#like i'm sorry but there is not more narrative emphasis on z/ukka than zutara

[tea-and-la]

Here’s my sentiments...

I was inspired by this post to write this semi-salty meta that i’ve been sitting on for a while. 

So... extremely hot take: I don't think Z/ukka fits the enemies-to-lovers trope. ...Hear me out though. 

I often see Z/ukkas make the unfair comparison of who forgave Zuko first as “evidence” of the better ship. And not only does that statement become invalid due to the fact that both Katara and Sokka are his friends at the end of the show, it ignores the intentional set-up and meaningful resolve of conflict between Katara and Zuko. It also overestimates how soon Sokka actually forgave him.  I’ve seen people say Sokka was the first one who accepted him (canonically disproven by the fact that it was Toph.) Not even to mention that the majority of harsh comments about Zuko in The Western Air Temple can be quoted from Sokka himself. Sokka is very pragmatic. He doesn’t immediately warm up to Zuko because of a perceived goodness or because he’s dying to be buddies with him. He accepts that Zuko is joining because of what it means for the war:

 Sokka: "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.”

If we’re really going to be technical, Sokka doesn’t forgive or trust him until The Boiling Rock. Zuko pointed out that sneaking off on Appa isn’t very feasible, and suggested his war balloon (which only he can operate.) So in a practical sense, Sokka agreed to let him tag along because it improves the probability of the mission’s success.

When he talks to Hakoda about Zuko: 

Sokka: Actually, he's on our side now. [Cut to Hakoda, who gives his son a suspicious look.] I know. I had the same reaction. After all he's done, it was hard to trust him. But he's really proven himself, and I never would've found you without his help.

In bold that is Sokka canonically saying he had the same reaction (suspicion) when Zuko first joined. So again, Sokka’s trust wasn’t immediate. 

But back to the Enemies-to-Lovers trope, the narrative just doesn’t place much weight on developing Zuko and Sokka’s relationship in an implied romantic or even friend-like way. Contrasted to Zuko and Katara, whose relationship progression had very subtle build up from the first season onward, with thematically significant scenes (most significantly, them fighting in every season finale together. S1 and S2 were against each other, but S3 they fought together, as allies.) 

It’s like this quote I found: 

Enemies

to hurtful betrayal 

to slow reconciliation with a greater understanding of each other

to strange but solid friendship 

THAT’S Zutara. 

Z/ukka can be a fun dynamic, but outside of The Boiling Rock, there isn’t any focus into deepening their bond, even after TBR. 

Compared to, for example:

Katara: Get over here Zuko! Being Part of the group also means being part of the group hugs. (this line could’ve easily been said by any other member of the group)

Or this scene:

Actor!Zuko: [Pushes Actor Iroh over and walks to Actress Azula.] I hate you, Uncle! You smell, and I hate you for all time!

Katara: “You didn’t really say that, did you?” (again, any character could’ve had this line and reached out to him) This also speaks to how far their bond has come, that now, Katara can even imagine him saying something that horrible (or see him in that light.) 

And how that scene leads up to this one is SO important: 

(Again, anyone could’ve walked over and talked with Zuko, but it is Katara who actually does.) 

She is the one that ultimately ends up convincing him that Iroh will forgive him and that he’s deserving of it. That’s particularly meaningful because she is the person whose forgiveness he worked the hardest to earn, the person who previously made him believe that his actions were unforgivable. It’s narratively relevant that she is there, when he is faced with a similar doubt, and it is her support that gives him the courage to enter the tent.

My point is that the enemies-to-lovers trope has narrative conflict and it has compelling angst and betrayals. It shows the progression of a bond, how the characters’ opinion of one another change from animosity to mutual trust and respect. It is seeing the other person at their best and their worst and not thinking any less of them because you see them as their whole self. 

To me, the only ship that fits this criteria is Zutara.