#it was probably just an infatuation on Sokka’s part

[boomerangguy]

The more I’ve thought about it, the more confident I am that Sokka and Yue wouldn’t have lasted even if she had never sacrificed herself.

There were never any solid signs that Yue would have chosen Sokka over her perceived duty to her people, whether it be turning into the moon or marrying Hahn. Regardless, starting out a relationship with such a drastic commitment imbalance spells disaster down the road.

Credit to @smilindesperado’s most recent chapter of My Heart Still Beats For You for helping me to fully understand this! (It’s a great fic with one of the best platonic rare-pairs I’ve ever read.)

[xaibaugrove]

Everyone in the Krew is Problematic

I was inspired to go on this rant by someone who recently brought up a question in a server I’m in, asking why so many people in the fandom seem to hate Mako and Makorra and why. This wouldn’t be the first time I defend Mako and it most likely won’t be the last, but it might be the first time I tear him and everyone else in the Krew down in the process, only to bring them back up. Hear me out though.

I think I’ve totally accepted that a lot of people in this fandom will always hate Mako and that I will have to perpetually defend him, I understand that this is the relationship I’ve chosen with this world. But what I still will never understand are the reasons why people hate/dislike him because compared to how much they love other characters in the Krew who honestly aren’t that much better than him (in some cases, even worse!), it doesn’t make any sense.

Let me also preface this by saying, I love these characters with all my heart and soul, probably more than I should love fictional characters, but this is the life I live and with that being said, I am going to tear them apart just to prove a point. Okay, here we go.

MAKO

Most of his detractors list the usual criticisms, which are valid when isolated. He cheated on Asami, he lied to Korra, he was a terrible boyfriend and essentially he treated the women he claimed to love or care about horribly. Gee, it’s almost like the man was a teenager with no experience in having long-lasting, healthy relationships and was raised in the streets by gangmembers while doing anything to survive and provide for his younger sibling after seeing his parents killed right in front of him and suddenly being orphaned…

I think Mako has been torn down enough, so I won’t get too deep into the tearing down part for him. It really does baffle me how someone can claim to be woke and not comprehend how someone coming from poverty could possibly be a product of their environment. Like, does everyone think that poor people automatically have hearts of gold and turn out like Little Orphan Annie? Why are people surprised that when someone has a shitty life, they might do shitty things?

Also, sooo many people love Zuko, who actively tried to cause harm to Aang, Katara and Sokka numerous times, and sympathize with his troubled past. But like, sure Zuko had an abusive father and his mother peaced out of his life for whatever reasons but at least he had his uncle. Mako had his parents for maybe 8 years before they were murdered in front of him and then had...no one for the next 10 years? Except for Bolin, sure, but no other parental figure in his life. Dude literally had to become him and his brother’s own parent and joined a gang to survive, and after all that, the worst he does is acts as a bad boyfriend toward Korra and Asami and he is instantly thrown to the wolves. Something doesn’t add up. It’s just...I don’t get it.

Yes, the way he treated people was bad, but people can grow? That’s a thing humans can do. And he was a teenager, my god. No, we cannot allow our past to be an excuse for how we treat others, but we have to be aware that there is a growth process to being human. And being human in and of itself, isn’t pretty. You think Mako is problematic? Don’t get me started on your fave.

KORRA

Ok, I love this woman to death but she is ridiculously problematic. She pursued someone in a relationship and essentially forced Mako to cheat on Asami by kissing him against his will, that’s already pretty awful and shows a lack of empathy on her part, also kissing people without their consent is no bueno. But also I just have to say it for the people who might not know this. One of the fundamental reasons why Makorra didn’t work was because KORRA WAS ABUSIVE. Okay? It wasn’t just that Mako was inadequate at relationships and didn’t know how to people, it wasn’t that she was secretly confused and wanting Asami the entire time (biphobia at it’s best) one of the main problems in the pairing was that Korra was crazy abusive towards Mako. Seriously, why don’t I see this more often in those discussions??

If we need examples, I have dozens. Honestly, it’s really easy to see how terrible Korra was to Mako, I’d actually argue that she treated him worse than he treated her. I mean, they were both terrible to one another, but in Korra’s case she went through the motions of being completely infatuated with your first teenage crush, getting with said crush, then crashing and burning once you realize that you have no idea how to treat a romantic partner so after the butterflies wear off you subject them to all the wonderful aspects of your anger issues. Not only did she scream at Mako during every argument they had, she also threatened him with bodily harm if she got really angry. Remember how their relationship crashed and burned in Book 2? Here are the things that Korra did during that time. Let me reiterate, this was not okay.

Mako is visibly shaken by this!

This woman burst into her boyfriend’s place of work and violently kicked his desk out from in front of him with all his coworkers present. That is not normal behavior. That is a red flag. And after she came back, had amnesia or whatever and forgot they broke up after that scene, let’s not forget that Mako was legitimately Afraid to break up with her again. Korra made her partner frightened that they might suffer bodily harm if they upset her. Again, and I can’t stress this enough, this is not okay!

The little scene in Book 3 when Korra is lifting Mako like 100 feet off the ground with airbending while he’s screaming in fear just to make Asami laugh is cute, right? I’ll admit, I loved that little moment too, it’s one of the only instances of Korrasami development that we got, but also, there were sooo many things wrong with that scene lol. Not only does Korra terrify Mako for literally no reason, it’s also sort of just her continuing to exercise some degree of power over him for her own amusement. Almost like a subtle reminder to him saying, “I am stronger than you in every way and I can break your femur like a twig if I wanted to… but I won’t, so look how much fun we’re having!”

Now of course, there are reasons why Korra acts like this. She was isolated for almost her entire life and never learned how to treat people and be around people. The Avatar is human because they must live amongst the people they protect and that helps them develop empathy and cherish life. The White Lotus deprived her of that fundamental aspect of her duty as the Avatar and it showed throughout the beginning of the series. Clearly, she was young, didn’t see how her actions could negatively affect others and hurt the feelings of not just her partner but also friends and family (she was really awful towards a lot of people in her life!). But as the series went on, we see her having less outbursts and learning to control her temper more.

One can only assume that she does not have the same behavior with Asami because for one, I don’t think Asami would play that shit, she seems like she would electrocute a bitch in a heartbeat and not hesitate if needed, but also Korra is not the same shitty partner she used to be as a teenager. Again, kids do stupid things. Adults do stupid things. And we learn and we grow. Korra will probably make some more mistakes in her relationship with Asami. I don't think anyone can have one bad relationship and suddenly learn all the lessons they can from it and have a perfect one the next go around. I can totally picture Korra losing her temper and raising her voice at Asami if she gets frustrated and forgets who she’s dealing with. Managing anger issues is hard, I know this from experience, and it doesn’t magically get easier. Of course, if Korra does pop off, Asami would definitely put her in her place because she’s a bad bitch who doesn’t take anyone’s shit, next character.

ASAMI

You know her, you love her, you fantasize about her and you probably have her on your list of fictional characters you would totally bang if you had the chance (I know I do), yes, even your best girl is problematic. It’s interesting to me that a lot of people sympathize with Asami and very few openly criticize her (so few that I’ve never seen anyone say a bad thing about her). What’s there to criticize though? The poor girl was cheated on by Mako, had her feelings disregarded by Korra, who claimed to be her friend but pursued her then-boyfriend behind her back and then made up for it by simping for her for the rest of her life? Also her mom was murdered when she was just 6 years old, her father threatened to kill her once and physically abused her, then died right after they started repairing their relationship, essentially making her an orphan at the ripe age of 22. Suffice it to say, Asami has been through it.

So, how could she be problematic, you ask? Why, of course, through the classic Bryke technique of romance progression in storylines called Kissing People Without Their Consent

To be honest, I did gloss over this with Korra, simply because there were sooo many other issues with that woman and I just couldn’t go through every single one in as much detail but that doesn’t negate how serious this whole sneak attack kissing thing is. Sure, Asami is very emotional and lonely and sort of desperate too, (it's a little sad, really) but Mako is clearly uncomfortable and completely caught off guard by the kiss. This is also the second time this happens to him in the series! There are a couple factors that might contribute to why Asami does this and acts this way, maybe Korra’s general awfulness rubbed off on her (don’t make a dirty joke) but this is still wrong.

AND that’s...pretty much it. Kissing people without their permission is a big no no, though. Not wanting to gloss over that, but Asami really is a good person who just did a not-so-great thing. Getting burned by Mako twice probably made her a little less inclined to be as forward with anyone though, and it looks like she now takes her time and is patient in her relationship with Korra. It even seems like Asami is the only person Korra is afraid to upset, as Korra does seem more gentle and calm when around her. And who knows? Maybe Asami living a life where a majority of the time she got whatever she wanted when she wanted it might have also influenced her to be more assertive or even imposing within her relationships.

If anything, those three fools getting into relationships with each other just showed how not ready they were to be in relationships in the first place and also how not okay they were.

BOLIN

Originally I titled this as “Everyone in the Krew is problematic (except Bolin)” but then I remembered that Bolin totally kissed a woman without her consent so I deleted the shit out of that!

This asshole looks genuinely pleased with himself after essentially assaulting Ginger. Not a good look.

Sure, Bolin is baby. He will always be baby to me. But that does not erase the fact that he also actively supported a fascist dictator. Not only was the kissing without consent thing bad, but there’s also that. No matter how many times people around him warned him about the fact that he was on the wrong side of things, that he was helping someone who was putting people into concentration camps...Bolin wanted to believe the best of Kuvira. He ignored obvious signs that the woman was a dictator committing human rights violations like crazy and you know, there’s gotta be a reason for that too.

Maybe Bolin wanted to feel like he was doing something good for once. When you think about it, with his role as the comic relief in the Krew, and sort of constantly being infantilized by his older brother, I wouldn’t be surprised if the man developed some insecurity in his ability to do anything good or useful for anyone without screwing it up in some way. In Kuvira’s army, it seemed like he was actually taken seriously, he felt like he was doing something that mattered. Korra had being the Avatar, Asami had her business and mindblowing philanthropy (honestly, her ability to be as charitable as she is profitable is insane) and Mako had his police work (ACAB, tho). Bolin had...the role of being a joke. A superficial actor. A former pro-bending meathead.

Bolin lived his entire life following after his brother that once they were adults and Mako finally decided to live his own life for once, it left Bolin completely lost. And lost young men are perfect recruits for fascists.

So, in conclusion, my whole reasoning behind destroying the integrity of my favorite characters is to prove a huge point. All of these characters are problematic. They have flaws, some bigger than others (looking at you, Korra. Just...wow), but ultimately, even if your fave is problematic... that’s okay. A lot of people, mostly younger people it seems, are really obsessed with being right about everything that they do and stan. And that’s a wonderful thing, so much change has come about by the younger generations calling out people who do fucked up shit, don’t want or try to improve, and get away with it. But it’s also caused a lot of people to be unforgiving and completely unwilling to acknowledge when people do improve and try to be better.

Personally, I love my problematic Krew because having issues that you’re constantly working on internally is human. It’s human to make mistakes, it’s human to grow from those mistakes. And it’s inspiring to me, who is wholly imperfect, to see myself reflected in fictional characters who aren’t perpetuating unrealistic ideals of human nature, characters who are messy, crazy and ultimately human.

As one of my favorite manga artists and queen of impeccable character creation Rumiko Takahashi once said:

“I think that perfect people are not very interesting.”

And I will always wholeheartedly agree.

[jessiewritesthings]

Saudade - Pt. III

Prince Zuko x Reader

Part three is here and ready to rumble! I’ve decided that there needs to be an epilogue here, because I just haven’t had enough of this whole thing so that will be coming in the next few days! Thank you endlessly for all the love it means the absolute WORLD to me x

Part I - Part II - Epilogue

It was extremely fortunate for Zuko that it hadn’t taken long for the others to welcome him into their group – albeit with a fair amount of hesitation, which he couldn’t exactly blame them for. Burning Toph had been an accident – one that had upset Zuko to no end. The fact that he had turned up without you had also raised concern – Katara was particularly unimpressed that he’d left without you, despite explaining multiple times that you had refused to join him.

 Zuko had sighed in frustration, running his hands through his hair. He wasn’t sure how many times he would be able to go over the scenario again.

“You could have just taken her, though? That probably would have worked,” Sokka had commented, chewing sloppily on his bowl of porridge.

“I’m not sure that would have made y/n feel any better towards Zuko, don’t you think?” Aang sat across from his friend, lounging against a boulder Toph had pulled up for them to rest on.

“Hmm. Guess not,” Sokka replied. Zuko frowned, although he knew Aang was right. You’d made it pretty clear that you weren’t sure Zuko was worth your trust, no matter how much you wanted to believe in him.

“Anyway, y/n wouldn’t leave if she knew Azula was going to hurt all those innocent people. She would hate the thought of that. I think you made the right choice, Zuko, even if it doesn’t feel like it.” Aang stood up to place a hand on Zuko’s shoulder. An automatic flinch rolled through Zuko and Aang pulled his hand back, sharply.

“Sorry,” Zuko whispered, looking up at Aang. “I’m not used to… friendly touches yet.” 

“No worries, buddy. We’ll get you there.”

Katara rolled her eyes, sitting away from the boys as she silently played with a ball of water in her palms. It was obvious to Zuko, and the rest of the group, that Katara wasn’t fond of him and it didn’t look like she was going to warm up any time soon.

Toph, on the other hand – or burnt foot – had no major qualms about Zuko joining them, almost as if she had known he would join them all along.

“You guys are forgetting one major thing – y/n is tough. All she’d need to do is wait for the full moon, and she could be on her way out of the Fire Nation like that,” a snap of her fingers slamming two rocks together, shattering gently over the cliff-side.

“I don’t think you understand – it’s hard enough getting into the Fire Nation. Leaving as a prisoner is unheard of. And what does a full moon even have to do with it?” Even as the words left his mouth, Zuko knew he was wrong – he’d gone to the Prison Tower after leaving you, hoping to rescue and reunite with his Uncle Iroh, but had been left wanting when he found his Uncle had already made his own escape.

Katara scoffed, a gleam in her eye as she turned to face the group, the water in her palms slapping to the ground behind her.

“Zuko, I think you should know by now that the full moon enhances the powers of waterbenders,” she started with an eyebrow raised. “Of course, y/n wouldn’t be that foolish. She’s more powerful that you even know.”

“But even the most powerful waterbender would struggle to escape from the Prison Tower, full moon or not. I know she’s strong, but I don’t think anyone is that strong,” Zuko exclaimed, the exasperation evident in his voice. Why was Katara fighting him on this? He knew every detail of the Fire Nation’s defence force.

“Oh, for spirit’s sake, Katara. Don’t make it so hard for the man,” Sokka interrupted. He looked positively jovial, a stark contrast from his younger sisters’ hardy stance. “Y/n can bloodbend, Zuko.”

Realisation fell across Zuko’s features, piecing it together in his mind.

“Bloodbending… I’ve only heard rumours of that. The palace library had ancient Water Tribe scrolls, and a few of them spoke of old, ancient waterbending skills that could cause more harm than any other bending. I never thought it would be true though,” he murmured, putting his elbows to his knees and his face to his hands.

Katara returned to the group, sitting on her knees next to Aang.

“It’s… a terrifying power. No one needs that sort of control.” Zuko watched as Katara fumbled with her fingers, twisting them through her skirt, hair covering her face as she looked at the ground. Aang shifted closer to her side, placing an arm around her shoulder.

“How did she learn to bloodbend? Are there more of you?”

Katara shook her head, wiping a tear from her eye as she looked at Zuko.

“Not that I know of. Well – there was one, but we dealt with that. I’m not really sure how y/n learnt, though. Master Pakku, her grandfather, is a master waterbender, so maybe he encouraged it. But he also thinks women shouldn’t bend at all, so that’s probably unlikely.”

Zuko considered Katara’s words, and Toph rolled over onto her stomach, resting her chin in her hands. Like Zuko, she was also pretty unfamiliar with your past, and it just seemed awfully curious that a waterbender raised by someone with such staunch beliefs as Master Pakku could end up with the kind of strength you had.

“Well, if y/n’s grandfather doesn’t believe women should bend, how did she learn? She was a master waterbender before you all arrived in Agna Qel’a, right?”

Sokka grinned, leaning back as he placed his empty bowl of porridge on the ground.

“Oh, yeah. She was feisty. Absolutely wiped us all out when we caught her bending, by accident.

Aang chuckled, smiling fondly at the memory.

“She only told us that she’d been able to master waterbending by spying on the men as they trained and copying their moves against ice sculptures she would create. I have no idea how she didn’t get caught, though. Pakku lost his biscuits when he caught me trying to teach Katara what I’d learnt from him,” Aang explained.

“She’s a master healer too,” Katara continued. “I’d heard rumours of her before we’d even left the Southern Water Tribe.”

“Bad. Ass,” Toph exclaimed with a grin.

A soft bloom of red crept across Zuko, not going unnoticed by the others.

 “Oh, what’s that Sparky? I can feel you beating,” Toph remarked with a cheeky laugh, slapping one hand on the stone floor.

Sokka leapt up from the ground, jumping in excitement as he pointed at Zuko.

“Oh, I get it now! You like her, don’t you? Y/n and Zuko, sitting in a tree…”

The campfire flame crept higher as Zuko buried his head in his hands. Katara watched him carefully, reassuringly patting Aang on the knee in thanks for his comfort.

“It doesn’t matter,” Zuko retorted. “She would never want me.”

“Zuko, y/n gave you one of her most precious possessions. Don’t underestimate yourself.” Zuko glanced at Katara in shock – out of all of them, he figured she’d be against the idea the most, seeing as she was having the hardest time forgiving him for his past actions.

“My family, they’ve hurt her. Put her through so much. Her scars… I just don’t know if I can believe you, Katara.”

“You don’t have to. Just wait and see,” she replied, with a shrug of her shoulders and a small smile. Aang looked between the two of them, grinning. Zuko sighed, lost in thought as his fingers fiddled with the hair clip in his pockets. 

“Well, Zuko’s infatuation aside, how do we get y/n out?” Toph asked, her cheek to the ground.

“Well, I’ve been thinking of a master plan-” Sokka began, hands flapping excitedly.

“-We don’t.”

“What do you mean we don’t?” Katara replied, a scowl on her face as she folded her arms.

Zuko swallowed, realising all eyes were on him and they didn’t look pleased.

“You’ve said it yourselves. Y/n is strong – stronger than I had reason to believe. And she’s smart. Azula is more likely to use her as a weapon than actually hurt her any further. I know you don’t like the idea of her being there, and I want to get y/n out too, but it’s too risky.”

“Zuko’s right. Sozin’s comet is only a few weeks away. As long as the Fire Nation has need of a healer, y/n will be okay.” It wasn’t the first time Aang had spoken up in support of Zuko, and he was entirely grateful to have the Avatar’s support. Appa yawned in support of Aang, and that seemed to settle the argument, Katara relenting as her arms fell to her sides.

“We’ll get her back, Katara,” Zuko promised. “If it’s the last thing I do, we’ll get her back.”

 _____

Sozin’s Comet

 You’d been in the infirmary when you noticed Fire Lord Ozai and Princess Azula leave the palace in their palanquins. Dropping the bandages you’d been carefully arranging, you knelt to the floor, crawling to the nearest window as you silently watched them pass. You knew what this meant. Azula had considered it of the utmost importance that you were informed of the imminent attack on the Earth Kingdom – she so badly wanted to see you suffer, especially when the Fire Lord returned victorious.

The time is now, you thought as your brows furrowed. Looking down at your palms, you flexed your fingers. You’d spent every moment locked in your cell practising your bloodbending, knowing that the time would come where you would need to utilise your power. It had been hard, at first – for starters, you’d only ever practised on the full moon. You’d taken to capturing rodents while the guards weren’t paying attention in the infirmary, taking them to your cell and focussing all your energy on harnessing your power. It had taken some time, but you’d finally been able to do it without aid from the full moon.

Carefully, you walked over to your work bench, avoiding the floorboards you knew would creak. Pulling the bench out slightly, you removed the rug on the floor, using a pair of scissors to jimmy the floorboards up. Here you had hidden your most important possession – your water skin. It wasn’t much, but it would be enough to get you out. Tucking the skin into your belt, pulling your shirt over to cover it, you replaced the floorboards, pushing the bench back into place.

“Where do you think you’re going, water rat?”

Scowling, you turned to face the guards, palm raised in front of you.

“Get out of my way.” Your voice was cold, distant.

The guards sniggered, in disbelief that you would try to defy them – with Sozin’s Comet only days away, no less.

The two of them prepared to attack, one foot raising as another hand came down, but before they could finish you stopped them in their tracks. Spasms started, first in their hands, up their arms, their chests convulsing as they dropped to their knees.

Keeping your palm faced towards them, you made your way to the door, one hand on the handle as your fingers slowly formed a fist. The guards collapsed, heaving, weak and disoriented from your attack. Water streamed out from your palms as you directed it to their wrists, chains of ice securing them together.

Without a second glance you left the infirmary, hiding in the shadows as you followed the palanquin carrying Princess Azula. You knew the Fire Lord was leaving for the attack, and you all but assumed Azula would be at his side, but you needed to know for sure. There was something in your gut that told you something big was going to happen today – not just the comet, but something that even Fire Lord Ozai was unable to predict.

Creeping along behind the grey walls, you halted as you came to an opening, gasping as you saw rows upon rows of Fire Nation soldiers, kneeling as Ozai and Azula were carried past them. All you could feel was despair as you watched on, the sea of red doing much to overwhelm you and make you feel hopeless. There were so many of them. And with Sozin’s Comet just one day away, you knew that their power would only be increasing. Placing your hands on the concrete in front of you, you focussed on your breath in an attempt to calm yourself down.

Aang will show up. I know he will.

Your face shrivelled when Azula poked her head out of the palanquin, and you ducked behind the wall. You were well out of sight, but if you were caught spying now, then the guards you had left in the infirmary would surely be found soon after – and you were sure that an explanation for that wouldn’t come easily.

Peeking out again, you saw that Azula had caught up with Ozai at the platform, kneeling before him. They were just out of earshot, but you could see through Azula’s body language that something had changed – that Ozai had changed his plans. It was evident that Azula wasn’t impressed with these changes – you had managed to pick up on the change in her voice, even though you couldn’t make out the words. It almost seemed like she was shrieking, arguing with the Fire Lord – you’d almost consider her brave, if you didn’t know any better.

Ozai turned around to face Azula now, the tension releasing from her body as Ozai’s guards fitted him with his armour. He raised his arms, the guards now raising a large flag behind him. A huff of air escaped you as you stepped back, almost tripping over your own feet as you heard Ozai, loud and clear as he declared himself the Phoenix King. Banners with the same image from the flag popped up in front of the Fire Nation banners, fire streaming out from behind Ozai. The soldiers knelt again, a declaration of their loyalty to their new King, and you shuddered as the realisation hit you – Azula would become Fire Lord. 

Your mind was racing as you made your way back to the infirmary, creeping along as you had done just hours before. Azula would be on her way back to the palace shortly, waiting to see the Phoenix King off before assuming her role as Fire Lord. Spirits, you hoped that Prince Zuko would show up and prevent her from taking the throne. Ozai was awful enough, but something told you Azula would be even worse at the helm of a nation.

The guards were still collapsed on the floor when you returned to the infirmary, and you thanked a silent prayer that they hadn’t been roused and set the alarm. Melting the ice on their wrists, you hauled each guard onto a bed, removing their armour and covering them with a sheet. Closing your eyes, you tuned your hands into them, attempting what you’d practised on the rodents. Your knuckles flexed, before your hand relaxed, placing a hand on each wrist to check for a pulse. A sigh of relief slipped from your lips as you felt a pulse from each guard, confirming that your plan had worked. You knew from the beginning that you didn’t want to kill anyone unless there were no other options – but if you could use your bloodbending to cause someone to pass out, things would certainly become a lot easier.

A sharp rap on the infirmary door startled you, and you quickly went outside, shielding your eyes from the blinding sun.

“Fire Lord Azula has asked for you,” the guard spoke sharply. “Come.” Two guards gripped your forearms, forcing you along. They yanked at your arm as they clutched you, breaking the skin beneath your shirt.

Sweat dripped down your back as you were forced up the stairs of the palace, your hair plastered to your forehead. The sky was slowly beginning to turn a dirty brown colour, which meant the comet was getting closer. You were dropped to your knees in the throne room, eyes widening at Azula sitting behind her wall of blue flame. Her dishevelled look concerned you – the usually immaculate black hair hanging loosely around her face, scraps of fringe sprinkled across her forehead.

“Bow to me, water rat. Tomorrow I will be crowned Fire Lord of the Fire Nation, and I want you to be there to see it happen. I want to see the misery in your face when you realise that you lost.”

You placed your hands on the floor, kneeling forward for Azula. She sneered down at you, fingers tapping the arm of the throne, her black hair flowing softly in retaliation to the flicker of her flames.

“Congratulations, Fire Lord Azula.” The words felt strange leaving your mouth, and you struggled to keep your composure as a wave of anxiety rippled through you.

“I don’t need your congratulations,” she spat. “I was born for this!”

 You’re just lucky, you thought. Lucky that Zuko isn’t heartless, like you.

Keeping your head low, you nodded. Azula’s energy was off – she was jittery, she looked exhausted, and her remarks seemed uncalculated, which was a stark difference to the Azula you were used to dealing with. The crackling of fire in the room made you aware that you were alone with Azula – at least, it appeared that way. I could attack her now, put an end to her. The thought didn’t give you any kind of relief – your scar pulsing as if in warning. She certainly seemed off her game at the moment, but you’d seen enough of Azula to know that she liked to play games, and she always lied. How could you be sure it wasn’t all an act?

Azula leapt over the flames, landing in front of you.

“I’ll keep you here tonight. You’ll be needed in the morning. I’ve banished most of my servants you see – all traitors!”

Your fingers twitched again – just one small movement and you could have her under your control. It moved almost voluntarily, you hadn’t even planned on moving it yourself, but Zuko’s face flashed into your mind and you pressed your hands against the warm concrete. Azula was his family, no matter what she had done. It was his fight. 

“I see,” you replied, peeling back off your knees, wiping your palms on your pants.

“Of course, I can’t let you run around the palace by yourself,” she jeered, a vicious gleam in her eye.

She flicked her palm up as a wall of flame towered around you, forcing you to your back as smaller rings of fire looped across your ankles and wrists, binding you.

“If you try to get out, you’ll burn. I don’t think you can afford anymore scars, do you?” Azula cackled as she stalked out of the throne room, not giving you a second glance.

She was right – you could barely move without a searing burn ripping through you. Lying on the floor of the throne room, you cursed in despair. Even if you were able to shuffle around, the ring of fire surrounding you would prevent you from getting anywhere. Sweat fell heavily from you now, your clothes damp in the creases. You could bend your sweat – hopefully that would deal with the flames on your body. Carefully you manoeuvred your fingers, hoping that your will alone would pull the sweat on your body to the fire chained around your wrists. Your water skin was still safely tucked into your belt, hidden by your shirt. If you could get your hands free you’d then be able to get out of your heated prison.

Your brows furrowed in concentration as you watched your sweat crawl across your body, running slowly towards your hands. The sensation wasn’t soothing, like standing in the rain was, it was uncomfortable and you wanted to squirm – you imagined that the beads of sweat were small slugs, creeping over you. Finally, enough water reached your wrists, and the flames dissipated.

Hands quick, you ripped your water skin from your belt, opening the sack and extinguishing the fire at your ankles, before sending a short downpour over the ring of flames – just enough to get you out before they rose high once again.

The throne room was empty when you glanced around – much to your surprise, the palace seemed mostly deserted. Azula had mentioned earlier that she’d banished some servants, but you didn’t take her words quite so literally.

You left the palace undetected, the sky turning a deeper red as night began to fall. A cool wind blew, jostling your hair as you turned away from the palace. You wandered through the lanes discretely, though no one was about. Exhausted, you collapsed in an abandoned stable, curling up and falling into a dreamless sleep, knowing that when you woke everything would be about to change.

 _____ 

Your eyes glowed red, the fiery glow from Sozin’s Comet rousing you from sleep. Blinking slowly, you left the stable, intent on making your way back to the palace to confront Azula. A strange groan echoed through the air, and you looked up to see Appa, heading towards the palace with two passengers.

“Zuko,” you whispered, breaking into a run. 

It wasn’t long before the palace courtyard was illuminated with Zuko and Azula’s fire, blue and orange pressed together. Spotting Katara, you ran to her side, pressing a soft hand to her palm in greeting.

She gasped as she saw you, gripping your hand in response.

“Y/n,” she whispered, “you’re okay.” The two of you returned your attention to Zuko and Azula, and your heart leapt to your throat at the sight of him. Relief flooded through you, your constant worries since he had left you in the infirmary slipping away.

Katara edged forward, and as Azula channelled her lightning she shot it at Katara, a wave of panic engulfing you. Zuko leapt forward, protecting Katara and getting a bolt of lightning to his chest. Azula cackled maniacally – you had known she was losing her stability – and Katara took over the battle, attacking Azula with all her power.

Sprinting towards Zuko, you collapsed over him, his head in your hands.

“Zuko, please,” you murmured, tears collecting in the corner of your eyes.

A hot flame seared across your back, and you turned to face Azula, a fierce shot of ice pummelling her way. As Katara distracted her, you focussed on Zuko again, water pooling over his chest as you placed your palms on top, that familiar silvery-blue glow starting to shimmer. Zuko groaned beneath you as Katara sealed herself into an ice prison with Azula, chaining her to the grates that held the Caldera’s water supply.

“Y/n,” Zuko stuttered, his voice hoarse.

 Smiling, you pulled him into your arms, your hands clasped around his neck. He nestled his head into your shoulder, pressing a gentle kiss to your collarbone before rising, facing his sister as Katara rejoined you. 

Azula was wild, in a frenzy as her fire breathed hot and blue from her mouth. Tears streamed down her face, her hair choppy and unkempt. You felt pity for her, strangely enough. She had hurt you, belittled you, underestimated you, sure. You didn’t feel pity for Princess Azula though – you felt pity for the young, impressionable girl who had grown into someone filled with such hatred, that the only option for others was to fear her. Ozai was certainly no honourable figure to have around, and as you clasped your hand around Zuko’s, you felt so grateful that he had been able to see past his father, see past his reputation as Crown Prince, and follow his own path. 

Katara turned to you now, properly looking at you as she pulled you into a crushing hug.

“Oh, y/n, I was so worried about you. We all were.”

You smiled softly, shrugging.

“I’m still here,” you replied. “Though I cannot wait to feel the ocean around me again. I’ve felt oddly… dry for some time.” Zuko’s gaze was on you, and despite his pain, a feeling of warmth he hadn’t felt for years was beginning to take place.

 _____

The palace courtyard heaved with a happy hum. Citizens from all over had gathered to witness the coronation of Fire Lord Zuko – the mark of a new era.

You watched him in admiration, standing with your grandfather, Katara, Sokka and the rest of the Water Tribe. 

His voice rang clear across the courtyard, more confident than you’d ever seen him. Aang stood next to him, proudly watching his friend become the leader he was born to be – even if he did not always believe it. 

Sokka elbowed you, leaning into your ear to whisper. 

“Your turn next, Fire Lady,” he muttered, laughing softly to himself. Katara thumped him square in the back, and you stifled a laugh as Pakku and Hakoda turned to scold the three of you. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you whispered back with a giggle.

“You know he’s in love with you, right?” Sokka looked at you from the corner of his eye as Katara whacked him again.

“Sokka! Don’t ruin it!”

 You gave Sokka your best quizzical look, but he looked at you apologetically before zipping his lips and throwing his palms up in a shrug.

Huffing, you returned your attention to the palace steps. In the distance, behind Zuko and Aang, you could see Mai hovering in the background.

You watched her carefully as she winked at you, and while Zuko spoke about uniting the Four Nations you realised that nothing had changed – he was still unattainable. Not because he didn’t care for you – you didn’t wholly trust Sokka’s words, even though you had a feeling there was truth to them – but because he was still Fire Lord. There would be standards and traditions to keep, and ultimately, a Water Tribe Fire Lady wouldn’t fit in.

Clasping your hands together, you decided you would leave on the first ship heading back to the Northern Water Tribe. Pakku had changed his ways, and it was high time that women were taught how to waterbend by a master – a female master at that. 

A silent sort of grief filed through your body, aching for a life you might have had with Zuko. You knew it was for the best, and you had intended on leaving him a note to explain your absence – facing him was just too hard.

Slipping the note into Katara’s hands, you thanked her, before leaving the palace courtyard and making your way to the harbour. Here you would wait for the next available ship, your legs dangling over the water in the dark. The water trickled through your hands – spirits it felt good to bend fresh water again. There was silence all around you – everyone on Capital Island had attended the coronation, and the festivities continued onto the streets as the night wore on.

A soft, orange glow reflected from the water beneath you, your breath running cold. 

“Katara came to me with this note. She said it couldn’t wait.”

Biting your lip, you stood up to face Zuko.

“I know that none of this has been easy for you, but I never thought you’d leave without saying goodbye,” he murmured. The sadness in his eyes made your heart ache.

“Zuko, it’s not that easy,” you whispered. “We can’t have a future together. There are certain… expectations you have to uphold. Mai is much better suited for the Fire Lord of the Fire Nation,” a small laugh escaping your lips as you tried to lighten the atmosphere.

“I don’t love Mai,” Zuko responded fiercely. “I love you.”

“Please, Zuko. You can’t change my mind.”

He considered you, watching carefully as your fingers twitched at your sides, your hair softly blowing in the wind.

“I won’t make you stay. But y/n, you must know. I have yearned for you since you first touched my face so delicately in the Crystal Catacombs. No one, save for my mother, has ever been that gentle with me. I didn’t even realise that’s how this could feel,” he exclaimed, gesturing between the two of you.

Your breath hitched in your throat at his words, eyes closed as you pulled his hands into yours, bringing them to your chest.

“Zuko.” You brought his fingers to your lips, kissing the tips gently. “Maybe in another life.”

“I won’t give up on you, y/n. I gave my heart to you in Ba Sing Se, and I want you to keep it. Maybe that way, when I meet you again, we will be ready.”

Tears began to roll down your cheek as Zuko released himself from your grip, reaching up to place his hands in your hair, pulling you closer as you pressed his lips to yours. You felt yourself erupt, feeling everything everywhere as your mind focussed on one thing only: his lips his lips his lips. Zuko’s fingers knotted into your hair, caressing you wildly as you held one hand against his chest and the other delicately resting on his scar.

A loud bang echoed through the air as the night sky was dappled in colours of blue, green, white, gold and red, fireworks to celebrate the new Fire Lord.

Zuko looked at you, solemnly, holding your hands in his as you pulled away from each other.

“You are always welcome in the Fire Nation, y/n. I will always want you.”

The Fire Lord turned away from you, wiping a tear from his eye. His heart was hammering, and he didn’t know what to do. He hadn’t even been Fire Lord for a day, and you were right to an extent – his advisors would most definitely want a Fire Nation queen.

A gentle sob escaped you as you watched Zuko retreat, hand clutching your robes as if that would alleviate the pain.

“Zuko, wait – I do love you. I’m sorry it’s happened this way. But I love you. You are the sun, and when I stand in it, I am warmed.”

_____ 

Zuko was ridiculously proud of himself. Three years on from his coronation, he was holding the first Fire Lily Festival in years – his first since becoming Fire Lord. Ozai hadn’t been particularly fond of any festivities that didn’t encourage the war efforts, and so it had been some time since the citizens of the Fire Nation had been able to enjoy the excitement that they brought.

Zuko’s mother, Ursa, had helped with many of the details of festival – and she had exclaimed to Zuko that it would be a magnificent idea to invite citizens of the Four Nations – something to welcome them to the new Fire Nation – one that resided on love and peace, not hatred and war.

The palace courtyard was buzzing with people, the hum of laughter and music and good spirits could be felt from miles away.

Zuko stood with his friends, laughing with Aang as Toph played with his younger sister, Kiyi. Toph was making rocks rise in small squares, and Kiyi was attempting to smack them back down before Toph removed them for her. Aang and Katara stood underneath the cherry blossoms, holding hands as they admired delicate art made from the Fire Lily flower.

Zuko sighed, excusing himself from the group as he retreated to the rear of the palace, in need of a quick quiet space to think.

A soft flame in his hand, he followed the path around to the pond, intending to sit for a moment with the turtle ducks, when he saw you.

You had your back to him, unaware of anyone approaching you. You hadn’t been sure about attending, but Katara had convinced you that it wouldn’t be weird at all. You’d tried to ask about Mai, but she’d promptly shut you down, informing you that she’d gone to the liberty of getting you a dress made for the event and that her answer was final.

Smiling to yourself, you sent a soft trickle of water over the turtle ducks, laughing as they frolicked in the water. 

Zuko couldn’t believe himself – he would have been convinced you were a vision, just a figment of his imagination, until you laughed and the soft sound vibrated through his entire being. 

You were beautiful – always had been – in your blue dress, wrapped around your body, your arms exposed in the heat of the spring. Your skin was darker, your hair lighter, and he could see small dark tattoos on your fingers, in various different symbols. Your hair fell simply down your back, pulled back from your face in a braid, white beads dotted through so they looked like stars in the night sky.

“I didn’t think you’d come.”

You turned to face Zuko, dropping the water you’d been holding in your palm over your dress.

“Oh, spirits,” you muttered, flicking at the dress to get the water off.

“Here, let me,” Zuko murmured, moving closer as he held the fabric between his fingers, running his palm over it. It dried immediately, the warmth seeping through your skin.

“Fire Lord Zuko,” you said with a smile, bowing ever so slightly.

“Oh, stop. I’m just Zuko.”

“Okay, just Zuko,” you replied with a giggle. You weren’t sure where this was coming from – you’d been so afraid to see him and make a fool of yourself, but your giddiness was running absolutely rampant. Seeing Zuko again – it felt about the same as when you had finally immersed yourself in the ocean after being imprisoned by Azula for so long.

“You look well,” he commented. You smiled bashfully, ducking your face from view. Zuko looked good too – in fact, he’d never looked better. He looked strong and healthy, exactly what one would expect in a leader.

“Thank you, Zuko. I’m doing well. I’ve been travelling between the Poles, teaching healing and bending and – and it’s going well,” you said. You couldn’t even speak; your nerves were affecting you that much.

“Wait here,” he instructed. “I’ll be right back.”

You did as you were told, taking a seat on the grass next to the pond, removing your shoes as you dipped your toes in the water. Zuko returned quickly, following your lead and taking a seat next to you. A shiver ran through you as you felt his warmth – how long has it been since I’ve had this?

Silently, Zuko reached for your hand, placing in it a beautiful, vibrant, fire lily.

“I’ve waited some time to give you one of these,” he murmured, pink blush colouring his cheeks.

You placed your hand over his, squeezing it softly.

“For so long, I’ve thought about this moment. When you were… when you were a prisoner, and I brought you the water, I could only think of one thing. When I was a boy, I picked a fire lily for my mother, but Azula distracted me and it died. I tried to revive it, give it more water, but it was useless. And when you were in the Tower, all I could think about was what would happen to you if you dried out. I should have done more. I should have stood up to my father sooner. But I was scared. And seeing you that day, the way you completely changed with the water in your palms… I know I’ve made some bad choices, but you gave me hope.”

You wrapped your arms around Zuko, feeling the weight of his confession evaporate as he melted into you. You could feel his tears as they dripped down your back, and tears of your own trickled down your face.

“Sometimes good people do bad things. What’s important is what we learn from our mistakes.”

“Yes,” he mumbled into you. “I’ll be damned if I ever let you dry out again.”

 Zuko found your lips now, his arms roving over you as your heart thumped in your chest. A small laugh escaped your lips between hot, messy kisses and Zuko pulled back, eyebrows raised.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I just have this odd feeling that everyone is going to know about this, soon,” you said, gesturing between the two of you. “Toph has excellent hearing,” you laughed as Zuko pulled you into his arms, legs intertwined with his.

“Don’t leave me again,” Zuko whispered as he pressed hot, desperate kisses to your neck. “I couldn’t bear it.”

 “No,” you agreed. “I just want to be close to you.”

“Mmm. To have you in my arms is enough.”

_____

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My take on the Kataang vs. Zutara

First thing’s first - why I ship Kataang: 

The main reason as to why I ship Kataang is because I love how their relationship was built on a strong foundation of friendship. They were really good friends who traveled the world together, got comfortable together, grew together and overall, really connected with each other through their adventure. I just love how throughout the series, it’s so clear how much they care and love each other. It’s a simple kind of love that’s so pure, genuine and wholesome. 

Aang was obviously infatuated with her but the more time they spent together, that crush turns into a deeper kind of love. Katara, on the other hand, took a while for her feelings to develop. Her signs were less obvious but in the end, it’s there. I think this is a realistic portrayal of how two people can come together. One person seeing only the best parts of a person to seeing them as they really are and loving and accepting that person. Then the other only sees the other as a friend only to later have her feelings grow to something more when they spend more time together and grow together. It’s no natural how their feelings progress and it’s not built on chemistry but a deep connection.

How I saw the ending- the kiss. I didn’t view it as “hero gets the girl” 

I know a lot of people view Katara kissing Aang as the hero gets the girl, but I honestly didn’t see it like that. I saw it as two people who were really good friends, developing feelings for each other but never having the chance to pursue it because of their responsibility to save the world. Once they were able to save the world, they were finally able to freely explore their feelings without the overburdening responsibility on their shoulders. 

Besides the fortune teller episode (season 1, episode 14), the show has moments where they’re interrupted time and time again from pursuing anything because of their responsibility to save the world even though they’re just young kids. In the Cave of two lover (season two, episode two) the two share a kiss and Aang showed how he wanted to talk about it, but Katara wanted to make sure they both got out. They couldn’t talk about what just happened because they had to get out to make sure they made it to Omashu. Then in the episode The Earth King (season 2, episode 18) Aang is about to tell Katara how she really feels but Sokka interrupts to remind them all about their situation - how Aang has to go to away to master the Avatar State, and Katara’s situation where she has to stay to help with their invasion plan. In the episode Nightmares and Daydreams (Season 3, Episode 9) Aang has a daydream about Katara. It looks stupid and silly but if you think about it, it’s normal for someone to dream about someone. What’s sad though is that he can’t pursue her because they have to worry about their invasion plan for tomorrow. Aang is shown to want to be nothing more than a normal kid and being a normal kid means being able to fall in love but he be in a relationship.Then there’s The day of Black Sun: Part One (Season three, Episode 10). He is off to fight the big bad villain that he’s been training to fight off. He doesn’t know if he’s going to come back. He kisses her which is super hero cliche but I feel like it adds a dramatic affect to their situation even though I have to admit that scene could have been handled better. However, Aang making a move does make sense and it humanizes him. In the Ember Island Player episode (season 3, episode 17) it’s the first time he confronts his feelings towards Katara out loud which he was never able to do before. For a valid reason, she’s confused because of the war going on. I genuinely believe their situation could have been handled better in Aang’s defense, but I really like how Katara told him no this isn’t right. Aang also acknowledges that he’s an idiot for doing that. I know a lot of people are like how can Katara kiss him next after this. This is my take on it. I’m not saying it’s correct, I’m saying this MIGHT be why. She said she was confused because of the war. When the war was over, her mind wasn’t confused anymore and the weight she felt was lifted. The thing is, she doesn’t kiss him right away, she hugs him first then kisses her. I think that’s important to note because it really solidifies that they were friends above anything. She literally hugs him so many times during the show. This is the first time she is hugging him without the war going on. Then she kisses him which to me was like her saying, “let’s explore these feelings together.” Yes, they wanted to help fix the world, but they’re able to slow down now. They weren’t on a time crunch where they had to defeat the fire lord on a timeline. 

This is the way I interpreted it. That is why I love their romance as well, because it adds depth to the characters and their situation if you think of it from that POV. They really pushed aside their love until the war was over! Like, if they were regular kids there’s no doubt that they could have been together already and explored their feelings. Sadly, due to the war, they couldn’t. I think that it also amplifies the characters because it’s clear that Aang wants to be just a normal kid (especially from the headband episode) but can’t because he has to save the world. It also shows how Katara constantly sacrifices her feelings for the greater good like how she sacrificed her childhood basically to be the mother of her tribe. 

Speaking of the headband episode (season 3, episode 2), that’s one of my favorite episodes because we see a glimpse of how Aang was probably like when he was a kid traveling the world. He mentions a guy he was friends with named Kuzon and how they would hang out. This episode captures Aang when he’s being his regular and genuine self away from the war currently going on. The dance they shared was a glimpse of how things could have been for them if they were just regular kids. Aang would have been able to sweep Katara off her feet and pursue her. They could have easily been together IF they were just normal kids. However, they’re not those kids because of the war and the responsibility they have in ending the war. 

However, seeing as people saw it differently, it goes to show how it wasn’t CLEARLY put out.  I understand that. With what was shown, it felt like it was hero gets the girl. The thing about creating with motion pictures is that if it’s not done clearly and executed right, the audience might not notice it. However, in the writer’s defense, there was so much more detail put into other things that it’s impossible for them to create everything perfect. That said I’d like to explore the flaw in Katara and Aang’s relationship that could have made people more satisfied with them being together.

The flaw in their relationship and in Aang’s character: 

I have to say this: Katara was definitely giving more of herself to Aang. A lot of people say that Aang liked Katara more, but looking back, Katara definitely liked Aang more. She was always trying to get close with him by reaching out to him A LOT, hugging him A LOT, and giving him cheek kisses three times. Out of all the characters, Katara literally holds Aang the most. I think that was one of the subtle ways that the creators were trying to show the audience that Katara liked Aang too. That said, I genuinely feel like that’s one way that Katara shows her love for people she cares about: physical touch. There are so many moments where we see Katara reaching out and giving someone a hug, or putting her hand out for them. It makes sense for her character because her mom died and her dad went away. She can’t physically hold them anymore. Her holding out to people is a way of comforting someone and also herself by keeping whomever close to her. She’s overprotective because of the trauma she went to as a child losing the people she loved. It comes as motherly, but I think that some people may have a misconception about love being expressed only one way. Katara being caring is her highest form of showing she loves someone.

A lot of people say that their relationship was one-sided. That Aang was the only one who liked her, but I genuinely don’t think that’s entirely true. Aang really liked her but I think the one-sided part was how Katara was the only one who was giving Aang emotional support. That’s the one thing about Aang’s character that I wish was developed more. The thing is, he matures a whole lot from accepting that he’s the avatar. Like he really has matured, but I feel like the writers didn’t make it as obvious as Zuko maturing. It shows how he obviously is able willing to help save someone but he can only help people physically. I don’t see him helping someone emotionally and that’s where his character lacks. That’s where I wish his character could have grown and where his character is overlooked. That is also why I feel like so many people viewed it as a childhood crush - the creators never put a really clear and obvious way of pointing out that Aang matured emotionally as well. It puts Aang’s character down because his way of coping is by being childish and avoiding things - the literal opposite of being mature. I think that people only seeing the childish part of Aang and the overprotective motherly side of Katara is what makes their relationship seem like it doesn’t fit. If they added one or two scenes showing how he cared about her feelings instead of always having Katara only show that, their relationship would have been so much more powerful. That’s the biggest flaw in how their relationship was shown and the most frustrating thing is that it could have been avoided. If they had shown him caring about Katara in an emotional level, their relationship would have been so solid. The thing is, that would be something so in the character of Aang. Like he genuinely is a lot more mature and emotionally intelligent than what meets the eye and I really wish that the creator made an effort to show that. 

That said, another thing I feel like that’s important to touch on is how a lot of people say that Aang was too childish. I completely understand why people would say this. However, I think that people don’t really see how much more mature he really is. He is someone who has gone through so much grief and yet is able to be so genuine, loving, and kind to the world and people. I think that shows an insane amount of emotional maturity. He is more emotionally intelligent than people give him credit for. However, I feel like his character was never given the opportunity to show that side of him as much as it could have. I think that the only time I saw it was during The Southern Raiders when he talks to Katara. I think that the advice he gave to her was spot on really good before she left, to let her frustration out but not to get revenge. That was high-level wisdom that I feel like Uncle Iroh would give honestly. If there were more moments like that, I honestly would have ZERO problems with their relationship. His age wouldn’t matter because it would show that he was mature enough debunking that he wasn’t mature enough. On top of that, not a lot of people knew that he was a master at airbending when he was just 12. He was the youngest one to get his arrows. He is literally so smart when he applies himself but he’s just a kid and of course, wants to have fun. I wish they flushed that out of his character more to show that part of him. 

That brings to what would I have ADDED (+ small changes) to further develop their relationship: 

I would have added in season three moments where Aang was there for Katara emotionally. Season three is where we see Katara’s sides other than her caring motherly side. There are three episodes specifically, The Awakening, The puppetmaster and The Southern Raiders. 

The one thing I wish could have been added if I can was in season three, episode one. There is a moment where Aang meets Hakoda, Katara’s father, for the first time. She is obviously upset, and the thing is, HE KNOWS. HE SAW IT AND HE FELT IT. He even asks, “are you mad at your dad or something?” And she goes, “not at all, why would you say that.” Instead of them having a conversation, the Aang literally takes it to face value and shrugs it off. What I would have wanted was for him to say something like, “you sounded upset when you were talking to him.” And then Katara getting defensive because you know she is and then have her say “I wasn’t upset.” Have Aang hold up his arms and be like “I think you are. *pause* If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here to listen.” Like bro, it would show how much more aware he is and flushed out how emotionally mature he actually is. Not to mention, this wouldn’t at all be out of character for him. That would literally be the Aang a lot of people who have evaluated his character deeper than face value see him as. It frustrates me how the creators didn’t make it THAT obvious. 

Another thing I would have added in the episode: The Awakening is this scene as the closing credit. In this scene, Aang could be flying Appa alone, Toph and Sokka could be sleeping and Katara is looking staring at the sky. Now just imagine this scene where they finally talk about Katara’s feelings for once. Imagine how powerful this would have been for their relationship and for Aang’s character growth… 

Aang: *moves to look at Katara* Katara, are you okay? 

Katara: “I yelled at my father.” *looks at Aang*

Aang: “Come sit here with me so we can talk about it and not wake those two up.” *Katara moves to sit next to Aang on Appa’s head.*

Katara: “I was angry at him for leaving my brother and I for all those years.” 

Aang: *reaching out to touch her shoulder this time* “I’m sorry Katara, that must have been hard for you to watch him leave after losing your mom.” 

*Katara crying and then them two hugging*

Aang: *after they break apart from the hug* “I’m sorry for running away like that too. That must have been triggering for you.” 

Katara: “At least it helped me finally confront my dad.” 

Aang: “I’m proud of you Katara.”

It would show that it’s not just one-sided. Not to mention, that scene would give more credit to Aang’s character for being more mature. That he’s capable of being mature because I know he is. He has grown so much and having a scene like that with that dialogue shows that. It would be so in character for him too, at least for the people who really understand Aang’s character. On top of that Katara’s feelings are finally being expressed. Like literally NO ONE in the group ever talks about Katara’s feelings which is so sad. Aang could have easily been able to be that person. 

Another thing I would have wanted to add was in the runaway. In that episode, I wish that Aang would have asked Katara after Toph and Sokka left and it was just the two of them, “do you want to practice water bending to let it out.” Then they could show them bending water together like they did on the side. I’m serious, it's just the small details of dialogue that were overlooked. This is just a small detail but it would show a parallel to when Aang gets upset with Toph when he couldn’t earth bend. Then, they could have had a moment where Katara talks about how she’s frustrated because she feels like Toph is out of control and Aang’s all like “Katara, I know that you feel like you have to make sure everyone’s alright all the time, but you don’t have to anymore. When all of us were in the desert together, you helped the team survive together but we’re okay now. Please, have some fun too. You’re allowed too.” Then that would help with Katara literally going out of her way to make a scam with Toph. Like imagine that. One thing about this though is that I would have to take away the scene where Toph and Katara are just sitting on opposite sides and they send a message to Toph. Instead, it could have been Sokka and Toph next with that conversation in the following scene. Like I felt like the whole hawk was a waste since it never came back so like the could have been avoided. That’s only a small change though which I feel like wouldn’t have a negative impact on the overall show. 

The last thing I would have added was in the southern raiders episode was Aang going to Katara and hugging her, then asking her if she is okay. That way it would show them two hugging THEN Zuko and Katara. That would balance things out with Kataang and Zutara LMAO. Also, I would have wanted him to say that she was strong enough. Forgiving someone makes you stronger, not weaker. Like a way better message than him going full on pacifist on her. 

Those are the three scenes I would have ADDED. I think that would have been important to add because it showed how Aang was able to help a friend emotionally which he has never done before. Not to mention, it would have been more clearly shown that Aang was more mature and emotionally intelligent than what people think. That’s so important because if these scenes were added, I’m pretty sure a lot of people would have been able to see the maturity in Aang and not just the childish part of him. The best things about these scenes is that the overall story and plot didn’t have to change. It would just be something that was added. 

The thing that upsets me the most is how these changes is literally three episodes in season three. Like Kataang had such a solid foundation in season one and two only for it to not grow in season three. It’s also literally just small little details that were overlooked and could have been avoided, and would have made the show ever better. Like ugh! It’s super frustrating.

Also, I wanted to note that I think that’s what makes people like Zutara. He helped Katara emotionally in a way that no one else in the group did. I have to admit that he was the first one who actually gave her what she needed. You can see that she was usually neglected because she had to take care of everyone. That’s actually why I saw the potential in Zuko and Katara. That’s when I realized furthermore where Katara and Aang could GROW, and then saw how they could have woven that part to strengthen their relationship and Aang’s character. Not to mention, it would give Katara more credit. Like no offense, but Katara was done dirty at times, not going to lie. She literally holds the group together and it’s so unfair how there’s no one holding her. That’s why I would have wanted Aang to be the one to start doing that in season three to show how he truly has grown. Literally that would debunk him not being mature enough/too childish which is literally so valid. 

Now there’s one thing I wish I could have changed, but it has nothing to do with Kataang but has to do with Zuko and Mai. Now hear me out on this. I honestly liked Mai and Zuko because what their relationship added to the overall story. Without Mai, we wouldn’t have the iconic line “I love Zuko more than I fear you.” I love that line because it really teaches someone that love is stronger than fear. However, I have to admit their relationship individually wasn’t healthy. There’s no sugar coating it, it was toxic. In my perspective it was because of Mai’s character having NO ARC. She was the same. At first I was okay with this, like okay, no everyone had to have growth, but then, I saw this post saying how the only way Zuko and Mai could work together is if she changed completely. And I couldn’t have agreed more. Mai is 15. She has so much personal growth to go and I think that her acknowledging that would have been a good arc of her character. It would have given her character more depth. The reason why Mai and Zuko’s relationship wouldn't have worked is because Zuko changed so much while Mai stayed the same. I think that’s why people didn’t like them together which makes a lot of sense. BUT, if you think about it, there’s potential for Mai to develop. 

This is how I rewrote Zuko and Mai’s last conversation together. If I’m being honest, I thought that Zuko and Mai wouldn’t be together especially since if you look at the scene, Zuko holds his arms out and she dodges it. I was shook when I saw this but, that’s when I thought of a better ending… 

Mai: “Need some help with that?” 

Zuko: “Mai, you’re ok. They let you out of prison.” 

Mai: “My uncle pulled some strings, (this is where things change and she still dodges the hug here) but yeah I was in there for a little while.” 

Zuko: “I’m really sorry Mai. I hurt you and you still choose to save me.” 

Mai: “I loved you Zuko to the point where I would do anything for you.” *pause* “While I was in prison, I had a lot more time to think. I’m going to travel the world, to find myself. I don’t want to be the girl that loves someone else more than herself.” 

Zuko: “I think this would be really good for you Mai.” *pause* “And when you come back and find yourself, come find me. I’ll wait for you.” *they hug*

I feel like this would have been so powerful. She would come back a different person which is exactly what needs to happen to her character so she can grow out of her teenage angst phase like Zuko did and then they could come together as two people who were better than they were when they were in that toxic relationship. Like that would have been such a good message to kids. 

On top of that, I feel like one of the only times she expresses an authentic part of herself is when she was mad at Zuko for betraying his country. Other than the beach, we don’t see her expressing herself that passionately. Literally Mai being fire lady makes so much sense because she obviously cares about her country and Zuko. Her dad is known for being governor throughout her whole life. She knows some stuff about all that stuff but I think she doesn’t want to get into all that political thing because of how her dad being part of wanting to be in politics made her have to be silent. Like imagine her literally going out of her way to find herself then stumbling upon politics on the way. The thing is in the comics “Shadow and Smoke” they do that. I genuinely feel like that comic would have been better and more wholesome if it was Mai trying to find herself and then Zuko and her meeting again after spending time apart. Like them bonding over what happens in that comic instead of them being so awkward together LOL. 

I honestly don’t want to say this but I genuinely feel like this was the couple that the creators forced so that there was like less of a chance for Zutara to happen which literally back fired. Like I feel like more people would ship them together and have more fan fictions of them finding their way back to each other and I can’t get over the imagination of that being one good comic segment. Like no offense but the creator’s strong suit is not romance, which is okay! They made something wonderful and beautiful and iconic but it’s still imperfect. It’s just super sad how it could have been way better with just a few scenes. 

Basically, I think that Katara and Zuko were two people that fans a lot because they were more flushed out carefully than Aang’s blind spot and Mai not changing at all. That brings me to the last part… 

The main reason I prefer Kataang over Zutara (+ some other reasons): 

The main reason I’ve come to discover why I wouldn’t want Zutara to happen is how it would affect the overall story and the feel of it. If you really think about it, Zutara would have a ripple effect on the overall story. The thing with Avatar the last airbender is that it’s not supposed to be a romance based story and I feel like having Zutara has the potential of overpowering the overall story. It’s mysterious and holy fuck that would be one good enemies to lovers romance story. And it would have been really powerful to show a “bad boy/ good girl trope” that’s done in a way that’s right. Like one thing that would have been so good about their relationship is that Zuko is a bad boy at first. He literally is an asshole, but throughout the series, you see why he was like that and then you see him grow into a better person. The best part is, it wasn’t because of Katara. NO, the girl doesn’t make the bad boy good, it’s a trusting adult guiding the bad boy to be good. It doesn’t burden Katara with that responsibility as a relationship should be. There’s no denying that would be one good trope and side story. However, that would overall overpower the whole story, not to mention it doesn’t flow with the story's vibe. Here are some reasons as to why this would be so problematic TO THE STORY (not as a couple): 

1. It would have overpowered and distracted us from the story because there could have been a love triangle. Aang literally loves Katara. He flat out says it and was not going to give up cosmic energy, literally unbelievable power, just so he can love her. To make a love triangle realistic and developed, that love triangle would have to be done well. That would take time. The thing is, with what they were given, there’s no way there would be able to fit a realistic and well-developed love triangle. Literally no way they would right when they’re ending it. Way too messy and distracting when they’re trying to end things. That said, if there were going to be a fourth season, that’s the only way I could see it happening. The thing is I don’t want a fourth season. I think that it would have dragged on too long and I feel like it ended perfectly because it’s literally still a masterpiece to this day. 

2. Secondly, love triangles are so messy. The way that the writers already handled romance, I’m sorry but there’s more potential for a love triangle to go terrible for the overall series. That would ruin the masterpiece that is Avatar the Last Airbender because of a side romance. Watching Legends of Korra, we saw how fucking horrible it was to watch THAT love triangle. Literally horrible. I’m sorry but I do not want to see anything like that. I feel like no offense but they showed literally what could have happened if Zutara happened. The worst possible case scenario. Yes, they could have done better but they’re not good romance writers! What makes you think they’ll make a good love triangle and it would be so distracting for that to happen in the end. Like I feel like they’re great writers, but romance is not a strong point for them. It’s literally going to draw everyone’s attention to the ships instead of what’s happening in the amazing world.

3. Let’s say that things do work out for Katara and Zuko. I can’t imagine Aang’s relationship with Katara being tarnished or Aang’s relationship with Zuko falling apart because Zuko and Katara are dating. Those two relationships are strongly built on trusting each other and respecting each other. If anyone’s ever been in a love triangle, there’s that feeling of awkwardness and tension around the room. Love triangles are messy and they can ruin friendships. That is why I truly believe that Zuko never saw Katara as a romantic partner. In the Ember Island Players Zuko’s character says “I thought you were the avatar’s girl?” I really don’t like how they made it seem like Aang was being possessive. I think it also points out how Zuko is loyal to his friends. I think that he might have possibly sensed that Aang liked Katara so he literally never saw her as more than a friend. He wanted Katara to trust him as a friend. Also, Katara was supposed to have a love triangle between Aang and the original boy Toph but they cut that off. Thank goodness they did because love triangles are messy and I’m super glad they avoided it. That helped the relationships each character has with each other have a stronger bond of FRIENDSHIP which is one of the themes in this show. A love triangle wouldn’t be practical for that theme when love triangles literally RUIN friendships. 

4. If Katara would be with Zuko, there’s no denying that Aang would feel awkward around either of them because it would break the trust he had with both of them. Anyone who has ever liked someone deeply then have a close friend date that someone breaks trust. That’s why I always believed in the girl’s code, or the bro code because I genuinely believe that strong friendships are more important that a romantic relationship. Especially one that people claim is valid because of the chemistry you have with them. Basically, by having Zutara happen, the creators would have to deal with love triangle topics which they obviously tried to avoid when they changed Toph into a girl. Like I said before, talking about love triangle stuff just doesn’t make sense in a story about genocide, war etc. Like if you look at all the romantic relationships that were made, none of them dealt with a romantic love triangle (Mai, Ty Lee and Azula was a friendship love triangle but it added to the plot in a productive way).  Yes there was jealousy but never a love triangle that would be damaging to strong friendships. It just wouldn’t help the overall plot to ending things, but instead, it would add an avoidable problem. In the shoes of the writer, I would have liked to dodge that.

5. Also Zuko and Katara would bring up controversial questions and problems. The love triangle is a big one but another one that’s been brought up is would Katara be comfortable possibly being the fire lady? Would Katara want to get into politics? Would Zuko be willing to make time for her? (In the comics, it clearly shows how Zuko’s responsibility especially since he’s rebuilding the fire nation, takes a lot of time). What would Katara do in her free time? Would Katara really be willing to go as far as loving someone that intimately after he traumatized her? Keep in mind she couldn’t forgive the person who killed her mother. Even though Katara is giving and forgiving, there’s obviously a limit for her. Would Katara be okay with having Ozai as her father in law and Azula as her sister in law? Would she be okay marrying someone with the same bloodline as what caused her heritage to be so small? How would it be like for her to tell her children that it was her husband’s father who sent out fire nation soldiers to kill all the waterbenders in the southern pole and she was the only one who survived because her mother died instead. Would Katara want her bloodline to have the same blood as the people who caused genocide to her tribe? There’s just so many questions that I feel like would be so controversial. That’s why people say it’s “toxic” and “unhealthy.” It’s not that they are bad together, they obviously work well together, have chemistry. However, it’s the outside things that they can’t control or change that make their relationship “unhealthy.” I think that anyone can love someone so much but outside factors like this play a huge role. I think that looking at it from Katara’s POV more than in Zuko’s plays a big role in this. My biggest concern with Katara is how it would make her feel dating someone who hurt her like that. Like I said, there’s no doubt that she’s forgiven him but that doesn’t mean that the trauma isn’t there anymore. It’s like a building. No matter how solid the building comes in the top, the foundation that it was built upon was messy, traumatizing etc. If I were Katara, I would stick with friends.

6. Also, I’m not saying that Aang wouldn’t forgive Katara and Zuko if it were to happen. I’m not saying that he would let go of it. What I am saying is that it would taint the strong friendship they already have over a relationship that’s strong because of chemistry. I’m just saying that if I were any of them, I would rather find someone else to have chemistry with. I genuinely feel like that’s why a lot of people who ship Zutara may not have liked Aang because if he wasn’t in the picture, there wouldn’t have been any complications but he is literally a big part of the story. Taking him out of the show for a ship would ruin the show, but everyone loves the show so it’s easier to demoralize Aang’s character.

7. Overall, it would be problematic to the whole show. I have nothing against Zutara being a side thing that fans like to explore. The fan art that I’ve seen is literally so beautiful and there’s no doubt that people can make one hell of a story for the two of them. However, I feel like it should just be on the side, not canon for the sake of Avatar the last airbender being the amazing masterpiece it is.

From the creator’s POV: 

I’ve been looking at their choice of making Kataang canon, and in the creator’s defense, it was the best option. Even though their relationship wasn’t developed as everyone has hoped, it was the best choice. There are people who said how some people from the creator’s team wanted Zutara to happen. However, in the end, it was a collaborative decision. I don’t think they would have pushed through with it if it didn’t make sense. I feel like some of the creators who wanted Zutara to happen couldn’t make it possible to happen. 

1. It was too late for Zutara to be canon. Here are the ways it could have happened in the show and how it would have affected the show…

The Crossroads of Destiny. A lot of people say that if Zuko didn’t betray her, then things between them could have developed. Here are some scenarios that could have happened…

Zuko doesn’t betray Katara. This one is one I’m genuinely so glad didn’t happen because then it would have affected Zuko’s iconic redemption arc. It wouldn’t be ATLA without Zuko’s redemption arc. Not to mention, literally so many things about season three would literally be so different. ATLA is not a perfect show but they obviously did something right if it stands the test of them. That’s why I find it concerning when people don’t really look at the affect their ship being canon would have on the overall story.

Zuko’s scar gets healed. This one is another one that I’m glad didn’t happen because as much as Zuko’s scar is horrible, it’s a part of him. It may not define him anymore, but it was a part of him that he can’t change. By accepting that instead of trying to heal it shows how he’s dealt with his trauma. Katara erasing a part of his identity is like her not acknowledging a big part of Zuko. 

Someone suggested that Katara and Zuko should have shared a more intimate scene and had more time to talk with each other without Aang and Iroh interrupting. That would mean Katara would consider Zuko as someone she would want to be with instead and that would mean Katara not seeing Aang as someone she would want to be with. My problem with this is, I find it super hard to believe that Katara would literally go from I hate Zuko to I see him in a romantic way in one scene. Like I feel like her showing compassion towards him just shows how she is willing to see the good in people. That’s why I genuinely didn’t see anything romantic because it just feels like unrealistic Wattpad writing a girl’s emotion literally going a full 360. 

The Southern Raiders 

This is where I believe things were truly too late. There’s no way they would sneak in a love triangle when they’re literally trying to end the show. Like it would add drama and a whole love triangle and it would just distract from the overall show. The only way that it could have happened is if there was a fourth season but I felt like it ended the way it was suppose to. Extending the show for another season would honestly just drag the show and risk ruining the amazing show.

Sozin’s comet they kiss after Katara beats Azula

The only reason I’m against this is because I find it hard to believe that they would kiss each other. They’ve literally only kissed one person in the show. The thing is the other person is the one initiating the kiss so it just feel like it would be strange for them after defeating Azula is to kiss. Like even Katara doesn’t kiss Aang after she has saved him so many times. Not to mention, Katara literally doesn’t do things on impulse. It just didn’t make sense for me for them to kiss. Like, I’m sorry but REALISTICALLY speaking, it would be so out of character to the point where it would have been like fan fiction wattpad shit that I wouldn’t want to see. And it would literally distract from that amazing Agni Kai, like it would literally come out of no where and surprise everyone. Like I mentioned before, it would overpower what’s truly important in the show. 

Basically, it would ruin the Zuko’s iconic redemption arc or it would just distract the show by adding a somewhat unrealistic fanfic romantic moment that would be OOC. It has a place where it could be explored because it is interesting. However, I don’t think it should have been explored romantically in the show. 

Thoughts on things Zutara fans have said:

It would have been better if Aang got over his crush of Katara to show how some people don’t end up with their first love and to show that coming of age aspect: 

I do agree that would be a good message. It’s an amazing message. However, in the writer’s defense, it’s not their responsibility to literally cover every topic and every message. One thing that the writers decided to focus on is friendships, not romance. I think that’s why it was important to show how a friendship could turn into more. I also mentioned above why I felt like Katara and Aang added to the overall show in an important way. That said, yes, there’s no denying that it would have been a good message for the kids to watch. However, I don’t think that it could have fit the overall tone and story of this series. Normal kids go through that. They get over their crush because they’re able to find someone else easily. However, if you think about it, it’s not easy to get over a crush when you're literally with that person every single day. When I was younger and I had crushes, I wouldn’t get over them until I had my distance with them. To abruptly just have his feelings shut off when they literally have some of the most genuine and connection filled scenes just didn’t feel right to me. Not to mention, neither of them did anything that was completely unforgivable. Yes they got mad at each other, but they never hurt each other in a way that would be considered horrible. That said, Aang having his feelings just go away for no reason makes no sense. You’re telling me that you’re going to spend literally every single day with Katara and have that love go away instead of grow? Like bro, come on, the only person that I would understand is Sokka because they’re related. In summary, it’s a good aspect to touch on which they kinda do in the fortune teller, but it shouldn’t be the story’s biggest message when they’ve built it throughout the whole season. 

Summary of why I choose Kataang: 

Overall, I feel like Katara and Aang’s relationship is literally so tied into the whole story of Avatar that them not ending together and instead having Katara end up with Zuko would complicate things. Personally, the best thing about Zutara (Zuko giving Katara the emotional attention she needed) could have easily been woven into Kataang and Aang’s overall character. However the best thing about Kataang can’t be added into Zutara without messing up a big part of the story and friendships. 

Kataang in my perspective has a purpose in the whole series. The writers claim that is it part of the DNA of ATLA and I truly believe it is. I love how it shows how despite there being a war, even the saviors find love in the most natural way. It adds to the sadness of not being able to be together because of the war and not being able to talk about it. Aang wanting to be a normal kid which also includes falling in love, not just being childish. Katara being confused and not wanting to talk about it because of the war adds emphasis to the burden they have to carry. It’s those details that I like that makes me ship Kataang. Zutara would overpower the story and deter from the Avatar story and the impending war. That’s why I felt like it was more fitting for the overall story and has a bigger emotional impact. That’s why it always made sense for me for them to end up and why the creators choose it.

They made the right decision to make Kataang “canon” but honestly, I felt like they still should have added/changed what I put to make it better. I think that Zutara should just be a side romance that fans who are into to, should explore. But the whole Kataang vs. Zutara war is literally annoying. I think what annoys me the most about it is how BOTH sides are equally correct and have valid points. I think that it’s mostly because of bad writing and neglecting the depth of two characters.

I feel like there’s a lot of people anazlying small parts about Kataang and Zuatara looking for clues. Like nit picking the smallest details in every scene, but I never saw someone straight up say hey one doesn’t work with the overall story. ATLA is not a romance story but the romance that’s there fits the story. No matter what people claim certain scenes mean between the two characters, there’s no denying that one fits the STORY better.

One thing I feel like started this “war” is bevause the creators/writers made it seem like their Zutara ship was invalid. There were so many people who were shipping them and when they the creators neglected to see why their ship was valid, Zutara fans literally went full on looking for evidence. Although I have to say some points are reaching a bit too far, it’s clear that Katara and Zuko shared chemistry. It’s clear that Zuko was the first person to ever acknowledge Katara’s feelings and helped her talk about her mom. That’s powerful. However, for the sake of the story, it just could not work out without ruining the show. At the end of it, the writers sadly didn’t develop Aang’s and Mai’d character as well which is really upsetting and frustrating.

Just wanted to point out that these are my thoughts after seeing so many Kataang and Zutara posts. I’m in no way saying that I’m 100% correct, but I genuinely believe that my points are valid. I’m open to discuss about this. 

[zukofenty]

Day 4: bad decisions

➜  The one where Katara (might) be in love with the campus drug dealer.

“So why won’t you go out with me? Is it because I’m a drug dealer?” Zuko’s mad, twisting the rings on his fingers while impatiently waiting on her answer.

“Not exactly,” Katara quips, averting her eyes from his fiery gaze. “It’s mainly because you don’t tip when we go out to eat.”

➜ Genre: Modern!AU, humor, teeny bit of angst, DrugDealer!Zuko 

➜ Words: 5.3k

➜ Warnings: I love DrugDealer!Zuko more than I love myself 😩

AO3, Zutara Month Playlist, @zutaramonth​ hi i love u! 

➜ Notes: hehe listen to “Bad Decisions” by Miss Ari! life changing! 

“Zuko’s dead? ” Katara nearly screams into the phone. She pulls on one of his hoodies and is scrambling to find her slides and keys.

Toph sighs. “We all knew this would happen. The sky’s blue, Beyonce needs to stop forcing her boyfriend on us. Basic facts. Get it together , Katara.”

“Toph, how does your disdain for Jay-Z make it into every conversation you have?” Suki wearily states. “All we know is that a dealer got shot near the frats today. So in conclusion, Zuko’s dead.”

“Donezo.”

“Bitch is gone .”

“God bless his beautiful ass.”

“A moment of silence for his fake Chanel blouses.”

Katara does her breathing exercises. “ Enough .” She hears a knock at the door, and immediately grabs her expandable baton. “Oh my god , someone’s at the door.” She whips out the baton to its full length.

Toph gasps. “Bitch, it’s 2 in the fucking morning. Are we getting a two for one deal tonight?”

Suki cheers. “I call dibs on her Fenty highlighters.”

“Oh hell fucking no ! You do not have the range for Trophy Wife, whore!” Toph shouts right into the microphone. Katara winces, and takes out an Airpod. She’s heaving, nervous at who could be at the door. Toph and Suki were trying to negotiate with each other on who was getting Katara’s brand new Hydrating Foundation when she takes an experimental glance out the peephole. Her gasp reverberates through the phone.

“She’s died, Suki! She’s died!” Toph wails, her screams nearly unintelligible.

“ Zuko? ” Katara screeches at the top of her lungs, launching herself at him so violently her other Airpod pops out.

He chuckles when she locks her legs around his waist, his arms coming out to support her from underneath her ass. It’s domestic, and he relishes in the attention. “Hello to you, too.” She’s smiling at him and it’s beautiful and soft and everything he wanted to see after the shitty night he’s had. Dealing in college was an easy route to Balenciaga and bitches. Everyone did it, it was as easy as catching HPV at your school. Yet, Zhao, the Kingpin of dealers, just had to get his side-chick pregnant and then just had to get shot by his girlfriend. Even if he did get shot up because he was a slut (#FreeZhao), the campus dean had called the cops and was in the process of launching an extensive campaign to fuck up any current dealers. Even if you possess the slightest hint of addy for your ADHD, you still had to haul your ass to the campus police station. It wasn’t fair though. Coke is what makes college campuses around the world run as smoothly as they do.

“You promised me you’d stop,” she’s murmuring in his ear, curled up beside him in her cramped twin bed. Her roommates went back home for the weekend, so it makes it just that much easier to pretend you two could be like this. Lost in the sheets, hopelessly in love with her head on his chest.

“If I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get you this,” Zuko whispers in her hair. He slides a ring on her finger and she smiles lazily back at him, placing a tender kiss on his cheek. God, is this what love feels like? If she accidentally got pregnant with Zuko’s spawn she wouldn’t immediately reach for Plan B? The ring was a simple thing, just plain silver because she wanted one to be “edgy,” obsessed with rings after playing with the handful that adorn Zuko’s fingers. After making sure she was sound asleep, he lets himself smile. Finally , he’s getting somewhere with her.  

Seemingly a too perfect, impenetrable forest, he’s finding himself finally being let into her world. As corny and lovesick it sounded, Zuko understood how easy it was to love someone when he laid eyes on you. All those damn John Green books were right, he begrudgingly admits ( Eat shit John Green.) She truly could not do one wrong thing in his eyes, her soft giggles as she attempted to explain commas and semicolons and gerunds or whatever the fuck he doesn’t quite remember because he was busy being infatuated and trying to make her laugh. They’d met freshman year, and have remained in this weird limbo ever since. Where he would call her  to remind her to eat when she was stressed, and he could plant kisses in her hair when he’s showing up to her apartment at night, cuddling her without her pulling away because it always felt right. At the same time, Katara felt so unattainable, so out of reach. It’s never progressed past simple, flirtatious touches. Yet, being with her feels different than any other relationship he’s been in, as though his heart was permanently and solely hers.

It was easy to fall in love. Katara was so kind, yet so dead set in her ways. Never detracting her focus from school, she had no time for anything else in her life. Her older brother Sokka had raised her when their parents had disappeared shortly after producing the “accident” child. They handed Katara off to him, who hadn’t spoken to them in years. While Sokka was in college and attempting to care for Katara at the same time, he had struck gold with recording labels interested in his music producing work. Soon, he was making songs you could regularly hear on the radio and not just on Soundcloud, and the royalties were ensuring Katara got the best. The best schools, clothes, life. Even if her brother was obsessed with flexing his regular Bugatti purchases on Instagram, she wasn’t nearly as preoccupied. She was always in oversized hoodies that once upon a time ago belonged to Sokka before he decided on dressing like a 30 year old hypebeast Instagrammer still trying to hold onto their youth. Always volunteering her time and doing things rich people had time to do to make themselves feel good about their tax breaks.

It made Zuko feel jealous in a sense, with his uncle struggling to make ends meet his whole life. He ran a small fried chicken and tea shop (Iroh was convinced about this combo) in his neighborhood, and he hated to admit that he was ashamed. That he dreamed of shoving Chanel anything up his ass. He would take the perfume sample cards from the mall that said Givenchy , pinning it to his wall as inspiration for what he would buy in the future. It didn’t make sense to him, when Katara had all this money and couldn’t care less. She penny pinched when she didn’t need to, wore clothes from Forever 21, as though Sokka wouldn’t drop thousands for the Fendi boots she always talked about.

“Damnit, you’re dick sick, aren’t you?” Toph sends her a look that screamed pity. Katara tried to fix the frown, but her eyes always revealed everything. So she nods in agreement, and Toph wraps her up in her arms. Zuko had invited her and Toph to a quote unquote “exclusive party” thrown by the rich kids whose parents owned the university. The Olivia Jades of the world. Schmoney shmoney . It didn’t help that she felt so out of place, circling all throughout the frat house before settling on the cleanest couch near the one window that wasn’t broken. She wanted to be a part of Zuko’s world for a night, see where he was disappearing to on the weekends.

Although Toph spent the better part of the evening prepping her hoe fit, Katara stuck to an uneventful long t shirt (Zuko’s shirt, of course) paired with thigh high boots. She had planned on only staying half an hour, tops. She didn’t drink, smoke, it just wasn’t her thing. Her worst fear was contracting herpes from a wax pen. Even when she was a college freshman and people were busy coming back upchucking all over the communal dorm bathroom, she instead dutifully held hair back, and changed drunk girls’ clothes. She quickly learned the tricks of the trade after cleaning up Sokka’s messy weekend self during his quarter life crisis phase. Admittedly, she was boring . So, she reasoned 30 minutes gave her enough time to walk around the place and see Zuko schmoozing with rich kids, and then leave to have enough time to do her skincare before bed.  

“More like sick. He deals coke now! Coke! That’s a prison drug, ma’am. The real deal,” she whimpers into her tits. She had caught Zuko in one of the trust fund babies’ enormous rooms in the frat house, daddy’s credit cards and student IDs out and about with lines of something she’d only seen in movies. Since all the dealers were on the low with the campus crackdown, and since it was midterms season, the demand amongst the student population was unbelievably high. Zuko was the only brave stupid enough to keep selling. Katara had burst into the room to alert Zuko that Toph and her were about to make a dramatic exit without him to go back to her place and watch John Tucker Must Die instead of studying.

She had expected a lot of things, hell even coke (maybe). What she didn’t anticipate was seeing a girl in Zuko’s lap, kissing up his neck, wearing practically nothing. He had an assertive hand on her thigh, massaging it, manhandling her like Katara wished he would do with her. He’s talking and acting like he belonged with the assholes of your school. Like he wasn’t the gentle guy who Katara always saw in sweats always talking about his half sister, or memories of his uncle’s restaurant. She had made eye contact with him and promptly shut the door, feeling as though her heart would burst any second now.

So Toph and Katara go back to her place, calling up Suki who Ubers over, ready to rag on her (sort of) mans. Both Toph and her were in Suki’s t shirts that she “gave” to the duo. Both girls ignore her protests when she shows up and demands for them back. “Hey, that is premium Aliexpress Yeezus Tour shirts! They don’t sell fakes like these anymore!”

Katara was eating Target generic brand ice cream out the container, her heartbreak palpable, especially to Toph. The two girls were best friends after becoming roommates freshman year. Katara’s a sweet thing, too sweet in Toph’s opinion. Always remembering little things, people’s birthdays or favorite brand of instant Udon packages. She was always the one defending Toph against those who found it too easy to take advantage of her. Toph, in turn, was always there to mend her big heart after no one remembered her birthday freshman year. In many ways, Katara won a permanent place in Toph’s heart. She was always the one showing up to her dance performances, even if they were a two hour bus ride away. Always making sure to take off her makeup after recitals when she was too tired to move. It hurt her to see Katara like this, in pain.

“All I’m saying is that he uses you to play house. It’s time to cut the cord. Don’t be Beyonce, don’t keep letting a man bring down your worth. Plus, you don’t have the range to come out with Lemonade in the middle of all this heartbreak and betrayal.”

She scoops Vanilla bean into her mouth, eyes downcast. “What do you mean? Just because he comes here and sleeps over all the time?” She settles her head in Toph’s lap when she sees Suki begin to straighten her back, prepping for the rant she was about to deliver.

“Katara, sweet, pure, virginal Katara.”  

“Hey!” Katara yelps.

“I’m going to be honest with you, and it’s going to hurt. Like pap smear at the gyno hurt.” Katara nods, interest piqued. “Do you see you on his Instagram? Do you? Any posts, any tagging done when I know you took this photo of this overpriced matcha soy latte?” Suki tries her hardest not to break her tough girl role when she sees hersad fucking eyes. Why are they built like that? Like she could break her heart with just a watery glance? “Tell me, who do you see on Zuko’s Instagram and Snapchat?”

“Hotgirls,” she jumbles the words in her haste.

“Louder!” Suki shouts.

“ Hot. Girls. ” she admitted defeat. Toph strokes her hair gently to try to comfort her.

“That’s the thing with guys like Zuko, ok? They want the hottest girls on campus to suck and fuck, but they’re even more cruel with girls like you. Girls who are meant for dating to marry and cute gender reveal parties and pastels and shit. He knows that you guys aren’t meant to be together, the universe says so. But he’ll still play with your feelings because he likes pretending he deserves you. Pretending that in this world, girls like you and guys like him can be together and make it work.”

Katara’s jolting her head out of Toph’s lap in protest. “Well, what if I want to be a slut? What if I want to be the kind of girl that Zuko wants?” She was tired of being the cute girl who looks like she goes to volunteer at the community center regularly and is destined for some picket fence with a balding, accountant husband and loud, undisciplined kids. She wanted sex, hell she wanted to wear skimpy clothes without worrying what Zuko was going to think about how her tits looked, or if her pants showed enough of her ass to be considered hoe. Katara wanted the confidence of those girls Zuko would put on his social media, she wanted to be them. Being with Zuko felt like being with someone who got her, and she liked, hell loved the attention he gave her. As though she felt pretty, and not adorable. He was someone she just couldn’t get out of her head, someone that was so dangerous to her because she was feeling herself change for him. Is it wrong that she liked it? The way he called her gorgeous when he comes over, or how he lazily grinds against her ass when he’s half-asleep, hands on her hips grounding her.

Suki squeezes her chipmunk cheeks between her musty hands, and interrupts Katara’s protest about an acne breakout. “Even if you try changing everything about you to become exactly what he wants, do you really think he’s going to treat you the same when it isn’t on the down low?”

Ouch.

Suki’s honesty still stings, but it was the cold hard truth. She was willing to change herself, be someone for a guy promising her trips to Paris when he could never meet when the sun was up. Suki’s words hurt as bad as the dress Toph was squeezing you into. “You wanted slutty, I’m giving you waist trainer, Insta model slutty!” She had convinced Katara to go on a date with some guy who was “perfect” for her. Code for boring, she was sure of it. Probably an engineering major who didn’t know how Twitter worked.

Even with all of Toph’s efforts, Katara decided all the shapewear in the world wasn’t going to contain her “post depression ice cream for all three meals” belly.  So, she decided to keep it simple with her “knock-off Ariana” outfit as she calls it. Pairing just a pair of thigh high boots with a long sweatshirt.

“Look, I know you secretly get off to the thrill of dating a lame drug dealer, knowing the cops could bust down your door and cause a scene at your apartment. I know you live for the drama. But I promise, this guy will be good for you. Let’s just have fun for one night. Please put the dress back on? I know you haven’t washed that hoodie in a week,” Toph pleads with Katara.

She just rolled her eyes while Toph reapplied a layer of gloss to Katara’s lips. Deep down, she just knew in her heart there was no getting over Zuko. At least immediately. But, it didn’t hurt that Jet was cute, harmless fun.  He was taking her out to a diner near her apartment, frequented by students at their college deluded by the aesthetic photo ops, and not too concerned about how the restaurant was serving up microwaved Mac n cheese. He showed up looking exactly like his Instagram photos and in a well ironed H&M button up. She could feel Toph hiding behind her futon, snapping clandestine photos for Suki, who was in the bathroom with the Taco Bell shits.  

“ How dare you?! ” Jet screeches, dropping a cold fry in disbelief. “You’ve never watched anime?”

“Ok, a scream was not what I was expecting. I just asked if Teen Titans counted. Sue me.” Katara’s laughing, and hates to admit that it was fun being with Jet. He’s nerdy and sweet and most importantly so, so tall. A good guy.

“It doesn’t! ” he huffs petulantly.

Katara juts out her lip. “How can you ever forgive me?”

“Hmm. I guess a second date. Maybe an anime sesh will have to do. Your place, and we’re pulling an all nighter.”

“Why not your place?” she questions.

“I live in a living room, and I don’t have a mattress. But why not? My place it is!” His aggressive thumbs up makes her laugh so hard it sends her into a choking fit.

“So, we’re watching Teen Titans first, right?” she teases, pounding at her chest to stop the coughs.

His smile reaches his eyes. “You know, I was kinda scared going out with you tonight. No offense, but you have, like, no pictures on your social media. All Toph promised me was ‘you’re really pretty and heartbroken as well. ’ And, not to try to win any brownie points on this date, but I have to agree, you’re really pretty.” Katara rolls her eyes, and he blushes.

“I was expecting something along the lines of ‘ Goddess like,’ but I guess ‘really pretty’ works, too.” She’s laughing along with his obnoxious giggles, and she feels almost lighthearted. Not quite ready to fall in love again, but considering the possibility. “Let me guess, she cheated on you?”

“Worse. Walked in on her with...drumroll please!” Katara lightly began drumming her fingers on the dining table. “You guessed it! My brother!” he sheepishly admits, bringing out the jazz hands and everything to emphasize his point.

She audibly gasps. “That’s some Kdrama shit right there! Please tell me you started a fist fight with him, kicked a nut or two.”

“Nah, I had an essay due. No time for that shit, you know? I just shut the door, banged out my paper, and haven’t spoken to either of them in about four months.”

She takes a sip of her milkshake. “That’s healthy!” Jet tilts his shake in Katara’s direction in agreement, before taking a long gulp from the cup.

He quirks a perfectly shaped brow towards her. “So, let me guess. Your guy saved his side chick’s name as Chick-fil-a in his phone, you found out and tried to strangle him with his belt, and he pressed charges?”

“Oddly specific, but sadly no. Let’s just say he had the biggest heart. Big enough for bitches on the side as well.” Jet makes a grunt in disapproval. “It wasn’t like I could be mad, anyways. We weren’t in anything official. But it felt like it could’ve been something, you know?”

It was like an unspoken agreement, an energy that the two felt when they met each other. A “my heart was just shattered into a billion pieces but hopefully a rebound will lessen the pain just for two hours tonight” kind of vibe. It felt good with Jet, like the two of you guys had known each other forever. He serves her with corny joke after joke, and she lets herself laugh. She hated being around men, and besides, Sokka threatened any that even made eye contact with her  for longer than 20 seconds. Aside from Sokka, Zuko, and Aang, the kid she babysat, Katara was afraid to let any other men in her life. Three was already enough emotional labor.

They both go out for boba afterwards, and Jet makes sure to pay for their drinksand then drop his change into the tip jar. He knows that Katara swoons immediately. It always works. That’s why 30 minutes later, she’s slamming him into her futon. Soon after, he’s shirtless, pressing at her core with impatient fingers. She’s grinding helplessly in his lap, his moans egging her on. He insisted she keep the boots on.

“I was not raised to leave my shoes on in the house. That’s just vile ,” she protested. Jet silences her with a gentle kiss, and a press of his throbbing cock against her.

“Please, baby. Make an exception for me tonight,” he whispers against her lips. Her shorts and underwear are suddenly missing. When the fuck did he do that? She’s dizzy and horny and so full when he starts fingering her. His fingers so fucking long and is making her whimper and ready to have his kids. She closes her eyes because staring at Jet’s fucked out ones made her want to combust. She was focusing on the feeling of being stuffed while trying to tamp down on the fear of losing her virginity, because that seemed like the logical course of action with how the night was playing out. Damnit, what if it hurts like a pap smear ? She thinks pathetically. In the middle of all her inner monologues, she’s suddenly shoved off of Jet’s warm body, tumbling on the ground. She opens her eyes to see Zuko pummeling Jet to a pulp.

“Not the face, Zuko! Not the fucking face! He’s too pretty for this!” Katara yelps, shoving Zuko’s muscular frame off of Jet. Jet sends her a sad smile before slipping his shirt over his head and heading out the door.

She’s fuming, too angry, too confused. “What the fuck was that ?” She’s at maximum screech levels tonight, much to her neighbor’s dismay.

“You tell me!” Zuko cards his hands through his hair. “You’re fucking some other guy? Don’t know if you’ve forgotten, Katara. But this,” he gestures between the two of them. “Did you forget about us? Forget about me? What the fuck?”  

“Hold up, Walter White.” She’s sticking a hand out in his face. “We are a situationship, at best. Don’t you dare accuse me of whoring around when we aren’t even official.”

“I thought what we had, what we were...I don’t know? It’s different,” Zuko rubs at his neck awkwardly. “Did you not feel the same way? Why do you care about all these labels all of a sudden? Why didn’t you fucking tell me you wanted us to make it official?”

“It’s because you’re supposed to know! You’re supposed to know that I hate what you do, that I hate loving you, because it hurts me.”

“So why won’t you go out with me? Is it because I’m a drug dealer?” Zuko’s mad, twisting the rings on his fingers while impatiently waiting on her answer.

“Not exactly,” Katara quips, averting her eyes from his fiery gaze. “It’s mainly because you don’t tip when we go out to eat.”

“Bullshit!” he howls.

“You need to tip at least 20%!”

“Katara.” He takes a deep breath in. “Why don’t we just make this official?”

She’s worrying at her lip. Trying desperately to remember the breathing exercises her therapist had recommended before she started crying and did something crazy like suck his dick because he looked hot when he was angry. “Zuko, as much as you’d like to keep pretending that we could ever be a thing, I can’t. I can’t keep holding onto this fucking unrealistic dream. These unrealistic expectations! What do you want me to do? Pray for the day you get bored of dealing or hanging out with the rich kids or making out with sorority girls so you could come back to me at night? Because I’m fucking pathetic and let you back every single time?”

She sees him spluttering, trying to desperately hold onto a solid response that could sway her decision. “Katara, you know how much I care about you. But you would never get it! You would never get someone like me!”

She scoffs. “Try me. What don’t I get about you, Zuko?”

“That being with those people, and dealing makes me feel like more than just a poor kid with no parents and no fucking future.” Zuko huffs out the confession as though he was holding it in for a millenium.

“I get it, ok I understand but-”

Zuko steps back from her, as though she’s slapped him straight across the face. “No, Katara. You don’t. You don’t fucking get it. You get to cosplay as poor. Pretend that you have to budget when Sokka could easily handle everything if things go wrong.”

Katara’s angry, angry at herself. For hurting Zuko with her careless words, for looking so fucking stupid. “Ok, fine. You’re right.” She surprises even herself at her confession. "I don’t get it. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be fucking worried about you? That I’m terrified about what could go wrong? One wrong move and you could fucking die! You think the dean is going to let any of those rich assholes take the fall for anything? No, they’re going to blame it on the disposable kid on Financial Aid,” she wails at the top of her lungs.

She searches his eyes for any understanding, for any reaction to what she was saying. His jaw is set in a determined look, the kind of look she knew was unwavering, was unable to be changed no matter what. She sucks in a breath of air, praying for any sort of strength. “How about you do you, and I do me?”

“Yeah, sure,” Zuko squeezes out. He’s rushing out the door, slamming it on his way out.

//

“I knew I could smell the cock on you! You rode that dick like a stolen car, didn’t you?” Suki bellows, cackling.

“Please, I will fucking block you,” Katara wearily threatens, without any might behind it. She’s, predictably, in one of Zuko’s old t shirts from when he played soccer in high school, slapping on moisturizer before she could retire to bed. “Zuko stopped anything from happening when he came in and went 'New York after Hottie said she looked like Beyonce' on his ass.

Toph grunts over the line. “So what’s the deal with you guys? He’s dealing you drugs and dick now? You’re fucking the weed man for weed? Or are you fucking the dick man for dick? At least you’re not fucking the tweet man for tweets.”

Katara pauses in patting in the cream on her face. “How does this make any sense to you? Like do you not hear yourself speak?”

“It makes perfect sense to me, slut.”

Suki jumps in before low blows could be dealt and the girls start making fun of each others foundation not matching. “You know what, I bet Zuko’s selling whole ass cilantro and/or oregano and no one says anything because he’s fine.”

Katara pauses in applying her lip balm, a call from Zuko popping up threatening to end her call with her girls. “Zuko’s calling?” she questions.

“This late?” Toph is in between bites of her pepperoni Hot Pocket.

Suki sighs. “Listen, Katara. Girls don’t win when it comes to love, we never win. Maybe you should take a break from all this Zuko mess, and I don’t know. Pick up a hobby. Go back to therapy.”

But Katara knew something was wrong. She could sense it, just feel it inside her. Something was inherently wrong. As though the universe was whispering this to her, pleading with her to listen. “I’ll call you guys back, ok?”

“This is the future Stephanie Meyer wanted. For girls to be pathetically in love with pale, emo guys,” Toph miserably whimpers after Katara leaves their call.

Katara heart felt like it could fall out of her ass and then jump back in her mouth with how loudly it was beating. She’s running, clad in only the t shirt and her slides. They were threatening to slip off at any second from how fast her feet were forcing them to pound at the pavement. Word of the wise, don’t fucking run in slides.

“Don’t fucking hurt him!” She screams, expandable baton whipped out and ready to pummel any bitch dumb enough to hurt Zuko while she’s around. A few guys were standing around Zuko’s limp body, about to lay another painful blow against his bruised visage when she starts wildly beating them with her baton. She’s shrieking at the top of her lungs, scaring them enough for all of them to disperse. They all ran off before they had to deal with whatever the fuck Katara was doing. Crazy wasn’t in their agenda that night, only beating up good looking dealers.

“Oh, Zuko.” Katara immediately lets go of the weapon, dropping down to her knees to look at him.

Turns out, everyone wants a shot at the king.

She sits herself down and gently cradles Zuko’s head in between her hands before placing it in her lap. He closes his eyes and musters the strength to give her a small smile.

“Thank you, Katara.” She’s trying her best to hold back her tears. The gravel is scraping unforgivably against her legs, the cold causing her throat to begin to itch. She’s shivering as she types in “911.”

Zuko lifts a battered arm to swat quickly at her fingers. “Can we just Uber to the hospital? I don’t want to drop two racks on an ambulance.”

“Zuko!” Katara squeals. It works, he’s got her to smile in spite of all the drama, all the tears. It’s so easy for them to be like this together. Just enjoying the moment, just being themselves. “You know, I’m sorry for ever saying you look like an angry snake. You still do, but I’m sorry.”

“I hate you,” he says without any commitment to the spite.

“You don’t.”

“I know.” He lets her finish ordering the Uber before speaking again. “I love you.”

She runs her fingers in his hair. “I know.”

“Say it back, please?” He has the audacity to pout despite being beaten nearly half to death.

“I’m scared,” she can’t bring herself to break eye contact with his intense gaze.

“I know.”

//

“Zuko! What happened?” Iroh’s running as fast as he can, still clad in his sleepwear. He sees the pretty girl that the nurses warned has refused to leave the boy’s side for the past few hours, never letting go of his hand. She’s even had the gall to snap the nurses who would show up to their shift a few minutes late.

He sees his nephew rub comforting circles in the girls’ hand with his thumb, looking at her before he could make eye contact with his uncle. Right when he’s about to say something, he’s interrupted.

“He was protecting me. We were walking in a bad part of town because I really wanted to get ice cream, and...we got mugged.” She finishes lamely, whispering the last few words. “They hit him first and then were trying to steal my purse. They got even more mad when he started yelling ‘don’t hurt her!’ He jumped in front of me before they could do anything.”

The two share a look and a smile. Zuko’s grip on Katara’s hand grows impossibly tigther.

[tigerlover16-uk]

romance in media

You want to know one of the things I most appreciate about Dragon Ball? It doesn’t wait until the very end of the series to have characters get into romantic relationships together and then never do anything with those relationships.

Probably one of my favourite parts about Dragon Ball Super is seeing the various couples play off of one another or otherwise getting insight into their relationships. Gohan being a dorky, loving husband is just the most adorable thing ever, and the scene in episode 74 when Barry Kahn, a sleezy movie star with a grudge against Gohan, tries to screw him over by convincing Videl he’s been cheating on her with some out of context pictures, only for Videl to immediately see through his load of bull because she knows Gohan would never do something like that and then calling out Barry for how pathetic he really is, is honestly one of the best scenes in Dragon Ball history to me.

Vegeta and Bulma have tons of adorable moments together, so I can’t even settle on any one scene with them that I enjoyed the most. Just seeing how much Android 18 appreciated everything Krillin went out of his way to do for her and their daughter to make them happy, and her wanting to use one of Shenron’s wishes to come up with the perfect thank you present for him in episode 68, was really engrossing stuff, and their little battle couple moments in episode 99 were fantastic too.

Heck, while they don’t get as many as they should, a lot of Goku and Chichi’s interactions are fun too, and they did have a fun little arc building up their relationship at the end of the original anime (Filler or not) and plenty of nice moments in Z that show just how real and grounded their relationship actually is.

Neither DBZ or Super focus a great deal of attention on either of these relationships, but it’s always fun when these characters do get moments together, and their relationships are all different, cute and interesting in their own ways.

It’s something I’ve really grown to love about the franchise as I’ve gotten older. Mainly because I’m sick of how so many other shows, movies, comics, manga, books etc. that I watch/read handle romance.

I hate the common story telling tropes where characters are frequently ship teased through out a series, and then only get together at the very end when there’s no time left to actually explore how they interact as a couple, as opposed to before they got together. Good shows do this all the time. Avatar the Last Airbender did at least have the decency to have Zuko and Mai, and Sokka and Suki get together in the last season before it ended, but Aang and Katara, who were very plainly painted as the “main couple” of the series, had to wait until the last scene of the very last episode to do so.

And they didn’t really need to either, Aang had already made his feelings towards Katara pretty clear half way through the season, why couldn’t they have just gotten together a few episodes before Sozin’s comet?

This whole cliché is pretty much the only issue I have with the My Hero Academia series. As someone who’s read the manga, it gets irritating how despite all the ship tease between Izuku Midoriya and Ochako Uraraka throughout the series, with Ochako having an obvious growing crash on Izuku as the series goes on (And him being infatuated with her from their first encounter), nothing has really come of it outside of a scene of Ochako having a love epiphany, only to tell herself “I have to put these feelings out of my mind so I can stay focused on bettering myself as a hero!” or something like that.

An that’s all well and good, it’s a good character moment and shows that there’s a lot more to her than just being a satellite love interest... but it’s incredibly frustrating at the same time, because the characters are already cute together and would be an utterly adorable couple, and there’s a lot of potential there. Plus, it would buck so many standard shonen conventions and make My Hero Academia feel even more perfect than it already is.

Just... why not let them just spit it out and get together at some point? Honestly if that doesn’t happen and the writer waits until the last chapter to have them get together, I’m going to be very upset. Even more so if it goes the fairy tail route, having NONE of the hinted at couples get together at the end, despite constant ship tease between them for years and knowing full well what the fans wanted to see happen.

And it’s just... it’s not like the build up to a couple getting together CAN’T be interesting and engrossing, with the relationship upgrade being a satisfying climax. One of the reasons Tangled is one of my favourite movies is because of how amazingly well Repunzel and Eugene’s relationship was built up. (And yes, the fact that they got a series following up on that with them as a couple having plenty of focus pleases me greatly, thank you for asking).

But so many shows, movies, books etc don’t do it as well and often have characters with obvious attractions to each other, but they just can’t spit it out or they never try to talk to one another about their feelings. And you know what, that’s not interesting. That’s frustrating, because I’m sick of WANTING to see characters get together in so much of the media I watch, or just generally being given obvious signs that “Yeah, these two are end game” only to have nothing come of that plot point other than maybe a single kiss and a “Now they’re together” moment.

And I know the excuse some might try to pull for kids cartoons or anime with “Well, kids don’t care about romance”. To which I say... I always wanted ship teased characters to get together as a little kid. I was very happy to see Peter Parker marry Mary jane on Spider-man The Animated Series, and was devastated when that Mary jane turned out to be a deteriorating clone who ended up dying. I’ve wanted all my life to see a resolution to the series where the real Mary Jane was found so she and Peter could be together.

I liked seeing characters be couples. Probably helped I watched a lot of Disney movies, where romance was a big plot point in most of them. Maybe not all kids care to see romance in the stuff they watch, but others don’t mind it or find themselves enjoying it even if they can’t relate. I was never a monkey tailed boy living in the middle of a woods with no understanding of any social norms whatsoever who grew up to find out he was an alien and fulfilled a legendary prophecy to overthrow space Hitler, but that lack of relatability didn’t stop me from finding Goku a fascinating character growing up. So why just assume that no kid would want to see two main characters just being a couple in a cartoon? So long as it’s handled well, I don’t think most would mind.

I just wish more shows would actually do stuff with their end game ships after letting the characters get together, instead of just assuming the act of becoming a couple is the end of the story. NO. That’s literally the least interesting part of a relationship, the best parts are the characters actually being a couple, and all the ups and downs, and adorable loving moments that come with that. And the sooner media as a whole realises that, the better.

i’m not saying shipping has to be a big part of the plot either to the point that it takes over the story, of course not. That’s silly unless the work IS a love story. I’m just saying, it would be great to see more shows that didn’t use “getting together” as a note to end on.

I guess that’s one thing Dragon ball still has over almost all other popular shonen series. It knows how to let it’s couples actually be couples.

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳23

Pairing: Zuko x OC

AU: Adult-Verse

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 6900+

Notes: Thanks for the love I got revolving the smut last week, a lot of people enjoyed it which makes me happy and I see myself writing it more often in the future! Thanks for reading everyone, and enjoy <3

Masterlist ︳22 [M] ︳24

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Agathokakological

(Greek/adj.) composed of both good and evil.

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

            “Zuko stop it~!” I cried out between endless fits of giggles, trying my hardest to shove his overbearing frame off me. But my cries of protests fell upon deaf ears, as he snuggled his head deeper into my neck, butterfly kisses placed all over my skin. The setting sun cast a heavenly hue over his body; his black hair flaming as shades of reds and yellows bounced off him.

            His locks fell over my face, in turn causing me to pout, his lush hair getting caught between my lips. “Z-Zuko, get off!” I laughed, but my arms were too tired at this point to bother trying to shove him off. The way his chuckles mixed with my giggles, like a fairy-tale harmony. His laughter reminded me of Kiyi’s, innocent and carefree – music.

            My arms fell to my side, resting against the fluffy blankets of the bed. I wasn’t expecting on being caught taking an evening nap, let alone be awoken by the one and only Zuko. But getting woken up by snuggles wasn’t necessarily a terrible way to wake up and instead fed into my ever-growing wanting to spend every moment with Zuko – my ultimate vice.

            Zuko’s head rose, running his hand through his hair, and pushing it back. The vanilla smile that painted his face as he looked over me, his free hand carefully stroking my face. A smile of my own slowly starting to emerge as I looked up at him with appreciation, but it was then I noticed – his eyes.

            His amber coloured eyes were muted, dull in comparison to his usual lively and illuminating twinkle that always managed to shine through. Was he tired? No – this is something else. His thoughts ran rampant, clouding his perspective as he watched over me. He was anxious, worried about tonight – nervous about my walk with Kayto.

            A soft sigh escaped me, my hands instinctively cupping his face as I traced my thumbs over his lips, “I’ll be fine Zuko, Toph will be with me…I won’t be alone.” I muttered, my eyes half-lidded, as I spoke. Zuko huffed, his forehead hitting mine as he held my hands close to his lips. “There has to be another way…”

            I knew what he meant by that – referring to the plan Sokka had thought of during our time in the hot springs. So much for relaxing in the hot springs last night…

            The plan was sweet and simple.

            Zuko postponed the meetings with the Earth Nation for this evening. I go on a walk with Kayto, forcing him out of said meetings, which leaves the gang a short window of time to get the Earth King alone and make him sign the damn documents. Toph will stay back to watch over Kayto and I, should Kayto try anything funny. A fool-proof plan for the most part. But the look of uncertain in Zuko’s eyes was apparent; his lips turned upside down.

            The detestation and distaste Zuko held against Kayto was next level, and I couldn’t help but be caught off guard as even Aang didn’t seem too fond of Kayto either – the only person I knew who couldn’t hate another human being for the life of him. My eyes shifted back to the window, watching the way the sun was starting to hide behind the outer edge of the mountain range. “We should probably get going…the gang are probably on their way now.”

            Zuko sighed, “Please…be careful.”

            “I promise. Now let’s get those papers signed, alright?” I beamed, placing a quick peck upon his lips as Zuko sat up. As Zuko’s head bobbed upwards, I couldn’t help but let a small giggle. His hair was a giant mess; his usual pin straight hair creased from wearing it in a bun all day.

            Oh, Zuko – the only man I knew who could be both adorable and seductive at the same time.

            I rolled my eyes hearing Zuko whine underneath me, walking with his knees bent as I placed the last pin in his hair, “You’re hurting me, woman!” He hissed, and in response, I purposely tugged at his hair a bit more than needed. Another growl vented from him, and I couldn’t help but giggle, “Are you always such a crybaby?”

            “Kind of hard not to complain when you’re fucking pulling my hair out of my head!” I patted his head, signalling to stand up normal as we walked down the hallway, grinning as I heard him mutter curses under his breath. For someone ‘tough’ he sure knew how to complain. I bumped my hip against him, watching him roll his eyes but regardless wrap his arm around me.

            Zuko faced me, flicking my forehead with a playful scowl on his face, “I swear next time I’ll pull your hair and see how it feels.”

            “Oh, you wouldn’t dare hurt me – I’m too adorable.” I playfully spoke, sticking my tongue out towards him. “Try me.” He whistled, leaning in swiftly and light-heartedly, biting my ear, “Zuko~!” I shrieked, amused at the way he tried to ‘attack’ me, acting like an absolute child at the moment. During my fit of laughter, my eyes looked forward, my steps slowing as I gently pushed him away, “Zuko…” I gasped.

            A set of grand doors were in front of us - the grand meeting hall. But it wasn’t the doors that caught my attention, no, it was the gang. They were huddled together, whispering harshly to each other, frowns on their faces. Somethings wrong.

            “What’s wrong…” Zuko muttered, his expression no longer playful as he gazed at me. Suki and Aang made eye contact with me; their brows pinched together as they looked over at Zuko and I. “Look.” I spoke, gesturing in front of us. In an instance, Zuko’s eyes narrowed, a small huff escaping him as he scratched his neck.

            “They look upset…” I muttered under my breath, my fingers twirling with each other as I studied their faces. Not even Sokka was smiling. Zuko sighed, “Maybe they got some good news?”

            “Oh yeah, when I get good news I frown like that too.”

            “Well, aren’t you an optimist…” Zuko grumbled.

            Suki’s hand rose, waving at us slowly. “Let’s find out what’s up,” Zuko muttered under his breath before we eagerly rushed forward. I smiled softly, waving at them as I looked around. It was just us here; we’re early, the King isn’t here yet.

            “What’s wrong?” Zuko blurted, not bothering to say hi. Aang cautiously looked over at Sokka, “Uh…”

            I raised a brow, what’s going on with them? They all looked at one another, neither one wanting to speak first. Sokka nudged Aang, giving him wide eyes, signalling for him to say something, “Umm, so-uh” Aang blubbered. Not a single logical word escaping him. Zuko groaned, losing his patience, “What’s that’s suppose to mean?” Zuko groused.

            “I’ll say it because no one here has the fucking balls too.” Toph shouted, stomping her feet onto the ground with crossed arms, “Princess is going on her walk alone with Kayto. The Earth King requested me to sit in the meeting with Suki.” My eyes widen; Zuko is going to-

            “Out of the fucking question.”

            Toph groaned to herself, her bangs swaying upwards as she let out an exhausted sigh. This was not how we expected the plan to go. “Well we don’t have much choice you royal pain in the ass – they’re on their way now.”

            “We do have a choice, and it’s we abort the plan. We agreed that you’d watch over Yue just in case.” Zuko shot back, pinching his nose in irritation. Aang anxiously tossed his staff between his hands, as Suki and Sokka gazed at each other, trying to think of a possible solution.

            “Princess can handle herself Zuko – we all know that. I say we go forward.”

            “I’m not taking the chance Toph.”

            “Shit Zuko – Princess can handle herself you damn bone head!” Toph shouted. I pouted as I watched the way Zuko and Toph bickered. Both of their faces red as they quarrelled. “Maybe we can send a Kyoshi warrior with Yue…?” Aang suggested, but Suki shook her head, “It’ll look like we’re plotting against Kayto. I can’t risk that.”

            I anxiously bit my lip, their words going over my head as they argued. With Toph gone, that would leave me alone with Kayto. Toph was supposed to be my safety net should anything fishy happen, but with her gone I would have no backup plan…

            Damnit, why can’t things work in our favour for once?

            I huffed; I can’t let this opportunity slid. This may be the only chance we get to sign those papers. If I don’t do this-

            I placed my hands over Zuko’s arms, cutting off their conversation as I let my fingers intertwine with his. The gang held their breath, and with a soft sigh, I looked at Zuko. He grasped my hands, his warmth giving me an immediate sense of comfort and safety. Zuko already held a frown on his face; he knew what I was going to say.

            “I can do this.”

            “Love-” Zuko warned.

            “Do you trust me?”

            “If anything happens, we’ll be stuck in the damn meeting, nowhere close to you…”

            “Trust me,” I whispered harshly. The look on his face, the way he bit his tongue before he finally released a substantial sigh. Zuko pressed his forehead against mine, worry written on his face, “…You haven’t started training yet; you aren’t even fully healed…”

            Toph puffed once more, cutting off Zuko as she groaned stridently once again, “She’ll be fine, Princess can kick ass. If I remember right, she did have you stuck behind an ice wall and carried a damn waterfall on her back.”

            I couldn’t stop the sheepish grin that painted my face as I looked at Zuko, his eyes rolling as he grumbled underneath his breath. He pulled away, glaring, but he seemed relaxed, not as anxious as before. He needed to hear me say it - say that’ll be okay and I can do this.

            “How long do you think we have?” Aang muttered as his gaze fell upon me. His face appeared neutral, but the way he gripped his staff, arms tense. “Probably an hour,” Suki spoke.

            “Will an hour be enough? What if it isn’t? We’d be putting Yue at risk for no reason.” Sokka shook his head, “It’ll work. The Earth King is on our side, and with Kayto gone, this is our chance.”

            “We may have longer if Princess works her magic. An hour or more.”

            My fingers anxiously tapped against Zuko’s, distracting myself from the tense atmosphere for the moment. There was something magical about his touch as my pulse slowed down. I was nervous - so damn nervous. I had to make sure I held Kayto’s attention for at least an hour, longer if possible. If I let him leave early…then I messed up the whole plan…

            “They’re coming,” Toph whispered harshly; everyone held their breaths.

            The moment of truth.

            “I mean it. If he lays a single hand on you-” Zuko warned under his breath, the grip on my hand tight as he gazed at me with dread. But Sokka snorting under his breath caught everyone’s attention, “Oh, but you didn’t have a problem laying a hand on Yue last night...”

            Everyone was quiet until Suki and Toph let out a snort, which in turn caused me to giggle. Talk about holding grudges. The pout on Sokka’s face as he snuffed away with his arms crossed, still butthurt about the little ‘topless’ incident in the hot springs last night.

            Zuko flushed, bashfully looking away as he kissed his teeth, “Get over it, we’re dating for fucks sakes.”

            “That’s my innocent sister; you’re corrupting!”

            “I wouldn’t use the word innocent…” Zuko grumbled under his breath. It was my turn to blush, sheepishly slapping his arm as I glared a Zuko. Sokka covered his face with his hands, screaming into them, “I swear- If you touch her, I’ll kill you both!” Toph snorted, “I wanna see that happen…”

            “Are we seriously having this conversation again, right now!?” Suki rustled, slapping Sokka’s arm and causing him to whine. Suki rolled her eyes before mischievously looking at Zuko and me, “Don’t worry about it you lovebirds, you can get as nasty as you want after we get these papers signed.”

            Zuko groaned as Suki sent a playful wink our way. He pinched his nose in irritation once more, mumbling a faint ‘fuck me.’

            I swear Zuko is going to implode any second-

            “Ah, good evening!”

            We all looked upwards, a group of nobles wearing extravagant green robes standing in front of us. The King bore a great smile, bowing at us all with delight. He indeed was a happy man, always wearing a cheerful smile on his face; we all nodded.

            “I apologize once again for delaying today’s meeting till now. A few, unforeseen circumstances, had arisen that had to be dealt with immediately.” Zuko spoke, the Earth King nodded, “I understand, unfortunately, life doesn’t always bend to our favour.”

            It was then out of the corner of my eye I spotted him. My heart beat rapidly, the overwhelming feeling of regret as I realized what I signed up for. No going back now. With a final squeeze, Zuko looked down at me; this is it.

            Unwillingly, I could feel Zuko loosen his grip on my hand, his warmth disappearing as my hand slipped from his. With a flick of my hair, I skipped forward, forcing the perkiest smile possible on my face, “Kayto! Are you ready for our walk?” I sang.

            Kayto smiled before it shifted to a frown, “It would be an honour, but unfortunately, I have to attend this meeting, the times have changed.”

            I pouted, keenly looking at him as I purposely let my hands fall upon Kayto’s arms, squeezing as I spoke, “But I’ve been looking forward to our walk all day!” I whined. Puffing up my cheeks as I tried to look endearing. Kayto’s look softened, a look of regret as he cradled my arms with his – he’s buying it.

            I looked over my shoulder, gazing at the Earth King with an innocent smile, “Is it too much for me to ask to borrow Kayto for the evening? I’m afraid I don’t know when I’ll get the chance to enjoy the company of Kayto due to my busy schedule.” My heart squeezed, seeing Zuko’s lips pressed thin as he watched the way I threw myself at Kayto, but he kept quiet.

            The Earth King hesitantly gazed over at us, “Well…”

            “As much as I would like to enjoy a walk with you, it’s an important meeting...” Kayto reluctantly spoke. And with a bold gesture, he caressed my face. My eyes widen, taken aback by his sudden gesture of affection, and I swore I heard Zuko hiss under his breath. “More important than our walk?” I argued, and Kayto chuckled, “It would seem so.”

            Shit. I need to convince him.

            “That’s disappointing to hear, Kayto. Imperial Consort Ying Yue has been patiently waiting for this walk, you promised her after all, and there’s nothing I hate more than empty promises and an upset Consort.” Zuko spoke, his tone harsh. I anxiously bit my lips, knowing how hard it was for Zuko to push Kayto to me. I’m sorry.

            “Fire Lord Zuko is right; it would be ennoble of you to not hold true to a promise. Enjoy the night Kayto; I’ll be fine.” The Earth King spoke, I beamed. Thank you, Zuko. My arm easily laced with Kayto, pulling him close. It was strange; his touch wasn’t anything like Zuko’s. It felt cold, unloved, and just not Zuko.

            And while Kayto made it quite clear that he was interested in me, I could see Kayto clench his jaw, eyes narrowed, “You’re right, I would hate to disappoint you Fire Lord Zuko. I promise I’ll treat her well this evening. An evening she won’t forget.” The blaze in Zuko’s eyes, knuckles white as he stared down at Kayto - loathing.

            “Let’s get started, shall we?” Aang butted in, smiling radiantly as he placed his hand over Zuko’s shoulder, trying to soothe the flames that were starting to roar.

            “I agree, Avatar Aang; let’s get this meeting started.” Zuko spat, turning on his heel. The gang gazed over me, their eyes round and with trembling lips as they, one-by-one, walked into the meeting. Sokka was the last, his hand resting on the door, “Yue.” He spoke.

            I smiled, acting ignorant, “Yes?”

            “…Walk along the pond; Suki told me it was beautiful. I bet Kayto would love to see it.” I nodded, water. He wants me by water – just in case.

            “I think I will – thanks for the idea!” I chirped, and Sokka nodded. “Enjoy.”

            The door slammed shut, an eerie silence as we stood amongst each other — no one in the hallway beside us.

            One hour.

            Let's do this.

            “Ready?” I hummed. Kayto grasped my hand, like how a snake strangles their prey, his emerald eyes staring down at me with a sly smirk, “After you, little flower.”

            The walk to the gardens was soundless; not a single word spoken as my arms linked with Kayto, his hand still holding mine. As servants and guards gazed at us briefly, they all held the same look - a look of uncertainty. But I bore a smile, trying to soothe them. It was evident that this didn’t look nor feel right, but it didn’t matter. I’ll do anything for Zuko, even this.

            Kayto’s silence was off-putting- not a single pass or flirtatious comment during the whole walk. It was like he was…thinking.

            The guards opened the garden doors, the sun casting a red haze on us. “Ah, we’re here!” I chirped, gazing over at Kayto with a charming smile. He chuckled at my reaction, watching the way my eyes promptly lit up as the soft breeze tickled our skin. Listening to Sokka’s wise advice, I lead us to one of the ponds that wrapped around the gardens. Already I could hear the gentle trickling of water.

            “You’re a nature lover?”

            “I guess you can say that…” I mumbled as I looked over the flowers and bushes that lined the small flowing body of water. I had to admit, while the company was unpleasant, nothing could change the fact that the gardens were stunning. But it also reminded me how badly I wanted to go on a walk with Zuko. It was funny how despite being at the kingdom for how long, we never walked, just him and me, in the gardens.

            “I guess I can’t be too surprised. A gorgeous garden to compliment such a stunning flower as yourself.” Kayto hummed, his thumb gently rubbing my hand as he spoke. I smiled softly, ahh – now there is the flirty Kayto I knew. “I imagine the gardens in the Earth Nation Kingdom are just as stunning?”

            “More so, we have much more land to expand the gardens. I would love to explore the gardens with you one day…” I shyly looked away at his gaze, knowing very well what intentions he meant under such a simple statement. We walked along the path, the flowing water on one side, beautiful rocks and flowers on the other — one hour.

            “So what made my little flower decide to go on this evening walk with me?” I shrugged my shoulders, acting innocent as I begrudgingly leaned into his arm, “What do you mean? I wanted to go on this walk.” I spoke, my voice slightly wavering. Kayto chuckled, shaking his head slightly, his raven hair moving with every shake, “Ahh, don’t mistake my good looks for stupidity petal. It won’t end well for you if you do.”

            My feet stopped.

            Kayto turned his body to face me, a menacing smile on his face as he raised a brow, “So – let’s drop the small talk, shall we?”

            It was insanity – how his soft features looked frightening as we stood alone in the gardens — no guard in sight, not even a servant. The way his thin lips pulled upwards, a devilish grin painted his face as he batted his eyelashes mockingly to me. It was then I felt it, his finger gently tracing my jaw, his face inches from mine, “When I met you, I thought you were nothing more but an orchid – a delicate little thing. But I was wrong. You’re more like a rose – beautiful, but secretly, you have thorns, thorns you mask with innocence. You may have Zuko fooled, but I know. Oh, little bud, I know-”

            His mouth brushed against my ear, a soft chuckle escaping him before his grasp on my chin tighten, causing me to wince. “I know - your dirty. Little. Secret.” He hissed through his teeth. My body stiffen, my hands starting to rise, feeling the water behind me. And as if he knew, Kayto’s hands dropped, tightly gripping my hands with his own. His fingers dug into my hands, so roughly my eyes watered, “Now that we cleared the air, let’s continue the walk, shall we?”

            My throat felt dry, unable to stifle out a word as he pulled away from me, his intimidating grin completely wiped away as he smiled at me. He was an actor – so well adept at hiding the repulsive creature he was. His hands untangled from mine, blood rushing to my fingers once again, “Now-now-now, what’s wrong flower? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Kayto cooed, caressing my face as if he cared.

            I stepped back, pushing his hand away from me with a scowl, “Don’t touch me.” I hissed.

            Kayto grinned, “Oh, so now the thorns finally come out. I love it when they fight back, act all tough, only for them to beg.”

            “I have no secrets Kayto. I don’t know what you think you have against me, but it’s all lies.”

            Kayto tapped his chin with his long boney fingers, taunting as he shook his head, “Oh little flower. When will the lies stop? How about I help you, like telling you why you agreed to come on this walk with me.”

            “I told you it was because I wanted to.”

            “That disfigured idiot would never let you go on a walk with me unless it was advantageous. You think your little friends are so clever, separating me from the King so you can get your papers signed.”

            My eyes widen – he already figured it out. The shock on my face was apparent, as Kayto sniggered, “But the joke’s on you, I couldn’t care less if you get it signed. I was only doing a favour to some fellow comrades by convincing the King not to sign. Get it signed, see if I care, it’ll only upset them but not me.” Comrades? Wait a minute…that must mean, “…You’re not loyal to the King…”

 ��          “Not by a long shot. He’s simply a tool.” Kayto chuckled. A tool? How can he view someone, a person, as just a tool? A means to an end?

            “What do you want Kayto?” I spoke carefully, keeping a watchful eye to his every move. He was an enemy to the Earth Nation – and no one had a clue. How did a man like him get away with this for so long? The criminals, some man named Yakone - the King spoke about this the other night at the party, Zuko and him huffing about how they couldn’t catch them. Is this why? Is it because Kayto was always keeping them aware, a snitch in the kingdom? Oh gosh – a snitch in the kingdom.

            He can’t be the snitch we’re looking for; the waterfall was before he arrived…unless. He may know who the snitch is.

            Kayto just laughed, shrugging his shoulders as he looked at me, entertained, “What’s wrong little flower, your mind seems to be buzzing away.” I could feel the grass under my feet; I was right at the edge of the path. This whole time I was unknowingly walking backwards. I need to get out of here; this has become something more significant. So much more extensive than any of us expected.

            “You know, when you said you were a nature lover, I wasn’t all too surprised. He is too.” My eyes narrowed, he? “Who are you talking about?”

            “Ah, so it’s true. You really don’t have a clue.” I frowned, my eyes trying to scan our surroundings. We were a good few minutes away from the nearest entrance back to the palace. It was late; no one took walks at this time; everyone would be heading back. “Ready to head back already? We just started this walk. We have so much more to talk about, so much more to do.” He purred.

            Then I felt it.

            His fingers flicked upwards, so fast that I didn’t notice till it was too late. I gasped, my feet sinking into the ground, my body rocking as I struggled to find my balance. I can’t move, my feet-

            I fell on my knees, wincing as the sharp rocks that decorated the path jammed through my dress. My hands fell palms down onto the ground to soften the blow. My head shot upwards, instinctively my hands raising, but he was faster. He stomped onto the ground, pushing forward, and within a flash, my right hand got caught by a sharp protruding mass from the ground. I hissed, tugging my arm helplessly, trying to free it from the rock.

            I was stuck.

            My feet were rooted; my right arm caught.

            I tucked my left arm to my chest – the only limb he didn’t trap.

            A burst of dark laughter caught my attention, watching the way he slowly walked towards me. “Ah, much better. I must say, I never thought you would be on your knees so soon. They were right; you really are nothing more but a royal bed warmer.”

            A royal bed warmer, I grimaced at the nickname, where have I heard that before? I snuck my left hand behind me, making sure his glance never wandered from my eyes. I could feel it.

            The water behind me.

            My fingers slowly curved into my palm, the water slithered so agonizingly slow up the hill, through every blade of grass. I can’t make a sound. I can’t let him know; I need a bit more time-

            “Who is it?” I blurted. Kayto titled his head to the side, seemingly confused by my words. “The snitch.”

            Kayto’s eyes widen, “The snitch? You know-”

            “There’s a snitch here, in the Fire Nation. But you already know that, don’t you?” Kayto grinned, walking over to me. His hands ran through my hair, letting the strands cascade through his fingers with ease as he hummed, “You’re right, there is a snitch. But I have nothing to do with that.”

            “You’re lying.” I spat, but Kayto just shook his head, his hand running through my hair once again, “There’s one thing I am not, and that is a liar. The whole trip here, I never once lied, but you on the other hand only spoke with lies. So while you view me as filth, whose really the immoral person here? The one who never said anything but the truth, or the one on her knees speaking only in lies?”

            I bit my tongue, because outlandishly – he was right. The look in his eyes, never once wavering as he spoke. He was telling the truth, “You really don’t know who it is?” I whispered. Kayto smiled bitterly, “Sorry flower, all I can say is you’re right, there is a snitch. But that is none of my business and nor do I care. But I can tell you this.” To my surprise, he crouched down, his green eyes at my level as he let his hands move from my hair to my face. His fingers delicately traced my jaw, before he stopped at my scar, the same injury he saw at the party.

            “I’m not the person you should fear, oh no, if anything, I’m your guardian spirit. You should fear my comrades. They’re the ones who left you with that disgusting scar, and they’re the ones you should worry about.”

            “What do they want?” Kayto shrugged, sighing as if bored, “Don’t know, don’t care. Like I said before, it’s none of my business. Although he’ll be quite upset with me if he knows I hurt you in any way, quite protective of you…” My brows pinched together, again with this ‘he.’ But my mind was once again preoccupied, I could feel it, the water starting to pool behind me, Kayto still oblivious to it. Just a few more seconds-

            “Who is this man you keep bringing up?”

            “A Bloodbender, but I bet you know tons about that, don’t you flower?” Kayto whispered, a sadistic smirk on his face. A Bloodbender? I pushed the thought away; that’s the least of my concerns. Kayto’s noticed how little attention I gave, causing him to grip my jaw hard, “You’re not exactly in the position to be zoning out petal.”

            “You’re wrong.”

            “Wrong?” Kayto muttered, “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

            I swung my left hand upwards, the water rising high above me as Kayto stayed crouched, mouth wide. My arm hurdled towards him with a fist, the water freezing instantaneously. Ice formed, piercing shards soaring towards him in a single motion.

            He fell back, swinging his arms in a pathetic attempt to protect himself, the ground underneath us shifting to form a shield. A distraction, that’s all I needed right now. The tension from my feet was gone and the mini encasement my right arm was stuck in crumbled. With a huff, I pulled back, dust flying everywhere as ice shattered as it hit the shield of rock that Kayto had built.

            I jumped to my feet, swinging my arms back, the ice shards stopping it’s assault and floating back to me in a single movement. I could hear Kayto groan, the shield he built crumbling down as he covered his face with the sleeve of his robe. The dust started to settle around us, and Kayto hissed, “I should’ve known.”

            “Known what?” I challenged, my arms raised and feet firmly planted on the ground. Kayto was quick; I could figure that much. But Kayto shook his head, lifting himself off his knees as he stood, “That you’d be as crafty as him. Clearly, I underestimated you.”

            “Who is this HE?” I fumed, my patience wearing thin as he mentioned him once again. Who was this man? Why does he keep comparing me to him? “That’s the least of your worries flower.”

            And with that, he stomped.

            My eyes widen, watching the way his feet hit the ground, earth shooting upwards as he rapidly punched, sending thin discs of rock my way. Shit – I outstretched my arms, swinging forward and then back in a single swing. The ice around me swiftly laid along my body, forming a protective barrier. The earth launched towards me at full speed as I raised my arms, dirt flying as it shattered upon contact with my ice. I need to get close.

            Rock after rock he shot, his mini tower of dirt he built slowly disappearing after each throw as I tried to weave between each one helplessly. I was slow, not nearly as quick as I was before, but that’s what three years of not bending does to you.

            I huffed, another rock coming my way, to fast for me to dodge. I planted my feet, raising my arms as I felt the impact of the rock hitting the ice, grunting. The way Kayto moved, his punches fast, light on his feet – it was different, unlike any other Earthbender I’ve seen. He shot another rock my way, and I lunged forward, only to swing my right arm. The ice along my arm shifted, long and thin, mimicking that of a blade.

            Kayto moved from his spot, just barely dodging my jab as stands of long black hair flew in the breeze, “You’re fast little flower.” Kayto chuckled, before swinging his foot at my feet. I huffed, slamming my arm on the ground, his foot making contact with my limb. The ice spread onto his leg; I caught him.

            He swore under his breath, unable to pull back. I tugged, causing Katyo to lose his balance. He fell on his back, and I dove forward, swinging my right arm towards him once again. Kayto’s arms crossed in front of him, my blade caught between the earth he summoned between us, “I never thought you were one to favour hand-to-hand combat.” Kayto hissed, as I struggled to push the ice through the rock. The top of the blade started to pierce through, just scarcely touching his chest, just a bit more-

            “But I guess I can’t be too surprised, being the daughter of a general after all.” My eyes widen, how does he-

            Kayto hard-pressed forward, catching me off guard as he thrust upwards, his knee jabbing into my stomach. I cried out, my breath escaping me as he tossed me to the side like a rag doll. I huffed as the stupid pebbles that lined the path dug into my skin and ripped my dress. My hands instantly gripping my stomach. Kayto jumped up, “You want hand-to-hand, fine. But you’re going to regret it flower.”

            “Fuck you.” I groaned as Kayto pressed forward, crawling away from his attack as I scrambled to get on my feet. My feet dug into the dirt, trying to withstand his punches, he was stronger than me. Each attack of his causing me to wince as my ice started to crack under his rock-covered blows. The way he effortlessly punched and evaded, despite the armour that covered his arms like my ice, it was mind-blowing. I need to end this soon, I’m still too weak, not healed enough-

            My breathing felt winded, once again sidestepping to another one of his lunges, “What’s wrong flower – is someone tired?” Kayto tutted, boxing his fists yet again. I grounded my feet, kicking his knee. A groaned escaped him, wincing and I shoved forward. He stumbled backwards, as I tangled my leg with his, freezing him to the spot – now.

            My arms swung up into the sky with fists, ice starting to form into tiny daggers. Kayto eyes widen in shock, too close of a distance to protect himself from the shards that hovered above him. I pounced, swinging my arms as the ice flew towards him, unleashing all of my energy as the ice sped towards him. Kayto crossed his arms in front of him, a desperate attempt to protect himself. I won, he’s dead meat.

            I stopped.

            The ice just barely grazed his skin, Kayto still underneath me as he anticipated certain death. “You’re not worth it,” I muttered. My ice melted as I pulled away, only then noticing that the sun was almost completely gone, I did it — more than an hour.

            “You’re not the real threat. You’re just a puppet…” I spoke. Kayto eyes widen, looking at me with shock before a grin broke out. Kayto was just a decoy; this whole New Nation stuff was all just a giant distraction. A distraction from another, more, sinister plan – a plan that Kayto was not a part of. “You’re smart little flower, more so than anyone realizes.” Kayto softly whispered.

            “What-what are you getting out of this? You don’t know who the snitch is, you don’t care about the new Nation. So what benefits do you get out of this?” I asked. Kayto just dusted off his robes, shrugging as if we weren’t in a clash seconds ago, “As I said earlier little flower, I was doing a favour. I have everything I want and more.” I didn’t bother staying around any longer. I did what I had to do, take up Kayto’s time.

            I turned on my heel, ready to run to the nearest entrance to get to Zuko but Kayto’s voice stopped me. “Ying Yue.”

            He said my name: no flower or petal, or even little bud.

            I didn’t bother looking over my shoulder, standing still. “They’re dangerous. They’ve killed hundreds; they discriminate against no one. I don’t know what they want, but I do know you’re the key…it’s all about blood.”

            My fists tighten, looking at the dirt underneath my feet, “…Thank you.”

            I changed out of my dress, brushing my hair as I slipped into one of Zuko’s old shirts. It was late, the moon peeking out as I anxiously sat at my vanity, waiting for Zuko’s arrival. And it was then I could hear the guards speaking, the door handle jiggle. Zuko. I bolted, throwing the brush to side as the doors finally opened.

            Zuko strolled in, the doors closing behind him as our eyes met. Impatiently, I eyed him, trying to read his body language, trying to gauge what the outcome was. His lips moved, a faint smile shining through, “We did it. It’s signed.”

            I threw my arms around his neck, they did it. I laughed merrily as Zuko squeezed me, “I’m so happy.” I muttered into his chest, hearing Zuko chuckle with happiness as he held me close, “It was because of you, if you didn’t take Kayto out for that walk-” I tensed, so caught up in the moment the events that just transpired slipped out of my mind.

            Within seconds Zuko pulled back, feeling the way my body went rigid, eyes narrowed with apprehension, “How was it? The walk.” Zuko muttered, watching the way I pressed my lips together. “Zuko. We need to talk.” Right away he looked over me with guilt, “Did he hurt you, I swear I’ll kill-”

            “Zuko, he’s not a good man.”

            “I already knew that-”

            “No Zuko, he’s a traitor. He’s working behind the Earth King.” Zuko’s eyes widen, his hands grasping his head as I spoke, trying to let the words I blurted settle. “I said to distract him, not fucking dissect the man to pieces. How did you find out?” Zuko hissed, rubbing his chin as he paced back and forth in the room.

            I sighed, falling onto the bed as I played with the hem of my shirt, spilling out every single word that transpired between us, conveniently leaving out any details of our mini battle. Zuko groaned, hissing under his breath as he clenched his jaw, “He’s a fucking genius.”

            “What?”

            “I can’t do anything.” I frowned, shaking my head as I watched the way Zuko fought with himself, “What do you mean, can’t you warn the Earth King?”

            “No, I don’t have proof. Just word of mouth. That’s why Kayto told you because he knew. If I say anything, accuse a noble of treason, that’s just asking for another hundred-year war.” I sighed, covering my face with my hands. That cunning bastard.

            I huffed as I crossed my arms, “Fine, it’s not like he’s a threat anyways…” I muttered under my breath. Zuko looked at me, confused, “What do you mean…”

            “Kayto’s not the issue; he’s nothing more but a stupid puppet,” I grumbled. It was pointless, this whole discussion. Nothing was going to arise from it. I didn’t know what his comrades wanted, and Kayto was at the end of the day, the definition of a lousy villain who just wanted an easy way to money, power, and sex. Kayto’s words echoed in my head, ‘a royal bed warmer’ – why does it sound so familiar? Someone called me that before…who?

            Zuko grasped my face, sighing softly as he towered in front of me, “So that’s all? He didn’t mention who these other people were? What they wanted?” I shook my head, letting myself crash against his hip as I hugged him. “I guess…we’re still at point zero. Still in the dark.” Zuko muttered, placing a soft kiss on my head as his hands rubbed my back. “I’m sorry, I wish I could tell you more.”

            “No, I’m sorry, you should’ve never been on that walk in the first place.”

            I huffed once again, a sigh escaping me as I took in his warmth. My eyes closing, “Zuko…”

            “Yes, love?”

            “I want cuddles before bed…” Zuko chuckled, running his fingers through my hair as I looked up at him with a pout, “You’ll get some and more.”

            “Promise?”

            “Promise.”

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳18

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 6700+

Notes: Ouu - someone gets punched - and highkey; I’m happy. 

Masterlist ︳17 ︳ 19

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Backpfeifengesicht

(German/n.) A person who needs to be slapped; a face that needs a fist in it.

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

            “Come on Zuko~!”

            I whined like a child as I sat on Zuko’s study, preventing him from working on the array of papers that were scattered. Aang chuckled, watching me try my hardest to look cute, although Zuko seemed indifferent; an irritable frown on his face as he rubbed his temples. The way his forehead scrunched up made him seem like an old man, a grumpy one at that. “Please~, pretty-pretty-pretty please~!” I purred as I pushed my hands tightly against my face, trying hard to look somewhat endearing.

            Aang burst out laughing, his body sprawled along the chair he sat on as he watched me with anticipation, probably curious to see where this could go. I look like a complete fool, but I don’t care. Zuko pinched his nose in irritation before growling under his breath, clearly getting aggravated with me – but that was my goal. It was frustrating how little Zuko told me about his duties, the things he did as Fire Lord, and as the ‘Future Fire Nation Queen’ how embarrassing is it that I knew nothing about Fire Nation politics?

            “Yue, I swear-” Zuko hissed under his breath, as he tried once again to sign a document. With a kittenish swipe, I slide the paper away from him, only for him to drop the pen from his grasp. Zuko’s head shot upwards; eyes narrowed as he glared. “My answer is no Yue; don’t start,” Zuko spoke strictly, and I pouted. I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer!

            “That’s not fair! It’s my duty to know what you’re working on! At least the basics!” I moaned. Zuko let out a huff as he leaned against his chair, his arms crossed. And just like that, his whole attitude changed. An amused smile playing his lips as he watched me throw a temper tantrum on his desk. “You’re meddlesome,” Zuko said, and I scoffed, mimicking his gesture and folding my arms. “I want to know why the Earth King is visiting.”

            “For politics.”

            “ZUKO~!” I shrieked, annoyed at his vagueness, something which he did purposefully. It was like he was trying to annoy me with his stupidly vague answers. Is he a sadist? Does he enjoy getting me so upset?

            “Katara helps Aang with his duties, Suki helps Sokka, why can’t I help?” I shot back. Aang quickly stood up, throwing his hands up in the air, “Don’t bring me into your marital issues!” Aang hooted. His voice raspy and nose still a bit stuffy from his cold. Although, his horrendous sneezes did seem to go away as well as his cough. It was amusing hearing Aang’s voice so deep – Katara would be gushing about it if she were here.

            Aang walked off to the door, “Oh come on, help me out Aang!” I grumbled as I watched him pull the study door wide open. But Aang shook his head, “My job is to resolve world affairs, not marital affairs.” And with that, he slipped out the door like a breeze. Next time he asks for advice revolving Katara, I’m not giving him squat!

            I pouted once again as I turned to Zuko, “I don’t understand why you want responsibilities,” Zuko spoke, a hint of bewilderment in his voice. I puffed out some air as I pushed my hair away from my face. “Zuko. I want to help you. It’s my duty to serve this Nation as much as you. But I can’t do that if you won’t give me a chance.” I never expected Zuko to open up to me wholeheartedly, hell, if he wants he can take all his secrets to his grave for all I care…well that may be a lie since I would be curious…BUT, that isn’t the damn point!

            ‘This’ was different.

            ‘This’ was work, his job, and my duty.

            Every night when we went to bed, Zuko looked stressed; tossing and turning in his sleep. No matter how early he went to bed, he would wake up every morning looking restless, as if he hadn’t slept a wink and it killed me. It killed seeing someone who you loved carry so much burden when you’re right there, ready to help them with anything. If I could relieve him of just a sliver of that pressure, it would mean the world to me.

            Thoroughly beaten, I got off his desk and walked over to his side, my arms swinging as I played with my fingers. I looked like a defeated child; I just want to help him. Zuko’s expression softened immediately, seeming to realize that although playful, I was somewhat hurt by his reluctance to let me bear some royal responsibility revolving the kingdom.

            Reaching forward, he pulled my waist towards him. His head on my hip, as my hands lazily rested on his head, coddling him. I let my fingers play with the loose strands of hair that managed to escape his bun as he held me against his sitting figure. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, love…” Zuko muttered. I let out a sigh as I looked down at him, his eyes closed as he placed a chaste kiss over my dress. I could tell the wheels in his head were turning as he thought, clearly debating something.

            “Then what is it? Zuko I’ll do anything for you, and you know that I don’t expect you to tell me everything. But this is different. I’m going to look like a fool when the Earth King arrives, and I have no clue why.” I knew I could ask Aang or even Sokka, but I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to go behind Zuko’s back; I wanted to hear it from Zuko, from his lips. Zuko let out another sigh as he rubbed his head against my dress, this man is the living definition of stubborn. “I know- I know…it’s just that…”

            “What Zuko?”

            “You shouldn’t be bothered with this stuff. You may be off bedrest, but you’re still weak. I don’t want to burden you. You need to rest, heal, not stress about things like this.” Zuko spoke distressingly as he pulled away, and I knew he was gazing at the newly formed scar that rested along my jaw. Although healed, a long pink mark formed, forever reminding me of that fateful incident just a few days ago.

            Zuko looked torn, as he hugged my waist possessively. I smiled softly before letting my hand cup his chin, forcing him to look up towards me. “Good thing I’m not made out of glass hmm?” Zuko chuckled before planting another peck on my hip. A pregnant pause before he let out a huff.

            “What do you want to know love?”

            I grinned.

            I won. I did it. I actually got my way for once with Zuko.

            “I want to know why this meeting is so important, why the Earth King is even coming here. I know it’s about Republic City but why does he have to come here?” I blurted. Zuko looked up at me amused, clearly taken aback by my questions, but little did he know I had another hundred floating around in my mind. What could I say, I was curious – shoot me.

            “It’s regarding the location of the new nation…” Zuko muttered into my waist.

            “Why does it matter? It’s being built on Fire Nation land, is it not?”

            Zuko pulled away, itching away at his chin, “Kind of.” I raised a brow, “What does that mean?”

            “You see, after the war, we came to an agreeance that a piece of land in the Earth Nation would be Fire Nation land. There were too many Fire Nation citizens who settled there. They didn’t want to leave, and many Earth Nation citizens didn’t want to see them go.” I nodded at Zuko’s words, not surprised at all.

            It caused quite a ruckus in the Earth and Fire Nation. Some thought another war was going to erupt since Fire Lord Zuko and Earth King Kuei had quite a few altercations regarding the land. That land was where the first Fire Nation Colony settled, and while the colony was built with malicious intent, it soon shifted and became a home. The number of families that had called that colony a home over the years, and not just for Fire Nation citizens but Earth as well, was tremendous. Ultimately, the Earth King backed down and gave the land to Zuko, and some could argue it forever caused an unspoken rift between the leaders – regardless of whether they choose to acknowledge it.

            “It’s a political move – you’re asking for his permission to use the land to build the new Nation…” I muttered under my breath as I began piecing together the information. Zuko could build the new Nation without the Earth King’s approval, but it would be another thorn in their relationship. So by asking the Earth King first, out of respect, it makes the Earth King feel like a king when in reality, he wasn’t even a pawn in the matter. Zuko…that sly bastard.

            Zuko grinned, tapping my nose with glee, “Ahh, you’re smarter than I thought.”

            “H-hey! I was a public figure at the Southern Tribe in case you forgot; I know a few things.” I grumbled, but I still couldn’t hide the faint blush that tainted my cheeks at his praise.

            “Well, there is that, but also funding. You see, us, the South and Northern tribe agreed to fund this new Nation, but the Earth Nation on the other hand…”

            “They don’t want to give any money.”

            “And why do you think that love?”

            “Because you already stole their land.”

            “Exactly. What a good girl.” Zuko cooed as he let his hand wander from my hip and up my stomach. I blushed feverishly at his praise, the first time he ever spoke to me in such a manner, and the worst part was I enjoyed it. Zuko’s words of praise sent a shiver straight to my core. The way he spoke sometimes was utterly sinful, and yet he seemed completely unfazed. As if the phrases or spontaneous pet names he would often refer to me as were innocent – when we both knew that was far from the truth.

            He let his hands drop from my stomach to my waist again, pulling me in between his spread legs, causing my knees to buckle slightly. But his hands held me in place, his fingers dancing along my hips.

            “S-so that is why the Earth King and Queen are visiting?” I asked flustered, anything to distract myself from Zuko’s presence; I’m drowning in him. But Zuko shook his head, “Unfortunately, the Earth Queen won’t be joining him.” I pouted, slightly disappointed. Two years ago the Earth King got married, while I was invited to their wedding, so was everyone else. That meant that someone had to stay behind to watch over the Southern Tribe, and I was the sacrifice. “Is she nice?”

            Zuko’s nose scrunched up in disgust, “No, she’s a complete bitch.” He grumbled. I raised a brow, did I miss something?

            “I’m sorry, what? You just said, unfortunately.”

            Zuko scoffed, “I know what I said, and I meant it. Because the Queen isn’t arriving, they’re sending her brother in place, and he’s a complete asshole.” I couldn’t help but laugh at Zuko. He really was something else at times.

            “I would prefer the bitch over the asshole anytime.”

            “Should I bother asking?”

            “I thought this was a purely business conversation,” Zuko said with a smirk, but the way his hands travelled up my back completely contradicted his words. Purely business my ass. I let my hands rest on his shoulders as I rested my head against his forehead because while Zuko was definitely playing along the lines of flirting and work, I finally felt like I had a purpose.

            Aang and Zuko needed the Earth King to provide his share of funding but also agree to the creation of Republic City. And given that there was a bit of ‘political’ tension between Zuko and the King, it was really up to Aang and me to pull out all of the tricks. “What are you thinking about so much babe?” Zuko hummed as his hands ran up my back, and I smiled innocently, “Just that I finally have a job.”

            Right away Zuko’s eyes narrowed, the grip on my waist tightening. Tightening to the point that I gasped out in surprise and discomfort. “I promised to tell you, not for you to do,” Zuko spoke lowly, a warning. And for a split moment, I was going to fold under his gaze and do as he said, but I couldn’t. As Imperial Consort, it was my duty to assist him, and as his girlfriend, it was my job to make sure I was his support. I swallowed deeply, as I tried my hardest to match his death stare, “No.”

            Zuko’s eyes lit up, a fire in his eyes as a smirk erupted, a grin that screamed trouble. “Are you…disobeying me?” Zuko purred, the way his finger trailed under my chin with ease caused me to bite my lip anxiously. His tone was falsely sweet; venom masked in honey as his finger trailed along my face far too gently, like a touch of wind.

            “Yes.” My voice nothing more but a whisper.

            I was a kitten in a lion’s grasp, and Zuko knew that as well.

            But despite the obvious, he was relishing, the golden twinkle in his eyes gave that much away. Any chance to assert his dominance was a great time for Zuko. “So you’re telling me, that you’re going to go against Fire Lord’s orders?” Zuko spoke eagerly, his lips just barely touching mine as his fingers wrapped around my jaw and pulled me close.

            “I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.”

            “And why is that love?”

            “Because I made an oath to this Nation, but also you. You may order me to stay put, but I would argue that my oath to this Nation is just as important – if not, more.” I said grinning to myself, because for once in my life, I spoke without a stutter, and – I made a semi-logical argument. The look of astonishment on Zuko’s face made me high five myself mentally, as he seemed taken aback. The way his mouth dropped slightly and his eyes pointed. I won. I won this argument fair-and-square, and Zuko was having a hard time digesting it.

            “Were you always this…cunning?” Zuko grumbled, his eyes burning, truly annoyed that I managed to outsmart him for once. I let out a small giggle, “Truthfully…no.” Zuko let out a chuckle as he shook his head. “But if there is a need, a want, then there is a way.” I whispered before planting a small kiss on his lips, “…plus…you’re too stubborn to admit that you need help.” Zuko delightfully laughed into my lips, and I couldn’t help but giggle along, his laughter being music to my ears, I could listen to him for the rest of my life.

            “I guess I can punish you later hmm?” Zuko muttered half-heartedly as he devoured my lips with his own, his tongue tracing along the ridges of my mouth teasingly; I found myself falling into his embrace. A soft moan escaped my lips as I let my hands run up his neck. But just as quick, I cheekily pulled away, a new found confidence seeming to consume me, “That threat seems empty…last time you told me the same thing if I remember right.”

            Zuko’s fingers dug into my skin, forcing me to look at him as he held my head high. My eyes meeting his. It was then I knew, I got too cocky. The way his touch seemed to burn into my skin, and the dark fire that glossed over his eyes proved to me that I over-stepped, and I was going to pay.

            “I always keep to my word love; I was just being nice - waiting for you to heal up. But if you want to be punished that bad, so be it.” Zuko growled. I found my mouth dropping, my lips dry as I scrambled to think. Zuko snickered at my distress, not at all pleased at my speechless stance. He let his tongue run along his lips, wetting them before teasingly brushing them against mine, “What’s wrong love? Where did that feisty attitude of yours disappear off too, hmm?”

            This was the problem between us; the tension that always managed to bubble up no matter where we were. It came to the point that my skin felt like it was always on fire whenever Zuko was around, and the fact that we’re now sleeping together made it ten times worse. Yet no matter how heated it got between us, it never did escalate to much more than teasing. It was like he was waiting, for what – that was beyond me. But every time we teased, I could tell his resolve was cracking little by little, and when that time finally comes; I pray.

            Zuko’s hand swiftly rose up my back, his hands expertly grasping a fist full of my black hair. Just as I noticed, he pulled roughly. I gasped, not expecting Zuko to tug at my hair in the slightest. My head forcefully titled back, as Zuko grinned slyly, an intimidating growl rumbling deep in his chest, “Now be a good girl and run off, yeah? Don’t you have a tea date planned with my Uncle in another twenty minutes?”

            My eyes widen, shit – Zuko was right. The grip on my hair slacked, and I found myself straightening up, not realizing that I was straddling Zuko’s lap at this point. “Shit, I need to leave – now,” I spoke anxiously as I quickly tried to fix my dress and hair, how is it possible that I look so worn out after a simple conversation with Zuko? But Zuko chuckled to himself, resting his hands behind his head as he watched me fix myself. That is why – because a simple conversation with Zuko isn’t as simple as it seems. He’s going to be my downfall at this rate.

            “Be careful, if you get tired ask a guard to help you. And make sure you take the paths, don’t try any shortcuts in the garden.” Zuko lectured, and I couldn’t help but pout, “I know~! Stop worrying about me~.” I whined. Zuko laughed before leaning in his chair, his hand gently caressing my face, “It’s my job.”

            I stopped my movements to look down at Zuko, a sweet smile on his face as he gazed over me with his gold eyes. My heart tightened just looking at him, “Zuko…” I hummed, only for him to nod, “Yes love?” I opened my mouth but quickly closed it. The overwhelming urge to just tell him that I loved him at this very moment ate away at me, but I knew better.

            Zuko cared for me - yes, but he was a man of sense. And there was no way in the spirit world Zuko felt the same way, I was a helpless romantic, forever driven by my emotions. I foolishly fell hopelessly in love with him. I bit my tongue, before shaking my head, “…Good luck with work.”

            I swore for a minute, Zuko’s smile wavered, as if he was disappointed to hear what I had said. As if he was expecting something more. But as fast as I thought I saw it, a brilliant smile appeared once again, “Thank you, now hurry. And save me a biscuit, will you?”

            “Always.”

            I couldn’t help the small huffs that escaped me as I walked through the long ornate hallways. Although I was feeling better, my chi levels were still slightly off, meaning that typical tasks, like walking, was taking a more considerable toll on me than usual. I let my fingers gently brush against the walls as I walked, just in case.

            I knew I could ask a guard, or a servant, for assistance. But the stubbornness in me told me otherwise. Starting next week I was set to begin my training, and the thought of bending once again made my blood run cold. But I also knew better; I had to get better, I had to move past this bump. If not for me, for Zuko, for Kiyi, for the gang. The nurse was right, I was strong, and by me refusing to bend, I was adding more stress on Zuko than needed. I refuse to be that annoying damsel in distress; I wasn’t raised to be like that.

            The sound of a few maids whispering down the hallway caught my attention, my ears perking up at the sound of their hushed voices. They bowed lowly, and my eyebrows scrunched up, trying to figure out who they were bowing at. Whoever it was, they still hadn’t turned the corner. Probably just Ursa or maybe Noren…

            But then again, I couldn’t help but notice the way their hands shook as if they were fearful of the person who was walking towards them. A small scowl on their faces as looked down at the floor, a look I haven’t seen on servants faces since I’ve been here…except that one time. My breath hitched, and I found myself standing still, not moving an inch. You've got to be kidding me – just my damn luck.

            A tall woman walked around the corner, her hands carefully placed in front of her, although hidden underneath her long scarlet coloured robes. Her silky black hair was nothing less than perfect, her buns so tightly secured to her head that they didn’t budge a single bit as she strode down the hall. Maybe if I just stand still, I can just blend in with the wall…but oh, of course with my luck, that was far from the reality of the situation.

            The moment her cat eyes met mine, a cold shiver ran down my spine, and I found myself sharply breathing. Her fair skin contrasted heavily against her dark glaze. “Imperial Consort Ying Yue…Just the person I was looking for.” Mai spoke elegantly. But her words were far from pleased. It felt forced, down to the way she spoke my name. Flashbacks of me trying to befriend her came rushing back – remembering how she scoffed at my presence as if I was nothing more than a bug. To hear her say my title, to tilt her head in some form of acknowledgement spoke wonders.

            I nodded my head and smiled at her, “Countess Mai, what may I do for you?” My voice was steady, didn’t waver a bit as I tried my hardest to channel my inner Toph or Suki. But I found myself entirely memorized by Mai. Despite her cold hard appearance, she was stunning. She wasn’t your typical beauty - curvy or flirtatious, rather the opposite. She carried herself with the utmost respect, and her lean figure exhibited just how much she trained and took care of herself. Mai was the exact opposite of me…and I envied her.

            While she looked like a warrior, I looked like a delicate flower. The way Mai spoke, always commanded attention, she was born to be a royal, to be a leader; things I wasn’t. I anxiously bit my lip as I took in how different Mai and I were. What could Zuko possibly see in me? Mai is nothing but a leader…she would make a better Queen than me…

            “I came to say my thanks.” My eyes widen in disbelief, completely taken aback by her statement. “I’m sorry, what do you mean Countess Mai, I’m afraid I don’t-”

            “You saved my brother,” Mai sputtered, although I noticed the way her eye twitched in irritation. Just breathing the same air as me was about to set her off. My mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, unsure what to say. Was Mai, the Almighty, the one who couldn’t even look at me since I have arrived here, thanking me? She watched the way I looked at her, and kissed her teeth, unpleased by my dumb expression, “My brother; Tom-Tom.” She said, a hint of attitude in her tone.

            Tom-Tom? That shy little adorable boy is Mai’s younger brother? I smiled before pushing back some of my hair, Mai was thanking me. Maybe I misunderstood her; perhaps she isn’t as cold-hearted as I thought…Maybe Mai is like Toph? A bit rough along the edges but sweet in the inside. This could be the start of something new between us...

            “No need to thank me, Countess Mai, I couldn’t live with myself should anything-”

            “I don’t need your damn speech,” Mai spoke swiftly, raising her thin hand to shut me up. I didn’t even get a chance to blink before she turned on her heel, not bothering to spare me another second. My eyes widen at her actions as I looked at her back. Her shoulders’ were tense, visibly distressed and I frowned. Why is she mad? She was the one who came to me; she was the one who spoke to me first. Why does she hate me so much? It seriously can’t be because I’m with Zuko.

            I sucked in a deep breath, I knew deep down I should let her go, that I should just listen to what Zuko has said countless of times and leave Mai alone. As Zuko would say, ‘be a good girl and listen to me. Don’t try to be friends’. But that was just it, sometimes my big heart got the best of me, and I ignored Zuko’s warnings. I couldn’t live with myself knowing that someone hated me just because. I don’t expect me and her to be best friends, but damnit, you can’t just hate someone to hate. There had to be a reason; I didn’t talk to her but twice since I’ve arrived – what could I have possibly done to make her hate me this much?

            “Countess Mai-”

            Mai stopped dead in her tracks the moment she heard my voice. Despite her long sleeves, I could see the way her hands balled up in aggravation as if she was trying to keep her composure. With a sharp turn on her heel, she faced me. Although this time, I could see the way her jaw clenched with infuriation, her eyes glaring nothing but daggers at me. “Listen mut, listen very carefully,” I flinched at her words, did she seriously just call me a mut?

            “I came here to say thank you because as much as I wish you were dead, I know when to pay my respects. So don’t you dare, for a single moment, think that there are any chances of us being friends.” I couldn’t help but take a deep breath, trying my hardest not to snap back. As my dad always said; ‘two wrongs don’t make a right.’ But the way Mai looked at me with disgust had me biting my lip to keep my cool.

            “Mai, I don’t understand why you hate me so much. I know you and Zuko had a history, but that is between you two, not us. I didn’t do anything to you.” I spoke sensibly. But the last thing I expected was for her to laugh; a bitter, manic laugh that brought chills upon my skin. The way her lips twisted to a wicked smile as she shook her head.

            “Did nothing? You said it yourself, you knew about Zuko and me, yet here you are. Leeching off him like a little pest.” She hissed. I frowned, a pest? “I don’t know what Zuko sees in you. You’re nothing. You’re not a royal, not a Firebender. Nothing but a sorry story.”

            My hands instantly balled into fists as she stomped closer and closer to me. She was taller than me that I knew, but it didn’t matter. I’m going to tear her to shreds if she didn’t shut her mouth in the next ten seconds. To think that I envied her, forget that. But Mai wasn’t finished. As if a second wind hit her, she took another step towards me. A menacing smile on her face as she tapped her long boney fingers on her chin; “But I guess I’m not giving you enough credit. To think, that someone as useless, obnoxious, and pathetic as you could whore their way to such a rank. You’re nothing more than a royal bed warmer.”

            “Jealousy is an ugly colour Mai, even for you.” I scowled.

            Mai’s eyes widen for a split moment hearing my stern voice, but she quickly composed herself and grinned mischievously. Keep calm, don’t let her get under your skin- “Aww, so the slut does know how to use her pretty mouth besides sucking.”

            Fuck her.

            As if an unknown force overcame, I found my knees slightly bending, my hips tilting as my right hand rose. The rude remarks, the insults, the backhanded comments – I had enough. With whatever strength I could muster, my right arm tensed while my hand balled up into a fist that swung with a purpose; her face.

            Mai’s eyes widen, clearly not expecting a ‘royal bed warmer’ to throw a punch; but I guess today is just full of surprises. For someone who was supposedly ‘trained’ in hand-to-hand combat, she sure had slow reflexes. I could feel my top knuckles clash against her boney nose, her eyes widening for a split moment before she cried out in pain. Her eyes teared up in reaction to my punch, as her hand instantly went up to cover her face.

            My breathing was laboured as I pulled back, my left hand falling against the wall; trying to steady myself. That punch took all of my damn energy, but fuck was it worth it. The look of pure anguish and disbelief was written all over her face.

            I knew I messed up.

            I knew I broke every single royal protocol in the book – again.

            But I also knew that the pleasure of seeing my fist in her face was remarkable. A once in a lifetime memory that I was going to take to my grave and bask.

            “Y-you punched me!?” Mai screamed as she held her nose, a few drops of blood trickling down her hand.

            “I’m sorry, did a pathetic, useless, ugly, mut hurt you?” I spoke sarcastically; hurling back every single insult she threw at me. Mai huffed, sending me glares of death but I easily brushed them off. I’m dating Zuko, the master of death stares, Mai’s stares were nothing more but a tickle at this point. With a tight grip on her nose, she hollered, “GUARDS!”

            My eyes widen in surprise; she was going to try to get me in trouble. Right away heavy steps echoed behind me, a few gasps of surprise signalling to me that they saw precisely what I saw. Countess Mai with a bloody nose and my hand still balled up in a fist, “S-she punched me!” Mai shrieked as she pointed a thin finger at me accusatorily. The guards looked at me, confusion on their faces as they stood hesitantly, and I couldn’t blame them. Here you have an Imperial Consort accused of punching the ex-lover of the Fire Lord in the face, and the worst part was, it did happen.

            “Imperial Consort Ying Yue…is this true?” A guard spoke cautiously, a hint of disbelief in his voice. Fuck. Zuko is going to kill me. “I-I-”

            “Countess Mai started it! Imperial Consort was defending herself!”

            My eyes widen as a voice shouted from behind Mai, and it was then I realized who it was. The maids from earlier, they saw and heard everything, they’re going to defend me. Mai hissed as she turned to stare at the group of maids that eagerly ran towards us. But instead of rushing to Mai’s aid, they ran to me, tightly gripping my arms as they helped me stand straight.

            “Countess Mai was harassing Imperial Consort Ying Yue – she was insulting her and the Fire Lord.” The maid spoke breathlessly, but I could see the sparks in her eyes as she spoke. They wanted to help me, but more importantly, they wanted to see Mai get in trouble. Personal revenge for them - seems like Mai wasn’t exactly welcomed at the Kingdom after all.

            Mai’s face drained white, “Y-you-” Mai stuttered, so consumed by anger she couldn’t even speak. But the maids held their ground, holding on to me as they glared at Mai.

            “Countess Mai, you will be placed under house arrest for insulting Imperial Consort Ying Yue and the Fire Lord.” The guards spoke with ease. The irony – the fact that she tried to get me in trouble, but she was the one getting arrested. Mai’s eyes widen in disbelief as the guards approached her, their large hands tightly gripping her upper arms. Fuck, as much as I wish to see her get put in her place-

            “No!”

            Everyone stopped their actions to look at me, even Mai herself. With a deep breath, I stepped forward, pulling away from the support of the maids.

            “Mai, you can say whatever you wish to me. You can make me your punching bag. But remember carefully, if I’m going to be your punching bag, I’ll make you my punching bag.”

            “I'll remember this.” With that, Mai hastily shook the guard's arms off her as if their touch was venom. Mai turned on her heel, her hand still tightly gripping her nose as she dashed off. Her red robes and tight buns disappeared along with the guards, probably going to their original posts. I let out a breath; I can’t believe this just happened. I found myself leaning against the wall; trying to come to terms with just everything that had happened.

            “Imperial Consort Ying Yue…?” I turned quickly, remembering the group of maids were still standing beside me. Gosh, if they weren’t here who knows what would have happened. “Ahh, uh, thank you. For defending me…I wouldn’t know what to do.” I spoke. The maids smiled, giving me low bows, “Do you need assistance…?” I smiled but nodded my head no, “I should be fine, but sincerely- thank you all.” The maids grinned to themselves before waving, “Take care Imperial Consort! It was our pleasure.” And with another step, they dashed off.

            I let out another heavy breath, my right fist tingling. I can’t believe I just punched Mai in the face. Zuko is going to kill me, what am I going to say to him? How do I even begin explaining what had happened? I don’t even know what happened! I straighten out my hand, wincing a bit at the soreness, but I could only imagine the world of pain Mai was going to be in. I grinned to myself. As horrible as it was, it felt great.

            A gentle hand on my lower back caught me off guard, my body turning swiftly to my right. “Iroh?” I gasped. He stood there, his hand still on my lower back while his other hand gently held mine. He wore a warm smile, a smile that highlighted every single happy line on his face. “You did a number on her didn’t you?” Iroh spoke amused. My eyes widen, and I flushed nervously, he saw. He saw me punch Mai.

            “I can explain-”

            “Ying Yue?”

            “Yes…?”

            “Thank you.” My mouth dropped as Iroh laughed, his belly rumbling in joy. “I don’t understand-”

            “Do you know why Zuko and Mai never worked out?” Iroh spoke gently while carefully inspecting my hand for any damage. I pouted at Iroh’s question because I didn’t even know why Zuko would go for someone like Mai. Curiosity ate away at me every day, eager to know more about their history, but I knew Zuko was naturally a private person. Someone who would tell me his secrets, but at his pace. I shook my head, “I never asked. It didn’t feel right…” I muttered under my breath.

            Iroh smiled, “Too many chefs in a kitchen.” I giggled at Iroh’s idiom, completely taken off guard. It was something my dad used to say whenever mom tried to help him cook. “What does that have to do with Zuko and Mai?”

            “A lot. They’re both takers. Leaders. It’s easy for them to want – but hard for them to give.” It was like something in me ticked. They were too similar – that’s why it never worked out. Aang was careless while Katara was serious – but together they made a perfect combination. Same with Suki and Sokka – they completed each other, made each other change for the better. But Mai and Zuko…they were so much alike that instead of helping each other – they fed into each other’s flaws.

            “Zuko and Mai were in a world of pain, the only stable thing in their lives was each other. It’s easy to mistake friendship for love when you're vulnerable.” Iroh spoke wisely, and I nodded. I got it now. They were friends. And a part of me felt horrible. Zuko didn’t lose a ‘girlfriend’ - he lost a friend. A best friend who had been with him his whole life. The bitterness from Mai – she misses him.

            “There’s a reason why Zuko loves you-you understand him. But why do you love Zuko?” My eyes widen as I found myself biting my lip, “Zuko doesn’t love me…” I whispered before looking back down at our hands, but Iroh scoffed. “I’ve known him his whole life, and not once have I seen him look at someone like how he looks at you. So hurry up and tell him how you feel, because the Avatar only knows how long it will take him to confess.”

            “Iroh…”

            “Yes, Ying Yue?”

            “…the better question is what is there not to love about Zuko…” Iroh grinned sheepishly, before gently patting my hand with his own, “Let me get you to the infirmary, take a look at your hand. Then we can get our afternoon tea in the gardens.” I smiled and nodded, “Zuko is going to kill me…” I muttered to myself, but Iroh laughed, “Let’s make a deal. I’ll keep this under wraps if you promise me something.” I looked up at Iroh, a curious look on my face which made Iroh laugh more.

            “I’ll keep this whole ‘punching Mai in the face thing’ under wraps if you promise me to love my nephew forever.”

            “…Deal.”

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation. 

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

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[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳09

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 5000+

Notes: I hope everyone is enjoying the chapters, and don’t be afriad to leave a like~! Thanks for the support and love guys, it’s awesome <3

Masterlist ︳08 ︳ 10

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Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Basorexia

(English/n.) The overwhelming desire to kiss.

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

            Warmth.

            It radiated throughout my body as I smushed my face into the pillow and hummed delightfully. I’ve never slept so nicely before, and out of pure delight, I found myself wrapping myself tighter and tighter into the blankets, in complete and utter bliss. That was until I got a large sniff of the sheets. It smelled different from my usual vanilla scent. It was rich and in some ways smelt like firewood. Although it was different, that wasn’t to say I didn’t like it at all, rather than the opposite. It was intoxicating. Yet, it triggered something else in my mind. My eyes snapped open, and I took in my surrounding. Oh my.

            The blankets were different.

            The walls were different.

            Everything was different.

            I was frozen in place, curled up into a tiny ball on my side as I gazed at the windows. It’s morning, so I didn’t sleep in. But I huffed, I knew what I had to do, and at this point, I was stalling. The room was not unfamiliar to me; in fact, I knew it all too well. With a deep breath, I swiftly turned on my back, ready to come face to face with the one and only, sleeping Zuko. Yet, to my surprise, there was nothing. Absolutely nothing. Empty. Zero.

            My eyebrows pinched together as I looked at the empty spot beside me. The blankets were nice and tidy, not a single wrinkle or crease found. Instead of finding answers, I was left more confused. Here I was, apparently in Zuko’s bed, but Zuko was nowhere to be seen. I sat up straight and looked around the room. Memories flooding back when my eyes fell upon the back of the couch. We were sitting, talking, and then I started feeling sleepy…Did I fall asleep? I started getting rosy. Smooth Yue, really fucking smooth.

            A soft groan caught my attention, and I looked closer at the couch. Is the blanket on the sofa moving? My eyes widen, there’s no way… I shifted in Zuko’s bed and stood up, curious. Slowly I walked over to the couch, trying my hardest not to make a sound. But my curiosity ended when I finally managed to stand in front of the sofa. If only I could capture this moment forever.

            Zuko sluggishly laid along the sofa, his eyes closed and lips slightly parted. He was sleeping, still in dreamland. The couch was visibly too small for his large frame, yet Zuko managed to squeeze himself on top of it, curled into a ball as the blankets twisted themselves with his legs. It was the first time I ever saw him so vulnerable, different from his poised demeanour. I wonder how many people have seen like this, so exposed. Suddenly the need to make sure he was tucked in and warm engulfed me, what have you done to me? Zuko hugged the sheets close to his broad chest, his uniform breathing the only sound heard in the room. He looked tranquil.

            It took me a few minutes to take in that I was already crouched down, leaning over his sleeping figure, and a hand delicately tracing the curvature of his face. It was also the first time I got a good look at his scar. Surprisingly enough, I never did take note of his burn. It was not the first thing I noticed; instead, it was the twinkle in his golden eyes and that handsome smile. It must have hurt so much; I thought as I gazed upon the burn. The scar had unquestionably healed and seemed a tad bit smaller than how the others described it to me. Yet, something told me that it was this burn that defined him, made him who he was…

            “I wouldn’t mind waking up every morning to this.” Zuko hummed softly as his hand quickly engulfed mine. My eyes widen, and I instinctively tried to pull my hand away from his face, I totally got caught. Zuko’s eyes opened, and he flashed me a playful grin, as he held my hand tightly against his face, “Oh, please continue, you seemed to be enjoying yourself.” I coloured and poked his cheek, “What are you doing on the couch? Did I fall asleep?” I asked. Zuko chuckled and slowly started stretching, before sitting himself up.

            For someone who seemed to have slept on the couch, he didn’t look like it; he could make a potato sack look sexy. I probably look like poop. “You didn’t just fall asleep; you knocked out cold. I thought you died for a minute.” Zuko mused. I groaned and covered my face, “I'm so sorry. You should have just brought me back to my bedroom.” I grumbled in my hands. Zuko laughed and patted my head, “I tried, but you insisted on staying here. Something along the lines of ‘you're so warm’ and ‘I feel safe,’” Zuko said in a high pitch tone that mimicked mine. Someone kill. Me. Now.

            “How can I say no, especially when you say those things, my love?” My eyes widen.

            “My love?” I repeated, flabbergasted. Zuko chuckled.

             “Don’t you remember? We agreed that Princess would be confusing in the Fire Nation.”

            “What else happened?” I said panicked.

            Zuko snickered and stood up, stretching his legs. “Nothing really, I tucked you into bed, and I slept on the couch.” I let out a sigh of relief and eagerly stood up. So I guess I didn’t humiliate myself that much. “Although next time you decide to pass out like that, I'm not going to be Mr. Nice Guy and sleep on the couch. My neck kills.”

            “I'm sorry.” I pouted and crossed my arms bashfully. I can’t believe I made Fire Lord Zuko sleep on the couch. Zuko rolled his eyes and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “Don’t worry about it love. Are we still going to market this morning?” Zuko asked, as his head rested upon mine. I nodded, and gently pulled away to meet his eyes. “I’ll walk you to your room so you can get changed. It's the least I could do after you spent the night.” Zuko said with a wink. I slapped his arm and started walking to the door, “Good morning to you too!” Zuko sarcastically shouted from behind me. I giggled and opened the door, “Good morning!” I shouted back.

            “Good morning uh, Yue?”

            My eyes widen, and my head snapped towards the hallway. Sokka and Suki just woke up as well, their hair was all messy, and they still wore their pyjamas. Sokka seemed flustered while Suki was grinning madly, “Had fun last night?” I flushed, knowing exactly what going through that dirty mind of hers. “It-it's not what you think.” I quickly spat out. Sokka leaned against the wall with eyebrows raised, “Humor me.” Sokka challenged.

            An arm wrapped around my waist and I could feel Zuko come from behind me, his warm breath tickling the back of my neck, “So you're sleeping in Zuko’s room now?” Suki questioned, loving every moment of this, a bit too much. Zuko eyed them and grinned, “Did Ying Yue say that?” Zuko asked. I looked up at him rattled. “I was just wondering since it seems she stayed the night.”

            “Ah, she couldn’t control herself last night.” Zuko edged on, and I knew what he was doing. He was actually going to use this against me in every way possible. Suki laughed and elbowed Sokka, “Who would have thought.” She pointed her chin at me. I flushed, “That’s not true!” I squeaked out.

            “Don’t be shy; she didn’t even make it to the bed.” Zuko mused. This time I didn’t hold back. I slapped Zuko’s arm hard, and he yelped, letting go of me as he rubbed his arm in pain. They may have sharp tongues, but I can punch just as hard. “And I thought it was going to be him being rough,” Suki muttered under her breath, but still loud enough for me to pick it up. Today is the day; today is the day I murder everyone.

            “Fire Lord Zuko-”

            Everyone turned their heads to see Zuko’s maid, Lia, running down the hallway. It was clear she had just woken up as well, still wearing her pyjamas. She swiftly stopped in front of us but made sure she gave a low bow to Zuko first. Zuko nodded his head in acknowledgment before she looked at me, “Imperial Consort Ying Yue.” She said as well, giving me a large bow. I was flustered; I guess I have to get accustomed to this. I smiled and bowed back. Lia looked back at Zuko, but she seemed stressed.

            “Speak,” Zuko said quickly, straight to the point. It was a huge shift in appearance, strange seeing him speak roughly. “Earth Nation documents have been received and require urgent attention.”

            “Earth Nation?” Zuko asked, seemingly surprised. Lia nodded, “We made it clear that you were off duties for the time being, but it was urgent enough for them to expedite the documents here. It was sent from the King himself, Kuei, the 52nd Earth King.” Zuko frowned. It evident he was in deep thought, as his eyebrows pinched together and he crossed his arms. It was clear this caught him off guard, but Zuko huffed and soon all signs of disbelief left. He swiftly turned to Sokka and Suki and politely bowed, “Sorry I must go, this is urgent.”

            I pouted, watching how edgy Zuko seemed. What was going on? Unknowingly, I bit my lip and started fidgeting with my fingers. Zuko turned to face me and gave me a weak smile, a smile that failed to reach his eyes. “Would you be okay going to the market yourself? I don’t know how long I'll take…” Zuko asked me hesitantly. I smiled softly and nodded, “Don’t worry, I can buy the things you wanted for Kiyi.” Zuko let out a breath of relief. He mouthed a quick thank you before he hurried back to his bedroom to change. Lia looked at me and gave me an apologetic look.

            Sokka and Suki waved goodbye before stating that they were going to grab something to eat for breakfast. It was clear they felt terrible that my plans were temporarily cancelled and asked if I would join. I politely declined and went to my bedroom to change for the day. I wasn’t mad at all that Zuko had left, but rather curious, what could have been that important that the Earth King wrote himself? I huffed as I changed into a plain white kimono. Was it something bad? Good? Maybe about the new Nation they were building?

            I stopped in front of the mirror and looked at myself. I was out of the loop in terms of politics that Zuko was in charge of. I was aware of the politics here in the Southern Water Tribe and Northern, but I was ignorant when it came to the Earth and Fire. If I wanted to be Zuko’s companion I had to step up. As much as I loved the romance and playful banter, I knew it wasn’t going to last forever. The moment I arrive at the Fire Nation things would be different. I was a symbol of the Fire Nation now, and I had to make sure I maintained such reputation for the sake of Zuko.

            The bags were heavy, stupidly heavy. I was tempted to walk back to the house and drop them off, but I had one more thing to buy. Zuko had sent two guards to accompany me on my day trip, ‘he didn’t want you to be alone’ the guard told me. I huffed and walked from booth to booth, looking for the last thing on my mental shopping list. Both guards were friendly but quiet. Unless I spoke up and started some form of small talk, they didn’t utter a word and just trailed along behind me.

            Out of the corner of my eye, I could see one of the guards eye me once again, more specifically the bags I carried. I pouted and gave him a look back before he could speak, “It’s fine; I can hold them.” The guard sighed, exhausted from my stubbornness, although I knew Zuko most likely would take the trophy for hard-headedness. “Fire Lord Zuko would not be pleased seeing you carry such heavy bags.” The guard spoke sensibly. I rolled my eyes and waved away his apprehensions, “Look, the shop is right there, and then we can go.” I chirped. The guard sighed once again, although I swear I saw him smile from underneath his helmet, ha! I got some emotion out of him.

            The man who tended the shop looked surprised to see me and slightly hesitated when viewing the two Fire Nation guards following suit. Regardless, I tried to make the atmosphere less tense with my famous smile, “Good Afternoon.” I started. The man nodded, “Good Afternoon Ying Yue.” He quickly gave me a small bow. That’s right…news of my new title wasn’t set to be released until today’s town hall meeting, although, I would be lying if I said that I was unhappy that he didn’t refer to me by a new title. Imperial Consort, it was okay to say once, but I was already getting annoyed at how long it was, it’s so redundant. Maybe I can shorten it? Like to consort…or imperial? I scoffed at myself, that just sounds stupid.

            The shop owner coughed, trying to catch my attention once again, “What can I help you with?” I smiled pleasantly remembering why I was even here, at a theatre shop. All around were stunningly adorned masks and costumes that were hand-made and ranged in colours, although blues and whites seemed to be the most popular. But my eyes landed on the display of masks that lined the back wall. Zuko said how his mother and his step-father adored theatre, so much so that he made them ambassadors of drama and theatre for the Fire Nation. “You wouldn’t happen to have some vintage masks, would you? Maybe something relating to Southern Tribe lore?” I asked. The man nodded and quickly began pulling out masks, ranging in shapes and sizes.

            It didn’t take long for me to choose what I wanted as my eyes instantly got attracted to two beautiful masks, couples masks. It was a representation of Ying and Yang; both masks had intricate detailing and contrasting colours. It was clear how much work had gone into these pieces of art, and I didn’t dare touch them, knowing me it would freeze the moment my fingertips grazed the material. This would work; a matching set for a couple…

            “I’ll take it,” I said brightly. The man nodded and quickly began wrapping the masks into well-crafted boxes. I mentally groaned, the thought of carrying yet another bag did not seem fun at all at this point. I hit the point where I was all shopped out, which said a lot because I love a good shopping spree. I paid the man and with much annoyance, grabbed the last bag. With a final goodbye, we departed the store, standing outside in the snowy weather.

            “Happy? Now you can take me to Fire Lord Zuko.” I said with a cheery smile to the guards as I tauntingly waved the last bag. After all, Zuko insisted that after I finished shopping, I meet him at the ship, in hopes that by then he would be finished his work and we could have a late lunch. The chatter one of the guards visibly chuckled, and I could hear him mutter something under his breath before speaking, “Follow me please.” I nodded, and happily trailed along.

            I was nervous to go back onto the ship, but another part of me was eager, I can finally put down these bags… It was only a matter of time that we were once again at the dock, and walking inside of the ship. The whole time guards and maids were bowing deeply and referring to me by my full title. I smiled back at them, although I did feel a tad bit weird. It was crazy how different Water and Fire Nation customs were. Sure, I was figurehead over here, but it seems like being a figurehead in the Fire Nation meant receiving the royal treatment.

            I could visibly see the heavy metal doors, and I knew where we were. We are in Zuko’s study. The guard stopped abruptly and looked at me before speaking, “With all due respect Ying Yue, can you please allow me to take your bags and place them in Fire Lord Zuko’s quarters? He will truly have my head if he saw you carrying everything yourself.” I could see the guard’s pleading eyes and I couldn’t help but pout in defeat. “Fine, since you asked nicely,” I said. I don’t want the man to lose his job.

            The guard’s shoulders visibly dropped, and he let out a sigh of relief before he began grabbing the bags from me, “Thank you, I really do appreciate you two staying with me during my outing.” I spoke elegantly. The guards nodded before moving towards the door, “You can enter, Fire Lord Zuko is aware that you're here.” I nodded, and with a push, the door opened.

            It was strange being in the room once again, since the last time I was here it resulted in tears and me being Zuko’s unofficial, official, girlfriend. Paperwork was still scattered throughout as candlelight illuminated the room. But more importantly, Zuko sat hunched over his study. It didn’t take an expert to tell that Zuko was upset. He had a hand pressed against his head as he huffed out angrily, I swore I saw some flicks of fire come out of his breath.

            “Zuko…?” I said softly. Zuko’s eyes widen, and he quickly sat back, taken off guard. He seemed relieved to see me, but I could see his shoulder’s tense once again. Something was wrong; it was clear as day. I frowned and crossed my arms as I watched Zuko walk towards me, “How was the market?” Zuko asked, trying his hardest to sound sincere. I wasn’t stupid, it was small talk, talking to not address the real flying bison in the room. “No, there’s something wrong,” I said quickly.

            Zuko looked taken aback that I was able to notice, I was good at reading people, a skill that proved helpful in times like these. Zuko hesitantly scratched his neck, a nervous habit of his I learned. He let out a deep breath before standing straight, looking at me dead in the eyes, “You’re right; there is something wrong.”

            “Does it have something to do with that letter from the Earth King?” I asked.

            Zuko nodded before gently placing his hands on my shoulders, “Ying Yue, I know, I promised you that we would leave in a few more days but-”

            “But?” I repeated, eager for him to finish his sentence. Zuko frowned, before finally finishing. “The Earth King has decided to arrive at the Fire Nation to discuss some matters regarding the project Avatar Aang, and I have. Which means, instead of leaving in a few days, we must head to the Fire Nation tomorrow.”

            Leave tomorrow? I felt my shoulders drop in defeat; I understood why Zuko was stressed. Leaving tomorrow left me no time to say goodbye to everyone I wanted or gather the remainder of my things. Zuko seemed to notice that I was distraught as he gently cupped my face, “We depart first thing in the morning. I already sent word to the Fire Nation of our early arrival.” He said quietly as if speaking softer would lessen the blow. I sighed heavily. This was the last thing that I thought would happen. I gazed back at Zuko, and I could tell he was trying his hardest to gauge my level of anger.

            “I understand…” I said faintly. I truly did understand. It was what I signed up for. Fire Lord came first, Zuko came second. Zuko seemed taken aback, “You’re not mad?” He said baffled. I crossed my arms and frowned, “I'm mad, but not at you. It’s out of your control. You have responsibilities, and those things always come first. It would be unfair to hold that against you.”

            Zuko let out a smile of relief and let his forehead fall against mine, as his arms wrapped around my waist. “Thank you for understanding...” He said softly. I smiled and nodded, “Who would get mad? It’s not your fault.” Zuko rolled his eyes before mumbling, “You’ll be surprised.” I titled my head a bit confused before I caught on. He was referring to Mai…did she get upset with Zuko when stuff like this happened? I pushed the thought away; I can overthink about that later, and focused on Zuko’s frown. I knew I had to lighten the mood, for Zuko’s sakes and mine. “Come, I want to bring you somewhere…” I said as I began tugging on his hand. Zuko looked at me confused, “Where to?”

            “The garden.”

            “You guys have a garden?” Zuko said astounded. I laughed and shrugged my shoulders, “Well…its not really a garden. Just a bunch of pine trees…so it’s really just a forest, but, uh, you get the point.” Zuko laughed and shook his head, “If you think that is a garden you're going to be blown away when I show you the gardens we have at the kingdom.”

            “You really weren’t joking when you said a bunch of pine trees…” Zuko said with a chuckle. I playfully bumped my hip into his and rolled my eyes. I knew it was stupid to bring him here. Logic told me that I should be rushing home, saying my goodbyes and getting ready to leave for tomorrow. We seriously had less than 24 hours. But I knew that if I did just that, I would be too upset to get anything done. Nothing was going to change the fact that I was leaving tomorrow, so I might as well have fun while I can.

            So here we were, behind my home, correction, old home, walking around in the forest. Zuko held a red umbrella over our heads, something he insisted on doing since I was too short and kept hitting Zuko on the head with it. I bought an umbrella at the market, which was totally an impulsive buy, like why would I really need an umbrella in the Southern Water Tribe besides not letting the snow touch me? But I figured, I might as well have something coloured red to shade me during our sails, I don’t know when I'm going to find time to shop for stuff when I land. I had a subtle feeling that wearing any shade of blue would be highly inappropriate at the Fire Nation.

            “Ying Yue…?”

            “Hello…”

            “Yue, Babe.”

            My ears perked up, and I turned to look at Zuko. I blushed slightly; he did just call me Yue…and Babe? Zuko never refers to me by my shortened name, always full. “Babe?” I mused. Zuko smiled and shrugged his shoulders, “It got your attention, didn’t it?” I rolled my eyes, and I kept on scanning the forest. The truth was, there was more to this forest than just pine trees. But I was having a hard time finding it with all the snow falling. It was a little secret oasis, somewhere I went to from time to time when I couldn’t see the Southern Lights, but I wanted to be alone.

            “What are you looking for?” Zuko asked, watching my eyes dart back and forth in search for it. “Nothing…” I hummed, but a tad bit of red caught my eye. It’s over there! I tightly wrapped myself around his arm and started gently tugging him towards that direction, “Nothing? Then why are you pulling me?” Zuko said laughing. I grinned and shrugged my shoulders, “Maybe if you just let me pull you, you can find out faster.”

            “What is that red thing over there?” Zuko asked. I pouted and without thinking twice stopped moving and covered his eyes, “Don’t peak! Close your eyes and I'll lead you there.” Swiftly I pulled my hand away, and Zuko did indeed shut his eyes, “Your pretty brave to tell me what to do missy.” I grinned, although he couldn’t see it, and continued dragging him along. Thankfully he didn’t put up a fight, surprising since it was quite evident that Zuko was not one to take orders. It was just a matter of time when we reached the location, and I was thrilled.

            “Open your eyes…” I said softly, as I lightly placed my hands on Zuko’s chest. Hesitantly, Zuko opened his eyes, and his mouth dropped. “Are these…flowers?” Zuko said shocked. I smiled and jumped up in excitement, glad he was as surprised as I wanted him to be. “They're called quince, isn’t it beautiful?” I hummed. Zuko was in complete awe, taking in his surroundings.

            It was a strange sight indeed; something people never think they would see if they came to the Southern Water Tribe. Large trees towered above us, but the magically part of them was the gorgeous red flowers that blossomed from them. It was one of the few and rare species of trees that bloomed during the winter, strong enough to endure the harsh winters. During cold times such as these, the snow would freeze, crystallizing the flowers. It was serene, something you would read out of a children’s book.

            “I-I didn’t know this was possible,” Zuko said in admiration, as he looked up aimlessly, almost in a daze. I giggled, watching his speechless expression as he looked around with fondness. Zuko perked up at my giggle, looking downwards as he watched my cheerful expression. He gave me a soft smile, seemingly taking in my delight. There was just something beautiful about seeing Zuko happy. Seeing him stressed out back at the ship just made something in me eager to make him happy again, even if it was for a split moment.

            “Thank you…” He said softly. I opened my mouth to dismiss his thanks, but Zuko shook his head, his free hand swiftly cupping my chin. His thumb was softly caressing my lips, as to hush me. “Thank you…for just…understanding.” He started. I was caught off guard by his gesture. He was so gentle, so…intimate. Zuko pressed his forehead against mine, towering over my figure as his thumb continued to outline my bottom lip. His touch was warm against my cold skin; it was like ice and fire touching. I could hear his heartbeat right under my hands as they rested against his chest and feel his warm breath against my face.

            “Zuko…” I whispered, not trusting in my voice. I couldn’t help but gaze upon his lips, they were just so tempting, and instinctively, I licked my top lip. I could hear Zuko groan lowly and that was when I noticed he was looking at my lips just as blatantly as I. It was clear. There was an unspoken desire. We both wanted this, but neither one of us wanted to initiate. He wants this just as much as me. I could feel my breath get heavy just at the thought, gosh, I wanted this, no needed it.

            “Yue...we shouldn’t…” Zuko said, his voice hoarse, breath heavy. I whined and found myself pressing closer against Zuko, “Why?” I whimpered out as my fingers began wrapping themselves with the front of his shirt. Zuko closed his eyes, as if being this close to him was painful, “I-I don’t want to force you…” Zuko stuttered, but at the same time, he just pushed himself closer to me. Gosh, Zuko you're so fucking dense.

            “Please.”

            That was all it took. A pathetic plea from me, and within seconds my wishes were answered. Zuko crashed his lips against mine and boy; it felt terrific. His pouty lips felt incredible, perfectly fitting mine like two puzzle pieces coming together. Sparks flew the moment our lips touched. My hands snaked their way around his neck, playing with his hair, only deepening the kiss. I moaned, enjoying every moment, as our lips moved in sync. It was perfect.

            I was so lost into the kiss that the faint feeling of snow falling against my face and a hand tightly wrapped around my waist finally brought me back to reality. Also my human need for air, that was also a kicker.

            Unwillingly we pulled apart; my eyes still closed as our foreheads were pressed against each other. I was breathless, not expecting the kiss to be that intense. I slowly opened my eyes, noticing that Zuko at some point dropped the umbrella onto the ground. I smiled bashfully, causing Zuko to open his eyes. “Someone seemed to enjoy that,” I said with a giggle. Zuko smiled, a shade of pink tainting his cheeks. “I-I’m sorry. I just…I just couldn’t hold back anymore.”

            I smiled and softly pecked him once again, “Don’t be. It was perfect.”

            “Good, because who said I was done.” My eyes widen, and before I could react, Zuko pulled me close once again, kissing me roughly. I melted, his warm touches warming me up. We were complete opposites: hot cold, water fire. I was the escape he needed, while he was my motivation to be better. I smiled into the kiss, blissful. All worries and stresses of us leaving tomorrow for the Fire Nation were gone. I was going to enjoy these last few moments of romance with Zuko while I could.

            I'm falling so hard for you Zuko…

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳13

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 5100+

Notes: I hope you guys enjoy the chapter - stay healthy everyone~! 

Masterlist ︳12 ︳ 14

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Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Éperdument Amoureux

(French) Madly in love.

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

            “And what do you expect me to do with-with this!” hissed Lia as she stared at my chest. My cheeks flushed as I opened and closed my mouth like a fish out of water. I knew the love bites were bad, but not this bad.

            They were light in colour, small, and I dare say it; cute - yesterday. But how was I supposed to know that overnight that was going to change? That the sweet kisses of affection were going to be enormous, bleeding into each other, and pulsing angrily along my skin. Lia slapped her cheeks together as she tried her hardest to think of something, anything, at this point. “You do know the party is in four days, your party, Imperial Consort Ying Yue.” She said, with a frown, and with a great emphasis on the ‘your party’ part. But not even her scowl hid the hint of amusement in her voice.

            I pouted - she was right. At the end of this week, I was set to make my official ‘debut’ as Imperial Consort to the public, before the arrival of the Earth King. Afterward, a small party with some nobles and council members was set to take place in the gardens. Hell, I was also expected to get another ‘official’ seal; as if the large marble brick Zuko gave me wasn’t enough.

            “He better have been good – although based on these marks and rumours, it appears so…” Lia said with a grin as she sheepishly poked at my chest. The blush that was just starting to disappear quickly found its way back, rumours?

            “W-what do you mean by rumours?” I asked. Lia clicked her tongue at my naiveness, “The servants here gossip honey, and the guards said that based on the sounds you were making, seems like Fire Lord Zuko knows exactly what he is doing.” The devilish smile on Lia only grew as I whinnied out in embarrassment. The Guards outside his room...They heard everything!

            “Excuse me while I go drown myself!” I said with a huff, but Lia snickered.

            “Can a Waterbender even drown?”

            “Give me a few minutes, and I’ll give you an answer.”

            Lia snorted in laughter while I threw my hands in the air, “This isn’t funny! Is there anything I can do to-to, I don’t know, make them go away?”

            “Just for Fire Lord Zuko to do it all over again?” Lia said tauntingly. And the worst part, she was right. I bit lip to push away the creeping desires that were starting to bubble up again and made my skin feel all tingly. Memories of my restless night were sneaking back. I didn’t sleep a wink, and whenever I did manage to drift off the slightest, the dreams I was having were not for the innocent. I took two baths during the night – TWO, anything to cool down my hormones. What was I, sixteen again?

            “Please Lia, don’t you have anything? A cream or spray?” I begged. Anything to make these hickies seem less…‘hickish.’ Sokka already gave me and Zuko a ‘talk’ for hours; he is going to have a stroke if he sees these! Lia rolled her eyes, “Oh yeah, let me just pull out some magical potion from underneath my skirt.”

            “Really!?”

            “NO! GOSH. Let me ask around if someone has any tips or tricks. I’ll try something out tonight before you go to bed.” I engulfed Lia in an embrace, “Thank you! You’re my lifesaver!” I squealed into her hair. Lia laughed and hugged me back. “Now, I’m leaving, and don’t forget to meet Kiyi in the garden; she’s probably waiting for you as we speak.” I smiled and nodded, watching Lia balance a tray of empty teacups and finished snacks. Just before she walked out the door she looked over her shoulder, a playful smile dancing on her lips, “Also, don’t forget to lift your dress, the last thing we need is Fire Lord Zuko waltzing in here, seeing you topless, and finishing what he started.”

            Lia left with a colourful laugh and the door shut behind her. I couldn’t help but titter as I began lifting my white chiffon kimono, something that covered most of the love bites. Lia was absolutely hilarious, a lot more blunt and forthright compared to Kima, but nevertheless, a star.

            I skipped over to my vanity, pushing my long braid to the side, a twist which was adorned with flowers; a special touch, courtesy of Lia. I grabbed the nearest lip-gloss, the only form of makeup I wore since arriving. It was too hot to wear clothing, let alone makeup. This heat really is on a whole other level, Zuko and Suki weren’t joking when they said ‘hot.’

            I could hear the door once again opening and closing, footsteps shuffling and I grinned, “Lia~, what did you forget in here now?” I said with a giggle as I turned around in my seat and stood up. But the giant grin on my face vanished when I realized it wasn’t Lia. My face froze, and a cold shiver ran down my spine. It was like my body became rigid, as I desperately clung to the sides of my dress. All the fear that I thought I had put away and forgotten suddenly came crashing back like a tidal wave. It was her, the lady from yesterday, the lady I saw outside of Zuko’s room.

            “My apologies, I didn’t know anyone was going to be in here.”

            Her words felt hollow, ungenuine, insensitive. Was she…taunting me? I grimaced as she pushed her hair behind her shoulders, making sure her appearance looked perfect, not a single hair out of place. A profound, sinking feeling weighted heavily on my stomach; I feel like I'm going to be sick.

            “Despite the surprise, pleasure to meet you…Ying Yue.” She spoke once again, with a smile plastered on her fair skin. My eyes narrowed as I watched her. The way her lips curved upwards, it wasn’t a smile. No…it was a smirk. It was like she knew what she was doing — the way her eyes observed me like I was prey. Once my eyes finally meet with her, I could feel another wave of nausea wash over me.

            Her eyes. They’re just like Zuko’s, how... The way her golden eyes flickered in the sunlight to brilliant gold, only Zuko’s eyes shimmers like that. Yet, no matter how alike they were, they lacked one crucial thing; warmth. One look from Zuko filled me up with such warmth and contentment; as if all my problems were suddenly gone. But her eyes - they felt like death. Like I was looking into a soulless being.

            “Who are you; what’s your name,” I said firmly. My lips tightly pressed together as I eyed her up and down. She wore nothing more than a plain red dress, free of any accessories. She hummed softly as she placed her hands together, her long nails making a ticking sound, “I wouldn’t want to bore you with my name. I'm just a humble maid; here to check your room.” She said with a forced smile. A maid. It would have made sense after all. Why am I overreacting? It’s not like she is some sort of criminal. But the uneasiness didn’t leave.

            “I’ve heard quite a bit about you, although I'll admit, I'm quite surprised…” she started as she took a few steps forward. Without thinking twice, I began stepping backward, my mind screaming at me to maintain a distance. “Surprised?” I asked, trying to act natural, engage in her stupid small talk. She tilted her head, her eyes never leaving mine. “You see, I lived at the palace. One could say, I’ve known Fire Lord Zuko my whole life.”

            “Lived here your whole life?” I asked once again, trying to understand her words. Every sentence of hers seemed to bring more questions than answers. She was speaking in circles. “My parents use to work in the palace, lived here for most of their lives. It was only natural I was raised here, expected to take after them. Unfortunately, a few…unforeseen circumstances halted my rise in ranking. But I'm here now, to take my rightful place.” I nodded, listening to her words, they were laced with another meaning. I bit my lip as I frustratingly tried to decipher her words. A double edge sword, that’s what her words felt like.

            “What does that have to do with Fire Lord Zuko?” I asked bluntly. She raised her brows in enjoyment, before placing her hands on her hips, “Ah, it's just that I never thought Fire Lord Zuko was much of a…romantic. Breaking up with his long-term girlfriend, only to bring along another woman from the Southern Water Tribe…may I ask, what was a Firebender doing in the Southern Water Tribe?”

            “I'm not a Firebender,” I said sharply.

            “Oh, no? So you must be a nonbender then…how amusing.”

            “You could say that…” I ended carefully. The fact that I was a Waterbender was a secret. A massive secret that was meant to stay that way until Zuko figured something out. The only people who knew of my Waterbending skills were the gang and Zuko’s family. While it proved to be difficult given a few maids saw me Waterbend during out little ‘fight,’ they were written off as rumours. Everyone knew that if the council found out that I was a Waterbender, all hell would break loose. Gosh, Zuko could lose everything – all because of my Waterbending, I could never hurt him like that.

            “Seems like Fire Lord Zuko has a thing for nonbenders then, although at least Countess Mai could defend herself, unlike you…” She muttered under her breath, but loud enough for me to hear. My frown deepened in annoyance, did she just indirectly say I was weak? I don’t know who she is, but for a maid, she really is overstepping her boundaries.

            “With all due respect, I do not require your services here; I have my maid to overlook such duties. So you may leave.” I said abruptly. Her eyes widen in disbelief, most likely taken aback by my tone. But I straightened out my back and stepped forward, did everyone in the palace view me as weak? Just some arm candy for Zuko? I could feel my blood begin to boil.

            I was sweet and kind - and it would be a mistake to view my kindness as a weakness. No one knew the shit I went through after my parents died. The things I had to do to survive when I was alone; before I found my new family and friends. It was an aspect of my life I preferred to hide away, as it was also those experiences that led me to refrain from bending. But to call me weak? I could feel my breathing deepen as I tried to control my irritation. My hands turned into fists, “Leave, now.”

            She looked at me before she gave me a low bow, “Whatever you wish, Ying Yue.”

            “Imperial Consort Ying Yue,” I said sneered.

            “My apologizies…goodbye Imperial Consort Ying Yue, till next time.” She snickered before she opened the door and began stepping out. But before she left, she gave me one more look. It was as if she was studying me, observing every movement of mine. With one more devilish smile, she closed the door behind her.

            Finally - I gasped as I felt myself breathing once again. She was petrifying. Everything about her screamed ‘danger.’ Was it normal to feel this way? She is just a maid, an impolite and spiteful maid who managed to crawl under my skin. I slapped my cheeks and with one more deep breath rushed over to my vanity to grab the snacks and turtle duck food Lia left for me to bring.

            Kiyi is probably waiting for me, and I eagerly dashed through the door, making sure I locked it beforehand. I needed a distraction, a distraction away from that ill-advised maid who made me feel disturbed. Maybe I should tell Zuko…no; he already has so much on his plate, why bother him with such trivial matters? She just a maid, it’s not like she would try to hurt me, or better yet kill me…right?

            I smiled watching Kiyi hunched over her book ‘Animals of the Southern Water Tribe.’ Her eyes were like giant saucers, as she gazed over the images and words with fascination. The way her fingers followed the words made me proud; I picked an excellent gift for her. Zuko told me about her passion for animals, and I figured if she was as curious as me, a book about animals other than the Fire Nation would be enthralling. And I was right.

            “Kiyi, my little button~!” I chirped as I swung around our snacks and turtle ducks food. Her eyes lit up in glee when she spotted me walking along the path. She shut her book, placing it down on the grass, before dashing towards me. “YUE! I was waiting here, what took you so long?” she sang as she swung her arms around my waist and gave me a tight embrace. I smiled and gently kissed her forehead, “Sorry I took long, button. I had a …unexpected visitor. But I brought some snacks.” She pulled away and beamed as she grabbed the snacks.

            “YAY, we can feed the babies now!” She said animatedly as she tugged my hand towards the large pool of water. I remember how Zuko said I was going to be impressed by the gardens, and boy, was he right.

            The main garden was absolutely jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Ancient cherry blossom trees painted the endless fields of grass, providing one with ample shade to rest, read a book, or just think. The pink blossoms scattered in the gentle breezes on top of the grounds and the lush bushes and shrubs that were planted about. But the flowers, I sighed contently just looking at them. The flowers were all vibrant in colours, mainly of reds and yellows; at one point I pinched myself because I thought I was dreaming, that was how surreal the garden was. I could only imagine how much effort went into maintaining the gardens.

            I breathed in deeply, smelling the fresh water and flowers. Sounds of water crashing caught my attention, and I knew we were here. To say it was a pond, was an understatement. We stood at the pool of water that gathered at the end of the waterfall. The water near our feet just calm enough for the turtle ducks to contently swim about. The sounds of water cascading downward was just pleasant background noise to the creatures.

            As if the admiration was evident on my face Kiyi giggled, “Zuzu built it.” I titled my head in confusion, as we sat along the edge, letting our bare feet dangle in the still waters. “Zuko build a…waterfall?” I said a tad bit in disbelief as I looked upwards. The waterfall was huge, like, enormous. But another part of me realized - Are you really amazed? The man is Fire Lord; he could do whatever he wanted; he has the power and resources for it.

            Kiyi grinned happily as she began breaking the food into smaller pieces for the baby turtle ducks. They already started swimming towards us, squawking away in anticipation for food, just like Appa and Momo.

            “Yup, Zuzu did this. Zuzu told me how when he was little, mommy use to feed turtle ducks with him. So for her birthday, he rebuilt the pond to a large waterfall so that more turtle ducks could live here.” I smiled as I gazed upon the waterfall, Zuko really did love his family. Was there anything he wouldn’t do for them?

            “Toph helped Zuzu build it. I like her; she is messy and strong.” I grinned, connecting the dots. Of course, Toph helped Zuko out. Any chance for her to move boulders around to show off her bending was an opportunity she was never going to let pass by. It was just up her alley too, and knowing her, it probably took her mere seconds to build such a thing. The garden backed into a large mountain; therefore, the water could naturally cascade downwards, into the large pond where we swung our feet into. It was more of a question as to why the lake was never a waterfall, to begin with.

            Gentle pinches on my toes caught my attention, as I gazed down. A baby turtle duck was nipping away on my toes, and Kiyi giggled, “They're hungry, feed them, or else they're going to eat your toes!” I laughed along and began throwing food into the pond. Within seconds they all started swarming the food, trying to eat as much as they could, but they often missed. They’re so cute!

            Kiyi laughed childishly as we kept throwing food inside of the water. Kiyi really was a sweetheart, a bit curious like myself, and feisty. Her laugh was loveable, and seeing her smile made me realize why people wanted kids. There was just something about watching a child happy, something that brought out another side of me that I didn’t even know existed - the need to protect her as if she was my own. Her short brown bob swayed with every throw, and her brown eyes sparkled. She didn’t have the same gold eyes as Zuko, but she did have the same nose and eye shape as him. Down to the cute little dimple they both had when they smiled.

            Just watching over Kiyi made me think about yesterday and the vase of flowers on his nightstand from her. Would Zuko ever want to start a family of his own? Have kids…I wonder how many kids he would want… I smiled to myself. Knowing him, he would want one; he seems like the type of dad who would pour all his heart and soul into his kid, make sure they had everything they could have ever wanted. His wife would be lucky….did I want to be his wife? I blushed; Yue. You're getting ahead of yourself.  

            “Uh-oh! YUE, the snacks!”

            My eyes widen as I watched Kiyi stand up panicked. I gazed at the water and realized that the snacks that were meant for us were floating away, going deeper and deeper in the pond. The turtle ducks were quick and started following the bag, nipping at it, wanting a taste of the new treats. Kiyi already stood in the water, trying to run after the bag, but I swiftly grabbed her arm before she got in too deep, “NO KIYI!” I shouted as I pulled her back.

            She looked upwards at me startled. “B-but the turtle ducks! They can’t eat our food; it will hurt their tummies!” she cried out, her bottom lip trembling. I let go of my grip and gently patted her head, “I’ll grab it; I don’t want you to slip in the water and make a mess of yourself.” I said as I stood up. Kiyi frowned but nodded as she sat back down on the shore.

            I quickly began grabbing my dress, rolling it up from the top to not get it wet. How did it even manage to get into the water? I carefully moved forward, my feet already fully submerged into the water. I could feel the slimy rocks and the squishy mud, I'm definitely going to have to wash my feet after this. “Be careful Yue!” Kiyi cried out as I tiptoed in the water, the water rising higher and higher up my legs. How deep was this…? The cold water was already at my knees and was only getting deeper the more I moved.

            The turtle ducks looked a bit startled seeing me walk in the water, as they began making noises, “Sorry babies, but you can’t eat this.” I said playfully as I bent over to reach the bag. At this point, I was already waist deep in. The things I do for Kiyi. I grunted as I tried to reach the bag, my fingertips just grazing the plastic material; the food is going to be all soggy now, just reach a little bit more…

            “Zuzu!”

            My eyes widen in surprise, Zuko was here?

            And that, was where the mistakes all began.

            I turned on my heel swiftly, my curiosity getting the better of me. But before I could process what was happening, I could feel my feet slip from underneath me, and I gasped piercingly. My stomach dropped as my body twisted and I no longer felt the nasty mud underneath me. Wha-what the fuck – my arms flapped around me like a chicken as I tried to grab something, anything.

            A loud splash echoed in the gardens, and I could hear the turtle ducks swimming away with such speed that caused more ripples to slap against my face. I groaned noisily as my bum ached painfully. Great, more bruises, as if I don’t have enough already! I feverishly wiped the water off my face with filthy hands. I was neck deep in the water, sitting down on painfully jagged rocks. I can't believe I just fell in the damn water! I huffed loudly and wiped my face once again with my hands, a cold shiver running down my back. “What are you doing?”

            My face whipped upwards, my braid coming apart and the beautiful flowers that Lia spent all her time placing one by one drifted along the ripples of the water. My face was beet red in embarrassment when I realized Zuko saw the whole thing. From start to finish, the performance of a lifetime. You gotta be fucking kidding me. Why me? Why does life just hate me? As if yesterday wasn't painful for me already. He probably thinks I'm the biggest clutz in history! You know, now is a great time to try out that theory if a Waterbender can drown.

            Kiyi was rolling on the grass, probably gaining grass stains, as she hollered hysterically to herself with tears in her eyes. Zuko, on the other hand, stood still. An amused grin on his face as he crossed his arms across his chest, in utter disbelief. He snickered and shook his head before stepping forward, getting a good look at me, “This is going to sound ridiculous, but we do have something called a ‘pool’ where one can swim. Even hot springs.” I glared at Zuko, hearing the sarcasm dripping with every word he spoke, but I couldn’t fight off the smile that was coming through.

            “Maybe she wanted to feel like one of the turtle ducks Zuzu,” Kiyi said between fits of laughter while wiping away her tears. I snickered to myself as I pushed my wet hair away from my face, “And what are you doing here Fire Lord Zuko? I thought you had some important business to attend to all day?” I said with a raised brow — anything to get the attention away from me.

            Zuko chuckled to himself before kicking off his boots, “I figured I could take a break, spend some time with two of the most important women in my life. But as it turns out, instead of taking a break, I have to go fish for my consort who is currently in a pond.” My eyes widen, did he just say I was important? Who cares, focus Yue! Zuko is taking off his boots to fish you out!

            “N-no, it’s fine! I’m fine. Look I can-” I stuttered as I began standing up. Zuko’s eyes widen in shock the moment I began standing in the water, my torso out of the water. He swiftly began unbuttoning his robe as he shouted, “NO. Get back in the water!”

            Taken aback from his loud voice, I panicked and found myself dropping, adding to my growing collection of bruises. His face was flushed, as he stripped himself of his red robe, tossing it over his shoulder. I blushed, realizing he wore nothing underneath his gown. How is it possible I went from never seeing him shirtless, to seeing him half naked two days in a row? Zuko grumbled under his breath as he walked towards me, walking sluggishly as the water began reaching his waist. “Wh-what’s wrong? Why can’t I just get out by myself-”

            “White.”

            White? What does he mean by…oh shit. I'm wearing white. I flushed putting two and two together; white goes completely see-through when wet, oh my gosh – he can see right through my kimono! Why me? Why does every single mortifying moment happen to me? Zuko held out his hand, and I grasped it, letting him pull me up effortlessly. With a swift motion, he pulled my body against his, covering me with his torso. He wrapped his red robe over my shoulders, and I let my arms slip through. His robe is HUGE on me! I'm literally swimming in it – no pun attended.

            “You really are going to be the death of me Yue. If Sokka sees us like this after yesterday’s mishap…” Zuko groused under his breath, but I could see the faint grin on his face as he began to button up his robe for me. “All I wanted to do was take a break. Now I spoiled my robe, my pants, and I have to take a shower…” Zuko pulled my hair out from underneath his robe before looking at me. “You drive me nuts, Yue, but I love it. There hasn’t been a single boring day with you.”

            I beamed. He loves spending time with me? And he called me Yue…just Yue. Zuko gently caressed my cheek with admiration, “You called me Yue…” I whispered. Zuko’s eyes widen, a bit startled, realizing that he indeed just called me Yue. “I like it. Just call me Yue from now on…” I said softly. Zuko grinned before grasping my shoulders, “Come on, you’re going to get sick if you stay out here.” I smiled, but out of the corner of my eye, I could see Kiyi.

            Her eyes were wide, as she waved frantically to catch my attention. My eyebrows furrowed, as she made a ‘pushing’ motion. What in the world is she trying to… ‘ZUZU’ she mouthed over and over again. Zuzu? My eyes widen, and I realized what she was implying. Kiyi, you little devil.

            I grinned mischievously, and Zuko looked at me questioningly. “What are you smiling about?” Zuko said hesitantly, as he watched the way my eyes lit up. I batted my eyelashes innocently, “Oh, nothing…” I said kindly. Zuko gave me a look of disbelief, not believing me for a second. But before he could open his mouth to say something, I placed my foot behind his feet and shoved him backward.

            I could hear Zuko swear under his breath before a loud splash echoed once more in the gardens. Kiyi burst out laughing, “WE DID IT!” she screamed as I could see Zuko’s head start rising from the surface. He gasped loudly, breathing in all the air he could before he wiped his face with the back of his hand. His golden eyes were ablaze as he looked at me, “You wanna play dirty huh?” My eyes widen in surprise, and the next thing I knew my wrist was being tugged back into the water. I squealed, not again!

            I gasped and spat out whatever water I managed to get into my mouth. My eyes aligned up with Zuko’s, a proud grin painting his face. This is war.  

            “You don’t know who you’re messing with!” I screamed as I pushed myself away from him and began frantically splashing water. Zuko scoffed as he tried to shield himself from my pitiful attacks. I kept splashing water towards him with all my might, all the while Zuko laughed hilariously at me. His head flung backward as he cried out in amusement, his wet hair swaying everywhere. His smile was enormous; his eyes practically shut closed from laughing so much. I could feel my heart swell up with enjoyment, knowing that I made him that happy. I made him smile that beautifully.

            I huffed out in exhaustion as my arms were getting sore from splashing around, but Zuko was putting up the same amount of effort. “GO YUE~!” Screamed Kiyi at the top of her lungs. “You're supposed to be on my side Kiyi!” Zuko shouted before another well-timed splash cut him off. “Hey, don’t get distracted!” I yelled out while laughing. Zuko eyed me before he stopped his movements. My eyes widened, knowing that fiery look in his eyes. Zuko lunged forward, and I tried desperately to run away. Curse this stupid dress and Zuko’s robe! I'm moving at a turtle’s pace!

            His arms snaked around my waist, and before I knew it, I was swinging in the air. I giggled like a child as I wrapped my arms around his neck, my feet dangling just above the water. “Surrender or else I'll drop you!” Zuko said between laughs. I could hear Kiyi gasp, and within seconds more splashes, “Don’t worry Yue, I'll save you!” I grinned watching Kiyi tightly hug Zuko’s back. But Zuko didn’t seem fazed at all, carrying both me and Kiyi. I giggled as I snuggled my head into Zuko’s neck.  

            This was perfect. Zuko was perfect. If this was what having a family means, I want it. More than anything in the world, I want a family with Zuko.

            Their waves of laughter filled the palace, and soon guards and maids came to watch the ruckus happening in the garden. They all smiled and giggled to themselves watching the three of them play in the water like children. It was the first time they saw Fire Lord Zuko so free, smiling with not a single worry in the world.

            But there was one person who enjoyed the scene the most. Uncle Iroh smiled happily to himself. He saw more than just three people having fun. He saw two people madly in love, so far in love, they probably didn’t realize it themselves. He wiped away a rogue tear that built up as he saw Zuko laughing and tightly embracing Ying Yue. He always waited for the day Zuko found happiness. It was all he ever wanted, for Zuko to be happy. Thank you, Ying Yue, Uncle Iroh muttered to himself, you were the missing puzzle piece in Zuko’s life all along.

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳02

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 4300+ (Chapters will be longer as we go along - trust me).

Notes: As noted before - I plan on re-writing chapters one and two in the future (or after I’m done writing the series), the content will be the same, just written ‘better’. Thanks for the likes and reposts my awesome buns <3

Masterlist ︳01 ︳ 03

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Cheiloproclitic

(English/adj.) Being attracted to a person’s lips.

~ Fire Lord Zuko ~

            “Smile - it's the key to unlocking people’s hearts, Zuko.” Uncle Iroh said with a great smile on his face, his hands placed in front of him. I looked at him and scoffed, “What hearts do you think I'll be unlocking during my visit Uncle?”

            We stood at the edge of the pier. It was early in the morning, the sun starting to rise and cast a vibrant range of reds and yellows along the water. Everyone was set to depart for our journey to the Southern Water Tribe, well, expect me.

            I stood on the dock with Uncle Iroh as the guards and servants stood off to the side, waiting at the ramp for my departure. Uncle Iroh chuckled, shaking his head at my refusal to 'unlock people's hearts'. “It’s an old saying I heard long ago, but I have good feelings about this trip. I feel like you’ll return as a different man.” A tiny smile flickered across my lips as I crossed my arms across my chest, “That’s the point, a nice vacation. Spend some time with old friends.”

            I was genuinely excited about the trip but also apprehensive.

            The notion of leaving the kingdom for a bit was not unnerving to me; I was leaving the Nation in good hands. Instead, it has been a while since I could relax, and I wondered if I could even handle such a simple task anymore. Suddenly political meetings seemed more straightforward than kicking back and letting the sun soak in my skin…or cold in this case.

             “You left the Nation in good hands, and maybe when you come back I'll have a new holiday set in place, Oolong Tea Appreciation Day…” Uncle Iroh mused.

            I let out a sigh, “Something tells me you aren’t joking…”

            Uncle Iroh must have heard as he let out a hearty laugh, his hand falling upon my shoulder. My eyes widen, completely caught off guard. The sudden contact was foreign, and for split second, I found myself as stiff as a board. I never realized how isolating being Fire Lord was until moments like these, moments of affection. Uncle Iroh noticed, his playfulness disappearing, a look of sympathy erupting as he gave my shoulder a soft squeeze, “I'm proud of you Zuko. Now go and enjoy yourself…”

            Without thinking twice, I reached over and hugged him, something I haven’t done in a while. I could feel the smile Uncle Iroh held as he hugged me back instantly. Not a single word was spoken between us as the hug itself spoke plenty already.

            Slowly we parted, and with that I walked towards the ship, ready for my long voyage. Standing at the ramp, I turned around one last time, Uncle Iroh waving gleefully.

            “Fire Lord Zuko, permission to depart?” A guard spoke from behind me.

            I waved to Uncle Iroh, bidding him my final farewell, before I noticed a figure standing off in the distance, near the main gates. Long black hair, half buns, red robes that were too long…Mai. My shoulders tensed as I could feel her piercing glare from inside the ship. My waving hand dropped to my side once again, my lips pressing together tightly, forming a thin line on my face. The last time we spoke was our argument.

            “Permission granted,”

            The guard huffed, beginning to raise the ramp. Although the ramp raised speedily, it didn’t seem fast enough - feeling the lingering glare from Mai.

            “Fire Lord Zuko, may I offer you some tea?”

            I turned around to see a petite maid standing next to me. My forehead scrunched up; she seemed familiar as if I had just seen her… “You were the maid who offered me tea in my office after Countess Mai left, correct?”

            Her eyes widen, most likely amazed I remembered her. “Yes, Fire Lord Zuko.” She stuttered out. I couldn’t exactly be upset at her evident shock. There were many servants present at the kingdom; it was at times difficult to remember faces let alone names. But unlike my infamous father, I did treat my servants with some respect and insured they were given a safe place to rest for themselves and their families. I couldn’t stop the cold shiver that ran up my spine remembering how cruel Fire Lord Ozai and my lovely sister, Azula, were to them.

            “What’s your name?”

            “Lia, Fire Lord Zuko.”

            “Are you new?” I asked.

            “Yes, Fire Lord Zuko…that day I offered you tea was my first day…” She softly spoke. I was stunned; she’s pretty courageous to offer me tea on her first day. “I see…” I muttered, but the wheels in my head were turning. Lia was nice, offered and gave me some amazing tea, and she didn’t seem like such a traditional maid. She may be my ticket to relaxation…“How would you like to be my personal maid during my stay at the Southern Water Tribe?”

            Lia looked taken aback by request. It was a bold request, and a considerable jump given her current position. But she seemed like the type who wouldn’t follow my every damn move during my vacation, something the more senior servants would do. I could actually relax, let loose, not worry if someone is watching me from the sidelines. 

            “I would love too, Fire Lord Zuko. But I would need to get it approved by the head-”

            “When you grab my tea, tea of your choice, bring it to my study with any paperwork that I would need to fill out,” I spoke quickly. Lia nodded her head, looking rattled as she nervously patted her hands against her dress, “Yes Fire Lord Zuko, I will leave to get everything set.” I nodded, “Thank you, Lia.” I turned around – Lia standing there alone in shock, couldn’t blame her. She went from a simple tea maid to Fire Lord`s personal maid in seconds; all because she makes some great tea.

            I let out a huff as I began walking to my office, ready to start reviewing Earth Nation paperwork regarding the United Republic of Nations. My hand anxiously ran through my hair; I couldn’t possibly have that much work left to complete…Two guards opened the large metal doors to my study as I walked in, documents and papers already stacked up on the wooden desk at the center of the room. I groaned, annoyed. These piles never seem to fucking disappear. Maybe I could just ‘accidentally’ burn a pile or two…

            I plopped myself upon my chair, defeated. This is why I needed a vacation – time to myself. Time to just relax and not spend hours on end scribbling my damn signature. Another week and half of sailing Zuko. That’s it, then you can relax. I reached in my study drawer to grab ink and pens, but a canvas stopped my movements, preventing me from grabbing my tools.

            It was a small painting, primarily painted with different hues of blues and whites. I raised it and smiled softly; it was a family portrait of Katara, Sokka, Hakoda, and Aang. It was a gift Aang had brought to me during one of his visits, and I kept it in my office as a random souvenir. It was at last year’s Winter Solstice festival, but the more I let my eyes gaze around the painting, I couldn’t help but notice another figure standing beside Sokka…Ying Yue.

             I heard countless stories from Sokka and Aang about her.

            She was mixed ethnicity: Fire and Water Nation, and from what I grasped she was a bender. Probably a Firebender…only a Firebender would have golden eyes that shined as brightly as hers. But before I realized, I was staring at the painting longer than I had attended, wholly fixated on Ying Yue. She was beautiful; like Fire Nation royalty. Her long black hair cascaded well beyond her hips and she bore such an innocent smile that reached her eyes. The royal blues against her milky skin made her look like a delicate flower: a Hydrangea.

            I put the picture back in the drawer, ready to get to work. As curious as I was to know about this mysterious Ying Yue, I was smarter than to trust a painting when it came to her appearance. The painter could have easily made Ying Yue look like a goddess. But…what if she did look like that…

            ‘Smile - it's the key to unlocking people’s hearts, Zuko.’

             I shook my head and scoffed, “as if I'll be unlocking any hearts…”

            Day after day, I worked away on paperwork in this forsaken office. Days became nights after sailing so aimlessly, and soon, the days became nothing more but a blur. That was why when Lia woke me up and told me that we were due to arrive in another hour I was surprised.

            Everyone on the ship was vigorously preparing for anchoring. The guards and servants seemed eager to get off the boat, and I could empathize with them, it was beginning to get stuffy, and the thought of walking on land was something I was starting to miss. I'm beginning to understand Toph’s love for Earth.

            That led me to where I was now — standing tall and proud at the end of the ramp in my uniform. Guards and servants were dressed a tad bit more formal than usual, their heads up high as they carefully lined behind me, “Fire Lord Zuko, permission to drop ramp?” a guard shouted. I sucked in a deep breath, excited that the moment has finally come. On the other side of this door was my friends, and a break from my responsibilities.

            “Permission granted.”

            I could hear the masses from outside of the vessel, not surprised that my arrival had attracted a crowd. The last time I came here, I tried to capture the Avatar. I chuckled to myself and watched in a daze as the ramp lowered. A smile snuck its way upon my face as I began feeling the cold air entering into the ship, a strange feeling against my warm skin. The sunlight shined and illuminated the boat the further the ramp was dropped, and I could begin seeing crowds of people from either side of the ramp.

            With a final thud, the ramp dropped, and I was astonished at how different and modern everything has become since I last came. The landscape was unquestionably striking, the sun illuminating the endless fields of snow and ice and highlighting the magnificent structures that were built in place of the huts that once stood. But I quickly redirected my gaze to the small group of people eagerly awaiting in front of me.

            Team Avatar stood together, Hakoda and Aang standing at the front with large smiles as they watched me approach them. I beamed, my boots scrunching over the thin layer of snow as I eagerly walked forward. I could feel the heavy boots of my guards following suit, the feeling of snow melting on my skin feeling wonderful, I could get used to this. My gaze fell over everyone, but I caught myself slightly tripping over my feet when I spotted her.

            My breath hitched as I took in what I was seeing.

            She stood delicately beside Sokka as she wore a stunning red dress, a Fire Nation dress. The dress hugged her body like a glove - accentuating curves that could make any man or woman go mad with lust. Her black hair was tied up with well ornate Bu Yao, small pieces of hair loosely framing her face. Her skin glistened under the sunlight, reminding me of the pearls fishers find during their voyages. Despite the distance, I could still make out her soft, delicate features: golden eyes that could make a man stop dead in his tracks. That can’t be her…she’s gorgeous, beyond gorgeous.

            I quickly shifted my gaze elsewhere, awkward teenage Zuko starting to bubble out at the sight of a beautiful woman. You’re Fire Lord you dumbass, act like one. Entirely taken aback by her beauty, a beauty that was memorizing - tantalizing to the eye, I hadn’t noticed how close I was to the group. Aang’s facial hair had begun to grow in from the last time I saw him, but it had been some time since I last saw Hakoda. He had aged, a few wrinkles beginning to form around his eyes and lips, but he still stood tall, and it was clear he was in charge of everything.

            “Fire Lord Zuko, I hope the journey here was smooth?” Hakoda spoke, his hand outstretched before me, which I grabbed as we shook hands. “Hakoda- it was rather quick, faster than I realized,” He grinned, pleased to hear, “It’s great to have you here.” I moved over to Aang; his hands pressed together in front of his chest as he took a deep bow. I mimicked his movements and held my bow as long and as deep as his.

            “Someone fell in love…”

            The distinct sounds of hushed voices and some chuckles coming from behind Aang caught my attention, my ears perking up at the sounds. The laughs and whispers all too familiar, Toph and Sokka. I began to straighten out, letting my eyes wander to the left of me. Sokka and Toph were suppressing massive grins on their faces, and as if Toph had felt my gaze upon her she placed her hand over her heart, moving her hand up and down while pointing in front of her.

            I cocked a brow upwards, trying to understand what she was trying to hint at, looking at where she pointed. Why is she pointing at her? Her cheeks were flushed a bright red, seemingly flustered about something.

            No, it can’t be…

            I quickly faced Aang, “It's a pleasure to have you here Fire Lord Zuko.” Aang said, his voice sounding different from the frequent informal conversations we shared. I nodded, “Thank you for letting me stay,” I spoke as I gazed back at Hakoda. But from the corner of my eyes, I could still see Toph grinning madly, entertained about something. I moved to greet Katara, she smiled as she excitedly greeted me. 

            Is Toph trying to hint at what I think she is…?

            I moved onto Sokka as he gave me a quick bow before shaking my hand, “I’m happy to see you again Fire Lord Zuko.” He said with a smile. I smiled back but quickly raised a brow and eyed her. Sokka seemed to have gotten the hint because a devilish grin painted his face. He stood beside me, and before I knew it, I was standing directly in front of her, “Fire Lord Zuko, I would love to introduce to you my adopted sister, Ying Yue Jiang.”

            All of my assumptions were true; she was Ying Yue. As I looked at her up-close I realized that I was right, the painting indeed didn’t do justice regarding her appearance.

            The painter only captured what seemed to be a sliver of the beauty she held.

            Judging by the looks Toph gave me, and the way Sokka emphasized the word love, I think…I got it. She was totally checking me out, did she think I was attractive?

            Her golden eyes meet mine as she gave me a shy smile, “It's a pleasure to meet you Fire Lord Zuko.” Her voice was honeyed, so sweet; I found myself craving to hear it once more. But the faint blush that painted her cheeks didn’t disappear, instead intensified the longer I stood in front of her.

            A large coy smirk played along my lips, realizing how much fun I could have with a bit of teasing if I were right about her infatuation - which was not one-sided granted. Although a part of teenage Zuko awkwardness wanted to pop out again, another side wanted to have fun: to see how fun-to-tease she was as Sokka and Aang spoke about to me.

            Without thinking twice, I knew what I had to do.

            Before Ying Yue could process what was happening, I went down on one knee and gently grabbed her hand. Her skin was soft to the touch; not even the most exquisite silk could compare. Ever so slowly, I pecked her hand. I could feel her heartbeat beating erratically, and mouth slightly open ajar in shock as my fingers played along with her wrist. A proud grin erupting from me; she totally likes me.

            Slowly inching away, my lips still hovering over her hand I spoke, “The pleasure is all mine, Ying Yue Jiang.”

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

            The moment the main doors closed Sokka and Zuko exchanged a huge hug, “Oh man, I can’t believe you’re actually here!” Sokka exclaimed. Zuko grinned, “Trust me, you owe me one. The amount of paperwork I had to do to get here…I deserve a vacation.” Aang had his arm wrapped around Katara, who laughed ecstatically, “Zuko, it’s been so long! Who is watching the Fire Nation in your place? How is your mom and little Kiyi?” Katara spewed, throwing question after question.

            I stood back as the gang surrounded Zuko, flooding him with inquiries while I tried to gain my composure. He kissed my hand! My hand was still tingling, and I could still feel the heat from his soft pink lips. Not once during their stories did they tell me he was a tease, I knew he was sarcastic but not so…so…

            Sokka wrapped an arm around Zuko, completely ignoring the flooding array of questions Katara sprung towards him. “Hey Zuko, I have a bone to pick with you. What was up with that kiss?” Sokka said with a grin. Zuko smirked devilishly, making it hard to believe those lips were the same lips that were on my hand just a few moments ago. Zuko smugly shrugged his shoulders causing Sokka’s arm to slip off, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t kiss anyone.” He spoke confidently.

            I could feel someone suddenly grip my hand and raise it, “Maybe this is a reminder!” Toph shouted, a grin plastered upon her face. I blushed, why me? “That’s my sister you kissed!” Sokka shouted protectively. Zuko laughed, and before I could even bud-into the conversation, I could see Zuko slowly making his way towards me, “Sorry Ying Yue, I just had to make sure I gave a good first impression.”

            I crossed my arms and pouted, “A warning would have been nice…” I grumbled - still embarrassed by the events. Zuko grinned cheekily, stretching out his hand in front of me, “Hi, my name is Zuko, Fire Lord of the Fire Nation. A pleasure to meet you.” I was surprised, but soon realized what he was doing. With a smile, I grabbed his hand, “Hi Zuko, my name is Ying Yue Jiang, the adopted daughter of Hakoda.”

            With a tight squeeze, Zuko slowly let go, but I could still spot the hint of mischievousness twinkling in his eyes, “You don’t want to kiss my hand?” This asshole. My eyes widen, and without thinking twice, I smacked his arm - hard. Zuko yelped, surprised by my outburst, “You guys told me she was sweet, not abusive!” He shouted. I blushed, flustered by everything. I didn’t think he was going to tease me, let alone tease me as much as he did. “Serves you right!” I huffed.

            Aang laughed in the background, Suki speaking up, “Hey Sokka, don’t kids tease each other when they have a crush on each other?” This time it was Zuko’s turn to look stunned, his cheeks flushing ever so slightly, did he have a crush on me?

            “What does that mean?” I asked, “Does Fire Lord Zuko have a crush on me?” I teased out, mimicking the same tone he had. Zuko looked taken about at my outburst, and Toph gasped, “The Princess is fighting back!” I crossed my arms and was about to speak before a booming voice interrupted.

            “Lunch is almost ready! Ying Yue, do you mind showing Fire Lord Zuko his room to change? It's near yours and Sokka’s.” Dad spoke with a soft smile. I quickly nodded my head, “O-oh, of course...” I muttered under my breath.

            Dad nodded, waving his hands around and pointing the way to the dining hall, “The rest of you can make your way to the dining hall. I asked Kima to show Fire Lord Zuko’s maid, Lia I believe, the way to his room, so you should bump into them. Your items should already be inside the bedroom.” Zuko nodded, “Thank you so much Hakoda.” Dad smiled and waved us off before beginning to walk off to the dining hall.

            Zuko looked at me, suddenly raising his arm; I lifted at a brow at him. He couldn’t seriously be thinking…“Well Princess, are you going to show me the way or not?” He said as he cocked his head at his arm. I huffed and linked my arm grudgingly with his. Although the blush on my cheeks gave away my unspoken delight to connect arms with him, I could feel his muscles as we linked arms, don’t you dare start drooling Yue. I could hear Toph and Suki giggling like school girls as we walked off, me leading the way. Can they be any more embarrassing?

            It was not till we were out of sight Zuko finally spoke up, “I seriously do apologize if I took you off guard with the kiss on your hand. I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable…” Zuko mumbled. I looked up at his face as he looked straight ahead, and I couldn’t help but notice how shy he was now that we were alone. I shook my head, “It's fine… Although I think Sokka may hurt you in your sleep, so keep an eye open tonight.” I said with a giggle.

            Zuko looked over at me and laughed. I could spot the twinkle in his eyes as he laughed, a cute dimple appearing ever so slightly if you looked carefully on the right of his face when he smiled. His smile was just spectacular; so sincere and always seemed to reach his eyes. Zuko gave me a searching look, and that was when I realized I was staring for a bit too long. I quickly looked in front of me and hoped he did not notice the faint blush reappearing, gosh my cheeks are going to be permanently flushed if this keeps up!

            “I think I can deal with a Sokka if it means getting to know you,” Zuko said gently. My eyes widen, did I hear right? I raised my brow at him, and he grinned, “I’m curious about you, I’ve heard many stories about you whenever they came to visit me.”

            “I guess that makes two of us; I was super curious to meet you,” I said back.

            “Hopefully I met your expectations,” Zuko said playfully – oh, he’s sly alright. But before I could respond, I noticed we were already in the bedroom hallway, “Oh-! That door over there is yours! Across from you is Sokka’s and my room is the door right beside yours.” I said enthusiastically as I began dragging him behind me. Zuko gasped, surprised at my strength, as I quickly pulled him. His door was slightly ajar, and I swiftly pushed the grand white doors to his room, revealing some of his luggage already set in place.

            “The rooms on this side of the house have a beautiful view of the sea. In the night you can see the Southern lights reflecting on the water, and it’s simply breathtaking.” I gushed.

            Zuko looked at me and smiled, letting me ramble on. “Sometimes during the night I sneak off to the edge of that cliff over there-” I spoke as I pointed through the floor to ceiling windows, “from there you can see the whole town light up! And the way the stars twinkle above, gosh. It’s just…stunning.” Zuko chuckled as he looked at me, “You have to take me there some time…” He said softly. I looked at him and noticed our position. We looked like lovers, linking arms as we looked out the windows.

            I couldn’t help but look at those pink pouty lips of his; his tongue running along his bottom lip. It took me a minute to realize that we were both looking at each other’s mouths, his head slowly moving down towards mine. My heart throbbed loudly in my ears, my hands getting clammy, oh my gosh, he is going to kiss me! What do I do?! Instinctively I closed my eyes, and I could feel his hot breath on my cheeks...and a gust of wind hit the side of my cheek, what the-

            I opened my eyes surprised, only to see Zuko grinning, “Sorry Princess, you had something on your face, had to blow it away.”

            My face heated up, I’m an absolute idiot. Before I could utter out a word, the sound of footsteps caught my attention. Kima waltzing in with another unfamiliar maid at that exact moment. “Miss, I didn’t expect to see you here- Fire Lord Zuko.” She quickly froze and gave a low bow. The young lady beside her did the same, wearing contrasting colours of red and gold. Kima stood up and gave me a confused look as I stood awkwardly, my arm still linked with Zuko’s.

            As if he could tell, Zuko leaned over once again in my ear and chuckled, “Oh Princess, you're too cute when teased.”

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳15

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 6400+

Notes: It’s a big chapter everyone! Let the drama unfold and enjoy everyone <3

Masterlist ︳14 ︳ 16

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Thanatophobia

(Greek/n.) The phobia of death; losing someone whom you love.

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

            “You look beauti- ahh-ahh-chooo!”

            I giggled at Aang’s face, as it scrunched together as the sneeze seemed to overtake his whole body. He slightly jumped as the air he released was beyond reasonable, and even a few servants looked at us with surprise; their clothes swaying from his sneeze. Aang gave them a cheeky smile, as he innocently rubbed the back of his head, “Sorry…” he muttered out with a shy wave.

            “What I was trying to say was you look beautiful Yue.” He said as he turned back to me. I giggled and nodded, “Thank you Aang.” He rubbed his bright red nose and tried his hardest to breathe; his nose must be so stuffy... I pouted and found myself tempted to heal, but as if he knew what I wanted he just smiled brightly through a dry cough, “Don’t worry.”

            “I do worry. You should be in bed. Not here, it’s just a party – there will be tons in the future.” I grumbled as I watched the way Aang’s chest struggled to breathe properly. He was sick, a lot sicker than anyone expected. But yet here he stood, all dressed up in his Avatar attire with his wooden staff. “I’m already missing the party; the least I could do is come for the ceremony,” Aang said with a smile, trying to play it off as if he wasn’t in pain. He had deep under circles from the lack of sleep under his eyes, and his lips seemed a bit paler than usual.

            “Aang, it’s fine. I would be happier if you were in bed.”

            “I wouldn’t miss this day for anything Yue. The least I could do is be here for you.” He said thoughtfully. I smiled sadly and nodded at his words since I knew what he meant. Today was my big day. The day I was going to be introduced to the public as Zuko’s Consort. It was scary and exciting all at once. Yet, as happy as I was, I was a bit blue not having everyone here for this day. That wasn’t to say I wasn’t appreciative of Aang and Sokka or even Zuko’s family. They were sweethearts and supportive figures who helped me navigate the ropes, but it still would have been nice to have the gang here.

            “Thank you…” I said softly, and Aang grinned, before giving me a small wink, “Before I forget, congratulations.” He said playfully. I titled my head to the side as I looked at him puzzled, “Congratulations?” I repeated in confusion. Aang chuckled, although it soon turned into a small fit of coughs. Gosh, Aang, you’re so sick! You need rest…

            “You and Zuko. He told me you guys are finally official.” Aang said proudly, playfully shoving my shoulder as I blushed and nodded.

            “He asked me out the other night….” I mumbled bashfully.

            “You don’t understand how awesome this is — my two best friends, together. Soon you guys will get married, have little kids-” He ranted as he clasped his hands together in joy. For someone sick, he can for sure talk. I raised a brow as I observed how joyful he was but was soon distracted by the butterflies that danced in my stomach. Aang blurted everything that I would usually daydream of out in the open. Marriage, Kids? I thought I was rushing into things.

            “It was you, wasn’t it?” I snorted. As if he knew what I was referring too already, Aang openly rubbed his beard and shrugged, “I may have talked to Zuko a bit…given him that little push.” Aang said mischievously. I laughed - I knew it! Zuko would have been too shy to ask me out that bluntly unless he had a driving force. That’s not to say Zuko wouldn’t want to, but he was definitely someone who needed that extra push.

            “Thank you, Aang,” I said tenderly, and Aang nodded, understanding.

            “Well, I’m going to get going, your endearing and loveable boyfriend is here. He seems happy.” I rolled my eyes but giggled as Aang wiggled his eyebrows and gave me a childish look. No matter how sick he was, he will forever be his upbeat self. He dashed off, his mustard coloured robes swaying with every sneeze. He really needed some rest if he wanted to get better before the Earth King comes in four days. Maybe I could stop by his room and heal him for a bit after the party…Katara will kill me if she finds out how sick he was.

            The sound of people shuffling and mummers brought me out of my thoughts, as I turned around on my heel and gazed at the door. Probably just another royal family is entering, but as I stared around, I noticed that no one was saying a word but were bowing deeply. Why is everyone so…Heavy footsteps echoed into the room, and as my eyes gawked towards the door, I put two and two together.

            Zuko strolled through, several guards following suit as he nodded his head in acknowledgment towards everyone. But he seemed different. His shoulders were relaxed, head held high, and he even had a specific something with every step. Aang was right, Zuko does look happy. Beyond happy - euphoric. An amiable smile painted his face as his golden eyes mused with interest. It was me biting my lip that brought me back to reality and reminded me to bow down at his presence.  

            The way his hair was pinned up and adorned with the Fire Nation symbol on top. Not a single strand out of place as he moved about and casually greeted a few royals at the entrance. Even his typically loose Fire Nation attire now hugged his body, revealing how toned he actually was. Gosh…the way his muscles flex as he shakes hands...Don't drool in public, that’s nasty Yue! I could spot a few folks around the room stealing glances at Zuko as well, seeing the same thing I was. But unlike them, I could proudly say he was mine. All mine.

            He grinned broadly as he found Ursa, giving her a tight hug and pecking her cheek. Her eyes lit up with joy as she enthusiastically gripped Zuko’s arms and gushed. I could only imagine how happy she was, from the moment I arrived all she did was talk my ear off, saying how pleased she was for Zuko and me — thanking me for being there for Zuko, but in reality, he was the one there for me. Ursa was sweet, soft-spoken, and I could see much of her in Zuko, whether or not he realized. Kiyi pulled on his belt, wanting some attention, and Zuko ruffled her done-up hair with his large hands.

            I could see Ursa smack Zuko’s hands and starting to grumble, annoyed that Zuko just ruined Kiyi’s hair. I found myself snickering at the sight; and the moment my giggle left my lips, Zuko’s attention switched from them to me. His eyes met mine, and the way his mouth slightly parted made it seem like he was surprised to see me. He stood there dumbfounded, and it wasn’t until Ursa shoved him forward, that he began walking hesitantly. Was he mad? Why is he looking at me like I have three heads?

            I moved towards him and shyly bowed, “Fire Lord Zuko…” I said kindly, but Zuko didn’t utter a word. I frowned and tilted my head to the side as I observed him. “What’s wrong…is everything okay?” I asked tentatively as Zuko eyed me up and down. Was there something on my face? Did I do something? What in the world-

            “Y-Yue. You look…gorgeous.” Zuko blurted.

            I furiously blushed as I anxiously played with my fingers to prevent myself from slapping his chest. That was why this man looked at me like I had three heads or something!? A smirk played along his face as he spiritedly gripped my hands, bringing them to his plush lips and planting sweet kisses to every finger; not a single place untouched. My skin tingled in anticipation from his delicate kisses, as the thought of me looking gorgeous in his eyes filled me with an overwhelming sense of confidence.

            I treasured dressing up, having my hair and makeup done. Yet no moment in my life could compare to this level of ‘appearance.’ My hair was pulled up from either side, letting my hair cascade down my back, as an ornate golden crown was carefully placed upon me. Painted golden dragons soared along my red and white robes, highlighting my own golden eyes. My makeup was also dramatic, which took me by surprise given that I haven’t dolled up in a bit since it has been too humid to do so. But the way Zuko’s eyes studied me, he seemed to be enjoying the sight. I need to ask Suki for some seductive lessons…

            “Absolutely breathtaking - it’s dangerous…are you trying to get someone’s attention? Should I be worried?” He grumbled into my hands.

            “Z-Zuko,” I spoke timidly, not expecting this much intimacy in front of everyone. I could see a few people observing us with merriment as Zuko kissed my hands. After seeing my rosy face, Zuko chuckled before planting one last possessive kiss on my ring finger, “If I had known they were going to doll you up like this I would have marked you up last night. Make sure everyone knows you’re mine.” He hummed as his hand caressed my glowing cheeks. I pouted, and despite all royal protocol, I prudently slapped his chest, “D-don’t say stuff like this so publicly.” I grumbled as he chuckled at my humiliation.

            “Don’t tease the poor girl before she even stepped outside Zuko.”

            Zuko turned around, caught off guard, and I curiously glanced over his broad shoulders. Who’s that? That voice…I don’t recognize it at all.

            A tall, lanky man stood behind us, his hands placed over his thin figure as he grinned widely. He must have been around Ursa’s age, a bit older, as his smile actuated the wrinkles underneath his brown eyes. Zuko’s eyes lit up as he smiled harmlessly, letting his hand drop effortlessly from my face and loosely by his side. The man looked at me before he bowed deeply, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ying Yue, I’m Noren, Ursa’s husband.” Noren. Husband?

            Zuko snickered as he seemed to notice the exact moment his words clicked in my head and I realized who this man was. “Oh! N-no, the pleasure is all mine.” I blurted as I bowed down deeply. This was Zuko’s step-dad; any slower Yue!?

            Noren chuckled casually as he waved his hands to dismiss my formality. “Please, no need! I’m just a regular man, like everyone else in this room. I wish we could have met earlier; I was tied in some business and I just barely made it for your big day! We plan on opening another theatre in a local town. Hopefully, you and Zuko can come by and see it when the construction is all done.” He spoke gleefully. That’s right, Ursa and Noren were the ambassadors of Drama and Theatre for the Fire Nation.

            I smiled and nodded, “I would love to visit the new theatre, is that alright Zuko?”

            “Whatever you wish,” Zuko said with a smile towards me. Noren raised his brows, watching the way Zuko observed me with the broadest smile in the world. Zuko seemed abnormally happy today; was it because there was a party? How I looked? Or maybe, just maybe, because he was going to announce to the world that I was his...probably that – what a greedy man. Noren cleared his throat before eyeing the doors that lead to the Coronation Plaza.

            “It seems all the preparations are done… whenever you two are ready.”

            The moment those words left his mouth I could feel my palms get clammy and suddenly a cold sweat start. Gosh, I feel like I’m the one who's going to get sick at this rate. The whole time I was here I indulged in the treats that servants served or small talked with random nobles. But now that the moment had arrived, I could undoubtedly hear the ruckus from outside, and I nervously bit my lip. What if the people don’t like me? What if they think I’m not good enough? What if they found out I’m a Waterbender? Or what if I’m just too ugly-

            Zuko tightly squeezed my hand, snapping me out of my self-defeating thoughts and gave me a reassuring smile, “Your perfect. It’ll be quick, and then we can go eat lunch in gardens, just as planned.” Zuko spoke calmly; he fingers gently rubbing my palm. I let out a shaky sigh and found myself looking back up to Noren. He smiled sympathetically, “You’ll get used to the royal speeches. Anyways, you’re in safe hands.” He said before giving me a quick bow and walking off to Ursa and Kiyi.

            “Ready?” Zuko spoke as he looked at me.

            “As ready as I'll ever be.”

            “Perfect.”

            With a quick flip of his wrist, the room fell silent, and all eyes were on us, “Let’s start.” Zuko said firmly. As if that was all was needed to be said, all the nobles began walking outside, leaving the room empty beside his family and us. It was then I felt someone poke my shoulder, “Break a leg, Princess.”

            “Sokka…” I said breathlessly, when did he arrive? Sokka smiled, although I swore I could see his eyes tearing up a bit, “My little sister is all big…you know, it’s still not too late to leave this royal pain in the ass.” Sokka said light-heartedly only for Zuko to scoff, “As if I would let her.” I knew Aang had come back based on the endless fits of sneezes, “You better hold those sneezes during my speech.” Zuko lectured while Aang gave him a cheeky thumbs up. I laughed, before a guard came to us, bowing lowly before speaking.

            “Fire Lord Zuko, it is time to depart. Imperial Consort Ying Yue, I shall give you your cue when the time to present yourself arrives.” I nodded, and with one last squeeze of my hand, Zuko let go, the sudden warmth that I had learned to crave - gone. Zuko stood in front with Aang, while Ursa, Noren, Kiyi, Iroh and Sokka followed suit. I watched as they left the room, as I was the only one left behind.

            The crowds instantly roared seeing Zuko. And like second nature, Zuko smiled gracefully and began waving at his people. The nobles gazed over at Zuko with the utmost respect, and it was then reality hit me as to who I was dating.

            Zuko was Fire Lord.

            And while it was such an obvious fact, it was something I always pushed away - and maybe it was because I never got to see him fully engaged in his role. I was used to his playfulness, those silly pointless banters that we shared. But it was because of those sweet moments, that I forget who he was to the rest of the world. 

            He was a man of honour, a leader, and the very person his Nation looked up to in terms of hope and security. The weight of responsibility that rests upon his shoulders was tremendous, yet despite it all, he made time for me. Whether it was for a few minutes, to a whole day, he did it for me.

            When he finally reached the end of the stage, he raised his hand, and the crowd instantaneously went silent. Zuko cleared his throat and began to speak with a powerful and booming voice, “Good Afternoon royal highnesses, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is with great honour, that today we celebrate a milestone, for not just myself, but the Nation as a whole…”

            I found myself lost in his speech, the way he spoke so fluently, not an ounce of hesitation or fear lingered in his voice. He just seemed so confident, so self-assured in himself that anyone who could hear him wouldn't be able to rip their eyes away from him or ignore his words. Home, this was home to him. A gentle hand touched my shoulder, catching me off guard. I turned to look, only to see the guard smiling, “It’s time.” My eyes widen, and I looked forward.

            Zuko was now facing me, Kiyi standing beside him and holding a small container of red paint, her smile warm as she swayed side to side in her spot. “It is with great honour, for me to introduce impending Imperial Consort Ying Yue Jiang, the future Fire Nation Queen,” Zuko spoke.

            Shit. This is it. There’s no going back. Holy mother of pearl what have I gotten myself in to. With a deep breath, I walked forward. I tried my hardest to look at the crowd, but the moment my eyes wandered, I could feel myself getting panicky and looked back at Zuko. Zuko, right now, was my beacon of sanity, the only thing keeping me from tripping over my feet and having a nervous breakdown. My heart was pounding, and my hands were sweaty Yue calm down! You’ve done this countless of times. This is normal. Calm down! I could see Zuko chuckle as he seemed to notice my internal dilemma, although he was good at hiding it, clearly better than my dumbass.

            The people applauded, and I stopped in front of Zuko. With a quick bow of acknowledgement, I kneeled in front of Zuko, only then did I look at him directly. His smile calmed down my beating heart, but I couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes darted back and forth, he was nervous. Just like me. He quickly dipped a finger into the red paint, that Kiyi held, before he started speaking, the oath.

            “Do you, Ying Yue Jiang, willingly take this oath, of Imperial Consort?”

            “I do.”

            “And do you, Ying Yue Jiang, solemnly promise to represent the people. To protect and serve the Nation, to care and adhere to all laws regarding the Fire Nation. To serve me as your Fire Lord, in preparation of becoming Fire Nation Queen?”

            “I promise.”

            “Then, as Fire Lord, I shall declare you as my Imperial Consort, future Queen.”

            His finger delicately ran along the skin between my eyebrows, and I knew right away what he was drawing. A flame. This was it. It was official. I was his Imperial Consort. There was no going back from this. No ‘redo's.’ It was literally sealed.

            My eyes met Zuko’s, and we both started smiling bashfully, a nervous giggle escaping my lips as Zuko chuckled. There wasn’t a single thing I wouldn’t do for Zuko.

            “Congratulations Imperial Consort Ying Yue. It’s a pleasure meeting you; I can’t wait till the wedding!” gushed a noble. Her eyes shinnied brightly as she linked arms with her husband, who wore formal military attire. He was a General, that was all I managed to gather, as I was still running on a high from the whole ceremony that took place just a few moments ago. “Maybe a few children as well? I never knew how much my life would change for the better until I had Lilian and Scar.” Her husband said with a bright smile.

            I blushed as I tightly hugged Zuko’s arm, only for Zuko to chuckle and nod his head in agreement, “I look forward to that stage. How about you, Ying Yue?” Zuko asked as he gazed down at me. I timidly smiled and nodded, “I’ve never thought much about having a family until recently, I would love a child, in due time.” Zuko smiled before politely nodding his head, “I do apologize, but we must get going…” Zuko spoke, and the two nobles simply smiled and nodded, “No worries, but once again, congratulations Fire Lord Zuko and Imperial Consort Ying Yue. You both are lovely together.”

            I nodded my thanks before we turned on my heel, wandering about. I let out another breath of air and Zuko did the same, “Tired yet?” Zuko said with a laugh at my anxious and worn-out expression. The day barely started, and I was already exhausted. We were in the gardens, where Zuko had planned the reception to take place. It wasn’t as formal as one would expect, and I was happy about that. Tables were scattered throughout the garden’s where people feasted on their meals and were free to mingle. The children, on the other hand, were given a chance to feed the turtle ducks at the waterfall, an idea strongly pitched by Kiyi.

            I smiled, watching the kids line the edge of the water, trying to get the turtle ducks attention. They chattered amongst each other, only the spirits knew about what. There was a lot of children who resided at the palace, ‘after the war, a lot of babies were made’ Sokka once said as a joke. Who knew there was some truth to that joke.

             “Would you like a family?” I blurted, and as soon as the question left my lips, I could feel my cheeks flare up. Zuko’s eyes widen a bit, taken aback from my blunt question, “S-sorry, you don’t have to answer that. I-I was just thinking and - you know, I’ll just stop talking now-”

            “Yue~! Come feed the turtle ducks with us!” cried out Kiyi from the pond. She waved her arms around frantically, as she stood beside a boy who didn’t look much younger than her. Bless her for saving me from this awkward moment.

             “Coming button!” I said as I waved my hand back to her with a large smile. But as I tried to dash, Zuko held his grip on my arm causing me to be flung back to his chest, “Not without me you aren’t. It seems like Kiyi is enjoying you more than me.” Zuko said with a laugh. I smiled as we both walked to the pond. Maybe he didn’t hear my question? Or decided to be merciful and ignore it altogether.

            The kids all huddled together along the shoreline, and Kiyi hugged me, “Yue~. You look beautiful. Oh, this is my friend, his name is Tom-Tom, Tom-Tom, this is Yue. She’s my big brother’s girlfriend.” She spoke cheerfully. Tom-Tom flushed furiously as he nodded his head to me and muttered a quiet hello. I giggled and kneeled to their level, “So are you guys feeding the turtle ducks?” I asked as I watched all the children near us with small bags of food.

            Kiyi nodded, but she pouted, “We’re trying to, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of them right now…and whatever turtle ducks are here they’re too far away.” She spoke miserably. I gazed upon the water and noticed she was right. They were farther into the water, but oddly enough, they weren’t swimming around but floated along the body of water. That’s weird…

            “How about you guys step inside then?” Zuko spoke. My eyes widen as I stood up to face him; he was joking, right? “Get in the water?” I mused.

            But before Zuko could confirm his suggestion, all of the children began stripping themselves of their shoes and started splashing about. Their pants and dresses were getting soaked, but they didn’t seem to care at all. They laughed and screamed with joy as they were finally getting close enough to feed the ducks. “Aren’t their parents going to get mad?” I spoke worriedly as I looked over the kids, who seemed to be having a blast. Zuko laughed and shrugged, “They’re kids. Let them have fun while they can…” He muttered.

            I raised a brow as I placed my hands on my hips, “And what about their parents?” I asked. “I’m pretty sure they aren’t going to be happy having their kids soaking wet.”

            “Good thing I’m Fire Lord. What I say goes.” I laughed and poked his chest, “Good job with not taking advantage of your power.” I snickered, and Zuko grinned madly, a trait clearly learned from Aang. He wrapped an arm over my shoulders, bringing me close as we watched the kids splash about in the water. Today was perfect. We were together, celebrating and happy. I let my head fall against his shoulder as I hummed to myself.

            Kiyi held Tom-Tom’s hand in the water, as he seemed quite nervous. Probably not a swimmer…She held the bag of food, letting him throw the food at the turtle ducks. I watched as the water moved around the kids, but I couldn’t help but frown as I observed the water.

            It seemed…different.

            Something wasn’t right.

            I could feel my muscles stiffen, as I began standing straight, “Zuko…” I whispered with an edge to my voice.

            The water was darker than usual. Usually, I could see straight through to the bottom, but I couldn’t today. The water this time was murky. My Waterbender instinct started screaming ‘danger’ as I began to fretfully scan around. My eyes trailed upwards to the fall, and I noticed how deafening the sound of the water crashing downwards was. How did I not notice before? The water ran faster than usual. And for a split moment, I swore I saw someone or something standing above the cliff.

            “Yue, what’s wrong?” Zuko asked, but I tuned him out.

            The water was running faster and faster.

            Small pieces of rocks were starting to mix with the water.

            Oh my gosh, please no. Please, no.

            My heart dropped, and I could hear my heart beating rapidly in my ears. My blood pumped furiously, and my body began to move without a second thought. My mind was on auto-pilot mode, as I anxiously ran towards the water, my steps splashing noisily. I raised my arms upwards, mustering all of the strength I could gather.

            Kiyi, Tom-Tom…Anything but the kids. Please, not the kids.      ��      

~ Fire Lord Zuko ~

            I embraced Ying Yue tightly to my side, smiling pleasantly to myself as I gazed over her. Everything about her was just perfect. The smile on her face was beautiful; her golden eyes were beautiful; she was just beautiful. But as wonderful as she was, she more than just ‘my girlfriend’ or ‘consort,’ she was my friend. A friend who seemed to understand everything, and even a bit more.

            I looked back at the children that played in the water, large smiles painting their faces as they eagerly fed the turtle ducks. Family. She asked me if I wanted a family. I sighed to myself. Did I want a family? I frowned thinking about my own family. Would I be fit enough to be a dad? What’s to say that I wouldn’t turn out exactly like my father? A monster.

            “Zuko…”

            My ears perked up as I looked down at Yue. Her bottom lip trembled, and her eyebrows pinched together. A look of terror and apprehension painted her face as she looked forward. I gazed back at the children, what did she see that I’m not?

            “Yue, what’s wrong?” I asked, trying to mask the hint of concern that mixed with my voice. Yue looked scared, no - terrified, as if she saw the dead rise in front of her. I pulled back to look at her carefully, but as if something entirely overcame her, she sprinted forward.

            Her eyes were wide, and she panted heavily as her feet splashed into the water. “Yue!” I yelled and began to step forward, my boots struggling to keep up with her sprint. Was this pond always so muddy? My feet seemed to sink into the mud with every step. I reached forward, trying to grasp onto her arm, but her silk dress slipped through my fingers. My eyes widen as I watched her movement, stopping cold in my tracks.

            Her arms started to rise by her sides, her fingers flicking upwards.

            She was going to bend.

            “YUE!”

            A deafening sound echoed throughout the gardens, causing everyone to gasp and hurriedly covered their ears. What the fuck was that? With my ears covered, I looked towards the waterfall, and I could feel my blood run cold, and my stomach dropped.

            The waterfall, the rocks, they were crashing down. They broke — a landslide.

            The kids. They were still in the water.

            I need to grab the children; I have to get them out there. But I can’t grab them all; the rocks are already falling. As soon as I found the ability to move once again, the water that was just underneath me begin to rise at an instant. I found myself wiping the water from my face, as the children screamed earsplittingly as the water engulfed them for a split second.

            Yue stood in the middle of the pond, her arms spread wide, all of the water above her. She was bending; she bent all of the water above her. She was freezing the water; she was making a barrier to protect the children. The ice above her crackled and cracked as the rocks from the waterfall began to tumble on top of her. Sweat beaded down Yue’s face as she grounded down on her teeth. She was single-handedly supporting the weight of a whole waterfall on her back.

            My eyes met hers, and with a look of desperation, she screamed, “GET THE KIDS. I-I can’t hold this for much longer.” She whimpered. Yue…fuck. I ran forward, “GRAB THE BLOODY KIDS!” I screamed towards the guards as they hastily scooped them into their arms. I could hear parents crying out to their children as the kids cried into their arms. I wrapped my arms tightly around Kiyi and Tom-Tom, scooping them into my arms without hesitation. “B-but Yue! Zuzu, Yue needs your help!” Kiyi cried out in my arms.

            I dropped them at the shoreline, “Zuko- Yue.” Mom spoke worriedly as she cradled Kiyi close. Tom-Tom dashed off to Mai. Mai looked terrified as she scooped Tom-Tom into her arms. I turned around and swore. Yue fell onto her knees, the mud pulling her in as tears started to form. She was struggling. Where is the fucking Avatar when you needed him? “YUE!” Sokka shouted as he threw another kid onto land. I need to save her. I need to get her out; she won’t last much longer.

            “STOP!” She screamed, and I looked upward, her face flustered as she whimpered out. The large wings of ice she managed to form were about to break; rocks started seeping through the cracks, cutting up her delicate skin. “A-are the kids…are they all safe?” She groaned out.

            “Yes but-”

            “Zuko run.” She spoke sternly.

            “What?”

            “I-I can’t- RUN!” She shouted. Sokka grabbed my arm, pulling me back, before dust and the sound of thousands of pounds of rock and stone fell. People coughed as dust flooded the air and my eyes burned. Sokka and I laid on the ground, struggling to breathe properly as the smell of crushed rock completely suffocated my nose.

            “Are you alright?” Sokka gasped, struggling to breathe. “Yeah, you?” I huffed out painfully. I rubbed my eyes trying to get a better sight around us. I could hear people coughing noisily, children crying, while other people muttered out in disbelief at the fact that Yue was a Waterbender. Our secret, it was out in the open. Fuck it. That’s the least of my fucking worries right now.

            As the dust began to settle, I sat up and looked forward. The waterfall was no longer there. Instead laid a giant pile of rocks and gushing water. Yue. I have to find her. Pushing through my dry coughs and the dusty air I crawled forward, “Zuko, what are you-” Sokka groaned painfully, as he clenched his chest.

            “Yue, she is in there.” I panted as I stood. The pile of rocks was massive. She had to be in there. Please be alive. Fuck, if she is hurt-

            “Zuko?” a small faint voice muttered out.

            My eyes widen, and I desperately began climbing over the loose rocks. Water began to gush from underneath my grip of the rocks, and like a lost child, she was slowly crawling from the top of the pile. Her long black hair stuck to her face, as blood began to drop from the small wounds on her face. Her clothes were torn as she struggled to pull herself out, “Babe, I’m here don’t move! Let me pull you out!” Without protest, she moaned in pain and let her body fall against the jagged rocks.

            I wrapped my arms around her torso, “The kids.” She muttered. I looked down at her, was she really concerned with the kids after she single-handedly withstood the weight of a fucking waterfall and then let it crash on top of her? She was selfless. She was never thinking about herself, always putting herself second. She’s going to be the death of me.

            “They’re safe Yue, are you okay?” I pulled on her body, as her head fell against my neck, “Just a bit…sleepy…” She muttered. With a final tug, I managed to pull her out of the rubble, as she rested over me. Her breathing was short and shallow, “Yue?” I spoke gently, as I patted her back. “Hmm?” She moaned. I pulled back, getting a good look on her. Her eyes struggled to stay open before her eyes finally fluttered shut. “Yue? Hey, don’t you fucking sleep on me now.” I spoke sternly as I gently tapped her cheeks.

            But she was passed out. She pushed herself, pushed her bending to the very limits. I cradled her tightly to my body; I had to get her to the infirmary. Fuck Yue. Why did you have to so reckless, so generous? My feet evened out on the ground as I held her as close as I could to myself. Sokka looked over at me with concern, “Yue…” He started.

            “She’s fine, passed out, she pushed herself,” I answered, but that was when I noticed a few council members standing behind Sokka. Frowns painted their faces as they looked at Yue with disgust. As if she was an enemy, a traitor, “She’s a Waterbender Fire Lord Zuko…” They grumbled under their breath. I frowned.

            Let the shit show begin.

~ Azula ~

            “Your little partner seems surprised. Didn’t let her in on the plan?” He spoke with a taunt. I scowled as I watched the way Mai tightly hugged her younger brother, a look of shock and fear painted her face.

            “I made the mistake of trusting her too much. After today, I’ll know where her ties lie.” I spoke bitterly as I crossed my arms. I watched the way Ying Yue dissolved her wings of ice, and instead bent the water to embrace her. An ice bubble. The rocks began to fall, but her cocoon of ice protected her. What a smart and crafty girl…Just like her Uncle.

            “So what do you think - Yakone…”

            Yakone laughed as he crouched down, watching the sight unfold. He ran his hand through his brown hair as his blue eyes watched with amusement. The Royals looked like chickens with their heads cut off, not knowing whether to hide or run as dust puffed upwards. The sound of the rocks falling was deafening, despite us being high on the cliff, I found myself grimacing at the noise.

            “Believe me now Yakone?” I spoke with my arms crossed as I gazed down at the man below me. A broad grin painted his face, a rare sight indeed.

            “Oh, she’s my niece alright.” He said with a hysterical laugh as he watched the way Ying Yue bend. She was good; I had to give her that. Even better than that stupid Southern Water Tribe girl, what was her name…Katara?

            I watched as Zuko struggled to climb up the debris, trying his hardest to reach Ying Yue, who seemed to have pushed herself to the point of exhaustion.

            “So Yakone, does this mean she inherited the family heirloom?” I said with a laugh. But Yakone stood up, a dark and menacing smirk plastered on his face as he turned to face me. It was some of the few moments in my life where I felt a cold chill run up my spine. Yakone was not someone you could underestimate. He was petrifying, a terrifying figure who had no fear slaying the mighty or weak.

            “She’s a Bloodbender alright. I wonder how much my sister taught her?” Yakone pondered to himself as he stepped closer to the edge.

            A Bloodbender. The deadliest form of bending, and powerful. I guess I do have to keep my guard up around Ying Yue; I wonder if her friends knew her dirty secret? I wonder if dear Zuzu knows…maybe I should pay him a nice family visit sometime soon…

            I swiftly turned on my heel, starting to formulate a new plan. We found out what we needed to know for now. Now I can leave my dear brother to deal with the aftermath. Hope I didn’t leave too much of a mess.

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

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