#Zutara Week: Glowing

[pethfics]

ZUTARA WEEK 2021 (Catch-up), Day Three: Glowing

Title: No Fire Could Burn as Bright Summary: Fire was the element of light, but whenever Zuko remembered what shone through his darkest moments, it wasn’t his element that came to mind. Read on FF.net

[burntsecrets]

A Song for Her

Pairing: Zuko and Katara Word Count: 968 Prompt: For Zutara Week 2024 | Day 5: Melody @zutaraweek Author's Note: This is a modern AU where Katara and Zuko are in their mid-20s. Warnings: mentions of parental abandonment, grief, emotional vulnerability, mild angst, discussion of unresolved trauma, themes of healing, rain/weather imagery, light romantic tension, introspection, public performance anxiety

The coffee shop was tucked into the corner of a bustling city street, its warm light spilling onto the damp sidewalk. Raindrops traced lazy patterns down the windows, catching the glow of neon signs and traffic lights outside. Inside, the faint hum of conversation mingled with the clatter of cups and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Katara leaned back in her chair, tapping her finger against the rim of her cup. She had chosen a table near the small stage in the corner, where an old upright piano stood waiting for the next performer. Her legs were crossed, one foot bouncing to the rhythm of her thoughts. The deep blue of her scarf matched her eyes, which flicked to the door every few moments.

Zuko arrived five minutes late, as usual, his dark hair dripping from the rain and plastered to his forehead. He scanned the room before spotting her, offering a lopsided smile that she pretended not to notice. His leather jacket was wet, and his hands were shoved deep into his pockets as he made his way to her.

"You’re late," she said, voice light but sharp enough to make him squirm.

"Blame the traffic," he muttered, shaking his jacket off and slinging it over the back of the chair. "Or the rain."

She arched a brow but didn’t press him further. Instead, she nudged a steaming cup toward him. “I ordered for you. Jasmine tea.”

He hesitated, then picked up the cup. The faintest smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he took a sip. "Thanks."

They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the din of the café filling the spaces between them. Zuko’s fingers drummed against the table, restless as ever. Katara noticed how his eyes kept straying to the piano.

“You’re thinking about it again,” she said, not unkindly.

“What?”

“The piano.”

He glanced at her, startled, then down at his cup. “No, I’m not.”

“Zuko.” Her tone was soft, teasing. “I know you. You keep looking at it like it owes you an apology.”

He huffed a laugh, the sound low and unexpected. “Maybe it does.”

Katara’s lips curved into a small smile, her eyes tracing the curve of his jaw as he stared at the stage. He had always carried a quiet intensity, like a storm held just out of reach. She wondered if he knew how much it softened when he smiled.

A barista stepped onto the stage, announcing the next performer. Zuko stiffened as a young woman approached the piano, her fingers brushing the keys before she began to play. The first few notes spilled into the air, gentle and melancholic. Zuko’s jaw tightened, and his gaze dropped to the table.

Katara watched him carefully, the way his shoulders hunched ever so slightly, the way his hands clenched into fists on his lap. She reached across the table, her fingers brushing against his. “What’s wrong?”

He didn’t pull away, but he didn’t look at her either. “It’s nothing.”

“Zuko,” she pressed, her voice quieter now. “Talk to me.”

He exhaled slowly, his hand turning under hers to grip it tightly. “It reminds me of my mom. She used to play... before she left.”

The words were barely audible, but they hung in the air between them, fragile and heavy. Katara’s thumb moved in gentle circles against his knuckles, her touch grounding him.

“You never told me that,” she said softly.

He shrugged, his eyes fixed on the table. “It’s not something I talk about.”

The melody swelled, filling the room with bittersweet emotion. Katara’s heart ached for him, for the boy he had been and the man he was still becoming. She tightened her grip on his hand, offering silent support.

“I think you should play,” she said after a moment.

He blinked, finally meeting her gaze. “What?”

“The piano,” she said, nodding toward the stage. “You should play. For her. For yourself.”

He stared at her, his amber eyes searching hers for something—doubt, pity, or perhaps reassurance. Whatever he found, it made him stand, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

“Zuko—” she started, but he was already walking toward the stage.

The barista gave him a curious look as he approached, but Zuko simply nodded toward the piano. “Mind if I...?”

“Go ahead,” the barista said, stepping aside.

Katara’s breath caught as he sat at the bench, his fingers hovering over the keys. For a moment, he just sat there, his shoulders tense, his head bowed. Then, slowly, he began to play.

The first notes were hesitant, like a whisper, but they grew stronger with each passing second. The melody was haunting and beautiful, a cascade of emotions that filled the room and silenced the chatter. It spoke of loss and longing, of love and resilience.

Katara’s chest tightened as she listened, her eyes never leaving him. She could see the memories in the way his hands moved, the pain and hope in every note. He played like he was telling a story, one he had carried for far too long.

When the final note faded, the room erupted into applause. Zuko let out a shaky breath, his hands falling to his lap. He turned back to Katara, his expression unreadable, but she saw the flicker of vulnerability in his eyes.

She stood, meeting him halfway as he stepped off the stage. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. He buried his face in her hair, his breath warm against her skin.

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“For what?” she asked, her cheek resting against his chest.

“For reminding me,” he said, his arms tightening around her. “That some things are worth remembering.”

Katara smiled against him, her heart full. “Always.”

[mosylufanfic]

What's in a Name?

For Zutara Week 2024: Dusk

Send me a prompt for NaNo!

What's in a Name?

Dusk fell early in the South Pole this time of year. Zuko had been here for a month, but it still threw him off-kilter to see the sun riding the horizon before they were even setting the table for dinner. He hustled inside the Chief's big central tent and flicked his fingers at the firepit to make the coals glow. 

"Hey," his father-in-law said. "Careful with the fuel there, you northern flame lily."

"Just trying to thaw out," Zuko said

"Wrap another scarf around that head of yours," Hakoda suggested, looping one around his neck and grinning at him. "What's that make, four?"

"Ha, ha," Zuko said, biting back a smile. But he did wrap the scarf over his ears.

Keep reading on AO3

[mysticwolfshadows]

Taken - Zutara - Part 16

First / Previous / Next / Masterpost

The tribe continued on, almost thriving, with their finely tuned schedule.

Zuko would leave for four weeks, then return for four days. During his time away from the village, he did his usual trade, along with stopping to recheck places for the Avatar. He also kept an ear out for word on the Southern Warriors. During his days in the tribe, he took comments, requests for more of certain essentials and non essential. He would hunt with Sokka, who was having struggles with accepting the two Fire Nation men that had stayed behind.

Katara was pleased to find that Zuko and her brother made an excellent team.

Time went on. One month became two, and two became four, and so on, until Katara wasn't needed to monitor the two crew members, as Zuko had asked her to do. In fact, it felt more like the loaned soldiers were guarding her, one never seeming to be to far behind her. They were always respectful, almost to respectful, and it was starting to annoy her.

A year and a half after her father left, Katara was at her wits end. Zuko would return soon, and she was tempted to tell the Prince to take the soldiers back. Her mother, seeing her agitation, came up with a solution.

"Take the day with your brother," her mother said. "Take a canoe. Go fishing, bend out in the water, anything. I'll distract your shadows long enough for you to get through."

Katara thanked her mother, grabbing Sokka and heading for the canoes. They were already out on the water when they saw the two men run up to the edge of the ice, seeming almost panicked.

"I hate those guys," Sokka grumbled. "They're always following you around. It's so creepy."

"They mean well," Katara sighed, using one hand to urge the current to push them further and further from the village. "But when I got sick, I think they got scared."

"It was just a cold. That lasted maybe two days."

She shook her head, crossing her arms along the side of the canoe to rest her chin on them. "The last time I was sick was back in the Fire Nation. When Ozai was working me to the bone. They probably heard about it from Uncle or Zuko, and got worried I'm over working myself."

Sokka glowered at the water, a spear in hand. Seemed he was going with fishing. "You call that old general 'uncle'. Katara, it's been almost three years since you came back, and you're still..." He thrusts his spear into the water, only to pull it out without a fish. "The Fire Nation hurt you. Their royal family hurt you. But you still care for them."

Katara huffed, swirling a hand over the water, trying to keep her temper from rising. The water rippled, a small twisting funnel working down into the depths. "Iroh and Zuko are different. They aren't our enemies."

"They're Fire Nation. They'll always be the enemy."

She clenched her first, turning to glare. "They have done nothing but help us since they got here! Zuko hunts with you! He'd been marked as an honorary member of the tribe, the trusted, and you still wont trust him!"

What seemed to be years worth of anger came bubbling out of both the siblings. They yelled and raged at one another, until Katara gave an angry yell and swiped at a nearby iceberg with her bending. It cracked and twisted, and their canoe was swept up in the agitated waves. They had to jump out, watching their only way home get smashed by the ice.

Sokka raged for a moment, then did his best to calm himself down. He planning how to get home.

Katara, on the other hand, was staring at the bulbous glowing iceberg that had been uncovered, and the figure within.

First / Previous / Next / Masterpost

[cdrcrichton]

Zutara Week Day 5: Respite

The rain kept falling as they returned to Appa.

“We should find shelter,” Zuko called, “get some rest before we fly back.”

Katara had stormed on ahead of him, but as he spoke, she stopped and turned around.

“Appa will-”

“You’re in no shape to pilot. He likes me-”

Katara started to say something, but Zuko spoke over her.

“-but he trusts you. I won’t be able to get us back to where we left the others. We should stay the night here, and set off first thing in the morning.”

She looked like she wanted to argue, but her tiredness won out, and she just nodded curtly.

They worked quickly and quietly to set up the campsite, making sure to cover Appa’s saddle to keep the rain out, before retreating to the one tent they’d packed for the night.

Katara was silent for a while, just staring into the small fire Zuko had made.

“Are you okay?” Zuko asked softly.

She gave him a cold look.

“Right. Stupid question.”

“I thought-” she gritted her teeth and looked back at the fire. “I thought this would be it. That I’d face the man who killed my mother, and I’d finally feel better. But I’m still so angry!”

The sound of rain on the tent increased for a moment. Zuko glanced up at the noise, and when he looked back at Katara, she was looking right at him, her blue eyes glowing in the firelight.

“I understand.”

“Figures.”

No that’s- well, yeah. I was fueled by anger for three years, after my banishment. I thought bringing Aang to my father was the key, that that would restore my honor, and my place in my father’s heart. But then I went home, and I was still so bitter and alone. I realized it wouldn’t be that easy, and that only made me angrier; angrier at my father, and at myself. I opened my eyes, and I knew I couldn’t live like that anymore. I had to find my own destiny. Like my uncle told me.”

“So… what do I do?” Katara asked in a small voice.

“I can’t answer that for you. The next steps in your journey are yours alone. You have to decide what you’ll do with how you feel.”

She nodded slowly, looking off into space. Her eyes filled with tears.

He shuffled over to her, and reached out his hand. She took it, and pulled herself in closer, tucking herself against him and laying her head on his shoulder.

Zuko didn’t say anything, just wrapped his arm around her as she shook with heavy sobs.

They sat like that for a while, until Katara sagged against his arm and raised her tearstained face towards his.

“Thank you.”

Zuko could only nod.

They pulled apart and went to their respective bedrolls. As they both laid down, Katara piped up.

“Aang and Sokka were right. Trips with you are intense.”

Zuko chuckled.

She flashed him a tired smile, and Zuko knew deep down she’d be okay, no matter hat she’d choose.

i had the idea for this story years ago, maybe for another Zutara week, but never wrote it. does it fit the theme of "respite" ? maybe, and maybe not. whatevs.

**4 feb: edited to correct spelling errors that took me 3 mos to notice 🤦‍♀️

[geothewriter]

Zutara Week 2023 - Day 5: Respite

They split up. Why would they split up? Sokka and Yue took Appa to fly through the storm, and she, in her infinite wisdom, had determined that a master waterbender would fare well in a blizzard. Sure, the cold didn’t have as much of an effect on her, but it was still a blizzard. It was still her against nature. Two hours of searching and bending snow from her path allowed the cold to sink its fangs into her body. It started with her hands, but has since spread further up her arms. The cold became biting in its attacks. 

The normally treacherous landscape became downright deadly in the storm as the deep snows concealed any number of fissures, pits, caves, or even buried streams. Getting submerged in water in such a storm would surely herald death in such an event, even for a waterbender as proficient as Katara. Trudging through the environment would eventually lead to her spotting a thin streak of smoke in the distance with a brief clearing in the blowing maelstrom of snow. Without fully thinking, she plowed a path through the wind and ice toward it. 

At the time, she thought perhaps it was someone to offer her aid in finding the man who absconded with Aang. At the time, she was naive. There wasn’t anyone else out here save for the man she tracked. When she arrived at the source of the smoke, she found a rather poorly chosen cave, with wind attempting to rip through and douse the struggling fire built within. The shelter would have to weather the storm. 

As she looked around the cave, she noticed two figures, both boys unmoving in the flickering firelight. One had a glowing blue arrow on his head, and the other was rather horrifically scarred. Both seemed unconscious. She raised a wall of ice near the entrance of the cave to block the wind, and allowed a trickle of smoke to escape before she sat next to the fire. 

The scarred boy awoke first, moments after she arrived, and sat upright. 

He rekindled the fire, and looked to Katara, a deep sigh preceding his words, “Neither of us can fight right now, truce?” 

She returned her own sigh, feeling horrific tiredness and a struggle to flex her fingers. Nodding in agreement, she returned with a question of her own, “Do you have any more heat? I can’t feel my hands.” She finished her question with a concerned glance to her fingers.

He pushed himself closer to her, and placed his hands before her, palms up. A momentary pause overtook her for but a second before she placed her hands in his. As his ungloved hands closed over hers, she felt warmth encompass her. For a moment, she supposed that perhaps a firebender could actually be useful, even this one.

The two of them pulled the unconscious avatar toward them, keeping the three close to maintain their body temperatures. The ice wall provided by the water bender keeps the cold out, and the heat in. The fire and warmth provided by the firebender provided more heat to stave off the cold. 

Together, they found respite in surviving together, if only for a moment in time. Respite from the storm, from the war, from conflict.

If you like my writing, check out my other works over on AO3!

@zutaraweek

[aether-link]

I had another thought when writing the other fic that’s still in progress. A short one of zutara that features Toph. The setting is on ember island, between the 3 they share a holiday together in their elderly years.

And a confession gets shared that also leads to something else. I’m not good at writing but I hope this is alright.

Fic under cut! ✨

Ember island always bring out the best of you. Or well the best of everyone. There are only three left out of the hero’s that all helped together defeating Ozai. Now they are all old and elderly, Zuko always makes time to drop by to pick up Toph. It takes some persuasion but she caves in to join. Then after that, to the South, the southern water tribe. For Katara.

Zuko also does his best with her, she to takes some time to change her mind. Katara is always busy helping others out or just doesn’t want any drama, she’s to old for that. The old fire lord uses his charms to sway her over; “oh c’mon…don’t make me use the smolder Katara!” As he makes such a face that looks just like Druk begging for hugs. Toph always yells out to hurry up, the cold doesn’t exactly agree with her no more due to her old back. Katara pouts back at Zuko and finally tells him that she agrees to come along. A big winning smile he gives to her as Katara shuffles off too get her stuff ready, then soon they are all off headed too Ember Island.

-

A week they always spend, warm and relaxed hanging out spending time together and reminiscing of the old days. A campfire at night is always the best due to them all admitting to something or confessing between one another. Story’s they share both bring smiles and tears of what the trio remember. Until this time, Toph always brags about Zuko and Katara on why they are so awkward together until tonight, “Man, normally you guys are always loud. Now the both of you are so calm?” With her feet shuffled into the sand smirking “I swear you two-“ before she could even finish.

Silence made itself louder then before hitting a nerve between the other two sitting side by side near the fire. Katara was first to break the ice, “Well Toph, I should of said this years ago on our traditional holiday here but-“ “WE KISSED FIFTEEN YEARS AGO” Zuko blurting it out before throwing back his sake on what he just admitted.

Toph turns at them, the most blankest face she could ever make in her history of living, Katara was quick to respond to her “LISTEN I KNOW TOPH” embarrassment starts to set in.

“HAHAHAHA, you two should see your faces!” Head back laughing to the stars “oh look at that, loudness again like old times!” Toph pats the ground hearing their heartbeats setting off like they where young again. She is such a cheek teasing Zuko and Katara for that, laughing away. Toph always knew, she always did for years and years.

Some times passes after that confession, now they all are starting to get tired from the warmth of the fire and sake. Standing back up, Toph is the first too leave heading back to the apartment of the royal housing along the beach side. “Just so you two know, I already knew about that” Toph saying to the side of Zuko, proceeding her way back with a wink.

Zuko blushes about it. Toph is smart like that already figuring it out. Just how long did she know, a mystery within itself. Now it’s just the two of them quietly alone. The fire now dimmed to glowing coal and cinders, a light breeze form the sea. Katara hums a little getting his attention, his curiosity. “What’s wrong?” With a slight tilt to his head, answering his question Katara leans towards him, resting her head on his shoulder with closed eyes.

“I remember that kiss like it was yesterday, you where such a dork about it. Though that’s one of the few things I like about you” A gentle voice from Katara, admitting to it finally. Hearing that made him flutter, grinning ear to ear on her words. Returning the affection, Zuko also rest his head to hers while he snuck his little finger to her hand that rested between themselves. Noticing he’s little move she intertwines her whole hand with his.

“I guess this is one thing Toph won’t know” mumbled Zuko, relaxed and slowly getting tired from how late the night is getting, “Are you kidding, she will find out herself. You know her” responded Katara, “True…” he agrees sleepily. And hour passes until the fire is completely out and the stars lit up the night sky creating a soft glow, Katara awake still yawns away.

Adjusting herself standing up and still holding his hand, Zuko fully asleep nearly falls to the side she was on. Catching him, he stirs awake. Half asleep fumbling; Katara supports him to walk right, arm around the waist and the other around her neck. Laughing at the steps they take, eventually they make it back to the housing. Tired and a little drunk, Zuko lazily sits on the edge of the large bedding of his room. A soft look he gives and reaches out towards Katara, as if a gesture an invitation to join him tonight.

Accepting his hand, he drops a little kiss as a thank you. Letting go, Katara wonders to the other side of the bedside to rest with him for the remaining night like they did some fifteen years ago.

[lingeronyourhazeleyes]

It's the first time i've been tagged in anything like this, and i'm so excited. Thank you so much, @the-boney-rolls 🥰

And this is the part where I shoul tag five people i want to get to know better. I don't know if anyone has tagged you yet, but let's try @franklyimissparis , @glowing-gold , @big-barn-bed, @undying-love and @bambi-kinos, if any you feel like itˇˇ

Okay, let's see! *rubs her hands together*

three ships: McLennon (duh :D), Milex, aaaand, uh, let's be nostalgic and go with Zutara

first ship: not sure, but i think it was Rogue/Gambit from the X-Men: Evolution cartoon

last song: Barns Courtney - National Treasure (just realised a few days ago that he released a new album and i can't stop listening to it)

last TV show: Ted Lasso

currently watching: Doctor Who i guess? idk not really watching series lately. I stopped with the new season after a few episodes (and i don't even know why, cause i really liked it so far) but i will finish it someday i swear

currently reading: the amazing Heart Of Glass by the wonderful @javelinbk. As for traditional books, i recently had a whim to catch up on some classics i missed in high school, so i started The Picture of Dorian Gray a couple weeks ago, but somehow i haven't had the time or energy to pick it up again since (even though i quite enjoyed it).

currently eating: just finished a Kinder Choco Fresh

currently craving: an espresso (but i just had one so i really should wait at least a couple hours before making another one)

[ink-and-dagger]

3 and 4 for the fic writers questions!

Also, hi, Inky 😚 hope you've been good!

HI PAL Yeah sorry I've been awol the past week or so. Life stuff blah blah 🙃

3.) What are some tropes or details that you think are very characteristic of your fics?

Two tropes that you're guaranteed to find in all of my multi-chapter fics are Found Family and Miscommunication. Although I like to think that I add my own twist on the miscommunication trope.

There's also a 99.9% guarantee that there will be a drinking/drunk scene, a dancing scene, and an interrupted kiss in any of my fics 🤭

4.) What detail in [insert fic] are you really proud of?

There are quite a few details in my fics that I'm proud of. But seeing as it's Maestro Coi asking the question I'm going to do the equivalent of flashing my macaroni art to Van Gogh.

In Chapter 16 of my Zutara fic These Tides Do Turn I wrote a whole ass song from scratch. Well, I wrote the lyrics, it doesn't actually have an official tune.

The idea behind it is that it's an old Fire Nation folksong. I was going for a moody Irish sort of vibe, and very much had Oh Danny Boy in my head as inspiration. I always imagine it sounding a bit like Jenny of the Oldstones from GOT. I'll post the lyrics below the cut incase anyone is interested.

Writer ask game

[Context for non-atla fans – fire lilies are a flower that's native to the meadows of the Fire Nation, and they only bloom for a few weeks each year.]

I first met my love, in the fire lily meadow We were only mere children, when she whispered to me Here we’ll spend our life, my love  Amidst the grown-jewel of our land And in your arms I’ll give, my love My heart to the palm of your hand

We shared our first kiss, in the fire lily meadow We were innocent and young, and she whispered to me Here we’ll spend our life, my love Between soft silken petals of red And in your arms I’ll dance, my love On the day we are finally wed

I married my love, in the fire lily meadow  Full of radiant hope, as she whispered to me Here we’ll spend our life, my love Basking bright in the soft ruby glow And in your arms I’ll stay, my love While our home, and our family grow

Our children ran wild, in the fire lily meadow  We watched on with joy, and she whispered to me Here we’ll spend our life, my love Lazing stretched in the morning damp blooms And in your arms I’ll weep, my love When the day of their adulthood looms

Our babes flew swift, from the fire lily meadow  We waved them farewell, then she whispered to me Here we’ll spend our life, my love Fond memories curled safe between stems And in your arms I’ll rest, my love ‘Til our days draw near to their end

Your hand frail in my palm, in the fire lily meadow  We were agéd and wilting, when you whispered to me Here we’ve spent our life, my love  As sure footprints amongst the flowers And in your arms I’ll sleep, my love ‘Til I’m scattered beneath the bowers

I wait old and alone, in the fire lily meadow I smile and remember your whispers to me With you I spent my life, my love Reflected in soft drops of dew Seasons and years together, my love Soon to be reunited with you

Entwined evermore, above the fire lily meadow Ash carried on wind, and whispering free They’re waiting for midsummers eve, my love ‘Neath earth young buds ripen and burn Eternal and endless as us, my love Growing steady as these tides do turn 

[dreamstar-moonlight]

Previous entries:

Zutara Week Day 1: Hair (my post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 2: Disguised (my post | Eastonia's post)

ZUTARA WEEK: DAY 3

Origins & Cycles: Glowing

A collaboration with @eastoniablogs and AireensColour

@zutaraweek

Here's my entry for Day 3!

Stage 3 (of 7): Flat Colours

Don't you just love it how a black-n'-white sketch transforms into something magical when the colors seep in? And this is only the beginning!

We have 4 more days till Zutara Week ends, so I hope you stick around till the end to witness AireensColour work her magic and add shades & texture & a bunch of other effects to bring this artwork to life in all its dazzling glory!

This is the third in my series of art-progression entries to go with Eastonia's world-building write-ups. Want to see what she's cooked up? Here's a glimpse:

Azula doesn't understand it. She's losing. She can't lose - she never loses. Then she sees it. A way to win.

The minute Azula's target switches from Zuko to Katara, he knows he won't make it. 

Azula's eyes widened as silver and blue and gold, gold, gold leak around Zuko, his eyes pupiless and glowing as he does the impossible.....

Head over to her blog now to find out what happens next! Hurry!

Next entries:

Zutara Week Day 4: Mythology (2008 throwback prompt) (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 5: Mend (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 6: Spirits (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 7: Stories (My post | Eastonia's post)

[addictofreading]

Zutara Week 2021 Day 3: Glowing

Happy Zutara Week Everyone!

I have this whole scene expanded in my head with a conversation with Suki and everything, but it turned out to be bigger than I’m able to make at the moment and would sort of move away from today’s theme. So I’m saving it for another day when I have the wherewithal to give it the attention it needs to be good. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy this comic! <3

[burntsecrets]

A Fire in the Dusk

Pairing: Zuko x Katara

Word Count: 987

Prompt: For Zutara Week 2024 | Day 2: Dusk @zutaraweek

Warnings: mentions of past war and trauma, emotional vulnerability, introspection on identity and purpose, mild romantic tension, kiss/physical intimacy, references to political responsibilities and challenges

The balcony of the Jasmine Dragon overlooked Republic City’s chaotic sprawl. Below, lanterns flickered to life one by one, their golden glow chasing away the deepening shadows of the evening. The streets bustled with hurried footsteps and the occasional bark of a vendor’s call. Above it all, the sky blazed in hues of orange and violet, a smattering of stars just beginning to peek through.

Katara leaned forward on the railing, her hands loose at her sides, the fabric of her blue shawl fluttering in the breeze. Her gaze followed the skyline, where ornate spires stood silhouetted against the horizon. The distant clang of metal echoed up from a construction site, but her focus stayed on the clouds, heavy with the promise of night.

“You look like you’re about to waterbend the sky,” Zuko’s voice cut through the quiet, low and even.

She turned her head slightly, catching sight of him standing a few paces back. His posture was straight, hands clasped behind him—a habit he hadn’t shaken even in private. The soft glow of a nearby lantern brushed against his scarred face, making his sharp features appear softer. He was still wearing the dark crimson robes of the Fire Lord, though the golden flames embroidered along the hem seemed at odds with the unassuming space of his uncle’s teahouse.

“And you look like you’re planning your next big proclamation,” she teased, her lips quirking into a small smile.

Zuko exhaled a faint laugh, stepping closer until he stood beside her. His eyes followed hers to the skyline, where the last rays of sunlight lingered stubbornly on the edges of the city’s tallest buildings.

“Do you miss it?” she asked after a moment, her voice quieter now. “The fire? The fight?”

His brow furrowed, though he didn’t look at her. Instead, his gaze stayed locked on the horizon, where distant plumes of smoke rose from the city’s industrial district. “Sometimes,” he admitted, his words deliberate. “But it’s different now. The fight is in council chambers and trade negotiations. It’s... colder.”

Katara nodded, her fingers brushing the wooden railing absently. “It’s not the same as facing someone across a battlefield. But I guess neither of us expected life to be the same after the war.”

Zuko tilted his head toward her, a small smirk playing at his lips. “You don’t miss the fighting, do you?”

Her eyes flicked to him, the faintest glint of mischief there. “Not exactly. I miss the clarity of it, though. You knew who you were up against. What you had to do.” She turned back to the view, the humor fading from her voice. “These days, it’s harder to tell.”

The unspoken weight of her words hung in the air. Zuko studied her profile—the firm line of her jaw, the way her eyes reflected the fading light. He wanted to say something, but the words felt tangled in his throat, their meaning too big to shape into sound.

A cool breeze swept past, carrying the scent of rain and distant jasmine. Katara tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, the motion small but enough to draw his attention. 

“You’ve changed,” she said finally, breaking the silence. Her tone was soft, not accusatory. “Not just as Fire Lord. As... you.”

Zuko’s fingers tightened around the edge of the railing. “So have you.”

She tilted her head, a faint laugh escaping her. “I hope so. Otherwise, what was the point of everything we went through?”

He gave a slow nod, but his eyes remained fixed on her. She wasn’t looking at him, yet somehow, she seemed to know he was there, watching her every move. The lines of her face were older now, sharper, but no less beautiful. If anything, the years had added something he couldn’t quite put into words. Strength, perhaps. Or maybe just something he’d been too blind to notice before.

“Katara,” he started, his voice quieter than he meant.

She turned to him, her expression curious but open. The warmth of her gaze caught him off guard, but he didn’t look away. For a moment, he forgot the teahouse, the city, the world beyond them. There was just her, standing close enough to touch, her presence steady and grounding in a way he hadn’t realized he needed.

“I’ve spent a long time looking for balance,” he said, his words slow and deliberate. “For peace.”

Her lips parted slightly, but she said nothing, waiting.

“I think…” he hesitated, his breath catching as he took a half step closer. “I think I’ve found it. Here. With you.”

The city seemed to fade away, its noise dull and distant. Katara didn’t speak immediately, but the softness in her expression told him enough. She reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against his, the touch both tentative and certain.

“Zuko,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “you don’t have to look anymore.”

The space between them closed as he leaned down, her hand sliding up to rest lightly against his chest. Their lips met, a slow and quiet collision, filled with years of tension, regret, and something new—something that felt a lot like hope.

When they pulled apart, her forehead rested against his, her eyes still closed as if she didn’t want to let the moment go.

“Dusk,” she murmured, her voice soft but steady.

Zuko’s brows furrowed slightly. “What?”

She opened her eyes, meeting his. “It’s my favorite time of day. It’s not quite night, not quite day. It’s... the in-between. Where everything feels possible.”

The faintest smile curved his lips, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the weight of the Fire Nation’s crown seemed lighter.

“Then let’s stay here,” he said, his voice quiet but resolute. “In the in-between.” 

The stars began to fill the sky as the last of the light faded, leaving them standing together, unburdened by the past, open to whatever came next.

[sopaipillasvoladoras]

“Katara-“

“Shhhh, I need to focus”

“…Is it working?”

“… I don’t know. But it’s glowing”

“That’s good, right?”

“…Usually”

.

.

So, what if Katara got a bit more of the oasis spirit water?

.

.

For @zutaraweek day 3: glowing

[sup-honey]

Zutara Week Day 3: Glowing

Her healing hands lit up the dark around them, easing the pain, cooling the air...

[autumnsnowflakesworld]

Zutara week Day 3: Glowing!

it was really about time until I included the steambabies 💕

[eastoniablogs]

Origins and Cycles: Glowing

<< Previous Day. INDEX

@zutaraweek​ this is my day 3 entry!

Zutara Week 2021 - Glowing, a collab with @dreamstarmoonlight and AireensColors

The thing about Spirits in human form, is that it's really easy to figure out who they are. They have an ethereal glow about them. This, of course is not the case for spirits who have joined the Weave of Destiny. Except of course when they are actually, drawing on their spiritual power. 

It's the Agni Kai between Fire Lord Azula and the self-exiled Prince Zuko. Azula doesn't understand it, she's losing, she can't lose, she never loses. 

Then she sees it, a way to win. The Fire Sages if they cared at all for their pathetic lives would not disqualify her from eliminating a spectator. 

Zuko notices it, The minute her target switches from him to Katara, and he knows he won't make it. 

Azula's eyes widened as silver and blue and gold, gold, gold leak around Zuko, his eyes pupiless and glowing as he does the impossible and intercepts the strike which no human could possibly do. 

Then Zuko is on the ground, twitching and the waterbender is running to Zuko, glowing water surrounding her hands - she is going to heal him! She cannot do that! 

Katara is stuck fighting Azula when Zuko needs her! She's angry, she's tired and Azula desperately needs a time out. 

Azula's starts thrashing as red and gold and blue, blue, blue rise like waves about the waterbender, her eyes pupiless and glowing. 

Azula is chained and clawing at her bonds, screaming out at how unnatural and inhuman her brother and that waterbender are as the water bender gently, so gently - lovingly you could say brings her brother back from the brink. 

No one listens to the ‘mad’ woman.

Now head on over here to see what Dream has done!

Next Day >>