#the fever that Zuko will get when he hears such news... | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

yuueee · 4 years ago

Text

𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 fire lord! zuko x fire lady! reader

authors note: Firstly I just want to apologize for the hiatus, I want to be more active from now on! I’m starting finals next week so I’ll thankfully be done with this semester soon and will also have more time to write. Anyways I hope you enjoy!! I also want to apologize if Zuko is ooc here.

requests:

First of all, your tumblr looks sooooo cool! I’m looking forward to reading all of your future work! Imagine this: Zuko is annoyed by people constantly asking him about a future heir, but when one day his friends also start to ask, and even his uncle and his own mother join the baby fever train, it’s too much for him so he complains about it to his wife who only reassures him with her lovely self and her understanding smiles, not telling him yet that she is in fact pregnant. What do you think ?

Can you write an imagine with zuko who is clearly, utterly and soooo obviously in love with the reader (outgoing, courageous, loving) and maybe with the prompt “So you...well...I mean...I could give you a massage?” Thank you a lot! ^^

As the current Fire Lord and Lady, it wasn’t uncommon for the citizens of the Fire Nation to be deeply invested in your relationship - it was to be expected especially due to the uncommon nature of your union. What you weren’t expecting were Zuko’s close friends and relatives being wrapped up in your business as well. Being outside of team avatar, you were naturally more welcoming to his friend's constant questioning, but Zuko on the other hand was not. He couldn’t understand why they cared so much all of the sudden. They hadn’t been as interested when he was in a relationship with Mai - so why did they care so much now?

It wasn’t as if you weren’t getting along with his friends or family - you got along with them quite well and were very loved by them in fact. Outside of them though, you weren’t always as welcomed, unfortunately, the Fire Nation was still coming to terms with having the daughter of an Earth Kingdom General as their Fire Lady. The arranged marriage was put in place to solve several different ‘problems’. After Zuko broke up with Mai several years ago, he hadn’t begun dating anyone else due to being so busy but he’d eventually be expected to have an heir in the next coming years.

Although they had gotten better, tensions among the Earth Kingdom Colonies were still high and both sides were having difficulty keeping them under control. Eventually, an agreement was made for the daughter of a high-ranking Earth Kingdom General to marry Zuko - that daughter being yourself. Arranged marriages certainly weren’t unheard of in either nation - but a union of this sort was definitely unique.

Though he certainly wasn’t thrilled about it, Zuko understood that it was for the good of the people - and it wasn’t like there was anything he could do about it anyway. Even with his position as the recently crowned Fire Lord there still wasn’t much he could do.

On the other hand, you understandably had some issues coming to terms with your new situation at first. Despite being known by those around you as friendly and just a joy, in general, to be around - the woman Zuko had first met was quite the opposite. He could recall it like it was yesterday. Though it was awkward and stressful at the time, he now considered it to be the best day of his life.

“She’s in there.” A female servant whispered to the young man quietly, as if she didn’t want to speak loud enough for you to hear from your place at the balcony.

“Thanks,” he replied with a soft smile, bidding the elderly woman goodbye as she shuffled down the hallway. Turning towards you he was faced with a warm tropical breeze. His advisors had arranged for the two of you to meet a couple of weeks before that dreaded day, and for some reason, they thought Ember Island was the appropriate place. A combination of anxiety and general distaste for being on the island was causing him to be quite stressed - which led him to be more awkward than usual.

“Um, hello?” he spoke up faintly, as if not to startle you. He was sure you heard him come in, but you hadn’t turned around since he entered the small room. You stood several feet away with your hands placed on the railing, your [hair-texture] locks sifting gently with each gust of wind along with your predominantly red clothing. It was against what you had wanted to wear that day but it didn’t seem as if you had much a say in anything going on in your life recently.

You understood that doing this would be for the greater good of the Earth Kingdom and that your situation could technically be worse. You could have been married off to some old creep - but if you were being honest with yourself being married to the Fire Lord sounded just as bad. As you turned around though, you were surprised at the face you were met with.

He had a much younger face than you had expected, but the slight hollowness of his cheeks and the worry lines on his forehead told you that he had experienced things beyond his years. He also happened to be quite handsome - not that you wanted to admit it though. You had been bent on hating him ever since your father told you who you’d be wedding.

He was the leader of the Fire Nation, of course, you would hate him! The country that has had a century-long reign of terror on the world - and now you found yourself engaged to their leader. What had you done so wrong in your life to deserve this?

As much as you wanted to plan on running away the first chance you got, you knew deep inside that it would only cause tensions to increase and more issues to arise. You wanted the best for the residents of the Earth Kingdom, so you agreed to go through with it, but did so resentfully - which you had every right to feel that way.

But as you glared up at the young male next to you and tried to keep your attention off of the scar over his left eye - you couldn’t help but wonder what if this was the man who joined the avatar in defeating the Fire Lord? He wasn’t what you expected at all. Standing in full armor with his hair holding the fire nation insignia in a top knot - he looked awkward and out of place. You almost felt bad for him - keyword is almost.

“What do you need Fire Lord?” you questioned him, turning your gaze back to the rushing waters of the ocean.

“Um,” he faltered slightly, probably not anticipating your response. “I just wanted to introduce myself-“

“I know who you are.” you brushed him off, turning around and walking towards him - grabbing his collar and pulling him to your height. “We might be getting married but if you think for a second I will ever be nice to you, you are sadly mistaken.” you hissed at him before letting him go and walking out of the door.

Zuko couldn’t recall how long he stood there watching your form leave, all he remembered was standing there like an idiot with a red face. He hadn’t expected you to like him of course but he surely wasn’t expecting that.

As he reminisced on memories long ago while sipping his Uncle’s tea, he couldn’t help the smile that appeared on his features. As stated earlier, It may have been an unpleasant memory back then but now he considered the day he met you to be the best day of his life. Though your relationship had surely faired through many complications for a while in the beginning - surprisingly, you became fond of Zuko over the years.

It was certainly a long time coming but that strange friendship you two shared eventually evolved into love against all odds. That didn’t mean you weren’t constantly giving him an ear full (as you should tbh) your first months together. But as time progressed and you learned that he may not have been the evil prince that you had heard so much about, at least not anymore.

He wasn’t that same angsty teenager he had been years ago looking for the avatar, he was now a young adult growing quite well into the position of the Fire Lord - which was no easy feat. Taking another sip of tea, he watched his Uncle and Mother come to take a seat with him.

“How is it, Nephew?” His Uncle asked with a mischievous grin and a raise of two bushy eyebrows - albeit already knowing the answer.

“It’s great as always Uncle,” Zuko responded with a small smile, his Uncle's expression making him just a bit concerned, causing his Mother to chuckle. Though she had gained a few wrinkles over the past couple of years, she was still as radiant as she had been in her youth. She was also much happier being able to live with the family she had been apart from for many years without fearing Ozai’s intervention. It came with a price though - it seemed as if her relationship with her estranged daughter who was now on the run would never be resolved. She never lost hope though.

“Zuko,” his mother began speaking, catching the young Fire Lord’s attention with a raise of his eyebrows. “When are you going to give me a grandchild?” She asked teasingly, eager to see his reaction. In turn, her son had barely kept himself from spitting out the mouthful of tea.

“Why do you ask that?” He choked out in between a series of coughs with Iroh patting his back gently.

“You haven’t?” She asked in between chuckles, noticing how her son got bewildered at the mention of having children of his own. “You know you’ll eventually have to have an heir at some point right?”

“It’s not that I haven’t thought about it... but Y/N and I are just really busy.” He thought aloud, wishing he could run a hand through his hair - but was unable to since it was pinned in a top knot.

“Zuko, you never know when you’ll get this time of peace again. What better time to raise a child?” Iroh reassured, wiggling his eyebrows. Letting out a groan, the young Fire Lord attempted to mentally prepare himself to go through this same conversation every time he visited his family.

Over the next couple of weeks, the constant badgering he received from his friends and close relatives started to frustrate him further, so who could he turn to? You of course.

Being married for several years now, you were more than used to Zuko’s rants, so you simply just reclined on the bed with an eyebrow raised as he paced back and forth.

“I don’t get it! Why is everyone so concerned about when we’re going to have a child or not?” He questioned seemingly no one as you attempted to keep your face from contorting into a smile. It wasn’t as if you didn’t understand his frustrations, it was just funny to watch, especially since you were already pregnant.

You were surprised that he hadn’t noticed honestly, with you staying in for the past few days due to feeling sick. Who could blame him though? It wasn’t as if he wasn’t attentive and loving as a husband, he was extremely busy as of recent-and also just dense at times. After noticing his silence for a few moments as he looked over the balcony, you decided that maybe this could be the perfect time to tell him.

Getting up and sneaking behind him, you snaked your arms around his waist and turned so you could see his face. He let out an audible sigh of what sounded like relief before returning your smile and your hug.

“You want a head massage?” You questioned pulling away, wiggling your fingers playfully.

“Please.”

For the past couple of years, Zuko had been letting his hair grow out so now it rested around his shoulders.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.” You started tentatively, but as usual, he was too caught up in the sensation of your fingers raking across his scalp to entirely understand what you were saying, so he just nodded in response. “I’m pregnant.” You stated plainly, ceasing your scratching. Not getting a response for a few moments, you turned to face him with a worried expression.

Much to your surprise he was grinning up at you and placed a warm hand on your cheek. “Really?”

“Yes. I’m sorry it took me so long to tell y-“ you were abruptly cut off by him pulling you into another hug and placing a kiss on the crown of your head. “So you’re happy about it?”

“Couldn’t be happier.” He responded sincerely, leaning into your shoulder so you couldn’t see the redness on his cheeks.

Maybe your family and friends would finally leave the two of you alone now?

taglist: @practicallylivesonline @chewymoustachio

#Zuko imagine #Zuko x reader #Zuko x you #zuko x y/n #avatar x reader #avatar imagine #avatar x you #avatar x y/n #atla #atla x you #atla x reader #atla imagine #atla x y/n #avatar the last airbender #avatar #Zuko

1K notes · View notes

muffinlance · 4 years ago

Note

So my friends and i came up with a sort of AU where people sprout flowers in their hair when they feel any sort of love. So anyways, ahklut crew teases Zuko about how many blue family flowers have been growing in his hair the longer he stays on the ship.

This puts his Season One hair into a whole new perspective.

---

Uncle's hair has dried flowers: his wife's panda lily, Lu Ten's dragon ivy. Everyone knows that dead flowers aren't as fragile as they seem, but he has the crewmen carry an umbrella over him when it rains, anyway. Carefully, he combs around them every morning. Leaves from the vine, Zuko hears him crooning sometimes, even though Lu Ten won't ever lose his leaves. He won't grow any new ones, either.

(Tucked away under his greying strands, still too close to the scalp to be easily seen, a bud has been growing for years. Iroh does not pressure it to bloom, but he does look forward to the occasion.)

(And then a storm, and the Dragon of the West realizes there is no way to tell a dead bloom from a live one without prying its petals open, and this he cannot do. A dead bloom can never heal.)

The Akhlut's crew find the Fire Prince's shaved head profane. When he's caught stealing razors, they crack down. Stubble grows around the black ponytail. Flowers don't.

(At thirteen, the Fire Lord set a hand on Zuko's face, and burned Ursa's sheltering rose bramble away. It would have grown back if she was alive.)

("It would have grown back if she still loved you," Azula corrects him, and he's never sure if it was a fever dream that placed her next to his sick bed, or if she really was there, her precise flames as good as any garden shears as she burned his fire lily from above her ear.)

"Whose is that?" Toklo asks, delighted and too loud, when he catches sight of the little sprig of blue flowers that are only visible when the Fire Prince lets his hair down to wash.

"No one," Zuko says, loudly. "My little sister," he says, more quietly.

Uncle's white jade flower is too large, too showy, it sticks out as it curls above his head. He snips it off between his fingers each morning, but it never stops trying to come back.

The crewmen, their own heads in ruckus and unashamed bloom, watch his daily pruning with distaste. No one ever catches what the Fire Lord's flower looks like; they can never catch him pruning it.

(They assume it's there to be pruned.)

(Zuko would like to know what his father's love looks like, too.)

His outrage at Toklo's snowdrops peaking their way through his black fuzz is as hilarious as it is worrying.

("Don't get attached, Toklo," they warn.

"But warm water," says their youngest crewmember, who has never seen a reason to be stingy with his love.)

The Fire Prince shouts and steams. The snowdrops shake quite merrily in his rage. He doesn't pluck them.

He doesn't pluck Kustaa's grudging little cloudberry flowers, either.

"Are you loving me to spite me?" the Fire Prince accuses.

"Yes," says Kustaa, who parted his hair specifically to show off the new little bud trying so hard to hide.

They don't give the boy to the Earth Kingdom. They forget to scowl while they teach him how to do new things. They stop threatening him, mostly. That shouldn't be all it takes for those little buds to start spreading among the crew.

(The Wani's crew had them, too. Back when the prince was a shouty little thirteen year old monster, they'd taken it as a sign that things would soon get better. Things did not get better. Most of them forgot about those under-developed buds, except on the odd occasion when their combs would jar against them.)

Then they fight a Fire Navy ship, and find the prince curled up as far as he can get from the man he's killed. Kustaa holds him as he shakes, a fire lily in full bloom on his head. It would look ridiculous, if it didn't look so much like blood.

He's not the prince for long after that.

His hair isn't so barren of flowers for long after that, either. Eventually, he even lets his real uncle's bloom find its place among the rest. It doesn't look so overbearing, when it's not so alone.

"I miss him," The boy admits, as they sit on the main mast (as one does).

Somewhere far, but not too far, a tired old man passes his mirror, and catches the impossible flash of something new. A red fire lily, finally unfurled into bloom.

"Zuko," he says.

This neatly accelerates his plans for active treason.

#elsewhere #the Princess Azula begins to set a court fashion for hats #(to hide her complete lack of flowers the courtiers whisper where they think she can't hear)#(a safer whisper than the brilliant crimson truth tucked above her right ear)#(when she looks in the mirror now)#(she can tell mother to shut up)#(it's a big dumb flower from a big Dum-Dum)#Garden Head AU #like Radiohead #but not #Salvage #Garden Salvage

2K notes · View notes

sokkastyles · 4 years ago

Text

I’ve talked about this before, but I need to emphasize that Zuko working in the tea shop is a huge part of his arc and development. It wasn’t just something that lasted only a few episodes that he hated and then moved on from, it’s something that is threaded throughout his arc and into the finale.

Of course he’s not happy for a large part of the time he’s working there in book two. He’s a traumatized teenager who is desperately trying to achieve the approval of his father so that he can go back to the home he was banished from. Iroh tries to make the best of things in part because Iroh genuinely enjoys it and making the best of a bad situation is just who he is, but he also wants Zuko to be happy and wants to make the best life for his nephew that he can, and he knows that Zuko needs positivity and security in his life, as well as tries to nurture in Zuko an appreciation for the small things in life and an attitude of service. It is hardly surprising that Zuko is resistant to this, though.

Zuko complains even more when he and Iroh are presented with new opportunities, because he doesn’t want to accept the possibility of growth in this new life.

Iroh: Did you hear, nephew? This man wants to give us our own tea shop in the Upper Ring of the city!

Quon: That's right, young man, your life is about to change for the better!

Zuko: [Sarcastically.] I'll try to contain my joy. [Walks outside, slams door shut.]

Zuko spends seven episodes working in the tea shop in a twenty episode season. It runs through his entire Ba Sing Se arc. He grumbles, groans, and complains through most of it.

Iroh: So, I was thinking about names for my new tea shop. How about the Jasmine Dragon? It's dramatic, poetic, has a nice ring to it.

Zuko: [Shows Iroh the flyer.] The Avatar is here in Ba Sing Se and he's lost his bison.

Iroh: [Grabs the flyer.] We have a chance for a new life here. [Cut to Zuko looking out a window.] If you start stirring up trouble, we could lose all the good things that are happening for us.

Zuko: [Turns to Iroh.] Good things that are happening for you! Have you ever thought that I want more from life than a nice apartment and a job serving tea?

Iroh: There is nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity. I suggest you think about what it is that you want from your life and why.

Zuko: I want my destiny.

Iroh: What that means is up to you.

Zuko’s time in the tea shop is part of his arc of discovering that he can choose his own destiny, and although he didn’t choose to live as a refugee, he can choose what he makes of it, which is what Iroh is trying to teach him here. Part of that is choosing to accept Iroh’s love, choosing to appreciate the good things instead of wishing for something that he doesn’t have, and we know that Zuko’s desire to go back to being the prince of the Fire Nation and earn his father’s affection is ultimately empty, and part of a life where he was abused, as well as where he was a part of a system that was oppressing others.

Then Zuko refuses Iroh’s advice about accepting a simple life in favor of pursuing Appa as the Blue Spirit - an identity that represents Zuko’s internal conflict between his fractured self image, which in book two involves him using the Blue Spirit identity to steal, to get back a part of the old life which he’s lost. It is extremely painful for him to admit that trying to get back to who he was before his banishment is causing him to engage in self-destructive behaviors that are stagnating his growth. Iroh just wants him to be safe and happy but he also knows that Zuko has to confront this conflict within himself.

That’s why, after he frees Appa, he must throw away the Blue Spirit mask once and for all, symbolically letting go of his desire to go back to the Fire Nation.

Iroh: You did the right thing, nephew. Leave it behind.

Giving up the past is never easy. Especially giving up the ideas he’s held onto for so long, the idea of what he can one day get back that, as Iroh said in book one, had kept Zuko going through his banishment, that gave him hope. But part of creating your own destiny is realizing that you can find hope in places you didn’t think you could find it. Zuko has to find something else to put his hope in and that’s represented physically by the sickness he suffers after freeing Appa. His entire sense of self has been shaken to the core, because change, real change, is hard.

Iroh: You should know that this is not a natural sickness, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying tea.

Zuko: What's happening?

Iroh: Your critical decision. What you did beneath that lake. It was in such conflict with our image of yourself that you are now at war within your own mind and body.

Zuko: What's that mean?

Iroh: You are going through a metamorphosis, my nephew. It will not be a pleasant experience, but when you come out of it, you will be the beautiful prince you were always meant to be.

Tea even makes an appearance during Zuko’s “metamorphosis,” because the tea is symbolic, y’all. Then when Zuko wakes up from his sickness, we see an immediate change in him.

Iroh: Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow.

Zuko: [Optimistically.] It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that Zuko has suddenly decided that he loves serving tea and working customer service, but the change he’s experienced is about choosing to find the good, to accept change into his life, to accept humility, and love. And this is the most happy we’ve ever seen Zuko be. We also see him emotionally supporting Iroh and working on his relationship with his uncle because he knows that seeing Zuko happy makes Iroh happy. Before, Zuko made a big show of his unhappiness, slamming doors and frowning and shouting and generally acting like a spoiled teenager with major authority issues, which made Iroh visibly upset. Iroh constantly tries to get Zuko to change his attitude but in the end it’s something that Zuko has to choose himself.

Iroh: Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop? Follow your passion, Zuko, and life will reward you.

Zuko: Congratulations, Uncle.

Iroh: I am very thankful.

Zuko: You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city.

Iroh: No. I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. It means more than you know.

Zuko: Now let's make these people some tea!

This is more than just Zuko being happy for Iroh or trying to be happy because Iroh wants him to be happy. We see the idea repeated here that you can choose your own destiny, and that those who do are rewarded by life. This is also echoed in Zuko’s conversation with Katara in which he tells her that lately he has realized that he is free to choose what he makes of the scars of his past, and his future. We also see him practicing what Iroh told him, he lets go of shame by letting go of pride. Instead of talking about what he thinks he deserves, he talks about what Iroh deserves. The dialogue also indicates that Zuko chose to be there.

This development is emphasized when Zuko and Iroh are invited to serve tea to the Earth King.

Iroh: I ... I can't believe it!

Zuko: What is it, Uncle?

Iroh: Great news! We've been invited to serve tea to the Earth King!

Zuko goes from “step aside, filth!” and complaining about doing work to smiling about serving tea to the king of a rival nation. That’s character development. And as I said before, it was essential to Zuko’s development in becoming the kind of Fire Lord that he is supposed to be.

The dramatic irony of Katara finding them and unintentionally ratting them out to Azula is that when Katara enters the tea shop, she finds not only a Zuko in a tea apron, but a happy one enthusiastically taking people’s orders.

Zuko: Uncle! I need two jasmine, one green, and one lychee!

Iroh: I'm brewing as fast as I can!

I love this scene so much because it’s like, imagine that you decide to go to Panera Bread and you find Kylo Ren working at the counter, cheerfully asking you if you want chips or an apple with that. It’s also hilarious that Katara’s immediate thought is they’re infiltrating the city when she knows that there’s an evil force of brainwashing government agents lurking about.

That Zuko genuinely found peace with his life in Ba Sing Se is narratively important because it makes what happens next even harder for him. “The Crossroads of Destiny” is a true crossroads because he’s fought hard to find happiness and hope in his new life, but then it’s all ripped away and he’s put to the test. That he fails it this time just emphasizes how hard it is to break free of old destructive habits.

This is why when he does go back to the Fire Nation, we’re shown his doubts, and how uncomfortable he is. He tries to be happy and to accept his role as prince, but he already knows that this is not the destiny he wants for himself. The excessive opulence of the Fire Nation is meant to show this. We see this in scenes like Zuko constantly being unhappy during the beach episode and becoming angry when he is told to relax and do nothing, and his insecurity at the party in a room full of rich kids.

In particular, we see him being uncomfortable being waited on by servants in “Nightmares and Daydreams”:

Servant #1: Fresh fruit, Prince Zuko?

Zuko puts out his hand and shakes his head respectfully.

Servant #2: May I wash your feet, sir?

Zuko respectfully puts his hand out and shakes his head again.

Servant #1: Head massage?

Zuko shakes his head again.

Servant #2: Hot towel?

Zuko looks at the towels for a moment and takes one. He is seen wiping his forehead before walking out of the room. The two servants bow behind him. Zuko walks out the palace gates, with Fire Nation citizens waiting for him.

Servant #1: Prince Zuko, is something wrong? You didn't take the palanquin.

Zuko: I'm just going to Mai's house. It's not far.

Servant #1: It's not a prince's place to walk anywhere, sir.

Zuko looks to the distance, walks over, and gets into the palanquin.

We see him trying to fit in with Mai because he’s a sixteen year old who has a girlfriend for the first time in his life and he wants to impress her, but what this scene actually shows is their differing values.

Zuko: Tell me, if you could have anything you want right now, what would it be?

Mai: Hm ... A big fancy fruit tart, with rose petals on top.

Zuko: You know, being a prince and all, I might just be able to make that happen.

Mai: That would be impressive.

Zuko: [To the servants.] Do you think you could find a fresh fruit tart for the lady, with rose petals on top?

Servant: Excellent choice, sir.

Mai: I guess there's some nice perks that come with being royalty. [Pushing Zuko to lay down with her.] Though there's annoying stuff, too. Like that all-day war meeting coming up.

Zuko: [Sitting up, followed by Mai.] War meeting? What are you talking about?

Mai: Azula mentioned something. I-I assumed you were going, too.

Zuko: I guess I wasn't invited.

The two look away from each other.

Zuko asks Mai what she would want if she could have anything and what she comes up with is fruit tarts. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Mai is shallow, but what it does mean is that she’s never had to worry about what she wants in terms of the big picture.

“Who are you, and what do you want?”

She’s also never had to go hungry like Zuko has, and never had to serve others like Zuko has.

And then she brings up the war meeting, which to her is only an annoyance. Zuko doesn’t care about fruit tarts and palanquin rides, but this is something he cares about. It’s also funny to me that Mai is like “make out time,” and let’s be real, nobody would fault Zuko, a sixteen year old boy, for enjoying a little hanky panky, but Zuko is like “no, anxiety time!” Which shows how much he’s changed and how much he is struggling to be happy despite all the fruit tarts and hot towels and having a girlfriend who is all over him.

It is NOT a coincidence that when Zuko joins the gaang, we see him genuinely happy and among friends and making and serving tea.

Zuko had to go back to the Fire Nation to really understand how much he had changed and to really be able to choose his own destiny, but we know which one he chooses, between a life of empty riches and a life helping others. Even when we see him addressing the people as Fire Lord, his speech is all about service and humility. When the crowd cheers for him, he does this:

Zuko: Please. The real hero is the Avatar.

Which shows how far he’s come from the boy who so desperately wanted recognition, who was repulsed by the idea of serving others or lowering himself to the status of a “peasant,” who only thought of himself and what he deserved. His last scene is not his coronation, not his triumphant moment of standing in front of a crowd as Fire Lord, or even confronting his father, but a quiet moment, serving tea to his friends.

#zuko #atla #atla meta #iroh #mai #the blue spirit #the tea is symbolic

890 notes · View notes

ships4you · 5 years ago

Text

flames & deception {zuko}

Request: Heyoo!! Can I request a zuko x reader where Zuko and y/n get into a fight, and Zuko accidentally burns y/n? But instead of y/n getting mad at Zuko, y/n forgives him, kinda like the scene where Zuko and Iroh reunite? Ty!! ❤️❤️❤️(It can be either headcanon, imagine, whatever you’re the most comfortable with!) (*´ω｀*)

Pairing: Zuko x Earth Kingdom!Reader

Prompt: After setting Appa free Zuko has a nasty fever that leaves him sick in bed for days on end. While the reader is watching over a sleeping Zuko he has a nightmare, causing him to accidentally hurt the reader.

I’m such a sucker for againsty Zuko😻

“You know I saw a wanted poster for the blue spirit the other day.”

Lee ignored your comment, continuing to pace around his apartment above Mushi’s tea shop.

“You do know what that means, right? If someone spots you they’ll send guards after you. Or even worse; the Dai Li.”

You’ve been dating Lee for about two months now. Even though you didn’t know much about his past, he seemed to be very open and comfortable with you. A couple weeks into the relationship he told you about his evening excursions as the ‘Blue Spirit’. It never bothered you, but after climbing through your window one night all bloody and cut up from a fight, you couldn’t help but worry about your boyfriend.

“Do you hear what I’m saying?!” you raised your voice, annoyed at his I-could-care-less attitude. “Yes.” he responded dryly, slipping his swords into its sheath. You sighed and marched up to him, placing your hands on his chest. “Lee…” you said rubbing your thumbs in circles against his black skin-tight suit, “I just want you to be safe… Please, isn’t there another way?” you reached up to brush his hair out of his face. Before you could reach the black locks he grabbed your wrist tightly.

“You wouldn’t understand.” He lowered your wrist back down to your side, “I have to do this.”

This made you furious. “Oh of course!” you seethed through your teeth, “Of course I wouldn’t understand! You know not everything can be fixed with this little ‘hero’ act you have going on. Am I just not supposed to worry about you anymore?!” you yelled at him.

“Yes (y/n)! You don’t know me! You don’t know the things I’ve been through, the shitty things I have done. Hell, the shitty things I am going to do! You only care because you think I am this wounded, helpless creature, but guess what? I’m. Not. I’ve been on my own for years now and I don’t need you telling what I can and can’t do. When will you get it. I. Don’t. Need. You.”

He was now merely inches away from your face, eyes filled with fire. You weren’t sure when exactly the lump in your throat appeared, but you could feel soft, subtle tears sting against your cheeks. “Well. The next time you’re covered in cuts and bleeding out, don’t come to me.” you said before walking out, slamming the door behind you.

***

Three days after your big fight you received a letter in the mail.

Dearest (y/n),

I am afraid Lee has fallen extremely ill. He has been under my constant care for days, yet cannot seem to break his fever. I know my nephew hurt you, he often speaks out of fear— lashing out at those closest to him. I sincerely apologize on his behalf.

I need to go across town to fetch medicine to hopefully help his temperature go down. Would you be willing to come and sit with him for an hour or two? You are more than welcome to decline. Either way please come by the shop for a cup of tea soon. Seeing your beautiful smile warms my heart.

With all my love,

Mushi

As angry as you were, you knew how much he loved his nephew. You could not stand to break his heart. So, the next day you swallowed your pride and walked into the tea shop with your head held high.

He greeted you with open arms, as if nothing had happened. “He has been asleep for days,” Mushi explained leading you up the stairs to the apartment. “He just needs someone near to refill his water and keep a damp cloth a top his head. He will occasionally become restless in his sleep and thrash around a bit,” he said with sad eyes, “I will be back as soon as possible. Thank you (y/n). Your act of kindness is a gift from the spirits.” Resting your palm against his arm you said, “Mushi, you know I would do anything for you.” He smiled gratefully, bowing before leaving the room.

He looked so peaceful for the first few minutes, despite the small beads of sweat you noticed dripping down his face and chest. You made sure to switch out the damp rag with a new, cool one and refilled the bucket with fresh water. As you were putting the bucket down you noticed a worried expression stretch across his face. Before you knew it he began writhing back and forth, “Lee?” you knelt down and reached out to wake him up.

Before you could reach him, he quickly sat up and hurled his arm in your direction. You quickly jumped out of the way, and that’s when you noticed it. Fire ripping past your body. Your body was far enough, but you left hand that had come up to instinctively block your face was grazed by a stray flame. You yelped and squatted down to the floor, cradling your hand.

“(y/n)?”

You opened your hand, a slash across your palm already fading into a bright red.

“(y/n)… Please tell me I didn’t do that.” His eyes began filling up with tears.

His eyes were fearful. Terrified of what he had just done. Then the pain started to hit you. Panicking you ran to the bathroom, latching the door behind you. Your mind racing as you submerged your hand underneath the cool faucet.

Lee was a firebender.

He pounded on the door, “(y/n) please let me help you”

Was he a spy?

“Shit! I’m so sorry, please don’t hate me.” his voice cracked. It was obvious to tell he was crying.

No. Not a spy. Then why was a firebender in Ba Sing Se?

“don’t-hate-me, dont-hate-me, please just- fuck! I can’t lose you. I need you.”

“Is your name even Lee?” you felt your mouth move before you could think.

You heard him exhale through the sliding door. “No.”

You turned off the faucet, waiting for his explanation. “My name isn’t Lee. My real name is Zuko… Prince Zuko. My father- he. He is the Firelord. Two years ago he he burnt my face for speaking out against him.” he paused, “I was banished from the Fire Nation after that… My Uncle, Iroh and I have been on the run since I was 14. We came to Ba Sing Se to start over.”

You slid the door open. You were terrified to ask, but your heart needed to hear his answer “Have these last two months been one big lie? Is this… Us-” He stood in front of you eyes red from crying, his hair still damp with sweat. “No.” He said sternly, “Not you. Never with you.” His chest heaved as he spoke, “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I pushed you away. I am so sorry. I don’t deserve you.” he swiped his hand down his face, “I lied to you. I was stupid to let myself forget who I am, the kind of person I am. Being around you just made me feel… Normal. I was lost and confused and I used you. You have every right to hate me.”

“Zuko.” your lips testing the sound of his name. “I could never hate you.”

He sighed heavily. He walked up to you wrapping his arms around your middle, tucking his head into your neck. You curled your arms around his shoulders, embracing his head with your hand, stroking your fingers through his hair. You could feel his breath quicken, his tears damp against your clothes, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I love you.” your body tensed, “Please don’t leave me.” his voice whispered, muffled against your skin. Sliding your hands to his neck, you lifted his head from his chin. “I’m not going anywhere.” you reassured, hands now cupping the sides of his face, brushing the tears with your thumbs. “I love you too.”

He immediately pulled you into him, latching onto your lips. His hand slid up the length of your back, pressing your chest against his. You tilted your head downwards, resting your forehead against his. As he pulled away your hands fell to his chest. “Can I just say…” you sighed. He glance at you through his lashes, tightening his grip on your hip. “Yes. Anything.”

“I like your real name so much better than Lee.” you couldn’t help but giggle. He groaned throwing his head back, “Ugh, yea. My Uncle gave it to my as a joke. I got him back by calling him Mushi though.” You both shared a quick laugh.

“Yea I have to be honest, I had to hold myself back from moaning your name all those times. Lee is such an un-sexy name.” you joked, hooking your hands behind his back. He rolled his eyes jokingly, “I just told you I am the crowned Prince of the Fire Nation and that is what you take from it?!” You smiled giddily, “Mhmm, yup.”

“You are ridiculous.” He said before kissing you lightly. “Come on, I used to burn myself while training as a kid. I know a recipe to help it heal.” he said leading you to the kitchen.

***

Let me know if you guys want a part two, maybe a prequel or just more of this Earth Kingdom!Reader plot-line to carry throughout the storyline of the show. Maybe them reuniting on the outer walls with Iroh and the white Lotus or after the war is finished. Hope you guys liked this one <3

Tag List: @myexgirlfriendisthemoon

#Zuko #zuko x reader #zuko imagine #Avatar The Last Airbender #atla #atla fanfic #atla imagine #atla x reader #zuko fanfic #submission

2K notes · View notes

nova-is-a-writer-now · 4 years ago

Text

The things we never tell.

[[Zuko x Reader]]

Summary: After the war Y/N strays away from her friends, and her relationship with Zuko seemed everytime more distant, slowly she starts to fall into a darker place.

A/N: I took a very extensive but very needed break, I’m incredibly sorry to anyone who sent me a request before I disappeared and was left waiting for me to post it but my mental health was not the best during this past few months and it’s been hard to do anything at all. But I’m back and I hope writing again gives me a sense of purpose or something lol. Talking about mental health, this fic talks about heavy topics like depression and isolation, if you’re not confortable with that or are going through this stuff I recommend skipping this one, I will have lighter fics coming soon. Remember you are never alone, no matter how much you feel like it. There’s always someone to reach out to or ask for help.

Requested: Yes!!!! By a lovely blog that deactivated but went by the name of aristasiaclarke :( (yes that’s how long I’ve been away) But side note, if you sent me a request before my break and would still like me to write it send it to me again I’d be more that happy to do it!

Warnings: Depression, Anxety, Isolation, Angst

~IF YOU HAVE ANY REQUESTS DONT HESITATE TO ASK ~

The war was over, it had been for months now, yet some things hadn’t gone back to normal . You decided to stay in the palace after Zuko was crowned since your relationship with him had only grown stronger by being so close to losing eachother. Your friends on the other hand all went their separate ways. The friend group you’d spent so many days with, planning on how to defeat the firelord, training, camping, going on missions, it all became just memories and it had been so long since you’d all been together last. You couldn’t complain though, you understood after everything that had happened all your friends were left with many responsibilities laying on their shoulders and, in a way, none of you were the same kids you were when this adventure started. You had all grown up.

Zuko and you spent a lot of time together those first few months since you moved in, that period of time when his people understood his need to settle into his position and take charge of his nation, but after that was over the workload was relentless, Zuko had been left with a broken nation and the full responsibility of fixing it. At first he always made sure to eat every meal with you, chat and update you on everything new that had happened, little by little he started to miss lunch and then it was dinner, soon breakfast and any midday break was gone as well. It came to a point where you rarely saw him at all, him working so late you were usually asleep by the time he came to bed, if he did at all, and you waking up to an empty bed every morning.

Slowly but surely a feeling you knew all too well started reappearing in your chest, something you hadn’t felt in years and were too scared of to even acknowledge. You tried to figure out what to do with all the free time you had in your hands so the feeling wouldn’t consume your mind, you remodeled at least fiver rooms in the palace, picked up several hobbies, offered your help to servants all around just to be rejected, anything and everything your mind could think of, but nothing was enough. That darkness and emptiness inside of you seemed to be determined to conquer your every waking moment once again.

Last time this happened you had your old friends around you, back at home. You family did everything they could to help you, and little by little you learnt how to heal. But this was different, all you had now were empty hallways that lead to even emptier rooms, and the ones that weren’t empty you weren’t permitted to go into.

Days were longer and shorter at the same time; on one hand, a day seemed to last ages, all you did was wait til night fell so you could go back to bed and rest, on the other you started spending more time inside your room, taking naps here and there turned into sleeping most of your days, taking baths became a task harder than any of the ones you’d had to complete in your adventure days, the curtains stayed closed and the bed unmade, day and night slowly started to blend in together.

Servants noticed first, they knocked on the door several times a day to ask if you needed anything at all, to which you would always answer no. When you stopped going to the dinner hall they started to bring food to you, most of which you didn’t eat. One too many times they even had to drag you to the bath so they could get a chance to clean your room.

It was your personal maid who had decided to finally bring in the palace medic. After running some tests on you he concluded there was nothing wrong with you and all it could be was hormonal changes. But hormonal changes weren’t supposed to last weeks, not to mention months.

The maid tried encouraging you to go out to town, visit some new boutique that had opened or a restaurant with great reviews, but all you ever said was “maybe tomorrow”. She came to understand that tomorrow wouldn’t come.

—————————

One day she decided to not stand by and witness a girl who had once been the light in every room wither away. It took all her courage to approach the fire lord,. Even though she knew of his kindness and how different he was from his predecessor he was still an intimidating ruler.

“Fire lord” she called as the young man walked through the palace surrounded by his officials, discussing some political matter she assumed. He didn’t seem to hear her so she sped up and stood in front of the group of men.

“I’m sorry but any issue at the moment will have to wait, important matters need to be addressed with urgency.” He informed her with his usual formal tone.

“Your majesty, it’s miss Y/N, she-” the maid started but was soon interrupted

“Yes, well if she requires my presence please inform her I’m occupied at the moment, but whatever she needs she can ask the help to do it for her.” Zuko attempt to walk past her but the maid stopped him once again.

“Your majesty, I hope I’m not being too bold but I don’t think you understand, she’s very unwell.” the maid saw as Zuko was about to protest her audacity, but once his eyes fell on her he seemed to realize the seriousness of the matter.

Zuko’s heart sank, all kinds of thoughts went through his head, had you gotten injured? Had one of the rebellious groups he’d been dealing with infiltrated the castle and taken you? had you fallen ill with a terrible condition? He soon turned to his second in command and said “You can take charge from here”

The man rather surprised replied after a few seconds “Your majesty, this matter requires your presence, it can not wait.”

“Well it will have to, I’m going to be unavailable the rest of the day. I’m sure you all can manage without me.”

———————

Nothing could’ve prepared Zuko for the sight he encountered when he entered the royal chambers. He hadn’t sleept there a few nights in a row, not wanting to wake you up at late hours when he was done with his workload of the day, but even when he did sleep there he was too tired to even notice anything wrong. Now, at broad daylight, he saw it all.

You were cuddled up under the covers, your hair matted and messier than ever, very dark under eye bags and an extremely pale complexion, even laying down and under blankets and covers he could tell you’d lost a worryingly amount of weight. He’d never seen you in such state.

“What happened to her? Is she ill?” Zuko asked the maid who stood next to him.

“The medic has been called, your majesty, he wasn’t able to point out anything wrong with her. Said it was just hormonal changes, but I don’t think that’s what’s going on.” she said softly.

“Well then bring another doctor in. Someone has to know what’s wrong.”

“Yes, your majesty, we’ll being someone else in first thing tomorrow.” she bowed and was about to leave the room when the firelord stopped her.

“Thank you... for bringing this to my attention and for looking after her.”

The maid just bowed once again and made her way out of the room. Zuko walked up to you, your eyes were closed and even in your sleep an uneasy expression was plastered on your face.

“Love...” he cooed stoking the side of your face slowly. “Hey, darling... wake up.”

He made sure to rest his hand on your forehead to see if you had a fever, but on the contrary you were rather cold. You barely opened your eyes, but it was enough for Zuko to see how the light that had once been there was now gone.

“Zuko?” you asked, your voice barely audible and raspy as you tried to blink the sleepiness away slowly.

“Hey, do you feel sick Y/N? Does anything hurt?” Zuko’s hand had moved from your forehead to your cheek and his thumb was now sweetly caressing your skin.

You hadn’t felt a loving touch in what felt like so long, you’d almost forgotten that you could feel something good and not painful. It was all it took for tears to slowly start forming in your eyes and eventually rolling down your face.

At the sight of your partner’s concern, you forced yourself to smile a little and respond “Nothing hurts.”

“Y/N... something’s not right. I’ve never seen you like this before, i need you to tell me what’s going on.” Zuko’s voice was almost breaking, you could tell how hard he was trying to be strong and keep collected for you, this broke your heart even more.

You took in a deep breath, your mind running while trying to find an answer for him. You knew what was wrong, you’d ignored it so far, pushed it away even though it now consumed your every waking moment, but you knew you couldn’t do this anymore. “I don’t feel well, Zuko. I haven’t for a while now.”

“Are you ill? We’ve called a doctor already, he should be-” He said before you cut him off.

“Zuko... It’s not that kind of unwell.” you almost whispered. “A doctor can’t help me with this.”

The firelord seemed lost for a while, not quite sure of what you meant. You took a second before sitting up on the bed and pressing your back against the headboard. You decided to recount the events of the last time you’d gone through this to him, every sleepless night and every full of sleep day, the multiple crying sessions, the pain and hopelessness, the ever changing appetite, the heavy chest you couldn’t seem to get rid of. This was all terribly hard for you to do but needed to be done, for your sake and for his. Zuko didn’t seem to understand at first, his eyes looking at you attentively, waiting for the moment where the pieces of your story would fall into place. It took you saying how what was wrong with you wasn’t physical but rather emotional for him to get what you were referring to. His face had fallen into a heartbreaking expression, you didn’t know if it was guilt or pity or something in between.

Once you were done and the tears that pooled in your eyes while tellling your story had fallen, Zuko held your hand tightly. “This is all my fault. You should’ve been my priority.”

“Zuko...no. This isn’t your fault, it’s nobody’s fault.” You assured him as your hand went up to his cheek.

“I’m so sorry. You shouln’t have had to deal with this alone. You were there for me when no one else was and I want to do the same for you, always.” He tilted his head into your palm before turning slightly to kiss it.

“I’d like that... I really would.”

For the rest of that night, you and your partner opened up to each other like you’d never had before. For the first time since the war had ended you didn’t feel so alone, you were together and that made you feel like you had the strength to get better, maybe not today or in the days to come, but someday. He gave you hope.

#zuko au #zuko fic #zuko x reader #atla zuko #zuko angst #zuko fanfic #avatar zuko #prince zuko #zuko x you #fire lord zuko #zuko x y/n #zuko x oc #atla imagine #atla fanfic #aang #katara #sokka #fanfic #fire nation

237 notes · View notes

slythergirlimagines · 4 years ago

Text

Well Why Don’t You?- Zuko x Reader

Summary: You and Zuko constantly dance around each other, and Sokka and Toph have had enough. Fluff, with a tiny bit of angst!! Masterlist

(GIF isn’t mine!) Words: 3,398 Request: yes

**** let me know if I you all want a masterlist!

Well Why Don’t You?

The first party Zuko hosts is a year after the war. It is a “welcome to Fire Nation” party, to honor the new members of one of Zuko’s outreach programs.

One year after the war, and everything is slowly starting to feel normal. Your parents had died before the war began, and having no where else to go, you ended up sticking close to Zuko, your best friend.

Zuko had brought up the idea first, claiming that he had no one left either, and it had really worked out quite well for the both of you. You gave Zuko advice and opinions with an honesty no one else would. Zuko offered you a place of belonging and a deep friendship.

Though you missed your parents and your friends, you had never felt quite so happy as you did with Zuko. You knew a lot of that happiness had to do with your feelings for him.

Zuko had joined your side and won you over first. You believed him before anyone else did, and as time progressed, you slowly started opening up to each other. You often teamed up in battle and just naturally gravitated towards each other. Toph and Sokka had teased you about it relentlessly. You had realized you loved him when Azula struck him with lightning, when you had almost lost him.

Then Zuko had healed and had become Firelord, and you hadn’t said a word to him about your feelings. Now you are really starting to regret it as you watch him dance with Mai. They had broken up a long time ago, but that didn’t make you feel better as you watch him pull her tighter to him and whisper in her ear. Angrily, you slam your finished drink on the table.

“Another.” You demand, and Sokka looks at you with troubled eyes.

“Y/n, you’ve been drinking a lot more than usual, are you sure you can handle another?” He asks you, brows furrowed. You must be really obvious if Sokka was noticing something wrong.

“Obviously it has everything to do with Lover Boy and Mai.” Toph says, inclining her head in the direction of the dance floor. For a blind girl, Toph really does see everything.

“No it doesn’t.” You hiss.

“Ooh you hit a nerve.” Sokka giggles, tipping his drink back. You aim a hard kick to his shin. Sokka chokes on his drink, and you take a little pleasure in his sputtering. Toph pats him a few times on the back, but she’s laughing too hard to really help.

“Ok, ok. I’m sorry. I won’t say anything else about your all encompassing love.” Sokka says.

“All encompassing love for who?” Zuko asks, head cocked to the side like a puppy. Mai is there, arm wound tightly through his. She smiles at you, but the expression looks forced on her usually bored face.

“For wine.” You cover smoothly. “I was just about to get another drink and Sokka was teasing me for being an alcoholic. I showed him though.”

You nod at Sokka, who now sits rubbing his shin.

“That’s my girl.” Zuko smiles. “Guys, you all remember Mai?”

Everyone at the table nods, and exchanges pleasantries. Zuko pulls out a chair at the table and seats Mai, and then takes the chair in between you both.

The wine is catching up with you, and your head is fuzzy, even fuzzier with Zuko so close. You want to kiss him, to hold his hand, to be with him. All of that is impossible with Mai next to him. Of course Mai is beautiful, and of course that’s who Zuko would go for. Mai is a badass and she’s controlled. She’d be the perfect match for Zuko and his mood swings.

You stand up too quickly suddenly desperate to get away, and knock over your empty wine glass. You wobble in place before regaining your balance.

“Y/n?” Zuko asks, concern etching his face. “Are you alright?”

“Fine!” You say in a voice that tells everyone you are absolutely not fine. “I’m just off to get some wine! Haha that rhymes.”

Your awkwardness combined with the alcohol has just made a painfully embarrassing moment that you’ll never expunge from your brain.

Sokka bursts into drunken laughter like a child, and Toph rolls her eyes. You barley manage to get yourself out of the party before you start crying.

————————————————-

The next party Zuko hosts, you are prepared to make a move. Toph has taken to giving you weekly pep talks, and she’s bolstered your confidence a lot.

You had picked out the perfect dress, a black gown with a plunging back. The bodice was tight against your figure, and emphasized your curves. You spent all day creating a dramatic makeup look and pinning up your hair. You knew you looked good, hopefully Zuko would see it too.

You take up your usual spot at the table with Toph and Sokka. Katara and Aang were hardly ever at these things, too busy running their academy or fixing the world. Toph and Sokka are a bit more like you, with no where to go.

Toph and Sokka are starting a drinking game, and you’re too zoned out to really listen to the rules. You’re eager to see Zuko, and even more eager to have him see you.

“With the rate she’s going, we’re going to die of alcohol poisoning.” You hear Toph say.

“What?” You ask. Toph smiles sheepishly, and looks to Sokka to say something.

“Well...” Sokka says, and his face says that he is absolutely trying every way to get out of this.

“Are you playing a drinking game about me?!” You demand. Their smiles give it all away, and suddenly you feel rather affronted.

“What are the rules??” You smack your hand down on the table.

“Obviously it has something to do with being the most beautiful girl in the room.” Zuko says, smiling at you. He places a kiss to your cheek, and then sits down. You could literally explode on the spot, but even in your high you don’t miss Sokka and Toph taking a synchronized drink.

So it was about you and Zuko then.

“Thank you.” You tell Zuko, and you can’t help the warmth that colors your tone. Who gave him the right to be so charming? You knew this was his normal diplomatic persona, the one he used to flatter his subjects. You could pretend it was real for a night.

Sokka and Toph drink again, and this time is not subtle at all. Zuko notices, and quirks his eyebrows at them.

“So what are the rules?” He asks, truly perplexed.

“Don’t have any.” Toph says. Zuko rolls his eyes, but leaves them to their own game.

You’re about to ask Zuko to dance, when an advisor comes up to him.

“Lord Zuko, I have someone who would really love to meet you.” The old man says. The person who wants to meet Zuko is clearly the beautiful young woman trying her best to pretend she isn’t watching the exchange.

Zuko notices this too, and smiles at his advisor.

“Of course, give me just a moment.” He says. You’re torn between two feelings. On one hand, you love Zuko’s devotion to his people, but on the other, jealousy is eating at you.

Zuko smiles at you softly.

“You really do look lovely.” He says. “Don’t go anywhere guys, I’ll be right back.”

You watch him walk away, with a heavy heart. It seemed like nothing would truly be enough to capture his attention.

“Drink!” Sokka calls, indicating your wistful glances at Zuko. You drink until your glass is empty.

————————————————

You don’t go to the third party. Every inch of your body hurts, and your head is pounding. You think you might have a fever, but you don’t want to call anyone in to check. You absolutely despise being sick, and sometimes you like to just wallow in your sorrows.

Toph comes in to check on you before the party. She’s dressed in a lovely green gown, and a gold headpiece.

“Toph, you’re gorgeous.” You croak. “Stay away from me though, I’ll get you sick.”

Toph gives you a pitying look.

“You sound awful.” She says.

“I feel it.”

“Do you want me to send somebody in to check on you? No offense, y/n, but you actually look like you could be dying.”

“Thank you Toph, I really wanted to hear that.” You mutter into your pillow.

There is silence for a few seconds as Toph debates what to do.

“Seriously Toph, I’m ok. Go have fun.” Then sitting up, you tease her. “Tell me all about Sokka’s reaction when he sees you in that dress.”

Toph blushes, and hurries away like you expected her too. Content at your privacy, you fall back on your bed to get some sleep.

You had only just fallen into a fitful sleep, when you are awoken by someone stroking your face.

Zuko sits in your bed in his party robes, looking more concerned than you’d ever seen him.

“Zuko?” You croak. Maybe this is a fever dream or a hallucination. There’s no way that Zuko left his party to come sit with you.

“Hey.” He says softly. “Toph told me you were sick. I sent for a healer a few minutes ago.”

He brushes a few sweaty strands of hair out of your face and you groan internally. How could he ever want to be with you after seeing you like this?

“Get away from me, you’re going to get sick!” You protest when you realize that he’s sitting too close.

Zuko rolls his eyes, and moves closer just to spite you.

“I don’t care about any of that, y/n.” He says. He leaves his hand on the side of your face, and his thumb strokes your cheek bone. “You’re really hot.” He says.

You know he doesn’t mean it the way it sounds, but in your feverish state his words are funny.

“No you’re the hot one.” You say, giggling. Zuko smiles, but he also looks more concerned than before.

“You’re delirious.” He says. The healer knocks on the door, and Zuko hurries to let him in.

The healer makes him stand away from you, as he gets to work. Zuko paces, watching everything with his amber eyes.

You’ve never really noticed how beautiful his scar is, before right now.

“Thank you, y/n.” He says, and you blush.

You definitely hadn’t meant to say that out loud.

“My lord, I think she’ll be ok after some rest. We just need to break the fever.” Zuko winces, and you think that he must be remembering the time he was sick in Ba Sing Se. He had told you about it long ago, about how painful it was.

“Alright.” Zuko says, “Thank you for seeing her. I’ll stay with her.”

“My lord, I am perfectly happy to stay...” the healer trails off at Zuko’s face.

“I’m not leaving her.” Zuko says, tone final. The healer bows his head, and starts instructing Zuko.

“Keep the cloth cold, and keep her under the blankets. I’ll come by to check every few hours. The best thing for her to do is sweat it out.”

You hear the door close, and then Zuko sits beside you on the bed again. You hadn’t realized that you had closed your eyes.

Zuko’s hands replace the healers, and he starts pressing the cold cloth against your forehead.

“What about your party?” You croak.

“More important things for me to be doing.” Zuko says. You are ill, quite possibly delirious, but you could swear you hear some deeper meaning in his words.

——————————————————

The fourth party Sokka and Toph are armwrestling, and you are keeping score. You all are by far the loudest table, and you know that if it wasn’t for your status as war heroes, you would have been kicked out long ago.

Zuko has been floating around tables all night, shaking hands and kissing babies. The people love him, and they see him for the great ruler he is. You’re happy for him, and you’re proud. But you also miss him.

Zuko finds his way over to you all during round 8. Sokka is only up by one point, and the narrow margin has really been a blow to his pride. You’ve decided to call a winner at round 9, so this victory really determines the outcome. You hate how into their stupid game you are.

Toph is just edging out Sokka when Zuko’s hand touches your back. He lets it trail slowly upwards and cup the back of your neck, thumb rubbing in slow circles.

“Who’s winning?” He asks lowly, to not disturb the serious concentration. You’ve never been more turned on in your whole life.

“It’s a toss up right now.” You say, obviously flustered. “If Sokka wins this round, he’s the winner, but if Toph wins we go into sudden death.”

“Mmm.” Zuko says close to your ear. Goosebumps explode down your body, and you fight a shiver. You glance over at him, and you lock eyes.

Is he looking at your lips? Is he leaning closer? Am I?

“Victory!” Toph cries, slamming Sokka’s arm into the table.

Your moment with Zuko is broken as you turn to them.

“That’s a tie. Round 9.” You say. You turn back to Zuko with a smile, and find one mirrored on his face. He looks happy, you think. More content than he has in a long while.

“Y/n?” A cocky voice asks you. You turn to find one of Zuko’s youngest advisors standing there. He is around your age and rather handsome. One of the types that knows it too.

“Dance with me?” He smirks, holding out a hand.

“Sorry.” Zuko says, with faux politeness. He drops his arm around your shoulders and curls you into his side. “We just can’t spare her. She’s our scorekeeper.”

His arm is holding you tight against him, possessively. Your whole body is fuzzy again as you smile at Zuko.

You turn back to his advisor and shrug.

“No one else can do it.” You say by way of explanation.

Zuko doesn’t move his arm the rest of the night, and neither do you.

————————————————-

Sokka and Toph are done with the games. You and Zuko had been dancing around each other for years now and it was really starting to get annoying. They couldn’t even enjoy getting drunk at parties anymore without one of you looking longingly at the other all night.

That’s why they were currently holed up in an unused advising room discussing plans.

“We’ve got to do something, Sokka. It’s not even fun to drink anymore.” Toph cries, slamming a fist on the table.

“Tell me about.” Sokka says. “All they do is drool over each other.”

“You’re the master strategy guy, let’s come up with a plan. There’s got to be something we can do.” Toph taps her foot rapidly against the ground.

Sokka sits in deep thought for a minute, hand rubbing his jaw. His blue eyes are far away as he considers several options.

“Well, jealousy didn’t work either time they were around other people. Zuko was still too chicken when y/n got all dolled up, and aside from locking them up together I just don’t know what will break their stubborn minds.” Sokka groans.

Suddenly, he and Toph both jump up.

“That’s it!” Toph says. “New mission, find a door that locks from the outside and lock those idiots up.”

————————————————

The fifth party Zuko hosts, you rewear the black gown. You liked it, and Zuko had called you beautiful when you wore it. Maybe tonight it could be your lucky charm.

It’s Zuko’s birthday, and you had managed to get Aang and Katara here as a surprise, and they were going to stay the entire weekend. Iroh was also going to come stay, and you had planned a smaller private party for tomorrow. You knew Zuko would be thrilled to spend some seeing his friends, and actually getting to spend some time with them.

You were just finishing spraying yourself with perfume, when Toph comes barreling into your room.

“Y/n, quick it’s Zuko!” You are in instant worry mode as you follow her out.

“What’s happened Toph? Is he alright?” You question.

Toph leads you through the winding corridors, and into a back part of the palace.

“Toph!” You demand as you come to a stop in front of a door you’ve never seen.

Sokka stands there, dressed in his finest blue party outfit. Toph is in her usual green.

“You guys? What’s going on. Where’s Zuko? Is he alright?” You question.

“He will be.” Toph says from behind you. Sokka opens up the door, and before you can ask anything else, Toph shoves you inside and the door slams shut.

Instead of falling onto the ground, something warm and hard catches you. Arms wrap around you to steady you, and you can instantly tell it’s Zuko.

“Zuko? What’s going on?” You ask him. “Are you ok? Toph said-”

“They did the same to me.” He chuckles. Your eyes are adjusting to the darkness, and you can just make out his smile. “I think we’re being set up.”

“Oh.” You say, as calmly as possible.

“Yep! And you’re not coming out until you talk about your feelings.” Toph says. “Gonna be weird to have a birthday party with no birthday boy. So you better make it quick.”

Zuko still has his arms around you, and you find that you haven’t moved yours either. You’re so close that you can feel his body heat.

“Zuko.” You whisper, softly. “I’m sorry they’re ruining your birthday.”

You can’t say that you feel that badly about having some alone time with Zuko, but you feel the need to share it all the same.

“Don’t be.” He whispers back, head lowering. “This is exactly where I want to be anyways.”

Your face breaks out into a grin as you wrap your arms around his neck.

“Yeah?” You ask.

“Yeah.” His lips are on yours immediately after, and there’s no more time for talking.

Zuko pulls you as close as he can, pressing hot kisses down your neck and to your collarbone.

“This is my favorite dress.” He says, running a hand over it appreciatively. “I always thought about how I’d tear it off of you.” He growls and then brings his lips back to yours.

In between passionate kisses you manage to respond.

“Then why don’t you?”

The invitation seems to be all he needs, because his hands are suddenly everywhere. They leave warm tingling trails wherever they touch, and you think you might be in heaven. Zuko’s hands deftly find the zipper, and he’s got it halfway down when the door is thrown open.

You and Zuko blink guiltily into the bright light of the hallway, and you can just make out the horror on Toph and Sokka’s faces.

“I did not think it would work this well.” Toph says, thoughtfully.

Sokka simply looks disgusted at the whole thing, and shudders.

“This room is occupied.” Zuko says, winking at you. He closes the door with a well aimed kick and you all are alone again.

“Hi.” You whisper, smile too wide for your face.

“Hi.” Zuko says. He leans down and kisses you again, a little less hungry than before. He takes his time, really exploring your mouth with his tongue.

You’ve never loved him as much as you do right now, in this tiny closet.

“Zuko.” You say, pulling back from the kiss. “I love you.”

Zuko pulls your face up to look into his eyes.

“I love you too. So much.” He says, and then he kisses you again and again.

“We better go.” You say, almost sadly. “People are going to start missing you.”

“I don’t care.” He growls, nipping at your lips.

“I have a suggestion.” You say, coyly. You stand on your tip toes to whisper in his ear. “Why don’t we make an appearance, and if you’re really good, we’ll sneak away and finish what we started.”

Maybe Zuko hugs his friends and promises to see them tomorrow. Maybe you stay at the party for all of ten minutes. Maybe Zuko all but carries you away. And maybe, for years to come, you and Zuko find yourselves in the habit of getting stuck in tight spaces.

A/n: Wow two in one night! I hope you enjoyed reading this story! I’m going to try to get through as many requests as I can this weekend, so keep an eye out. If you want to request something, please do! My asks and inbox are always open! I hope I tagged everyone who asked, but if I didn’t, please let me know and I’ll add you! As always you can find my work under the tag slythergirlimagines!

Taglist: @galacticamidala @a-random-queer-kid @taeeemin @realimbo @samsmultifandomblogs

@fire1ordzuzu @shortmexicangirl

459 notes · View notes

visit-ba-sing-se · 4 years ago

Note

Hi there, hope you're having a good day/night! I just read your post about why jet doesn't deserve that much hate (I mean obvs he did bad things but he was a literal child when the fire nation killed his parents) I just thought what if jet, after seeing iroh heating his tea, embrace a new tactic to prove iroh and Zuko are fire nation by applying for a job in the same tea house the work in BSS and cue 'jet getting the emotional support he deserve and being vigilant w/ Zuko bc why not' sound

Everyone, fasten your seatbelts because this ask triggered my brain to come up with the following:

Jet not only goes to work at the tea shop, but when he drops that he has no real place to stay at, Iroh offers to simply take him.

He of course accepts to be able to observe them even closer, but it also confuses him a bit (if this man is fire nation, why is he so kind? What does he gain from doing this? Does he not now he is taking and unnecessary risk?)

Zuko does not really approve of that at first (”So you got another broken kid to add to your collection now? Is this how you are trying to replace your son, by picking up other people’s left overs?“”Prince Zuko, no other human could ever be a left over!“ )

But against his will he actually starts to enjoy their shared work and meals (basically, it is just nice to have someone his age around for once, and someone to make fun of costumers, Ba Sing Se and (sometimes) his uncles wise quotes with

When the shop gets more and more popular due to Iroh‘s work Smellerbee and Longshot are hired as well (after all, they wanted a new life, and it seems like a good way to keep an eye or two on Jet)

The four start hanging out together more and more. Longshot teaches Zuko how to shot arrows. He, Jet and Smellerbee train together with swords. They steal from the rich a little. But they also give each other weird dares. They do stuff that a bunch of teens do. Longshot and Smellerbee accept that Zuko does not talk about his past (it is war, after all, and every story one might have is likely to be painful) but Jet remains sceptical

Still it gets more and more difficult for him to hold onto his suspicion as he grows more and more fond of Iroh (it has been very long since he had an elder who kinda tried to care of him and despite everything it is nice to have someone who brings you tea when you are not well) and Zuko

But then, when he is actually about to give up his mission, he hears Zuko and Iroh fight when Zuko complains about being stuck in the tea shop in Ba Sing Se and never being able to restore his honour and return home

On his way out, Jet crashes into Zuko who tries to find out how much Jet has heard but the attempt just ends in both of them yelling

(”When we first met, I thought you were one of us, someone who suffered from the hand of the fire nation. I thought that scar you have came from an attack.The others still do, but I saw you through. All I needed was proof, and now I finally have it. But the worst part is that I was about to believe you actually were my friend, and your uncle would actually care about me.“

”I knew there was something strange with you. So you really got that job here only to get dirt on us.“

“You got that dirt onto you yourself! Only that it isn’t dirt, it is the ashes of all the villages that had to burn for your nation, fire prince“

“Not like you would care, but I am banished. And I got that scar from a fire bender who attacked me, only that that fire bender also happened to be my father.”

“Yes, you are right, I really do not care. There is nothing you could say or do to make up for having to see my family, my friends, my village and everything that ever meant home to me up in smoke“

“Fine, cause I also don’t care. Me and my uncle owe you nothing, and now leave us alone“ )

Obviously, both feel awful afterwards and think a lot about what the other said. Especially Jet is now conflicted, but in the end still decided to announce Zuko’s and Iroh’s secret

and the confrontation in the tea shops happens

But Zuko has done some thinking now and pieced together what Jet said with what he learned about the fire nation while traveling with Iroh. And he can’t help but also think of Longshot and Smellerbee and what Jet means to them. (Also he has grown kind of fond of Jet but admitting that would be a bit much)

So he just says “I won’t fight you, come back when you have calmed down”

Which just adds onto Jet’s already existent internal struggle but he feels like there is no turning back now so he tries everything to get Zuko to fight (“Are you not going to defend your honour? I thought that was so important to your kind”)

Of course someone still calls the dai li and they take Jet (against mostly Iroh’s protest, but how much weight does the word of tea shop worker have?)

So after getting through the angst fever which not fighting Jet gave him, Zuko gets Longshot and Smellerbee to find Jet and bust him out

(And we all know if there is one thing Zuko is good at, it is finding, breaking and entering)

#jet #zuko #iroh #avatar #atla #is this...Jetko?#anon love #yes i still live!#somehow #I just have to work a lot for my internship #but I am planning to answer more asks!#tea shop Jet AU

330 notes · View notes

gladerwolfstarkimagines · 4 years ago

Text

Tea Shop Part Two: Zuko x female reader series

Part one here

Part Three here

Part four here

After saving Lee’s life he stops being so rude to you and is actually bareable to work with. You grow closer, even taking care of him when he gets sick and start to feel there could be something between you. Then the avatar shows up in Ba Sing Sei and Lee isn’t your priority anymore...until you find out he’s not really Lee at all but Zuko, the crowned prince of the nation that wiped out your entire culture.

Under Mushi’s watchful eye the tea shop flourished and so you weren’t suprised when business men showed up and offered Mushi his own shop. You watched amused as your boss tried to bargain a title with a tea shop and smiled proudly as Mushi refused your boss’s selfish offer and got his own tea shop. Afterwards your boss went to sulk and you walked up to your friend. "Congratulations Mr Mushi" you smiled "don’t forget me when your rich and famous". "I wouldn’t think of it" he cried "i’d like you to come with me". You paused "what?". "Y/n you’re a wonderful server, your efficient and smart, you’re exactly the waitress i need and i can pay you better than the peanuts we earn here". You smiled "you’re serious?". Mushi smiled "of course, so what do you say?". "When can i start" you grinned.

To celebrate Mushi invited you to his house for dinner and you arrived early to help him cook. You were both in the kitchen when you heard Lee emerge from his room grumbling to himself. Apparently he wasn’t as thrilled with the news and that didn’t suprise you. He went to complain about something but he hadn’t realised you were here and jumped when he saw you. "What are you doing here?" he asked in greeting. "Wow great to see you too! You’re so good at interacting with people Lee” you teased and he paused “I didn’t mean it like that...” he muttered awkwrdly. Mushi took pity on his nephew and stepped in "i invited y/n over for dinner to celebrate our new tea shop! She’ll be working with us at the new shop so get used to her being around". "Great" Lee sighed and you shot him a look. “I’m actually not being sarcastic” he said dryly and you smirked. "I knew there was some enthusiasm in that cold lifeless body" you grinned reaching across the counter to mess up his hair. Lee rushed to correct it, moving away from you but he seemed equally as embarassed as he was annoyed. You smirked and moved away to set the table.

Iroh’s POV

Iroh smiled looking from your smirk to Zuko’s blush. His nephews blush seemed to grow everyday and you seemed to cause it more and more often. Iroh hoped your home visits became more regular soon. You began dishing up the food and Iroh watched as Zuko studied what you were doing and then started to help. You smiled as you noticed Zuko trying to help and Iroh saw Zuko was purposefully avoiding your eye so you couldn’t make a big deal out of it. For his nephew small acts of kindness meant a lot but Zuko had certainly been putting the effort in with you. Iroh supposed you’d won his respect when you saved his life but regardless of what it was, the two of you were getting along well and it made Iroh smile. Things were looking up for his nephew.

1 week later

You’d been running the preparation of the shop for a few days now because Mushi told you there was a family emergency so he couldn’t. You hadn’t heard from him for a while now and were worried about him so after work you went to his house. You suspected the crisis involved Lee and sure enough, as you approached the front door, through the window you could see Lee on the floor in the living room injured. You knocked on the door but got no reply. You knocked again and went to leave when you heard a groan. It was Lee and he sounded in pain. You frowned but tried the door. It opened and you walked inside. "Mushi?" you called but got no reply. You sunk to your knees beside Lee and frowned, he looked bad. You couldn’t see anything physically wrong with him, there was no blood or wound, but he definitely looked in pain. You placed a hand on his head but removed it quickly, he was boiling hot. You spotted a bucket of water and soaked a flannel in it before placing it on Lee’s forehead. He stopped muttering when you did that and you smiled slightly. You pulled the blankets up to cover him more, not only for his modesty, but also because you knew it was the best thing to do for a fever. The flannel slipped and you moved to put it back onto his forehead when suddenly Lee grabbed your hand. His grip was tight and you flinched “Lee? Lee you’re fine, it’s just me!”. His eyes were wide but it still seemed to take him a minute to recognise you "y/n? Why are you here?". "I was coming to see your uncle...can you let go of my hand?” you asked as you started to lose feeling in it. Lee looked down realising he was still gripping you and flushed “ow sorry...”. He rubbed his face with his hands and you worried at how unwell he looked. “Lee i think you should lay back down". "No" he groaned but he was too weak to put up any fight. You eased him back down onto the pillow and put the cold flannel back against him. "Do you want some water?" you asked. "My father" he muttered "the fire lord!" he gasped. You frowned concerned, he was hallucinating. "Lee calm down, nobodies here but me". "No my father...fire lord Ozai, i can see him". You frowned patting his shoulder as he carried on. "They took my honour" he told you "they took my crown! I won’t let them keep it" he cried sitting up. "Lee stop" you said sharply "Lee lay back down it’s okay" you said grabbing his shoulders to stop him standing up. "Y/n?" he asked confused and you nodded "it’s me, lay back down, drink some water". You went to get him a cup but he grabbed the whole bucket and downed it. You frowned at the mess but he laid back down so you were happy. You covered him back up and he blinked at you "y/n are you still there?". "Yes i’m here" you told him for what felt like the hundreth time. "Why are you here?" he asked suddenly. "Because you’re not well". "You shouldn't be here" he said groggily and you smirked that even ill he didn’t want you around. "Well i’m not leaving you alone while you’re like this so you’re stuck with me". Lee made a noise and you smirked. "Just go to sleep and it’ll be like i’m not even here". Lee nodded "go to sleep" and closed his eyes. You smiled as his breathing settled down and tucked the blankets around him and placed the flannel back on his forehead. You brushed his hair out of his face and looked at his poor pained expression. You got the sudden urge to stroke his cheek but you didn’t, even if he was asleep. You looked down at his face, examining it from his scar to his sharp jaw line. The boy always had his head down, eyes low, so you’d never really got a good look at his face. Now you did you we’re pleasantly suprised. "You know you’re not bad looking when you’re asleep and can’t glare" you thought aloud "the fact you’re not talking probably helps too" you smirked. "Y/n?" someone asked suddenly and you jolted. "Mushi" you jumped up moving away from Lee "i came to make sure you were okay, nobody answered but i could hear Lee muttering so i opened the door, i’m so sorry for letting myself in". "No it’s alright, Lee’s been ill for a few days, i went to make tea and fell asleep, thank you for looking after him, i hope he wasn’t too much trouble". "No we woke up a few times and was babbling but i managed to make him go back go sleep and tried a cold compress, will he be okay?". Mushi nodding, smiling at the concern in your voice "he’s okay, he just needs some rest". The flannel fell as Lee turned and you sighed kneeling back down to place it on his forehead again. You frowned worried and Mushi carried on "i’m sure he’d be happy to know you were here". You laughed "one of the first things he asked was why i was here in his demanding tone, he didn’t seem happy" you smirked and Mushi smiled "my nephew was probably just embarassed, he struggles letting people in but you are good for him, you don’t give him a choice". You blushed "I don’t mean to impose on him" you frowned. Mushi shook his head "no and you never do, i just meant you don’t allow him to mope, you are firm and honest with him and none of his family or friends ever were, that’s why he rebels against you so much, I don’t think he’s met someone as honest as you". "I guess that makes sense" you smiled looking down at him. You went to move a piece or hair from his face but stopped realising Mushi was watching. You stood up blushing "i should go but let me know if you need any help i’d be more than happy to assist you".

2 days later

You didn’t expect to see Lee at the opening of the restaurant a few days later but he appeared looking well, better than well he looked refreshed, relaxed, maybe even happy. He nodded to you in greeting and you smiled "good to see you're feeling better". Lee stopped and nodded "my uncle told me you helped look after me, i can’t remember it". You laughed "thats no suprise you had a pretty bad fever, you were mumbling about all sorts of things, the firelord, your dad, crowns" you chuckled. Lee paused and stared at you "what did i say exactly?". "Nothing really it was just one or two words, you wanted your father and then a crown, never took you for a guy who likes jewellery but i bet it’d suit you" you smirked. Lee studied your body language and tone closely but sighed in relief, you hadn’t worked out who he was. Lee’s shoulders relaxed and he smiled "well thank you for looking after me" and walked away. You stared after him confused, Lee had just been polite and kind with no hint of sarcasm. How odd.

Zuko’s POV

"Uncle two more teas!" Zuko called "we’re so busy" he grinned at you and you paused "who are you and what have you done with Lee". Zuko rolled his eyes but still smiled "it’s my uncle’s grand opening and it’s going great! Can’t i be happy?". "Yeah but i’ve never seen that on your face before...i believe its called a smile right?". Zuko blushed smile gone but he noticed you were grinning at his reaction "that looks good on you too" you smirked before moving away to serve more tea. At that comment Zuko's smile reappeared.

"You and y/n are handling the rush very well" Iroh smiled as soon as he got his nephew alone and Zuko nodded "yes she is very good at her job, you made the right decision hiring her". "I’m glad you think so" Iroh smirked and Zuko frowned "why do i get the feeling you mean something different to what i mean?". Iroh smirked "i don’t know what you mean...just so you know i asked and she’s not seeing anyone at the moment". "Uncle!" Zuko snapped and Iroh grinned "what? She’s a lovely girl you’re a lovely boy....". "I’m not dating y/n!" Zuko cried but his face had gone bright red. “Lee I need your help at table three” you called and Zuko nodded “be right there” and took a few breaths to calm his heart rate. Iroh smirked “you better go, she’s waiting for you”. “I’m going” he snapped and stormed away from Iroh who was chuckling at the fact Zuko’s blush had gotten even worse.

Your POV

The day had flown by and after the resounding success you made your way back home in a very good mood. For the first time in a year you were very excited about life in Ba Sing Sei and it was all down to your new job. If everyday was like today, if Lee was always like this...lets just say your life was looking up, so of course it had to change. When you got home someone was waiting for you, the avatar.

Apparently your uncle had found his air bison and given the bison a message to help the avatar find you and he had. You couldn’t believe you hadn’t known the avatar had been in Ba Sing Sei for weeks and felt bad you’d been so distracted from your real mission. So you decided to drop everything to assist the avatar. You left for the western air temple the next morning hoping Mushi and Lee wouldn’t be too angry or disappointed in you.

Zuko’s POV

When you never showed up for work the next few days Zuko was concerned, it wasn't like you but neither he nor Iroh knew where you lived. It was then Zuko started wondering how much he actually knew about you and he was suprised he wished he knew more. When Azula captured him Zuko's worry turned to downright fear. He figured Azula must’ve captured you too just for be associating with him and Iroh. That must be why you’d disappeared and he hoped to see you safe and well when he was placed in the earth kingdom prison. He saw a girl and rushed to his feet, relief filling him that you were here, atleast now he could help you. "Y/n?" he called and then flinched to see it wasn’t you. It was the water tribe girl Katara and she seemed angry. "Y/n?" Katara snapped "how do you know y/n?". "Wait how do you know her?" Zuko asked and just like that your real identity was revealed to him.

Your POV

You returned home early from the air temple because Aang got a vision Katara was in danger and sure enough upon your return you couldn’t find her anywhere. You and the gang all paced in their home trying to think of where she could possibly be. "There has to be a way to find Katara" you frowned when Toph looked at the door "an old friend of mine is here". You looked towards the door expecting some reinforcements and in walked your boss. "Mushi?" you asked and they all looked at you, even Iroh seemed shocked. "Y/n? What are you doing here?". "Me...you're not here to see me? I know i’ve missed quite a few shifts...". "Wait you work for him!" Sokka cried. You frowned "why do you say it like that?". "Y/n he’s Iroh, dragon of the west". You looked at Iroh shocked "no...you can’t be!". "It’s true, i’m sorry for deceiving you y/n but me and my nephew couldn’t reveal who we were to you and i see you have skeletons you kept hidden too" he nodded to your present company. "Wait so if you’re Iroh the firelord’s brother than that makes Lee...". "Zuko prince of the fire nation" Iroh nodded and your jaw dropped.

An hour later

With Iroh’s help you realised Azula was probably keeping Katara in the same place as Zuko and so set off to rescue them together. The plan was Aang and Iroh, would go save Zuko and Katara and you Toph and Sokka would stop the coup. You didn’t mind the plan mainly because it gave you more time to process everything. Mushi started to walk beside you and there was an awkward silence. Finally he broke it, "I’m really sorry we lied to you" he told you. You didn’t reply unsure what to say so Iroh carried on. "Neither of us wanted to do it but we knew it would put you in danger knowing who we were, if anyone found out you knew...". You nodded your head "i can see that, it’s just the actual idea of you both being royalty" you frowned "i yelled at the future firelord". Iroh laughed "he needed it, trust me Zuko will forgive you for that". You shook your head still not used to Lee being Zuko. "It makes sense now" you frowned "why Lee was so sad...i just figured he was a moody teenager but i know what it’s like to have your home taken from you, i get why he was so angry". Iroh frowned, saddened at your anger but nodded "it was hard on him but things were getting better, he was enjoying things here, you helped with that". You blushed and shook your head "i didn’t do anything, i wish i’d helped him more". "There’s still time" Iroh smiled "we are going to rescue him right now". You nodded not sure if you were more nervous or excited to see Zuko again. "Yes we are".

Of course the plan failed. Toph and Sokka never returned from going to warn the earth king and you and Appa were getting ready to launch an offensive attack when suddenly they appeared but without Aang or Katara.

The evening drew on and still Aang didn’t appear with Katara or Zuko. You paced worried it was all taking too long...what if Azula had them? What if she’d forced Zuko and Iroh to return to the firenation as her prisoners? Your mind was freaking out when suddenly a figure appeared running towards you. You knew something was wrong because Katara was alone and she was cradling Aang in her arms. Nobody seemed to be chasing her so when Sokka made Appa take off you jolted. "Wait what about the others". Katara shook her head bitterly and you frowned moving closer to her. "What happened?" you asked “where's Lee and Mushi...I mean Zuko and Iroh?". "They stayed back" she said and you turned frantic "what? We can’t leave them! We have to go back”". "Y/n" Katara said sharply "they chose to stay back, Zuko sided with them, he was fighting against his uncle to get us...i don’t know who you met here but he’s doesn’t exist anymore”. Katara’s words hung in the air and you sat down stunned. “If he ever did” she added bitterly and you shivered but not because of the cold. Lee had betrayed Mushi and sided with his sister? Maybe Katara was right and the boy in the tea shop didn’t exist anymore. Now he was Zuko of the fire nation, crowned prince and Lee from the tea shop was no more.

113 notes · View notes

lalahbug · 4 years ago

Text

Guidance - Zuko x Reader Chapter 5

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender Word Count: 3,352

My Masterlist

Warnings/disclaim: General Mentions of sex and some somnophilia, 18+ Minors DNI Angst Author’s Note: under story ___ is a blank for your name/oc/whatever you prefer Written in 3rd person Line/header is to separate paragraphs to indicate time skips, as Tumblr hates my formatting.

Story under cut, 5 of 8, Guidance Masterlist

Days had passed, their passion, and Zuko’s hunger calmed as he took her anywhere he could. Finding the thrill of the possibility of being caught, a new high. Quick sessions were welcome, but nothing could compare to love making they would take their time with. But as the days passed his lust and desire dulled to a more normal and more manageable yearning.

Zuko was talking to his uncle about Appa, the Avatar’s lost bison, Iroh was lecturing him about his destiny again. ___ sighed and turned to clean up dishes from lunch. Then Zuko stormed out.

“___?” Iroh called softly.

“Yes,” she turned with a soft smile.

“That dish should be clean now, it’s been in your hands for about 10 minutes.”

“Oh, um,” she laughed and put it down.

“I’m worried about him too. I’ll keep an eye on him and bring him home.” Iroh stood up to leave.

“Please be safe.”

“Even if I have to bend, we’ll come home, okay?”

“Thank you!” Her eyes watered with gratitude towards the loving uncle.

The front door opened as ___ was reading. “You’re home!” She got up to hug Zuko tightly.

“You did the right thing. Letting the Avatar’s bison go free.”

“I’m so proud of you,” ___ brushed some of his hair away from his face.

“I don’t feel right,” he seemed dizzy.

“You’re burning up,” he then collapsed onto her.

“Zuko!” Both of their voices rang out as she tried to keep him upright.

The next few days, ___ and Iroh watched over Zuko in turns, trying to keep him hydrated and blankets on him, to help him sweat it out.

“My dear, you should sleep, I can take a turn.” Iroh placed a hand on her shoulder. She nodded solemnly, before lying down next to him and keeping an eye on her love as she started to drift. Iroh made some tea for himself and Zuko.

___ woke up without Zuko next to her. She sat up and looked around for him before going into the main room.

“Good morning, my love,” Zuko smiled at her while eating some jook with his uncle who was eyeing him cautiously.

“Morning,” she leaned down and kissed the top of his head. The fever was gone. “You seem happy,” she said hesitantly before sitting next to him with a bowl of jook for herself.

“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s a new day. We got a new apartment, new furniture, and today is the grand opening of Uncles’ tea shop. I have a wonderful fiancé. Once we’re settled here with the new shop, we should start planning the wedding.” He took her hand and kissed it with a smile.

She eyed him and glanced over at Iroh, who only shrugged. “We don’t need to rush a wedding; we can just enjoy our time and this peace.”

“We’ll plan it when you’re ready then,” he kissed her cheek and got up with his bowl. “Are you done Uncle?” Zuko gestured to the bowl in front of Iroh.

“Yes,” Iroh handed it to Zuko, who walked away and started washing both of the bowls. “Thank you, Prince Zuko.”

“You can just call me nephew, Lee, or Zuko, no need for the formality, we’re family.”

___ smiled at Iroh, although a very different Zuko, and she was worried but she still loved him. Iroh smiled back, but she could tell he wasn’t quite ready to accept this new Zuko without some wariness.

Iroh was preparing to serve tea for the Earth King, but something about it worried him.

“___, my dear, would you be willing to watch over the shop while we go to the King?”

“Oh,” the small disappointment escaped her before she smiled. “Of course!”

“Uncle, I doubt she wants to be left alone,” Zuko pouted at the thought of her alone running the shop.

“I’ll be fine, remember your manners and best uniforms,” she kissed his cheek.

“Of course, my love,” he rested his forehead against hers. “Don’t over work yourself.”

She sent them off with a loving smile.

“___, come with me!” Iroh burst into the tea shop.

“But the shop!” She yelled as he pulled her away.

“You serve the last of the tea, once out, close the shop!” Iroh shouted at an employee before running off with ___ in tow.

They were outside a house and Iroh knocked gently. “Glad to see you’re okay,” Toph said with a smile, to Iroh.

“We need your help,” Iroh asked sincerely as he saw the Avatar.

___ had kept quiet while Aang and Iroh tunneled down.

“Sorry I haven’t introduced myself,” Aang gave her a soft smile.

“I know who you are, Avatar, I’m sorry to meet you like this. I’m ___, I’ve met Avatar Roku before. And if I’m meeting you now,” she trailed off. Iroh and Aang looked at her. “We all need to be very careful.”

“You’ve talked with Roku? How?” Aang looked at her.

“I’ve been to the spirit world. I’m supposed to help you with getting in touch with the spirit world when needed.”

“That would be amazing, after we save the Earth Kingdom, please come with us.”

“I can’t promise anything.”

“Why? If Roku said you were supposed to help me.”

“The angry jerk we’re going to save, is my fiancé,” she touched her necklace in thought of Zuko.

“You’re the waterbender that was healing Iroh in the desert!” Aang finally called out remembering her.

“Yes, I have duties to you both. I love you both. You are my destiny; he is my future. The world needs you, Zuko needs me.”

As they broke into the catacombs, Katara ran into Aang’s arms and ___ ran into Zuko’s.

Iroh and ___ were kept within crystals as Azula and Zuko talked, ___ only tear up, knowing her future, the one Roku had told her long ago was about to come true.

As Zuko left with one last glance at them, her tears fell.

“Dear, it’ll be okay, we’ll get him back,” Iroh tried to calm her down.

“Iroh, Roku let me know, my future while I was in the spirit world.” She looked up trying to blink back the tears. "Today Aang will fall and my lover will leave me.” Iroh’s eyes went wide.

“Close your eyes, I’m going to get us to the Avatar.”

Running never seemed important until today, she had stamina but adrenaline pushed her worried legs faster. Oxygen didn’t seem necessary until she gasped for air as her legs tried to slow. She pressed on, Iroh not to far behind her

As her feet hit the opening, she shouted for Zuko, but once she saw Aang ascending and Azula behind him. Her scream turned for Aang, as her heart took over her hearing, the vibrations of her own body moving was foreign. Adrenaline burned out as she stumbled towards Aang. The last thing her mind registered fully was the lighting sticking Aang. ___ collapsed, her vision blurred, the last thing she saw was Iroh standing in front of her, protecting her and Katara, so Katara could escape with the Avatar. But ___ could hear Zuko’s panicked cry for her. She already exhausted her strength, vision gone, coldness spreading, so she welcomed darkness as it took her. She felt her body move, a warmth beneath her enveloped her. She heard her name and a soft sob, happy to hear his voice one last time. Darkness consumed her; unable to see, feel, or hear. She was gone, mind and soul.

Brightens of white, hushed voices, stinging pain, ___ opened her eyes, but could only see lights and blurred objects.

“She’s awake, alert Prince Zuko,” someone shouted.

Although she was weak, her adrenaline rushed once again at the sound of her lover's name.

“Where is she?” She heard his voice, when he didn’t see her in her bed.

“She’s backed herself in a corner, guards are trying to calm her down,” Mai said in a bored tone before walking over to him.

“___?” Zuko’s eyes found hers, but the hurt and confusion in her eyes stopped him in his steps towards her. He had broken his promise, the Avatar is dead.

Zuko took in the situation, her back against a corner. In a defensive stance, 3 guards on the floor, likely chi blocked. 3 others surrounding her.

When his golden eyes met hers again, he saw tears. He followed her gaze to Mai's finger, as she hung off his shoulders. Then to his own hand. Both of them wearing identical rings, as his father had put their arranged marriage back onto course. Now that Zuko was the rightful heir of the throne.

His heart felt like it was being stabbed as she dropped her stance then removed her betrothal necklace. She let it fall from her neck, not bothering to catch it. The ringing noise it made in the connection to the ground, echoed in his ears. Ringing continued as he realized, she was no longer his. She let the necklace drop because that’s how she felt. That he just dropped her, left her.

Her eyes were glued to her feet as guards and nurses got her back into bed. Zuko got a glimpse of the large open wound on her back. As if she had been the one shot down by Azula. While a nurse changed her bandages.

Eventually he realized a guard was talking to him, asking if she should be moved to a cell.

"No, she's my friend, let her stay here, until she's healed."

"That will be awhile Prince Zuko," a nurse informed him as she finished changing the women's bandages.

"She is a guest of Prince Zuko," he commanded around him. "She was scared to be in an unfamiliar place, you will forgive her for being defensive."

"Of course, Prince Zuko," they chimed around him in acknowledgment.

He heard ___ scoff a bit at the unison of servants.

"Do you have something to finally say?" Mai spat at the wounded woman.

She turned her head slightly to give Mai and Zuko an icy glare. Even though Mai didn't really scare easily, she still hid behind Zuko, from the glare.

As everyone who was unneeded in the infirmary left, Zuko took a moment to go over and scoop up the necklace. Thankfully it wasn't damaged or chipped, he turned to see ___ laying down, staring at the ceiling, with a blank and cold expression. Zuko walked to the side of her bed.

"You've been unconscious for weeks, I'm glad you're awake." He touched her hand softly, but she pulled her hand away as if he shocked her.

"How are you feeling?" He asked softly.

Finally, her eyes moved to his aZbigniewnd he fought the overwhelming urge to comfort the pain he saw in her deep and open eyes; the pain was emotional and physical.

"She's in a lot of pain, but we can't give her pain medication." A nurse finally answered for her. Her eyes moved back to the ceiling and he could see the open door of her eyes cut off the emotion once again.

"Why can't you give her pain medication? She's in pain, that makes no sense."

"We did give her some when she arrived, but a blood test showed she's pregnant so we can only give her so much without harming the baby."

Zuko’s head swirled, pregnant, the baby. Her baby, his baby, their baby. His eyes snapped to hers but there was still no emotion. Then his eyes drifted to her flat stomach.

"She's only a month or so along. She won't show for a while. Could you notify the father? Being her best friend, I would assume you would know the father."

"I do," Zuko whispered before looking at her face again, she was sullen and unexpressive. "Let me know if there is anything she or the baby needs." With that Zuko left to put in a request to see his father, to end the arranged marriage. Seeing his love close off to him, opened his eyes a bit. He needed to fix this, have her by his side again. But the Fire Lord had no openings until the morning.

As Zuko put on his best clothes to attend the request he'd put in to see his father, a guard knocked on his door.

"What?" Zuko answered the door annoyed as the guard was there too early to escort him to the Fire Lord.

"Your guest is gone," the guard panted out, as he'd run all the way there. "She took down over 38 guards, with the full moon, her chi blocking and waterbending, she was unstoppable.

"She left?"

"Yes, but she also left a note for you." The guard extended the rolled scroll to him.

"I will walk myself to my meeting with my father, you may go." Zuko slammed the door shut and quickly opened the parchment.

My dear Zuko,

I hope you find your way and your destiny. I am going to mine. If your life ever has a need to cross mine, I hope we'll be able to see each other again.

Don't fret over the baby, we'll be safe and fine without you. Live the life you want.

Your friend,

___

Six simple sentences, no anger, no love, just hope of good life for a friend. It would have hurt less if she left without a note, so he could still have hope. Hope she still loved him, that he wasn't too late, but she ended with friend, his friend.

He sunk down to the floor and put his head in his hands. He had to fix all this. Find her, beg for her forgiveness, he wanted to fix everything.

___ was in a fire nation town, in proper fire nation clothes, that she stole in her escape. Looking for Aang, Roku said he would be here, that he’s okay.

“Hey pretty lady, you look lost. Can I help you?” Some guy, who looked like high schooler, was hitting on her.

“Thank you, but no. I’m looking for a friend.”

“I can be your friend,” he smiled at her.

“I really appreciate the offers, but I’m not in the mood to pretend to be nice right now. So please leave me alone.”

“Fine,” he spat before heading back to the school.

Her gaze followed him, to make sure he wouldn’t come back, when she saw Aang. With hair? A headband? She quickly walked up to him and grabbed by the arm pulling him away from the crowd.

“___?” Aang blinked and rubbed his eyes.

“Aang,” she sighed happily.

“How did you find me?”

“Roku said you’d be here. I’m ready to help you, with the spirit world and maybe even the Avatar State.”

“That’s awesome!” He pumped his fist in the air. “But what about Zuko?” He asked quietly.

“He,” she trailed off before inhaling and steeling her emotions. “He’s engaged to someone else now. He doesn’t need me. But you do, right?” A bit of her insecure state slipped through the cracks as she looked at Aang’s pitiful eyes. Aang nodded then gave her a cheerful smile.

After school, Sokka was lecturing Aang for even going. But once he deemed it okay, Aang then introduced her to the rest of the Gaang.

“She’s been with Zuko. How can we trust her?” Katara eyed her.

“Zuko left her, for someone else.” Aang said trying to ease the tension Katara had at the mere mention of Zuko.

“I understand you might not trust me. You don’t know me. But I’ve never attacked any of you, and I never would. My destiny is to help the Avatar with connection to the spirit world and the Avatar state. My relationship with Zuko is over, he broke his promise.”

“What promise?”

“That Aang wouldn’t die, although only briefly, he did die, the promise broke.”

“Then what took you so long to come to us, why now? Why before the eclipse?” Sokka was weary, but there as not malice in his tone, unlike his sister

“I’ve been unconscious for weeks, I guess. I’m still not healed. I’m in a lot of pain. But once I woke up, there was a full moon that night. I used the energy from the moon to mask my pain to come here.”

They all looked at her, Sokka and Katara still judging her, Aang and Toph, looked confused. Old feelings of being unwanted tried to surface, especially with the sting she still felt from Zuko being with another. Her eyes closed tightly, trying to shove it all down, she wasn’t going to cry, not now, not ever. Not over him, not again. She needed time to process more to work through the emotions, before they worked through her.

“If you don’t trust me, there is no reason for me to stay. I’ve heard you broke the stupid traditions in the North Pole. So thank you for that, I might be able to go home now.” She bowed deeply to Katara, a gratitude she wanted out in the open before leaving. The wound on her back however was not forgiving of the motion. She collapsed with a pant of pain. Aang was quick to help her up.

“How did you get the wound on your back?” Toph asked, her voice rougher than ___ thought it’d be since she was so small.

“I’m not sure, when I saw Aang get shot down, I went down too. I remember being in so much pain, and Iroh protecting me as Katara left with Aang. Next time I opened my eyes, I was in the fire nation. Zuko called me a friend, a guest, but I couldn’t stay, knowing he didn’t need me anymore. Doesn’t love me anymore than a friend.” Aang was still supporting her as she looked away from the group, the pain seethed through her spine again. Aang supported her and made sure she stayed up.

“Katara, can you please heal her? If you guys aren’t okay with her here, I understand, but I can’t let her go home like this.”

Katara’s eyes softened at Aang’s plea. Thinking back on ___’s words, they all were true. She never helped Zuko attack them, she was and did collapse in the crystal catacombs. Then she bowed even while in pain to show respect.

“I’ll take a look and then we can talk about her situation.”

Aang smiled as he helped move ___ into the cave so Katara could look at the wound, privately.

“How is she?” Aang asked as Katara came out.

“She’s asleep, I healed her the best I could, it’s so similar to where Azula struck you, but I treated you immediately. As far as I can tell they only kept it clean, hoping it would heal. It was infected. I don’t even know how she was walking so well.” Katara sat by the fire with the others.

“She’s very sad too,” Toph whispered. “She never lied, but every time Zuko’s name came up, I could almost feel her heart throb and break. She misses him, but I don’t blame her for not showing it. Trying to move on.”

“Well if she’s not lying,” Sokka started. “I think she’d be beneficial to Aang, once she’s better of course.”

“She is hiding one thing,” Toph stated. “She’s pregnant, she has two heartbeats. One always steady and fluttering, hers was the only one changing beat.”

“I didn’t think Zuko was such a monster.” Katara spat. “She’s carrying his child, but still he leaves her for someone else. His actions are disgusting.”

“I think we should let her stay with us, at least for a while.” Sokka stated as he felt bad for her too.

“Yeah, she stays with us,” Katara smiled softly. “She needs someone who wants her, even if just as friends.”

“Well I truly do need her. It would be nice, to have the Avatar State back, or at least to have an easier way to get into the spirit world.” Aang smiled back at Katara and they all nodded in an agreement.

Author’s Note: Sorry if you’re not into the whole pregnancy thing. I fought with myself over and over about having it or not, in the long run, I clearly decided to roll with it. This chapter is so choppy with me trying to explain shit to get where I want this story to be/go.Believe it or not, it was like 3 times worse before I started the revision. I hope you still enjoyed it. Still rewriting the last chapters, but I promise they are better than this chapter aha

#guidance series #fanfic #fic #zuko x reader #zuko/reader #avatar zuko #atla fic #lalah writes #lalahbug #reader insert #xreader #self insert #fire lord zuko #firelord zuko

192 notes · View notes

ibelieveindragons141 · 4 years ago

Text

Escape from Boiling Rock

Summary: You and Zuko are reunited in a cell together on Boiling Rock.

Zuko x reader

Word count: 1687

Loud sounds coming from the corridor woke you up. Hearing shouting from outside your cell door was normal, but you couldn’t shake the thought that one of the voices sounded... familiar. Shaking the ridiculous thought from your mind, you turned over and shut your eyes again, hoping against hope for a good night’s sleep.

Suddenly the cell door was thrown open and someone was thrown inside. You startled up and stared at the guard, mouth agape.

“All outta room with the war prisoners coming tomorrow, so this one’s all yours,” she sneered at you.

Before you could come up with a response, the door was slammed shut and locked again. You heard a frustrated noise come from the man sprawled out in front of you. Glancing down at him, you furrowed your brow. Upon closer inspection, he looked familiar, too.

It wasn’t until he looked up that you put it all together.

“Zuko,” you breathed, shocked.

His eyes widened. “Y/n? What are you doing here?” He scrambled to his feet.

“What are you doing here?” You shot back.

He mumbled something, staring at his feet.

You huffed, “Zuko, you’re doing it again.”

He looked confused. “Doing what?”

“The mumbling!”

“Oh.”

There was a pause.

“So, you’re not gonna tell my why the prince of the fire nation is in a cell with his lowly childhood friend the traitor?”

He looked up at this. “Traitor? What-“

“Why. Are. You. Here.”

“I.... I’m helping the Avatar.”

For the first time in years, tendrils of hope bloomed in your chest. “What?”

“Well, I’m helping his friend, Sokka, rescue his father.”

“Wow. I definitely did not see that one coming.”

“Now you have to answer my question: why are you here?”

Now it was your turn to look at your feet. “I helped a group of earth benders try to recapture a group of villages conquered by the fire nation,” you said, “But we got caught.”

Zuko opened his mouth to speak, but the door swung open, again.

It was the warden. Your stomach twisted in fear at the sight of his ugly, unforgiving face.

His mouth turned upwards in what was probably meant to be a smile. “Prince Zuko.”

“How did you know who I am?”

“How could I not? You broke my niece’s heart.” You snapped your head towards him. What?

“You’re Mai’s uncle?” He asked in disbelief.

Mai, of course, he’d always had a crush in her ever since you were little.

“I never meant to hurt her.” Zuko sounded almost regretful.

What about me? You thought bitterly. Did you meant to hurt me?

“Quiet!” The warden snapped, “You’re my special prisoner now. And you’d best behave. If these criminals found out who you are the traitor prince who let his nation down, well they’d tear you to shreds.”

The two kept talking, but you had stopped listening, your mind too busy over thinking and over analyzing the new information you just heard.

When the warden finally left, Zuko’s shoulders slumped and he lowered himself onto the bench. He looked so pitiful that you almost wanted to give him a hug. Almost.

Instead, you settled on asking if he was okay.

“No.”

Yeahhhh in hindsight maybe that wasn’t the best question.

Not willing to give up on conversation just yet, you said, “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

He still didn’t look up at you. “Me neither.”

“It’s crazy how much everything has changed.”

“Yeah.”

“Oh come on, Zuko! Would you stop being Mister Monosyllabic and wallowing I’m self- misery for one minute to have a conversation with me?!”

This made him stare up at you in shock. “S-sorry?”

“Yeah, well, you should be.” You say down next to him and let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry for snapping at you. It’s been a busy day”

“Tell me about it,” he muttered.

“The warden, he said you broke his niece’s heart. Mai’s heart.”

Zuko didn’t say anything. So you continued, “Why did you never tell me you loved her?”

He stared at you. “I don’t love her.”

You crossed your arms. “Well she clearly loved you.”

“I don’t know, I mean, I think she did. I thought she did. But she definitely doesn’t now.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. Love can be hard.”

“Have you ever been in love?”

You tilted your head, weighing your options. You decided on saying, “Yeah, yeah I think so.”

He looked almost disappointed. “What happened?”

You gave him a sad smile. “He loved someone else.”

The two of you sat in a mildly comfortable silence until it was time to do daily chores. You met up with a girl named Suki. You instantly clicked with each other when you met, and stick together as best you could. She was standing oddly close to a guard whose name you later learned to be Sokka. You, Suki, Sokka, and Zuko formulated an escape plan. It was risky and foolish but you were willing to do anything to get out of that place.

You and Zuko were both surprised at how easily you slid back into your old routine of banter and conversation. You hadn’t realized how much you’d missed your best friend, and it was good to have him back- even if his heart belonged to another.

Unfortunately, your plain failed. The four of you didn’t end up even following through with it, and the other guys who did, got caught.

On the bright side, Sokka found his father, Hakoda.

When the insane gondola plan was hatched, you all handled it seriously, knowing it was likely your last shot at freedom. By some miracle you all made it into the gondola. But Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee were not making it easy on you guys. Zuko looked like he was almost winning until Azula managed to hit your right shoulder with her fire bending, causing you to cry out and nearly fall off the roof of the gondola.

“No!” Zuko shouted and rushed over to you.

You groaned and clutched at your burning shoulder, “Ow.”

He made eye contact with Sokka and called, “Get her below!” Sokka nodded and tried to escape Ty Lee’s deadly acrobatics.

Azula smirked. “Well, well, brother. It seems you do have a weak spot other than our fat uncle.”

He glared at her, standing protectively over you, trying to shield you from his mad sister. “Don’t touch her,” he growled.

Suddenly the world shook. Everyone looked in horror at the prison guards cutting the line holding the gondola above the boiling water.

Ty Lee hopped to the second gondola for safety, allowing Sokka to grab you and get you off the roof. Zuko joined you moments later.

“They’re cutting the line!” He yelled, “This gondola is about to go.”

“I hope this thing floats.” Hakoda deadpanned.

You groaned again, feeling weaker by the second.

Zuko kneeled beside you and gripped your uninjured shoulder, “You’ll be fine, y/n, I’ve got you. Don’t worry.”

That was a lie and you both knew it. But you let it go. It was nice to believe in something sometimes.

All of a sudden, the sawing noise stopped and the gondola began to move again. Everyone but you rushed to the window

“Who’s that?” Sokka asked in disbelief.

“It’s Mai.” Zuko said in awe.

Once in the other side, Zuko slung your good arm over his shoulder and wrapped an arm around your waist to help you walk. You all stopped in a ridge and the boys said something, but your ears were ringing too loudly for you to hear.

“Zuko....”

“Y/n? What’s wrong?”

You immediately collapsed.

“Y/n!” Zuko lowered you to the ground and tried waking you. You stirred, but didn’t wake,

“We don’t have time for this, just carry y/n. Come on!” Suki said, staring nervously at the prison.

He scooped you up like one would a bride and raced after them.

You didn’t wake until Zuko had brought you to team Avatar. When you woke, he was sleeping beside you. You smiled and brushed a piece of hair out of his face. He stirred and opened his eyes.

“Y/n!” Quickly sitting up he brought his hand to your forehead, checking for a fever. “How do you feel?”

“Like I’ve been hit with a ball of Fire.”

He laughed. “Good to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

“Ha, you wish.” You tried laughing but ended up wincing instead.

“Hey, hey, take it easy.”

“Thanks for, yaknow, saving me.”

”Well I couldn’t just leave you there, I-“ his face went bright red.

“You what, Zuko?”

“Nothing. It’s not important.”

“Oh I think it is.” You pressed.

He ducked his head.

He was muttering. “Zuko, you’re doing it again,”

“I love you.”

Your heart stopped. “No you don’t.”

“Huh?”

“You- you love Mai.”

“No I don’t!”

“But... I thought you...”

“I never loved her, it’s always been you. But now you love someone else and I’m too late.”

“It’s you.” You confessed, grabbing his hand. He met your eyes with hope shining in them.

“You love... me?”

You nodded and gave him a lopsided smile. “Always have.”

He let out a sound of relief and joy and pulled you into a passionate but gentle embrace. Instead of pulling away slowly, he tilted his head so his lips brushed your cheek softly, silently asking permission. You turned your head fully so your lips could connect and sparks flew behind your eyelids that thankfully weren’t a side effect from your blistered shoulder.

He whispered. “I’ve wanted to do that since-“

“Forever.” You finished.

“Yeah.” He closed his eyes and pulled you in for another kiss. You smirked and pulled him down on top of you.

That night you slept nestled into his chest and for the first time in years, you both slept peacefully.

A/n: I wrote this at midnight, so please forgive any typos! Tell me what you think and send me a request! X

#x reader #zuko x reader #prince zuko #atla sokka #avatar suki #hakoda #the boiling rock #gondolaride #zuko is an awkward turtleduck #confesion de amor #angst with a happy ending #escape #i wrote this at midnight #im so tired #i need to sleep #hahaselfcaremychildren

253 notes · View notes

zutaradreams · 4 years ago

Text

1000 Follower Fic

When I reached 1000 followers, I decided to write a story based on one of the prompts for the latest Zutara month. This story features aged up characters, where Zuko is never banished and serves in the navy under Admiral Zhao. Katara and Sokka never find Aang and travel to the North Pole on their own. As requested, this is for Day 9: Shatter. Please enjoy! It will be up on AO3 soon!

@zutaramonth

The Healing Hut

He says a lot of things as the fever works through him. He curses every time he moves, when he feels the pain surge through his body. He thinks he talks to Mai. He calls for his mother at one point. He imagines his father, but never lets a plea for him leave his lips.

Through all the murmurs of a fevered man, the first thing he says consciously when he realizes he is not alone is: “My uncle?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know your uncle.” Then two cool hands massage his temples, and he falls back to sleep.

He hears a lot too. “I can’t leave. They’ll kill him.”

A man says, “The guards will make sure no one does.”

“The guards want to kill him.”

“They can’t. He’s worth more alive.”

“Not anymore,” the woman’s voice replies, the one the cool hands belong to. “He asked for an uncle.”

“That would be General Iroh.”

He wants to speak up, say “yes, did you find him”, but the air around him is so hot, and he feels like he can’t breathe.

“Ozai’s brother,” the man adds.

Ozai.

The air feels hotter and hotter. He moans in pain. The hands find him.

“That’s Ozai’s son you’re helping, Katara. And the whole tribe knows it.”

“And they know this is the man who killed Zhao.”

“Yeah, too late,” the man sneers abhorrently.

“He’s part of the reason I have my bending back.”

“Yue’s the reason you have your bending back!” he shouts.

“Look, I couldn’t just let him die out there. Especially not by Zhao’s hand.”

“So you’ll save his life, nurse him back to health, and then what?”

The woman, Katara, gives no answer. She prods at his neck, his shoulders, his chest. He wants to shout at her to stop touching him; it all hurts so much. But then she pulls her hands away, and he realizes he does not hurt as much as he did before.

“Good, your fever’s going down. Now how are those ribs?” Her hands trail down from his forehead to the center of his body. “Hmm, not as good as I want them to be. This might hurt a little.”

His chest seizes in pain immediately as she attempts to mend the shattered bones. He wishes he could stop her. He wishes he could burn her hands from his body. He wishes she would let him die.

“There. That’s better,” she says softly, and opens his mouth to bend water down his throat.

His fever breaks that night.

She’s not expecting to see his hazy eyes staring back at her when she enters the healing hut. It’s easier to heal Prince Zuko when his eyes are closed and he’s lying still. Now that he’s awake, now that his fever’s broken, now that his bones are on the mend, she wonders what to do with him.

“You,” he says in a deep, raspy voice, deeper from his illness. “You were at the oasis.”

“Yes.” She stood with Sokka and Yue, trying to protect the moon spirit from Zhao and his men.

“Katara.”

She wonders why he feels the need to call her by name. She’s surprised he even knows it.

“I should be dead.”

“You should.”

“The force of Zhao’s attack-”

“I was able to heal most of the burned skin with minimal scarring. The force of the blow shattered your ribs. I had to work quickly to stop the internal bleeding. You’ll have to stay in bed longer, though. You still have a lot of healing left.”

“My uncle?” he asks again.

“I don’t know.”

As far as she knows, every Fire Nation soldier drowned in La’s revenge...every single one except Zuko. Sokka tells her La spared him because he would have died from his injuries. Katara thinks La spared him out of gratitude, for delivering the fatal blow to the one who harmed Tui.

“Who would know?”

“I’ll ask around. Let me check on your ribs.”

Her hands are less steady now that golden eyes watch her every move.

As soon as he can sit, he starts making demands - for a ship, for parchment, for an audience with the Chief.

“Eat the food I brought you,” she says, rolling her eyes. She’s starting to prefer him unconscious. “The broth is delicious.”

“I need to let my father know I survived.”

“He knows,” she tells him. Chief Arnook sent word to the Fire Nation, hoping to settle on a ransom. “He knows you killed Admiral Zhao. You’ve been labeled a traitor to the Fire Nation.”

He hurls the bowl of soup at her. She bends it right back at him.

Sokka urges her not to heal him again, and she’s inclined to agree. She holds out for three days before she wonders how his ribs are faring.

He’s the only patient in this healing hut. He thinks he knows why. He’s a traitor to the land he’s from and a prisoner to the land he’s in.

“What will your people do with me?” he asks, while she soothes the bruises beneath his scarred skin, evidence that his bones are moving back where they belong.

“They’re not my people,” she reveals.

There’s nothing more absurd to him, that this young woman with hands cloaked in healing water, would not consider these people of the Northern Water Tribe hers.

“I’m from the South. I came here with my brother a few years ago to learn waterbending.”

“I didn’t realize the South had any waterbenders left.”

Her hands still.

“That’s thanks to your people.”

He doesn’t see her again for five days. His ribs ache.

“He’s a liability,” Chief Arnook says.

“Yeah, especially now that you told the Fire Lord we have him,” mentions Sokka critically. The relationship between the two of them suffers irreparably now that Yue can no longer keep the peace between her father and her husband.

Katara wonders if this means Sokka will consider leaving the North Pole now. Maybe she can convince him to come home, the way she had to convince him to leave all those years ago. But Sokka will never leave, not when he’s Arnook’s heir by marriage, not when he has a son he has to raise alone.

This may be her time to leave, however. “I can take him back to the South Pole,” she offers. “That way the threat’s away from here. The Fire Nation won’t attack the South Pole. There’s no need when they’ve already taken everything. The North, on the other hand, has too much to lose.”

“Katara-“ her brother begins. He doesn’t want them to be separated. He still stands by some promise he made to their dad that he would always look after her. But she’s grown up now. She’s a master waterbender. And it’s time to go home and wait for new waterbenders to be born. It’s time for her to teach them.

“My mind’s made up,” she says.

Prince Zuko will return to the South Pole with her, as a prisoner of the Southern Water Tribe.

He’ll trade one icy pole for another, it seems. When he hears the news, he wishes she had let him die.

“When do we leave?”

“As soon as I think you’re able,” she replies. “It will be a long journey. You’ll need your strength. How do you feel today?”

His body feels better, but nothing else. His mind is raging at the thought of spending the rest of his life in that plundered village of ice and snow. He’s seen it before, briefly when he was under Zhao’s command, as they searched for the Avatar. He never wants to see it again.

She helps support his weight when he begins walking again. His arm hangs around her shoulders, and though he’s working hard to keep the indignance plastered on his face, she can tell by the stride of his steps that he is eager to walk again.

They take laps around the hut until his breaths grow heavy, and then she helps him back into his bed. He eats his soup without protest.

A question persists on the tip of her tongue. It’s bothered her for weeks, and now she feels like he’s in a stable enough mood to answer it. “Why did you kill him?”

Zuko had attacked first, as soon as Zhao struck Tui, not the other way around. Zhao’s final blow, while intended fatally, had been in response to Zuko’s wave of fire. Even on the ground, with shattered bones and melted skin, Zuko rained fire down on Zhao until the admiral’s death.

She would have done it, had her bending not been taken from her. Sokka would have, if he could have gotten close enough without being burned. Zhao expected this from them, the enemy. He clearly didn’t expect it from Zuko. So she wants to know why he did it.

Why did it matter so much to you?

“The sky’s not supposed to be red,” he replies, reminding her of how it felt to have the moon plucked from the sky, how it felt to be without her bending. “He could have destroyed the whole world. Mortals have no business with the spirits. We can’t understand them.”

“Yeah, but La would have handled him, like he handled the rest. You didn’t have to.”

“I didn’t know what La was going to do. I just knew what I had to do.”

“What did you think the mission was here?”

“I was told that we were here in case the Northern Water Tribe was harboring the Avatar. I didn’t know Zhao had other plans until we got to the oasis. No one knew. All those soldiers died fighting blindly.”

“They’re all fighting blindly if they think this war is justified,” she returns.

He’s standing in the healing hut when she comes to check on him. He knows not to leave; there are four guards right outside in case the idea ever strikes him. His back is straight, and if he’s in pain, he hides it well.

Wordlessly, she sheathes her palms in water and presses them to his chest, searching for lingering damage to the bones. There’s barely any left.

“I hope you don’t get seasick.”

“I don’t.”

“We leave in a week,” she decides. A week is enough time to work out the details with Sokka, like where to avoid Fire Nation fleets and how much money she’ll be allowed to take with her, and which vessel she’ll be given. Sokka wants her to take a couple guards too, but she’s hesitant to add more stakes to the clandestine transport of the Fire Lord’s son.

He smirks. “You shouldn’t have healed me before we left.”

She’s seen what his hands can do. She won’t let that intimidate her. “You shouldn’t try anything. Not when I know exactly where you’re vulnerable.” Her hands can shatter as well as they can mend. He’ll learn that if he wants to survive the journey.

He could melt the shackles, but he doesn’t desire to have molten metal coating his wrists. This will be his last morning in the healing hut, and his first morning outside in weeks. Two guards grab him by each arm and force him forward, not that they need to. He has no qualms walking out on his own. He wants to leave this land as much as they want him to.

For a quick second, he pauses right outside the entrance of the hut, as soon as he feels the sun on his face.

He looks up to the sky. It isn’t red. It’s blue. He’s a traitor and a prisoner. But the sky is blue.

#zutaramonth2020 #zutara #zutaradreams

205 notes · View notes

scottmccallll · 5 years ago

Text

A Soft Epilogue

Or how Zuko and Karata should have finally gotten together (season finale, post lightening strike au)

The second the lightning hit him, Katara felt the other shoe drop.

When Zuko regained consciousness to the sight of blue eyes, every wall he’d ever put up crumbled.

Then, Azula, shrieking somewhere in the distance. Him, in her arms, unable to decipher if the “you’re alright’s” were questions or encouragements. The stench of smoke and something burning finally starting to dissipate as rain began to fall.

He never thought homecoming would be like this.

Although, to be fair, the last time he had thought about homecoming had been a lifetime ago.

Katara shoulders through the palace’s servants entrance as she supports him on her other side. It’s eerily quiet with only the sound of the water thudding on the flat roof above.

“A bedroom.” He hears the waterbender pant. “Where’s a bedroom?”

Once they’ve limped their way to an obscure guest room, he all but collapses on the bed, a harsh sigh escaping through tight lips as he instinctively curls slightly inward. He can feel she’s closed the wound where he was struck, but his chest still burns and he has the general feeling someone’s tossed him off a cliff.

This shift, this new reality, the one that just seemed to snap into place and how were we even functioning before this just makes so much sense -

It becomes super apparent as Katara carefully eases the tattered shirt over his head, gingerly slides the rain-soaked pants down his legs, and dresses him in dry, warm clothes in a comfortable silence.

“I’m worried you’re going to get sick.” She confesses in low tones, stripping back the bed covers. “The big stuff’s healed, but you’ve still got some recovering to do and your immune system is shot right now.”

“Shot?” The corners of his mouth pull up. “Too soon, Katara.”

She flashes him a small smile, ushering him into the bed. “Maybe.”

He feels her eyes on him as he settles in, lets his eyes close and lean into her touch as she winds her fingers through his hair. He’s asleep within minutes.

——————————————————————————

By the second nightfall, a carrier pigeon all but smashes into the front door, delivering news that Aang was victorious and they would all be coming to the palace in the next few days. Outside, Azulia had stopped shrieking and had either killed herself or passed out - Katara wasn’t about to go out and check which.

As the sun dipped bellow the horizon, the water bender made her way back into Zuko’s room. As the door opened, she winced at the warmth radiating throughout the chamber.

Fuck, the firebender has got a fever, all right.

Zuko starts at the sound of the door opening and pushes himself up on his elbows.

“Hey.”

“Hey yourself.” She walks a little too fast to his bed like there’s a magnetic force pulling them together. She can’t believe it took a literal lightning strike for her to finally be this honest with herself. She can’t believe they pretended for so long.

Zuko’s face is flushed with fever and he rests the side of his head against her stomach when she makes it to his bedside. Her hands instantly find his back and she drags the tips of her fingers over the ridged muscle. Just as she decides she could stay like that forever, the firebender lurches away and coughs, a harsh congested sound that makes her wince.

“Would it help if I told you I’m really fine?” He rasps afterward, somehow finding the energy to raise his eyebrows tauntingly at her.

“You mean would lying to me help?” She stacks two pillows behind him and pushes his shoulders down into a slightly upright position to help with his breathing. “No, for some reason I don’t think so.” That elicits a weak chuckle that quickly evolves into another cough.

“Fine.” He murmurs as the coughs finally subside and he lets his eyes close. “Then in the name of honesty I’m going to need a couple days before someone tries to kill you with lightning again.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. Just like…” He clears his throat. “Wait until Tuesday. I’ll take another zap on Tuesday.”

Despite the lighthearted words, Zuko’s face is screwed up in pain. Katara clocks how shallow his breaths are and the glisten of sweat on his brow. She decides she dosen’t like the joke anymore and drops the sarcasm.

“As long as you come back to me.”

His eyes flicker open at that, catching and holding her gaze with an intensity that makes her chest feel like it’s on fire.

“Of course.” He croaks. “Always.”

And then his lips are on hers and it’s soft, careful. She’s gently carding her fingers through his hair and feels the weight of his hands on her hips and it’s not fireworks so much as the feeling of finally finally coming home. They break apart and she holds his gaze for a second longer, soothing back his hair and placing her hand on his forehead.

“Get some rest, I want your fever to break.”

“Alright.” He sits up off the pillows, pulling her on top of him before relaxing back down. “Then come here

#zutara #zuko #katara #atla #avatar the last airbender #lightening #hurt and comfort #fanfic #fanfiction #au #fluff #injured zuko #worried katara #sick zuko #fever #zuko fever #zuko x katara

264 notes · View notes

muertawrites · 5 years ago

Note

Hey! I absolutely loved your Zuko x reader one host you wrote, and I was wondering if you could do one where Zuko and the reader barely talk, but she’s part of Azula’s friend group. At the beach some stuff happens, and Zuko finds out she’s not as crazy as he thought she was. Kind of angst. I totally understand if you can’t, or don’t feel like it! I hope you’re safe and healthy, and everything is going well. Thank you!

From Eden (Zuko x Reader)

Word Count: 1,776 (FUHREEDOM MOTHERFUCKERS 🎆🦅🦅🦅 🎆 )

Author’s Note: Ok this request is P E R F E C T. I don’t think I need to tell anyone I love the psychology of this show, but I love the psychology of this show - especially with Zuko and his relationship with himself and others. And this episode??? Ohhhhhh I have some THINGS. TO. SAY. about this episode. I have been in this boy’s place and I feel 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 him 👏🏻 he 👏🏻 deserves 👏🏻 better 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. I went in a sliiiiiiightly different direction, but I didn’t drastically change it (it turned out cute I think). Also, I named this “From Eden” because as I was writing it reminded me of the Hozier song. I’m such a sucker for a Broken Babe™, especially when the babe in question has a lot of personal growth and learns to love because of it. Thank you so much for this, anon, you’re absolutely gorgeous and I hope you’re keeping safe and healthy as well ❤

~ Muerta

(Also, if you’d like to request something, I have a list of prompts tagged! Feel free to ask for anything from fics to headcanons to imagines - I’m also open to new character suggestions!)

“Hey.”

Zuko sat on the porch of his family’s old vacation home, his mind miles away. Your greeting made him snap his head towards you, glowering down at where you stood at the base of the front steps. You crossed your arms, responding to his gaze with a defiant glare.

“What do you want?” he growled.

“To have normal friends,” you spat in reply. “Seems I’m stuck with you instead.”

A few hours ago, Zuko almost made a crater in the beach from the campfire you, his sister Azula, and your friends Mai and Ty Lee had started a screaming match around. Insults were flung, tears were shed, and skeletons were evicted from closets, all resulting in your realization that maybe political survival wasn’t worth the dysfunction of constantly being surrounded by a sociopath and her cronies. Pretending to have a super fun sleepover with them back at the guest house was proving to be too much for your fragile sense of self-containment, and you weren’t quite friendly enough with your newfound death wish to tell Azula how you really felt about her, so you went where you knew it would be quiet. You didn’t expect to find Zuko and his anger issues there a second time, but he honestly didn’t scare you - you’d take his obvious rage over Azula’s subtle calculations any day.

“I don’t know why you’re complaining,” Zuko jeered. “You’re just as emotionally fucked as the rest of them.”

“Ty Lee’s got herself pretty much under control, despite her gullibility,” you answered cooly. “Also, if you really wanna talk about emotionally fucked, I’m not the one who almost roasted my ex-girlfriend alive earlier.”

Zuko furrowed his brow at you, leaning forward as if to challenge you. You stayed exactly as you were, regarding him with a hard, unimpressed expression that revealed just how little he intimidated you. You couldn’t bend and weren’t a trained fighter - you knew he knew this, and that he wouldn’t actually attack you, despite how convincing he tried to make his empty threat appear. After a long, intense moment of wrinkled foreheads and competitive frowning, he backed off with a sigh, leaning back against the pillar behind him.

“So, what, you want to come and make peace? Talk it out or something?”

You shook your head, climbing the steps and lowering yourself onto the second highest; just below him, with a few feet between you as a courtesy.

“The last thing I want to do is talk about that dumpster fire on the beach,” you told him. “I just needed some time alone. But, since I found you, I guess it’s a good time to ask if you’re okay.”

Zuko looked you up and down, a confused and partially concerned look on his face. You half expected him to raise the back of his hand to your forehead to check for fever.

“What do you care if I’m okay or not?” he asked bitterly. “We’re not friends.”

“Zuko, I’ve known you since I was a toddler,” you said. “I’d say we’re friends. It’s not like anyone else really is.”

“Mai is my girlfriend,” Zuko snapped at you. “She’s the best friend I have!”

“Mai dumped you for being a possessive asshole,” you deadpanned, “then she let her best friend convince you to commit arson. Friends don’t let their friends’ sisters manipulate them into felonies.”

Zuko huffed, slumping back defeatedly.

“You can’t act like Azula’s never made you do anything you didn’t want to,” he grumbled.

“I don’t,” you replied shortly. “I’ve just stopped caring about making her like me, since she really doesn’t like anyone. She doesn't get under my skin like she used to when we were kids.”

You noticed Zuko’s lips curl upwards into the ghost of a smile. You mirrored him, leaning your arms atop your upright knees.

“What?” you asked.

Zuko chuckled faintly, shaking his head.

“Nothing,” he responded. “You just… Do you remember when you were eight, and Azula teased Ty Lee about being too slow climbing the trees in our courtyard?”

Your eyes widened in realization, your mouth parting into a wide smile as you let out a gasp of hysterical laughter.

“Oh, that was awful!” you cried, though the memory only brought more fits of giggles to your gut. “I was such a little brat!”

Zuko was laughing with you too now, arms wrapped over his stomach as he tried to speak between breaths.

“It was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen!” he exclaimed. “Watching her fall out of the tree like that, the shock on her face, and then I caught you with the knife and saw where you cut the branch... She deserved it. You should give her a taste of her own medicine like that more often.”

You blushed, looking away from him as your laughter died down.

“Now she could kill me if she wanted,” you said. “I try not to say or do anything around her if I can help it.”

“... Is that why you’ve been so quiet since then?”

You nodded.

“She beat me up when she found out what I did,” you explained.

You stood, pulling down the waist of your sarong to reveal the burn scar on your right hip. Zuko’s eyes burst with shock at first, wondering exactly why you’d be disrobing in front of him, his expression softening when he saw the mark Azula left.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “Most brothers feel like they should protect their little sisters. I always felt like I should’ve protected all of you from her.”

“You did,” you assured him. You sat back down beside him, closer this time, so that your hips almost touched. “I remember you jumped in front of her once when she threatened us. And that time…”

Your voice faded, the memory almost bringing tears to your eyes. You couldn’t figure out why.

“You hid from her,” Zuko finished your thought.

You nodded.

“You let me hide in your room,” you recalled. “Remember? Azula punched me. I ran to the first quiet place I could find and accidentally went to your room.”

Zuko hummed.

“You were crying,” he added, “and your eye was all red and swollen.”

“You held me.”

Zuko’s eyes fixed on you. He didn’t say anything, though he remembered; you burst through his half open door, sniffling, tears and spittle running down your cheeks and chin. It was the first time Azula had actually, physically hurt you, and you were terrified and confused. He asked if you were okay, and you shook your head. Being so young, the only thing he could think to do was hug you, since that’s what his mother did to make him feel better, and you clung to him, sobbing into his shirt and using his much bigger body for protection. After that day, he let you use his bedroom as a hiding place whenever Azula got to be too much - until she found out about it and started teasing you about wedding dresses and baby names.

“We were friends,” you breathed. “I wish we still were.”

There was a long silence in which the two of you stared out at the horizon, down the steep hill leading to the vacation house and into the ocean. The moon hung in a small sliver, barely flickering across the calm waters that rocked below; you could hear the gentle rush of waves as they crawled over the sand and shrunk back into themselves, creating a calming din that echoed up to where you sat.

“... I still remember your favorite game to play with me,” Zuko said into the warm air between you. “Those times you hid in my room. You used to pretend to be a Kyoshi warrior. My mom gave you one of her old fans and we’d jump on and off my bed, trying to catch each other.”

You grinned.

“I would wrap myself around your legs to keep you from walking,” you recalled.

Zuko laughed.

“I loved that,” he admitted. “It used to make me laugh so hard when we were kids.”

He looked over to you, and you turned to face him as well. The anger in his eyes was gone completely, in its place a warm, steady sadness that made you ache.

“I miss you,” he whispered.

You reached cautiously for his hand, relieved when he slid his fingers between yours and gripped your palm tightly.

“I miss you, too,” you replied. “I’m sorry I let Azula drive me away from you.”

Zuko wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a tender embrace. Your hands latched together on either side of his back, gripping into his shirt a little bit as you buried your face in his shoulder. He felt and smelled the same as he did when you were little; hard like the walls of a sturdy house and sweet like the last embers in a fireplace.

You didn’t know how long you held each other, but when you broke apart, you sat together for ages, existing in silence on the steps of his childhood house and beside one another. You felt small again, but in the best way - you felt like the girl who was brave enough to cut through the branches of a maple tree so your tormenter would fall out of them.

“I want to run away,” you blurted. “I could be someone totally different if I weren’t stuck here.”

“If you do, I’ll go with you,” Zuko said. “We can be different people together.”

You grinned, leaning your shoulder against his.

“We could move to Kyoshi Island,” you suggested. “I’m too old to start warrior training now, but we could start a business. Open an inn or something.”

Zuko chuckled at the thought.

“I’ll call myself Lee,” he mused, “and you can go by Izumi.”

“Maybe we could be married. And we could adopt orphan children and cats.”

“Just cats. You can’t emotionally destroy a cat like you can with a kid.”

You glanced over at him, noticing the hard gleam in his eye. You wrapped your arms around his bicep, holding him close to you.

“You’re not your father, Zuko,” you whispered. “You don’t want to be.”

Zuko nodded. He reached for one of your hands, curling his own around it.

“... I feel like I am going to leave,” he said, “at some point. When I do… will you stay? So that I have at least one friendly face to come home to someday?”

You nodded, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

“I will,” you promised. “And when you do, I’ll give you Azula’s severed head as a homecoming present.”

Zuko laughed at that.

{ epilogue }

#requests #muerta's works #zuko #prince zuko #zuko fluff #prince zuko fluff #zuko angst #zuko x reader #zuko x you #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko x you #zuko fanfic #prince zuko fanfic #zuko x reader fluff #zuko x reader angst #atla fanfic #avatar fanfiction

312 notes · View notes