#beanaroony's art

[beanaroony]

When I said “or two” it was for real. 

[kurlyfrasier]

A Wish of Something Good

Pairing: Zuko x Katara

Word Count: 1785

Synopsis: Katara finds Firelord Zuko in his mother’s garden. (My apologies, I am absolutely terrible at writing synopses) OR Zuko, pressured by council members to marry a quiet Fire Nation girl, does not want to. (that sounds better lol)

Warnings: None. PIning. Angst. Fluff.

A/N: This short little fic was inspired by the beautiful piece of art below by @beanaroony​ (: It got me writing again after several months so I really appreciate it! This was originally gonna be A LOT sadder with no happy ending, but I’m a sucker for happy endings and apparently can’t write sad ones lol :D Enjoy!

Katara had fallen asleep next to him. A natural occurrence when she came to visit. All Zuko had to do to get her there was tell her his chest was hurting again from Azula’s attack. It was a lie, but it got her next to him within a week - two, at most. He couldn’t help but think she had to know it was a ruse. Right? She was the healer. She had to know there was nothing left to heal.

But she was leaving and Zuko was certain his heart couldn’t take the months long separation again. It tore him apart when she left each time. The hole was becoming a chasm, never truly healing from the other times she went away.

Frustrated, he slipped out of bed, only turning back once he was closing the door to make sure Katara hadn’t awoke. Once at his mother’s garden, where the turtle-ducks liked to play, did he stop. It was a quiet night with only the sounds of the ocean waves in the distance. For a moment, he stared at the flowers Katara planted. Moon flowers. A difficult flora to grow in the brightness of the Fire Nation's capital. But if anyone were to successfully plant them, it would be her. He sighed, a smile playing at his lips with the thought. When a quick look of his surroundings proved he was the only one around, Zuko pulled a small weight out of his pocket.

It had been burning a hole there for months, but it never left his person. A constant weight - constant reminder - of what he could never have. The necklace seemed heavy in his palm. A glass stone made of lightning and sand on the beach of Ember Island was settled in molten lava rock of his volcanic home. Glued together by his own fire. The pendant hung from silky swirls of red and blue to honor both his and her homelands.

He could never give it to her. Not in the way he wanted. And there was no way he could ask her to replace her mother’s she currently wore around her neck.

With another, much heavier sigh, he pocketed it, unable to look at it without simultaneously wanting to hurl it into the ocean. Where it would be lost forever. Never to be found again.

With a deep breath of chilly night air, Zuko settled into his firebending kata only to leave it unfinished, too tired to go through the movements. He sat down in the grass, picking at the blades as his thoughts swirled.

HIs council was pushing him to marry a nice, quiet, Fire Nation girl that wouldn’t distract him from ruling. But he didn’t want that. He wanted-

“Zuko?” Katara’s voice sounded relieved and Zuko couldn’t help but think how much different it was now compared to the old days when she said his name. Full of disdain, hate, and disappointment. Full of fear for what he would become. Fear of what he could be. “What are you doing out here?” She stepped closer, a breathy giggle escaping. “I know you wake up with the sun, but even this is too early for you.”

He stayed silent, allowing her settle down next to him, knees and shoulders bumping as she sat down and rested her head on his shoulder. A heavy, burdened breath seemed to leave her body as she melted closer to his warmth, arm looping through his as she hummed, satisified. She would fall asleep like that. He knew, because she had done so a dozen times before. A closed-lipped smile couldn’t be stopped even if he tried. It was a sad thing. To love his best friend. To have her so close and so far away at the same time. To be able to touch her, but not have her. He grimaced, wishing it was simpler. Wishing he could have this one thing - this one bright spot in his life - after everything they had been through. They deserved happiness, right? He deserved something good after all the bad. 

Was he good enough for her, though? Could he ask her to stay with him? In this place that must remind her of all the bad memories of her childhood. Of her mother being taken away at such a young age. Of the destruction his people caused in her homeland. Zuko couldn’t possibly hope for-

“Don’t go,” he rasped, the words were passed his lips before he could stop them. His screaming heart pounded in victory. His mind felt betrayed.

“What,” her head popped up, forever blue eyes bore into his own.

He swallowed, knowing he wouldn’t be able to stop now. He glanced away, “Stay.”

“Zuko-”

He hopped up, lost energy suddenly found in this moment of uncertainty. He stepped away toward the turtle-duck pond, anxiety needing a way out. He didn’t notice the necklace as it fell beside his friend with a light thud. The red and blue clashed with the grass. The glass glinted in the moonlight. There was no way for her not to see it.

Gently, she picked it up, hands shaking as blood rushed in her ears, letting the silence reign. She didn’t know much about the rituals of engagement for the Fire Nation, but she did know only the Water Tribes used necklaces. She couldn’t believe her eyes. She wanted to believe this was for her. She wanted that more than she needed to breathe. But the truth was, Zuko could’ve made this for anybody. She knew the pressures he was facing from his council to get married. Knew this could be for a different girl. Maybe one of the girls from the Northern Tribe he had met when they were there for negotiations. They were pretty and refined. Perfect for what he needed to tie up any loose ends between them. Perfect to show he meant peace. Not like her, who was outspoken. Hard where they were soft from all her time honing her fighting skills. And her little Southern Village meant nothing compared to the elegance of the Northern Tribe. They had little to offer the Fire Nation in terms of supplies and soldiers Zuko may need in a future ally. While her tribe was mostly made of children and older women, with very few people who could fight, let alone waterbend.

Katara let those bitter thoughts settle in her stomach before she spoke up, voice barely a whisper, “You dropped this.” She slowly stood, eyes cast down, unable to face the man before her.

Zuko’s head snapped in her direction so fast his entire body whirled with it. A few urgent strides had him standing so close he could feel her body heat. She held it out to him like it wasn’t hers. He didn’t move to take it. Afraid that if he did, she would be gone from his life forever. Never to be seen again.

“You don’t like it?” The words weren’t precisely what he meant to say, but they were out, floating between what little space was between them.

Clutching it tight, she let her arm fall, spinning so Zuko wouldn’t catch the tears starting to stream down her cheeks, “It’s beautiful.” She hoped her voice didn’t sound as shaky as it felt. She closed her eyes tight in a failed attempt to keep them at bay.

Zuko couldn’t believe his ears. She liked the necklace he made her. She thought it was beautiful-

“Who’s it for?” Her words stopped his heart. “She’s very luck-”

His arms, with a mind of their own, wrapped around her waist, “Katara-”

She struggled in his hold. Sniffles rose to his ears and his arms turned to steel, pulling her back against his chest. As much as he feared and admired her waterbending, he was not allowing her to leave this conversation. Not before his heart got to say what it wanted. Then he would let her go. Then he would let her leave. Even if it meant forever.

“Katara,” he rested his chin on her shoulder and she froze, stiff as a board. He took a moment to memorize her scent of seawater and sand before he said the words he could never take back, “I made that for you.”

“For me?” She relaxed slightly, voice breathy, eyes opening to look at the pendant through her blurry, tear-filled vision.

“If you want it,” he replied. She stayed silent and unmoving, worrying him. “That is- It doesn’t have to- It’s a gift. I don’t expect you to- But I would like it. I mean, love it. I would love it if- I love-” Zuko loosened his hold, ready to give up his incoherent babbling when she latched onto his arm and pulled it close.

An exhale rattled through her chest and he pulled her impossibly closer, steadying her. She relaxed completely, allowing her weight to settle against him, soaking in his strength. 

“When?” Katara was thankful her quiet voice didn’t falter.

“Months ago.”

“Months?” She still wasn’t brave enough to turn around and look Zuko in the eye, as much as she wanted to. This - the necklace, his love - wasn’t quite real yet. “But I thought the council-”

“I don’t want what the council wants,” his voice was strong and steady as he continued to hold her. “I don’t need what the council thinks I need.”

Zuko sounded so certain to her ears, she couldn’t help but twist in his hold to get a good look at him. He let her, golden gaze searing her own, a question left unspoken between them.

“I need you, Katara,” he said, voice reverent. “I need someone who will tell me when I’ve become too overbearing. Who will fight me for what’s right when I’m wrong. Who won’t let me get power-hungry,” a small smile graced his lips before his voice turned to a serious whisper, “Someone who won’t let me become my father-”

“You would never-”

“Someone,” he interrupted, knowing she meant well, but also knowing that man’s blood still flowed through his veins, no matter how hard he wanted to deny it. “Someone I love.” He let that sink in, watching as the miracle of Katara’s uncertain gaze turned into unbridled joy. “Not some quiet girl who won’t speak her mind.”

“Then help me put this on,” Katara held out the necklace.

“I don’t expect you to replace your mother’s-”

“Shh,” she stopped him with a finger to his lips, smiling uncontrollably. “She will always live in my heart, Zuko. But I think this,” she glanced at the swirling red and blue ribbon, the fragile glass held steady by the sturdy volcanic rock. “This suits me better, don’t you think?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for reading! Hope you liked it!

Want to read more by me? Click here!

[fireladyfae]

I post a **LOT MORE** on my Instagram page: all_the_zutara_love ❤️

Please be sure to check it out and give me a follow for all the Zutara goodness! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

Pic is of my very first Zutara pin creation! 😍

📣 Special thanks and shout out to @beanaroony for allowing me to turn her art into a pin. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[justanotherghostwriter]

So agree with the above and some of the reblogs I've seen. Absolutely jumping on this! And I'll even limit myself to top five, though there are so many great artists in this fandom.

Obviously @lizanthium is my favourite artist as well as being one of my favourite human beings ever. Love her facial expressions and the way she just carries across emotion. The details to clothing as well. Chefskiss.

@pineapple-frenzy has stunning work and I just cannot ever get over how she draws Zuko's scar.

@te-al-latte just does stunning, stunning things that stay with me forever.

@beanaroony does such great... everything. Just everything.

And, last but not least for this list... I have such a huge art crush on things by @growingroses. Sitting staring with my heels in the air kind of art crush.

Well, I was pretty pissed last night and am pretty mad at myself for letting the negativity get to me, so… to balance that out by I decided to do something more positive. :D

My current favorite zutara artists are diornies, mayskalih (who also makes some awesome naruto fanart if you’re into that!), and demaparbat-hp (who also draws nice Harry Potter fanart if you’re into that too!)

I really love their art and their zk fanarts always bring me life! A huge thank you to them! <3

If you see this would mind sharing your favorite zutara artist? They don’t have to be on tumblr btw! Let’s just show some love to the artists who love and draw Zutara!

Here are links to these artists btw

[badlucksav]

Taangst Week Day 3: Star-Crossed Lovers

“Is something wrong?” The concern in his voice was unmistakable.

She shut her eyes and turned her face away. “I’m getting married, Aang.”

His heart dropped in his chest with a hard whump. Then it picked up a staccato beat.

“What?”

Art by beanaroony

[ideassinresolver]

Zutara for the soul! Thanks to amazing @beanaroony for letting me color her original art!

[doodleladi]

Late Day 7: Time to Get Rec'd

I gather you all here today to shower all the love and adoration to Zutara creators. Y'all keep life interesting 😩👌

Writers 📖

@rideboldlyride fantastic writer! You had me at "I wrote something for your art" and everything else is history. You write, draw, do our podcast, podfics, and much more! You are one talented lady and imo everything you touch turns to fandom gold!

@bulletproofteacup idgaf you are on a semi-hiatus you are a talented af writer (for those who don't know she is the whole backbone of our Serial Segment) and the spice to our podcast. You are a hoot and a half and what would we do without you??

@fictionissocialinquiry can I tell you how many times I've read Rumour Has It? I can't, I lost count. You, chaotic lady, deserve all the love in the world for your absolutely addicting stories that we can't get enough of.

@ifyouwereamelodymeg who asked you to come in here and write things that are so heckin wonderful and make me feel much too many feelings??? But like don't stop. Keep hurting me is the most beautiful ways, please.

@colourwhirled-writes you are an insanely talented writer and the world building and characterization in the stories you've crafted are just jaw-droppingly stunning! My and countless others all time favourite being Southern Lights!

@theadamantdaughter you are responsible for many nights of lost sleep because I can't stop reading your stunning work. Your stories are imprinted in my head and are a HUGE inspiration to all of us. I'm so thankful you are part of the fandom!

@sunrizing hello? It's me. Crying over how beautifully you write, yet again. You never cease to amaze me with your magnificent stories. I'm so grateful I get to witness it.

Em Dixon on FF is responsible for the first Zutara stories I read and her writing is what got me into the fandom. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING she has written is iconic and part of a large and incredibly rich AU.

Artists 🎨

@pineapple-frenzy you have so many amazing works that give me so many butterflies that I can't even! I love your style and how you depict Zutara!

@beanaroony um you are the whole ass reason I started drawing Zutara. Thank you for inspiring all of us with your incredible and iconic works!

@favlie your art is so fantastic! I love everything you've blessed us with this week. My eyes would like to thank you for blessing them. We are so lucky to have you in the fandom!

@hayleynfoster you astonishing lady, you. I cannot even express in words how much I admire your work! You have created something other worldy in your AMVs and are such an inspiration to me, personally (and fans everywhere).

---

@zkfanworkweek and shoutout to YOU amazing people that put this wonderful week together for everyone to celebrate and appreciate all the beautiful work that has come out of this fandom! It's peeps like you that bring all of us together in such a meaningful way 😁💜

[beanaroony]

Sad 90s Bollywood songs are great for producing angst 

[pseudonova]

look what came in the mail today!!

this is, by far, the coolest thing i have EVER been involved with in fandom 😭 the amount of talent in these pages is stupendous!!! i can’t thank the mods of @thezutarazine enough for organizing, designing, editing, and supporting us through the creation of this beautiful zine and i feel so honored to be included alongside artists and authors that i have been admiring literally for a decade (my story seriously got printed in the same zine as beanaroony’s art?!? 🤯)

and beyond that, i am, as ever, so so thankful for the zutara family on tumblr and beyond - i feel lucky to have found friends in you guys. congratulations to everyone on (in my opinion) the best zutara week EVER - here’s to many more ❤️💙

[fireladyfae]

Zutara because.....Zutara!

(Hugs are the best! *Especially* when you're not feeling well, like I've been lately. 🤧)

🎨: By Beanaroony Art!

[yiangchen]

Ooh yeah I also like Jetmai

It's such an underrated rarepair! I think it used to be more popular back in the day. Not sure if you know who beanaroony is, but they're a very popular zk artist who was much more active years ago, and they had some art of Jetmai that just made my heart go !!!

[senlinyu]

Have checked out @beanaroony-archives ? Very noice zutara art. Here's a teaser 😏

https://beanaroony-archives.tumblr.com/post/127525363475/all-animated-zutara-gifs-by-beanaroony-in-one

Oooh yes. I have seen their stuff before. It’s so so lovely. 😍😍😍

[badlucksav]

I’d just like to take a moment to appreciate beanaroony. Her art is seriously SO GOOD and I love it and need to share it with everyone.

[firelxdykatara]

that blog shannon-nicole99 you reblogged from has been reposting tons of uncredited zutara fanart:( that season 2 au drawing is actually by @beanaroony

Ack, I’m so sorry. I edited my reblog to give the credit, I should have been better about checking the OP, that was my bad

and also just general note to the fandom: please don’t repost art without credit! @shannon-nicole99 please include sources for art if you’re going to post it here, unless you drew it yourself!

[beanaroony]

truly what a time to be alive to have new beanaroony art! bless you!

Bless you for appreciating my art! ♥️

[wiseabsol]

Bruise: The worst wound you’ve ever received. Porcelain: Your favorite article of clothing. Plush: Your favorite childhood toy. Splatter: Your favorite artists or art pieces. Velvet: Your favorite era for fashion and aesthetics. Witch: A power you wish you had. Chainsaw: Your favorite sound. Ribbon: Your favorite color combinations. Ghost: A historical figure you’re drawn to. Lullaby: Songs you love to sing.

Bruise: The worst wound you’ve ever received.

I've been lucky in my life where injuries are concerned--no broken bones or serious lacerations. I did have to go to the hospital for a concussion when I was around five, though. You see, I was so excited to play on the cheap merry-go-round we had in our apartment complex courtyard that I sprinted towards it and jumped onto it, except that when I did, I bashed my head against one of the iron handhold bars. I remember waking up sometime later in a bean bag chair, with no memory of having gone to the hospital.

Porcelain: Your favorite article of clothing.

I have a gray hoodie that I've had since I was a teenager that I still wear. The cuffs of the sleeves are ripped and ratty, but it's still a very comfortable hoodie.

Plush: Your favorite childhood toy.

A leopard plush toy that I've had since I was a baby, which I for some reason named Tiger. He is currently in a fire-proof box for safekeeping.

Splatter: Your favorite artists or art pieces.

Hmm, on DeviantArt I follow TC-96, PugCrumbs, beanaroony, Savu0211, hibbary, and AmaDenchArt. I find hibbary's paintings particularly beautiful.

Velvet: Your favorite era for fashion and aesthetics.

I know next to nothing about fashion eras and aesthetics. I like long flowing dresses, I guess?

Witch: A power you wish you had.

SHAPESHIFTING. I want to explore the ocean! I want to fly as high as the clouds! I want to lounge in the sun for hours as a cat! Sounds perfect.

Chainsaw: Your favorite sound.

My cats' purrs. Windchimes are also nice.

Ribbon: Your favorite color combinations.

Uuuuuh, white/black/any bold color is pleasing. Light blue/light purple/light green is also nice.

Ghost: A historical figure you’re drawn to.

Ursula K. Le Guin. She's dead now, she counts.

Lullaby: Songs you love to sing.

"The Circle of Life" gets me singing along ever time.