#Zuko: I will definitely not ruin this for myself

[muffinlance]

Kidnapped Zuko? Rescued by Gaang who dont know who he is and he has to hide his identity.

Okay, so. There’s already a teenager down in Commander Muttonchop’s brig. This fact is so far past concerning it’s wrapped around to let’s-not-think-too-hard-about-this hilarity, and Sokka finds himself grinning, and offering the guy a good ol’ fashioned Water Tribe wrist shake through the bars. They’re neighbors, after all.

“Hello, Fellow Prisoner. What are you in for?”

“I, uh,” says Fellow Prisoner, who is clearly undersocialized from his time in here. He’s looking a little grimy around the edges of his all-black outfit, and the bruises on him have had time to get newer, fresher bruises on top, which is just. That is all kinds of reassuring. Oh, and the giant fiery facial scar. Also reassuring. Though at least that one’s a few years old. So… inflicted when he was, what, Aang’s age?

So reassured, is feeling Sokka, for the Fire Nation’s upcoming hospitality.  

“Uh,” repeats Fellow Prisoner, who is uncoiling a little in the direction of Sokka’s offered hand. As if Sokka was trying to coax him out, and hadn’t just sort of forgotten he was holding it there while his thoughts were doing their downward spiral. But hey, one man’s desperate attempts to keep his cool were another man’s offer of friendship. Fellow Prisoner grasped his wrist and shook it, in both the most technically correct and least experienced Water Tribe wrist clasp Sokka has ever experienced. 

“Zhao thinks I was stealing military correspondence,” the guy says.

“Were you stealing military correspondence?” asks Sokka.

“Only his,” scowls Fellow Prisoner, to whom Sokka takes an immediate liking. “...What did you do? To get arrested. But not killed. He doesn’t usually…”

So, so reassured.

“Oh, you know,” Sokka says, continuing to shake wrists, because it is becoming clear that Fellow Prisoner has no idea how long this is supposed to last and Sokka isn't going to be the one to stop him. “The usual. Found the Avatar. Became traveling companions. Got captured doing something definitely heroic that did not in anyway involve excessive screaming of an unmanly pitch.”

“...The Avatar?” says Fellow Prisoner, who clearly knows how to focus on the important points.

“I’m bait,” says Sokka.

“For the Avatar.”

To be fair, Sokka is still a little stuck on that point, too. It’s been a few weeks, but he still wakes up too-hot in the night and wondering why the stars above him aren’t quite right.

“Yep,” he confirms.

Fellow Prisoner’s face does a thing. A sort of processing, processing, processing thing that involves progressively more scowling. “The Avatar left you? I knew the old man must be a coward.”

“So,” Sokka says, “about that.”

Fellow Prisoner drinks up Sokka’s story like a man who’s spent three years in a desert searching for water. 

- - -

(It’s been two and half years.)

- - - 

Their escape involves a significantly higher swords-to-escapees ratio than Sokka had anticipated, which is distractingly epic. 

Also, the last-minute bison save is both the stupidest thing his little sister could have possibly done and very welcome, which means that Sokka is going to catch his breath and let some of his adrenaline fade before channeling his inner Gran-Gran for a lecture. 

Fellow Prisoner sheaths both his swords. And kind of stares, rather than sitting down, so Sokka pulls him over before the bison turbulence (read: catapult dodging) can do the job. This does nothing to interrupt the staring. 

“Hi,” says Aang, looking back from Appa’s head. “I’m Aang! What’s your name?”

“...Li?”

Under the sunlight, Fellow Prisoner’s eyes glint gold. He is… very Fire Nation-y looking, now that there is enough light to see him. And he is warmer against Sokka’s side than anyone not feverish should be, even in the ridiculous heat these northerners call ‘winter’.

“Are you a firebender?” asks Aang, like that question hasn’t spent decades earning its status as an insult.

“Uh,” says Li.

“Great!” says Aang, who has already figured out Li-speak. “I need a teacher!”

On the deck below them, Zhao has gone from shouting to laughing. 

Sokka continues to be reassured.

[loneduet]

Secrets - Part 1

Summary: You love Sokka and it scares you. You don't know what he'll do if he finds out. (Your a firebender)

A/N - ngl I wrote this for myself because of my recurring obsession with this lovable boy.

warnings: kissing, kinda short sorry

Hope you enjoy!

__________________

It all started when I met aang.

I ran way from my home not too long before i met them. Growing up in the fire nation was rough, especially being the emperors daughter. After zuko left to search for the airebender, i soon followed suit and left my status behind. All I ever was to my father was a dissapointment and I couldn't deal with Azula alone.

I was left with few options of where to go. I ended up living undercover in ba sing se where I soon met three kids my age. They were strangers at first, but now I don't know how I lived life without them. They have become my friends. My family.

While I know they are the exact people my brother is hunting down, I couldn't help but join them on their journey. I don't know what I'll do if I have to face my brother, but I know that I will never betray them.

Each of them showed me a kindness I have never known or deserved. Katara immediately accepted me, she loved having another girl be on the conquest and she insisted on braiding my hair everyday. Aang was kind and understanding. Deep down I know that he is aware of the secrets I keep, but he respects my boundaries and he shows me the fun to be had of everyday things. And than theres sokka. He is a completely different story.

When I met him my whole world was changed. At first he was wary of me and my additional presence to the group, but we soon started to get along. Really get along. He was protective and caring. At first glance, i immediantly respected the way that he treated his sister. While they fought like all siblings do, it's obvious that they truly love each other and I know that sokka will take care of her until the end.

I can see that all sokka wants to accomplish is to be a good leader and brother. He doesn't have bending abilities and he has admitted to me that this is one of his greatest insecurities, but it is far from a flaw. He hides a lot of his fear through his stupid jokes and ridiculous attitude, but I have learned to see through his disguise.

I have fallen so incredibly fast for this water tribe boy and he is completely unaware. Knowing his story, I can't let him find out about my past. He will never love me especially if he knows that im fire nation scum.

__________________

"Y/N, do you want to share with me?"

I looked over to see Sokka and his adorable puppy dog eyes looking at me.

"Of course." I giggle, helping him set up the tent.

Due to our constant travels and relocations, we had very few supplies which resulted in only three tents between the four of us. I wasn't complaining though.

"Goodnight Y/N." Aang said, giving me a friendly kiss on the cheek before heading to his tent.

"Yeah, goodnight!" Katara said with a wink. To her, it was obvious that I liked her older brother. She immediantly approved when she found out about it. If only she knew who I was.

I climbed into our shared tent and zipped it up behind me. Sokka was already laying down opening up the covers for me.

It was a normal thing for sokka and I to fall asleep in each other's embrace. Ever since we accidently fell asleep during one of aangs stories we have been inseparable. Sokka claims that he sleeps better because of how warm I naturally am and frankly he helps me keep the nightmares of my dad at bay.

From an outside perspective, our relationship is definitely weird. It's not normal for 'just friends' to cuddle up to each other every night. Deep down though, we both knew that their are feelings, but neither of us wanted to ruin what we have. What we could have.

I slipped under the covers next to him, his water nation blankets being especially fluffy and comfortable. Naturally his arms wrapped around my smaller frame and I tucked my head against his chest. His slow heart beat helped lull me to sleep.

"Y/N?" Sokka asked right before I dozed off.

"Yea?" I softly replied.

He than looks me straight in the eye. "I'm really glad I met you."

The statement takes me aback and I look maintain his eye contact, sitting up.

"Can I kiss you?" I whisper, not being able to help myself any longer.

He doesn't reply but leans forward and captures my lips with his. His body radiates warmth as he scoops me into his lap. I slide my hands into his soft hair that is let out of his usual ponytail. He grunts softly and let's go of my lips and puts his forehead against mine.

"Y/N, I think I love you."

Before he could return to kissing me my entire body freezes. He notices when I tense and looks at me questionably.

"I cant." I reply, leaving the tent in haste. The boy of my dreams watches my figure go, wondering what he did wrong. I cant do this to him. It has to stop.

[thebluemallet]

My Immediate Thoughts on the Latest Avatar: The Last Airbender Trailer

THE SHIP DESIGN FOR THE FIRE NAVY SHIPS! THAT MAST!

This must be the North Pole and leading up to the Siege of the North.

Appa soaring through the skies.

Yeah, they're really going to go and show us the attacks on the Air Temples. On the one hand, I'm excited about the new material. On the other hand, I feel like I shouldn't be excited about witnessing a genocide even if it's fiction.

IS THAT FIRE LORD SOZIN? OR IS THAT JUST A RANDOM FIRE NATION GENERAL?? I THINK IT'S SOZIN??

Aang breaking out from the iceberg seems a lot more violent than the cartoon but it also looks awesome! And if I were Sokka and Katara, I'd be scared shitless seeing that.

I think that's Monk Gyatso voice in the beginning? And he specifically says that the Fire Nation is embarking on a dark path instead of the super vague "storm clouds are gathering" like in the original cartoon. So Aang goes into that iceberg with more knowledge in this adaptation than in the cartoon.

Daniel Dae Kim looks great as Fire Lord Ozai!

Azula with a bow and arrow? Guess she's expanding her skill set.

Blink and you'll miss it, but that is JET that Katara, Sokka, and Aang are talking to before there's a big ass explosion behind them.

WE'VE GOT THE MOTHER EFFIN OSTRICH HORSES, BABY!

IT'S ZUKO COMING TO RESCUE UNCLE IROH WHEN HE GETS CAPTURED BY EARTH KINGDOM SOLDIERS!

Aang, Katara, and Sokka checking out the ruins of one of the Air Temples. Southern Air Temple, maybe, probably?

Water Tribe! Don't know if it's Northern or Southern but it could be the aftermath of Zuko coming to the Southern tribe to find Aang.

Katara coming in with her belief that Aang can save the world.

I'm in love with every shot of Appa flying!

THE AIR SCOOTER!

AND HE CRASHES INTO A STATUE LIKE HE DOES IN THE ORIGINAL OPENING CREDITS!!!!

There you go! You whiny little complainers finally got your sarcastic Sokka. And he definitely has more emotional range than the Sokka in the other project that shall not be named so I approve!

THAT'S ZUKO'S TINY LITTLE WARSHIP CRUISING AROUND THE SOUTH POLE LOOKING FOR THE AVATAR!!!

UNCLE!

That's not Zuko pinning up that picture of Aang. Maybe it's Zhao?

I fucking love the masks on the Fire Nation soldiers!!!!!!!

Zuko, you moody, angsty, traumatized teenager! I love you!

(This better get renewed so we can get awkward Zuko. I want to hear him say, "That's rough, buddy." I want to know how many takes they ruined when they eventualy film that scene.)

ZUKO AND IROH TEAM UP AGAINST THOSE EARTH KINGDOM SOLDIERS!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you know guys, maybe we should hear out what the fire nation has to say?

Nope, sorry, I was distracted by the abs. They should have had him silhouetted because I'm pretty sure this is the AGNI KAI WHERE HE BURNS HIS KID'S FACE!

Avatar "I don't want the responsibility!" Aang.

It's giving "Because I never wanted to be" and "I'm just one kid" energy.

THE FACT THAT I WILL NEVER GET TO CUDDLE APPA IN REAL LIFE IS A CRIME!

Sokka coming in and reminding Aang that he's not alone in this.

Reminds me of early on in the show when he says "Katara and I aren't going to let anything happen to you."

Momo's excellent comedic timing, there.

IT'S JUN! AND NYLA! IT LOOKS SO FREAKING GOOD!

HOLY FUCKING SHIT! IF THAT'S HEI BAI, THEN I'M GOING TO SHIT MYSELF WHEN THEY SHOW KOH!

Oh, Zuko isn't showing up to Kyoshi this time, it's ZHAO!

SOKKA AND SUKI LOOKING AMAZING FIGHTING TOGETHER!

THAT'S TEO AND AANG FLYING AROUND! THAT'S TEO AND AAANG!

I guess one of the big changes from the cartoon is that we'll see Teo and his dad in Omashu instead of the Northern Air Temple because that's DEFINITELY Omashu they're flying around.

AANG! YOU'RE SO PINT-SIZED COMPARED TO SOKKA AND KATARA! AND THE RUNNING HUG! I CAN'T HANDLE THE RUNNING HUGS! THEY'RE MY KRYPTONITE!

BLUE SPIRT! WE'RE GETTING THE BLUE SPIRIT AND AANG FIGHTING TOGETHER!

Aang ready to kick some Fire Nation butt.

I wonder if that's part of the Siege of the North? It looks like Sokka flies him in on Appa and Aang drops in.

I think the next shot is the South Pole when Zuko attacks trying to find Aang?

Aang pulling out the Matrix moves when Sokka lets his boomerang fly!

KING BUMI! They were really accurate with the costumes here.

KATARA FIGHTING OFF ZUKO AT THE NORTH POLE!!!!

Jet looking like a badass and fighting off some fire benders.

I know I've guessed this several times, but THAT WAS DEFINITELY AANG AND ZUKO AT THE SOUTH POLE!

I like we see the glow slowly going over the tattoos as Aang goes into the Avatar state instead of it just going straight to glowing.

AND THE CHANTING! I LOVE THIS MUSIC SO MUCH!!!

I think Aang's last transition to the Avatar State is definitely him at the Southern Air Temple when he finally has to face what happened to the Air Nomads, but I could be wrong.

Anyway. February 22 isn't that far away and there are not enough words to describe how excited I am for this.

[dead-lights]

I genuinely love Caleb's default EA model, but jfc he's so annoying to work with in Blender. Exact same import process for these two with VERY different results. this is the main reason i don't render him as often as other characters despite him being my favorite to write.

as a rule, I don't alter townie/premade body shapes or facial features at all - that's the constraint I put on myself - but I'm using Caleb often enough now that I might need to make an exception... I've identified six separate points of failure on him that keep ruining my renders and it's annoying to deal with.

blender people, esp those with experience rendering caleb - i ramble about my problems under the cut, I'd appreciate advice or commiseration <3 i'm using cycles.

Caleb's hair is poorly fitted to the rest of his model, so when I try to clean up seams with 'merge by distance' I get those awful hairline shadows. I can generally fix those by separating the faces and then re-merging by distance, but it's a pain in the ass and doesn't always work. This happens with other sims, but not as consistently. It’s an enormous problem when I’m trying to subdivide the surface - I pretty much can’t do that with him.

Caleb's texture already has the shadow from his hair baked on - this is completely unnecessary bc I have lights casting actual shadows in the scene, and it makes him look like Prince Zuko face-on. I tried fixing this with lighting but I think it'll be easiest to just edit the shadows off of the texture.

His eyelids are very deep set, which causes some clipping issues & sometimes makes his eyeballs poke through the lids. I occasionally get this with Lilith and Morgyn, though much less often. I don't think this one is fixable, or worth putting too much time into trying to fix - I just have to be careful with poses, and I may occasionally need to pop an eyeball back into his face.

The bridge of his nose has a sharp dip, which results in some really odd shadows. I think the issue might be that it's too low-poly and it's rendering like a sharp edge, but I haven't had any luck trying to smooth out the surface without substantially changing the shape (i'm not great with meshes). This one is kinda tough for me - I actively do not want to change anybody's facial features, but I have to edit almost every single render I do of him to smooth out the shadows. I'm not trying to get rid of the dip or eliminate the shadows, I just want it to look more like it does in-game. I generally try to address this with Affinity later, but when I don't it kinda looks like he's wearing glasses, only without frames or lenses. His nose looks fine in the render above, but less so in the ones below.

Caleb has an unusually full upper torso, which sometimes causes issues with shirts around the collarbone. That's generally pretty easy to fix by merging some specific vertices on his chest, but it's still something I have to keep an eye out for. I definitely thought this particular mesh issue (the pit in his shirt at his collarbone) was part of the shirt until I looked closer.

Caleb's forearms are unusually thick relative to his wrists, which can make some poses look kinda weird. Jacob & the default model's wrists look pretty normal in this pose, but Caleb's wrists look very broken. This isn't necessarily something worth changing, but I do need to be careful with certain poses.

I think my biggest issue is the bridge of his nose - I can find a decent workaround to most of the other problems, but I haven't found a way to get around this one except editing the final render in Affinity, which can result in me inadvertently obscuring the shape and takes a fair amount of time.

[avrelia]

Mai’s Emotional Extravaganza!!! day 5

@maiweek

Various expressions.

Notes from the diary.

On whether it is possible to have too many different feelings at the same time

Occasionally I express myself.

Zuko seems delighted to see it, but I feel like a fraud. It is not that I express something I don’t feel. It is I can only express so much, and whatever I can show outside. It doesn’t reflect all my feelings. I don’t know how it is possible to feel so many things at once, different, often quite contradictory. I can’t even name them, not even to myself. I do not know the names. I do not know the definitions. I only know that they are feelings and that they are tearing me apart. I doubt Zuko can name his feelings, either, he just projects them all at once for everyone to see and decipher at will. I can’t do it. People say Ty Lee is open, but she is hiding as much as I do. It’s just she can choose to project her cheer and optimism outward, so people don’t look deeper in the abyss of anger she hides. I try to think of Azula, and I really don’t know what she is thinking and feeling these days. Things changed the way she wanted them to change. Have they made any of us happier? Out of all mess of the feelings I don’t think I can find one of happiness right now.

Oof, that was too much feeling talk for me. Done with that.

After the delirious joy of our victory at Ba Sing Se, being home is so strange. I do enjoy staying alone in our mansion, being the mistress of the house and of myself. There is a bit of oppressive air over Caldera at the moment. I doubt people know about the invasion, only select few, responsible for the response (imagine me giggling here) are in the know. But people are worried about the eclipse and losing powers. Evacuation is not not ordered, but quietly encouraged. Azula asked me to go visit something outside the capital, as my mansion is just across the palace, and she would feel better if I am not here. On one hand, I should be resentful at being sent away, as I am not affected by the eclipse. On the other, I am not sure I want to fight this time. On the third hand, does Azula actually care about our (Ty Lee and me) well-being, or she has a plan and believes we can ruin it? On the fourth hand (let’s go crazy here), Zuko…

After the war meeting I shall go and check on Aunt Mura. Maybe she needs my help.

[ID: Screenshot from avatar the Last Airbender, episode Nightmares and Daydreams. Mai and Zuko in morning with Mai making tea, and Zuko being all Zuko. Text I added: “We are such idiots, both of us, but at least I can make better tea.”]

Love is a Losing Game // Amy Winehouse

I think it is the most Mai song in my head.

For you, I was a flame Love is a losing game Five story fire as you came Love is a losing game One I wished I never played Oh, what a mess we made And now, the final frame Love is a losing game

[pixie-dust-and-pain]

Tomato Soup

summary: you've bumped into Bucky, broken your phone, gotten his number, and all because of those damn soup cans

Warnings: swearing, shreksual innuendo, bro what is this i don't even like how this came out send help (my parents about me lmao)

Word Count: 987

a/n: Made an 11 page ppt for my pardner on why she's the best simply cause I can. It made him happy, i think.

Your eyes were itchy, your head hurt, your rent was due, and your hotel was Trivago. Actually, you were too poor to afford a hotel, but that wasn't the point.

You sigh dramatically, rounding the corner and swinging the bags in your hand around. Your day was going horribly, you'd just finished having the mental breakdown you'd been putting off for days, and now you were all out of canned tomato soup. Who the fuck runs out of canned tomato soup? A maniac, that's who.

So, naturally, like the sane and responsible citizen you were, you'd gone to the store and bought around twenty cans of soup. They were sure to last you at least a week, right?

Maybe you were still broke, but at least you had your beloved with you.

You turn, crashing into a random fucker. Maybe some weird sort of physics was involved, but the man had enough muscle for you to rebound and land on your ass. Literal pain in the ass.

Your cans fall out of the bag, rolling around the pavement, sad, dejected, and deserted.

"My babies!" you're on all fours before he can blink, picking them up and cradling them.

He blinks, before helping you, "Gosh, 'm sorry I-" he cuts himself off, eyeing something on the ground warily. On closer inspection, you notice that it's your phone. Or, the remnants of it, anyway.

And then you're sobbing, "My darling, you were so-so faithful," you're clutching the phone, hiccups infusing your sobs as you wail. "Everything is ruined. My fucking rent is due," a lady covers her daughter's ears at that, sharply glaring at you.

"You say the bad word mommy, why can't-?" the girl questions, cut off by her mother's annoyed huff. The mother hushes her, leading her away. You pay them no mind.

"Did-did you know?" you ask, staring up at the man, who you now notice has really pretty blue eyes. He nods, as though signalling for you to continue while he picks up your cans. You wonder if he's silently judging you for all the cans of soup. "My salary is absolute shit, and my ex is getting married and that's nice and all except said ex is getting married to my high school crush? What fucking blasphemy,"

He gently guides you up and hands you the bag, "That's rough buddy,"

You laugh wetly, sniffling, "Okay, Zuko. And-and now, I'm here, out of tomato soup, haven't done laundry in a week, I've got bills and-and I've gotta attend annoying ex's wedding and my parents are bugging me to get married and if I don't feed my fish I'm gonna die," You sob, "and the last thing I need is a hot stranger judging me cause I like soup. I just like the fucking soup, okay?"

He nods like a saint, understanding and patient, even if he's a little confused.

"And now my phone is broken," you laugh, and then wipe at your face aggressively.

"Sorry 'bout that,"

You take in a deep breath, "Okay,"

"Okay?"

"Buy me a new phone,"

He blinks, taken aback, "What?" It's not like he couldn't afford it, per se, he was just very taken aback.

"All men are the same," you whisper, taking your grocery bags out of his hand before walking the few steps left for your home. "Goodbye," you call out, waving sadly, "attractive stranger that I've embarrased myself in front of and won't buy me a new phone!"

The door to your building slides shut behind you as you make your way to the stairs. All 'cause of that fucking soup.

*~*

Your hotel is no longer Trivago, and your eyes no longer itchy, but your rent was most definitely due. Fucking rent.

You pull your hair into the most basic hairstyle, and wear the most basic clothes in your wardrobe, basically screaming, look! I'm melancholy and my world exists only in black and white and that one shade of beige! Pick me!

You fight the urge to dye your hair bright pink, simply for the sake of it.

You throw your curtains open and are met by the lovely sight of ugly houses and filth. Ah, the city life.

Switching off the lights, you grab your very typical book bag, which is probably the only bag that isn't from the prehistoric ages. Typical and basic is a nice look, and damn do you feel professional and hot, but why is it all in fucking beige, black, and white? With tinges of grey, of course, for the flair. Plus, it's itchier than your grand-uncles beard hair when they'd rub against your shoulder when he'd hug you.

Breakfast is, well, non-existent at this point. It's not that you don't have food, you just can't cook. The last time you tried making french toast, it ended up looking like your dead cremated grandmother's remains.

You open the door, nearly stepping on a neatly wrapped box that's been placed in front of your door.

Is it my birthday?

No, it's not, unless you somehow forgot.

You pick up the box, studying it. There's a note attached to the top, '

sorry for the phone, thanks for the compliment, have fun with all your soup. Wrote my number on te box if ya wanna talk. Also, what the fuck is a Zukoh?'

You hold your breath as you unwrap the gift, your mouth falling open in shock when you finish. He bought you an actual phone. An actual fucking phone.

You grin, making your way out of your building as you set it up and save his number into it. He picks up on the second ring.

"Uh, hi?" he sounds awkward and hesitant, as though he expects you to somehow hurl insults and the box at his face through the phone.

"I see you're sugar daddy material," you say, already grinning as you board the bus.

"I'm a what?"

"Let me explain,"

Oh, his poor innocence.

[campbenji]

✨s4 theories and wishes✨ because I woke up today thinking about it and I haven't stopped it's ruining my schedule:

-Darius. Needs. To Cry. Let. him. CRY.

-On a more serious note, Darius will probably doubt his abilities as a leader next season. Now that him and Kenji (who's pretty much been his greatest supporter since s1, if maybe not always for the right reasons) are in bad terms, he might start questioning himself and try harder to keep the rest safe, ultimately pushing himself to his limit and breaking down. He has to let the team know that he can't carry them on his shoulders all the time. He's 12, he's a child, let him live the yacht life for a minute please.

-Literally ANY info on Brooklynn's background. We don't know her last name, the only mention of her parents is iffy, and we have nothing about her life besides being an influencer. My opinion is that anything involving Brooklynn will probably start showing up this season, maybe not taking too much time until s5 (if there is which there better be)

-Also she was recently kidnapped, let her deal with that ok?

-Give her a break from third-wheeling Yasammy all the time please, girl must be on the verge of screaming "YOU BOTH LIKE EACH OTHER"

-Sammy's season was s3, but her time to shine is definitely not over. Mantah Corp is very much one of the few options on the table for villains in s4, and we could see her dealing with them again and trying to protect both her families: the one back home and the new one she found. Not to mention she's got the flashdrive, which unless they just lost it, someone probably took it away from them because Wu is still dancing around and making new dinosaurs in FK sooo what happened there?

-Showing her trauma after being poisoned. Excuse me but if they showed us how Ben is not okay after the month he spent on his own, I think it's only fair that they show us a similar plot for Sammy. Just because she's the most happy, bubbly character in the show doesn't mean she's just going to brush it off.

-Actually, remember that scene from View from the Top where Kenji asks Sammy about the hang glider scene and she goes something like "nope! I've blocked those memories from my mind!" and it sounds like a joke? Yeah well it's not a joke anymore. Sammy's going to try and block her trauma, but she's gonna be a little "off" through the season. Yaz notices and wants to help her, even though Sammy keeps reassuring her she's ok. But Yaz sticks by her side and well *"Sammy realizes she also has a crush on Yaz" sticky note comes into scene*

-Ben dealing with leaving Bumpy behind. It was kinda resolved last season but I don't think it would be reasonable to just forget her. But also DON'T MAKE IT A HUGE DEAL LET HIM BE SOMEWHAT HAPPY FOR ONE SEASON OK??

-Him having an episode to bond with each camper, like Zuko in s3 of ATLA, because he really hasn't gotten a lot of interactions with the rest (friendly interactions, not "running for their lives" ones I mean).

-This is kind of a stretch but: Yaz becoming the new leader

-LISTEN, I know it sounds weird at first, but think about it. All the other campers have issues to work through (I'm not saying she doesn't, but in matters of the season, the others will have a little more focus), and with the show starting to head towards taking the stress off Darius's shoulders, she would be the best candidate for that. The whole thing would not happen in this season only though: it'd probably start in this one and become more fleshed out in the next one. It would be a good close to her character, since she started out as an "I can do it all by myself" kind of person and she'd end up as the leader and having learnt how to rely on others. Not to mention that it would parallel The Art of Chill which was in s2, so even seasons mirroring each other. AND also allows for more Darius and Yaz bonding *does a little dance*

-OH BOY where do I even start with Kenji???

-Listen, he f*cked up. And badly. What he said to Darius has no excuse. But I think the whole situation might bring us to finally know what's going on with his familial issues, and allow him to become an even more rounded character. Kenji in s2 was amazing: we started seeing more sides of him that allowed us to become more attached. But in s3 it felt like he just??? backed down a little??? In some episodes (especially Casa de Kenji) they gave us more complexity, but in others it felt like his s1 self all over again. I really hope the whole situation with him and Darius pays up at the end and they both become better characters and their bond becomes stronger (and if it goes the other way around I stg-)

-I'd also like to have someone talk to him about those issues. In his own words (very true words I'd say), he's "the glue that keeps all campers together", but in very few situations he's ever comforted back (the only one that pops up is the end scene in Casa de Kenji where Darius assures him he's a good friend and well, they're on opposite corners now so what happens?).

-This is not a wish but a demand WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH KENJI AND THE MERMAIDS EACH SEASON IT'S GETTING CONCERNING.

-YASAMMY CANON ENDGAME JUST LET THEM SHOW THE GAY

-The pining will have no end. Sammy will probably realize her feelings this season (that is if she hasn't already and we're just too blind) and Yaz already has accepted them and The Long Run left very clear that she would do anything for her at this point so seeing them act awkwardly cute around each other and the rest acknowledging this is quite possible. Not to mention that if Mantah Corp becomes important next season it could make some drama, with Yaz becoming more involved in the flashdrive situation (I literally have an entire plot for this believe me)

-KILL THE TENSION BETWEEN BEN AND KENJI IT'S DRIVING ME INSANEEEEEEE

-I'd like to say that I don't care if the tension involves romance or not but let's be honest, if there's no hints towards canon Benji this season I will throw myself off a boat. Anyways, even without a shipping lens it makes no sense that they continue to ignore each other. No two people in the show have never interacted for longer than 4 episodes, and these two have been avoiding any interaction for the entirety of s3. Not to mention that they're a big part of each other's arcs: Kenji started dropping the Mr. VIP facade and showed more vulnerability after Ben fell (which btw, are we ever going to acknowledge his reaction or was it just for laughs?), and Ben found his way back to the campers because he found Kenji's butterknife and then saved them from Hap. They need to talk.

-BOYS DAY OUT EPISODE BOYS DAY OUT EPISODE BOYS DAY OUT EPISODE I NEED IT SO BAD PLEASE (alternatively: boys day out but it's angsty because Ben tries to lessen the tension between Darius and Kenji but the argument blows up right there)

-B DUO EPISODE I JUST KNOW THEY WOULD HAVE A "PARTNERS-IN-CRIME" DYNAMIC I JUST KNOW IT

-More of the friendships we saw in s3 like Samji and Brooklynn and Yaz

-Some outfit changes. For example, let Ben have another shirt (IT IS RAGS), Brook sweetie leave that jacket it's about 100 degrees outside, and let Kenji come across a razor please

-And the most obvious one: Bring. Back. Dave. and Roxie

[comradekatara]

Love your art, the style the colour just everything. Been wondring for what you think of the comics? Despise them myself, Zuko/Azula etc all ruined, scooby doo villain Azula and Ozai lite angry boi Zuko. Apologies if you've answered this before.

thank you! and yeah, ive talked about this a lot, and it’s in the faq, but the comics by gene yang especially are irredeemably awful. none of the characters are written well, the themes are almost fundamentally antithetical to the primary messages of the show, and the art style is ugly to boot. i think faith erin hicks is a better writer, though. she definitely understands the characters much better, at the very least, and suki alone was genuinely very good! but yeah in terms of the zuko & azula characterization specifically, the comics are definitely garbage lol

[iridescenceoflove]

Zutara Fic Recs

@cocoakhaleesi

These are ones I’ve accumulated in my renewal of binge-reading Zutara that are at the top of my bookmark list; I’m sure there are many other amazing fics that I haven’t come across yet.

Anything from @botherkupo (Boogum on AO3) I love pretty much everything they write (ML included), so you can’t go wrong there. But specifically Just Improvise, Zuko’s Tiny Dilemma, and I Don’t Speak Meow Language are ones that I’ve really enjoyed. The author manages nicely between kind of cracky premises that really intrigue you, and serious heart-to-hearts that have you feeling soft by the end.

oracle bones by orphan_account - so far, this one is still my favorite Zutara soulmate AU to this day. The prose and dialogue really seal the deal.

Sunshowers and Souvenirs We Never Lose by @gabriel-agreste-has-no-rights (Taliax on AO3) - also happens to be another person from the ML fandom I really enjoy. Sunshowers is simply sweet and lovely, one guaranteed to make you smile, and whilst Souvenirs We Never Lose is not yet finished, I highly recommend you read it anyways. Post-war/canon Zutara that really starts off with a great foundation of friendship that of course develops. Seriously, it’s one worth investing in for sure.

and you feel your heart (taking root in your body) by @raisindeatre (same username on AO3) - this one is slow-burn post-war/canon, my favorite type of Zutara, and it’s fantastic.

i’m still here by @owedbetter (same on AO3) - I’m sure everyone recommends this one because you just can’t, but I have to join the crowd myself because how can you not. The way it’s interwoven with canon is spectacular, and every Zutara moment is amazing. It’s like re-watching the last episodes, but with more Zutara in all the best possible ways.

Brightest in the Dark by @soopersara (same on AO3) - I love a good Book 2 canon-divergence Zutara, and this one definitely hits the mark. It takes their trust, breaks it down, and builds it in an intimate and personal way. The author is still writing for them I believe, and I’m sure if this fic is any indication, all other the ones are great too.

such selfish prayers by @andromeda3116 (same on AO3) - now this one is a classic that I’m fairly certain most Zutara shippers know about and recommend by now. You can’t read for them and not read this one; it’s absolutely stunning. The storyline and politics already win you over by the time you get to any Zutara part, and the author really nails Katara’s character. Even if you’re not a Zutara fan, you really should read this story for the sake of a good post-war/canon fic about Katara that does her justice in all the right ways. (But all the Zutara moments are gifts in themselves too; they’re genuine and organic.)

Enscorcelled also by andromeda3116 - that’s all you need to know to read.

Blue on Blue by Dyce - definitely more spicy than any of the others, so if that’s not your cup of tea, then this might not be for you. But it’s still very geniunely sweet and romantic, and I love Bluetara.

on commitment by jdphoenix - another short and cute one; awkward turtle duck Zuko is present and blushing.

Five by nikkiRA - so far, best married/parents Zutara fic. It’s hilarious and domestically cute and fun, and the banter between Zuko and Katara is awesome. The way the author writes Zuko as a father is so utterly perfect and him, it’s ruined any other way for it to be done for me.

Okay, hopefully I’ve provided some possible new reading material for you guys...? And if not, I basically just got the chance to rave about some of my all-time favorite Zutara stories.

[that-was-anticlimactic]

Sokka with Tourette’s Headacanons Part Two

that no one asked for but here they are because I wanted to write more

Part One here and links to all of my other TS headcanons and such at the end!

*rubs hands together*

let’s start with premonitory urge and Sokka’s experience with it!

for those who don’t know, premonitory urges are essentially sensory tics. It’s when you feel a sensation or a discomfort in your body where you want to-- no, need to do something for touch something. For example, it can be as simple as this feeling in my body and head that I need to rub my phone screen a certain way. If I don’t rub it, the uncomfortable feeling will linger and make me anxious or extra fidgety. They can also increase tics.

Now, in Sokka’s life with TS, he has had... some problems with premonitory urge. When he was younger and training to be a warrior, there were multiple occasions where he almost sliced his fingers off because he kept getting this physical feeling that he had to touch the swords or spears etc... a certain way.

When he gets older, he finds that they start to bother him during council meetings in the Fire Nation, especially when Zuko is doing important stuff so he has to sit far away.

They’ll be in the middle of an important meeting when Sokka looks up from his doodling to glance at Zuko and this tingling, gravitational feeling suddenly moves through his body and he can’t stop staring at the edge of Zuko’s chair and he knows that he needs to rub it.

Obviously, he can’t just get up in the middle of the meeting, walk over to the Fire Lord, and rub his chair (even though they are dating and Zuko would definitely let him)

I have had experiences like this during class where I would mentally shut down or have to calm myself down from an anxiety attack because I need to rub the white board my teacher is writing on or the teacher’s desk but we are literally in the middle of class so I can’t do that (doesn’t always end like that, but that’s worse case scenario). And it sucks. So much. So, Sokka is miserable.

One time Sokka was so focused on not having an anxiety attack because his body was telling him that he needed to rub the surface of a Fire Nation elder’s desk-thingy that’s in front of his chair (because sometimes his body hates him and it happens to people he doesn’t know that well’s stuff) that he mentally shut down. He ended up squatting in his chair, rocking back and forth for ten minutes after the meeting ended without realizing it because all he could think was don’t interrupt the meeting, don’t be weird, don’t embarrass Zuko

Zuko, being the fantastic boyfriend he is, noticed that Sokka didn’t leave the meeting and thought it looked like an anxiety attack. He kind of just sat with him. He didn’t touch him because he knew Sokka wouldn’t want it and wouldn’t be able to coherently answer if he asked to touch him. Zuko just started talking about random things to try to get his mind off of the feeling.

Once he got back into the moment (with help from Zuko’s dulcet voice), he ran to the desk-thingy and rubbed it. Like, almost dramatically ran his hand across the desk and kind of just let his hand take over and rub whatever part he needed to.

Zuko was confused because this had never happened before (well, it had, but not to this extreme in front of him and Sokka never said anything) so Zuko never knew).

Sokka was kind of embarrassed, but he told Zuko about it and together they came up with a signal for when it got really bad so Zuko could either call a five minute break or make an excuse to switch seats so he could sit next to his boyfriend.

This is another reason that Zuko keeps random things on him at all times so if it gets bad, Sokka will have more to do with his hands than draw, write sentences over and over again, take notes, and tap.

Actually, lowkey stealing this particular headcanon from @tikmasjiens and their story For When He’s Being a Dumb*ss (which I highly suggest reading-- it’s fantastic!): Katara and Zuko (for the purposes of later in life when they’re dating because of course imma make it Zukka) carry little fidget kits / bags around for Sokka because he is forgetful and is sometimes so focused on one particular thing that he starts to run late for a meeting or lunch or hang out that he forgets his own personal fidget things.

The amazing Katara and Zuko have random things: brushes, atla equivalent at paper clips (aka metal things he can bend) (yes, yes, we’ve been hiding this from the world, but people with Tourette’s are actually paper clip benders lol), dice, Pai Sho tiles, and other little trinkets.

One time when Sokka was walking around an Earth Kingdom market out of boredom (and this is after the war because I just want him to not be on edge during this), he sees this young girl making noises and movements similar to him and he sees these two other kids mocking her and laughing at her and Sokka just sees red.

He actually goes over and scolds the kids (who don’t care enough to stay and listen ugh but that’s not the main focus of Sokka’s concern so it’s whatever for now) and this young girl sees him (at around age 17-18) making noises and moving ‘weirdly’ too and she’s just like “I’ve never seen anyone else do that stuff before”

and Sokka kind of just sits down with her and talks to her about his own experience and it’s not anything to be ashamed of, even though it can feel like that sometimes.

he rummages through his pockets and pulls out some of his fidget stuff and gives it to her. He, Zuko, and Katara have plenty of fidget stuff for him. Losing a few won’t matter.

Eventually, her parents return and they part ways. They never see each other again, but they never forgot each other either. It was both of their first time seeing someone else like them.

(and personal anecdote, but one time I was faculty at a camp for the weekend, and one of the kids in my group had just gotten diagnosed with Tourette’s and that was one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had. I got to talk to him and his mom about my experience and it was... I’ll never forget that)

Sokka may be the protective older brother, but Katara is also the terrifying ‘you hurt my brother I will ruin you’ younger sister. One time, someone mocked Sokka’s tics and Katara’s protective instincts kicked in and she lectured them so hard. and very loudly. so everyone heard.

again, y’all, I know this is about Sokka with TS but WOW I love Katara too, what a queen. Let’s take a moment and appreciate the queen that she is.

Ty Lee and Sokka do yoga together at least twice a week. They both find it relaxing and fun and nice, but it also helps Sokka begin the day with less stress in his body. It doesn’t cure his TS, because there is no cure and he needs no cure, but it definitely helps sometimes.

Something that absolutely kills Sokka is that he wants to cuddle with Zuko at night so badly, but sometimes he genuinely just can’t. Zuko’s arms around him will make him feel too trapped and restrained, his arms around Zuko make him paranoid that if he moves too much, he’ll make Zuko uncomfortable and just stressed himself out by only being able to think about “am I moving too much?” “can Zuko feel me move?” “stay still stay still stay still” and it’s just not fun and he gets tense

But sometimes, he can cuddle and he loves it! Because as much as he hates being held, he desperately longs to be held. As self-conscious as he gets when he holds Zuko, he wants to be able to hold Zuko.

So when he feels like he can cuddle with Zuko, he gets so excited!

Zuko swears up and down that the lack of cuddling on occasion does not bother him, but Sokka still has trouble believing him (not that he doesn’t trust him, but he can’t understand how someone would be okay with it)

One time, Sokka was so distressed about whether or not Zuko was upset with him or pretending not to be upset to spare his feelings that Zuko invited Toph over so she could inform Sokka that he was, in fact, telling the truth about it being okay that they can’t always cuddle and be physically affectionate.

Sokka’s verbal tics both annoy him and don’t annoy him. He’s so used to hearing them that they don’t bother him anymore, but sometimes they make it hard for him to talk and he can feel them and that’s what bothers him.

He’s also self-conscious that everyone hates his verbal tics and are annoyed by them.

On a really bad head day for Sokka, the gaang was going to see a theatrical show per Zuko’s request and it was the first time in months they had all been able to hang out together and Sokka wasn’t having a good tic day and was so genuinely afraid to go to the show because he was going to tic and make noises and what if he distracted everyone? what if the strangers in the audience got mad at him? what if the ushers forced him to leave? how embarrassing would that be?

so he pretended to be sick and didn’t go

but Toph saw through his crap and stayed behind as well because “you’ve heard a play once, you’ve heard it a thousand times” and when everyone leaves, she calls Sokka out and asks him what was up

and he knew he couldn’t get away with lying to Toph, so he told her the truth and she just kind of laughed and went “they don’t bother any of us, seriously”

and Sokka was just “how do you know? It’s not like how much my tics don’t annoy you come up naturally in conversation”

and Toph goes “I don’t need to talk to them about it to know that no one’s bothered by them. Besides, they care about you more than they care about what sounds you make” then punched his arm

(and if Sokka silently cried, no one needed to know)

so, overtime, he gets the nerve to ask everyone individually (because there’s no way he could do everyone at once) just to make sure he wasn’t bothering them. He doesn’t get to ask everyone because some of them kind of get a feeling that he’s anxious about it (and if Zuko maybe mentioned it to some people so they approached him and causally mentioned they weren’t bothered, no one needs to know oops) (don’t worry, Zuko didn’t say anything super personal. Just like “tell Sokka his tics don’t bother you because he thinks they do”. Not like the details and stuff Sokka told him in private)

Katara didn’t answer, just asked if she could hug him and said that she loved him no matter what (and ten minutes later asked him if anyone told him that because if someone in the gaang said it, then she wouldn’t be afraid to spill blood)

Zuko, ever the dramatic and romantic one, knelt in front of Sokka (who was sitting) and went “I love you. I love every single part of you.” *kisses his hands* “I love you for your finger clenching and fist pumping.” *kisses his shoulders* “I love you for your shoulder rolling...” *kisses his neck* “your neck twitches...” *kisses his nose* “your nose scrunching...” *gently kisses each eye* “your blinking...” *kisses his lips* “and for every verbal and motor tic you’ve ever had and ever will have”

(look, I’m just... I’m so soft for that moment and I think about it constantly)

Suki gives him this hard and serious look and says “you are not annoying. You never have been and you never will be” and from just her stare and tone of voice, he knows she’s telling the truth.

Aang immediately just starts rambling and is like “I’m so sorry if I ever made you feel that way but you as so far from annoying! Honestly, sometimes I forget they’re even there I’m just so used to them-- not that they’re forgetful or anything, but they’re just so normal to me that I don’t notice-- why are you crying? Did I say that wrong? I’m sorry--”

and Sokka just grabs him and hugs him and says “No. I love you. Thank you.”

Mai is bad at emoting but she tells him “I don’t mind them. They’re comforting. Sometimes. Better than the sound of an empty house or screaming.”

Ty Lee immediately goes into “who told you you were annoying? I have some new moved I’d like to try. Give me names and they’re test subjects number one” and even Sokka feels fear at the look on her face even though the anger isn’t directed towards him

Azula is kind of snarky at first (because she’s trying not to, but it’s hard and it’s not her fault). She just gives him this seriously? look and kind of goes “you really think they’re significant enough to bother me?” and Sokka knows that’s Azula’s healing way of saying “no, they don’t bother me”

okay but let’s also talk about Hakoda and Piandao and Iroh because I want to and I love them

Hakoda kind of does what Katara does and asks if he can hug him and just tells him how proud he is of Sokka for the man that he’s become and that his TS is a part of who he is and it’s a part of his identity and there’s nothing his TS could ever do to make him any less proud

Piandao actually talked to Sokka about it during Sokka’s Master because it was holding him back of bit. Sokka was kind of embarrassed and was getting frustrated with it. Piandao sat him down and told him that perceived weaknesses are actually one of our greatest strengths. Being a nonbender looks like a weakness to many benders who rely solely on their bending, but it takes a certain kind of person to be a nonbender and that’s something to be proud of. The things that make you different are sometimes the things that teach you how special you are.

Piandao just sees so much potential and good in Sokka and Sokka looks up to him so much.

Iroh always lends Sokka extra or old Pai Sho tiles to fidget with. He also has this relaxing tea that helps his mind feel calm. Again, not with the intent to “fix” or “cure” him, but it helps his anxiety levels go down, in turn helping his tics relax.

Iroh tells Sokka that his tics are nothing to be ashamed of and that true friends would stick with him, tics or no tics.

hey? hey? guess what? Bumi ll didn’t just inherent the nonbending from Sokka, he also got the Tourette’s genes:)

imagine the Uncle / Nephew bonding between them

like, Bumi ll asks him why Kya and Tenzin don’t do weird things but he does? and Sokka just smiles sadly because he knows the feeling and talks to him about Tourette’s.

Bumi ll also got lucky because Katara saw the signs instantly and got him tested as soon as she could.

Let’s just say, aside from the gaang, the Kataang family is the most supportive family of his TS:) (it doesn’t hurt that his aunts and uncles will hung down anyone who ever makes him feel like trash and lecture them or their parents oops)

this is something I have mentioned before, but Sokka struggles to sit through meetings. Having TS and ADHD make it so hard for him.

sometimes he just feels so out of place because in this room full of people, he’s the only one rocking back and forth in his chair and changing his position every three seconds and jerking his head. He just feels... so wrong when he sees how still everyone else is sitting. Yeah, occasionally he’ll see some people tapping their foot or tapping the table in front of them with their fingers, but it’s not the same.

BUT on a happy note and not to make this all depressing (because TS sucks sometimes, but there’s nothing wrong with it or us and it’s a part of who we are) Sokka 100% has a top ten list of his favorite and least favorite tics of all time (I don’t know if people keep track of their favorites or if that’s just something I like to do, but I would imagine that a decent amount of people with TS know their favorites and least favorites)

I won’t bore y’all with an actual list, but his favorite tic is rocking back and forth. The motion is so soothing and comforting to him. Like, it feels right to be rocking. Yeah, sometimes he gets self-conscious about it, especially if he’s the only one in the room moving, but it feels so nice and right.

Sokka: *tics a couple times in a row* ughhhh that was not fun

Toph: *jokingly* wow, I mean, can’t you just, I don’t know, stop? Just, not do it?

Sokka: *jokingly* great idea, Toph! Why didn’t I think of that? All I needed to do all along was just not want to tic!

Toph is the only one ever allowed to do this bit with him. Sokka thinks it’s the funniest thing and it never fails to make laugh

Toph said that out of sarcastic instinct one time and almost choked on her drink because she felt so bad but Sokka was stifling a laugh and replied super sarcastically and then just laughed.

Toph still felt really bad and apologized (Sokka told her it was fine and he wasn’t upset, but she’s also been on the other side of jokes like that and it’s not fun).

Now, though, it’s kind of their thing. They do it every once in awhile and it flows like any other banter. It just happens and they don’t even blink.

(if anyone else did that to Sokka, though, Toph would probably rob them or like soak their clothes in cactus juice so they’re all sticky idk, she just wouldn’t stand for it)

Sokka actually takes a leave of absence from being an ambassador to travel around the four nations and visit schools with Toph and Zuko (who also take breaks). The three of them go to educate schools on disabilities (their own and others).

Sokka also personally makes it his mission to sit in one class at every school and see if there’s anything that he can give advice on. Sometimes, he talks to principals and teachers about how to help accommodate students with learning or “disruptive” disabilities so that they can get the best education that they can while still feeling comfortable and safe.

Now, the three don’t get this all done at once, it takes a year or two, but they do it and all three are just... really proud of it.

Sokka really struggles with Locus of Control (LOC). For those who don’t know, LOC is “ a psychological concept that refers to how strongly people believe they have control over the situations and experiences that affect their lives” (Ed.glossary.org).

Sokka, as many headcanon, likes having control over situations or likes having things ordered and scheduled. He doesn’t like changes to his schedule, he likes having schedules... his tics, on the other hand, are not something he can control or schedule

Giving up that control is hard for him. It wasn’t too bad as a child in a super small village, but once he left the SWT with Aang and Katara, he realized how different having tics was (although he was the only one back at home with tics, he often worked with restless children)

He went through a period of time where he thought that he could control his tics, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t. Thus, the loss of control he feels.

He actually went through a ‘phase’ once where he thought that maybe he was making his tics up and doing them on purpose for attention or to be different or something. Katara quickly shut him down and told him that he wasn’t doing that.

I once saw someone say that Sokka has imposter syndrome and I think it correlates a bit with LOC in this context (I should actually do some research about that...).

Learning to understand that he won’t always have control is hard for him. Like. Really hard. He tried so desperately to control his tics and it just increased his anxiety and wore him out. Trying to control tics freaking hurts.

Aang is actually the one to help him with that. He’s had a lot of experience of not being able to control his own life, and although their situations are different, he has methods he uses to attempt to prevent himself from overthinking too much and letting his anxiety take control.

After that, Sokka doesn’t struggle with LOC as badly as he did before. It still sneaks in time after time, but it’s never too prominent and Aang is always there with some advice and distractions:)

(I just also love Aang so much and he deserves the world)

Although Sokka is “weird” with touch, there is one type of touch he is almost always on board with: massages. Massages. I’ll say it one more time: massages. They feel so nice. He carries so much stress in his back and shoulders because of how much he moves them due to his tics.

Zuko can tell when Sokka’s shoulders and back start to hurt really badly and will just sit behind him, heat his hands up (not too much), and give him the absolute best massages.

No. Seriously. Zuko gives the best massages (Sokka once wanted to return the favour and uhhh.... Zuko was not a fan. Although Friends isn’t the best show to take examples from, but uhh Sokka gives massages like Monica Gellar. That is all. Zuko gets his massages from Ty Lee).

Suki gives the second best massages.

Katara third.

So, there’s this one Kyoshi Warrior that works with Suki on guard that Sokka just can’t crack. She has an RBF and rolls her eyes and stuff a lot and she uhhh is kind of rather facially expressive but like, RBF style, so one time when Sokka is having a bad tic day, she makes a face.

It wasn’t aimed towards him, it was about something else, but his heart just breaks because this girl he had been trying to get to open up a bit to him and let loose and not be so freaking serious all of the time hates him.

and later she approached him and just “Sorry. I don’t... I don’t get annoyed by your tics or you or anything. I find them soothing and, I don’t know, nice. Like a reminder that the Fire Lord’s boyfriend is still safe. And they sound nice. I don’t hate them. Or. You.” (look, feelings are hard for her)

and Sokka just :D

alrighty, this is longer than I intended... so we’ll end with me mentioning something I mentioned last time: Yue! (I love her). She never once brings up Sokka’s tics. She never makes faces or asks him why he makes sounds. She’s studied a lot, and while there isn’t too much out there about TS, it’s the NWT, they have lots of books. She could see the signs and assumed.

Never once in the amount of time that they knew each other did she mention it. Sokka appreciated not having to explain himself. He felt safe and welcome there with Yue.

Thank you for reading, anyone who made it to the bottom! I enjoy talking about TS as well as my own experience with it. I love writing about Sokka with TS in particular. There isn’t a lot of TS rep out there, really only the one episode of South Park (don’t watch the show, but I watched the clips about Tourette’s education that the Tourette’s Association of America approved of. It was really heartfelt and lovely to watch and is also a good representation of coprolalia!) and the movie Front of the Class.

My ask box is always available for questions about TS, Sokka with TS, Jay (Ninjago) with TS, anyone’s personal TS headcanons or experience, or any underrepresented neurological disorder that you want to share!

List of TS Stuff Already Written: Part One here , Deeper Than Words (a oneshot I wrote on ao3 of Sokka with TS), a lovely Sokka with TS oneshot written by @tikmasjiens (sorry for tagging you twice ahhh)​ here , Stuck (a Sokka with TS excerpt from a fic I’m writing), NInjago Jay!TS Oneshot

[thebluesunflower44]

Masterlist of Blue's Writing

titles are bolded to indicate that they're my most recent works

Works in Progress:

You Knew It Was Me (ff.net) - Rated G - Katara and Zuko's destinies are inextricably intertwined, and not just because of the impending marriage they have been roped into. Newest update is Chaper 7 - sociophobia.

Completed:

lenin (ff.net) - Not Rated - Zuko runs a little faster during the final Agni Kai and it changes everything. Heavy Angst.

The Dragon of the West’s Guide to Flirting (ff.net) - Rated G - Uncle Iroh is good with the ladies. So taking his advice when it comes to romance should go just fine...right? Fluff, Humor.

transcendental love (ff.net) - Rated G - Sokkla - He loves her in every universe, in every world, across oceans, and across timespans. Heavy Angst.

Red Camellias (ff.net) - Rated G - Katara and Zuko, being the awkward turtleducks that they are, let the flowers do the talking for them. Fluff, Humor.

The Curse of the Fire Lady (ff.net) - Not Rated - For the very first time in recorded history, the Fire Lord is crying in public. He is in shambles in full view of his subjects, allies, and enemies, and he does not seem to care. Heavy Angst.

postcards - Rated G - ficlet written for Zutara Month prompt 'Longing'. open to interpretation.

for you i would ruin myself (ff.net) - Rated G - In which Zuko notices everything about Katara, and it hurts. Angst, Canon-compliant. to be continued

dancing in the moonlight (ff.net) - Rated G - Everyone knows the night is Katara’s time. The ocean is her realm. The night is her companion. And no one dares to encroach upon her territory. But Zuko’s always pushing boundaries, isn’t he? Romance.

music in the sunlight - Rated G - the daylight counterpart to "dancing in the moonlight." Romance.

your worst nightmare - Rated G - modern AU dark!Katara one-shot from Zuko's POV. Mystery. to be continued?

westward - Rated G - the Fire Nation is no friend to Zuko and Katara's relationship. Angst. to be continued?

mark my soul, see my scars, and take my heart (ff.net - 1, 2, 3) - Rated G - a reincarnation with soulmarks mini-trilogy. Angst, Romance.

dusk and dawn - Rated G - just a lil ficlet about closing the gap between Zuko and Katara. General, Angst, Romance.

get out of my head (ff.net) - Rated T - Katara learns exactly what other people think of her and Zuko - straight from the source. Humor, Romance.

smirks and post-its (ff.net) - Rated G - the story of two ambassadors and their obsession with smirking at each other. Humor, Romance.

it's who we are (ff.net) - Rated G - The Mom Friend, the Dad figure; it's who they are. But when do they get to just be children? General, Romance.

haunted by the ghost of you (ff.net) - Rated T - Why is it only her? Is that a blessing or a curse? A story in which Katara does not take 'no' for an answer. Angst, Romance.

i'll use you as a warning sign (ff.net) - Rated T - dark!Katara one-shot. Angst, Romance. to be continued.

Music Night (ff.net) - Rated G - momtara and dadko ft. baby Kya, the tsungi horn, and General/Aunt Azula. General, Romance.

We Gotta Talk (ff.net) - Rated G - Katara and Zuko are deep in denial at the Western Air Temple. Humor, Romance.

Tell Me (ff.net) - Rated G - Katara's a bit of an addict. Zutara fluff. Romance.

Looks (ff.net) - Rated G - i...still don't know what this is. Sokka's thoughts on ZK?

Mutterings: Toph, Suki, Zuko, Katara (ff.net - 1, 2, 3, 4) - Rated G -Hakoda hears more in the Western Air Temple than he ever signed up to, but he resolves to make the best out of it. General.

Confrontational (ff.net) - Rated G - There were many things Zuko was afraid of, but a wrinkled old lady dressed in a blue parka and fur was definitely not one of them. Nope. Definitely not. General.

Good Ideas (ff.net) - Rated G - Toph's a genius. That's a fact. Humor, Romance.

Home (ff.net) - Rated G - don't read this one :( it's currently a one-shot where Katara's v lonely, and one day I'll fix it up and expand on how I think The Search should have gone.

[magical-girl-coral]

et any more than ten notes, but fuck it, here are the reasons why Entrapta should have been kidnapped instead of Catra :

Catra's redemption would have felt more well earned - if Catra was trying to find a way to help Glimmer and Entrapta, then her change would seem more legitimate. She already showed signs of guilt through her nightmares of what she did to Entrapta. Instead of falling to her old ways like in Prime's ship, she would most likely go through a complete 180 and almost kill herself while trying to prove her worth. Imagine Catra trying to befriend Emily and Imp so they could find a way to save Entrapta, putting aside her past grievances with them so they could signal Entrapta on Prime's ship. Maybe Imp was the one collecting robot bits, so they could give it to Entrapta once they find her. Maybe Emily showed one of Entrapta's old recordings before she was sent to Beast Island for the sake of filling the empty space she left. The possibilities are endless.

Making the princesses look more justified in their anger - The princesses' ableism was handled terribly. There is no way around this. Neurotypicals obviously wrote episode two, and it shows*. However, once you replace Entrapta with Catra, their anger, hostility, and Scorpia's timidness make way more sense. Mermista's rage especially makes the most sense since Saelinas was the kingdom was fell first thanks to Catra and Hordak. Instead of making all of our favorite characters, ableist assholes, this plotline makes them more human. The power of friendship can only run so far, after all, and every single princess is allowed to have a breaking point in trust. 

It would showcase Entrapta's real priorities - For most of the show, both fans and characters see Entrapta as someone who would never care about anything other than tech. Now, if that were true, then Entrapta would have no problem joining Prime's side. But that's not what would happen. Instead, Entrapta would unleash hell on Prime's ship without Prime even noticing. Sending signals to Etheria and new tech designs, helping Glimmer escape and sending her back to the Best Friends Squad, all while showing zero hesitation. Entrapta loves tech unconditionally until it starts to mess with her friends.

It could show ableism correctly through Prime with how he would treat Entrapta - This is my scenario of how Entrapta ends up on Prime's ship (please tell me if you have anything better): Prime, after looking into Hordak's memories, sees a young and brilliant scientist. Prime decided to show her his ship, trying to seduce Entrapta into improving his tech while convincing her that a 'defective, retarded, emotionless' Etherian like her could never truly be great, so she might as well give up now. He would touch without her consent and shame her for turning his "affection" away. Instead of falling to his manipulations, Entrapta realizes that he is afraid of her. She's biologically different then most Etherians, and Prime doesn't know how to control her. That gives her the final push of courage she needed to have to go behind Prime's back and rescue Glimmer. By making Prime ableist instead of the princesses, the show tells us how ableist is bad and disables people deserve more respect (I know that most of the show's fans are above fifteen, but with how the fandom has been acting, they deserve to be taught like children).

It would give a parallel 'be careful what you wish for' between Entrapta and Catra - At the start of the series, all Entrapta wanted was to see more advanced tech, and all Catra wanted was to see Etheria conquered. They both got exactly what they wanted, and their lives couldn't be worse. 

A chipped Entrapta breaking free from the hive mind because of her autism would be awesome - That's it. That's the pro. I'm incredibly desperate for more good autism rep, and this would be amazing.

Catra and Adora bonding while in space would be excellent for both characters - As much as I love the angst from chipped Catra, it feels more like fanservice now. At the end of the day, it felt like Catra and Adora didn't bond enough to have a solid devolvement in their relationship. This could change if they went to space together with Bow. Instead of spending just half of the last season together, they spend the next eleven episodes bonding in the insanity of their situation. It would also allow more time for Catra to understand Adora's abuse under Shadow Weaver. By forcing those two into a close space in the middle of nowhere, they would have no choice but to confront the other about their issues. And speaking of much-needed bonding time.

Glimmer would get a chance to face Catra about Angella's death - If there is one thing I will never forgive season five for, is forgetting Angella's death.  It was Glimmer's main motivation to take more action against the Horde, it was what almost drove Micah to despair, and it was the final nail in the coffin for Adora, making her stop taking the blame for everything and take Catra's threat to the world more seriously. But then season five happened and they just... forgot about her? She was never mentioned again because if she were mentioned, Catra would look bad, and Glimmer would have a reason to hate her. But if Glimmer were to meet Catra again outside of Prime's ship, with all the trauma she went through there, she would definitely take out on Catra (kind of like how Katara took out her anger on Zuko after he joined the gang).

Hordak would join the Best Friend Squad early after they save Entrapta and would get more devolvement as a result- If you think for one second that Hordak won't abandon Prime after what he did to Entrapta, then you haven't been watching the same show. I don't know how he joins the BFS. Maybe Catra tried to find him to fix her mistakes**, maybe he finds them by accident and remembers some of the past events as a result, or maybe he was one of the clones that witnessed chipped Entrapta and got a wake-up call. Either way, he wouldn't sit back and watch Prime continue to ruin his only friend's life. This would give him more screen time to show his backstory more clearly, give more sympathy for the clones along with a better redemption arc. And finally, the most crucial point.

Catra's growth would be more consensual - Most of Catra's maturity seemed to be out of her control. She helped Glimmer because she felt like no one wants her anymore. She had her hair cut because Prime wanted her to look more tamed. She was buddy-buddy with Glimmer and Bow because the plot says so. Nothing that happened this season seemed to be with Catra's consent, which made me feel extremely uncomfortable. Instead of watching Catra go through glorified torture porn, imagine her changing from her own free will. She cuts her because her hair reminds her of how Shadow Weaver's hair looked wild when she was angry. She changes clothes because she didn't want to wear her crown anymore. She goes to space with Bow and Adora because she wants to do good with her life, and is tired of being the mean old bully she was never meant to be. Doesn't this seem more satisfying?

*here, here, here, here and here are some metas about why Entrapta’s treatment was written terribly. I’m too tired to explain myself, and these posts tell the show’s problems better then I could

** I really like the idea of Catra finding the Luvd crystal and returning it to Hordak as a way apologize for how she has separated them. It would also be a cool parallel to all the times she took the crystal out of Hordak’s suit.

Edit: holy shit, there were so many typos here. Why didn’t any of you guys tell me?

Double edit: soooooo... I may or may have not written a fic...that you can read here...please support me, my brain is begging for more serotonin.

[hotpinkrathian]

The Radio

(Kyalin) (Toph+Katara)

Cannon to "The Box" and "The Office"

15 years ago

Kya brushed out her hair, watching tentatively as Lin paced the room, her hand to her chin.

"Lin, talk to me," Kya said, her voice filled with concern. Lin just looked at her and Kya shrugged.

"I just need a minute."

"Okay, take your time." Lin looked Kya up and down, the waterbender pretended not to notice.

"Lin," Kya said calmly, but firmly, "we just made out, its not a big deal. Forget it even happened." Lin pursed her lips,

"And if I can't?"

"Then sit back down, we'll talk." Kya replied, patting the space next to her on her bed. Lin sat down and Kya scooted closer to her, making sure their shoulders were brushing.

"Whats on your mind, Lin?" She asked softly and the earthbender began to talk.

___________________________________________

"Katara I'll never understand this house of yours. Why are there so many stairs? And why did you have to make them twisty?" Toph complained as Katara guided her up the stairs.

"Well you don't live here, Toph." The earthbeder snorted to which Katara clicked her tongue.

"Lin better be up here for all this hassle."

"She is, her and Kya came up here an hour ago."

"Heh, Lin and sugar princess."

"Toph!" Katara scolded. Toph laughed and Katara couldn't help but smile a bit, greatful her friend couldn't see it.

"What? There's not two people in this world with two more contrasting personalities."

"Zuko and Azula." Katara answered. Toph looked at her sarcastically.

"You should think on that," Toph replied, pushing past Katara and moving down the hallway.

"Oh so now you can see?"

"Its a straight line."

"How could you know that?"

"Earthbending technique." Katara looked to the wooden floor, and back to Toph who jostled down the hallway. She shrugged and followed her shorter friend.

"Kya!" Katara shouted, sighing at the lack of response. The radio was on in her daughters room and she offered a knock."

"For spirits sake Katara, just open the door."

"I don't want to interrupt-" she was cut off by Toph pushing open the door, staring into the room with her blank eyes.

Katara looked inside, her jaw dropping as Lin pulled herself away from Kya, looking to floor, cheeks hot with embarrassment. She nudged Toph with a chuckle.

"Still think they have 'contrasting' personalities." Katara asked with a grin.

"Katara."

"Hmm?"

"I'm blind!"

"Oh, right. They were making out." Tooh raised an eyebrow and Katara held back a chuckle, for Lin's sake. She couldn't wait to tease Kya about it later.

"Lin, did you come here just to get some sugar from the princess herself?" Toph cackled. Lin sat with her arms crossed and face scrunched in anger.

"Shut up," she replied. Katara put a hand on Toph's shoulder, pulling it back.

"We'll leave you to it, then." She said as they backed out, closing the door behind them.

"That was unexpected," Toph said as they made their way down the hall.

"Completely, I mean I expect this from Kya, but Lin? Thought you would've raised her to be careful."

"Thought the same about Tenzin too." Toph remarked and Katara swatted her on the shoulder.

"I hope we didn't ruin it." Katara said later, quietly.

"They'll be fine." Toph replied, sitting on the lawn chair, putting her feet up.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, Lin might need time. But Kya will take care of it." Toph flicked sand out of her nails and Katara cast a glance back at the temple, relishing over how Toph had called her daughter by her name.

"You're right, guess we'll see how this plays out." Katara said, leaning back in a chair of her own.

"If it doesn't work out, Lin will just move onto Bumi."

"Toph!" Toph chuckled, her hair infront of her eyes.

"I'm kidding. But seriously-"

"Not another word."

"Alright, alright." Katara sat back, taking a deep breath, issuing a silent prayer that it worked out for her daughter, and Lin. They both deserved happiness, and it looked like they may have found it in each other.

___________________________________________

Present Day (after "The Box", before "The Office")

"Lin!" Kya called, preparing to press the transmit button.

"I'm here, I'm here." The metal bender said, sitting next to her fiance and kissing her lightly on the cheek.

"I'm about to tell my mom."

"Already?" Lin asked. Kya looked at her wife to be, a smile on her face.

"I cant wait any longer." Kya said.

"Alright, go for it." Lin wrapped an arm around the waterbender, preparing herself.

"Mom?" Kya asked. There was a moment of static, but then the radio chimed in.

"Kya! It's Tonraq, Katara's just coming in now." Kya's leg was shaking and Lin smiled at her excitement.

"Kya?" Katara asked fromt eh other side of the radio, her voice as comforting as ever.

"Mom! I have something to tell you." Kya built up the suspense, looking to Lin for one last dose of confidence before taking a breath.

"Lin and I are getting married!" She said. The other side was quiet for a second and Kya tried not to let her hopes get down.

"Kya Cloud, I better have been the first one you told!" Her mother said. Kya laughed pressing the button immediately.

"Of course! And, its going to be Kya Beifong now, mom." Lin looked at her with a raised eyebrow, they hadn't discussed that. She didn't mind, not all, but she would have to make sure Kya was sure about it later.

"I'm happy for you, both of you." Katara's voice claimed, and Lin felt, for a moment, like she wanted to tell her mother next. Kya pulled Lin into a hug, kissing her and Lin held her there.

"I'm sending a picture of the necklace and everything. We'll get you down here for the wedding." Kya said.

"I look forward to it."

"I love you, mom."

"I love you too, honey. Lin dear,.are you there?"

"I'm here Katara."

"I love you Lin, take care of my daughter."

"Love you too, Katara. Ami promise nothing will happen to her." She could envision Katara's happy smirk from the other side as they hung up. Kya stood up, shifting her position so she was on Lin's lap, pulling her into a deep kiss.

"I love you," Kya whispered. Lin kissed her a few more times before replying.

"I love you too." A cough came from the edge of the room and Lin recoiled when she saw her mother standing there.

"Mom?" She asked, standing up.

"Who else would it be?" Toph replied with a grin.

"Hey sugar princess," Toph greeted Kya. Kya offered a small wave before remembering a wave was nothing to someone who couldn't see it.

"Its good to see you, Toph."

"Lin," Toph began, "were you going to tell me you're getting married or am I just supposed to find out for myself?" Lin chuckled, walking over to her mother and placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I planned too, tomorrow." Toph snorted, her face shooting in the direction of Kya again.

"Well come here," she grunted and Kya made her way over to them. "Bend, I want to see what my daughter came up with." Lin rolled her eyes and Kya made eye contact with her fiance as she took the necklace and gave it to Toph. After a moment of Toph feeling the groves and getting the basic shap she nodded in approval.

"Lin this is your biggest accomplishment." She said. Lin scoffed and Kya chuckled.

"Thanks, mom."

"I love you, Lin." Toph said and Lin was caught off guard, looking to Kya once again, for answers. Kya smiled softly, nudging her head in the direction of Toph.

"I love you too, mom."

"Hmmm." Toph responded. "I'm overstating my welcome. Send the details to the swamp."

"Why? You seem to know before I even tell you."

"Fair enough, but I want to brag to you're sister I knew first."

"Fine, but not until next week, sje won't know till then."

"Always so dramatic. Deal. See you around Lin, Kya." Lin looked to Kya with a raised eyebrow. Toph Beifong using a first name was a sign that she respected you. The elder Beifong left and the two of them were left in their apartment alone.

"That went well," Kya said, sitting down on the sofa. "Can we expect your mom to just... show up when she wants?" Lin flopped down next to her, leaning on Kya's shoulder, letting the waterbender stroke her hair.

"Oh definitely. Something about the vines, she sees us or something whimsical like that." Kya chuckled, planting a kiss on her lovers head.

"Ready for the final announcement next week?" She asked. Lin didn't even stiffen, or bristle, or seem nervous in any way when she responded.

"Absolutely."

[myinterestsvary-writes]

Isn't it possible that you didn't miss anything in ATLA? I don't think you did because neither Zuko nor Katara were into each other like that. People who like Zutara think Zuko is sexier than Aang. Thassit. That's the whole thing. I mean, I understand feeling pressured and I even sort of understand if you feel weird because a lot of people are saying the same thing but it's like that fairytale the Emperor's New Clothes. No matter how many people tried to gaslight each other because they didn't want to look dumb, the emperor dude was still booty butt naked.

I don’t seriously doubt my sanity or intelligence on this matter (in a way that leaves me with a strong desire and plan to change), but yeah, with a lot of people from what I see who I’d like to get along with on a surface level saying the same thing so vehemently, I really do have to fight the urge to adjust the way I’m seeing things to fit in because I know it might make me happier. Again, I do really like the Kataang fandom and appreciating ATLA canon wholeheartedly, but me not being comfortable reducing “the other side” to just stereotypes and caricatures has never been a thing that completely satisfies me and became part of the reason I can’t stand too much Zutara bashing from this side. There’s valid and genuine criticism to be had that I barely see and it comes off just as bad as the Aang and Mai demonization that gleefully without shame happens often over there, unironically might I add. I mean I don’t sense any irony from any of the antis, most definitely spite though.

It’s a cycle of loving the show, looking at fandom for fun, getting appalled at the way fandom operates in a way I personally dislike, causing a fit the same way I see the assholes “ruining my childhood” I imagine would do in their room but this time it’s me conveying that online through digital words. Then it’s me stewing in my anger until I simmer down by reminding myself the show is good still…but rewatching stings slightly more knowing not everyone thinks like you and can be ugly when voicing that grievance but not always…but often enough.

I should just leave the fandom. But then I realise that I’ll feel kind of empty doing so as noted by my attempted leaving and coming back, multiple times.

[flameo-firelord-hotman]

Part 3

Pairing: Zuko x Fem!Reader

Genre: angst

Warnings: panic attack

Words: 1.5k

Summary: to everyone she knew, [y/n] was a peasant, destined to be a servant just like her parents. To Zuko, however, she was his best friend. After losing his agni kai and being exiled, [y/n] was devastated. She thought she would never see him again. Three years later, she almost wished he never came back.

A/N: wasn’t quite sure how to write this part, and I’m not sure how I feel about it...but I’m just gonna post it anyway :)

Part 2 <- Part 3 -> Part 4

Series | Masterlist

This dark, dusty hallway seems to never end. It feels like I've been wandering for hours, yet it feels like no time has passed. It feels familiar, like a fragment of a memory, yet it feels fabricated. It feels like a lot of things, but I feel…nothing. It's so surreal, yet so natural.

I watch myself from above. My body is floating, light as a feather. Am I spirit? No. How do I know? I don't. But I can see myself right there, standing on the floor next to my friend. I think it's him. His face is a blur, but I can see just enough to be sure.

We're talking. Nothing being said makes sense, yet it all makes sense. He's getting closer to me. Now I feel something, an urge, a whim. He's leaning in, closer and closer, and…

[Y/n]’s eyes fluttered open. She was curled up under the covers of one of the guest room beds. It must have been late morning, because the sun was peaking brightly between the curtains.

For a second, everything was okay. Then, she frowned upon realizing what just happened. Kissing Zuko, what a dream. Really, it could never be a reality. Last night, when they got to the beach, him and Mai made up and got back together. They even kissed right in front of [y/n]. It hurt to watch.

Fortunately for her, they were returning home today. [Y/n] could forget about this trip and go back to living her normal, boring life, something she never thought she would miss. As she packed her bag, she once again thought of that moment from last night. The memory was burned into her brain. No matter how hard she tried to push it away, it kept coming back. And every time, she wondered if what she saw was real. She sure wished it was.

Even if he really did, he could’ve been acting in the heat of the moment. He probably would’ve regretted it afterward. Yeah...why would he kiss his best friend? And a commoner at that? And while he clearly still has feelings for Mai? That would be ridiculous.

[One week later]

Knock, knock, knock.

[Y/n] propped herself up on her elbows and wiped her groggy eyes. It wasn’t unusual to have visitors—her family and neighbors often did favors for each other—but it was rather early in the day for one.

“Just a second!” [Y/n] called out. She tossed the covers aside, quickly threw on a robe and put her hair up in a messy bun.

Damn, I was really hoping to sleep in today. I hope it’s not someone important.

She opened the door.

“Hello, [y/n]!” A teenaged boy in a regal tunic with a scar on his face stood before her. He smiled brightly and waved his hand. [Y/n] felt her heart skip a beat.

“Oh! Um, hi, Zuko,” she replied.

“I hope you don’t mind me stopping by,” Zuko chirped, “I thought we could hang out today, if you want. Your mom told me you have the day off.”

He wants to spend time with me? Just us? [Y/n] was delighted by the opportunity. Then, reality set in: Zuko was still dating Mai and only saw her as a friend. She couldn’t hold his hand, she couldn’t cuddle with him, she couldn’t kiss him, she couldn’t be with him the way she wanted. Clearly, [y/n] hadn't gotten over her crush. If she was going to continue being his friend, she would need to do so. She needed to give herself space.

“Um, I'd like to," [y/n] said slowly, "but...I don’t feel well today.” She placed a hand on her stomach to feign illness. The fact that she had just rolled out of bed helped her cause.

Zuko’s cheerful face morphed to one of sadness. “Oh, no. I’m sorry. Is there anything you need? I could bring you medicine or food.”

[Y/n] shook her head. “No, thanks. I have everything I need.”

“How about I brew you some tea?”

“Er, no, it’s fine. I just need rest.” She scratched the back of her neck nervously.

“Okay. Well, I hope you feel better,” Zuko said earnestly.

“Thanks. Maybe another time,” [y/n] said.

“Yeah.” He trailed off, nodding slowly as he backed away from her apartment. They said their goodbyes and waved to each other. [Y/n] closed the door and leaned against it. She dropped her head into her hands. Already, she regretted her decision. She wanted nothing more than to be with Zuko, even though she knew it would cause her heart to ache.

Why do I have to have a crush on him? Why can't I go back to liking him as a friend? I don't want these feelings. I just want our friendship, I just want what we had three years ago. I don't even know if I can be his friend anymore. It's ruining us. I just lied to him too. It was a stupid lie, but still, what kind of friend does that? Why couldn't I just say no? I’m so pathetic.

A few days had passed since then. Zuko didn't reach out to [y/n], and she didn't reach out to him. Once again, she was back to her day-to-day routine of things…somewhat. There was one day when all the residents on the main land had to be evacuated. [Y/n]'s mother said it was because Firelord Ozai was preparing for an attack during an eclipse, which would weaken our people.

When they returned, they saw the damage. The city's harbor had taken a serious beating, but the palace appeared to be okay. [Y/n]'s parents were quite relieved to know that they wouldn't have any extra work for themselves.

The day after they returned, [y/n] walked into the kitchen to eat breakfast. She saw a messenger hawk sitting on her window sill. Had Zuko finally reached out to her? She hesitantly untied the letter from the bird's leg and read it.

To: [Y/n] Summons Notice to Appear Your presence is required by his majesty Firelord Ozai immediately. Failure to appear in one (1) week will result in criminal charges against you and your family. From: Chief Advisor Xin

A bolt of fear struck [y/n]'s body. She froze. She backtracked the past several days and weeks, trying to think of what she could’ve done to warrant a summons. Nothing came to mind. Then, she wondered if her parents were involved in something treacherous. She couldn’t imagine them doing such a thing...perhaps they were being wrongly accused of a crime. Perhaps she was being wrongly accused of a crime. Her mind jumped to conclusions as rapidly as her heart was beating.

Finally, [y/n] broke free of her paralysis and fumbled for her things. She hastily headed to the palace. Breakfast could definitely wait. On the way, over and over, she begged and prayed to the spirits for her and her family’s safety.

At the palace, [y/n] approached the guards at the gate and presented the summons with shaky hands. They nodded, and one of them escorted her to the throne room. The guard slipped inside to announce her presence to Firelord Ozai. Meanwhile, she waited outside for permission to enter.

This would be her first time being in the presence of the Firelord, let alone talking to him. She was terrified to say the least. [Y/n]’s mom told her all kinds of stories about how scary he was. From the paintings she had seen before, his looks alone were intimidating. Her heart raced faster with every second she waited. Sweat coated her forehead and palms.

The guard returned, making [y/n] nearly jump out of her skin. He gestured for her to enter. And so she did.

The first thing [y/n] noticed was how warm the throne room was. It was massive and wide open with tall, ornate pillars outlining an aisle running down the middle. Straight ahead was the throne, where Firelord Ozai sat surrounded by large, hot, dancing flames. He wore a severe expression, looking just like he did in all those paintings. On his left sat a girl: Princess Azula. The seat on his right was empty.

Where’s Zuko? [Y/n] wondered, but only for a fraction of a second. That didn’t matter right now. She gulped nervously and approached the throne.

“F-Firelord Ozai. Princess Azula,” she shakily dropped to her knees and bowed. She had never felt so small before. “I received your message and came as soon as I could.”

“Why don’t I take this one, father?” [Y/n] gingerly peaked up to see Ozai quietly nodding to Azula. The princess rose from her seat and walked to [y/n]. [Y/n] slowly straightened up.

“Don’t be scared, [y/n]. We just want to ask you a few questions.” Azula patronized her.

“Have you seen or spoken to Zuko recently?” Azula inquired, pacing back and forth. Her heels clacked against the marble floor.

“Yes.”

“When?”

“A few days ago.”

She stopped and turned on her heels to further interrogate [y/n]. “What did you two talk about?”

[Y/n] nervously explained what happened when Zuko stopped by the other day. Azula sighed dramatically and pinched her nose.

After a long, suspenseful silence, [y/n] daringly asked, “Princess Azula...do you mind if I ask what this is about?”

Azula glanced at her with the side of her eye. "Well, since you asked, my dear brother, Zuko…he's been missing the since the attack."

Taglist (open!): @aangsupremacy @kaylove12 @celestialentitiesss

[faangirl101]

Burning Heart: Pt 2

Burning heart masterlist

Pairing: Zuko x reader, Zuko x y/n

Tags: Enemies to lovers, slow burn

Summary: Raised mostly by yourself, you made a living for your youth years as a maid in one of the richest families in Ba sing se, Beifongs. There Toph, a blind young rich girl, taught you earth bending and also became your new family. Not that you would admit that to her. Together you escape Ba sing se on the back of a flying bison with the Avatar, in a mission to take back the world from the fire nation. But on the journey you didn’t plan to team up with the Fire prince himself, and you definitely did not plan to get butterflies around him. But you couldn’t possibly catch feelings for a fire bender right? They ruined your life and took everything of value from you. But you couldn’t lie to your burning heart.

Warnings: swearing

The Western Air temple

The forest was darker than I thought it be. At these hours I assumed that the sun would be swallowing the green moss but the trees prevented most streaks. I didn't even realize I was running until the trees got more scattered, allowing the sun to peek through. I had no real plan how to find him, I hadn't looked for footprints or broken branches. I was like an impulsive idiot. I just rushed into a forest alone. But I had to find him. I had to confront him. I had to kill him. He opposes a threat to the gang, to Toph. I had underestimated him before, I would not do it again. I gave myself a few seconds to take a breath. I had been running for a good while and was out of breath and covered in sweat. Stupid idiot. As I bent forward to allow air into my lungs I detected something. A sting of smoke sipped through my lungs and burned my throat. A fire. He was close. Now more collected and controlled I sneaked forward. With every step i took i made sure to bend the ground under me so moss swallowed any possible noise my shoe could make. The only thing hearable was the chirping of cardinal birds and the drilling of woodpeckers. The scent of burning wood got closer and closer and I quickened my steps in response. Finally it was so strong I suspected it must be in earth bending distance. I peeked behind the tree in front of me to find a camp. The bonfire was put out but still fervor and the ash was still warm. And Zuko.

He looked exactly the same as yesterday but it still made me halt in my steps. The streaks of suns fighting through the thick branches reached across his face glistening in sweat. His hair still had the morning ruff and his scar seemed even more red than yesterday. Every little killing method I imagined in my head on the way here was completely gone. Now when he stood in front of me, it was different. But I had to keep reminding myself of the image of Toph's scorched feet. “Zuko”, I growled and he turned abruptly. He was startled by my presence, but scared of the look in my eyes. In a second of boiling blood and red vision I bend the earth around him to drag him towards me so we’re face to face. This close the details of his sharp features were prettier. He was pretty this close. The two or three freckles across the bridge of his nose. The pink tint of his lip. The softness of his hair. I shook the thought away as I lifted my hand to grasp his throat. Not to stop him breathing, but to make him feel threatened. He didn't seem that threatened by his bored look but I could feel the lump he swallowed vibrate against my palm. “I didn't believe the shit they said about you until what you did to Toph”, I clicked my tongue in denial “burning a little blind girl? that's low, even for you Prince”. He strained against my grip with a scowl “Don't call me that”. I raised an eyebrow “What? Prince? Oh right! I forgot. Banished huh? Why do you think the Avatar would want you when even your own family doesn't”. That seemed to be a soft spot since he somehow with pure body strength broke himself free from the stone cuffs around his feet to push me backwards. I lost my footing but luckily didn't trip all too embarrassing.  But the shame made me furious as I attacked him. I was just about to bend the ground under him when he moved like a panther against me. I groaned loudly in pain when my back rasped against the rough bark of a tree. Both my wrists were locked in a hard grip by his much larger hands. His body heat radiated over to mine as he pushed up against me, preventing me from moving. “Calm down”, his voice was in my hair, forcing a shiver down my spine. I swallowed thickly, unsure what to do. “Look”, he leaned back to look into my eyes, which was somehow worse. Against my will I met his honey pool eyes. “It was an accident, she came in the middle of the night and startled me. It was self defense. I had no idea it was her”. I stayed quiet, trying my best to escape his grip. It was too much, his rough palms against my sensitive skin, his hot breath in my face. Just the knowledge that he was so close set my body on fire. If i stayed here any longer i would do something i would surely regret. “Get off me”, my voice came out chapped and raspy. Instead of it sounding like an order it came out like a plea. His thumb swiped across the side of my palm swiftly before letting go. It was a small motion, but I noticed. It made my heart pound furiously, I bet he could feel it. the rumpling deep in my chest. I licked my dry lips, finally taking a step away from his. It felt like the world lifted off my shoulder when I finally got out of his intoxicating aura. I was happy I didn't faint. I pointed at him “If you ever, and i mean ever, touch Toph again. I will hunt you down, Prince”. I spit the last part and happily noticed he scrunched up his face. Then I turned around and left with my heart still beating twice the normal pace. 

Returning to the Air temples i was relieved that no one noticed i left. It would be too embarrassing and shameful to explain. Explain how Zuko, The fire prince, pushed me up against a tree and gave me butterflies. Butterflies! Ridiculous. I spent the next hour pounding, trying to understand why Zuko even affected me in the way he did. I mean yes, he was obviously attractive, but… he was a fire bender! A person I've been taught to hate since the moment of my birth. The thought about my childhood made anxiety grow like a rock in the depths of my stomach so I decided to make myself busy. I couldn't keep puzzling about this. My thoughts got cut off by loud rumbling followed by ear crushing noises, so loud the ground vibrated. Someone shot something at the temple, and by the looks of it, it was aiming for the gang. On instinct I sprinted in their direction as I saw Aang and Sokka lifting up Toph from the fountain.”Stop!”,I froze at the familiar voice. 

I turned my head so fast it made my neck burn. Up on a cliff a bit away was a huge figure next to…. Zuko. “I don't want you hurting the Avatar anymore!”. Aang groaned as he tried his best to carry Toph away from the scene. “The mission is off. I'm ordering you to stop”, Zuko struck his hands in front of the man. He was crazy, the much larger man could snap him in half. the Combustion Man. The man couldn't care less as he with ease shoved zuko out of the way and charged his eye. Another explosion, now much closer, made the entire place threaten to fall apart. If it wasn't for the small stone wall I bent over my friends, we would have been crushed by stone. 

“If you keep attacking, I won't pay you!”,Zuko cupped his hands so fire was aiming against the large man. The combustion man was starting to get annoyed as he easily docked the fire and grabbed onto Zuko’s smaller body. “Okay i'll pay you double to stop!”.

I looked over at Aang “we should move”. He nodded in agreement, peaking over the stone wall. “Okay”, he looked back with frightened eyes. “Zuko seems to be keeping him busy, move now”. My legs almost gave up under me as I stood up with Toph's body over my shoulder. I gasped as I saw Zuko get thrown off the cliff. There were so many feelings in my body it confused me. There is no way he could survive a fall like that. Worry for his life was the feeling finally taking over as I swallowed down the lump rising. But in the last second it seemed, he grasped onto a vine hanging down the cliff. “Go”, Aang yelled and I nodded swiftly. I didn't look back but I could hear the familiar woosh of Aangs air bending behind me. Before I even had time to move Toph we got thrown by a sudden explosion behind us. Lucky us, I bent the ground under us so we didn't fall. “Stay here”, I mumbled to Toph as I placed her behind a wall. She crossed her arms annoyed and nodded to her brunt feet “it's not like I have much of a choice”. As I turned around I saw the rest of our gang run towards me. They had just enough time to jump next to us before the next explosion ruined the temple. “he’s going to blast this whole place right off the cliff side!”, Toph yelled, eyes blown wide exposing her grey glazed irises. Katara took a deep breath before peeking behind the wall only to see another incoming blast. She looked back at us with pursed lips “I can't step out to waterbend at him without being blown up and I can't get a good enough angle on him from down here”. At the world angle Sokka’s entire face brightened up. I swore I could see a lightbulb over his head. “I know how to get an angle on him!”, he shouted. I looked him up and down “really? well do tell”. Sokka fumbles with his belt before taking out his boomerang. After another blast, he sneaks his head out, but has to hide from yet another shot. With his tongue out, clearly in deep concentration, he projects  Combustion Man’s angle with his boomerang. He takes a deep breath “all right buddy, don't fail me now”. With a tensed arm he aims the boomerang and then uses his whole upper body strength to send it flying. In surprise the boomerang hits the assassin in the head where his third eye tattoo is, causing him to hit the ground. Sokka’s face is priceless as he catches the boomerang “yeah boomerang!”. But then the silence is broken by the assassin's heavy body getting up, clearly a bit shaken. Sokka's face fell “Awwww, boomerang…”. this is how we die huh? There was no way a few children could take on a trained assassin. But he seemed to take care of that job himself because his next aim is completely off. He misses, his next blast hits the ground around him. The ground shakes a few times under his feet before it gives up under him, causing him to fall.  As I help Toph up the best I can Zuko appears. Aang looks hesitant at him “i can't believe i'm saying this, but….thanks, zuko”. Sokka clearly took it personally as he turned to Aang “hey! What about me? I did the boomerang thing.” I rolled my eyes at his child's demeanor. 

Zuko looked down before meeting Aang's eyes “Listen, I know I didn't explain myself very well yesterday, I've been through a lot in the last few years, and it's been hard. But I'm realizing that I had to go through all those things to learn the truth. I thought I had lost my honor, and that somehow my father could return it to me. But I know now that no one can give you your honor. It's something you earn for yourself, by choosing to do what's right. All I want to do now is play my part in ending this war, and I know my destiny is to help you restore balance to the world”. 

No one was ready for his speech, especially not me. This was a needed side of him I hadn't seen. I recognized myself in his words and I had to turn my head to  clear my mind. 

Zuko turned to Toph with shame in his eyes. “ I'm sorry for what I did to you”, he bows in her direction “It was an accident. Fire can be dangerous and wild, so as a firebender, I need to be more careful and control my bending, so I don't hurt people unintentionally”. I didn't know what to do with myself. Everything he said made sense, felt sincere. But it went against everything I had been taught. Every word, scolding, from my father. Everything he had told me. I rarely agreed with my father but when it came to the fire nation we used to be on the same page.  Aang opened his mouth to speak but closed it almost immediately. He looks in thought as if he tries to be careful with his words. He finally collected himself “I think you are supposed to be my firebending teacher. When I first tried to learn firebending, I burned Katara, and after that, I never wanted to firebend again. But now I know you understand how easy it is to hurt the people you love. I'd like you to teach me”. He then slowly bent forward, bowing respectfully to Zuko. I could see how hard he tried to keep that smile back as he bowes back “Thank you. i'm so happy you've accepted me into your group”. Aang stopped him in his words “Not so fast. I still have to ask my friends if it's okay with them.”. He turns to Toph with kind eyes “Toph, you're the one that Zuko burned. What do you think?”. Toph shrugs her shoulders. “Go ahead and let him join”, She pounds her fist into her palm jokingly “it'll give me plenty of time to get back at him for burning my feet”. I meet zuko’s eyes and mumbles under my breath “that makes two of us”. Aang turns to Sokka. Sokka shrugs in response “Hey, all I want is to defeat the fire lord. If you think this is the way to do it, then, I'm all for it”. A part of me was excited to see what Katara would say. She clearly loved Aang and trusted him with her life, but she also hated Zuko with all her spirit.  Aang slowly approached Katara. She looked Zuko up and down. Her glare is so hot I could feel Zuko's nervousness. I swore I could see sweat climbing down his forehead.  Finally she drops her walls “ I'll go along with whatever you think is right”. Relieved Aang smiles at her. He gives me a look but I understand the question. All my feelings are conflicted, but this was not my place to speak “Fine”. I look up my eyelashes “On one condition?”. Zuko noods with stiff movement. I smirk sideways “If i can joke about your scar”. The expression on Zuko’s face was hard to read. Either he was extremely offended or thought it was amusing. He gave me a sideways nod which I took as a yes. 

The gang for some reason gave me the job to show him to his room. Probably because they thought I had the least history with him. Little do they know. The walk towards the room was awkward, both of us trying to keep our distance. “Um here we are”, I nodded towards the door and he walked into the room. I glanced toward him “Um, I think it's lunch soon. So, um unpack. um”. He looks up on me and gives me a weak smile. “And”, i weightened forwards and backwards on my feet “And well, keep an eye out. Either eye  works, but for you i guess the choice is pretty obvious”. He snorted “is that the best you can do?”. I was already down the hallway “trust me Prince pretty, i'm only getting started”.

Taglist: @eridanuswave , @Whalerus, @keiko0