshi Warriors known for their strength and skill. It was only fitting the best of the Earth Kingdom would go up against the best of the Fire Nation. The fight started pretty quickly and Azula went straight for the leader. Kai stayed back with Mai for a few seconds and fired some arrows/knives at the group. Then they charged in too. To put it simply, they wiped the floor with the warriors! They couldn't compete with Mai's knives, Ty lee's agility or Kai's arrows and Azula decimated the leader. The bison got away which was unfortunate. Kai did try and bring it down with some arrows but the leader of the warriors stopped him before Azula stopped her. After the bison escaped the warriors were quickly rounded up and Kai arranged to have the tank come and collect them. "What do you want us to do with them?" Kai asked but Azula didn't reply. She was staring at the leader's uniform and badges. "Azula?" Kai asked and she looked at him "tell the commander of the tank to bring some prison uniforms...I just found our ticket into Ba Sing Sei".

[today-only-happens-once]

out of focus

title: out of focus

word count: 3955

summary: 

The actions of a Fire Nation admiral during a meeting causes some problems for Sokka. The words of that admiral causes some problems for Zuko. They try to take care of each other. 

“What did the admiral mean,” Sokka blurts out without really thinking about it, “when he talked about insubordination?” 

Zuko freezes, the rag half-out of the bowl and his other hand still bracing Sokka’s (not quite holding it… far too gentle to be holding it). “What—uh. I, uh.” Zuko stops. Takes a breath. Tries again. He still doesn’t look up at Sokka. “When I was younger, I spoke out at a meeting.”

Warnings: burns (description of), violence, threats of violence, discussion of canonical child abuse, characters curse but no curse words are written, character is non-permanently injured, yelling/arguing, trauma

A/N: me? writing a zukka AtLA fic and posting it an hour short of midnight? Apparently, it’s more likely that you’d think. 

Read on AO3

--

Zuko has the patience of a saint, Sokka thinks to himself.

It’s an unusual thought, he realizes. A year ago, if you’d told Sokka that he’d come to think of the Banished Prince as ‘patient’, he’d probably have thrown his boomerang at you. A year ago, Zuko was one of the most short-tempered people he knew. A year ago, Zuko was the face of the enemy.

A lot changes in a year.

Sokka barely stifles a frustrated sigh. The attempt does not seem to go unnoticed by Zuko, who glances at him quickly before the corner of his mouth twitches with something like amusement. The meeting had been going on for hours, and Sokka can’t help but feel that very little progress on the treaty had been made. It wasn’t for lack of trying, Sokka knows, but war leaves messy problems in its wake. He knows that both the literal and metaphorical shrapnel left behind by a century of conflict can’t be swept away in a night or a week or a month.

It doesn’t make these meetings any easier to sit through.

“I want immediate release of all prisoners of war,” an Earth Kingdom ambassador demands.

“I second that,” Sokka hears his father--sitting across the table from him--add, a bit more calmly but no less firm. “I have men in those prisons that haven’t seen their family in a decade.”

“Of course,” Zuko replies at the same time a Fire Nation soldier snaps, “absolutely not.”

Zuko levels a hard look at him. “Admiral, people who were arrested as prisoners of war have no need to remain so after the war has ended.” He looks to Hakoda, then to the Earth Kingdom ambassador. “I’ll draft that mandate tonight and will ensure it’s circulation as soon as possible.”

“This is an outrage!” The slam of a fist against the table makes Sokka’s hand fly to the boomerang strapped to his hip instinctively. The admiral is on his feet.

“Admiral,” Zuko says, his voice steely as he rises from his own chair. The Fire Nation soldier cuts him off.

“Where is the justice for the Fire Nation families whose sons and daughters were slaughtered by those criminals?”

“Admiral--”

“I remember a time when you cared about Fire Nation soldiers! And it’s hard to believe you’ve forgotten, seeing as you ought to be reminded every time you look in the mirror--”

“Enough!” Zuko snaps. “You will watch your tongue or you will be escorted out. You approach insubordination.”

“You are a child,” the admiral sneers. “Though one that ought to know a thing or two about insubordination, given your father’s attempts to brand you with a permanent reminder of its consequences--”

“Warriors!”

“Then again, he always was twice the leader you will never be. Long live the Phoenix King!”

Sokka sees the warning signs—the slight shift of weight, the clench of the man’s fists—and leaps to his feet. “Zuko--!”

“Sokka!”

There’s a blinding light and scorching heat. Sokka feels something slam onto his shoulder and he dives instinctively for cover as the familiar roar of a fireball explodes in front of him. The flames are bright and lick around him, and Sokka throws a hand up to protect his face. He blinks the spots from his vision as he yanks his boomerang out of his belt.

Zuko is standing beside him, his stance ready and his hand outstretched, having evidently dispelled the fireball that had been launched at him. Sokka leaps back up to his feet and hurls the boomerang in his hands towards the Admiral, hitting his hand right as he moves to launch another attack and forcing it to go wide. A burst of flames slam against the wall to the left.

The room is in chaos.

Sokka barely hears the shouts of alarm and curses over the roar of dying flames. He sees his father, already on his feet, diving underneath a bolt of red fire. Across the room, the Earth Kingdom ambassador jerks their hand. There’s a rumble in the ground before it rises and anchors around the Admiral’s feet, holding him in place.

Sokka sees the admiral’s gaze meet his own and narrow. The Fire Nation soldier bares his teeth in a snarl, his fist shooting out. Before Sokka can blink, Zuko steps in front of him, dispelling the flames just as the door ricochets open. Two Kyoshi Warriors flood in and in a series of quick strikes, the admiral drops. Awake, but limp.

Sokka thinks idly that he’s grateful that Ty Lee taught them how to block chi.

“Your father should have killed you that day!” the admiral shouts as he’s dragged through the doors. “He showed mercy on your pathetic, worthless—” the door slamming shut cuts him off.

The silence that follows makes Sokka’s ears ring. He can still feel stale adrenaline coursing through him, his heartbeat pounding in his chest. For a moment, nobody moves. Zuko awkwardly clears his throat.

“Apologies for the, uh, disruption. It shouldn’t happen again.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Firelord Zuko,” Hakoda assures him, but there’s something odd in his father’s expression when he looks at Zuko that Sokka doesn’t understand.

Zuko says something in response, but Sokka doesn’t catch it. As the adrenaline bleeds out of him, his muscles relaxing, Sokka realizes that his fists are still clenched. Sokka forces them to relax, and hisses as it sends a jolt of hot pain through his left hand. When he looks down, he realizes that the skin on the top of part of his hand near his knuckles is a blistering, angry red.

Sokka’s hiss doesn’t go unnoticed. Zuko looks at him over his shoulder, his brows drawn together in confusion before his eyes fall to Sokka’s hand. Then, they go wide.

Zuko turns back around suddenly to address the room, his back straighter. “We will adjourn the meeting for the afternoon. We will reconvene tomorrow.”

“Firelord Zuko—” an ambassador from the Northern Water Tribe protests, but Hakoda interrupts him.

“I think we could all use a breather, Kovrik. Coming back tomorrow with a clear head is a good decision.”

“Yes… yes, I suppose that’s fair.”

Sokka is finding it increasingly difficult to follow the conversation. His hand hurts, and it’s taking every last drop of his willpower and pride to grit his teeth and swallow back the whimper that wants to push up his throat. It’s not until Zuko’s face is taking up his entire field of vision that Sokka realizes everyone but the two of them and his father have left the room.

“Let me see,” Zuko says quietly, then curses under his breath when he looks at Sokka’s hand. “Where’s Katara when you need her.”

“Do you have anything that can help?” Hakoda asks from behind Zuko.

“Yes, sir,” Zuko replies, his brows still furrowed in concentration. “Though it’s not quite as immediate as waterbending healers. But it should help with the pain, and prevent infection. Follow me.”

Sokka feels Zuko take his elbow and guide him out the door of the meeting room and down the hall. He’s distantly aware that Zuko is moving quickly—not quite a jog, but only barely shy of it—through a network of corridors. His hand feels like it might still be on fire, and Sokka looks down at it again just to be sure that’s not actually the case. He tells himself that he’s endured injuries more painful than this. The broken leg was worse, he thinks, though it does little to actually help with the burning sensation in his hand.

He’s vaguely aware that Zuko says something quickly to two guards that are flanking a set of doors before he rushes in. Sokka looks up and realizes it’s Zuko’s chambers. He’d only been in here a couple of times before, largely while Zuko was still recovering from Azula’s lightning strike in the weeks following the end of the war.

“Wait here,” Zuko tells him before disappearing through another door on the far side of the room.

“You had good reflexes in there,” Sokka hears his father’s low, soothing voice speak up. He’d had almost forgotten he was there. Hakoda moves the chair that had been beside the bed closer to Sokka in a clear direction to sit down.

“Lots of practice,” Sokka replies as he sits. He hisses a little again as his hand flares and grits out a swear behind clenched teeth.

“Easy,” Hakoda says softly. He places a bracing, comforting hand between Sokka’s shoulder blades. It’s grounding, and he’s grateful.

“Wish Katara was here,” Sokka tells him, echoing Zuko’s comment from earlier.

“I know. Unfortunately, I don’t think she’s coming to Caldera for a while. She’s still in Ba Sing Se with Aang.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Her magic water comes in handy though.” Sokka gives his father a tight smile. “Get it? Hand-y?”

Hakoda snorts just as the door opens again. Zuko has his arms full of a large bowl, his hands fisting a few vials and some bandages. There’s something pinched about Zuko’s expression, and the way he doesn’t meet Sokka’s eyes as he kneels in front of him feels odd. The bowl is full of water, Sokka realizes, as he sets it on the ground and begins to empty the vials into it.

“Can I see your hand?” Zuko asks, and the question—for some reason—catches him off guard.

Sokka blinks. “Yeah. Sure.” He grimaces as he places his hand in Zuko’s, but the excessive gentleness surprises him so much that Sokka almost forgets that his hand hurts.

Zuko was many things, but Sokka can’t remember a time—even after he started to get along with the Fire Prince—that he would have described Zuko as gentle. But his grip on Sokka’s hand is careful. Almost excessively so.  

Zuko hums in the back of his throat as he inspects the burns. “I don’t think it’ll have permanent damage,” he says quietly. “But I still need to treat it so it doesn’t get infected. It… might hurt, a little. But then it should feel better.”

“No permanent damage. That’s good,” Sokka says. He swallows, and nods. “Okay.”

For a long moment, the only sounds that fills the room is the quiet splash of water in the bowl as Zuko submerges the cloth rag again and wrings it out. Sokka lets his gaze float around the room.

Zuko has left it mostly bare. There’s a portrait of Iroh and a woman that Sokka remembers being the Fire Lady—Zuko’s mother—hanging on the wall near the headboard of the bed. On the dresser beside it is a drawing that Sokka did of the group of them months ago. He sees a pile of papers on the desk across the room. He thinks one of them has Aang’s signature at the bottom, but it’s too far away for him to know for sure.

Bright, painful heat searing his hand slams his attention back to Zuko in front of him and Sokka yelps, yanking his hand away. Zuko grimaces, retracing his own hand.

“I’m sorry,” he says, sounding more earnest than Sokka expects. “This part is painful, but it’ll stop hurting in a minute.”

Sokka fights to pull his breathing back under his control. In through his nose, out through his mouth. “Right,” he manages, his voice tight. “Right, sorry.”

“Don’t be. I know it hurts.”

Something about that line—and about the fact that Zuko still hasn’t met his eyes since returning from the other room—drags Sokka’s thoughts back to the conversation in the treaty meeting. There were several things that the admiral had said to Zuko that Sokka didn’t quite understand. He could only remember pieces of things said, but they repeat in Sokka’s head like disjointed pieces of a puzzle that he can’t quite make fit together.

seeing as you ought to be reminded every time you look in the mirror… insubordination… your father’s attempts to brand you… consequences…

Sokka’s gaze falls back to Zuko, dutifully bowed in front of him. There had long been pieces about Zuko that Sokka had found puzzling. Things about him that didn’t quite fit together. Sokka considers himself a person pretty good at figuring out how things worked together, and that extended (with less success) to figuring out how parts of people make up the sum of their whole.

Zuko, though… Zuko had always been something of a mystery. But as the words of the admiral ricochet in his mind, there’s a picture beginning to come together that is still just a little too hazy, a little too out of focus, to fill in the spaces that Sokka felt were missing.

“What did the admiral mean,” Sokka blurts out without really thinking about it, “when he talked about insubordination?”

Zuko freezes, the rag half-out of the bowl and his other hand still bracing Sokka’s (not quite holding it… far too gentle to be holding it). “What—uh. I, uh.” Zuko stops. Takes a breath. Tries again. He still doesn’t look up at Sokka. “When I was younger, I spoke out at a meeting.”

Sokka’s brow furrows as Zuko presses the rag to the back of his hand again. Sokka realizes that his hand has stopped hurting, but he’s too preoccupied with what Zuko said to pay it much mind. “After the stuff at Ba Sing Se? When you went home?”

“No, I, uh.” Zuko clears his throat. “Before that. Before… yeah. Earlier.”

Your father’s attempts to brand you…

“What happened?” Sokka asks. The way Zuko’s shoulders seem to tense doesn’t escape his attention, and there’s a part of him that wonders if perhaps he shouldn’t have asked. But it also feels like a question that once asked, is too late to take back.

Zuko pats Sokka’s hand dry with another towel and begins to gingerly wrap a bandage around it. He keeps his gold gaze steady on the work. Sokka keeps his gaze steady on Zuko.

“My uncle allowed me to attend a war meeting where they were talking about some battle strategies to use against an Earth Kingdom battalion. There was a general that wanted our newest fleet to serve as a distraction while we mounted an attack from the rear,” Zuko begins. There’s something off about his voice, though. Something detached and careful. He keeps wrapping the bandage. Around and around and around.

Sokka frowns. “That’s not fair,” he says. “Your newest recruits? They’d be slaughtered by an experienced battalion like that.”

Zuko sighs, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Exactly,” he says in a low voice. “And that’s what I told them. I wasn’t thinking. I just… yelled at him.” Sokka opens his mouth to disagree—it sounds like Zuko was thinking, unlike anybody else at that meeting—but Zuko cuts him off as he secures the end of the bandage to Sokka’s palm. “My father didn’t… take it well. I was challenged to an Agni Kai, and I thought I would be facing the general in it, so I accepted.”

Zuko gathers the bowl and empty vials as he stands, crossing the room to set them on the edge of his desk. Sokka stands up slowly as Zuko does so. The pieces that had been out of focus for so long are starting to come together, and Sokka feels his stomach rolling with a leaden weight against what he can sense is coming.

“No…”

“It wasn’t the general,” Zuko continues, his voice so quiet that Sokka is sure he would have missed it if it hadn’t been dead silence around them. “It was my father.”

“You faced your father in an Agni Kai?”

“Not exactly. I…” Zuko stares down into the bowl of water beside him, his gaze distant. “I couldn’t fight my own father. Instead, I begged him for forgiveness. I was met with a fistful of flames.”

Zuko gestures vaguely at his face, and Sokka’s blood turns to ice.

“He…” Sokka’s throat closes, cutting off the rest of that sentence. All this time being chased by Zuko—all this time being friends with him—and he’d always assumed that the scar was the result of a training accident, or a fight with a firebender he lost. Sokka thinks bitterly and viciously that the second assumption wasn’t far off but his own father—

“I was banished after that,” Zuko says, and his voice is hollow and empty and wrong. And he finally, finally, meets Sokka’s gaze. “I was told to bring the Avatar back and all would be forgiven, or to not come back at all. That was before you and your sister woke Aang up from the iceberg.”

Sokka stands very, very still. He glances down and realizes his hands are trembling. He curls the non-bandaged one into a fist to get the shaking to stop. “How old were you?” he asks, and he doesn’t know why—of everything he could say—that’s the question that tumbles past his lips, but he feels like it matters.

“Thirteen.”

“Thir—” Sokka cuts himself off, scrubbing a hand across his mouth and swallowing hard. “Thirteen. Tui and La, when I was thirteen—”

Sokka breaks off again, his throat closing, his gaze falling to his father. When Sokka was thirteen, his father had left to go fight in the war and told Sokka he couldn’t come along. He’d protected Sokka, and though Sokka had found his way into fighting in the war regardless a few years later, he knows his father had only been trying to keep him safe. The idea of his own father striking him—let alone with a fist full of flames to his face—was incomprehensible.

Hakoda doesn’t look back at Sokka. His gaze is trained on Zuko, and there’s something in his eyes that Sokka doesn’t quite understand. But he’s seen it before. It was the same look Hakoda wears when he hears other water tribe soldiers recount war stories. The late-night ones. The ones where their voices betray the weight on their shoulders and tremble with the generations of nightmares on their backs.

Sokka takes a sudden, faltering step forward, and Zuko instinctively tenses. Sokka freezes. “Zuko…”

Zuko shakes his head. He coughs a little, as if trying to clear his throat. “Anyway. That’s—that’s what the admiral was talking about.”

“You…” Sokka tries again, his voice carrying just the barest hints of hysteria. “You were his kid.”

“Yeah, well.” Zuko’s gaze meets Sokka’s again. “He spent most of my life wishing I wasn’t.”

“Zuko,” Hakoda speaks up, his voice a low, soothing rumble to Sokka’s trembling nerves. “I… hope you understand that you didn’t deserve that.”

“I know, sir,” he replies, sounding steadier than Sokka feels. Sokka feels a little like the ground has shifted beneath his feet as he stares at his friend across the room. Zuko continues, frustratingly calm. “It… I didn’t at first. It took me a long time to understand that it was wrong of my father to do that. But I know now.”

“Where is he?” Sokka demands, flushing with a sudden and intense fury.

Zuko blinks, looking taken aback by the vehemence charged through Sokka’s voice like a steel rod. “Where’s who?”

“Ozai.”

“Sokka, what are you gonna do? Fight him? He already lost.”

“Against Aang, not against—did Aang even know?”

Zuko’s brow furrows and he rubs the back of his neck. “Um. I guess I don’t know. I never told him. I… never told any of you.”

“Yeah—and what’s that about, huh?” Sokka demands. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Sokka,” Hakoda warns, but Sokka’s words are already bubbling up throat and spilling past his lips, hot and bitter and angry.

“What, did you think we wouldn’t care? That it wouldn’t matter?”

“It doesn’t matter!” Zuko waves a hand towards the window that overlooks the courtyard. “My father already lost to the Avatar, Sokka. The war is over. The fighting is over. Aang took his bending. And that—I don’t know about you, but that’s the best, most justified end to his legacy I can think of.”

Sokka is still shaking. He can’t explain why. He knows, logically, that Zuko is right. He’s right. But Sokka can still feel his hands shaking, can still feel his heart hammering in his ribs with the urge to run something through with sword, can still feel the way his eyes sting with tears he won’t let fall. Sokka clenches his jaw and rips his gaze away from Zuko out towards the window, where he can see the sun setting on the horizon and painting the palace courtyard in an orange light.

“Wherever he is, I hope he rots,” Sokka says finally, and yet it still doesn’t feel like enough. “He deserves worse.”

Sokka looks back at Zuko, whose gaze is a little wide. He looks… taken aback. Sokka cocks an eyebrow.

“Don’t tell me you disagree—"

“No,” Zuko replies, shaking his head. “I just… Nothing.” The corner of his mouth tugs upwards in the barest hint of a smile. Sokka doesn’t understand why, just like he doesn’t understand why it uncoils the tight knot of burning anger in his chest.

Sokka takes a deep breath. Wills himself to relax. It helps… a little. There’s a beat, and then Sokka hears his father take a step forward. “Thank you for helping Sokka’s hand, Firelord Zuko.”

Zuko blinks, and Sokka swears his cheeks take a faint pink tint as he rubs the back of his neck. “Oh. Uh, of course, sir. And… just Zuko is fine.”

Sokka glances over and sees Hakoda smile, inclining his head. “Understood.” He looks to Sokka. “I should draft a letter to Bato tonight to update him on the treaty. Will you be okay without me?”

Sokka rolls his eyes teasingly. “Yeah, dad. I think I can manage.”

Hakoda squeezes his shoulder, nods to Zuko again, and quietly slips out of the room. The silence afterward seems to stretch, and Sokka feels the lingering tension bleeding out of him as he looks at Zuko, who quietly shuffles through the papers on his desk. Sokka watches him for a beat, his gaze lingering a little on the scarred tissue across his face. Sokka swallows.

There are other questions Sokka thinks he could ask. Like why—after doing that—Zuko was still so bent on returning home to his father. But there’s a part of Sokka that thinks he maybe understands.

Spirits know that he understood what it was like to crave the approval of your father.

“Hey,” he says, and Zuko’s gaze snaps over to him. “I… thank you for telling me. I… know that wasn’t easy, and… it means a lot that you trust me with that.”

“It… it wasn’t a question of trust, you know,” Zuko replies quietly, averting his gaze. “Not telling you, I mean. It was just—”

“I know,” Sokka says, and means it. “But I also know what it’s like to have things you don’t necessarily… want to relive. So it means a lot that you told me.”

The corner of Zuko’s mouth twitches again. He takes a deep, slow breath. “Thank you for listening,” he says.

“I like to think I’m a pretty good listener,” Sokka teases, shrugging.

“You are,” Zuko says, with far more sincerity than Sokka felt was warranted for what he’d meant to be a joke. Sokka blinks at him, and Zuko clears his throat, ducking his head a little. “I was thinking of getting some tea. There’s a place just outside the palace. It’s not as good as Uncle’s, but um. Did you want to come?”

“Yeah,” Sokka replies with a small smile. “I could use a cup of tea.”  

[muertawrites]

Fireside (Zuko x Reader)

Word Count: 1,775

Author’s Note: I am so deeply sorry this took so long to post. I don’t know what happened but after Thanksgiving the creative part of my brain completely shut down and all I could do was lay in bed and play video games. But it’s back now so 🎉🎉🎉 happy new year to all of us! 

I got this request a WHILE ago and had written something else for it but after reconsidering, I totally hated it, so this is the rewrite for some cozy, wintery goodness. I also love this idea because I’m constantly cold - my feet and hands are always freezing and even in summer I’ll wear sweaters and hoodies because aircon can get pretty chilly when you have the body temp of your average vampire. 

Now for a little update: in the new year, I’ll be focusing more on original works than fanfiction. I’m still going to finish Two Halves, and I’ll still write fanfiction (because it’s still super fun) but I have so many ideas for original works that are taking over my brain that it seems only fitting to shift that direction. If you’re on my subscriber list and would like to only receive alerts for fanfic, let me know and I’ll add you to a separate list. 

I hope you’re all having a wonderful holiday, taking time to relax and spend time with loved ones, and generally just glad to have survived this shithole of a year. Here’s hoping that 2021 goes better - 2020 set the bar pretty low so it shouldn’t be too hard. 🥂

Snow was a rare occurrence in the Fire Nation. Summers typically scorched, followed by peaceful autumns and mild winters; a little rainfall was all one typically expected during the colder months in the Imperial City. 

This year, however, was much different. The mountains that bordered the villages and towns throughout the island were white capped under gray skies; streets were slickened by thick layers of ice that settled between cobblestones and creased the panes of windows; bracing breezes swept through landscapes unaccustomed to such unforgiving weather, carrying flurries of snow that bit at cheeks and cloaked the world in a dull ivory veil. Winter came to the Fire Nation seeking a cruel, unwarranted vengeance.

You woke in the middle of the night to find the fire beside your bed had died, leaving your borrowed room in a state of bitter, slicing cold. It wasn't the first time the Firelord’s palace had left you uncomfortably chilled since your arrival for his New Year’s celebrations, as the building was never meant to withstand this type of climate - sweeping ceilings, open breezeways, and tall windows with thin shutters ensured that the cold had its way. Being from the Northern Earth Kingdom, used to sturdy wooden lodges with massive fire pits that could burn an entire tree trunk with one lighting, this strange change of the typical season made you ache for home. 

Knowing there were no matches beside the hearth (given the sheer amount of fire benders that resided in the palace), you gathered up your courage and begrudgingly rolled from your mattress, taking the blankets with and wrapping them tightly around yourself. The walls around you creaked, shifting under the push of moaning winds, as you slipped into the hallway in search of your host. 

You were thankful that Zuko decided to keep his personal wing of the palace confined to a space that was mostly enclosed; the only breezeways in this part of the sprawling estate surrounded its courtyards and gardens, and were blocked by sets of heavy wood doors that shielded the inner parts of the building from being overcome by the elements. As you walked, traipsing through the corridor under your mound of blankets like some sort of shadowy, death-bringing phantom, you passed one of the windows that overlooked the gardens, and found it frosted under heavy white tufts of snow; puffy, clumped flakes whirled down from the sky, falling haphazardly as they escaped the grip of the whipping wind. Even in the relative warmth of the palace, your body shivered thinking of how frigid the air outside must be. 

Because of the abnormal cold, Zuko moved his mattress out of his bedroom and into his sitting room, where a large, decorative fireplace stood nestled into the far wall. You approached his sleeping form with gentle, quiet steps, being careful not to startle him; you lay a hand on his shoulder and he jolted awake, drawing a sharp breath in as he twisted to face you, blinking blearily to make out your features in the dark. 

“What are you doing?” he muttered. 

“I'm cold,” you whispered in response. “My fire went out.” 

Zuko sighed, fixing you with an irked, exhausted expression. 

“Seriously?” he groaned. “This is the third time this week.” 

“It's not my fault nobody has any friggin matches in this place,” you quipped. “And besides, why bring a servant all the way up here when I have one of the world’s greatest fire benders down the hall?”

Zuko huffed, then rolled back over in an attempt to shove you off. 

“There should be more blankets in your closet,” he grumbled. 

“I'm wearing all of them,” you retorted. 

You stood above him, waiting, but got no response. Shivering, and with an exasperated sigh, you pulled back the blankets around him, shuffling between them and nestling into his back; he snapped his head around once more, eyeing you suspiciously. 

“... Isn’t this a little uncomfortable?” he wondered. 

“Not really,” you replied. “We used to do this all the time when we were teenagers.” 

“We haven't done this since we were teenagers.”

You hummed, recalling your time together during the war. Even on the hottest days, your body was cold, your fingers always reasonably corpselike to anyone who happened to touch them - Zuko was one of those unfortunate people, and the lack of circulation in your limbs came as quite a worry to him. Throughout the day, he would take one of your hands in his, heating his palm until your skin took on a more lively temperature. When he noticed how much you layered at night when the air became cooler, he started sleeping nearer to you, eventually curling up around you to keep you warm. After the war, when he got into the habit of visiting you around the winter holidays, you still found yourself seeking him for warmth, tucking your hands into the sleeves of his robes or curling his palm around your icy fingers, finding sanctuary in the way he heated his skin to appease you. While it was true you hadn't slept together since you were younger, you hadn't ever needed to - desperate times called for desperate measures. 

“I should have remembered that you get so grumpy when you're tired,” you teased him, rubbing your feet against his; he hissed, but didn't pull away. 

“You're freezing,” he commented. “I should have remembered you're dead on the inside.” 

You giggled, sighing happily as the familiar heat of his skin warming like a furnace chased the chill from your toes. You slid your feet up along his ankles, causing him to shiver; his body tensed for a moment, then eased into your touch, quickly finding comfort in its familiarity. 

“Aang used to assume we were a couple because of this,” Zuko mumbled. “He still does.” 

“You're just a good friend,” you replied. You nuzzled your face into the broad, solid expanse of his back, breathing in his scent of scorched wood and sea salt. He felt like home. “Good friends don't let their friends freeze to death.” 

Zuko chuckled, taking hold of your hands that lay on his waist and cupping them within his own; he held your knuckles up to his mouth and huffed warm, smokey air onto them, heating them until they no longer felt cold. He tucked them beneath the fabric of his tunic, keeping them tepid between the fabric of his undershirt. 

“Uncle says the same thing,” he mused. “He says we treat each other like lovers, whether we realize it or not.” 

“My neighbors have asked me what my husband does that takes him away for so long out of the year...” you commented, eliciting another breathy laugh from your companion. “But I think I'd know if you were in love with me.” 

Zuko rolled over, turning to face you; his arm latched at your waist, his chest almost pressed to you and your noses grazing each other in the small space of his mattress. You blushed, the color blending with the soft, balmy glow of the low hearth behind him. 

“What makes you think I'm not in love with you?” he wondered. 

You paused, watching the flames flicker over the angular features of his face. Though he was silhouetted, and so close he seemed to envelop all of you, you could make out a tender gleam in his eye; could feel the flutter in his chest as he split it open, tentatively revealing his heart to you. 

“... I'd like to think you would have mentioned it,” you answered after a moment, “but I know you better than that.” 

Zuko grinned; you watched the curve of his cheek as it swelled with the action. 

“I might have mentioned it,” he murmured, his voice lilting with a gentle mirth. “Just not to you.”

“Of course not,” you teased. You mirrored his smile, easing into him as his foot began to stroke against your ankle once more. “Either way, I know you don't love me.” 

“And why is that?” Zuko whispered. 

“Well… you never write to me about anything exciting,” you replied. “You always seem so content to write to me about your thoughts, or what plays you've seen recently, or your conversations with Iroh. You never tell me about the impressive, world-altering Firelord stuff or your incredible exploits as a warrior.” 

Zuko smirked, raising a hand to brush some hair away from your face. His fingers were calloused and lukewarm, tracing over your temple with consideration and care. 

“Why else?” 

“You've never tried to kiss me,” you noted, “or touch me like a lover. You never try to push our boundaries past anything that's comfortable for us. Even right now - I'm laying in your bed, but you refuse to touch me in a way you're unsure of.” 

“Then you don't love me, either,” Zuko added. His body had gravitated flush to yours, your legs braided together under the pile of blankets you'd buried him in. “You only want to sleep with me when you're cold. You could just as easily call a servant for help.” 

“And you only want to keep me warm out of obligation,” you agreed. “It wouldn’t make you look very good if I died of hypothermia on your watch.” 

For a long moment, Zuko gazed at you. You basked in his silence, the easiness of his form so close to yours, the native feeling of his arm around your waist and his breath tickling your cheeks. The fire snapped quietly in its hearth, its flames rising and falling in time with his inhales and exhales. 

“I’ve missed this,” Zuko admitted in a whisper. “Laying with you. I wish we could do it more often.” 

“I’ve missed it, too,” you affirm. “I always used to sleep better with you.” 

“And that’s it?” Zuko teased. 

“That’s it,” you giggled back. 

He chanced a kiss to your forehead, pressing his lips between your brows and letting them linger there, savoring the coolness of your skin. You shut your eyes, giving yourself entirely to his touch. 

“In the new year… do you think we could be lovers?” he asked as he pulled away. 

“... I think your uncle is right,” you murmured. “I think we already are.” 

With a faint, bashful smile, Zuko pulled you closer (if the act were even possible), hugging you tightly to him; you held him close, pressing the whole of your body to his and soaking in his steady, comforting warmth. As the wind howled outside, shaking the flimsy wooden eaves of the feeble shelter around you, you fell asleep in the heat of his fireside, safe in the knowledge that his arms held you. 

📚 table of contents 📚

✨ join me on patreon ✨

☕ buy me a coffee ☕

{ subscribers: @ladylizzieofdarbyshire @celamoon @omgwhattheeven @i-am-not-a-thot @fandomtrash1616 @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @just-another-romantic @berkeliums @eridanuswave @oleander-in-the-wind @kinismanditory @lammello @peppermenty @theawesomefactor123 @loganrwebb @ijustwannabecanadian @a-hopeless-fan @softvv @oddment-niwit-blubber-tweak @pearl-stonecutter @crazy0t @commander-rex @kittyddandnyla @abbyarchie @smol-grandpa @nonbinary-rogers @themanwiththemetalarmsdoll @witchywrter @canibea-whore-yet @fuckwhateverfuck @eridanuswave @duh-dobrik @sum-stuff13 @whalerus @yeetletzgetitjae @thedemigodsarealivebitch @irreplaceable-ecstasy @mysticpeacecrusade }

[stitch1830]

Reassurance

Happy Kantoph Mondangst! These titles may be getting worse, but hopefully the chapters aren't... time will tell ope. Despite the angst, I hope you enjoy :)

......

“Are you up?”

His form shifted in the bed as he lazily turned to face her. She could hear the tiredness in his breath that indicated that no, he wasn’t up, but even if she didn’t perceive that, she would’ve known he was lying when he replied, “Yeah, what’s up?”

A gentle hand rubbed her arm in an attempt to comfort her, and the combination of his casual fib and sleepy gesture of comfort made Toph smile just a bit. But even then, she couldn’t ignore the unsettling feeling that sat in the pit of her stomach and made her toss and turn for the past few nights.

When she didn’t answer right away, he called out again, his tired state wearing off. “Toph? Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” she quickly reassured, but then bit her lip. Technically, things were okay, but she still felt uneasy. “Well, maybe? I don’t know…”

Kanto’s hand instinctively went to her stomach, coincidentally landing precisely where the baby was kicking. His thumb swiped across her belly, calming down the baby’s activity temporarily, and Toph let out a sigh that was a combination of exhaustion and relief and apprehension. Her hand fell on top of his, and she found the words to describe her thoughts. Well, some of them.

“I’m… I’m just worried, I guess,” she confessed.

“About the baby?”

“Yeah. Well, not the baby specifically. I’m worried about me.”

“Are you worried about the pain—”

“No, no. I mean, I’m not looking forward to it, but... fucking spirits,” Toph muttered. She wasn’t exactly describing her fears in the most coherent fashion, and she was losing the courage to admit what was on her mind.

“Toph,” he whispered, and his voice gave her focus. “You can tell me whatever you want, but only if you want to, okay?”

Toph took a deep breath as she calmed her nerves and felt the rhythmic motion of his thumb across her stomach. He grounded her like the earth, his touch and voice never failed to bring her back to reality. And everyday she thanked the spirits or whoever she needed to thank that fate brought them together.

Courage and actual words found her once again, and she pressed her forehead to his and confessed her fear. “I’m still worried about being a mom.”

Kanto said nothing, but waited for Toph to continue, so she did. “I know we’ve talked about this, but the baby is due any day now, and I just… I still feel like I’m not ready for this. I have no motherly bone in my body, I’ve never even thought about becoming a mother.

“And then the fact that my upbringing was pretty shit? Not the best references. All I know are piss poor parenting techniques.

“And if our kid hates us because of me, I… I don’t know what I’ll do.”

His hand moved to wipe away her tears (when did she start crying?), then settled back to her belly, their fingers intertwined this time. He said nothing for a while, and part of Toph cynically thought that perhaps he felt the same way. She prompted him to speak. “Is this your way of saying you agree?” she asked in an attempt to lighten her own mood.

“I wish…” Kanto paused; it was his turn to find the right words. “I wish you could see that you already are an amazing mother.”

Toph blinked, confused. He continued, “Everything you do is for our baby, and even your fears are all because you are worried about their wellbeing and happiness. That tells me everything about the kind of mother you will be. Selfless, thoughtful, loving…

“You could do motherhood in your sleep and by yourself, Toph. That’s how great you’ll be. But you don’t have to do it alone. You’ve got me, and we’ve got your friends.

“I know we won’t be perfect parents, but we have each other to lean on, and if you’re ever worried about anything, I’ll be there.

“And like I’ve told you before, my fatherly intuition says that we’re having a girl that will be just like you, and I couldn’t be more excited about that. I know all your tricks, Chief.”

His teasing remark got a scoff out of Toph, and she removed her hand from his to give him a light shove on the chest. Kanto’s hand captured hers again immediately after, and they laughed as he kissed it.

But everything else that he said, it felt reassuring. Not just in the moment, but as Toph thought through their future as parents, Kanto’s words gave her hope. He was right. Technically, they could be okay parents alone, but together, they would be amazing. And they’d lean on each other not because one would be a better parent than the other and needed help, but they wanted it.

That made all the difference.

Before she could even thank him for talking with her in the middle of the night, he smothered her with kisses all over her face until she was in a fit of laughter. And when she caught her breath, his warm hands found her round belly and so did his lips. He kissed her stomach lightly and spoke to their baby in a mock whispered tone. “Hey baby badgermole, I’ve got a secret for ya.

“Your Mama and I can’t wait to meet you, but there’s something you should know about Mama…

“She’s the Greatest Earthbender in the World, but she’s also the Greatest Mama in the World. She’s always gonna love you and protect you, just like I will.

“I thought you should know how amazing your Mama is before you meet her. And I don’t have a doubt in my mind that you’re gonna be just like her.”

He gave another loving kiss to the baby and hummed a goodnight to them before he made his way back to Toph. Once he settled back in bed, Toph inched her way as close to him as she could, burying her head in his chest and finding comfort in his warm embrace. His chest hummed in content as sleep found them again.

She remembered hearing him whisper right before she soundly slept, filling her with the reassurance that everything would be okay.

“You’re gonna be an amazing mom, Toph. I just know it.”

~~~

“I’m a terrible mother, Zuko.”

The Fire Lord shifted in his seat, startled by the bold statement and waited for an explanation. As he silently stared at her, he took in the beautiful surroundings before their focus turned to the morose topic that lingered over them.

It was a beautiful day in the Fire Nation, one of the first warm days of the season. The Beifongs traveled to the Fire Nation for a bit of a reprieve from Republic City. With the change in season, Zuko and Toph took advantage of the weather by sitting in one of the palace gardens with the children. Zuko watched as Lin clumsily ran around in the grass after Izumi while Kya coaxed the turtleducks to the edge of the pond.

They didn’t have a care in the world, not yet, at least, and Zuko naively hoped they never would.

Toph exhaled deeply, disrupting his observations. “I’m letting her down, I know it.”

Zuko furrowed his eyebrows. “What makes you say that, Toph?”

“I just—” she hesitated. Time made her more closed off, and it always took her a moment longer to admit more feelings.

But Zuko was patient, and he knew if he waited long enough, she’d open up.

Toph took another labored breath. “She’s looking for him. Everywhere we go. She wants him, not me. Which, I get, because I’d want him instead of me, too. If that wasn’t hard enough, everything she does reminds me of him.

“And I can’t stand it. I can barely hold her or take care of her because every other word she says is ‘Dada’ and I nearly break down when he’s mentioned. What kind of mother can’t even take care of her kid without wishing her dead boyfriend was around instead? What does that say about me?!”

He glanced over at Lin, who was crouching down to the ground with her cousins and gently patting the shell of a baby turtleduck. She seemed happy, content. Even if her mother was struggling.

“You’ve just had to deal with a lot right now, no one expects you to be perfect, Toph,” he reassured her. “Lin’s okay, she’ll be okay.”

“She won’t be okay if her mom keeps sulking around like this. Sure, maybe it’s fine now while she’s a baby, but she’s gonna grow up, and she’s gonna think I hate her.”

“No she won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

Zuko said nothing, and Toph cynically chuckled. “He said she’d be just like me, but I can only see his traits in her. She’s got his heart, the noises she makes when she sleeps are his, and her hands are his. And I just know she’s gonna have his laugh, and it’s gonna break me.”

“Toph—”

“He said I could do this in my sleep,” she interrupted as she rubbed her eyes. “That I would be a great mom on my own if I had to, but he was wrong.

“He should be here, he’d be better at this than me.”

“Toph,” Zuko began again, “he’s only been gone a year. We’re here to help so you both can heal. Please don’t think you’re alone in this with him gone. You’ve talked with Aang, but have you talked with Katara at all about how you feel? I can interrupt her meeting if—”

“No, your lives shouldn’t change because mine did,” she interrupted.

“Our lives don’t have to change dramatically, but you also shouldn’t think that this is all your weight to carry.”

“But it is,” she insisted, her voice raising with every word she said. “Lin is my kid, I lost my partner, I have to raise her alone, even if I can’t.”

A heavy silence fell between the two friends. All they could hear were the sounds of children giggling and turtleducks quacking.

It pained Zuko to see Toph like this. She was trying to be so strong for Lin, and she was strong. Her ability to persevere was unlike any he had seen. Toph went to work, searched for Kanto’s killer, stayed in touch with her friends and kept them up to date on her feelings, and raised Lin. And she was raising Lin well, amazing even, considering all that they had been through.

He just wished she would see that as well.

But that was a tough sell to convince Toph that she was doing amazing in spite of everything. No matter how many ways he spun it, Zuko’s words didn’t reassure Toph; it seemed that no one’s words of encouragement comforted Toph anymore.

Lin approached Toph, and their conversation ended as abruptly as it began. Zuko watched as Toph picked up Lin without hesitation, a hint of a smile grew as the toddler rambled on about her day with the turtleducks. In between the story, Toph’s head leaned in toward Zuko, and she quietly suggested, “Think it’s time for a snack.”

So they left to grab an afternoon snack, and Zuko’s eyes never strayed from Toph and Lin, not even when Kya and Izumi asked to run ahead. He just couldn’t shake his vision away from them as he saw the adoration Lin had for Toph, and the love and anguish in Toph’s eyes as she listened to her daughter chat. Zuko could visibly see Toph’s strength and perseverance as she walked into the palace, and yet, she remained unconvinced of her capabilities. The Fire Lord sighed, wishing he knew how to help Toph, what to say. But not many could reassure Toph. Well, Kanto did. He knew all the right things to say to calm her, to give her strength.

Who could she lean on for that now that he was gone?

Zuko didn’t know the answer.

[loversamongus]

Controlled Emotions | Zuko x Reader

a/n: all these fics end up being the reader as an advisor, I have zero creativity. anyways this is inspired by the song “every single night” by computer games because I was listening to it one day and the first lyric just screamed zuko to me idk so here it is. also i didnt proofread this oops

word count: 1.5k

fic taglist:

Advisor meetings have been tense lately. While a mixture of advisors in age, gender, and political leanings was ideal for gaining multiple perspectives on an issue, it also led to frequent arguments about what was best for the Fire Nation and deadlines being pushed back until the majority of advisors have come to an agreement. Though rewarding at times, the job was certainly frustrating. But all that paled in comparison to the most recent audiences with the young Fire Lord. 

Frustrated by another deadline requested to be pushed back, the Fire Lord’s temper had surged throughout the throne room. You didn’t disagree with him either. People in a small fishing village were becoming seriously ill and many signs seemed to point to the mutations and disease in some of the fish from the river as a result of years of pollution from war efforts. 

“It is not your fault the regime before yours was so ignorant of the people’s needs and other environmental factors.”

“In all honesty, who in their right mind would eat a fish with two heads anyways?”

“The river had been supposedly cleaned by the Avatar and his friends shortly before the end of the war, shouldn’t the responsibility lie with them?”

One after another, an advisor countered the Fire Lord’s efforts to financially back abundant medical aid for the fishing village. One after another, flames grew higher and higher nearly scorching the ceiling as the Fire Lord sat quietly. You noticed his scrunched up expression and knew it was only a matter of time before--

“Am I not, as Fire Lord, responsible for everyone living in the Fire Nation? Am I not, having been Prince of the Fire Nation during the war, responsible for how the war had affected our people? How can we sit here and deny help to our own people who are suffering?!”

After an uncomfortable silence, only one advisor stood up to speak. “And what, Fire Lord Zuko, do you plan to do about those injured in the fights breaking out in the colonies? Or the troops returning home from war injured and jobless? Or the villages in the Earth Kingdom burned down by our nation’s doing? There are many responsibilities this nation bears but solving these problems must be done with appropriate organization and objectiveness, not youthful bullheadedness.”

And with that, the audience was dismissed. 

With no clear resolution in sight, you had made your way to the advisors’ chambers to work on new proposals despite the late night. Getting down the business is usually easy but the otherwise empty and quiet workspace was not as calming and focused as you had hoped. It may have been well past sundown, but bright bursts of light kept erupting and peeking through the windows of the chambers, distracting you every time you went to read or write a new sentence. Having been an advisor for some time now and becoming familiar with the layout of the palace, you knew exactly where the light was coming from.

Abandoning your work, you walked the grounds until you reached the gates of the training space. Sure enough, your suspicions had been correct as you eyed Zuko in the center of the pitch running through different firebending forms. It was a surprise however that only the fire blasting from his fists and feet was what distracted you from your work. You hadn’t heard the angry grunts and yells from the advisors’ chambers.

The sound of the gate closing behind you was enough to make Zuko stop and look up at you. But he simply acknowledged your presence with a nod before continuing into the next set of firebending forms. You took a seat to watch on the sidelines. The silence did not bother you. In fact, it gave you time to relax from your role as advisor to the Fire Lord into friend. Or something more. The details of your relationship with Zuko have not really been sorted out or discussed but either way, you knew your role right now was to be supportive yet honest.

“He was right, you know.”

Zuko let out a low grunt as his response before letting more fire blast from his fist.

“It’s not that the other advisors don’t want to help the village. It’s that we have to divide our resources and aid equally. If we send all our healers to the village, none will be left to take care of the returning troops or the colonies or the elderly in the capital city.”

There was no grunt this time but more flames spat from his fist as he punched it forward through the air.

“And it’s incredibly admirable to see you so compassionate about your people but it would be nice to get through one meeting this week without scorching the ceiling tiles.”

“So am I supposed to rule without a conscience?” he asked coldly without looking at you, the anger he was restraining palpable in his voice.

“No,” you replied levelly. “You heard what Ji said. Objectively does not necessarily mean without a conscience. Actually,” a bit of laughter bubbled up into your conversation. “He suggested you talk more with Katara. ‘Now that’s someone who can keep their emotions in check,’ he said.”

“Having been on the receiving end of her wrath, I beg to differ,” Zuko sighed and released his fists before joining you in the stands. “And I have talked to her. She just laughed at me. She said, ‘Now you know what it’s like not to be taken seriously because you’re too emotional.”

You shifted your body when he sat down beside you so that you could still face him. He did not face you, however, and continued to stare forward at the training grounds and into the night sky. “No one is telling you not to feel or have emotions, Zuko. Just that they shouldn’t control you so much, or cloud your judgment.”

“You sound like Uncle,” he groaned before flopping backwards onto his back. In moments like this, you really realized how young the Fire Lord was. He was still mature and doing his best with such a large responsibility, but despite being five years into his reign, that moody teenager still presented himself at times. 

Leaning onto one arm so that you were closer to Zuko, you laughed softly, “I’m wondering if I should find that flattering.”

Zuko ignored your lightheartedness and continued. “People are always telling me, ‘don’t let your emotions control you.’ But why? Without them, I never could know you.”

“What do you mean?” Your eyes remained fixed on him as you tried to sort out your confusion.

“Do you remember one of the first advisor meetings you were a part of?”

“The one where we were discussing having the Kyoshi Warriors acting as your bodyguards over well-trained firebenders much more familiar with the palace and the land? Absolutely. That was when we discovered your throne wasn’t fireproof.”

“Right. And I came here to blow off some steam and you followed me to say that you were on my side and would work on getting the other advisors to agree to letting the Kyoshi Warriors be my security.”

“I didn’t follow you...”

For the first time that evening, Zuko looked at you with a knowing and pointed grin. You rolled your eyes and urged him to continue making his point. “Anyways, go on.”

“If I hadn’t been feeling so angry, I wouldn’t have come here and you wouldn’t have followed me and we wouldn’t be... I don’t know... us.” He sat up and was so close now that your shoulders brushed against each other.

“It’s not just through anger that I’ve gotten to know you either,” he continued. “When I was anxious about a speech, you were the one who volunteered to work on it with me.”

“You made fun of the way I clapped and said people don’t clap that enthusiastically for common budget updates,” you drawled.

“When I was excited about Uncle coming back to visit, you helped to make sure everything was arranged to his liking.”

“You told me never to tell your uncle that my taste in tea may be superior to his,” you proudly added.

“And when I was sad that you had to leave on a trip to the Earth Kingdom, your letters made me smile because I thought at last someone who has worse handwriting than I do.”

“You take that back!” you gasped, pointing your finger menacingly at Zuko. 

“My point is,” he grabbed your hand in his. “If I was cold and stoic as some of these advisors seem to want me to be, I wouldn’t have gotten to know you. So I’m not going to change the way I feel.”

You smiled softly, happy to see this side of Zuko. The nature of your relationship still felt undefined and you were sure the two of you would figure it out. Eventually. It was a discussion to be had, but one for another day, as this day was nearly over.

“That’s nice,” you playfully patted his hand. “But the next time you decide to feel something, maybe you could do so without destroying the ceiling. Or distracting me with your firebending while I’m trying to do my job.”

You stood up and began to walk away from the stands and out of the training grounds, leaving a smiling Zuko behind you.

“You’re the one who followed me!” he called out.

[picassho-18]

Art of Fire (II)

Zuko x Reader; Part 2; 2k words

A/N: disclaimer! I have not read the comics set after the finale, but this is set a little after Zuko’s coronation

Summary: The recently crowned Fire Lord Zuko meets a new friend of his Uncle’s, a special fire bender that quickly grabs his interest over a cup of tea and the discussion of the arts.

ALL CURRENTLY POSTED PARTS:  Part 1   Part 2   Part 3    Part 4

Apprehensive, you began to walk up the steps leading to the Royal Palace doors. While you were confident, maybe borderline cocky, with your skills and artwork, the idea of seeing Zuko again made you nervous. And you most definitely did not want to make a fool of yourself.

Iroh had obviously encouraged you over a cup of tea. He had admitted to intentionally having you meet his nephew. He may also have accidentally let it slip that Zuko wasn’t socializing with anyone since things with him and his past girlfriend Mai had split up.

Iroh seemed to think that the pair of you would be good together. It was nice to hear, especially because of your rapidly developing crush on his nephew. Yet it did not give you enough confidence walking up those steps, a sketchpad and pencil in your arms.

A servant at the door saw the materials in your hands, “Hello, are you the fire-painter to see the Fire Lord?”

You swallowed, no chickening out now, “Yes, that's me!”

“Excellent, he has been hoping you would come. Follow me.” The servant turned, walking you down majestic hallways throughout the Royal Palace. At one point you walked past a courtyard, so extremely lovely with a pond that had turtleducks swimming gently through the clear water.

Not really thinking about your actions, you stopped following the servant, slipping silently into the courtyard while the servant continued to walk away, not aware that you stopped following. Checking to make sure no one was watching, you walked to the pond, the turtleducks quacking softly as you approached.

“Oh how adorable you are!” you exclaimed, sitting down at the edge as they all swam closer to you. “I wish I had something to feed you!” you said sadly, as they watched you intently, their adorable eyes following your movements.

One of the turtleducks got close enough that you were able to reach out, giving it’s head a little scratch. You let out a little awe as it swam closer, nuzzling against your fingers.

Suddenly a voice rang out, causing your hand to jerk away from the turtleduck, “So I see you’ve made a friend.” You looked up to see Zuko leaned against a column to the entrance of the courtyard gesturing to the turtleduck you had been petting, obvious that he had been watching you.

“Ah, I’m sorry Fire Lord” you stood up quickly, giving him a small bow, “I just couldn’t resist them, when I saw how adorable they were.”

He waved you off, a soft smile on his face, “It is of no concern. They are extremely cute creatures.” Zuko walked over to you, standing next to you, both of you still watching the turtleducks.

“So, um, what was that emergency that last time we spoke?” you asked him, your curiosity getting the better of you.

Zuko’s eyes darkened, the little bit of shine that they earlier vanished, “Politics” he stated simply. As if that cleared everything up. When he saw your confusion, he continued, “Ever since my coronation not everyone in the Fire Nation has agreed with my new ideologies. Lets just say the Palace has been attacked every so often by insurgents.”

“Ah” you responded, you didn’t know that there were insurgents, everyone you’ve encountered always seemed so supportive to the end of the 100 year war.

A silence overtook the pair of you, both looking at the sparkling pond in front of you, thinking about the world you lived in. While the end of the war seemed so full of hope, a sense of completion and promise of a better future, yet the struggles have not been lifted. With his eyes on the turtleducks, you took the opportunity to really look at him.

You could see the stress on the frame of Zuko’s body. Dark rings hung under his eyes, possible from the lack of sleep or constant stress. He was a walking image of exhaustion. His shoulders sagged slightly, as if the weight of the world was resting on them. In a way it actually was. The Earth Kingdom, Water Tribes, along with his own Nation were all looking to him in this time of change.

He cleared his throat, pulling you from your thoughts, “So how about we plan out this piece of art?” he asked, sitting on the grass, you following suit, nodding. Zuko suggested, “How about a mural? I was thinking possibly for that wall?” pointing to a wall just outside the courtyard.

Instantly, your brain kicked into art mode, “Oh yes! That wall is big and empty, and it can be seen throughout the whole courtyard. Any ideas of what it would be of?”

He hesitated before answering, taking a deep breath as he stared at a nearby tree next to the pond. “I was thinking it could be a portrait of my mother.”

You looked between Zuko’s face, and the tree he was staring at. You saw the sorrow buried in his face, his eyes seemed distant, like he was not present, but instead inside a memory.

“Underneath that tree, my mother and I would watch the turtleducks. In her arms, she made me feel so safe, so loved. I think a portrait of her would be perfect.”

You nodded, understanding the pain he was feeling, “I think that would be lovely.”

“My only request would be that she's smiling.” His voice trailed off, his mind devoured by more memories, as he laid his head down on the grass, staring up at the sky.

“Of course” you said softly. At your voice his lips quirked upward in a slightly smile

Next to him, you began to sketch. You have seen Ursa’s portraits before, and sketching one with a smile would not be too hard. It remained silent, the pair sitting close together on the edge of the pond as your pencil worked rapidly on the paper, and Zuko’s eyes had begun to shut. His breath had slowed down, as if he was on the edge of sleep.

You had finished the sketch, but when you saw the Fire Lord asleep next to you, you had no clue on what to do. Silently, you place the sketchpad and pencil at your feet, trying not to move much. It looked like he needed all the sleep he could get. The fact that he could fall asleep that fast was an indicator of that. What you would have never guessed was how much Zuko found your own presence soothing.

Suddenly, a gust of wind hit the courtyard, the branches swaying slightly. A young boy appeared, sliding between the pillars; his orange wardrobe and blue tattoos obvious to who he was.

What you should have done was instantly stand up and bow to the Avatar, giving him your respect, yet when he began to open his mouth to speak, probably quite loudly from the stories you have heard about him, you instinctively shushed him, gesturing to the sleeping Zuko.

You froze, finger over your lips, as you realized you just shushed the Avatar. Thankfully, he appeared to not take it the wrong way, and snickered at the sleeping form beside you. He glided softly over the grass to sit down silently beside you.

In a quiet whisper, he spoke, leaning close to you so as not to wake Zuko, “Hello. My name is Aang.”

With a small grimace, you whispered back, “I’m so sorry I shushed you. I probably shouldn’t have because you are the Avatar, but it looked like Zuko needed his sleep”

Aang nodded, “That he does. The past few weeks have been hard on him.” You looked at the young boy, yet he appeared anything but. While he was small, and no taller than the average 12 year old, his face told a different story. That he has seen things. Experienced things that no person should. It was eerily similar to the face that you had been quickly associating with Zuko.

Aang continued, “So how do you know Zuko?” He was slightly confused at how someone appeared so close to a friend of his without knowing.

Still with a soft voice, you whispered, “Um. Well I am actually close friends with his Uncle. But I’ve actually only met Zuko twice. I’m sort of surprised that he has fallen asleep right here.”

With a wistful tone, one coming from experience and knowledge, Aang responded, “He must be very comfortable with you. Zuko is not one to let his guard down with others. He is typically very closed off to others.” While he said this, you looked at Zuko’s face. It was more serene, like the stress had vanished as soon as he fell asleep.

Zuko suddenly stirred, a quiet groan rumbling in his chest as he began to rub his eyes. He sat up, glaring slightly at the sun, before he noticed Aang and you beside him.

His voice deeper than usual, Zuko grumbled, “How long have I been asleep?”

“Um, probably around an hour. You looked like you needed it so I didn’t wake you.” you replied sheepishly.

“And it appears you’ve met Aang,” he replied, his eyebrow cocked up slightly, but a warm smile resting on his face.

Aang laughed, his boyish nature showing a little more,“We have met but not before she put me in my place, stopping me from waking you.” You shyly smiled at Zuko when his eyes widened as he realized what you did, blushing.

He stood up, clearing his throat, “Well um, thank you Y/N, but I uh, must continue my duties for the day.”

“Of course.” you stood as well, along with Aang, “I finished the portrait, but uh, will tomorrow be a good day for me to bring the supplies and start?”

“Yes, of course. Midday will be perfect.” Zuko responded, trying to ignore the looks that Aang was shooting at him. The air had grown awkward, like Zuko and Aang were having their own conversation with simple looks.

Confused at the sudden change in atmosphere, you said, “Alright, then I’ll be off!” Quickly left the pair behind as they said their goodbyes, leaving the courtyard.

Aang turned to Zuko, “Well, do you have something to tell me? Or am I supposed to ignore the way she spoke about you? Or the way you were looking at her?”

***

Read Part 3 HERE

ART OF FIRE TAG LIST: 

@haylaansmi

@wasntpriscilla

@justholdthesun

@furblrwurblr

@writers-thoughts09

@alrightberries

@fitzsimmons-is-forever

@katieisntcranky

@ari-shipping-stuff

@ayo-cowbelly

@ctrl-alt-jeon

@tardis-is-mine

@catraismygf

@celamoon​

[aidemint]

Messenger - Zuko

Word Count: 3.2k !

Warnings: None!

Note: This is a plot I’ve been wanting to try for a while! For the sake of the story, Mai and Zuko broke up indefinitely. As much as I love them, I can’t have things get too “complicated.”

__

It started as an ordinary day. Perhaps one that began too well. I woke up to the sound of turtle-ducks quacking in a nearby pond as a colorful array of birds lined the canopy, chirping to the melody that the trees gave off when they shook in the light breeze. I yawned and rubbed my eyes with the backs of my hands as I woke up from my resting state underneath a large oak. Shaking my head a few times, I blinked and got my eyes to focus on my surroundings, and patted my side to make sure that my bag was still there. 

Ah, the familiar feel of leather and sturdy cloth.

After the reassurance, I took the time to stretch a bit before getting up to get ready for the day. The morning procedure was conventional -- extremely so. Brush your teeth, bathe, dry, then scavenge for some food. Berries or nuts weren’t exactly rare to come by anywhere, so it wasn’t hard to find a hearty meal. 

A day in the life of a messenger.

Humming as I stripped down, I discarded my clothes, shoving them into my messenger bag, then brought the satchel with me to the riverbed to decrease the risk of theft. The impact of my feet on the ground made the grass quiver and specks of dirt come flying into the air, tickling my soles and upper-ankles. When I finally set my belongings down, I sighed in content and watched as the surface of the stream glimmered, reflecting the sunlight. It certainly looked inviting.

Finally, it was time to bathe.

Shivering as I tip-toed into the cold water, I wrapped my arms around my chest and hoped I didn’t catch some sort of disease. I wasn’t used to such a different climate, as I’d normally opt for some hot springs when they were available, but I was in the valley and didn’t have the time nor the energy to make that trek all the way up the mountain.

I groaned and plunged shoulder-level into the river, feeling the running water push lightly against my figure. The sensation was surprisingly calming, considering that I was initially cringing at how frigid it was. As the edges of my lips upturned and my eyes fluttered shut, my body relaxed and I was able to enjoy the sweet empathy that nature provided me with.

After soaking for what felt like a few minutes, I heard a rustling in the bushes. Assuming that it was either some wayward badger skunk of platypus bear, I paid no attention to it until there came voices from that general direction.

“Zuko, I told you we shouldn’t have come this way. Privacy is a big thing around these parts.” There was an old man and his presumed nephew, wandering around the forest of oak trees and through a few bushes. I couldn’t get a clear view of the uncle, but I noticed a small clearing that the younger boy could step out into for me to peer at him. Hoping that he’d move according to plan, I craned my neck to get a glimpse at him.

“Privacy? In a valley? What, are we gonna run into a couple of naked mole rats?” Once the brunette emerged from his place hidden in the bunches of leaves and into an open spot, I got to recognizing him. My eyes widened and my lips parted, truly not expecting the company. Prince Zuko, the “traitorous” son of Fire Lord Ozai, was in Fengfu Valley, and I was right under his nose. It shocked me how little perception he had of his surroundings. Feeling the urge to laugh, I clamped a hand over my mouth to hide my presence and stooped lower into the water so my nose was right above the surface.

I couldn’t help but want to exploit his careless nature -- it seemed like it would be a lively addition to an otherwise boring morning.

Teasing him would be fun.

“I don’t appreciate being called a mole rat!” I watched on as Zuko shouted in surprise, then sent a bolt of fire my way. Narrowly avoiding it, I swam to the side and watched as the flame dissipated as soon as it reached the spot where I previously resided. Turning my head so I faced him, we locked gazes as I feigned offense.

“Seriously?” When the prince’s face morphed into one of surprise, I burst out laughing, almost getting swept away by the river at the effort. My howls ceased as I stumbled a bit and felt the rapids churn in an attempt to carry me down its bed, but I regained my footing and remained in my original place. 

Breathing a sigh of relief, I once again directed my attention to the brunette, who just stood with his hands clasped over his eyes. Snickering at the sight, I slipped to hide behind a bush as I dried myself and put on my clothes. Stepping out into the open once I was finished, I gave Iroh a small salute while walking towards the pair, which he returned with a fond grin.

“You should listen to your uncle more often, friend!” I exclaimed, stopping in front of the Prince with my bad slung across a shoulder, “Don’t come across mindful people in these parts very often. It’s mostly populated with bandits, so most are pretty wary.” Noticing the pair’s interesting Earth Kingdom getup, I raised my eyebrows, impressed with the guise. I didn’t have long to admire their getups, however, as Iroh took the initiative to start a conversation in the midst of my thinking. 

“Since we can’t avoid an interaction any longer, we might as well introduce ourselves. My name is Mushi, and this is my nephew Lee. We’re simple travelers, so it’s nice to meet a local from around these parts.” I nodded at him and smiled at Zuko, who still seemed a bit on edge from our unconventional introduction.

“I’m (Y/N). I work as a messenger for the international mailing system. I deliver letters to and from different nations, but I’m stationed in the Earth Kingdom most of the time, helping to run mail through the city, manually.” Iroh, or Mushi, nodded in understanding, 

“An honorable profession.” I smiled, then thanked him for his kindness. Glancing at “Lee,” I noticed that he didn’t seem very eager to respond, so I just left him alone and continued to talk to Iroh. 

“Well, Mushi,” I began, “Do you have a place to stay?” Iroh was quick to respond, but not without a sudden shift in his demeanor. His shoulders suddenly caved inwards and his eyebrows became furrowed, giving his face a worn, wrinkled look. 

“Unfortunately not. My nephew and I don’t have anywhere to go, either.” I bit back a smile at his overbearingly dejected tone and the sudden slump in his posture when trying to evoke some sense of pity from me. Covering my mouth with a hand, I sucked in a breath to calm down, coughing a bit to disguise my laughter. 

“W-Well,” I said, clearing my throat, “You can stay at my camp for the time being. I’ll show you the ropes, but you have to hunt your own food.” To my complete and utter surprise, Iroh’s posture and mood had suddenly improved upon hearing this. His eyes seemed to sparkle as a grateful grin spread across his face.

“That would be wonderful. Thank you for your offer.” I waved it off, then beckoned for the two to follow me to camp, where I had a tent set up and a couple of logs for a campfire. Though I didn’t have much, the former General’s reaction made me feel like some kind of saint for agreeing to take care of them out of common courtesy.

Perhaps his methods of persuasion had more of an influence on me than I originally thought.

__

Evening had come, and Zuko and I were currently out foraging for berries and nuts while Iroh was back at camp, tending to a fire in order to brew some tea and to hopefully get the pot hot enough to be able to cook the nuts. 

At the moment, the Prince and I had stumbled across an undergrowth that housed a variety of different bushes and trees, all filled with berries and fruits, respectively. The silence of nature overtook us as we worked to fill the baskets we carried with the bounty -- a sound that was familiar to me, but seemed to be uncomfortable for Zuko, so much so that he decided to pipe up for the first time today.

“Hey, (Y/N)?” I whipped my head around to face him with an amused expression. 

“You finally wanna talk, huh?” He sighed and rolled his eyes in the other direction, setting his basket down, but not knowing what to do with his hands. Curling them into fists, then letting go again, the cycle repeated for half a minute before he found the right sentence to say.

“I’m usually not this awkward, I promise,” he commented, rubbing the nape of his neck. I laughed, noticing the Prince’s bright red face, flushed from embarrassment. 

“I can tell,” I replied, digging into a bush and pocketing some wild blueberries, “So don’t worry too much about it. I don’t mind the silence -- I hear it all the time.” He stiffly nodded and picked up his basket again to collect some pears from a tree overhead.

“Thanks.” The world then went silent for a few minutes until Zuko spoke again, his voice more relaxed this time around. 

“And sorry about the naked mole rat thing. I didn’t really expect anyone to be there.” 

“Don’t sweat it. I wouldn’t expect a naked person to be in a river in the middle of a valley either.”

“Okay… thanks.” I chuckled quietly to myself, finding hilarity in how uncoordinated Zuko seemed to be in the realm of speaking. It was almost endearing. 

After a good twenty minutes had lapsed, it was safe to say that both of us had deserved a break. As I plopped down onto a moss-covered section of the floor, I patted the ground next to where I sat, motioning for Zuko to rest alongside me.

“Sit down with me, Lee.” He hesitated for a moment, but ended up sitting next to me anyways. While we rested, I admired the way the canopy of the forest blocked the sunlight, so that the rays would cast themselves in dappled patterns across the ground. Fluttering my eyelids shut, I took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, enjoying the forest’s energy and the rejuvenating effect it had on my spirit. As I opened my eyes to see the world again, I sighed in a mix of disappointment and appreciation. The tranquility was pleasurable, but always too brief.

I didn’t notice Zuko until I felt his hand nearing my bag, to which I responded to with a sudden pull away, not letting him even graze the satchel. He seemed alarmed by this, as his eyes immediately went dark and his body tensed up. Panicking as I noticed this, I tried to explain as quickly and as simplistically as possible. 

“People’s letters are in there,” I said, “I can’t let you touch them without a license. It’s illegal.” Zuko glowered at me. His eyes bore into mine, golden, glaring irises seeking the truth in the myriad of lies. He leaned in closer to me, his scowl deepening.

“There is no need for mailing by foot in the Earth Kingdom. They have their own postal service with the rock cart system.” I sucked in a sharp breath as I prayed that he wouldn’t connect the dots, as hopeless as my wish was. 

Zuko pointed at my bag. 

“Those aren’t really letters, are they?” The prince’s question challenged me, yet it was laced with so much hidden curiosity and an element of certainty pounded into each and every word. I sighed as I realized that the jig was up. I had to tell him the truth, or he might become unstable and try to pull something with me. Taking out the envelopes, I unwrapped them, then showed the Prince the contents inside. 

“You got me,” I admitted, handing Zuko the sheets of paper I held in my hand, “They’re not letters.” The brunette’s eyes scanned over the folio, gradually widening in disbelief. Once he was done reading, he handed the documents back to me and looked at me with such incredulity. 

“What are those papers?” he demanded, “They have the Fire Nation seal on them.” I shrugged indifferently while putting the sheets back into their envelopes.

“They’re stolen Fire Nation Official documents,” I responded casually. The Prince seemed so caught up in this order of business, while I admittedly did not want to continue this conversation for much longer. His infatuation irked me, but it was natural, given his background, so I had no other choice but to endure it.

“How did you even get them?” he demanded, “Who are you?” 

“I should be asking you the same question, Prince Zuko,” I snapped, not willing to take any more of his attitude. He looked taken aback yet flustered at the same time. I assumed that he didn’t realize that someone would recognize the guy with a very noticeable scar on his face. I scoffed at the thought.

“Do you really expect me not to know who you are, Mr. ‘Esteemed Prince of the Fire Nation?’” He grew increasingly bewildered, looking at me as if I had two horns growing out of my head, and as if he wasn’t the son of the most notorious tyrant in all the four nations. “Sure, most people in the Earth Kingdom have no clue who you guys are, but I might have a clue, you know? Given the documents and everything?” 

“But why… How did you even get these?” Zuko stammered, “This is classified information.”  

“I looted them from Fire Nation officers.”

“Why-” he began, “Why are you-” As he looked to me for some form of help, I motioned for him to continue thinking on his own. He furrowed his eyebrows and kept at it. A few moments later, something seemed to click inside his mind. 

“You’re…” Realization dawned on Zuko as his expression morphed into one of vulnerable understanding. “You’re part of the Resistance. Against the Fire Nation.”

“Bingo.” He furrowed his brows and brought a hand up to point at me following my confirmation.

“You’re the one responsible for the missing contract for the Huo act.”

“Yeah.”

“You stole a cart filled with bills that lowered the minimum age for recruited soldiers.”

“Mhm.”

“And the papers for Baron Hu Jiao’s coal mines.”

“Uh huh.”

“And you’re-”

“You’re making me sound like a saint here, Zuko,” I interrupted, chuckling, “I’m just doing what any normal person would do in the face of tyranny.” He paused, creased his eyebrows and slightly pursed his lips, then looked away, as if contemplating some serious matter. I cocked my head and laughed softly at the sight, entertained by the Prince’s reaction to my words. 

“You seem confused.” I turned to him. “Is there anything you want to ask me?” He huffed, contorting his face into an expression that was strangely reminiscent of one at a loss for words, though he spoke after my inquiry.

“Why did you even join the rebellion? Why would you risk your life for something so… so dangerous? So...” I felt a burning sensation in my chest as Zuko’s breath ran out before he could finish. He made no attempt at restating his two-word sentence, feeling as if it was best to just leave it there, as is. I sighed.

“Were you going to say futile?” Zuko scratched his head and nodded. I huffed.

“Why do people join the army, then? Just to die in trivial combat?” I challenged coyly, the edges of my lips curling into a smirk, “Why do people join task forces if they’re not worth fighting for?” 

“Because they’re forced to.” The prince’s tone was cold. His words were hardened by some experience I knew not of, and it was only then I realized that I had been wrong.

I folded my hands in my lap and spoke in a much quieter voice from there on.

“I apologize.” Zuko paused for a moment to recollect himself, taking a deep breath in and letting it gradually come out.

“It’s okay.” I smiled at his comment. 

“Do you want to hear more of my story? Of the resistance?” Zuko hummed.

“Okay.”

“I only knew of the Resistance from the propaganda that was set up in the middle of the Capitol. I’d see the faces of those men and women and wonder what they had done to earn their titles as ‘savages,’ ‘freaks of nature,’ and ‘traitors.’ I’d always ask about them. But I’d always never get an answer. 

“The first time I ever had personal contact with them was after my fathers perished in the army. I went through a lot of grief, in the early stages. I wouldn’t eat, I wouldn’t socialize, probably because of the trauma. When nobody wanted me, when the Fire Nation threatened to kick me out for not being a valuable citizen, they took me in. Treated me well, taught me a lot of things that I’d originally been brainwashed to ignore by propaganda. They gave me hope and a reason to live. It was more than I could ask for, at the time.

“And I realized what I wanted. I knew that I wanted out of this dystopian society so I rebelled against it. I stole papers and caused as much of a ruckus as I could, fueled by this opportunity for revenge. I wanted to tear the place down.” I laughed sadly at the thought.

“But, as you said, it’s futile. I can’t go against so many people. None of us can. The numbers have always been dwindling.” I looked down, at the forest floor, embarrassed to admit the notion. “But we try.” The soft sounds of crickets chirping in the grass were the only noises that could be heard when I finished talking. Zuko just sat there, seemingly dumbfounded by the information that was relayed to him.

“I-I’m sorry,” he spoke, awkwardly glancing at my face, trying to morph his features into an expression of comfort. I chuckled at his behavior.

“Don’t be. It’s not your fault.” Quietness settled in the atmosphere once more after I uttered the last phrase. I tilted my head up at the sky and admired the blend of colors it had become. Lavender hues mixed with vermillion tints to create a wondrous sight to sit under and enjoy. 

Zuko and I sat together for what seemed like forever, simply enjoying each other’s company. 

After the purple and red sky had passed and the stratosphere held a darker red and orange coloration, I decided that it was best to haul ass and go back to camp based on how little day we had left. I offered a hand to Zuko, helped him stand up, and picked up my basket, preparing to go back to camp. The brunette did the same with his basket and started to follow me back. 

“Thank you for listening,” I suddenly said, turning to face him, “It’s been a long time since I could open up to someone like this. I really enjoyed this evening.” Zuko’s expression remained indifferent, but there seemed to be a new, small glitter within his irises. 

“Yeah.” The corners of his lips lifted just a bit. “I did too.”

[smolfrogi]

Love amongst the Himbos

by: Roman

tw’s: homophobia(briefly), swearing, some violence

Multiple parts, I’ve got a lot of world building and not enough space in one part

“Get up, bitchboy.” Ah, one of Toph’s lovely greetings.

“I’m doing it, I’m doing it.” Sokka lied.

“I may be blind but I know you’re still in bed, pissbaby,” Toph growled. “Don’t make me get Katara.”

“I should’ve never given you a house key.” Sokka grumbled, standing up. He wrapped up his arms in white bandages and put his hair up in a ponytail. “If I get called to the guidance councilor for wearing these one more time, I’m gonna kill someone.”

“I genuinely do not care.”

“You’re so nice, why don’t you have more friends?” Sokka retorted.

“They can’t handle the power of my greatness. I’m the greatest earthbender in the world, y'know.” Toph answered.

“Alright, let’s go.” Sokka walked through the door, with Toph following. Katara joined them. They walked out the door and down the street. Why is this sophomore hanging out with a 7th grader? Who cares.

“I heard there’s a new kid at school.” Aang added when they picked him up on the way. “He’s from New York or something, a private school kid, y'know?”

“Hm. I wonder why he’s moving here.” Katara thought out loud, opening the door to the school.

“Oh, did I tell y'all I hit 4k on tiktok?” Sokka bragged.

“Yes. Like 40 times.” Toph stated bluntly. The cafeteria was chaos as always. Sokka walked across the cafeteria to get the school’s breakfast since he didnt have time earlier.

Sokka’s stomach filled up with dread. Hide,  fucking Hide. He was the worst. Hide tormented all of the students, especially the 6th graders just trying to find somewhere to sit. Lucky for him, Hide never tried to make fun of Sokka. What we he even insult him over? “Haha! You have straight A’s and biceps!”? Sokka didn’t recognize half the kids at school anyway, why should he care about some asshole?

“Oooo! What’s this?” Hide’s ‘crew’ circled around an almost empty table. “A new kid? What’s your name, shorty?”

No response. Shouldn’t have done that.

“He asked for your name.” One of his goons thumped his hands on the table.

“Cool.” The boy muttered. His voice was raspy and deep. He spoke quietly, but with a fatal amount of sass. Hide, an asshole, obviously didn’t like that.

“You think you can talk to me like that?” He snapped. Where the hell are the teachers? He yanked the boy out of his seat.

The kid had dark hair that fell over his eyes and crept down his neck. On the left side of his face, a huge scar covered his eye and reached across his ear, which had a hearing aid. “Leave me alone.”

“Oh, I will! After I kill you.” Hide swung at Zuko, but his hand was blocked before he could reach. Sokka clenched his wrist and twisted it around his back before shoving him.

“You’re a coward, Hide.” Sokka challenged.

“What’s wrong, faggot? Got a crush on him already?” He mocked. Sokka stepped back.

“No. But you’ve just about pissed me off-” The bell rang and interrupted Sokka.

“Saved by the bell. See you after school.” Hide smirked before walking off.

“I can handle myself.” The kid grabbed his bag.

“I never caught your name, emo.” Sokka remarked.

“Yeah, I didn’t throw it.” He paused, throwing the bad over his shoulder. “It’s Zuko,” he answered. “yours?”

“Sokka. Well Zuko,” Sokka cleared his throat. “What’s your first class?”

“History.”

“Ah, my pal Mr Zei. Follow me.” Sokka started toward the hallway.

“Why are you doing this?”

“I have history, and I’m late already. Now I can say I was showing you around.”

Zuko nodded.

“Sokka, you’re late? You’re never late, are you okay?” Zei asked.

“Yeah, of course, I was helping the new kid!” Sokka answered. Zei nodded and gestured towards Sokka’s seat. “Psst! Zuko!”

Zuko didn’t even look at him.

“Zukooo!”

No reply.

Sokka poked him in the arm.

“What?” Zuko asked, he had one hand on his ear.

“Are you paying attention?” He asked.

“They were being loud earlier, I turned my hearing aid off.”

“Oh, well Zei’s starting a lesson.”

Zuko nodded.

Zuko pov

“And that concludes the Tutum Unision. Can anyone tell me about the siege on Ba Sing Se?” Zuko flinched at the mention of it. “Hide?”

“General Iroh, a-k-a the Dragon of the West, started the siege on Ba Sing Se in 2013 with his son, Lu Ten,” Hide started. Zuko closed his fists. “The siege ended when-”

“Can I go to the bathroom?” Zuko clenched his teeth. “Please?”

“Um…yes. You may. Raise your hand next time.” 

Zuko ran down the hall, trying to shake the panic. He went into the bathroom and sighed. Fuck. You’re such a pussy..

Zuko breathed slowly, releasing some fire through his breath, he closed his eyes. There’s no more war. There was never war in Tutum. That’s why we’re here. Zuko thought to himself. He pulled himself together after a few minutes. He left the bathroom slowly enough to get back almost the moment they were about to leave.

“Sorry about…whatever that was…” Sokka sighed.

“It’s fine.”

“Well anyway, what’s next?”

“English Language Arts.”

Sokka rolled his eyes. “It’s down the hall- just look for the room with cartoon book stickers on the door.”

“Thanks.” He smiled, mostly just to be polite. He felt strangely upset that Sokka wasn’t coming.

“Romeo and Juliet. Chapter one, who wants to start?”

French, already speak it. “Bonsoir! Je parle français. Vous aussi.”

Math. “If X is 2 and Y is 6, What is K?”

Chemistry. “Safety must be taken very seriously in this class…”

It all felt useless, y’know?

“Zuko?” Sokka had seen Zuko from his desk. His blue eyes were squinted, almost shut, in a bright smile. His hair was pulled back messily. He wore a dark gray pullover hoodie, with a NASA logo on the right side of his chest, that fit him just right. Zuko thought about how beautiful Sokka was until he snapped himself out of it, that’s not who he was, he didnt think like that.

Sokka came over and sat down next to him. He breathed softly while he copied the instructions onto notebook paper, small animals and trees were scribbled into the margins.

Sokka pov

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH C U T E

Sokka scribbled in the margins of his paper to distract himself. Turtleducks and Badgermoles, even Aang’s Bison. He started sketching out a sheepcat.

“I have some of those.” Zuko pointed at his drawing. “Sheepcats, I mean.”

“Oh. That’s,” Sokka paused. Say something, dumbass! “nice?” DUMBASS 

“Yeah.” Zuko looked back at his paper.

“I- uh, what are their, their names?” He asked, trying to keep the conversation going, it’s not like they’re going to do anything. Imagine! Doing actual activities in Study Hall!

“Druk, Ursh, and…” He paused.

“And?”

“Lu Ten jr.- Lu for short.” He finished.

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

They kind of sat looking at each other, not knowing what to say. Sokka looked down at his paper. “I, uhm, I have a polar bear dog.”

“You do?”

“Yeah.”

Alright, this officially sucks.

It ain’t much, but it’s chapter 1.

[cruelangelstheses]

a simple misunderstanding

fandom: avatar: the last airbender rating: G characters: sokka/zuko, katara words: 2k additional tags: canon compliant, fluff description: zuko and katara start hanging out, just the two of them. sokka gets suspicious and decides to investigate. a/n: hi!! this was written for the @lgbtqshipszine and i can post it now! i love my silly boys

read it on ao3

—

Sokka is a good older brother—he thinks so, at least. He does his best to look out for Katara and give her advice when she needs it, but he also tries to give her some space and let her make her own decisions. They are only a year apart, after all, and she’s grown up a lot since they first found Aang in the iceberg.

So when Sokka notices that Katara has been spending more time alone with Zuko, he holds himself back from immediately confronting her about it. They could be doing anything, talking about anything. He’s trusted her to be alone with guys before; he’s even teased Aang for his long-standing crush on Katara. Besides, they clearly bonded in some way when they went to search for the man who killed Sokka and Katara’s mother, even when it didn’t turn out the way they’d expected. He should be happy that they’re getting along now.

It’s not that he doesn’t trust Zuko, and it’s certainly not that he doesn’t trust Katara. He doesn’t think Zuko would do anything to hurt her—or, well, not on purpose—and he pities the fool who would even try, because hell hath no fury like a Katara scorned. So, really, it shouldn’t be any of his business what Zuko and Katara talk about in whispers on the shores of Ember Island or in the courtyard of Ozai’s beach house. At least, that’s what he tells himself.

Unfortunately, try as he might, Sokka just can’t shake the slightly sick feeling he gets in his stomach whenever he sees them talking, even if it’s only a word or two about what they’re having for dinner. He watches their interactions for any indication of romance, but if they do feel that way about each other, they’re doing a damn good job of hiding it. They don’t hold hands—in fact, they barely touch at all, except for when necessary—and they don’t usually sit next to each other during meals. Zuko does sit next to her when they go to see the Ember Island Players, but it seems completely platonic, and Sokka doesn’t miss the way they slowly scooch away from each other during the “romantic” scene between their actor selves. They still talk, though, and sometimes, Katara says something to Zuko that makes him blush furiously. Talk about mixed signals.

So Sokka makes little to no progress on his theory, which is really less of a theory and more of a sneaking suspicion that there’s something fishy going on. Zuko has been acting strange around Sokka for a little while, occasionally stuttering or spacing out in the middle of a conversation, and it might have to do with this whole business with Katara. If Zuko’s had a crush on her for some time, then it would make sense that he’d be nervous about Sokka’s reaction. (Sokka, for his part, feels weird around Zuko sometimes too, but that’s probably just because Zuko hasn’t been with them for very long, and maybe a small part of Sokka is still nervous around the guy who used to try to capture or kill them all on a regular basis.) Eventually, he decides he’ll just have to take the initiative and talk to Katara himself, or else the wondering is going to drive him crazy.

He corners her one evening after dinner, when everyone else has dispersed and Katara is starting to clean up in the kitchen. She looks up from the sink when she hears his footsteps and raises an eyebrow.

“I’m guessing you’re not here to help me clean up,” she says.

Sokka leans up against the nearby wall in an attempt to look casual. “Katara,” he starts out, “you know you can trust me, right? With anything?”

Katara frowns in confusion. “Yeah, of course. You’re my brother.”

Sokka nods and crosses his arms over his chest. “Good! Good.” He clears his throat awkwardly as he searches for the right words. “Because I realize that you can make your own decisions and that you don’t need me protecting you all the time, and so you know that if, say, you were to start dating some angsty firebender who used to try to kill us all the time, you could tell me that, right?”

Katara nearly drops the bowl she’s washing and shuts off the water. “What?”

Sokka can feel his face heating up. Apparently rambling tactlessly is still one of his strong suits. “Just, you know, theoretically,” he adds pathetically.

Katara just stares at him incredulously. “Zuko?” she says with a laugh. “You think I’m dating Zuko?”

Sokka shrugs. “Well, what else was I supposed to think with you two always running off to talk privately? Zuko hasn’t been able to look me in the eye since the Boiling Rock. I thought maybe he was nervous around me because he was afraid of how I’d react if I knew he had a crush on you or something.”

Katara laughs again. “Well, you don’t need to worry about that. I’m not particularly interested in him, and I’m positive he’s not interested in me.”

Sokka narrows his eyes. “Well, then, what have you two been talking about?”

Katara’s cheeks turn pink. “Us? Uh, nothing. Nothing important. What, two people aren’t allowed to just talk to each other alone?”

Sokka snorts. Like brother, like sister. “Well, that’s not suspicious.”

Katara sighs. “Look, if you really wanna know, you’re better off talking to Zuko.”

“He’s been acting weird around me for weeks now,” Sokka says, trying not to let the hurt seep into his voice. “What makes you think he’d tell me anything?”

“He will,” Katara replies cryptically, and with that, she returns to washing the dishes.

Clearly Sokka isn’t going to be getting a solid answer out of this conversation, so he turns around and heads down the hall to find Zuko.

It doesn’t take long to locate him, out in the courtyard practicing firebending with Aang. Zuko’s been training him in a frenzy; it feels like that’s all they do sometimes. They just ate, and they’re already back at it again, likely at Zuko’s direction. The least they could do is take a few breaks.

Sokka waltzes down the couple of steps outside and into the courtyard. As they’re both practicing the same forms, Aang moving his body in sync with Zuko’s, neither of them notice him approaching. Sokka waits until they seem like they’re at a good stopping point, assuming a final fighting stance and then relaxing their postures, to call out, “Hey, Zuko? I need to talk to you.”

Zuko nearly jumps at the sound of his voice and whirls around. “Okay,” he says, attempting to act calm, but very obviously failing. The sweat rolling down his temples doesn’t help matters, either. “What is it?”

Sokka awkwardly glances over at Aang. “Uh, can we talk in private, actually?”

Zuko narrows his eyes, but nods silently and waves a hand in Aang’s direction, dismissing him. Once he’s out of earshot, Sokka sits down on one of the steps. Zuko, however, remains standing.

Sokka decides to just get straight to the point. “So. You and Katara.”

Zuko raises an eyebrow. “What about me and Katara?”

“You’ve been talking a lot recently,” Sokka says. “Alone.”

Zuko’s face heats up, though it was already a little flushed from training. “So?”

“I asked Katara about it, but I didn’t get much out of her. I thought maybe you two were dating or something, but she said that wasn’t it. She wouldn’t tell me anything else, though.” Sokka shrugs. “She told me to ask you instead.”

Zuko folds his arms over his chest. “What gives you the right to know about two people’s private business?” He really sounds like a prince there, and it looks like he knows it.

“Well, number one, something’s telling me this ‘business’ was hidden pretty specifically from me, and I’d like to know why,” Sokka replies. “And number two, I’d appreciate some sort of heads-up if my sister ends up dating the crown prince of the Fire Nation, who spent the better part of a year actively trying to capture us.” That last part comes out sounding more hostile than he means for it to.

Zuko scowls and throws his hands out. “What are you saying? That after all this time, after everything, you still don’t trust me?”

Sokka holds his hands up in a gesture of surrender. “No, no, I didn’t mean—”

“Save it.” Zuko scoffs, but there isn’t any venom in it, just hurt. “And here I was starting to think we—”

He bites his lip and stops talking, just stands and stares with his hands balled up into fists at his sides and his eyes glinting with something Sokka can’t quite decipher.

“What?” Sokka asks. “Starting to think we what?”

Zuko shakes his head, looks away. His body relaxes, and he opens his hands back up, using one of them to rub at his scarred eye. Finally, he walks over to the steps and sits down next to Sokka, resting his arms on his knees as he thinks about his response. After a long moment of silence, he speaks.

“When we were together at the Boiling Rock, I...realized something. I decided to talk to Katara about it later, and then she started giving me some advice.”

Sokka narrows his eyes in confusion. “Why her specifically?”

Zuko sighs. “Because she knows you best.”

Sokka shakes his head. He really, truly has no idea what’s going on here. “What does this have to do with me?”

Zuko is quiet for a long time. Finally, he says with a small laugh, “You got it all mixed up, Sokka. I’m not interested in your sister. I’m interested in you.”

Sokka almost doesn’t believe that he’s hearing correctly. His heart is full of so many somethings, things like relief and shock and hope and desire and an overwhelming feeling of duh.

“Me?” he sputters, because he realizes that he hasn’t said anything yet, and Zuko is looking at him like he expects Sokka to slap him. “I—me?”

Zuko smiles wryly. “I know; I was surprised, too.”

For a moment, they just look at each other. Then they both start laughing, so awkwardly and so stupidly. They laugh so hard that Sokka’s stomach starts to hurt. They laugh so hard that they have to hold onto each other to catch their breath, and that’s when Sokka leans in.

It’s short and soft, an apology, a beginning. He tastes like fire and what they had for dinner, but Sokka doesn’t mind. When they kiss, it feels like something clicks inside of him.

Zuko pulls away first, guilt written all over his face. “I’m sorry I snapped at you. I was just afraid—I didn’t know how you’d—”

“No, no, I get it,” Sokka assures him. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. I didn’t mean to imply that I don’t trust you, because I do, Zuko. I do.”

Zuko’s lips curl up into the faintest smile. “I wanted to ask Katara for her blessing. And then I just ended up coming to her for advice on how to...well. Court you, I guess.”

Sokka snorts. “Just be yourself. That’s enough for me. Just don’t go making me jealous.”

Zuko giggles—he actually straight-up giggles. Sokka thinks he could listen to it forever. “Jealous? Of who, Katara?”

“Well, yeah. I assumed you two had a thing.”

Zuko shrugs, his cheeks bright red. “I never said it was a good plan. But it worked out in the end, didn’t it?”

Sokka smiles to himself and laces his fingers with Zuko’s. His heart feels like it might take off and fly away at any moment. “Yeah,” he says softly. “I suppose it did.”

(Katara finds them kissing again a few minutes later, and the only thing she says is “Finally.”)

[waterboysokka]

What You Look Like; ATLA oneshot

Summary: It was easier when Zuko never had to explain why he had his scar. It was easier whenever everyone took to the common theme to never ask. It's harder to avoid a blind girl who doesn't even know it's there. (Three weeks post-canon)

Word count: 3,882

Note: Hii! Welcome to the first ATLA fic related thing I’ve posted on here so far :) This is a one shot that basically is deep 5am talks with Zuko and Toph. I dunno, I love their friendship and I felt like it had the potential to be so deep and intellectual. Soooo, that’s what this is! It’s basically Toph asking about Zuko’s scar (I saw a fic rec list of this prompt somewhere but now I can’t find it?? I would link it if I could!) Anyways, I listened to disney lullaby songs while writing this bc it just?? fit? Idk, it’s soft and kinda sad... But besides all of that, I hope you guys like it!! It’ll also be up on my AO3, which is linked in my bio!

Toph groaned as she rolled over once more in the bed that she could tell was just all-too big for her. She hadn’t asked for a separate room, she actually didn’t mind sleeping with the rest of the group, but Zuko's maids had insisted on each of them getting their own room since there were so many to go around.

It had been only three weeks since the defeat of Ozai and Zuko’s overtaken the role of Fire Lord. She continued to forget that he wasn’t just a prince anymore, he now had responsibilities- bigger than any of them had realized.

So when he had asked them to stay with him until things got in order, none of them were opposed. Maybe it was because they weren't quite ready to adjust to their new life in totality yet, or maybe they were fearful about losing their friend to the immense amount of stress that he had just been put under. 

Whichever it was, it didn’t matter, because they were still here as a team for Zuko.

But all of that didn’t change that the bed that she was put in was incredibly uncomfy for it to be owned by royalty. She felt like she was drowning in sheets and slowly getting devoured by the mattress itself.

Frustrated, Toph groaned and pushed herself out of bed. She needed tea. After being here for a couple of weeks, she was finally able to understand the layout of the palace without being attached to Aang or Sokka’s arm, as she used to be. She knew it was thirty-two steps down the hall to the right, then down the stairs, and one hundred and twelve steps to the kitchen- not counting the columns she’d have to dodge.

She hummed softly as she counted in her head the steps confidently, knowing she didn’t miscalculate considering that this was the fifth time she’d done this walk to get tea since they’d arrived.

“Toph?”

The voice startled her- not because she couldn’t sense someone there, but because she didn’t expect anyone to be awake. All the other times she had done this she had been the only one.

“Zuko?” She asked and raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t expect you to be awake.” “I could say the same thing to you,” Zuko replied.

“Well, I’m just down here to get some tea and then I’m leaving,” Toph explained nonchalantly and walked around the bar, feeling her way down the long, cool counter to the tea kettle (which Iroh conveniently pulled back out at night once the maids left for her after she told him about her occurrences). As she got closer to the tea kettle, the counter got increasingly hotter until she jerked her hand back in shock.

“Did you make tea?” She asked Zuko, who she could tell was now sitting at the long table.

“Mhm,” He murmured, and she heard him take a long sip of it.

Toph rolled her eyes, already knowing that Zuko’s tea was nothing in comparison to Iroh’s. Luckily, she had learned from Iroh about the best way to make tea for herself and it sufficed. Zuko’s wouldn’t- it was basically hot leaf water.

“Are you dumping it out?” Zuko asked, perplexed. His voice wasn’t raspy, which was a hint to Toph that he had been awake much longer than she had realized. Had he even gone to sleep?

“I’m not drinking hot leaf water,” Toph answered with a shrug and began the stove up again to make a much better mixture.

It was silent for a while after that while she worked. She could tell that Zuko was still there, just sitting and silently sipping his tea. He was stressed, he was anxious. She deduced that this probably had something to do with the reason why he wasn’t asleep, and she couldn’t blame him.

Even after the hard time she had given Zuko, she still knew that being the Fire Lord wasn’t a breeze even though he liked to surface-level it to everyone. No one believed what he said, not even for a minute. Which was another running contender for their prolonged stay.

The tea kettle began to hiss, and she immediately took it off of the stove, cautious not to wake anyone else up, and poured herself a cup. She got ready to leave when something in the back of her mind tugged at her to sit with Zuko, just for a minute.

So, that’s what she did.

Toph approached the table and felt around the chair sides and pulled it out for herself. She placed the drink on the table in front of her and plopped down into the seat, adjusting herself to where her tea was placed promptly in front of her for convenient drinking.

“I feel weird asking this, but how ya been holding up?” Toph said as she took a sip of her tea, she took a long sip of it, even though it had definitely burnt her tongue because she hadn’t waited long enough for it to cool.

“Good,” Zuko replied. It was a short reply, one that she definitely expected from him.

Silence hit again. She wasn’t very good at opening up to people on her own, let alone having other people do it with her. But she felt like she understood Zuko in a better way than some of the others, and she couldn’t depict why- she hadn’t ever asked about his past or even what his plans were for the future… or even what he looked like.

“I bet it’s hard,” Toph said, “getting thrown into running an entire Nation.”

“Yeah,” Zuko replied with a sigh. “But it’s what I expected. It’s what I was born to do.”

Another hit of silence. Toph blew on her tea to cool it off and heard Zuko do the same.

“How, though?” Toph asked bluntly. It was her only move she knew to continue the conversation. She was curious.

Zuko hadn’t spilled much of his life to anyone except for Aang, and while they were all incredibly close now, it had never seemed to come up about his past- just like it hadn’t ever come up about her’s or Suki’s. They were all too busy fighting and defeating Ozai that they had forgotten that they didn’t know much about each other.

Zuko sighed and she watched his outline run his hand through his hair (she presumed he had hair, unlike Aang, who she’d been notified to be bald).

“What do you mean how? Azula’s younger than me,” Zuko explained. Toph could tell he was bordering defensiveness. She pressed on anyways.

“You wouldn’t have wanted to fight your dad or your sister if there wasn’t a reason,” Toph said. “It just doesn’t add up like that.”

Zuko’s heart rate quickened. He wasn’t speaking. Toph knew this all too well- the attempt to create a lie that threw off the actual answer. He should really have known by now that that wasn’t going to work.

“Don’t lie. I can tell you’re trying to,” Toph bluntly pointed out. She took another sip of her tea and then placed it down in front of her again.

“I was banished. I had to find the Avatar to restore what I thought was my honor. I did that for three years before deciding it wasn’t right and my destiny was to join Aang,” Zuko explained in an overly-simplified, overly-glazed way. Toph rolled her eyes. “I already know that part. I’m talking about before that. I wanna know why you were banished.”

“Why? I thought you were going back to sleep.”

As much as he had worked on letting people in, this unexpected press of information of his past- from Toph of all people- was close to stepping over the line. He didn’t have time for this. He had things to do, orders to get through with, staff and guards and armies to command. He had his job to do once dawn broke.

Toph didn’t answer and took another long sip of her tea.

“I said something I shouldn’t have in a meeting.”

“And?”

“There is no ‘and’. I said something I shouldn’t have, it upset him, and he banished me.”

“Just like that?” Toph raised an eyebrow. This conversation was going nowhere fast, and she knew it. She could bail out now and go and sleep until the sun rose in a few hours before she started asking the big question.

“Mhm.”

She rolled the idea around in her head in the silence and opted against it. This question had nagged at her for a long time, and although it seemed to be like pulling eye teeth, it needed to be asked. She wasn’t sure if she could even go back to sleep anyways.

“What does Aang look like?” She asked. She started simple- one she knew that he could answer in a breeze. She felt his heart rate drop down to a more normal rate and his body relaxed.

“Hmm,” Zuko thought. He didn’t say anything for a minute, as if to gather the best explanation of his friend as possible. As much as it probably shouldn’t have been, it was a lot of pressure to describe one of their closest comrades to her. He hadn’t ever really thought about what Aang looked like- he just knew. He could just see him and know that, well… he was Aang.

“Well, ah… He’s short. Yeah, just a little bit taller than you, actually. He’s bald, obvious- well, maybe not obviously… sorry,” Zuko stuttered. “He has really big blue eyes. Like huge. There’s always like an adventure behind them, too. You can just tell that he’s always looking ahead- looking forward to something. He has his Airbender tattoos that are light blue and they’re, ah… they’re arrows. They start at his forehead and travel round his arms and wrists and stuff… it’s cool. He’s super thin, but I don’t know if you can see that- well, not see, but I didn’t know if that was important, er… maybe not.

He smiles really big, too. His whole face is centered around his smile. Katara told me that when he grew his hair out, it was brown, but I’ve never seen it… he wears lots of oranges and yellows, too. It’s pretty standard Air-Nomad colors.

I can’t really think of anything else… I think… I think that may be all.” Zuko breathed a sigh of relief as he tapered off what seemed to be his one long run-on sentence. He was known to do that when he was uncomfortable, or even under pressure. Hell, sometimes tired, too. These were all things he was feeling. He glanced up at a Toph who was looking up- not necessarily across the table to him. Just… up. A small smile was planted on her lips.

“I hope that helped some,” Zuko said and took another sip of his tea. He didn’t even realize how dry his mouth had gotten. It shouldn’t have been a difficult task describing Aang, but it was deemed to hold a lot more responsibility than just some random bystander looking for the Avatar. He knew he had to do it justice for Toph.

“Okay, now Katara,” Toph said as she flicked her gaze back down to reality. She took her teacup in her hands and cradled it to give her hands warmth. Zuko’s eyes widened for a second at the realization that she was going to go through the entire group. He cleared his throat and thought for a couple minutes, just like he had with Aang. “Well, she’s taller than you and Aang. But, she’s not really tall… just- average. She’s just average height. She has long, ah… dark brown hair? Sorry, I don’t know hair colors that well. Anyways, she also has big eyes, but not in the same way as Aang’s. You can kinda just… read her whole past in her eyes if you wanted to. You can see the pain and the fear that she’s… yeah. Uh, and they’re blue- like, deep, icy water blue. Her lips are naturally downturned- I think, but… you know how Katara is. She also has these two… what’d Sokka call them? These two… hair loopies that come down and… I dunno… frame her face? Her and Sokka have kinda ah… like a golden complexion? Not like gold- please, don’t think they’re gold- but it’s a deep tanned shade… I guess. I don’t know, it’s hard to say without sounding weird or… The colors that her and Sokka wear are the ones of the Water Tribe, so lots of blues and whites and stuff… they complement their eye colors and skin tone, too… Katara kinda has this disposition where she could hug you or fight you at the same time if that helps… I don’t know.”

He ran his fingers through the divots of the wood carved out in the table from wear-and-tear over time. They were smooth curves now, no rigid edges or stray wood to prick his fingers like they used to when he was a kid. It was his distraction, ultimately, from his stumble of a description of his friends, and mostly, Toph’s reaction.

There was no talk again for a minute, only the faint sound of fire igniting briefly for Zuko to heat up both of their teas. He wasn’t sure of the time anymore, but they had been sitting long enough for their drinks to no longer carry any warmth, which signified a significant length of time.

“Sokka?” Toph asked. He watched as her gaze, just as before, leveled back out with where her head was positioned.

“He… well, he looks like Katara, except… if Katara was a guy. They are siblings so it makes sense. He’s, ah… how do I say this- he’s not built. He’s super… think like a piece of wood. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing I think it kinda fits him, I guess. Oh, he’s taller than Katara and shorter than me… I wish I had a better visual to give you besides just the in-between height of Katara and I. His eyes are the same type of blue as Katara’s but instead of pain, they hold curiosity and… thrill, maybe? It doesn’t mean there isn’t any hurt in his eyes- in Aang’s either- but in Katara’s, it’s kind of hard to navigate around her hurt… yeah. Believe it or not, but Sokka’s hair is kinda long… I guess he used to shave the sides or something, but now it’s all grown out and stuff so he just pulls it back. He has this smug attitude that’s kinda just… all over his face? He always looks like he’s ready to do something or maybe even that he’s hiding something… But there’s also seriousness that hides in his face, too. He wears the same kind of blues and whites like Katara does, again, standard for the Water Tribe… ”

He waited hesitantly for her reply. It was a lot harder than he thought to describe these people who he’d become so close with. He just hoped he hadn’t messed up any of her visions of them. He wasn’t sure what her plan was for all of these descriptions, or why she'd even asked him.

He knew the others could do it better- make it more poetic and imaginary. But he wasn’t that person. He was the Fire Lord- and even before he was the Fire Lord, he was a silenced Prince. Creativity didn’t flow through him like it did the others. He wished it did, sometimes. Maybe then he’d be able to give Toph illusive descriptions of the people that mattered most to her.

“I hope those were okay,” He said, and rubbed his eyes with the bottom of his palms and pressed in hard so he could see dots. He was getting tired, but he couldn’t sleep even if he was. He hadn’t been able to. He had gotten comfortable with tiredness. He knew it wouldn’t last forever, but adjusting to the new role was harder than he thought.

“They were,” Toph reassured him quietly. It was sincere- he had no doubt. Toph, who was usually loud and stubborn and a tough fighter, was more reserved at night than Zuko would have thought. Maybe it was because she was tired, or because she had seen her friends in full bloom for the first time. Whichever it was, he couldn’t tell.

They sat there in silence again, moments of tea being sipped were exchanged, but mostly just quiet. It was solemn, and peaceful. Nothing was in a rush to be said, no battles to fight or rebuild plans to do- it was nice.

“Zuko,” Toph sighed. “What do you look like?”

Zuko’s breath hitched in his throat as his heart rate sped up again. He didn’t know where to begin or what to say, and surely he was stupid for believing that she wasn’t going to just let him slide. He couldn't just ignore the brutality that slashed half his face. He couldn’t sit with the guilt that she didn’t know it was there because he didn’t tell her.

His eyes widened slowly as he came to a sudden realization of what Toph was doing. It was comical, truthfully. He almost laughed. This was her way of getting the story. He wasn’t sure how she knew that his banishment had something to do with his cosmetic looks, but he gave her props for it nonetheless.

He took a deep breath and locked his gaze on the wood table as an anchor.

“I’m tall. Tallest, actually. I have really pale skin, but that’s just a Fire Nation thing… I don’t consider myself to be… built? I’m not exactly like Sokka but I'm not crazy buff either if that helps. My eyes aren’t as big or… full of adventure as the others have. I don’t know what all you can see, but I know they don’t have that. They’re brown, but almost everyone in the Fire Nation has brown eyes. It’s nothing special. I have shaggy hair- well, it’s black, and I have to pull it back for Fire Lord stuff, so I guess shaggy is the best way to describe it. I like it, I guess. I don’t feel confined with it. I wear a lot of reds and golds and blacks, which are Fire Nation colors. Right now I’m just wearing a… red shirt and black pants? Black slippers? I don’t know if that part helps or not… I also always look dissatisfied. At least, that’s what Sokka tells me. I don’t really know what he means by that…”

Zuko paused for a minute. Toph was staring across to him now as if she could recognize where he was. Her eyebrows were stitched together as if attempting to put his puzzle pieces together.

“And then there’s my… my scar.”

Deep breath.

“It covers my entire left eye… It doesn’t even open fully anymore. It bleeds out around to my ear and stops just before my jawline. It doesn’t hurt anymore, in case you’re wondering. It’s healed. It’s been since I was banished, so… three years. But, it’s there.

There was more to that story, by the way. My banishment. I didn’t just say something and was kicked out. I didn’t back down from an Agni Kai to… well, to prove to m- … Ozai, that I was stronger than he thought I was. That I deserved to be in the meeting. I didn’t think it’d be my own father I’d fight. I pleaded for some kind of relief and reprieve. All I got was a burn so deep that my skin almost melted off…”

There was silence.

No tea sips, no shifting in chairs. There wasn’t even really the sound of breathing anymore. It was still air.

This story had the ability to do that.

“Can I feel it?”

Zuko didn’t question it, or back away. He nodded, even though he knew she couldn’t see it.

He pushed himself out of the chair and walked around the table. He slowly crouched down until he was level with Toph, his hand steadying himself on the corner of the table, his fingers circling the divots so smoothly carved once more.

He took Toph’s hand, almost twice the size more compact of his own, and gingerly placed it on his cheekbone. He swallowed and shut his eyes, allowing her small, calloused hand to run slowly over it.

Toph wasn’t a gentle person by nature. But the minute that her hand touched his scar she felt his pain a thousand times over- intense and deep and wretched. She moved her hand slowly across his face, the ridges telling each their own thread of agony and grievance. Her hand roamed, unsure of where or if it ever was going to stop. If the story of his pain was ever going to cease. She blinked back tears as she finally reached his jawline. Untouched and human. Boyish and youthful. Peace.

She took her hand off of his face and cleared her throat, unsure of what else to do. She had gotten herself to this point- to this level. Now what?

She felt his presence leave due to the shift in cold air that shuffled in and heard him sit back down across from her, respectively.

Again, there was silence.

Not the same kind of silence where it was stilted, or even tense. It was an understood silence. An ‘I know your pain’ silence. It was gentle and welcomed and fluid.

So, they sat there for a minute. Neither unsure of how else to go on or continue their conversation. They sipped their tea in offbeat patterns. Long, slow, drawls of tea.

As the sun began to rise, Zuko realized that his job was beginning. He wasn’t a banished prince anymore, or a kid with an uncontrollable rage and fear of his father. Although that kid still existed in him, it wasn’t center stage. Fire Lord Zuko was. And as the dawn rose, so did he.

He gathered the two pieces of china from the table, both now completely empty of their tea. He put them on the counter for a maid to clean later.

Zuko glanced back at Toph- still sitting at the table, only this time, she was looking at the sunrise from the fully-bloomed windows in front of her. He knew she wasn’t looking at the sunrise, but he hoped that maybe she was picturing her friends in the same ways he had said- hopefully, even better. There was a small smile on her face, too. One of understanding.

He knew then that although she wanted to know his past, there was a part of her that wanted to be able to see her friends, too. He’d never know why she had asked him rather than asking a more creative mind, or even a closer friend, but he knew he would always be appreciative of being the one who did it for her.

Zuko’s lips upturned slightly and he turned to leave, carefully in an attempt to not disturb Toph’s somewhat mediation.

“Hey, Zuko?” He looked back over his shoulder to the girl, her face and gaze unmoving from the now more evident daybreak.

“Thank you.”

[zi-i-think]

5 | Crankiness runs in the Family

Pairing: Zuko x Ama (oc)

Word Count: 7000+

.☽☼☾.

          The sky was clear, the oceans as blue as can be, and the day couldn't be more perfect. The group was going back to the Fire Nation from Hira'a. Returning with Zuko's mom and her family.

         Kiyi and Aang were riding on one flying dolphin-fish beside the boat while Ama rode on another. All of them had the biggest smiles on their faces. Ama never rode on a flying dolphin-fish before. And she never saw any harm in trying new things.

         She saw Katara wave at them from the boat, so she waved back, before setting both her hands on the dolphin-fish's back again to steady herself. She loved the feeling of the water spraying on her skin and smell of the sea.

         "Kiyi! Come back!" A voice shouted. Ama looked over, seeing Ursa by the railing, shouting for her daughter. Zuko stood close by in his Fire Lord robes and crown.

         "Don't worry, Ursa. She's perfectly safe with Aang." Ama heard Katara tell Ursa. Aang immediately flew off the dolphin-fish with Kiyi. Ama followed suit, water bending to get back onto the boat.

         "I promise, Kiyi wasn't ever in danger." Aang assured Ursa while Kiyi clung onto Aang.

         "Kiyi!" Ursa grabbed a hold of her daughter and held her in a close hug as she sat on the ground. "I can't lose you! I can't!"

         "Let go! Let go!" Kiyi fought against Ursa. And when her mom did let go, Kiyi went straight to her dad and hid behind his legs. "Daddy, I wanna go downstairs!"

         Ikem stared at his wife with concern. He picked up Kiyi and the little girl buried her head in his shoulder, facing away from her mother. "All right, honey. Whatever you want." Ikem carried Kiyi inside the ship.

         Zuko sat next to his mom and put his hand on her shoulder. "Give her time." He assured her.

         "I know. Not every little girl has to deal with her mother changing faces." Ursa rationalized.

         "Ursa, I'm so sorry I worried you!" Aang jumped in. "But believe me, flying dolphin-fishes are among the gentlest creatures in the world."

         "No, Avatar. I'm the one who should be sorry." Ursa held up her hand, refusing Aang's apology. "I'm embarrassed that I overreacted like that. Now, if you'll excuse me." The former Fire Lady stepped away from her son and Aang and stood by the railing to look out at sea.

         "You shouldn't worry." Ama stepped next to her boyfriend, noticing his slightly furrowed eyebrow and frown. "Things are going to be fine."

         "I know." He muttered, putting an arm around his girlfriend. "It's just been years since she's been back. I don't want her to feel uncomfortable or unsafe."

         "She might at first. After everything your dad put her through. But she'll feel safer as time goes by." Ama told him honestly. Zuko nodded. There wasn't much he could do after all.

.☽☼☾.

         The day went by and night time fell upon them. Sokka, Katara, Ama and Aang packed their things and loaded them on Appa.

         "You guys are leaving already?" Zuko asked as he walked towards them.

         "Yep." Aang answered.

         "Going back to Capital City is going to bring up all sorts of stuff for your mom, for Kiyi, for all of you." Katara started to explain.

         "You need to figure it out as a family." Aang told Zuko.

         "We'd just be in the way. Especially dolphin-fish riders over here." Sokka quipped, putting his arms around Aang and Ama and bringing them close to him.

         "You guys haven't really had any bonding time yet, dragonfly." Ama said, getting out of Sokka's grip to step closer to Zuko. "This will be your chance."

         "I guess that makes sense." Zuko sighed, saddened to see his friends leave so soon.

         "What, you can't part with me for a week?" Ama teased, making the Fire Lord blush.

         Zuko pulled his girlfriend in for a hug. "Just a week right?" He whispered in her hair so the others wouldn't hear how clingy he sounded.

         "I promise. It won't be more than a week till we see each other again." Ama chuckled. When they pulled away from the hug, Ama leaned up to place a soft kiss on Zuko's lips.

         "Oogies!" Sokka complained just for the fun of teasing them, while Katara and Aang just giggled.

         Zuko pulled away as soon as Sokka spoke with an annoyed expression while Ama gave her brother the middle finger. Zuko turned his attention to the rest of the group, giving them all individual hugs.

         "Thank you guys. For everything." Zuko genuinely meant it. He truly didn't know where he'd be without his friends.

         "Happy to be there for you, buddy!" Sokka pat Zuko's back.

         Once they were done with their goodbyes, the group got into Appa's saddle and took off. "We'll see each other again before you know it!" Aang shouted, everyone was leaning on the edge of the saddle waving down. "Yu Dao's inaugural celebration is in a week."

.☽☼☾.

         A month had passed and not only had Ama not seen Zuko, but she hadn't even gotten a letter. She stayed with Aang and the others as they solved troubles from town to town. And if she were being honest, she missed it. Traveling to different and new places. She loved to meet the different people and learn their cultures.

         But she didn't forget that she hadn't seen her boyfriend for a month. It wouldn't have bothered her as much if she knew why he didn't try to communicate.

         At Ba Sing Se, Aang was leading a meditation with his Air Acolytes. The rest of the original members of Team Avatar finished their shopping and packed it all on Appa.

         "Hey, sweetie! You guys done?" Katara asked as they poked their heads into Iroh's tea shop. All of the acolytes had left, so they assumed their session was over.

         "Just finished!" Aang exclaimed.

         "Perfect timing! We just got everything packed on Appa!" Sokka pointed his thumb at Appa. They went further into the shop to bid their farewells to Iroh.

         "Where are you headed?" Iroh asked them.

         "To the South Pole!" Sokka said excitedly. "It'll be our first time back since the end of the war."

         "We've been planning this trip ever since running into a couple of Katara's old friends at the Earthen Fire Refinery!" Aang added.

         "They were right. We should've gone back sooner to help rebuild." Katara spoke.

         "Plus, we'll finally get to see dad." Ama smiled, excited to see her dad after so long.

         "And go penguin sledding!" Aang was excited to do the usual child-like activities he doesn't usually do as the Avatar.

         "And eat some of auntie Ashuna's seal jerky!" Sokka's mouth was practically watering at the thought.

         "What? You hate auntie Ashuna's seal jerky!" Ama chuckled at her brother.

         "You mean I hated auntie Ashuna's seal Jerky!" Sokka corrected her. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

         "Ama, I didn't know you were going to the South Pole." Iroh stated, tilting his head in confusion.

         "No, I was supposed to go with them from the beginning. Zuko was supposed to come with, but." Ama just shrugged instead of completing her sentence. She didn't want to look like it bothered her that Zuko sent no attempts to communicate.

         But Iroh could still tell it made her upset. He pulled her into a comforting hug. "You know Zuko. He doesn't want to worry people. I've heard that there was some trouble in the Fire Nation." Ama just nodded as she pulled away from the hug.

         "Thank you, Iroh." Ama gave him a fond smile. "I'll be sure to come back soon."

         "Let's get moving!" Aang announced, already walking out. "Weather's perfect right now. If we hurry we can probably get to-" Before he could finish what he was saying, a red messenger hawk with the Fire Nation insignia flew down and perched onto Aang's shoulder. Taking out the message, Aang read over it.

         "Aang, what is it?" Katara asked.

         "It's from Zuko." Aang told them. "He needs me." Ama's heart clenched a little. Oh, so he can send Aang a message but not me?

         "So," Katara had a disappointed tone. "You're going to the Fire Nation, then?"

         "I think I have to." Aang replied. "Hey, why don't you guys come with me? I'm sure it won't take long!"

         "It's spirit world stuff." Sokka pointed out. "When was the last time spirit world stuff didn't take long."

         "And dad's expecting us." Katara added.

         "I'll go." Ama stepped forward to stand next to Aang. "I don't like being kept in the dark."

         Katara placed a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder. "You go help Zuko, Aang. Take Appa so you can meet us at the South Pole after things are settled."

         "I'm sorry, Katara." Aang hugged the waterbender.

         "Nothing to be sorry about. It just comes with dating the Avatar." Katara said sadly.

         Once saying their goodbyes, Aang and Ama mounted the flying bison and headed to the Fire Nation. Ama kept her arms crossed as she looked at the passing clouds.

         "Are you okay?" Aang looked over at her from Appa's head.

         "He promised he wouldn't shut me out." The water bender said sadly. Aang frowned at her hurt expression.

         "I'm sure Zuko has an explanation." Aang did his best to cheer her up. Ama just muttered a 'maybe' and moved to lay down on the saddle. She stared up at the sky, letting her eyes grow heavy to get some rest.

.☽☼☾.

         The moment Ama and Aang walked into the meeting room, Ama felt like a huge boulder was flung at her. And she actually knew what that was like after the countless times of sparring with Toph. Actually, no. It felt worse than that.

         Standing by the rectangular table was an older gentleman, looking like he was giving a presentation. And sitting at the table was a boy Ama had never met, Zuko, and Mai.

         It wasn't like Mai and Ama had bad blood. But they weren't necessarily friends. When Ama met the Fire Nation girl after Zuko's coronation, she really tried to have a conversation, but Mai didn't seem all that interested in anything. Plus there was the jealousy that Ama did her best to ignore. And seeing Mai there after Zuko and she hadn't had any connection for a month definitely wasn't helping her green monster.

         "Zuko!" Aang greeted happily when he and Ama entered the meeting room.

         "Avatar Aang! Ama!" Zuko stood from his seat to greet the two. "Thank you for being her buddy."

         "No problem." Aang assured him. Even through he would much rather be at the South Pole with his girl friend.

         "Hey, waterlily." Zuko turned to her with a nervous tone.

         "Oh, you know you fucked up." Ama pointed at his chest with a glare. Zuko's eyes were wide and his mouth agape. "I expect an explanation later."

         Zuko nodded and them moved aside, revealing Mai. "You remember-"

         "Mai!" Aang greeted happily.

         "Hello, Aang." Mai smiled at him. The airbender, unlike Ama, was able to make anyone like him with his cheerful attitude and grin.

         "And this is Kei Lo." Zuko introduces the last man in the room. "Mai's boyfriend." Ama hated that her body instantly relaxed a little when Zuko mentioned that Mai had a boyfriend. "And finally, please meet Constable Sung. He's leading the investigation into the kidnapping." The last man in the room was introduced.

         "I'm honored, Avatar." Constable Sung bowed.

         "Nice to meet you, Constable-" Aang bowed back, but his mind back-tracked at what Zuko said. "Wait, kidnapping?!"

         "Last night, my little brother Tom-Tom was taken by a band of dark spirits." Mai had a tone of worry and concern. And who could blame her. Even she shows enough emotion when it comes to family.

         "You saw them?" Aang asked.

         "I fought them." Mai told him. "They were kemurikage."

         "Who?" Ama wondered.

         "Dark spirits who supposedly haunt the mountains just outside my home village, I recognized them from stories my parents used to tell me." Mai explained. Ama had a frown. Usually fables told by parents were only meant to scare their kids. Not actually true. It wasn't making sense why these spirits would appear now.

         "Several reports of dark spirit sighting came in from all over Capital City, though Tom-Tom was the only abductee." Constable Sung pointed at multiple areas on a map behind him.

         "Constable, were these reports from-?" But Aang didn't get the chance to finish his question due to some ruckus in the hallway by the door.

         "Get off me!" The voice of an older man grumbled at the guards and pushed aside the red curtain to enter the room. "My son's missing, and you're worried about Palace Protocol?"

         "Apologies, Fire Lord!" One of the guards had a horrified expression as he poked his head into the room. "We asked him to wait, but-"

         "It's all right, he's the victim's father. He ought to be informed." Zuko held up an arm to assure the guard that everything was fine.

         "Mai! I should've known you'd be here!" The middle aged man, named Ukano, stomped to the raven-haired girl.

         "Father." Mai sounded surprised, like she didn't know he'd be here nor that she wanted him here. Ama looked between the two. So this grumpy old man is Mai's dad? No wonder she's so dismal. The guy's a blowhard.

         "This is all your fault, daughter." He pointed an accusing finger at her. "If Tom-Tom were still with me in our home, he would've been safe! I would've made sure of it." Mai was silent as she looked down at the ground in guilt. "You may hate me, but you know I'm right."

         "Oh, come on!" Kei Lo interrupted the family dispute. "No house it safe from dark spirits!"

         "You stay out of this, boy!" Ukano looked at the boy with hate, but also a tingle of betrayal.

         "Please, everybody! Calm down!" Aang stepped between the two men with his arms on each side of him. "All this arguing isn't helping us find Tom-Tom! We need to put our heads together and figure out what to do next!"

         "I'll tell you what needs to happen next!" He then turned his attention to Zuko, pointing a finger at him. "Our 'Fire Lord' needs to grow a spine! Everyone knows the spirit world begins acting up when the human world is weak!"

         Zuko's gold eye's raised in surprise at the accusation. He had his own doubts about his own leadership and it was no secret that many of the citizens didn't like him on the throne either.

         "No! That isn't how the spirit world works!" Aang disagreed. And his word should be more trustworthy as the Avatar, especially over some bimbo. "The balance between the human and the spirits has nothing to do with strength!"

         "Show that you're worthy, Zuko." The man stepped even closer to Zuko. "Declare a curfew to keep your citizens safe! Then send out an elite task force to fight the dark spirits!" Zuko, put his hand to his chin, giving the plan some thought. "Take down just one of them and we'll show the spirits that humans aren't to be trifled with!"

         "If that is your wish, Fire Lord, I'll begin gathering a Task Force. It may take some time, though." Constable Sung said.

         "Don't do it, Zuko." Aang urged. "A curfew would just make some folks more fearful!"

         "I have to agree with Aang." Ama crossed her arms over her chest and leaned on one leg. "Plus, how's a task force supposed to fight spirits? You can't use normal bending."

         "Let's first figure out exactly what happened to Tom-Tom. Then we'll know what to do next." Aang suggested strongly.

         "What the Avatar says makes sense." Mai agreed.

         Zuko shut his eyes to think. He was conflicted. Here he was given two completely different pieces of advice, and he had it was his job to make the better decision. Mai's father came from a more offensive perspective, one that many of the Fire Nation citizens still had. Then he had his closest friends telling him that there was a different way of going about the problem.

         As soon as his eyes opened again, Zuko sent Aang a thankful smile. "Wise advice, Avatar."

         "This is ludicrous." Ukano raised his voice in anger. "You'd rather listen to some fool who knows nothing about the Fire Nation than one of your own citizens. As he talked he kept stepping closer to Zuko with a threatening look.

         Ama had it with the angry old man and protectively stepped in front of Zuko. "I'm going to need you to step out." Ama's tone was authoritative and she gave Ukano a hard glare.

         He glared back at her. "I refuse to listen to some snow savage whore." Everyone in the room gasped at his words. He'd been incredibly bold the entire time, but this was most definitely out of line.

         "You have no right to speak to her that way." Zuko's said lowly and angrily. He stepped around Ama, getting dangerously close to Ukano. He would've liked to kill him on the spot. "Constable, please escort Ukano out."

         Constable Sung nodded and started to lead Mai's father out of the room. "I knew it!" Ukano shouted. "You're unworthy of the throne, Zuko. You're an impostor!" Zuko's glare turned into a surprised look. Like the words coming out of Ukano's mouth clicked something in his mind. "Impostor! Impostor!"

         Zuko turned around at Mai, who looked incredibly embarrassed of her dad. "Mai, when the New Ozai Society attacked me and my family weeks ago, was your father part of that?"

         Mai was quiet for a moment, like she was thinking something over. "Not that I know of." When she said that Kie Lo looked confused, like they both knew something the others didn't.

         Zuko hummed. "I thought I recognized his voice."

         Aang butt in, already prioritizing Tom-Tom. "Mai, I need to know everything you know about the Kemurikage."

         "I've already told you." Mai grumbled. "They're just an old legend."

         "An old legend, huh?" Zuko thought. "Then I have an idea about where to find out more." He started to walk out of the room with a destination in mind. "Follow me." Ama and Aang were close behind, but Kei Lo an Mai stayed in the room to discuss something quickly.

         "Are you alright?" Zuko looked over at Ama with concern while they waited outside the room.

         "About what? The fact that my boyfriend didn't even send me a messenger hawk for a month or that I was just called a 'snow savage whore'?" Ama grumbled, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at Zuko.

         "Whichever is bothering you the most." Zuko whispered. He didn't want to see her mad or upset, even though he knew he probably deserved it.

         "A month." Ama spat out. "One minute you act like you can't even part with me for a week then the next you won't even speak with me? I understood you sending Iroh to the Yu Dao inaugural celebration, but then I heard nothing from you."

         "Things have been busy." He justified with a shrug.

         "That's not it, it takes 5 minutes to send a messenger hawk." The Water Tribe girl didn't get mad often. But when she did, you didn't want to be the one she was mad at. And Ama hated the feeling like she was overreacting, even if she weren't. This was why she tried to solve her problems before they escalated.

         Zuko sighed. "When we first arrived, my family and I were almost assassinated by the New Ozai Society." He explained. "The last thing I want is for you to be a target. Especially, since you're-"

         "From the Water Tribe." Ama interrupted.

         "Yeah." Zuko looked defeated.

         "Oh for crying out loud." Ama scoffed. "We already talked about this when we went to find you mom. You promised not to do exactly what you're doing right now. You don't want me to worry about things, but Zuko, the thing that worries me the most is you shutting me out."

         "Plus, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." Ama pokes his chest roughly. "Who was the one who took out Azula? Me. I can fucking blood bend."

         "I know." Zuko sighed. He was so in the wrong. And he knew it. He opened his mouth to apologize but Mai and Kei Lo finally stepped out of the room. And as room as they did. Ama started walking to the entrance of the palace to leave, and she could feel everyone's eyes on the angry girl.

         "Ama, you're going the wrong way." Aang's voice said, and it sounded like he was a little scared to say it, given the awkward atmosphere.

         The waterbender did a sharp 180 turn and passed the other four again. "I knew that." She grumbled with her index finger pointed in the air.

.☽☼☾.

         Appa landed at the front of the Fire Sages Capital Temple. In the dark, the temple looked majestic with the fire-lit torches decorating the dark walls. Zuko led the way up the stairs, walking with purpose.

         "Whoa. What is this place?" Kei Lo marveled at the structure.

         "The Fire Sages Capital Temple." Mai answered his question.

         "You've been here before Mai?" Kei Lo wondered how she knew that.

         "Once." Mai recalled. "An ex thought it'd be romantic to share a meal over the burial site of his ancestors."

         "And he was right. It was romantic." Zuko looked back at them. He meant it to be more a quip than to be serious. Still Ama couldn't help but let her jaw drop in jealousy. She and Kei Lo looked at each other with the same face. The two knew nothing about each other, yet here they were. Sharing the same look.

         Aang looked back at the two awkwardly, Mai and Zuko already stepping into the temple. "So! You guys! How about we, y'know-" He had no idea what to say. "Get goin on the, uh- Whatever it is we came here to do?!" With a quick breath in and out. Ama walked in, Kei Lo following.

         "Great Sage Shyu!" Zuko greeted the sage close by the entrance. The old man was sweeping the floor, a chore no one finds exciting, so he grinned when he saw the Fire Lord approaching with the Avatar close behind.

         "Fire Lord! Avatar! What a pleasant surprise!" Sage Shyu greeted.

         Aang and Zuko both bowed before him. "So good to see you again, Shyu!" Aang said respectfully.

         "I'm sorry it's been so long since my last visit." Zuko apologized. "Things have been busy."

         "You know what Fire Sage Kaja used to say: the busier we are, the more attention we must pay to our interior life." Fire Sage Shyu pointed out.

         "True, but-" Zuko tried to explain.

         "My brother Sages and I recently revived a couple of old practices that may be of interest to you! In fact, I'm teaching a new meditation class that-"

         "I'd love to hear more, Shyu - I swear - but right now, my friends and I need to get into the catacombs." Zuko hated to interrupt, but hey, they were all in a rush.

         The Fire Sage sighed. "Of course." The old man walked to the middle of the temple, where a circular design with locks only a fire bender could open stood.

         "Does the Fire Lord visit often?" Aang wondered. Everyone was standing off to the side to allow the Sage to do his thing.

         "Sure. Sometimes for the view, sometimes for the dusty old scrolls in the catacombs." Fire Sage Shyu answered a bit bitterly. "Never for my meditation classes." He then lit 6 small fires around him onto the designed locks before punching to the ground. The center, where he stood, stayed still, but the designs split apart and moved to the side, revealing the downward spiral stairwell.

        Aang and Zuko lit fires into their hands for light. Zuko led the group as they walked single file and Aang was in the back. As soon as they hit the bottom, the hallway was wider. The roof was curved and it looked like there was a very large creature's ribs decorating it. Based on the large dragon skulls that decorated the walls, Ama could only assume the ribs once belonged to a dragon.

        "So this is where the Fire Lords are buried?" Kei Lo asked curiously.

         "Yes." Zuko said in a serious tone. The catacombs reminded him of the last few generations of his family. Something he took no pride in.

         "Reserve a place for yourself yet?" Ama asked. She knew she shouldn't, but the petty thought was there and the words came out without her consent.

         "What's that supposed to mean?" Zuko turned around with a confused look but an angry tone.

         "Oh calm down, Fire Lord Zuko. It was just a question." Ama spoke calmly, just to annoy him.

         Luckily, Kei Lo interrupted the couple bickering. "Is that supposed to be Fire Lord Sozin?" He pointed at the large image of the old Fire Lord that was on the wall.

         "My great grandfather, yes." Zuko answered. They all stared at it for a moment.

         "Looks like a crank." Kei Lo said.

         "Crankiness runs in the family." Ama sent a taunting smirk at Zuko. He sent her a glare and Ama quickly glared back. Quips like this were the usual little taunts that Ama and Zuko had, but given their current relationship situation, Ama meant it more harshly.

         "So, how's this visit gonna help us, Zuko?" Aang grabbed his attention.

         "Just follow me." Zuko grumbled, continuing to lead then down the passage. The left was a black and white mural with people fire bending, dragons, a sun, and other pictures. "Look at this." Zuko admired. "This mural illustrates the history of the Fire nation, including it's myths and legends."

        "Oh, yeah." Aang observed it.

         Then, at the end of that hallway was the entrance Zuko was looking for. The fire emblem was on it and four metal dragon head fire locks at arms height. "But it all stops here?" Aang asked, talking about the brief murals of Fire Nation history.

         "When Sozin came to power, he ordered the rest of this corridor sealed off, as if Fire Nation history began with him." Zuko explained.

         "Why does it all stop here?" Aang wondered.

         "He wanted access, just in case. You can still learn from the past, even if you officially deny its existence." Zuko answered. "I'm guessing we'll find a clue about the kemurikage behind that wall." Zuko pointed at the entrance to the next corridor..

         Aang observed the tall doors for a moment before turning back to the Fire Lord. "You know, there's something just like this in the Sage's temple on Crescent Island! Zuko, if you and I send fire blasts into each of the dragon's mouths, the whole thing will open right up!"

         "Worth a try." Zuko shrugged. The two stepped back and got into position to blast flames into two dragon mouths at the same time.

         "Ready when you are." Aang said.

         "You might want to stand back." Zuko told the other three.

         "We're fine, thanks." Ama said dryly with her arms crossed and putting her weight on her right leg.

         Zuko clenched his jaw. He knew what he did was wrong, but he really didn't know where all of Ama's rude behavior towards him came from. He didn't have time to talk to her about it, though. There were other things to worry over. So he focused his attention on the wall they had to get through.

         At the same time, Zuko and Aang shot their flames into the dragon's mouths. But it didn't budge. "Let's go again." Aang suggested. And they did try again. And again. And again. And then a couple other times.

         "Nothing." Zuko grumbled. The frustration in his voice was obvious.

         "Huh. Maybe if we give it one more try-" Aang suggested again.

         Kie Lo ran to one of the dragon heads and observed it with both his hands and eyes. "You've given it twenty tries already! My turn."

         "I didn't know you could fire bend, Kei Lo." Aang commented, scared that he had offended Kei Lo in some way.

         "I can't." Kei Lo said matter-of-factly then he turned to Mai with his hand out. "Mai, can I borrow four of your throwing knives?" Mai looked very curious at what he was doing, but handed him her knives. Kei Lo stuck the knives into the dragon's nose, fumbling around like he was looking for something. "If you had taken the time to study the dragons - instead of just blasting away - you would've noticed that the locking mechanisms aren't located in the dragons mouths."

         "Wait, you gonna pick the dragon's noses?" Aang looked disgusted, despite the dragons being fake. "That seems awfully disrespectful. Not to mention gross."

         "Babe, can you help me out." Kei Lo asked Mai, holding up two of her knives.

         "Sure." Mai agreed and took the knives from his hand.

         "'Babe'?" Aang whispered to Zuko.

         "You're not really one to talk, Aang." Zuko dryly said, referring to the 'sweetie' nickname Aang and Katara have.

         Kei Lo held his arms around Mai, from the back, his hands holding her wrists in a guiding way. Her hands were in two separate nostrils of two different dragons. Ama would have laughed if her mind weren't elsewhere.

         Am I over reacting? Ye- No! Zuko refused to talk to you. You're constantly worried about him and in return he just keeps you in the dark! I'm not some damsel in distress! And now with Mai here- wait. Is he jealous?

         Ama's eyes traveled from looking at Zuko to his line of sight. He was looking at Mai and Kei Lo. But not in a jealous way like Ama thought. He was actually happy that Mai found something that could bring a smile to her face, something he could rarely do. Ama's tried to reason that he wasn't giving them a jealous look. But the things Azula said before were getting to her and her own jealousy wasn't letting her see things clearly.

         "Give each a counter-clockwise twist-" Kei Lo instructed, he had his hands in two of the dragon's nostrils just like Mai. "- Now!" The two twisted teh knives at the same time and the giant door moved to the side to open.

         "Well, look at that!" Aang ran ahead. "You were right, Zuko! The mural keep's going!" Aang stared at the walls.

         "I'm impressed." Mai locked arms with Lei Lo and a smile on her face. "Any other criminal talents I don't know about?"

         "Stick around. Maybe you'll find out." Even though they were already dating, Kei Lo flirted with Mai, sending her a sly wink.

         Zuko walked faster to keep up with Ama's pace. "Ama, we need to talk."

         "Why does that sound so familiar." Ama put her pointer finger on her chin like she was in thought. "Oh yeah, cause we always seem to 'need to talk' nowadays."

         "Why are you being so cold?" He hissed. He didn't want to get angry at her, but she was pushing his limits. Her demeanor made him feel like he couldn't even hold her hand. He thought if he did, she would twist his hand and break it.

         "I don't know, how about I ignore your existence for a month and then you can tell me how you feel." Ama had a fake excited tone. But she rolled her eyes once she was done talking.

         "Well if you were mad at me then why even come?" Zuko questioned. "And why defend me when Ukano was being threatening?" Ama huffed and crossed her arms.

         Because I miss you. Because I care about you. Because I love you.

         "Because I needed an explanation. And all I got was a lousy excuse." Ama told him. What she said wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth.

         "Come on, waterlily. I apologized." Zuko begged. He just wanted to hold her hand. To feel her soft, cool skin against his rough, hot skin. He loved every part of her. Each emotion and each expression. But not when she was hurting.

         Ama stopped at the intersection for the next corridor and looked at him. Her mouth was agape and her eyebrows pinched together. "No, Zuko. You didn't apologize." Zuko's eyes widened and thought back. Trying to remember if he did. But he didn't and he just realized. Ama left him standing there and followed the group ahead. "Oh, look, more of Zuko's cranky ancestors." She said loudly for him and the others to hear.

         "They don't all look cranky." Aang defended Zuko, holding his fire up to one of the murals. "This guy's more... stoic." Aang looked over at Zuko who made his way to the front of the group. "How many Fire Lords were there?"

         "I'm not sure. The history books I studied as a kid all began with Sozin." Zuko replied, looking at the first man painted on the wall. "But I bet this is the first one who united the Fire Islands.

         "Guys, I think I found what we're looking for." Kei Lo called them over, and everyone crowded around him and the mural behind him. "The spirits who kidnapped Tom-Tom – that's exactly what they looked like!" The mural behind them had dark ghost-like figures and terrified looking people painted on.

         "The kemurikage." Mai muttered.

         "Creepy." Aang commented.

         Ama figured that the mural wasn't enough and moved away from the group. There was a little compartment that looked kinda like a house and inside was a scroll. "And this must be their story. Can I get a light Aang?" She asked, pulling the red scroll out.

         "I got it." Zuko said immediately. He stood by her closely. Ama looked over at him. The fire illuminating his face and the reflection was in his golden eyes. Ama could stare into his eyes forever. It was her favorite feature of him. Because when he got excited or happy, they sparkled. But in the moment, it hurt her. Because her unusually stubbornness made her feel dirty to admire him.

         Snapping back to the task at hand, Ama looked over at the scroll while Aang, Mai, and Kei Lo crowded around them to see the scroll. "Long ago, long before the Fire Nation came into existence, warlords ruled the Fire Islands." She read. "They fought one another for territory and often the common people were caught in the middle. All the warlords were cruel and ruthless.

         "But worst of them was a brute named Toz. Feast or famine, Toz demanded annual tributes from all the villages in his territory. One year, a village dared to refuse Toz his tribute. And so, to teach them a lesson, Toz had all the village's children kidnapped. The children were never seen again, and the village's mother's died in sadness."

         "How horrible!" Aang exclaimed. "Where was my past life in all this?!"

         "Maybe this was before the first Avatar." Zuko suggested.

         "Shut up. I'm not done." Ama grumbled and started to read the scroll again. "Soon after the mothers' deaths, dark spirits began to haunt Toz and his men. Every so often, they would drift into the warlord's encampment in the middle of the night. The next morning, a child would be gone. Out of fear, Toz's men abandoned him. His regime collapsed. However, the dark spirits - the Kemurikage- continue to appear, even to this day, their sadness insatiable."

         "Eesh." Kei Lo spoke. "Maybe Sozin kept ancient Fire Nation history locked away because it's so depressing."

         "Tell me about it." Mai commented.

         "Ama, I think you summoned something by reading that scroll!" Aang said in worry. He saw a smoke-like glow come from one of the murals. "Look!" He held out his hand as the light went around his wrist. "Whoa." He awed. "Neat." Aang ran down the hallway, following the light.

         "Aang! Where are you going?" Zuko called after him. "It could be dangerous down there."

         "But I think it wants me to follow it!" Aang called back. Ama set the scroll back where she found it and ran after him, everyone else at her side

         "This kind of thing happen a lot?" Kei Lo wondered.

         "With the Avatar? All the time." Zuko replied.

         "Interesting friends you got there, Zuko." Mai grumbled.

         "Where are you leading us, little wisp of smoke?" Aang asked out loud.

         "Probably somewhere dark and dank." Mai quipped to Kei Lo.

         "Kind of like where we are now?" He joked back.

         "Oh, it'll be worse." Mai grumbled. She was never one to look on the bright side of things.

         "You know, you're pretty cute when you're pessimistic." Kei Lo flirted with a smirk.

         "Yeah, I know." Mai said back.

         Aang was giving the side conversations no attention. His focus was on the smoke. "Hey, smoke! Can you wait-" he talked to it like it was a living benign, which it may have been. The glowing blue smoke went to the mouth of a dragon statue on the wall. "No, don't go-" And the smoke disappeared inside. "Oh, monkey feathers! I bet this is another lock. Kei Lo, you think maybe you could-" Aang pointed.

         "No problem, Avatar Aang." The enthusiastic young man was already approaching the statue with two of Mai's knives. Sticking them in the dragon nostrils, he twisted them and the wall rumbled as it spun open slowly.

         "Looks like a crypt!" Aang observed stepping through the new door and down the steps.

         "Cool." Ama stepped in after him and had a look around. There wasn't much to see, just some more dragon statues and blank walls.

      ��  "I'm not going in there." Mai instisted, standing her ground.

         "Kei Lo, maybe you could come along, in case there's something else to unlock." Aang hated to ask. It wasn't that he didn't trust Zuko alone with Mai, he knew Zuko wouldn't try anything. It had more to do with Ama's obvious jealousy and angry behavior.

         Kei Lo hesitantly looked back at the two. He on the other hand didn't really know much about Zuko and Mai's relationship. Still, he followed Aang and Ama down into the crypt. "Sure."

         Zuko and Mai didn't really have much to say at the moment. But it wasn't like the silence was uncomfortable. "This enough light? Because if the flame isn't big enough, I could-"

         "It's fine, Zuko. The less we see of this place the better." Mai responded dryly.

         "Oh, okay. You're right." Zuko agreed. "Kei Lo seems nice."

         "Yeah, he is." Mai agreed, smiling lightly at the thought of her boyfriend.

         "It's good to see you happy. You smile a lot when you're with him." Zuko smirked at how she smiled.

         "Yeah, he's good at doing that." Mai said. She didn't always like showing her emotions, but when it came to Kei Lo, she didn't seem to mind. "You and Ama don't seem to be on good terms." She spoke the obvious.

         "Tell me about it." Zuko grumbled, looking down at the floor in regret. "I know I messed up, and usually she lets things go, but not this time."

         "I'm not a therapist." Mai said dryly.

         "Right, sorry." Zuko rubbed the back of his neck.

         "But, you're my friend. Plus you're helping find my brother, so I guess I'll help you out." Mai sighed with a small teasing smirk. "You're really bad at letting people in Zuko. And Ama is starting to get really tired of it. I know what heartbreak looks like. And she has that look."

         "I've hurt her too often." Zuko sighed.

         "Yep." Mai unapologetically said and then poked his chest roughly. "And you better fix it before you lose her permanently."

         Zuko gulped at both the Mai's threatening tone and at the thought of losing Ama. Spirits, that's the last thing he wanted.

         Meanwhile, Ama, Aang and Kei Lo were following the bright smoke. It led them to a room with four columns at the corners of a coffin. Ama and Aang entered curiously while Kei Lo peeked in. He wanted to get out of there in both fear of the thoughts of spirits and because the thought of Mai and Zuko being together alone was eating him up. "Doesn't look like you need my help! Maybe I should-"

         "Kei Lo, something's happening!" Aang gasped.

         The glowing smoke spiraled in front of the coffin and turned into the spirit on the murals. The kemurikage. "Greeting, Avatar." A feminine and breathy voice spoke.

         "You.. You're one of the kemurikage - the original ones from long ago." Aang spoke respectfully while Kei Lo hid behind him.

         "I am." The spirit replied. "For centuries my sisters and I haunted the warlords of the Fire Islands, for their crimes we haunted them. We haunted them until the Islands were united into a single nation. The first Fire Lord, the one who rests in this crypt brought the warlords to justice and ushered in an era of prolonged peace. Our sadness receded. We never again set food in the human world."

         "But then why return now?" Aang wondered. "Why are you haunting people again?"

         "I repeat, Avatar." The spirit spoke more firmly. "From the time of the first Fire Lord until this moment, we have not entered your world."

         Aang's eyes widened. He didn't know who or what took Tom-Tom, but he did know that they weren't the kemurikage. Once respectfully bidding farewell to the spirit, Aang and the others were quick to get back on Appa head back to the city.

.☽☼☾.

And there's that! Things are going to get so much better the further you read. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

Hang loose, amigos 🤙🏼

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Imagine the gang realising Zuko has a crush on you and Toph and Sokka deciding to exploit Zuko’s feelings for their own gain.

The group found out Zuko liked you when he was attacking Aang. Upon ditching training to have a beach day Zuko was furious and decide to show Aang this wasn’t a wise decision by attacking him with fire. Then Zuko found out you weren’t even invading the fire nation until after the eclipse and was even more furious...until you appeared.

You’d been inside when Zuko started attacking Aang so were late to the conversation and just saw a very angry looking Zuko. You dropped what you were holding seeing Zuko yelling and rushed forwards "what’s wrong? Why are you angry again?". "Zuko just found out our invasion plans or lack there of" Sokka explained. Zuko was still glaring at them and hadn’t looked up at you. "Zuko i’m so sorry" you said stepping infront of the others and blocking them from his view "it was my idea i should’ve told you, if you’re going to yell at anyone it should be me". You readied yourself for a tirade of angry fire boy but instead Zuko dragged his eyes to you and sighed. "No". "No?" Sokka asked and Zuko twitched but kept his eyes on you. "I understand you were just trying to do what’s best for Aang, you’re thoughtful like that" and walked away to go sulk. You frowned and so did the others. "Ow so he can yell at us but when y/n literally tells him to he doesn’t?" Toph asked "how is that fair?". Sokka narrowed his eyes "it isn’t and it doesn’t make sense....". Sokka watched Zuko and then looked at you, an idea beginning to form in his head.

An hour later

Sokka decided to test his new theory right away and knocked on Zuko’s door. “What is it?” Zuko snapped and Sokka grinned. "Ow nothing just dinners ready and you should probably know Katara broke your tea set" Sokka shrugged and Zuko jumped up "what that was my uncle’s!". "Relax she can buy you a new one!". "It was an antique so she can’t" Zuko pouted and Sokka rolled his eyes "okay okay calm down i’ll go get her so you can yell at her...ow sorry did i say Katara? I meant y/n". "Y/n?" Zuko asked and Sokka nodded "yeah it was y/n who broke it". Zuko looked away and coughed "well i guess it was just an accident". Sokka smirked his theory proven, Zuko liked you. Sokka fully intended to use this to his advantage.

The next day

Sokka learnt that if he hung around you Zuko seemed to lose the ability to be angry and so all day Sokka tested how much this arrangement worked and it was infuriating Zuko endlessly. Sokka was in the kitchen when Zuko realised he hadn’t tidied his mess in the living room like he’s promised and felt his anger rising as he searched for the water tribesman.

“Sokka you haven’t tidied the living room like you said you would” Zuko glared slamming the kitchen door open upon hearing Sokka’s voice inside. He jumped to see you there aswell as Sokka but decided to ignore you and just focus on Sokka. “Ow sorry I was just sat chatting with y/n and lost track of time, you can really get lost in her eyes...but I’m sure you know that” Sokka grinned. Zuko’s frown lessened and a small blush appeared on his cheeks. “Sokka i’m so sorry I probably kept you here all day!” you said missing the last part of his comment to Zuko “Sorry Zuko, Sokka was helping me make dinner but it’s sorted now, I can help you tidy the living room if you want?”. Zuko looked down “no it’s okay, you shouldn’t have to do that it’s Sokka’s job”. “I don’t mind” you smiled “plus Sokka did most of the cooking so it’s only fair”. You left the room with a smile to them both and the door closed. Sokka was laughing to himself at how well his plan had been working when suddenly Zuko yanked him by his collar up against a wall. “What are you doing” he snapped “don’t think i haven’t noticed you hanging around y/n like a leech”. Sokka gupled “I don’t know what you’re talking about”. “You know exactly what I mean! You hang around her so she can protect you from me and it’s pathetic”. Sokka smirked at Zuko’s words and dusted the firebenders hands off his neck “and why do you think I go to y/n for protection huh? If I wanted physical protection from you why wouldn’t I go to Aang or Katara? So why do you think I go to Y/n for you huh Zuko?”. Zuko blushed and Sokka laughed “that’s right I know your secret but don’t worry I won’t tell her...as long as you take up my share of the chores”. Zuko glared and went to step towards Sokka making Sokka yelp “y/n!” he yelled. You appeared in the doorway worried about Sokka “are you okay?”. “Yeah I was just wondering if you needed any help?”. You nodded “that’d be great Sokka thanks!”. Sokka smirked as Zuko moved to let him pass and Sokka patted his shoulder “nice deal we’ve got here”.

3 days later

Zuko was angry again.  He’d been angry a lot lately, Sokka had been deadly serious about their deal and had used it to get out of all sorts of things but it had gone too far. This time Toph and Sokka had snuck into a fire nation event on the island that could’ve had important people present. They easily could’ve been caught and given away the gang’s position but they didn’t care or see the problem with their actions. They just saw it as a fun prank and Zuko was not pleased.

You understood why Zuko was angry, it was a very reckless thing to do but you also hated seeing anyone angry at anyone else so sympathised with Toph and Sokka. Zuko had been pouting since he’d heard what they’d done and had been angrily firebending in the yard since. You figured Toph and Sokka should try talking to him but they had other ideas. “So maybe if you just apologised....” you started when Sokka cut you off.  "That sounds great y/n but I think you should go tell him we’re sorry" Sokka said nudging you forwards and you frowned. "Me! Why do i have to take the yelling?". "You're the eldest" Toph argued and you scoffed "so! That doesn’t mean i deserve to get fire bended by the prince of the fire nation!". “Pleaseeee, we all know Zuko wouldn’t do that to you of all people" Toph replied and you stared at her in shock. “What does that mean?”. “Ow come on y/n” Sokka grinned “you know Zuko has a soft spot for you! Out of all of us he'll be most receptive to you, just bat your eyes at him and he'll be butter". You blushed bright red and pushed Sokka away lightly "i’m not flirting with Zuko just to help you". "What’s your issue with it now" Toph cried "all you do is flirt with each other! We’re actually helping you by giving you an excuse to". "I don’t flirt with Zuko" you stammered “why would I? I don’t have a crush on him”. Toph raised an eyebrow, an unimpressed look on her face "y/n you know i can tell from your heart beat when you’re lying right?". You swallowed "i’m not lying...I mean he’s attractive but I don’t...I don’t like Zuko that way". "Yes you do, we all know you like Zuko so just make like a mountain and go!" Toph said pushing you forwards. "Make like a mountain? Toph mountains don’t move". "Well i’m blind what would i know? Now go talk to him!". You sighed as Toph and Sokka left and you approached Zuko. He was angrily kicking fire at a rock and you supposed his temper should’ve scared you but it didn’t. You’d said you were worried how Zuko would react to Toph and Sokka but you weren’t, you knew deep down he wasn’t cruel or mean and could tell that the first time you’d met him. You trusted him and so approached without worry. "Don’t even try explaining what they did" Zuko said not even turning around. You paused plan exposed so tried denial "i wasn’t". "Ow please" Zuko said rolling his eyes "Sokka thinks he’s so clever sending you to talk to me but even you can’t save him from me". That made you frown “Zuko....". "No y/n" Zuko said sternly but not harshly "please let me be angry at them, don’t try and change my mind". You frowned but nodded "fine but if Sokka asks i tried okay?". Zuko nodded "of course". You smiled at Zuko slightly before realising it had gotten awkward, with what Sokka and Toph said fresh in your mind you found it hard to look at Zuko in the eye. "I’ll leave you to firebend" you said quickly leaving.

2 days later Zuko was still refusing to speak when Toph and Sokka were in the same room as him. He’d answer Katara’s basic questions and talk to you but that was it. You were honestly sick of being the go between but didn’t see a way around it. You guessed Zuko’s anger would just have to ease on it’s own but wow could that boy hold a grudge. You didn’t think you could possibly change that but Katara seemed to think you could.

That night after dinner Katara caught you in the kitchen.  "Y/n" she said closing the door so you were alone "i know this might be really awkward but it’s the only way i can think to resolve this". "Resolve what?" you asked and she gestured to the living room where Sokka, Toph and Zuko were sat together in silence. "I’ve tried that Katara! Zuko can’t be budged on this". Katara frowned "something tells me if you really tried there’s no way Zuko would still be icing them out". "What does that mean?" you asked confused and Katara smirked "well y/n...you’re not oblivious to how he is with you right? I mean Toph’s the blind one not you". You blushed rolling your eyes "not you too...". "Yes me too!" Katara smiled "he likes you y/n and i’m not even asking you to do this for Sokka and Toph, but for Zuko. He’s been miserable these past few days! As dramatic as he is i don’t think he enjoys being the angry guy, i think even he’s sick of it but he can’t back down...not without a reason". Katara looked at you pointedly and you rolled your eyes blushing “I’ll think about it okay”. “Thanks y/n, also it’s totally obvious you like him too by the way”. “You’re not helping your case” you said raising an eyebrow and Katara laughed “sorry I just couldn’t resist” and left you alone with your thoughts.

After the conversation with Katara you decided to talk to Zuko, you didn’t like seeing him sad and thought if you could change that you should try. So when Zuko went out into the yard for some late night training you followed him. You expected him to not want to listen to what you had to say so prepared for resistance and hyped yourself up to make him listen. "Zuko" you said sternly once you reached him "I need to talk to you about Toph and Sokka, and you will stay here and listen to what i have to say". Zuko looked at you and you wondered what he was going to do. He could easily just barge right past you or storm away but instead he sighed and sat down. "Go on" he said gesturing for you to talk and you smiled suprised before going back to being serious.

"So i think you should stop this" you said simply "you must be sick of it too by now and you’ve punished Toph and Sokka long enough". Zuko’s face told you he didn’t agree and you sighed. "I know you’re not someone who wants to hold grudges Zuko, the fact you’re here proves that! Aang’s beaten you numerous times, Katara’s thrown you around with water more times that I can count and I’ve....I did attack you a few times too...” you trailed off awkwardly “but you forgave us for all that now”. “Well that was different” Zuko shurgged “I provoked all those fights”. You shrugged “yeah but it still couldn’t have been easy to go from seeing us as enemies to trusting us. It showed a lot about your character that you were able to. It showed you’re not mean or unfeeling zuko, i know you’re not" you smiled at him. Zuko’s facial expression seemed frozen and you couldn’t read if this was working or not. He looked away from you suddenly "that’s not why i didn’t hold a grudge, you don’t know me as well as you think you do". You frowned, crushed at Zuko’s reply and were lost on where to go next when Zuko carried on.

"I didn’t hold grudges with the fights against Aang and Katara because they were justified, they were only defending themsleves. I joined you all because I knew it was my destiny not because I’d achieved enlightenment or anything and in case you haven’t noticed I still get angry at them all easily. As for the stuff you did...you only attacked me as a last resort and I could tell you hated doing it even for defence, that much was obvious even when we were on different sides” Zuko said softly “I knew you were too kind to have actually wanted to hurt me...and i think that’s the reason I can’t stay mad at you...i don’t know what it is but i felt like I could trust you from the start and i still do, you’re one of the only people i do" Zuko finished meeting your eye "so you see i am someone who holds grudges i just can’t against you". You stared at him confused what to reply or how to interpret what he said. "Y/n?" Zuko asked as the silence stretched and you frowned shaking yourself out of your head "yeah?". "I just said all that and you go quiet, did i say something wrong?". "No" you smiled "that’s just really sweet". Zuko sighed "i knew i shouldn’t have said anything" he frowned. You paused seeing him get angry "Zuko what’s wrong?". "What’s wrong? I just told you i liked you and have for ages and you just say that’s nice! I’m an idiot for expecting anything different" he sighed. "Wait that was what that was?" you asked "when you said you liked me you meant it as....". "Yes" zuko said utterly embarassed by the whole situation now. "Ow" you said awkwardly "aw Zuko that's...". "If you say sweet i swear to god..." Zuko started but you smirked rolling your eyes "no you idiot, i was going to say that’s convenient because i have feelings for you too". "You do?" Zuko asked and you nodded "in case the others haven’t made it pretty obvious" you smiled. Zuko nodded blushing "well they talked but i didn’t take it seriously". "Well you should’ve" you smiled coming to stand infront of him "then maybe this would've happened sooner". Zuko assumed you just meant this in general but as you leant into him he realise he was pleasantly mistaken.

The gang’s POV

Toph, Sokka and Katara had watched your converastion from the window and while Katara awed as you kissed Zuko, Toph and Sokka were not so impressed. "Do you think if she'd just have kissed him days ago we could've avoided all of this?" Toph asked and Sokka nodded. "yes toph i think we could’ve, it’s a shame y/n was so selfish". "Selfish?" Katara cried "Sokka y/n didn’t kiss him to help you, she’s liked Zuko for ages". "Yeah but it’s just a bit annoying she chose now to tell him and not when it was convenient for us all". Katara rolled her eyes at Sokka and looked back to where you and Zuko were stood, hands entwined, standing close together and smiling at one another as you spoke softly. “Well I personally think this was perfect timing” she smiled.

[fanwright]

Koibito (P.1) - Zuki Week 2020 - Four

Title: Koibito - Part 1 (”Lover”, in Japanese)

By: Fanwright

Zuki Week 2020 Prompt #4: Date Night 

Summary: Just a simple date. A night out in one of the many small towns that dotted the coast on Kyoshi Island, close to Suki’s home, but far from the troubles of the world. Nothing is ever that simple when you date the young Fire Lord.

Rating: T

Author’s Note: This ran a little longer than I expected, so I’ll be dividing it into two parts for easier reading. I will admit that I’m a bit rusty, but regardless I hope you enjoy!

Organizers: @madamebomb @whatusernamex3000

_____________________________________________________________

“You know, Zuko,” Suki said, her voice measured and calm. “You don’t have to hold my hand that tightly.”

The young Fire Lord blinked for a moment, suddenly snapped back into reality. And as his gaze shifted from the dozens of people swirling around stalls and shop fronts, he found Suki looking back up at him, gently smiling as she hung off his arm. She was as causal as she could be, foregoing the more marshal, military garb of the Kyoshi Warriors and dressed in a long, intricately trimmed blue robe. She could have chosen anything to wear and Zuko still would have blushed and sputtered out a glowing compliment like a kid fawning over his first crush.

Again she spoke, still smiling at him. “Soooo, can you loosen your grip?”

Zuko blinked again. Looking down, he found his knuckles had turned pale white, a death grip over Suki’s hand. She could barely squeeze back.  

He felt his cheeks grow warm, feeling embarrassed as he turned his eyes away. “Oh. Sorry...”

When he loosened his grip, Suki slipped her hand away, flexing her fingers and nursing her wrist. Zuko pursed his lips, mentally cursing himself. He didn’t mean to do that, of course he didn’t. With so many people around him, with so many eyes seemingly glaring back at him, he felt anxious and suspicious, expecting a dagger to plunge into his back at any moment. These weren’t his people after all. And not long ago the people of Kyoshi Island were supposed to be his enemies. Sub-human even, according his father. 

And then Suki found his hand again, intertwining their fingers as she squeezed his palm. His heart thumped heavily at the sensation and when he looked back at her he found her smiling. 

Spirits. She had the warmest smile he ever saw. And those eyes of hers, glittering under the paper lamps that lit the night street. Everything just seemed right with the world. He felt the anxiousness in his heart melt away.

And then she smirked. Reaching up her other hand, Suki booped him right on the nose. His eyes crossed and he recoiled his head like a little puppy, scratching the tip. 

She giggled, ruffling his hair affectionately. “Quit making that face.”

Flustered, Zuko tried to sort out his hair. “W-What face?”

“That face,” She said, pointing a finger at him. He just stared back, looking confused, as if she had spoken gibberish. “The one you make when you have something serious on your mind.”

“I don’t have that face,” He protested futilely.

“Mmhmm. Sure you don’t,” She rolled her eyes playfully, a knowing smile curling her lips. “Can’t fool me. You’re nervous. Scared.”

Her words cut right to his very soul. Dead center. He made as if to say something, to prove she was wrong, only for the words to linger on the tip of his tongue. 

Zuko groaned heavily, rubbing the back of his neck in defeat. “Yeah. I guess you’re right.”

“You don’t have to feel that way,” Suki said, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

“No, you’re right. I shouldn’t be like this. Its just...” He raised his head up, shifting well out of the way of a kimono-clad mother and her daughter walking in the opposite direction of him. They hardly spared him a glance, the daughter hopping in place as she dragged her mother happily into a shop.

“... I’m not used to crowds” Was his reply.

“You’re not used to the people here, you mean,” Suki said.

Slowly, Zuko shook his head. “No. I guess you’re right about that too. Its... different here.”

“I said the same thing when I came back to the Fire Nation as you’re bodyguard,” She told him. She walked beside him at a leisurely pace, sandals clopping against the cobbled street. She wasn’t in a rush to go anywhere. Neither was he. In that moment, as he listened to her speak, he didn’t care where they were going. He just liked the feel of her hand against his own.

“Did it intimidate you at the time? Did you feel out of place while you were there?” He asked. “I know people gave you trouble.”

She thought about it for a moment, nodding slowly. “Yeah. But normally blades for hire and rioters don’t tend to focus on me, the guard with the silly make-up protecting her charge.”

Zuko chuckled awkwardly, shaking his head. “The face paint you wear isn’t silly.”

“I know that. But the dozen or so ruffians that have a problem with you on a weekly basis seem to think otherwise.” She smiled, her tone deceptively sweet. “I’m used to it. At least I try to be. Sure, some of the Fire Nation people are pretty nasty. I’ve probably seen the uglier side of your people more than most.”

“Unfortunately” Zuko added regretfully. “I feel like there’s a ‘but’ in there.” He added.

And she nodded. “But, I’ve met some pretty nice people there too. It took me by surprise, but I was happy that others were willing to move past a hundred years of war just to strike up a conversation with me. It made coming there worth it in the end.”

Coming to a stop as she squeezed his hand, Suki leaned against Zuko, pulled at his arm, and placed a long soft kiss on his cheek, just below the edge of his scar. “You were one of the nice ones, Zuko. I’m really glad I got to know you better.”

His cheeks felt warm again and he couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly. He couldn’t find the right words to say to let her know how grateful he was. He’d probably bungle the whole thing up anyway.

And so he kissed her. Long and sweet, relishing the feel of her soft lips against his own. She squeaked, surprised at the sudden gesture, but Suki didn’t bother to push him away. She simply cupped his cheek in her palm, playing with his fingers as they held each others’ hands tightly.

When he parted from her, Zuko smiled. “I’m glad too. You really make me happy, you know. Its crazy how I feel about you.”

“H-Hey!” Suki protested. Now it was her turn for her cheeks to go red. “Quit saying things like that, you’re going to make me blush.”

“You mean like how you’re blushing now?” Zuko smirked.

She grunted, pouting as she rolled her eyes. Zuko merely chuckled more, kissing her on the cheek.

“Since when were you so suave?” She asked.

“Never. I just wanted to kiss you.” He admitted.

She rolled her eyes, but couldn't hold back a smile. It amused Zuko to no end seeing her so flustered. He felt like he was seeing a part of her so few got to see. 

“Come on you,” She said, pulling him along down the street. “Lets get going. There’s a reason why I brought you here.”

“To this town you mean?” Zuko asked, looking up at the blue and green colored paper lamps that hung over the street. “What was wrong with having our date in your village?”

“Mikasa is a cozy little place, but even I have to admit its not exactly a great spot to go out and have a date.” Suki said, rather reluctantly. “Plus, the Unagi is more active at night. So, no nice moonlit stroll along the beach.”

Zuko frowned, the memory of his assault on her village flooding back into his mind. The scent of burning wood still haunted him and the towering silhouette of the sea monster that had saved her home sent a stark shiver down his spine.

“And that makes this town better then?” He asked.

“I’d say so,” She giggled. “Wouldn’t you? Unless you think vanquishing the Great Unagi sounds like a good date.”

“I don’t think Aang would like one of his favorite animal rides to be slain,” He said, more seriously than he meant to sound.

“Then come on! I know a good little spot where we can get something to eat.” Suki squeezed his hand, tugging him along through the crowd and down the street. She looked so excited. It might not have been Zuko’s first date, but seeing her smile under the kaleidoscope of brightly colored lamps, red hair and blue robe twirling around in the warm night air, made him feel like he was living a dream. 

He didn’t want it to end. 

As Zuko walked beside Suki along the broad street, her thumb gliding playfully across his knuckles as they held each others hands, she pointed to the little shops and food stores they passed. He was impressed that she knew the town so well.

“Its like this was your home all along,” He said.

“I came here to Haruna a lot with dad,” She nodded. “Ever since I was little we would come to this town to get food or buy some supplies. Well, mostly food, like a quick lunch or something. We didn’t have a lot of money to spare.”

“What would he buy you?” He asked.

“Knick knacks and toys mostly, when he could spare a copper mon or two. This town is known for importing all sorts of things from the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes. I heard from some people they used trade more with the Fire Nation, but that was a long time ago.”

Zuko nodded his head slowly. He made a small mental note in the meantime. Re-establish trade with Kyoshi Island. But something like that could wait. “Mm. Figured that would be the case. What kind of toys?”

She chuckled. “There was this doll I begged him to get that looked like Avatar Kyoshi. I remember it very well, the merchant gave us this grand story. A special doll, he says, made from Hu Xin silk and hand-crafted by an artisan from Bamyan, right along the Jade Road on the edges of the Si Wong Desert.”

Amused, Zuko shook his head. “Sounds like a very expensive doll. There’s a reason why my grandfather wanted to take Hu Xin. Their silks were some of the most coveted in the world, or so I’m told.”

“Yeah, it was pretty pricey. Dad wasn’t too keen on getting it at first but me and the merchant convinced him otherwise,” She shrugged, still giggling to herself. “I was a little bit of brat back then.”

“I’d say you still are,” Zuko said, a wry and knowing smile curling his lips. “Need to be taught some manners from time to time.”

He nudged his elbow at her playfully, to which Suki responded by swatting his arm. “Oh shut up you,” She smirked. “Anyway, dad didn’t go down without a fight, and I by that I mean he wanted to haggle.”

“Was he any good at it?”

“He might have been a man of humble birth, but lets just say he thought of himself as the next Secratariat for the Ministry of Revenue in Ba Sing Se,” Suki smirked. “But he did manage to talk down the price. I just remember a lot arguing and fist waving between him and the merchant.”

“Your dad sounds like a true diplomat,” Zuko commented, to which Suki laughed.

“Yeah. He was something all right.” She sighed happily. Her smile faded a little as she stared ahead of her, looking passed the shops and people along their path. “I was so happy to have that doll. He put me on his shoulders and he walked me back to our home after that. He said I’d be like Kyoshi one day, if I wanted. Looking just as pretty and being just as strong as her.”

Her voice cracked and Zuko could hear her stifle something deep in her throat, pursing her lips. He knew that look all to well and wasn’t a stranger to the pain he saw in her. He felt something similar when his mother vanished.

Zuko bit his lip, scrambling for something to say. “Did you keep the doll?”

She blinked for a moment, then stopped. When she let go of Zuko’s hand her fingers brushed across the set of double swords that rested at her side, nestled in her belt. Just beside them was one of her fans. She plucked it from her belt and carefully unfurled it. “I played with it a lot when I wasn’t doing other things. Kept it for a long time. When I became a warrior, I came back to Haruna to have an artificer make my fans.”

She pointed to the bits of gold colored silk that tied the fan together. “There was a shortage of materials at the time. I had the artificer break down the doll and use the silk to tie my fans together.”

Zuko was surprised. “What? Didn’t you feel bad?”

“I did. I loved my dad, and I loved that doll,” Suki said. She folded the fan again, tucking it carefully into her belt. “I used it for a good purpose though. Times were tough, but the silk was still strong enough to make my fans. It all helped me become a warrior in the end.”

She smiled at Zuko, but her eyes were heavy with pain. “I miss him...” She said softly.

Again, Zuko felt at a loss for words to say. He wanted to ask her more, but the way she looked away from him told her all he needed to know for the moment. It was like a cut that still needed time to heal, still fresh and painful. 

He cupped her cheek in his palm, rubbing his thumb under her eye. Her hand reached up to clasp it and he smiled back at her. He could feel eyes on him, people staring at them, but he didn’t want to care, not now. It was just her and him. And all he wanted was for her to be happy.

“Hey,” Zuko said, trying to reassure her. “Where did your dad take you to eat when you two were in town? You... want to go there?”

Surprisingly, Suki chuckled at that. She took his hand away from her cheek and kissed his palm affectionately. Her smile warmed his heart. “That’s where we’re going actually. Come on!”

With her spirits reinvigorated as she pulled him down the street, Zuko felt incredibly relieved. Maybe their little date wasn’t going to be ruined after all.

~~~~~~

[bellatrixobsessed1]

The Art Of Remembrance (Part 21)

At some point in the night he had managed to wrap himself around Azula. The princess, he finds, is a surprisingly heavy sleeper when sleep finally does find her. For the better part of the night she had kept him up with her tossing and turning and blanket yanking. Eventually he had given up and let her steal the whole blanket, he couldn’t exactly argue with, “I’m a firebender, I require more warmth.” 

And when she finally did get comfortable enough to sink into slumber, she had found a new way to keep him up. He wouldn’t have taken her for a sleep talker if she hadn’t started doing it. Her sleepy babble mostly consisted of incoherent chatter with a sprinkle of words like ‘dragon’ and ‘you fool.’ 

At one point she had rolled over, her hand flopping clumsily onto his face. He recalls having grumbled a, “hey, watch it.” To which she replied, “no, you.” 

“But you’re the one who dropped your hand on my face!” 

“Your face attached itself to my…” and then what he guessed was ‘hand’. 

“That doesn’t make any sense.” Even while it was happening, he knew that it was ridiculous to argue with someone who wasn’t even awake. With morning flooding through the windows, he realizes just how truly correct that was. Because after that she had responded to him with something akin to, “your hand can’t even hand correctly…” incoherent muttering, “...and waterbenders are just wet firebenders anyways.” 

He goes to untangle himself from her but she only grips him tighter as though he is some sort of stuffed animal. She rubs her face against his chest and gives another sleepy mutter. Sokka sighs and resigns himself to letting her hold him while he prepares himself for a truly awkward conversation. 

He pats her back a few times before trying to will himself back to sleep until she wakes up. But he finds that he can’t. Not when she has her head resting on his chest; however innocent it is, he can’t help but feel...strange about it. 

And yet, he thinks that he might enjoy it. She isn’t so intimidating when she’s asleep.

At last she seems to stir more deliberately and her eyes open. He expects her to jerk away with a reddened face. He is half right; her face flushes some but she doesn’t rush to put distance between the two of them. With the grace and poise that he is used to seeing from her, she unwraps herself from around him.

“You slept well.” He remarks. 

Now she jolts. “You’re already awake?”

“I’ve been awake for about an hour.”

“Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“Because you were finally sleeping peacefully. And I kind of wanted to hear more about intellectual hippo-cows.”

She scrunches her brows, “what?” 

“You talk in your sleep.” He shrugs. 

“I do not.” 

“You had a…” he wouldn’t exactly call it ‘whole’, “you hand an argument with me.” 

“Did I win it?” 

He thinks for a moment. “You did get the last word in.”

“Perhaps I do talk in my sleep.” 

Sokka watches her rise from the bed and stretch her arms. Overall, she seems to be in better spirits now that she is well rested and with her chi fully unblocked. She sits back down on the bed. 

“I’m assuming that I shouldn’t mention this morning to Zuko?”

Azula tilts her head. “You’re making a big deal over nothing. You were helping me get to sleep and I…” she thinks for a minute, “am capable of doing many things even while I am sleeping.” 

He finds it more impressive that she can so expertly make things sound less awkward than they were. 

But for as awkward as it had been, he can’t help but decide that it had also been rather pleasant. “I’m glad that you’re not mad at me anymore. For a while I thought that I ruined everything.” 

.oOo.

“Yes, I’m glad too.” She pauses. “This would be a lot harder to manage without you here.” She admits. “I didn’t think that I was going to get much support…” She didn’t think that she would get any at all. But she is thankful for it, much more than she has said. She had been alone and in pain for so long and for the most part he has given her nothing but company and soothing. She likes to think that the worst of it is over now. “I was hoping to do some firebending today, if you’d like to join me.”

“I’m a nonbender.”

She rolls her eyes. “I know that. You can still come out with me.” 

“I can do that.” He agrees. 

It is nice to find herself outside once again with the sun beating on her skin. Azula lets it seep into her until she can feel it pulsating in her fire chakra. She thinks that she should start with a stance and a deep breath. So she finds a comfortable one, though she isn’t quite sure if it is proper form, and inhales. 

She glances over at Sokka who gives her a thumbs up. 

Azula lets the first flame burst into her palm, a test run. For a while she only stares at the fire dancing in her grasp, mesmerized by its sapphire brilliance. She has never seen a fire with such an eerie cool hue. And yet it feels most appropriate. To think that they have managed to cut her off from it…

She lets the flame dance until Sokka speaks, “you okay over there?”

She nods. “Perfectly fine.” Better than fine, really, she is absolutely exhilarated. She moves into her first kata and second and then her third. It is a slow beginning, one where she is content to just watch the arc of her fire as it hangs blue in the air before turning orange and dissipating in a trail of smoke. 

Her next few moves are a more rapid repetitions of her first three. She finds that she is alarmingly fast, much faster than she had anticipated, much faster than she had been when she had tried to flee the palace. Breathing and agility seem to come much easier now.  She supposes that unblocked chi, three meals a day, and a full night’s rest are helpful things. 

Feeling much bolder about her abilities, having success thus far, Azula decides that she will try something new. She takes something of a running start and propels herself up and into a windmill of fire. She lands it with only the slightest stumble, she hopes that Sokka hadn’t noticed. 

She isn’t quite sure if she is just making it all up as she goes along or if it is muscle memory at work. 

She takes a moment of rest, not particularly because she is tired but because she is curious as to what Sokka makes of her display. 

“Wow…” Sokka trails off. “Looks like you still remember how to firebend.” 

She takes a seat next to him. “Not exactly, I…” she trails off as she tries to make sense of it for herself. “It’s more like an instinct, I think.”

He shrugs, “Zuko mentioned that you are a prodigy, several times, in the form of a complaint.” 

“I wish I knew that when I was trying to get away from you.” 

“I’m glad that you didn’t.” Sokka disagrees. “If you did you’d probably be in the Earth Kingdom right now, cleaning docks.” 

“I was going to be a tradesman.” Azula folds her arms over her chest. “And then work my way up to being a soldier of sorts.” 

At this, Sokka seems to cringe. She sighs, she truly is dreadful at telling jokes. 

“I think that you’ve seen enough war.”

“But I haven’t seen any at all.” She points out. 

This time his smile is a sad one. “Sometimes I think that you’re the lucky one here. I told you that you were a killer, but I don’t think I mentioned that I killed someone too.”

Azula reflexively tenses up. 

“Your brother sent him to kill Aang.” 

She laughs, her stomach flutters upon recalling that laughing is highly out of place. But she can’t quite help it. “Isn’t Aang the one I killed.”

After cringing, Sokka replies, “yeah.”

“Guess it’s a family hobby.” This time she is sure that her tone is light but Sokka still seems to wince. 

“You have no idea…” 

Azula falls silent and looks at her hands. He doesn’t resume his story and her stomach sinks further. When the silence becomes intolerable she prompts, “you were telling me about the man you killed…”

He flinches again and this time Azula nearly does too. She supposes that she should work on when to be blunt and when to be subtle. 

“Nevermind.” He replies glumly. 

“Okay.” She gets to her feet. 

And to think that the day had begun so well. 

She looks to the Fire Lake main building, at least she has a team of therapists about.

[asongstress1422]

Ripples into Riptides

Zutara Fanfic – Part 8 of Bride from the Water Tribe

Summary: Katara was taken to the Northern Water Tribe by her grandmother; she was to be protected at all cost, for she was the last of the Southern Water. Once they got there, the North refused to teach her trying to strip her of her worth and turn her into what they wanted, a calm biddable healer to birth the next generation. They failed. And so as punishment they sent her to be a political bride to the Fire Nation.

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4 Part 5 Part 6  Part 7  AO3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Prince Zuko,” a feminine voice purred, “am I boring you?”

Zuko blinked, snapping back to himself. Lady Zemara, last evening’s absentee dinner partner, sat across from him, her chin rested on her cupped hand as she looked at him expectantly.

“Of course not,” Zuko reassured quickly, picking up his tea and gulping down a hefty swallow. Strong and rich in the morning, his uncle’s personal blend for him. The perfect thing when he spent his allotted time for sleep tossing instead of resting. “Please continue with your story.”

Her lips pouted prettily, sheet of inky black hair pulled back in a high phoenix plume to show off the long line of her neck and to emphasize the cut of her jaw. The day’s hanuf a soft coral that laid perfectly against her skin, embroidered with thousands of olive green dragonflies. A summer cold that was making its way though the palace was the cause of her absence yesterday, the only lasting effects of which seemed to be the always-at-hand handkerchief and a slightly red nose.

Dark eyes remained flat as she slipped back into her tale. She was a swordsmith in the Tamahagane style, a delicate blend of functionality and beauty. It was a topic Zuko could normally listen to for hours but his mind refused to focus on the woman in front of him.

Instead it kept turning to the book that had spent the night on his bedside table. Flora and Fauna of the Fire Nation, the economic cover proclaimed . Meant as a field guide for university students it made for a very dry read with only a few accompanying sketches to break up the monotony of the alphabetical listings. Zuko grinned, remembered how intrigued Katara had with the plants in the garden during their walk. Did she fancy herself a hobbyist after just one walk in the gardens? Whatever had drawn the water nation girl to the volume, it now resided in his pocket waiting for the opportunity to be returned.

“You find it amusing that I injured myself?” Zemara broke in hauntly.

Right. He was supposed to be paying attention to the woman breakfasting with him. “I’m impressed that you were able to hone such a sharp edge at so young an age,” he said pulling out pieces of the partially heard story. Her glare said he was not forgiven so he added a more sincere bit of praise to cut the flattery. “Master’s spend years learning such a craft.”

She preened at the complement as she continued, his slight pardoned for the moment.

With a sigh Zuko shoved all thoughts of the blue eyed woman out of his head. With so many backing the Lady Zemara he needed to focus on getting to know her while he had the chance. A forty-five minute breakfast wasn’t ideal to learn the nuances of a potential spouse but it was what he had so he made the best of it, peppering her with questions but hiding them in polite conversation.

The Lady was up to date with current events, not just in the Fire Nation but globally. Able to ask thoughtful questions and make intelligent replies. She wasn’t rude, wasn’t hot tempered and didn’t complain. Besides some obvious jealousy between her siblings when Zuko tried to bring up more personal matter she marked off several of the boxes on his checklist. All in all, she was nearly perfect.

So it irked Zuko that when a servant came to inform them it was time to meet the other Candidate for their group session he let out a sigh of relief. She was beautiful, cultured, and knowledgeable; all things necessary in a Fire Lady. So why was Zuko so repelled by her presence?

“Why do you frown so, Prince Zuko? Have I displeased you?” she asked, voice like honey and smile just as sweet, as he offered his arm to lead her to the meeting area while he tried to sort out his feelings.

“No,” he smoothed out his features. “Thinking of some business I must take care of before the end of the day.”

“You shouldn’t be thinking of business with a woman on your arm,” she teased, laying her head on his arm and looking up at him with her large doe eyes as they walked.

Insight struct like a rocksnake bite.

She was too perfect.

From her beauty, to the repeated emphasis of the Ohisama family’s backing on his rights to rule the Fire Nation, to her flirting now; it was all a deliberately constructed ruse. Her every action calculated to entice him. Her every word weighed to make him want to hear more.

“You’re right, Lady Zemara,” Zuko said, hiding his groundbreaking revelation behind a charming enough smile. Agni, he hated being manipulated. “Please, excuse my bad manners.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rest of the candidates waited for them in the southern courtyard. They were all making the short trek up to the University District that surrounded the Fire Sage’s Temple of the Mind, the cornerstone of learning in the modern. Scholars from all over the world traveled to study there. It was one of the reasons the palace library was so vast. Students were asked to bring some form of knowledge, be it a book, scroll, or personal research paper, to add to the school. The temple kept the original but the palace got the first distributed copy.

The field guide weighed heavily in his pocket. Zuko clenched his fist, memories tied to why it had been forgotten making his stomach roll. He would return the book and apologize. Except that proved more difficult than anticipated. As they made the journey to the temple when ever he made a move to walk close to the water nation girl another candidates would throw themselves in his path. For her own part Lady Katara kept as much distance between them as wouldn’t be commented on, choosing instead to talk to one of the men in the ring of guards that flanked the party.

As they marched through the main gate, a long figure waited for them on the giant stone steps that led up to the temple proper. Sage Gyatso’s customary long red robe and pointed leather skullcap making him stand in sharp relief against the beige of the monolithic building. There was a quiet grace about that man, who Zuko knew was of a similar age to his deceased grandfather, though the Fire Sage did not look it as the aging Fire Lord had.

Gyayso’s bright eyes looked over the small crowd and they all quieted instantly at his wordless entreaty.

Impressed despite himself, Zuko wondered if the elderly man gave lessons. It would definitely come in handing during council meetings if he could get people to listen to him without having to shout himself horse first.

“My Ladies, Prince Zuko,” the Sage bowed, his voice kind and engaging coming from behind his white mustache. “I am pleased to welcome to the Temple of the Mind. While we go about our tour please keep all sound to a minimum. The temple plays host to students year round and we want to disrupt their concentration as little as possible. If at any time you have a question, please raise your hand and wait until called upon. Also, ask before you touch. Some of the items we store are one of a kind and extremely delicate. When we come to the science wing, this warning because dire. Please head posted safety instruction at all times.” His voice deepened as he eyed everyone seriously before blipping up to his normal cadence with a smile, “now, if you will all follow me inside.”

Skipping up the stairs in the manner of a much younger man, the group quickly surged after him. The way their guide laid out the itinerary, with the possible hint of danger and whimsy, left everyone intrigued to know more.

Before Katara could follow Zuko waylaid her before she could make the steps. The guard she had been talking to early, seeing two of his charges having stopped, paused before going inside. Keeping a respectful distance but a watchful eye.

Zuko pressed the book into her hand. “You forgot this. Yesterday.” With a raised brow she looked down at the item then back up at him. He swallowed. “I wanted to apologize for the way things went last night.” When she just continued to look at him, he fumbled looking for anything to say, not knowing what she was after. “In light of that, I would like to offer you another dinner. With me. Tonight.”

“No.” Tucking the book in her sash she stepped around him making to follow everyone else into the temple.

The guard made to fall into step behind her but seeing the Prince still at the ground level, mouth agape, the man paused to wait for him. He came out of his stupor as soon as the Lady was out of sight, charging up the stairs after her.

“What do you mean ‘no’?” Zuko demanded nipping at her heels.

She shot a sour look over her shoulder as she power walked down the halls. “It is a simple enough word, Fire Prince. N-O, no. Noun, a negative answer.”

“What are you reading the dictionary now?” he asked incredulous, one of his steps eating up two of hers.

Katara glared as he fell into line with her. “Some,” she growled putting on a fresh burst of speed to put distance between them when she spied the tail end of their tour group.

Sage Gyatso held the room entranced as he pointed out the towering architecture of the antechamber. “--- blocks were brought all the way from the Great Divide Canyon in the Earth Kingdom back in 17AS. Official complete of the temple was in 93AS but every few decades saw other Fire Lords add their own mark by adding on some small addition or sanctioning repairs that were long overdue.” Seen that the Prince had finally caught up, the guide gestured to him in respect, “Prince Zuko has commissioned an upgrade and expansion to the dormitories that haven't been touched since Fire Lord Kyro’s time.”

There were murmurs of praise that Zuko acknowledged with an awkwardly raised hand and a smile.

Seeing the prince’s shyness the Sage pressed them along coming into an even grander room. “Here we have the Library.”

Zuko had been here countless times but it was still impressive. The central tower rose over a hundred feet in the air. Multi level walkways encircled the area all the way up to the soaring ceiling, hallways branching from each level like spokes from a wagon wheel. Man size windows at roof level let in floods of sunlight at all hours of the day. It had been an architectural achievement when it had been built and even now, four hundred years later, it was awe inspiring.

At the ground level, rows of people sat an angled desks in the middle of the room. The soft scratching of quills and the occasional rustle of paper almost deafening in the hush.

“The Palace boasts a more formal library,” Gyatso nodded deferentially to the prince, his voice soft out of respect for the people busy at work, “but, as this area has the best year round lighting, we also use this area to make copies of books. Students are required to give ten hours a week to community service projects.” His hand wave encompassed the working people, “transcribing is the most popular.

“The books we have here are from all over the world and the first time some of them had ever seen them.” Noticing Katara’s distinct blue eyes in the crowd he nodded at her with a kind smile, “we even have a few water tribe scrolls.” He turned back to the group at large. “If you all want to take a turn about the place, maybe pick out a book or tried your hand at transcribing, please feel free.”

A few of the women broke off in small clusters to go exploring, the rest descended on the prince asking for him for book recommendations or to personal show them around. Out of the corner of his eye, Zuko saw Katara stepped forward to the Sage. One of the students had also seen this as an opportunity to talk to his Master and, with an armful of notes, he intercedes, getting the older man’s input in hushed whispers. As soon as Gyatso noticed her waiting, though, he quieted the young man with a touch on his shoulder and smiled in her direction.

Zuko was too far away to hear what was actually being said but after a few exchanged words he watched as Katara nodded her head in thanks before breaking away, heading for one of the several wrath iron staircases that led to the upper levels. After making his excuses to the several candidates that had congregated around him he slipped away to follow.

There was no way she didn’t know he was behind her. But as she stepped off the landing and into the rows and rows of shelves, the height of which required ten food ladders to reach the top most books, Katara ignored him, keeping her eyes on the little iron markers as they passed. 440, 485, 510.

“Last night, I didn’t mean frightened you,” he finally spoke up when is seemed likely she would continue to pretend he wasn’t there. “That was never my intention.”

“You did not frightened me, Fire Prince,” she said.

“Well, you’re actions state otherwise,” he pointed out, stepping out of her way as she back tracked and slipped into the isle she’d been looking for.

Her long fingered hands skimmed the spines of books and she walked down, eyes racking the titles. He moved to brace her as she stepped upon one of the ladders to get a better vantage on the higher shelves.

He frowned, eyeing his hand on the small of her back. “Was it because I grappled with you?” he asked, thinking back, as she shifting through a tangle of scrolls. “Because I would like to point out that you started it.”

“Like I said,” she half unrolled one of the scrolls, scowled, then rolled it back up before picking out another one, “you did not scare me.”

“Then why don’t you want to have dinner with me?” If he had requested any of the other Candidate to eat with him they would have jumped over themselves to accommodate him, be them fire nation or earth kingdom. Somehow that made it worse that this particular blue eyes woman was rebuffing him at every turn.

“Because once was enough,” she huffed, jumping from the rung in a dexterous manner and gliding down in a swish of blood orange silk, landing with feline grace.

“Lady Katara,” Sage Gyasto said, suddenly looming at the mouth of the isle, interrupting Zuko before he could continue pressing her. “Did you find what you were looking for?”

“Unfortunately no, Master Gyatso,” she said.

“Then if I may?” The man scurried up the ladder on the opposite side, using the shelves to propel himself half a row down before climbing nearly at the top. Tucking several scrolls under his arm he retracted his route and slid down the wooden rungs to float to the ground. He offered the scrolls to her with a bow. “Here you are, My Lady.”

She accepted in kind. “Thank you.”

Setting them on a partly cleared shelf behind her she unfurled one. “What is this?”

Gyasto peaked over her shoulder. “That would be Foggy Swamp style.”

“Swamp style?” she questioned, fingers tracing the sketch of the bending mannequin.

“Yes, a small hamlet of water benders thrive in the nearly uninhabitable tracked of land in the southwestern range of the Earth Kingdom.

She looked up at the Sage, her blue eyes brilliant. “May I borrow these?”

“Not these ones I’m afraid. They are much too precious to leave the building.” He saw the deep disappointment in the girls eyes. “I’m sorry.”

Zuko had seen it too.

“What if I,” he found himself say, laying a hand on the pile of scrolls, “take possession of them?”

Gyasto wince but bowed to his Prince, “then I would gladly release them into your care. I only asked they be returned in the same condition as they are now.”

Zuko frowned, confused at the strange request. “Of course.”

Katara turned reaching for the scrolls. “Many thanks, Master Gyatso.”

Zuko slid the scrolls away, a beguiling smile on his lips. “You may looked at them after you have dinner with me tonight. Let’s say six?”

She blinked, spine snapping straight, blue eyes going steely. “So you would bribe me with my own people’s knowledge, that you stole from us, to get what you want.” She huffed a disgusted chuckle, shaking her head. “I should have expected it.” Without another word she turned and walked away, leaving him there with a worthless pile of water scrolls.

What was he supposed to do with them now?

“Ah, to be young again.” Zuko turned to the Sage, mouth still half open. Gyasto returned the gaze with a wry smile. “Would you have me return those, Your Highness?”

“I, uh-- No, I’ll still take them. It’s good to learn about the other nations,” he said to save face.

Gyatso nodded sagely. “Then may I suggest ‘The Birth of Tui and La’?”

“I already know that story,” Zuko said.

“You know the Fire Nation version. This,” he pulled a scroll from his sleeve as if by magic, “is the Water Tribe telling.” The old man set it with its brethren. “I think you will find it … enlightening. If you are ready to carry on, your highness?” The Sage asked, gesturing for the Prince to precede him from the shelves.

“Yes, of course,” Zuko said, slipping the scrolls into his front of his robes as they made their way back to the waiting candidates.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that evening, Zuko was in his in-room office tackling the ever present pile of paperwork. He had forgotten about his plans with the water nation girl, having thought she had rather pointedly declined, so it was rather shocking when a servant came to inform him of the Lady Katara’s arrival.

The first thing he noticed was that she hadn't changed her hanfu, the copper fans marching up the blood orange fabric being the same one she had worn to the temple. The second was that she stood just inside the door, arms crossed, looking more hesitant then he’d ever seen her.

All that vanished when she saw him walk in though, shoulders going back and chin up.

He bit his lip against a genuine smile when she made no further move to interact.

“I’m glad you decided to come.” He came up beside her and offered his arm. With an eye roll she sidestepped it, going straight for the ground table and plopping herself in the pillow she had occupied once already. He took his own place.

Digging in the satchel at her side she unearthed a slip of paper and slide it across to him.

“What’s this?” he asked picking it up.

“Your uncle’s note.” There was a snide cadence to her words as she laced her fingers atop the burnished wood. “You demanded to see it yesterday.”

It was written neatly in his Uncle’s hand. Asking the Water Nation Candidate, Lady Katara, to take the recently open dining spot and apologies for any inconvenience that abrupt shift would cause.

“I’m sorry for insinuating I didn't believe you.” Disgusted with himself he flipped the page over so he wouldn’t have his faults staring him in the face any more then the woman across from him would supply. “I hope this second meal doesn’t interfere with your schedule.”

“Does it matter?” she snorted. When he made no reply, she glanced up to see his arrested look. Puffing out a sigh she hung her head as if asking for patients. Sitting up she met his eyes. “No, Fire Prince, you did not mess up my schedule.” Her lips pinched as she continued dryly, “if anything you were the better of the two options for my evening. Now, where are the scrolls you promised me?”

Oh, right. “I’ll get them after dinner.”

Her eyes were as sharp as her fanged smile. “I would like them now.”

Feeling like enough of a heel already, he stood and retrieved them. Sliding them across the table as the servants began ferrying in dishes then quietly departing.

Taking up the duty of host again, he poured both their tea. “I would also like to apologize for how my actions came across last night. I don’t want you to be scared of me.”

“Do not flatter yourself,” she chuckled, the sound cold and dark as she took up her cup and sipped. “I have far worse things to fear than you.” Setting down the drink she turned her attention to the scrolls she’d just been given.

"Those are bending scrolls. What use are they to you? I thought there were no female benders in the water nation."

"It is true that the North does not train their women, but this is still apart of my history. It is a part that I would like to know more about."

“I would take it as a great honor if you would eat with me.”

“I already told you I do not like your spicy food.”

“The more I think back on it, the more I remembers that it was Arnook that claimed you liked it in the first place. Why would he do that?”

She shrugged eyes still on the scroll in her lap. “Because he could.”

"I see." And he did. It was strange how those three little words, said in just that way, could change Zuko's fundamental understanding of the woman that stat across from him. Changed her from the blue-eyed girl from the north to a person he could relate with. He, too, had spent his life up to a year ago under the rule of someone who believed he had the right to control him.

Carefully spooning out a couple chunks of chicken that was swimming in an almost glowing orange sauce into his napkin. He felt her eyes on him as he diligently blotted off the sauce til the remaining chicken was only slightly tinted. “The chicken is precooked,” he explained as he worked, “and added after the sauce has a chance to thicken, so most of the heat is on the outside. The spiciness does need some getting used to, especially if you are to be able to enjoy some of the delicacies of the nation. But there are many dishes that have reduced heat versions or even some with no spice at all. But there is something that can be done with the rest.” He then transferred the bits to her plate. “It won't be as hot, but it still might be a bit spicy for someone not used to it.” He set a shallow dish of something thick and white next to the plate. “If you dip it here it will cut the heat even further.” She just looked at him. “Go ahead,” he encouraged.

Hesitance clear in her movements, she set aside the scroll and picked up a chunk with her fingers and dunked it in the paste, drowning the small bite. Quickly as if to stop herself from reconsidering she screwed her eyes shut and popped it in her mouth, chewing quickly. Once … twice…

“Oh,” her eyes popped open and she just let the flavors sit on her tongue. The spice was just enough to hint at and added perfectly to the chicken. The white stuff was some kind of milk base, whipped thick and chilled. It was fantastic. She quickly ate another piece.

“Do you like it?” Zuko asked, amused simply by watching her enjoy.

She nodded, mouthing her last piece. She looked at her empty place with something painfully close to longing.  

Smiling he picked up the bowl of saffron rice.

“I had a sister,” he shared as he scooped some the the rice onto her plate and picked up another dish to serve her. “She was thirteen months younger than me.”

Katara paused in shoveling food into her mouth to look at him as if he grew another head. “Yes, I know.”

“Her name was Azula,” he continued, serving himself as well.

“I know,” she said again. “Why are telling me this?”

“Just talking. Giving you information to get to know me in hopes of getting the same in return.”

She looked suspicious. “Why?”

He was at a loss as what to say to that. “It seems like the thing to do.”

Her head tilted to the side. “What if I do not want to get to know you?”

He barked out a surprised laugh. “Then why are you here?”

She raised a brow and picked up the scroll that was in her lap.

"Oh, right," Zuko snorted with a self deprecating smile. "I bribed you."

An awkwardness descended over the table. Katara fiddled with her fork staring at her plate. “Sokko. My brother. Older.”

“There,” Zuko said cutting into his komodo-rhino steak. “Was that so hard?”

“Yes.”

Something in her tone triggered him and he asked softly, “why?”

“Because the fire nation killed him and I’m sitting here eating with its prince.” Each word was punctuated with a controlled stab of her fork as she speared more and more food on its tines. “Is that enough ‘getting to know you’, Fire Prince?” She shoved the full utensil in her mouth as if to keep herself from saying any more.

She wasn’t angry. There was anger in her voice, yes, but it was deeply banked, leaving only deep barely held together sadness in its place. Zuko set his on utensil down and sat back. Her pain made the air hard to breath. “I’m sor--”

“Don’t.” She cautioned very softly, scooping in another bite. “I do not wish to talk about this any more.”

“Alright,” Zuko said, licking dry lips.

They finished the rest of the meal in near total silence.

[insanitysscribblings]

Reyna Writes: An Unlikely Pair [UPDATE - 6/27/18]

first second third fourth fifth

My need to write has been building up, so have another snippet of this pet project~

~Reyna

Usually, Zuko slept on his back. It was a force of habit: if his back was exposed, he was a sitting duck. And ducks who just sat idly had the unfortunate habit of winding up dead.

However, when he was having a particularly nasty nightmare, he couldn’t help his thrashing. So when he woke up, a hoarse scream tearing through his throat, it was to his surprise, relief, and consternation to find that he had flipped onto his stomach sometime during the night; his scream was lost to the down of his pillow, which was hopefully enough to keep it from reaching Katara’s ears through the very thin wall between their rooms.

Zuko sighed, pushing himself to sit up, grasping his dagger once again. It was a gift, one his uncle had given to him the day he enlisted in the military. The handle was made of pearl, with words of power etched into the steel: Never give up without a fight.

Zuko swallowed, carefully tracing his fingers over the inscription while his breathing slowed. It was okay. He was here. He hadn’t surrendered. He had fought to survive. It was okay...

With another sigh, he replaced the dagger under his pillow and slid out from under his sheets, parched. He should really get into the habit of keeping a pitcher of water next to his bed, but if he was being honest with himself (and he rarely was), he just needed a reason to get out of his room. If only for a few minutes, to chase the bad dreams away.

He received a surprise when he stepped out into the hallway: the TV in the living room was on. He paused, squinting against the blue glow that reached the hall. What in the world...?

The answer to his unfinished question came when he rounded the corner and found Katara curled up on the couch, in her pajamas and her messy bun, tired eyes shining with unshed tears in the glow of the television. Zuko paused, cringing when Katara noticed him and hastily hid her face, rubbing at her eyes. Why did he seem to always stumble upon her crying in the middle of the night? This was twice now, damn his luck.

“Oh, Zuko,” Katara muttered, and Zuko frowned at the note of false cheer in her tone as she turned back to him with a dry face and a too-bright smile. “What’re you...?” She trailed off, her eyes scrutinizing him. Slowly, her fake smile faded, and her eyebrows came together. “Bad dream?”

Zuko grimaced. And this was thrice now that she had caught him emotionally compromised after a nightmare. He didn’t know how to feel about being called out like this--when Sokka happened to catch him in his late night prowling, he never pried, but he did insist on reminiscing about “the good times” they had in boot camp, though if Zuko recalled correctly, those “good times” involved a lot of Sokka getting them in trouble with his backchat and sarcastic comments. Pain in the ass...

Zuko glanced away, looking for a way to change the subject. A laugh distracted him, and his eyes were drawn to the TV as a beautiful woman laughed brightly while two children splashed around in a kiddie pool.

He blinked. It was Katara--wait, no, the woman was a little too old to be Katara. And their noses weren’t the same, nor were the shape of their eyes...

Despite the minute differences, it wasn’t difficult to put it together: Zuko must be looking at Katara’s mother.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Katara shift uncomfortably.

“I...sh-she died around this time of year, when me and Sokka were kids.” Zuko hated to see the fresh tears prick Katara’s eyes, and so he looked away. “I was feeling nostalgic tonight, so--”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me, Katara,” he said gruffly, folding his arms defensively, as if they could protect him from this conversation. He wasn’t good with emotions, whether they were his or someone else’s, so this was pushing him way out of his comfort zone. Dimly, he recalled some moments over the years where Sokka would suddenly become sullen during the summer, and he suddenly felt ashamed that he had never thought to ask why. Some friend he was.

“I know,” Katara replied with a weak laugh. Zuko chanced a glance at her, finding her eyes on the screen once more. He spotted her phone clutched in between her hands, and a memory from earlier that evening came floating to the surface.

“Is that why you threw your phone earlier?” He blurted out before he could stop himself. His horror struck him acutely when Katara’s eyes suddenly flashed over to him. But it didn’t appear to be him she was angry with.

“No,” She spat with a scowl that, frankly, intimidated Zuko, even though he happened to be a soldier. “I was being harassed by Jet.”

Jet? As in a jet plane? No, wait, that didn’t make sense. Damn it, Zuko, wake up.

“My ex,” Katara clarified, appearing to notice Zuko’s confusion. His brows immediately furrowed for a different reason entirely.

“What do you mean, he’s harassing you?” He growled, feeling his gait stiffen. If Sokka was here, he’d be howling for blood right now. Honestly, Zuko wouldn’t blame him.

Katara peered at him, apparently sizing him up. When Zuko continued to scowl, her lips twitched in a suspicious manner, and she patted the spot next to her. Though he raised an eyebrow, Zuko did as she asked and took a seat.

“I guess ‘harassing’ is the wrong word,” she said softly, though her face looked mutinous as she unlocked her phone and went to her text messages. Quietly, she handed her phone over, something that surprised Zuko. Hesitantly, he took it, watching her out of the corner of his eye to see if this was really okay. She gave him a nod and a smile, and inwardly, he marveled. How could someone be so open like that? Like she had nothing to hide?

Zuko was careful to only glance at the most recent text messages, and there were a lot of them. The further he went down, the more he scowled.

Jet, Katara’s asshole ex who cheated on her, was basically demanding that Katara return to their shared apartment. Though Katara hadn’t bothered to respond to any of them, there were ‘apologies’ peppered in here and there, and assurances that he and whatever woman he had cheated with were through, but mostly, it was whining that Katara was giving up on them too quickly, and that Jet needed her.

Zuko made a disgusted noise. Selfishness. Manipulation. He had seen these tactics one too many times to mistake them for anything else.

“He’s harassing you,” Zuko confirmed, handing Katara’s phone back to her with a dark look. “You need to block his number.”

“I really should,” Katara mused, giving her phone one last irritated look before she huffed and set it down on the coffee table. “I...just need time.”

“He’s going to keep texting you until you answer if you let him.”

“I know. But...”

“You’re not seriously thinking about going back to him, are you?” Zuko demanded suddenly, sick at the very thought. Some part of him wasn’t quite sure why this was, but he shoved it aside. In living with Katara, he had come to know her as a kind, compassionate woman with a temper that rivaled his own if he pushed her to that point, but overall, she was someone who did not deserve to be guilted back into a terrible relationship by a shitty ex.

Katara blinked, her eyes wide and surprised, for some reason.

“Of course not,” she replied, her tone becoming withering. “How stupid do you think I am?”

“I don’t think you’re stupid at all,” Zuko said roughly, insulted by the insinuation. “Which is why I’d be disappointed if you made such a stupid decision.”

Katara blinked at him again. Zuko couldn’t understand her expression, but something in the way her eyes shone as she looked at him made him flush, and he looked away awkwardly.

“I mean,” he tried again, searching for a way to rephrase his rough words as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “This guy--I don’t know him, but I’ve heard Sokka talk about him. It sounds like he was a giant man-baby, and you don’t need that. You shouldn’t be having to take care of someone you plan to marry--you should have someone who’ll be your partner, and who’ll treat you like an equal, not like his mom. I know you’re used to taking care of Sokka and everything, but it wouldn’t kill you to let him learn how to do things himself, and your jackass of an ex really shouldn’t have you waiting on him hand and foot. I guess...I’m just saying you deserve better. That’s all.”

He trailed off in a mumble, feeling his whole face turning red and cursing himself for it. What the hell was he embarrassed for?

A touch on his arm made him jump, and he turned to find Katara smiling at him, her eyes glowing.

“Thank you, Zuko,” she said softly. The blue of her eyes was so distracting; they looked almost inhuman in the glow of the television, as if she wasn’t actually human, but a spirit masquerading instead. A shiver went down Zuko’s back, and he could do nothing but nod, his throat suddenly constricted.

He needed to get out of here. He was steadily getting more and more confused on how to deal with her, and he needed air. Now.

As he stood up, excuses on the tip of his tongue, Katara suddenly gripped his wrist.

“Wait!”

Zuko paused, staring down at her in surprise. Katara seemed to grow embarrassed; she dropped her hand, and she glanced away, a finger curling through a loose strand of her thick hair.

“I-I just...I mean...could...could you stay? For just a little longer?” She asked, looking meeker than Zuko had ever seen her. When he continued to stare, a dark flush made its way into her brown skin. “I-it’s just that...well...with the movie we watched earlier and everything...”

She trailed off, but Zuko caught her meaning in an instant. As he snorted, her flush grew darker still.

“Don’t laugh!” She protested, but Zuko ignored her, chuckling as he grinned down at her.

“Scaredy cat,” he teased her once again, his amusement growing as she glared up at him. “What’s wrong, Katara? Don’t want the spooky ghosts to come and grab your ankles from under the couch?”

“You’re an ass,” Katara snapped at him, though sharp amusement danced across her features, even as she fought to keep her scowl. “Never mind, go back to bed. I hope the ghost kills you first.”

“No you don’t,” Zuko contradicted her, obligingly sinking back onto the couch next to her. “Who would protect you if I’m dead?”

“I’d just make my escape while it’s busy murdering you in your bed,” Katara said smartly, her nose in the air as she crossed her arms. Zuko snickered morbidly at that.

“You’d just leave me like that? That’s cold, Kuruk. Aren’t you studying to be a doctor?”

“And as a doctor, I’d know a lost cause when I saw one, Caldera,” she shot back at him, more than comfortable with dishing it out as she took it. She was spirited that way, Zuko had discovered; unafraid to stand up to him when he was being a jerk. While it used to annoy him, it was quickly becoming a part of her that was endearing to him. She reminded him a little of Azula, back when they were kids, and when things weren’t so...

To distract himself from the dark turn his thoughts were taking, he took up a pillow and shoved it against Katara, knocking her over onto the other side of the couch.

“Hey!” Katara protested, quickly snatching up a pillow to retaliate, and there was nothing but laughing, teasing, and banter for the rest of the night.

Zuko stirred slowly, reluctant to wake up. His internal clock was panicking; he was probably running late for work. That made him frown, and his hand reached for his nightstand, wondering why his alarm hadn’t gone off yet.

When his hand met nothing but air, his brows furrowed further. Where the fuck was his phone?

Zuko slit his eyes open.

There was a whole lot of brown hair in his face, a weight against him, and slow, even breathing that did not belong to him.

Zuko froze.

What the fuck was happening?

Had he brought home a girl? While the times that happened were few and far between, it was still known to happen. But why couldn’t he remember doing so? Did he drink himself into a stupor last night?

There was a shift, a small groan, and a yawn. And then the girl lifted her head, blinking bleary blue eyes at him.

It was Katara.

The instant Zuko recognized her, she froze, staring wide-eyed at him. Then, at the same time, they yelped and scrambled away from each other, ending up on opposite ends of the couch, staring at each other. As he gaped at her, Zuko rapidly bullied his brain into remembering what occurred last night, and how they had reached this point of all things:

They had been talking. Then they roughhoused. Then they talked some more, easing further and further into the couch as they did...

And then they must’ve fallen asleep. That was where Zuko’s memory ended.

Relief flooded him. Oh, thank the spirits. If they had done something unbelievably stupid last night, there was no way Sokka would’ve forgiven him.

Katara seemed to reach the same conclusion he had, for her shoulders relaxed, and he could see her letting out a breath, an awkward smile crossing her face.

“So...” she began.

“Yeah,” Zuko replied, clearing his throat. He rubbed a hand over his face, frowning slightly when his hand made contact with his scar.

Of course nothing had happened. There was no way.

“I have to get ready for work,” he grumbled, getting to his feet. Katara seemed to notice the change in his voice, but other than a slight tilt of her head, she said nothing, and just nodded.

“I should get ready for class,” she mused as well. Before she could get up, however, Zuko rushed into his room, snatched his towel, dashed across the hall, and slammed the bathroom door shut behind him in record time. Back in the living room, Katara huffed in irritation. “I do not take forever in the bathroom!”

“Yeah, right. And pigs don’t fly,” he replied dryly, smirking to himself when Katara growled curses at him, the sound of her voice trailing off as he heard her pad into the kitchen, presumably to start the coffee pot. Turning, he dropped his towel on top of the toilet cover before he shucked his pajama bottoms and boxers, turning on the shower.

Though he had to rush through his morning routine, he got to work just in time by some miracle, and even had a smile to offer Iroh when he encountered him.

“Morning, Uncle.”

“My my, good morning, my nephew,” Iroh replied, eyeing his nephew keenly as Zuko shrugged the strap of his briefcase higher onto his shoulder, intending to go to his office to handle the finances of his uncle’s import company. “What a smile. That is a rare occurrence. Did you manage to get a good night’s sleep last night?”

Zuko paused at that. As Iroh watched, interested, a hand came up to rub the back of Zuko’s suddenly flushed neck.

“I guess so,” was the only reply he offered before he was walking again, towards his office. Iroh smiled and drank deeply from his tea cup.