#questions for Lu Da or any of my other OCs? fire away!

[moonsugar-and-spice]

Since every hour is lovin’ on Lu Da hour... How did Lu Da come to be in your brain? Did he waltz in fully formed, or did he develop in response to your desire for a foil to Ozai? Is he a character you had planned on using in earlier fics? Tell us about how you built one of the most beloved OCs!

First of all, thank you, Anon! 🥰 I am so honored that people seem to love my OC so much.

How did I build Lu Da? Now there's a question. I would love to tell you, if I knew that myself. 😅

In seriousness, I suppose Lu Da formed out of an amalgamation of my lifelong love of rogues and pirates and some of my favorite sass-hole characters from various media I've consumed through the years. But, it was not entirely a conscious process. When I began brainstorming Storms of Ice and Fire, he was still a fairly minor character who had a history with Ozai, an unlikely alliance turned BROTP, and I knew he would serve as some semblance of a foil to him.

But, as I was writing chapter 10, the first time we're introduced to Lu Da when he and Ozai are breaking into that ancient fortress, he seemed to just grab hold of the reins and come to life of his own accord. I wish I had a more concrete answer and could say I did this or that, but the truth is, he developed so organically that it's hard to describe it in any other way than to say he bewitched me and built himself, and I'm just the weird narrator in the background who follows him around and records all his lines and shenanigans.

Some parts were more conscious, such as his serving as a foil to Ozai. It's probably no mystery by now that I fangirl hard over imperfect characters and redemption arcs. I knew early on that the point at which we would meet Lu Da in Storms, when Ozai enlists his help in carrying out his diabolical plans, would find him at a crossroads of sorts, of wanting to be better and feeling a pull to atone for much of his unsavory past. As far we can glean from canon's portrayal of Ozai, this has never really been an issue for him. And I think the degree to which he feels comfortable with and trusts Lu Da might hold some sway over his willingness to ponder that in a way that someone else would certainly not.

During his creation, I also knew there would be more to Lu Da than first meets the eye (e.g. having trained as a bard and flirted with spirituality in his younger years as a thief and assassin). I adore characters with idiosyncrasies and paradoxes, because real-life people are complex and don’t often fit neatly into one box. While he is a heavily inked, mohawked, crossbow wielding beefcake who carries himself "like a predator accustomed to the top of the food chain," as Katara notes when they first meet, he also "loves animals more than most people," has a crippling fear of heights, and possesses an easy way about him that seems to have a disarming effect on others - even one as tightly locked as Ozai. In spite of appearances and what some of his misdeeds might suggest, underneath it all is a good heart. A man who cares deeply about and demonstrates an uninhibited loyalty to those he considers a friend (not a word he throws around lightly).

Did I just get carried away rattling off about my OC again? 😅 Forgive me. I’m not sure if this is the answer you were hoping for, but thank you for the love and giving me an opportunity to talk about my roguish, devil-may-care pirate for a minute.

[aceavatar]

Come Back To Me (2) - sokka x oc

Part 1

“Here’s your room, Lila.”

“Thanks, Iroh. I’m so lucky that I found you here.” I say, smiling gently at him.

“I’m glad too. I’m also glad for another employee!” He jokes, making me smile.

“Uncle, I’m back from my da- who?” His nephew said, walking in and pointing at me.

“I’m Lila.” I say, bowing.

“Why is she here?” He asks Iroh, ignoring my question.

“She is a young, single teenage mother homeless in a big city with no money. Plus, I met her on the road a while back.”

The boy, who I know is Zuko, stares at me and nods.

“It’s nice to meet you, Zuko. I’ve heard so much about you from your uncle.”

His eyes widen at my use of his name, but he nods and smiles afterward.

“Nice to meet you.”

()()()

The day it happened was interesting.

Iroh and Zuko had left; Zuko back to the fire nation as a prince and a prisoner, leaving me with a tea shop.

I was working a normal day when all of a sudden, boom. Time for baby.

The girl I hired, Jin, helped me deliver a beautiful baby girl in Zuko’s old room (now the baby’s room).

It went smoothly, which Jin and I were both thankful for.

Raising a child on the other hand was not an easy feat. Especially when the fire nation took over.

Thankfully, the soldiers that were on constant patrol were always kind to a girl and her baby.

On the day of the comet, I feared for my life, but ended up reuniting with Iroh right after.

That man LOVES playing with babies, especially mine.

“What is her name?” Iroh asks, holing out his arms to take the small girl.

“Lu.”

“Lu? My son-“

“I know.” I interrupt him. He always told tales of his beloved son Lu Ten, and the name was in fact adorable and perfect for her when shortened.

He smiles and holds her close to him, and she cuddles close to him.

I hadn’t realized that I was crying.

()()()

I sigh, holding my girl close to me. Iroh tasked me to go get some fruit before his nephew and team Avatar showed up.

I glance around, my eyes constantly moving.

“Oops, I’m sorry!”

“Oh goodness.” I exclaim, bumping shoulders with a girl.

“Are you okay? I’m sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going. Kinda got lost.” She mumbles the last part in embarrassment.

“We’re fine, thank you. Where are you headed?”

“The Jasmine Dragon, you know the place.”

“Do I!” I laugh a little. “I work there and co-own. I’m getting fruit for the get together, care to join me?”

“Oh, sure.” She smiles.

“What’s your name?” I ask as we start walking again.

“Suki. You are?”

“Oh, I’m Lila.”

“I’ve heard about you!” She gasps with a smile.

“Good things, I hope.” I laugh a little and she nods.

“Of course.”

We buy a few peaches, lemons, and cherries before turning and heading back.

“What’s her name?”

“This is Lu.” I say, looking down at her asleep in my arms.

“She’s beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I smile. “She’s a peaceful baby, which I’m grateful for. I can usually sleep through a night.”

“That’s good.”

And with the conversing winding down, we arrive. Just on time.

“Here it is.” I smile and open the door.

“Suki, Lila, hi!” Zuko says with a soft smile.

“Hi Zuko.” I smile at him. “I’m gonna run upstairs and take care of some stuff and get ready. Suki has the fruit.”

He nods and the two start talking.

“Lu, today’s a big day.” I say.

She gazes up at me with her bright blue eyes. I smile down at her.

I set her down in her crib as i change into some nicer robes.

I quickly feed her and put her down, humming until she falls asleep.

Her nap time coincided with get together time.

I quietly sneak out of the room, and close the door gently. I let out a breath as I head downstairs.

“There she is!” Toph exclaims. “To be honest i can’t remember your name or i would’ve said it, I’m sorry.”

I laugh. “Hi, everyone.”

“Lila!” Katara says, standing up to greet me.

“It’s good to see you again.” I say, gently hugging the girl.

Everyone’s conversations resume and I join in with the two new girls, Mai and Ty Lee.

We chat, and eventually Zuko and I head back to the kitchen.

“I used to be terrible at making tea.” He says while getting the leaves.

“No way, with Iroh as your uncle?” I joke, taking a knife and cutting the fruit.

He laughs and nods.

“So, you’re gonna tell him today, right?” He asks, the tone getting more serious.

“Yeah, i mean i can’t hide a child. He has a right to know her. And frankly, I’d love some help raising her.” I pause and turn to him, setting down my knife. He gives me his attention. “Zuko, I’m scared.”

“What about? Sokka’s a great guy. I’m sure everything will work out.”

“I know that but, what if it just doesn’t? What if he runs and leaves? What if he hates and resents me and Lu? I don’t know that I’d do. I can’t keep running from this confrontation.”

“Lila. He’s Sokka. Come on. He’ll be surprised probably, say something dumb maybe, but he’s reliable.”

“But what if-“

“If he miraculously turns terrible, then both you and Lu have a home at the palace. Seriously. But seriously Lila. Don’t be scared. It’ll be okay.”

“Thanks Zuko.” I say, gently hugging him.

He hugs me back, trying to calm my nerves.

“We’ve gotta go, they’re all waiting for tea and snacks.”

I groan into his chest and he laughs, gently shoving me off of him.

We walk out with the tea and fruit and suddenly, Sokka is by my side.

“May I?” He nods to the cherries.

“Be my guest.” I laugh. He grabs some and starts eating.

“So, catch up time, miss Lila.” Sokka says, taking the fruit tray from me and setting it on the table. We get our tea and head to the corner. I look at Zuko for encouragement, and he gives me a smile and a nod.

“So, what’s going on with you and Zuko?” He leans in and whispers, “If Mai finds out she’ll kill you.”

“Nothing like that, idiot.” I joke, shoving him but careful not to spill his tea.

“So, what happened when you got here?” He asks.

“Well, I was homeless for a while, but I ran into my old friend Iroh. He hired me to work here, and I live upstairs. He has his own place, and now it’s more of a home.” I nod.

“That’s nice.” Sokka says genuinely.

“How about you? Tell me your adventures, water boy.” I joke.

“Well, the whole defeating Ozai thing. That was something.”

“No biggie.” I joke.

“It was hard. I almost died. I wore your ring the whole time. I promised I’d come back and find you. I’m just glad i didn’t have to search the whole city.” He laughs.

I smile and laugh a little too. “I’m glad you came back.”

“I wish you could’ve come. But in some ways, I’m glad you didn’t. You could’ve gotten hurt or killed.”

I nod. It gets quiet, and i glance at Zuko again. His eyes urge me to tell him already.

Sokka catches our not so stealthy eye conversation and furrows his eyebrows. “Seriously what is it with you two?”

I sigh.

“I have something to show you. But promise me everything will be okay.”

He pauses and looks at me, confused but interested. “Okay, I promise.”

“Follow me.” I say, standing up.

We walk to the staircase and start to walk up it. I turn to him and put my finger over my lips, telling him to be quiet.

He nods, confused.

I quietly open the door and we enter the apartment. I hold out my hand and he takes it.

I like the way my hand feels in his. It’s nice.

He blushes gently, making me smile.

We walk through the room to the other room, Zuko’s old one, and Lu’s current one.

I lead him to the crib where the small girl is lying, a light blanket over her little body.

“Oh my goodness.” He whispers. “It’s yours?”

“She is.” I say.

Lu opens her little eyes and starts to fuss, so I gently scoop her into my arms. She quiets, looking at me.

I look up at Sokka and he’s looking at her.

“She...”

he goes quiet, staring at the girl.

“She’s mine, isn’t she?” He asks, her blue eyes staring at him.

I nod, biting my lip.

“What’s her name?”

“Lu.”

“Lu,” he breathes, a smile on his face, “Can i hold her?”

I nod and hand her over. His face is filled with wonder, a smile etched onto it that wouldn’t leave any time soon.

“I’m a father. This whole time. I’ve been a father.” He whispers, not believing it. “Am I dreaming?” He looks up at me.

I shake my head and laugh a little bit. I think it’s a good reaction.

“She’s beautiful. Just like you, Lila.”

Now it’s my turn to blush.

“Spirits, we have a daughter.” He says, giddy.

“We sure do.” I say, smiling. “So you’re not gonna leave me?”

“I could never leave you two.” He gazes down at the girl, her hands holding one of his fingers.

“She looks so much like you, Sokka.” I say, scooting closer to them, shoulder to shoulder.

He looks up, beaming at me. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“I don’t know. But thank you for having her and raising her so far, and thank you for telling me and bringing me into your life.”

“It’s really my pleasure.”

“I, uh, can I kiss you?” He asks.

I nod and laugh. “We had a baby together and were acting like teenagers.”

“Well, to be fair we are still teenagers, and we don’t remember, uh, it, happening.” Sokka says, his voice joking.

“Fair.” I laugh, leaning in to kiss him.

We pull away and look down at Lu, who’s curious eyes are wandering everywhere, especially Sokka. He’s new to her, and I think she knows that he’s her dad.

“She likes you.”

“I like her.”

I laugh.

“Can I bring her downstairs and show her off?” Sokka asks hopefully. “Katara is going to flip.”

I nod and laugh.

“Let’s go, water boy.”