#c. zuko

[luffys]

Today this war is finally over. I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation and I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But with the Avatar's help we can get it back on the right path, and begin a new era of love and peace.

zuko | fire lord

[punkeropercyjackson]

There's certain male characters who aren't canonically transmasc but the tboy swag and how fitting it is to his writing makes it weird to not headcanon him as tmasc.There's also certain characters who were intended as men but it turned out to be a bug and not a feature and it's your job to undoom her from the narrative by convincing her to transition.They overlap sometimes but we ain't talking about that rn

[gascreates]

pigeon hunting :)

redraw of an old doodle now that i have a clear idea of what aang's dino form looks like. background under the cut cuz im proud of it

[unfriedough]

Hello!! I have a request, Zuko and Y/N are married, fire lord and lady, yada yada yada and after 5 years of marriage, they have been trying to have a child. Then they give up and start to drift away from each other, and Y/N had high hopes of having a family with him that she started considering adoption, he fully supports her but then she became sick, she finds out that she’s pregnant (they still adopt a child hehe) Have a nice day!!!

‘The heir’- Zuko x female!reader

Masterlist <3

An: “how dare she have the nerve to disappear for this long?” I HAD A MAJOR BLOCK OKAY? 😢 exams are over tho which is chill

SOOOO SORRY I took this long, life gets busy but still, thank you so much for ur requests and ofc ur patience. I wrote a good chunk of this at like about 3 am so feel free to lmk if there’s mistakes.

Summary:

After years of being together, not being able to conceive was really taking a toll on your picture perfect relationship

Warnings: not being able to have a baby, children(?)

A single day blanket connecting you and your husband in the dark room, the candle light long abandoned as you both laid staring at the high ceiling. There was so much to say, and yet, neither of you found the words. And so you sat in silence.

You’d been trying to conceive for what felt like ages, and as of recently, it’s been taking a toll on your relationship. Neither of you meant for it to- but you found it was almost inevitable for you two. And so there you were, feeling foreign in your own home, words exchanged with Zuko were short due to his busy schedule, and by the time he’d come to bed, you’d be out like a light.

“You’re not usually up at this hour,” he remarked, turning his head to you. Your eyes had adjusted to the moonlight and his face was relatively clear.

“What, waiting to sneak out?” You jerked a brow, lips adorning a smile.

“Where would I even go?” The fire bender stretched, suppressing a yawn.

You shrugged, sitting up on the bed and resting your back on the headrest.

“How’re you not tired?” His eyes struggled and fought to stay open. You reached a hand and stroked his hair back from his face.

“I’m not sure, go to bed Zuko,”

“Can’t a man spend time with his wife,” he breathed out.

“Not at this hour,” you mumbled.

He smiled softly, bringing your hand back to his hair, humming as you scratched his scalp. It was in peaceful, domestic moments like this when you felt you were actually married, and actually in love. He rolled over, back facing you, body beginning to doze off into a deep slumber. You rested your head on the back board, sighing as you willed a wink of sleep to hint at your body. Your eyes trailed around the room, from the messy desk to the clean vanity, you always found yourself staring back at the window. As you became entranced with the stars, you felt goosebumps on your skin. The window was closed- so it couldn’t be that. Then again, insulation in the fire nation sucks, and the winters were harsh. You extracted your hand, carefully stepping out of bed to inspect the heaters. You tiptoed out before allowing your socked feet to walk normally across the expanse of the hallway. You breathed out a sigh, humming as you trailed one hand on the walls. You felt another shiver, and you became more frantic in your search- fire nation nightwear seemingly catered to the summer heat. By the time you reached the boiler room, you were shivering, shakily grabbing the handle to allow yourself into the confinement. You rolled your eyes, the machine was sneezing and coughing, your watchful gaze studying its movements.

“I’m not a handyman,” you scowled, nearing it to inspect more clearly.

Dust and grime built up from years of not renewing it, turns out royalty can be pretty lazy. You shuddered again, curling in on yourself. Defeatedly, you kicked the machine, which seemed to stop its sputtering entirely.

“Useless thing,” you groaned, walking out.

You were thankful for your socks at least, but maybe a pair of gloves would’ve been handy- at this rate, you would freeze to death. A sour look on your face and a slouch on your frame escorted you back to your room. When you pushed open the door, you found Zuko standing there, also about to open the door.

“Why are you awake?” You asked, still folding your arms.

“Why're you not in bed?”

“Heater’s busted, some of us aren’t natural fireplaces,” you rolled your eyes playfully.

“Give me your hands,”

“Okay,”

When your hands collided, you felt instant relief as the walking boiler used his powers to microwave your hands.

“Thanks,” you breathed out, and he smiled softly.

He led you back to the bed, before searching through the closet for spare blankets - none of which were present right now. Due to them recently being used by guests, they were in the wash, so you were stuck with the light fire nation palace covers.

“Sorry,” he scrunched his face in worry, joining you in bed.

You just sighed, trying to cuddle up into the blanket. Seemingly out of nowhere, he pulled you against his chest, ‘spooning’ you. You groaned at the sudden warmth, pushing your body further into his.

“You’re freezing,” he remarked.

“Really? Didn’t notice.”

“Ha ha.” He rolled his eyes.

His hands moved up and down on your arm, leaving a trail of heat in their path.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” Your husband mumbled- almost sounding disappointed.

“I mean- I was just inspecting,,” although you knew he was watching you, you avoided his gaze.

He sat up suddenly, resting on one arm while the other remained on your body, “You were never gonna wake me up were you?”

Silence.

“Are you mad at me?”

You looked backwards, questioning whether or not you should tell the truth. You paused, sliding your tongue along your teeth

“Your silence is enough of an answer, what’s wrong?”

“Zuko you’ve just been so distant- things aren’t the same between us and I just don’t get it,” you mumbled, turning over to face him and shoving your face into a pillow.

“Yn,”

“I’m not crazy Zuko, and I’m so over being forgotten- if you’ve got something to say, say it now.” You say up, glaring at him.

“The meeting are-“

“Oh don’t hit me with the meeting like you always do! I go to meetings too! You don’t see me ignoring everyone around me huh? Do you?”

“YN let me speak,”

“Why should I? So I can get another lame excuse? Or what? An insincere apo-“ you suddenly doubled over, covering your mouth as you gagged harshly.

Quickly, you got to your feet and landed in the restroom, throwing up what felt like all your intestines in the bowl. Zuko panicked, struggling to figure out how to help, when he settled on getting you a towel and sitting next to you.

You groaned, resting your head back on the wall, hugging your body with one arm while the other used a towel to dry your face.

“Did you eat something weird?”

“Not that I know of,”

“Can I explain myself now?”

You rolled your eyes.

“Yn, I’ve been getting bashed at practically every meeting by some general because I don’t have an heir yet- truth is they’ve kinda been on my back about it and I guess I’ve been taking it out on you. I’ve just been so worked up, trying to find a solution whilst keeping the peace I just forgot about how you might’ve felt. I’m really sorry Yn.”

You stared at him, mouth agape.

“Oh.”

“Yeah,”

You say in silence for a little, trying to digest this information.

“A-and if your up for it, I think we could try adoption?”

“But wouldn’t the sages be even more annoyed, I mean it’s not your blood right?”

“They don’t have a right to be mad right? They said get a kid so I’ll get a kid what more?”

“Fair enough,” you giggled.

He leaned over, kissing the top of your head, then helping you up to your feet. You stumbled back into the bedroom, drowning in the warmth he provided. Things felt like they were diffusing, and hey, maybe they’d even go back to normal.

After the morning groups and talks, you and Zuko met up with each other to visit a nearby adoption agency. Once you explained the situation, the lady was ever so helpful, providing insight on each child, what life would be like, what to expect and everything of the likes. After the contract wore your name, you and your husband were matched with a gentle, sweet and social child named Lee. The little boy was 5, with soft features that sort of resembled Zuko. The following week, you were visited by a few men and women who just checked around the conditions of your home. Then finally, the wait was over, the little boy was welcomed into your home. You and Zuko took a few days off to help the new member adapt to the conditions, and he seemed ever so excited to be adopted by the “king and queen”. You picked his room to be the one directly next to yours, the bedroom decorated and tailored to the little boy’s interests. Elated was the only word to describe how you felt as the child settled in nicely. He was a funny, charming young boy who made sure to express his appreciation daily. Never missing a “thank you” after a meal, or a hug goodnight. Even the fire nation folk were surprisingly welcoming, Zuko setting standards higher due to welcoming an orphan. The fame was of course never his intention, but the people still seemed pleased. Which now brings you to the third night in a row where you and Zuko sat somber in the bathroom- both exhausted beyond belief form the long day. However your stomach was awake and partying, and you were experiencing the effects of that.

“I think it’s time we go get that checked out,” he remarked.

“I don’t have time, with Lee and work and-“

“This is important too you know,”

“Yeah but priorities.”

“Yeah exactly so tomorrow?”

“Zuko I have things to do,”

“Okay but you said priorities, you’re a priority no?”

“Not in this scenario I’m not dying,”

“You’re throwing up,”

“Still not dying,”

“Why're you so opposed to going to the medic?”

“My life.”

“Huh?”

“It’s my life don’t tell me how to live it,”

“I’m not?”

“Yes you are.”

“YN.”

“ZUKO.”

“WHAT ARE YOU ARGUING WITH ME ABOUT JUST GO.”

“NO.”

“WHY NO?”

“BECAUSE.”

“BECAUSE WHAT?”

You lifted a finger, pointing at your head and shrugging. You could tell Zuko was getting impatient, but in your mind, not knowing what this is gave you one less thing to worry about. I mean, what if it’s something super serious? You now have a family, and more responsibilities than before- now is not at all the time. However, your husband saw differently. It wasn’t a hidden secret that Zuko was hard headed and stubborn, but this matter had virtually nothing to do with him, so if you don’t care he shouldn’t either. He slide his hand across his face, clenching his jaw.

“You’re going tomorrow.” He said sternly.

Your brows rose, a smirk on your face, “Oh? Says who?”

“Me.”

“And what gives you that authority over me?”

“I’m the fire lord,”

“That trick doesn’t work on your wife Zuko,”

“Yeah well I don’t have any others,” he fisher back a smile, losing the one scolding-type exterior.

“I just don’t want to bear another burden, I have enough on my plate as it is,”

“Yeah but what if this is a burden we have to bear? In the worst case scenario- I don’t want to be too late.”

“Can you tell me why you’re on the floor?” Startled, you both looked to see Suki at the door, a grin on her face.

“YN is-“ you smacked a hand over his mouth, his words coming out as mumbles.

“Just thought we’d change things up,” you scrunched your face.

“Yeah and that’s why it sounded like you were throwing up right?”

“I-“

“I checked the doctor is free and Lee is asleep let’s go,”

Zuko smiled brightly, feeling less alone. You however, opened your mouth to disagree when Suki pulled you out into the room, then out into the halls.

“Sukiiiiiiii,” you whined, trying to push back.

Zuko followed, ensuring you don’t escape.

“This is for your own good,”

“Leaving me alone is also for my own good!”

“You’re hilarious,” not a hint of a smile on her face.

The medic sat on the bed, her uniform dishevelled and eyes tired from this hour.

“You should go to bed,”

“Right after she checks up on you,” Your husband replied, narrowing his eyes.

“Fine.”

She sat you down on a bed, and began examining and asking questions. By the time she had gotten to the end of her checklist, you were preparing for the question. Despite being ready, you were thoroughly embarrassed, which the kyoshi warrior could only laugh at.

The lady thought for a moment.

“I have my suspicions that you could be pregnant ma’am, shall we bring in a water bender to give the results tomorrow?”

You sighed deeply, nodding.

That night was practically sleepless, Zuko held you in his arms, attempting to both provide you with warmth and ease your worry. Restless, you were fatigued when the sun finally emerged.

By noon, you, Zuko and Lee were sitting in a room, where you were on a bed and they were on some chairs. The water bender swished and swashed to try to gauge whether or not you were bearing a child. Then suddenly, everything was silent.

It was so silent, in fact, you could probably hear your own heartbeat.

“Congratulations, miss YN, you are pregnant.”

And with that, the celebrations began.

Lee was ever so joyed to have a younger sibling, going on to tell you all the fun adventures they’d have. Suki was excited to have more nieces to mess around with. Sokka, Katara and Aang travelled to congratulate you once they’d received the pigeon- as well as to welcome the little boy Lee. Toph, despite denying it, was actually happy you two got the family you dreamed of.

And of course, Zuko. You engraved the picture of his reaction into your head. He had waited for things to simmer down in the medical room before practically jumping for joy. He hugged you tightly, face glowing and eyes brimming with tears. Right after, he scooped up Lee, pecking kisses on his face, then yours, then laughing.

“You’re gonna be an older brother,” he whispered with a smile to Lee.

An: I could not think of a good title and a good ending so forgive me 🫣

[jubilantmedusa]

Untitled Zukka Hurt/Comfort Ficlet #1 (because practicing drawing means I need to write little mini fics I guess...)

“You’re sick.” Sokka’s voice was as calm as the surface of water on a still night. Not a hint of accusation or contempt. No softness, no sting. Only observation. Reflection.

Zuko took a breath, deep to sooth his limbs that were threatening to shake. “I’m fine.”

Sokka frowned, and Zuko felt a knot form instantly in his stomach. His shivered, vision swimming as he saw the flash of another frown, superimposed. A different frown. Harsh. Sharp.

Sokka’s movements were calm. Fluid. Gentle as he raised his hand to Zuko’s forehead and pressed with just the right amount of pressure. “You have a fever.” Zuko felt his heartbeat pick up as Sokka’s lip began to curl, but as his expression settled Zuko realized that Sokka wasn’t angry, just concerned.

Zuko breathed deeply, pinning his arms to his sides before the other boy could notice that he was shaking now. Only, he must not have been fast enough because Sokka dropped his hand from Zuko’s forehead to grab Zuko’s trembling fingers. 

“Your hands are freezing.” Sokka hand tightened around Zuko’s as he pulled it upwards, pressing it against his mouth. Zuko couldn’t stop his hands from shaking even harder as Sokka’s breath warmed his skin.

—

“I can do that.” Zuko reached to grab his sleeping bag. “I’m fine.” Sokka lifted it over his head like they were kids playing keep away. Zuko huffed, crossing his arms, but let Sokka keep it.

“You’re not fine.” Sokka spread of the blanket. “How long have you been feeling sick?”

“Ugg.” Sokka paused. He looked up, holding  Zuko’s gaze until Zuko finally drawled, two days? maybe three.”

“Three days?!” Zuko felt his pulse quickening again, his shoulders bracing. “Why didn’t you say anything!” Even though Sokka’s voice voice was high he didn’t sound angry. In fact… Sokka’s eyebrows were scrunched, lips pressed thin. “You were training Aang this morning. Zuko, you shouldn’t be bending like that if you’re sick “ Sokka was worried.

“I’m fine.” How many times had Zuko said that now? “It’s just a fever. It’ll go away.”

“I mean, sure it will, if you rest. Can you, uh…” He gestured towards the sleeping bag, laid out and waiting.

“Oh.” It felt awkward to lower himself down when his legs felt so much like jelly, Zuko was sure it wasn’t graceful. But Sokka didn’t say anything, just stood there, eyebrow raised. Waiting. Zuko realized, then, that he was supposed to lay all the way down. So he did, somehow feeling boneless now that he wasn’t holding himself up. 

He blinked as Sokka settled a blanket over to his shoulders. It took Zuko and absurd number of seconds to realize that it was a blue blanket, one of Sokka’s own. Woven. Thick. Soft.

“Comfortable?” Sokka asked. When Zuko met his eyes he smiled.

It was nice, seeing Sokka smile. Zuko wanted to smile back, but he… there was a quivering in his stomach. Not sickness, just… waiting. “I’m fine,” Zukp said. When Sokka raised an eyebrow, he added, “I… feel fine.”

“I doubt that,” Sokka said.

“I do,” Zuko insisted. Yes, his body felt suddenly heavy. And his skin buzzed strange sensitivity that made event he gentlest touch feel like a scratch. But he was lying on his side, on something soft, and he was warm. “I… thank you.”

Sokka shrugged. “I didn’t do much,” he said. “Do you need anything else?”

Zuko thought for a moment. “Water?” He croaked.

“Coming right up, bud.”

Zuko let his eyes close for a moment, just listening to the sound of Sokka’s footsteps as he went back to the packs, the rustling of fabric as he was digging through something. Then there was a feeling, something hard brushing his fingers. Zuko opened his eyes to see a small, green glass. “A Ba Sing Se souvenir cup?”

“It was on sale,” Sokka said, chuckling. “Drink it. It’s medicine.”

“For what?” Zuko asked.

“The fever?” Sokka reminded him. “Do they… umm… not treat fevers in the Fire Nation or something?”

“Of course they do.” Zuko propped himself up just enough to tip the bitter liquid into his mouth before settling down again.

More sounds of shuffling as Sokka lowered himself, and then Zuko felt weight on his back as Sokka pressed into him, a hand settling itself onto his arm. Sokka’s touch was firm, but quiet. Soft. Sweet. “But not yours?” Sokka sounded sad.

Zuko swallowed. He remembered that feeling, tossing and turning as his skin crawled and his stomach churned. Waking up with a sweat drenched face but father still expected Zuko to do his katas. Run through his katas, go to school, sit up straight. There was punishment for slouching, even if he only slouched because he was shivering so hard he couldn’t mind his posture. “We were being trained to rule, Azula and I. Countries don’t stop because you have a cold.”

Sokka didn’t say anything, just started rubbing his arm. 

“You can rest now,” Sokka said after a while. “I can take care of you.”

Take care of him? Zuko tried to remember the last time someone had taken care of him. His Uncle had tried, of course, but Zuko had always pushed him away. He couldn’t let himself be seen that way - weak, sick. So he ignored the quiver in his Uncle’s voice when Iroh spoke to him from the other side of a metal door. And before that… before that his mother would, when father would let her. When Zuko was so sick that she’d block his bed with her body to keep father away, even if it cost her. Then sit with him and fuss his hair back with slender fingers.

“I’ll take good care of you,” Sokka said.

Zuko took a deep breath in. Not a sigh, just a breath, one to fill him up. He could feel his heart starting to race again, but... nicer this time, with Sokka so warm and solid against his back. He let the breath out. Slow. Controlled. Eyes still closed, he whispered, “Okay.”

[spop-romanticizes-abuse]

s5 and the trivialisation of catra's crimes

i couldn't be the only who noticed the language that s5 used whenever it came to talking about catra's actions.

(i probably missed a bunch of other instances, so feel free to reblog and add more!)

“hurt people” = huge understatement.

you also abuse them, try to control them, emotionally manipulate them, gaslight them, and attempt to murder them.

“for everything” = again, vague.

what's everything? we see later that catra still holds adora accountable for “abandoning her”, she still acts like adora is dumb and weak and easily manipulated, she still shows no remorse for the way she treated adora. what did she mean by everything then?

“tried to kill me a bunch of times” = only touching the surface.

she also physically and emotionally abused you, scarred you, kidnapped your friends, mind controlled you, kidnapped you, drugged you, and almost ended the entire universe just to spite you.

“stubborn brat” = huge understatement 2.0

she was acting like an abusive bitch person. stubborn brat makes it sound like catra is a pre-teen throwing a temper tantrum (which is exactly what she acts like, to her credit).

“i thought things would be different”, “fixing things” = vague terms + trivializing the situation.

adora is speaking as if the only problem here was a rough patch in a relationship or a bad breakup and not, you know, dealing with a literal war criminal and abuser.

“it's a long story” = vague and refusing to explain further.

said long story being that catra only sided with you because she had no choice and is still actively abusing you.

we're talking about a war criminal here. we're talking about someone who put the safety of the entire universe at jeopardy.

why is s5 using such vague terms and trivializing everything that catra did? why is it acting like the only problem with catra's character was that she had some relationship issues with adora?

oh wait, i know why. it's because the creators were hoping that we don't remember what happened in the previous seasons or sweep everything under the rug. and luckily for them, 90% of the fandom fell for it.

[droplct]

● — || @honorforged continued from HERE .

● — || Katara's fingers held a copy of the bounty poster tight as she stood in his office . She had read it a few times over , taking note of the amount of money [ [ o f f e r e d ] ] by her love for the poeple who had harmed her and her people the most . They were high , there was no denying that . While she understood some , the one that she had issues with was the man who deliberately took her mother's life . She knew there wasn't going to be [ [ a n y t h i n g ] ] that she could do to change his mind .

It was one of the things she had grown to like about him . . . A lot .

Her little comment was [ [ q u i e t ] ] , but very present as she watched him effortlessly stroll across the floor over to her . He's lucky that she wanted to hear him out , because she was [ [ v e r y ] ] tempted to walk away at that . The closer he got , the more that she wouldn't let her eyes [ [ w a n d e r ] ] towards him . Like ice on a hot summer's day . she'd melt to him and she wasn't going to . Not this time . Though , it was a challenge when he always seemed to know [ [ e x a c t l y ] ] what to do to get her to listen to him .

❝ Haven't you ? ❞

She remarked , tiltng her chin upward [ [ s l i g h t l y ] ] to catch that warm smile that reflected in the gentle eyes that were already on her . Her tone softened while she lowered the paper from between them .

❝ I forgave because taking a life has never been something I strive to do , no matter how deserving it is . As much as I wanted to , Zuko . As much as I wanted to make him [ [ p a y ] ] for what he had done , I couldn't . . . I made peace with losing my mother , and so many others from my home so long ago . I want them all to see justice , I never said that I didn't . . . I just-. . . ❞

The fingers of her free hand danced with his by their sides as she sighed , until they finally laced with his . She broke eye contact to [ [ t h i n k ] ] , letting her heart have a say in this conversation .

❝ Are you sure that you're ready to bear the weight of justice on your shoulders ? ❞

[fandomlit]

hey y’all!! i’ve been getting some asks about what i’m working on so here are my current wips <3

feel free to request anything you'd like to see added! <3 (prompt list)

sirius black x reader (requested) + after sirius escapes azkaban things are different for him, but the one thing he didn’t expect to be different hurts him the most: you. despite being married and hogwarts sweethearts before he was imprisoned, you struggle to open back up to the man you had lost for ten years. sirius feels lost, until remus offers his help..

veritaserum, sirius black x reader + when you're volunteered to test your potion class's veritaserium, sirius takes the chance to ask what you really think about him..

bro code, c!dream team x reader (requested) + tommy and the dream team find themselves together and far from home. as a harsh storm brews overhead, the only place they can think to go is to y/n l/n’s home, an ex of sapnap’s and friend to the other two dream team members. during their stay, tommy begins to notice several violations of the bro code.

academic affair chapter 1, remus lupin x reader + remus's class gets off topic one afternoon, asking curious questions about his time at hogwarts and eventually start musing about his connection with you. remus finds himself reminiscing more than he has in a while.

cassian x reader (requested) + (continuation of this imagine) after a late night flight with cassian, the illryian confesses his feelings for you. you have trouble tracking him down thereafter to talk about it.

surprise!marauders era x reader + sirius and james bug remus to set them up with you, only to find out they have competition beyond each other to deal with when it comes to your affections.

scratches, bradley bradshaw x reader + a few men catch a peek at some scratch marks on rooster’s back and shoulders, leading to an investigation as to who could have left them there.

the hanahaki cure, zuko x reader (requested) + zuko finds himself locked with the hanahaki curse after another fateful interaction with you, a member of team avatar. he's forced into a fit caused not only by the curse, but also by his conflicting feelings and the pain of unrequited love. (but with a happy ending <3)

[waterfire1848]

[ Zuko asking Hakoda's permission to marry Katara. ] Zuko: She is very smart, intelligent, brilliant, these are all the same adjectives. She's also very talented and funny and hooooooo... Hakoda: Excuse me? Zuko: Okay, that came out wrong. I-I meant to say, she's attractive or maybe you don't know that, maybe you're like 'that's my little girl'. But, you know, people find her pleasing. I don't know why I'm saying this.

[aarontveit]

GRACELAND | 2013 - 2015 S01E05: O-Mouth

[inamindfarfaraway]

Do you ever think about Azula after Zuko's banishment and before she was sent on her mission? About the time it was just her and Ozai? Because I do.

Her worst fear is being what Zuko is to their father. It's easy to look at her smirking while she watches Ozai light Zuko’s face on fire and think that she enjoys her brother’s suffering, but from the day she was born, Zuko has been the bad example. The scapegoat. The failure she exists to surpass. Where he is disrespectful, she will be obedient. Where he is weak, she will be strong. She will make Ozai proud. She will be perfect. She has to be. Because if she isn’t -

well, in that moment she sees that for herself. Iroh looks away, but she doesn’t. This eleven-year-old child watches the whole gory scene that her experienced general uncle can’t stomach, because this is a lesson for her as well, that’s why Father had her be here, and so she must not let herself tremble or cry or flinch or scream. Zuko is. That means she can’t. Instead she will do the exact opposite, smile with a princess’s proper posture.

Then Zuko is banished. He will most likely never return - most likely die young. He isn’t around to be the foil under her jewel anymore, making her shine brighter simply by contrast. (Or to play with her or comb her hair. But it isn’t useful or becoming to miss those moments. She isn’t a child anymore; her childhood was burned through like Zuko’s skin.) All Ozai’s attention is on her. All her people’s hope in the next generation of royalty rests in her. If she doesn’t hold her shoulders back and keep her head high, she will collapse under the weight of her nation’s future. Zuko got what he deserved. Just as whatever happens to her, she deserves it too.

How many nightmares does she have? How many times does she flinch or shake when her father touch her? Or force herself not to? How many times does she smell burning hair and flesh and hear her brother’s agony when she spoke her own opinion in a war meeting? How much does she secretly grieve him, and scold herself for it?

[urfavhasavpd]

Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender has AvPD!

He is a hypersensitive avoidant!

projected onto himso hars when i first got diagnosed . love this stupid guy

[punkeropercyjackson]

'Your type being fucked up in head from trauma men who're already naturally objectively weirdos even besides it is because you have i can fix him syndrome'Or maybe i want a boyfriend who matches my freak and not a nonchalant normie.Black women can do things too y'know

[artemx746]

Ethan Nakamura is the pjo equivalent of Zuko just with mother issues instead of father issues.

Ethabaster is just the equivalent of Zukka

[unfriedough]

hiii! first of all just wanna say how much i love your writing <3

could i please request a zuko x lightningbender!reader scenario/hc where the reader is a part of the gaang and she used to be best friends with zuko when they were little? and then he joins and they finally catch up after everything? thank you!

‘This doesn't change anything,’- Zuko x female!reader

Masterlist <3

An: yeah i wrote this MANY times before i was happy with it, which is why it took ages IM SO SORRY also THANK YOU <333

Summary:

LIghtning bender reader who is Zuko's former BFF now kinda hates him but he's determined to get on her good side.

Warnings: opening up, insulting eachother.

honestly 

It was so awkward

You refused to speak to him if it wasn’t strictly professional

The poor boy tried so hard

When he pleased katara but not u he was so sad

He would try to sit next to you by the campfire to eat and you would just dip

He’d have that sad 🙁 look on his face and the gang would be like “it’s okay man.”

ITS NOT OKAY!!! He couldn’t sleep because he missed u so much and seeing u in person was like, taking a toll on him

He was so entranced by you and your little mannerisms. You’d grown so much and gotten cuter since he last saw you (which he didn’t even think was possible). He especially loved when you played with lighting in your fingers

It was like, when someone else did it it was evil and dangerous, but when you did it it was lovely and cozy 

You just had that effect on him

The first time you two were able to speak was when you had taken the reigns on Appa to allow the others to rest. He was stargazing when your voice broke him out of a trance.

“You’re a real pain, you know that Zuko?”

He sat up suddenly, looking at you from his spot. You were leaning back, yawning as you stretched on the mammals fur.

“I mean, you come here, barge into this little group, and expect me to be nice to you. Fire nation royals and their audacity.” You said matter-of-factly, your tone so relaxed, completely going against what you were saying.

“I don’t expect that. I just want you to hear me out.”

“I’ve heard you enough,” he recalled moments where he’d rant for hours on hours to you, and you would lend an unwavering open ear, and inviting open arms.

“Yeah,” he replied sadly, sliding down next to you. You scooted over.

“And what if I pushed you?” 

“You wouldn’t,”

“Or would I?” You smirked, “but this time instead of a face full of pool water, you’ll pop like a balloon,” the shrubs reminded you of spikes.

“I’m not sure that’s how human bodies work,” he mumbled playfully.

“Oh what? Just because you went to private school?”

“Yn we went to the same school,” you opened your mouth, before shrugging as you couldn’t think of a response.

He rolled his eyes with a smirk, they landed back on you.

You shivered slightly, you were pretty good at your fire bending, but lacked when it came to warmth. Though you can expel a mean red flame, you can’t regulate your body temperature quite right. Smoothly, he put an arm around you, pulling you closer to him. 

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Keeping you warm,” Zuko replied, an intense look on his eyes, contrasting the sweet smile playing on his lips. 

“Smooth,” you grinned, your brain going fuzzy, then immediatly frowned. “This doesn’t change anything between us.”

He slumped a fraction, almost missable, but you caught it. The fire bender nodded.

He rested his head back on the fur, looking distantly into the stars. From your angle, Zuko’s jaw was sharp, and his side profile was alluring. You couldn’t help but rest your head on him. Contradicting your previous statement- there was something so entrancing about him. Feeling your stare, he met your eyes, a certain- almost unreadable- look behind his irises.

“Then what would?” He asked quietly.

You paused, thinking for a second. “I don’t know,”

He sighed defeatedly, throwing his head back again. “Understandable,” 

You remained silent as a response. He clicked his tongue.

“Do you remember,” Zuko paused, as if trying to find the words. “Do you remember love amongst dragons?” 

You grinned, “As if I could forget. Lady Ursa took us every time,” you giggled.

You enjoyed the play and all it’s weird quirks, Zuko however, did not. He would complain, and complain, and complain until you'd shushed him harshly when the main characters would share their kiss. He found you annoying, in a weird, endearing way.

He scrunched his nose, “it wasn’t even a good play,”

“Just say you hate love,” 

‘Well then I’d be lying,’ he thought.

“I don’t hate love,”

“Oh sorry hate is a strong word. Despise?”

He snorted, “Not that either,”

“Huh. That would mean the spoiled prince actually loved love.”

“Maybe not love. Mildly enjoy.”

“Isn’t that literally the same thing?”

“Depends, I love fruit tarts, I mildly enjoy fire flakes.”

“Hmm.” You pondered, “I love Appa,” you grinned down at the beast, then back up to Zuko, “I mildly enjoy your company.”

A pink dust rose to his cheeks, that sweet smile from earlier returning to grip onto your heart strings, “I’ll take it.” He said quietly.

“I wonder if they still show the play,” you hummed.

“Well, we’ll find out soon enough,” you were on course to the esteemed ember island estate, and you’d be lying if you said you weren’t excited.

“Well then I wonder if they changed the casting,”

“I doubt anyone would wanna partake in that, the ember island players literally suck so bad,”

“Oh c’mon, didn’t you cry that one time when the characters reunited?”

The boy looked like a deer caught in headlights, he was secretly hoping you’d forgotten about it, “It was a sad moment,” he pouted.

You leaned forward and pinched his cheeks, “Sure it was, wittle zuko can’t handle a little sap,” you giggled.

He swatted your hand away, “you’re a bully,” he scoffed.

“Guess that makes the two of us,” you sighed out.

basically, that was what finally made you two start talking

No, the gang didn’t know, you refused to treat him like a human when they were awake. But you softened up when they were asleep.

Zuko will admit he found it odd, but hey, talking in secret is better than no talking right?

He seemed lighter and more open when he started catching up and reliving childhoods with you

It felt like you were finally letting him into your concrete house, despite him having to force his way in at the beginning.

You were surprised when he opened up to you about things he never has with others, fond memories of his mother, even sometimes with his sister or father. 

Despite your hatred for him, you couldn’t help but find yourself entranced by the way he spoke. His voice had a certain lull in it, a rasp accenting his words, the same words he struggled to find.

You yourself found it was easier to speak to him than some others, on nights where you both sat vulnerable, only protection being each other's promises.

You confessed to having a small crush on him as kids, shocked to find it used to be reciprocated. 

You reminisced on times where you’d tease Zuko, and the times he’d finally stand up for himself against you

When the moon was highest in the sky, the secrets and such came further to light. He admitted he still felt like a bad guy in the end of the day, in his younger days, Zuko had never been the good guy.

You assured him people change, like the tides, like the weather, like the seasons. 

(You refrained from mentioning his hair, it seemed like an inappropriate time to make fun of him)

He expressed to you times where he had travelled with his uncle, all their journeys and detours, and you did the same with your gang trips and adventures.

From the little things like Sokka being covered in Appa’s snot, to larger things like injuries and nightmares

Slowly, you turned from two people who tolerate each-other, to two people who actually really love each other.

Of course, NEVER EVER EVER would you admit that, but it was true.

The unfortunate time for the battle came, you took the road with Sokka, Toph and Suki. Assisting them with your lightning wad no easy task, it was exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. Usually, you’d limit yourself to 3-4 shots a day, by the 10th minute, you were on 12. Your body was shaking and weak, but you pushed on, even though you knew your life was on the line.

After the long and tedious battle with all those soldiers, the sky turned blue, and you knew it was over, you had won the war.

You stumbled to the group, Sokka’s leg was hurt pretty bad and you didn’t want to take the attention off of him. Each step felt like your body was ablaze, and you held back noises of discomfort.

When you’d finally reached the gang, and exchanged hugs with everyone else, you stopped at Zuko. Mumbled, “I still hate you,” and then engulfed him in a hug so tight - you didn’t even know you were capable of it. 

Everyone else was in shock at the sight, they were sure you hated him, but oh well, it’s better than hearing you complain again.

While they conversed, you felt yourself begin to lose consciousness.

You rested your head against him, loosening your grip and your vision went dark.

You were out for about 5 minutes before you regained consciousness. You were still in the same position, except by this time, everyone was looking at you concerned. Katara placed her palm on your forehead.

“I’m ok. Just tired.” You mumbled quietly.

You were suddenly aware of how close you were to the fire bender, immediately moving back and laughing nervously. Almost falling if not for Toph pushing you back to your feet.

You could see him deflate slightly.

“Thanks Zuko,” you punctuated it with a forced laugh.

“Yeah it’s cool,” he nodded, frowning.

As you all walked back to Appa, you found that you and him fell behind the group, walking at nearly the same pace.

“How much lightning did you use?”

“Do you think I was getting burned alive and counting?”

He chuckled, “I guess not, but you seem tired,”

“Doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out,”

He smiled at you, nearing to try to assist you in walking. You quickly put a hand up, smiling at him and his cute little frowny face. He tilted his head to the side. 

You slipped your hand into his, immediately feeling his body temperature get knocked up a few notches.

After a few more steps, you looked over to Appa as they climbed. Just as no one was looking, you walked up to him, and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips.

Then took a few steps towards the beast.

“Zuko,” he looked at you from his spot, still dazed, “this still doesn’t change anything between us.”

All the fire bender could do was laugh.

An: HI if u requested im starting soon hopefully <3

[jubilantmedusa]

Untitled Zukka Hurt/Comfort Ficlet #2

“It was good of you to bring him here,” Piandao said.

They were gathered in his library, dried and warmed and fed after their long flight through a misting sky. Night had fallen, the world lit now by torches and candles, casting strange shadows on their drawn faces.

Sokka’s arms felt empty. He had held Zuko through the flight as Zuko had shivered and shivered.

“Zuko’s inner flame has gone out.” Piandao’s voice was even, but the pinch of his mouth betrayed upset. “Not many people know the old ways, the healing of the Firebenders. But Zuko’s uncle does. I have the means to contact Iroh. There is hope yet.”

The silence in the room didn’t feel hopeful. “I thought the ‘inner flame’ thing was a metaphor,” Sokka said, bursting it.

“It’s more spiritual than physical, but it is very real,” Piandao explained. “Our bodies and spirits are entwined. Spiritual damage often manifests physically.”

“Like when you’re upset so you have nightmares,” Aang said.

Piandao gave a curt nod. “Similar,” he said. “This is more severe.”

“It still doesn’t make sense,” Sokka said. His stomach was churning. “Firebenders have an extra spirit part? And if that part is damaged they just waste away?”

That’s what’d been happening ever since Zuko’d thrown himself in front of Aang, taking an arrow laced with something sinister. A gift from Azula by way of the assassins that had been perusing them since they left the Western Air Temple.

At first Zuko’d been hyped up, unable to stop moving for hours and hours. When he crashed, Sokka thought it might actually be a good thing. Get some sleep. Be better in the morning.

But Zuko’d woken up disoriented, confused. And every time he’d woken since there was less of him.

He was growing colder. Sokka didn’t know what that meant. All he knew was that his arms were itching with emptiness.

“We all have inner flames of a sort,” Piandao said. His turned towards Sokka. “Even you and I. But Firebending… to create an element from the spirit’s own energy…” He swirled his hand, then winced, shaking his head. “Iroh will explain when he arrives.”

“When will that be?” Toph asked, leaning forward, harsh torchlight light shining directly in her sightless eyes. “Is he far away?”

“Iroh’s been in hiding since he escaped from Caldera, but I can reach him,” Piandao said, pointedly not answering the question. So they had where Iroh was then. He could be half a world away.

To Sokka’s right, Katara shifted, leaning forward, shadow dancing across her cheek. Sokka could see her eyes and… he knew that look. She had an answer on the tip of her tongue, but she didn’t want to ask the question. “Master Piandao,” she said. Katara would push through anything, even this. “This has happened before.”

“Yes,” he said. “Though it’s exceedingly rare.”

Katara nodded, eyes coming in and out of view as she did. “It’ll kill him,” she said, and Sokka could see Aang sinking at her side, head bowing down until his forehead was pressed into the wooden table.

Now it was Sokka turn. He didn’t want to, but he had to, mouth choking on the words. “How long?”

Piandao’s mouth pinched further. “I’ve only read accounts,” he said, “Some say as long as two weeks. Others, three days.”

Sokka was on his feet before he could breath, his footfalls echoing impossibly loud as he thundered across the tatami floor.

It had already been four days.

—

The room where they put Zuko was small and square, usually used as a dormitory for Piandao’s students. It had a simple bed with plain gray sheets, a sturdy but unremarkable desk. Flames roared in its large fireplace, making the room almost uncomfortably warm.

That’s the reason they chose it. It was easy to keep warm.

A wooden chair had been pulled up beside the bed. In it, Fat sat, an empty bowl held in his hands. “You got him to eat?” Sokka said, stomach fluttering.

Fat responded with a single nod. “Zuko was always a dutiful student,” he said. “You’ll be staying with him a while?”

When Sokka nodded Fat rose to his feet. “He’ll rally,” Fat said, voice affectionately stern. “Food, rest, warmth. It will go a long way.” Sokka wasn’t sure if Fat actually believed that or if he, if all of them, were trying to will something into existence, trying to project onto Zuko a strength that wasn’t there.

The only light in the room came from candles and the fire. Maroon curtains were open but it was only black outside, moonless. Shadows danced on Zuko’s face as he lay still and quiet, dressed now in loose pajamas. He looked comfortable at least. Lying on his side, wrapped in a thick, red blanket, with only his head and his toes poking out.

He’d be lost without that blanket, Sokka thought. The red was the only color in the room.

Sokka hesitated for only a moment before kicking off his own boots and settling himself down on the bed, his empty arms reaching, wrapping around the boy in the red blanket. His leg too, so desperate for touch. And maybe Zuko needed it, because he nuzzled forward, pushing his nose into Sokka’s cheek, his hands into Sokka’s chest. Even his feet shifted until the soul of his left foot was somehow pressed into Sokka’s right ankle.

They'd never gotten to touch like this, not really, during the strange flirtation they’d had since returning from Boiling Rock. Everything was stolen glances, lingering conversations, arms pressed together even though they didn’t have to be. A lingering hug. Everything fleeting. Everything discreet. Like it was half real and half a dream.

One stolen kiss. Arms shaking. Lips frantic. In the misting rain.

Now Sokka was living a nightmare. Zuko smelt like sweat and leather. His arms still shook from the memory of holding Zuko while Appa flew, Zuko’s body cold and trembling. The longest Sokka’d ever been able to hold him, and it was because he was dying.

But he wasn’t dead.Zuko was warmer than he’d felt in days.

“You’re going to be alright,” Sokka said, even though he didn’t believe it. But maybe Fat had it right. Maybe it was best to pretend Zuko was strong, even if it was a fiction. Maybe it’d be true if they lied. If Zuko believed them.

Sokka took a deep breath as it let his eyes close, holding Zuko as closely as he could.