#zuko is also a nerd

[schrodingers-hoarding-problem]

zukka is simultaneously jock x jock, nerd x jock, AND nerd x nerd

[karlyboyyy]

Modern Zukka save me

[picnicbitchsokka]

i love fics that have sokka go full on scienctist nerd mode and he just has to make a hypothesis that zuko is a good kisser and he now he just has to collet data. but how you may ask? he definitely now needs to place himself in the experimental group (no group. just him.) to get accurate and precise information of all variables including lip softness, where his hands go, if it’s possible for him move from mouth to neck smoothly, the right amount of tongue maybe? and now sokka has the answer this own curiosities and a boyfriend!

and he then conducts the experiment again…yk…for consistency.

[000marie198]

Zuko is a cat

[erisenyo]

For @zukki-week, the trials and travails of being in a love triangle only you know about. Featuring erotic sparring, suggestive fruit-eating, Toph enduring, Aang really leaning into his persona, and all that sexual tension getting to be just a little bit too much.

[“Sorry!” Zuko gasps, briefly closing his eyes against how heartfelt the word sounded before he forces himself to meet her gaze, “Sorry, sorry," he tries again, "Just—thinking too much. Wasn’t focusing on the right stuff.” To put it lightly. “Ah.” Suki gives him a look of rueful understanding and a sympathetic pat on the chest before rolling to her feet so fast he almost arches to chase after the sudden loss of her. “The wonders of trying out new moves in a live spar, right?” she says, holding out a hand. “…Right,” he agrees after a beat, reaching up and letting her haul him to his feet, letting her believe that’s all it was and desperately hoping that she doesn’t ask him which new move in particular he got so distracted thinking about.] OR, Zuko tries, he really tries, to be a good friend. A good friend, who does friend things and thinks friend thoughts and nothing more. Sokka and Suki make it hard.

[leafsfromthevine]

the boys are here !!!!!

[porcelana-r0ta]

Okay the live action Avatar: The Last Airbender is shit BUT one thing they got right was that Zuko is absolutely an angsty artist who journals

[merrysithmas]

fantara stans want indigenous-inspired katara to be a sexy little blood bending baddie whose in touch with her ~animalistic side (...) that makes King zuko horny while canon katara is a type A with Eldest Sister Syndrome (younger siblings are her tribe) and organizes her socks by color before she watches Scooby Doo reruns in a huge oversized shirt with no bra and messily eats cheerios on a friday night while raging on Feminist twitter next to her two cats & playing PS4

[autistic-zukoao3]

Also I saw this fucked up looking structure

My grandpa told me it used to be a mine, and I assume that also meant that the structure was not there then, given how new it looks.

My friend said it looked like a 2D platformer game. I agreed.

[fireprince-zuko]

Zuko just nodded, using his thumbnail to scrape away some blood that had dried on a tooth in the comb. He needed to contact his Uncle somehow, but Uncle was all the way in Ba Sing Se. Maybe he could contact Aang...?

No, Aang was too hard to pin down these days. Even if he could get in touch with him, who knows how long it would be before Aang even responded?

"Okay." He gathered himself, setting the comb down on the table and fixing his eyes on Sokka. His face didn't feel as hot anymore. Good. "We need to find a way into the Spirit World. Like I said, my Uncle has been there before, so it's possible."

Zuko stood and began to pace, his chin pinched between his fingers. "When I was hunting Aang, I did a lot of research into the Avatar's connection to the Spirit World because I thought that might be where he was hiding." He stopped and turned to Sokka again.

"The problem is," he continued, "we're not the Avatar. Aang can metaphysically access the Spirit World from anywhere, or even create temporary portals to go there physically from a sufficiently spiritual location, according to legend. We need another solution."

"Now that's what I call convenient," said Sokka. "We should totally ask him about that."

He really didn't know what to make of Zuko's reddened face, of his movements suddenly becoming sharp, picking up napkins as if he were slashing at the air.

...Embarrassment? Could it be? But it was just the two of them.

Maybe it was about the comb. Or. Or...?

No. No way. It would have to be some sort of fluke. Sokka knew he was charming, but not that charming. It had really been a throwaway gesture, something for Zuko to focus on, so why could he, too, feel the heat rising to his face?!

It was nothing. It had been nothing, but Zuko has made it into something, and Sokka couldn't just pretend the nothing-something was actually just nothing-nothing, and, sure, Zuko was kind of girlishly pretty in some ways, but definitely not in most— Sokka's hopelessly derailed rain of thought was cut short by the sudden mental image of Mai frowning all severe. And of her million trillion tiny knives skewering him into Sokka barbecue.

The blood had drained from his face twice as fast as it had crawled its way up, leaving him dizzy, eyes bugging out of his head.

"Um," he said, blinking hard. His friend was so hopeful, and so sad. He couldn't afford to dwell in silly notions. He forgot what he was going to say. "Ahhh... oh. Oh! No need to apologize. I'm sure you were just, um, overwhelmed. Your mom is important to you."

[blluespirit]

okay first three episodes thoughts

good

bending is cool as fuck

sozin’s actor does an amazing job at full crazy but calculated

scenery is STUNNING

monk gyatso made me cry. idk why i just saw him and wanted him to give me a hug so bad

APPA ACTUALLY LOOKS GOOD AND NOT LIKE A LITERAL MONSTER

i wasn’t sure how id feel about them showing the air nomad massacre but i think the importsnt thing is that they showed it was a massacre - and that although they can defend themselves, they don’t have the ability to fight back like an organised army would bc they’re pacifists! they attacked a peaceful group

the abandoned fire nation ship in the southern water tribe looks so fucking cool

ARTIST ZUKO???!!! LETS GOOO

Dallas does an amazing job at getting across Zuko’s intense desperation

I actually ended up loving all the Sokka and Suki interactions sm it was so cute and wholesome

Katara is perfect i will kill and die for her

Azula’s opening scene being her manipulating those people trying kill ozai ultimately leading them to getting burned alive by him and smiling - literally so fucking good. she is the best villain in history of forever

really good move having the mechanist (Sai!) and Teo be in Omashu imo. having them destroy the northern Air Temple so carelessly always pissed me off

THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS ARE LITERALLY PERFECT I AM SCREAMINGGGG

I was wondering how they were going to introduce the Mechanist and Jet in a limited amount of episodes but I like how they combined the two stories

Also Sokka absolutely nerding out in the Mechanist’s home is so important to me

Zuko getting has ass beat by that lady for fighting Aang is literally so funny and reminiscent of the goofy aang vs zuko fights we see in season 1 (to be clear: i adore zuko. this is NOT hate on him)

Zuko losing shit about his notebook and trashing his room and then outing himself as a fire bender in Omashu is so perfect. god i love him so much. it’s very season 1 zuko. it’s giving I DONT NEED ANY CALMING TEA!!!

things i was not a fan of: (some of these are a little pedantic i’ll admit)

Exposition is a little is a little janky but i’ll forgive it i guess bc at least it isn’t egregious as The Movie That Shall Not Be Named

Aang leaving just to get fresh air/clear his head and intending to come back is a silly change to me. all i keep thinking about is the storm where we got those epic Zuko and Aang parallels which now doesn’t really work and also takes away a lot of Aang’s depth. A good change adds to the story, but personally this seems to take it away

WHY would they not make Katara the one to bring him back from the avatar state? just seems like a strange choice to me? not saying this from a shipping point at all but that moment is a big step to their bond/friendship especially since they have only just met

Still don’t understand why they made the head of the village Suki’s mum. like i don’t think it’s a terrible choice but they still could have let them have a mother/daughter bond but still let Suki be the leader without any implications of nepotism. it mostly seeems silly

tl;dr - really enjoying it so far!

[waterfire1848]

Modern AU. Azula is not a popular one but an outcast because of how smart she is, a nerd. Ty Lee is her friend who drift away after being in the cheerleader club and became popular.

Hello, anon!!! (Small note but I love that you have Azula as a nerdy outcast because she would 100% be the socially awkward nerd).

Azula and Ty Lee grew up close because they became friends in elementary school and Azula would constantly visit her house (because her home sucks). Ty Lee likes having Azula around because Azula is one of the few people who wants to be friends with her and her alone and not her and her sisters. They remain friends for years after that---and of course bringing Mai into their friend group---with the two having sleepovers, play dates, texting each other whenever they can, etc. Thanks to Ozai, Azula is pushed to study as much as she can and get the highest grades in the class. (Azula: But...Ty Lee and I were going to- Ozai: I don't remember asking what you and your friend were going to do. Did you think you would get to play with your little friend after disappointing me with your math grade? Azula: I...I thought I did well. Ozai: Well!?! I did not raise you to be a failure, Azula! Or to settle for well! I will not accept this laziness!! Am I understood!? Azula:.... Ozai: Am I understood! Azula: Yes! Yes, father!). Since Azula is so focused on getting the best grades, pleasing her father and being the smartest person in the class (plus she also naturally has a very strong love for learning) she starts to spend less and less time with Ty Lee.

Seeing less and less of Azula, Ty Lee starts to get lonely. Mai is hanging out with Zuko a lot more and Ty Lee feels like she's been abandoned by both her friends. To help herself feel less lonely, she decides to join her town's cheerleading club in 8th grade so that she could have some friends in high school. Quickly, the club takes up a lot of her time especially since she already has gymnastics experience and is very good at performing. Thanks to this and Azula having to study more and more as she gets into high school, the girls are hardly spending any time together by 9th grade. They will occasionally text one another and send funny videos but they don't interact much beyond that. Azula typically hangs out with Zuko and Mai while Ty Lee is with her cheerleading club. When they start high school, Azula starts to become more of a third wheel to Zuko and Mai so she distances herself from them, throwing herself into academics. Meanwhile, Ty Lee is throwing herself into cheerleading and pushing herself to do better and better in the activity, but not only is she busy with the club Ty Lee has also become pretty popular. Thanks to her being incredibly friendly and a people person, a lot of juniors and seniors like her and want to spend time with her. By sophomore year, Ty Lee has become incredibly popular in the student body and Azula has become more of an outcast because of her intelligence. The two no longer text.

One day, before a large school dance, Azula is heading home with Zuko (because he’s her ride) when they are stopped by Chan. (Chan: Hey! Hey, wait! Azula: Yes? Chan: You’re Azula Agni, right? Azula: Yes. Zuko: Come on, Azula! We have to go! Chan: Ummm… Azula: Brother. Chan: Oh. Well, I don’t know if you know but the school’s spring dance is next month and I was wondering if you would go with me. Azula: You-You want me to go with you? Chan: If you want. Azula: I-…Let me think on that. Chan: Alright. Give me your number and I’ll text you later. Azula: Okay. Zuko, once Chan is gone: That was weird. Has Chan ever talked to you before? Azula: No and, I agree, it’s really weird. Zuko: He’s on the baseball team or something, right? Text Ty Lee and ask her if she knows him. Azula: Right….Ty Lee.) Eventually, Azula does get the guts to text Ty Lee and ask her what’s going on. She responds a few minutes later saying that Chan has always had a big crush on Azula and since he’s leaving for college soon he wanted to ask her out. Azula is still highly skeptical but Ty Lee continues to promise that he’s a good guy and only wants a date with her. She talks to Zuko and Mai about what they think and they both say that she should go. Azula finally agrees and texts Chan that she will go to the dance with him. Ty Lee takes the opportunity to text her and tell her that she wants Azula to come dress shopping with two of her friends for the dance. (Azula: Five hours in a mall with cheerleaders trying out dresses? *Lucky me.*)

At the mall, Azula stays pretty close to Ty Lee and her cheerleading friends because she absolutely does not want to be there. She’s rich and wears nice clothes, yes, but Azula does all her shopping online to avoid people in the mall. Ty Lee notices that Azula is not in her element here and not talking because of it so she sticks close to her for some comfort. In different stores, Ty Lee and Azula laugh over some of the stupid dresses, talk about what would look good and catch up in general. While shopping, Azula steps away from the group for a moment to use the bathroom, leaving Ty Lee with her friends. (Cheerleader #1: God, she’s such a nerd. Ty Lee: I mean….a little but she’s sweet and kind and- Cheerleader #2: And a nerd. How were you friends with her, Ty? Ty Lee: We grew up together. We hung out a lot when we were younger but then just drifted apart the older we got. Cheerleader #1: Hmm. Anyways, I can’t wait for Chan’s prank. Ty Lee: Chan’s prank? Cheerleader #1: You didn’t know? Chan asked her out but his plan is to stand her up and then drive by and take pictures. Ty Lee: That’s horrible! What is wrong with you?! Cheerleader #2: Calm down, Ty. It’s not like you’re friends with her anymore.) Ty Lee is shocked into silence for the rest of the trip. Only occasionally responding to Azula’s questions about the dresses and the date.

Finally (yes, she’s going to say something), a day or two later, Ty Lee has processed everything that her friends said. She knows she has to do something and the first thing she has to do is tell Azula about the prank. When she does tell her, she can see that Azula is sad but also seems like she had accepted the truth before Ty Lee even told her, saying that no one in *that* circle would want to go on a date or be seen with her. (Ty Lee: I didn’t abandon you, Azula. Azula: I know. I know. We just drifted apart but…I miss you. Ty Lee: I miss you too. I want us to be friends again. Azula: Me too. Can we be friends again? Ty Lee: I think so.). Once they patch things up, they have another order of business: getting revenge on Chan. The night of the dance, Azula dresses up and texts Chan about how excited she is. As planned, Chan doesn't show up until an hour or so after he said he would pick her up, but Azula isn't outside. Instead, there's a letter for him saying that she went to her backyard to wait. Chan and his friends go there to find Azula and Ty Lee waiting for them with buckets of a special incredibly sticky and foul smelling slime Azula made. (Azula: I enjoy being a nerd sometimes.) When all is said and done, Azula calls her father and tells him there are four weird teenagers in their backyard and yelling to Chan that her father knows they're there and security cameras no doubt caught their faces going around back (Azula: And I enjoy being rich all the time). Chan and his friends flee, leaving Ty Lee and Azula alone. (Azula: I assume you'll be heading to the dance now? Ty Lee: Actually....could I stay? Azula: Really? You'd rather hang out with me than go be with your friends? Ty Lee: You are my friend, Zula. Azula: Oh, ummm...Okay. Do you want to order pizza and watch those stupid rom coms we used to watch? Ty Lee: I'll order the pizza!)

[wileycap]

What if Zuko was adopted by King Kuei? Like, immediately after his banishment?

I mean. The dude doesn't know about the war. Zuko absolutely would tell him that he's the former crown prince of the Fire Nation, sure, but Kuei is probably the only person in the world who would just go "huh! A fellow royal!" and leave it at that. "Your own father banished you? My. I suppose you'll be my ward!" (He read about kings fostering the children of rival rulers, to ensure peace, and just figured that it was a neat tradition.)

And I absolutely subscribe to the slightly-fanon-not-quite-canon interpretation of Zuko as a theatre lover. And from what we see of King Kuei, he is an extremely sheltered man. What if they are both exactly the same type of nerd? What if they bond over obscure plays?

Long Feng is obviously going to try and disappear or ransom Zuko the second he can, but he can't do it openly. Kuei is only a figurehead for as long as he doesn't know he is one. And no matter how dumb Zuko is, he isn't dumb enough to give Long Feng the chance... at first.

Kuei is a completely safe adult for Zuko - somebody who wouldn't hurt him, but also is not physically capable of hurting him. But if we look at him, he also did a complete 180 on Long Feng the moment he had tangible evidence. He reflected on his failures honestly, and actually did do better. He's not a bad person, and not even stupid - just sheltered and naïve.

Meanwhile, Zuko is exactly the kind of challenge a man like Kuei needs to shake him up. I give it, like, two weeks before Zuko (having been informed of The Rules by Long Feng) tells Kuei all about the war, and then something like six months before Zuko tells him about the war honestly. (You know, with the war crimes.)

There's intrigue! How does a banished Fire Nation prince navigate the complexities of a court he knows nothing about? (Badly. Long Feng tries to sabotage him at every turn.) Mysteries! Who are all these weird ladies who call themselves Joo Dee? Heartbreak! When Zuko is inevitably disappeared by the Dai Li for getting too close to the truth. Awesome non-action moments, when Kuei remembers that actually, he is in charge, and he would like his son back. Serendipity! When it turns out that Zuko's bad eye and ear make brainwashing very hard to do on him (it only sort of works). Awesome action moments, when Long Feng inevitably tries to kill Kuei, and Zuko snaps out of his half-brainwashing!

The epilogue is the Gaang arriving at Ba Sing Se. They find Appa brushed and healthy and good friends with the Earth King's adopted not-son and yes-bear.

[drpoisonoaky]

Is she…you know?

Katara is trying to figure out if Azula…you know. So she does the most reasonable thing: ask Zuko things without looking like she’s asking exactly that. The thing is Zuko is Zuko.

Katara: Hey good to see you! Zuko: Good to see you too.  Katara: Do you want to have a cup of tea so we can catch up? Zuko: Sure, I was waiting for Azula but I think she’s going to be late. Katara: Azula late? Zuko: She’s in a meeting with some military men who don't know when to shut up. Katara: Is it a bad thing for her? Zuko: Not really, she loves to make men cry.

Katara: So she likes sensitive men? Zuko: She laughs at me whenever I cry watching a play and looks disgusted when I talk about feelings so I don’t think so. Katara: So tough men? Zuko: What for? Katara: She likes them? Zuko: I also don’t think so. Every time some dude brag about how strong he is Azula dares him to do something and wins. She looks so happy embarrassing them. Katara: So no sensitive guys or tough guys. Smart ones? Zuko: She does value learning new stuff about everything because she’s a nerd, but she doesn’t seem particularly interested in being taught by any men. Katara: No sensitive, no tough, no smart…What type of men does she like? Zuko: Depends on what she is going to do I suppose. Katara: What?! Zuko: I mean for a mission she usually prefer diversity depending on where- Katara: To date Zuko. What type of men does she like to date? Zuko: To date? Azula? Katara: Yes Azula. Zuko: Men? Katara:  Zuko: My sister? Katara: Are you implying something or you are lost because I can’t tell the difference right now. Zuko: I’m a little bit lost on why you want to pair Azula with some dude. Katara: Zuko. Zuko: She won’t like that. Katara: Why? Zuko: Why she won’t…Oh c’mon you know Azula. Katara: I DON'T. This is why I’m asking. Zuko: Don’t tell me Aang or Sokka are interested in her. Katara: I want to throw up. Zuko: Hey, she's my sister. Be careful.  Katara: Kyoshi’s tits Zuko. Zuko: But no, they wouldn’t have a chance. So don’t worry. Katara: WHY?! Zuko: Oh you want them to have one? Katara: For Tui's sake.  Zuko: It’s that a yes? Katara: OF COURSE NO. Zuko: So why- Katara: DO YOUR SISTER LIKE GIRLS OR NOT?! Zuko: Oh, is that it?  Katara: Can you answer?! Zuko: Of course, she only likes girls. I think you knew that. Katara: When- You know it doesn't matter. Thank you so much you make me the happiest waterbender on earth. Zuko: For telling you that Azula likes girls? You’re so weird sometimes. Katara: You are really sweet. Never change. Bye! Zuko: Zuko: So no cup of tea… … Azula: I almost killed three of them. It was fun. Zuko: You are almost as weird as Katara you know…oh. Azula: I know what? Zuko: What type of girls do you like?

[let-us-cultivate-our-garden]

Hi, I love your criticisms of TOH!

I've read the criticism (not sure if it was in your post) that redeemed characters in ToH become "Luzified"-meaning they gain the same characteristics as Luz and become the same "dorky nerd" archetype after being "redeemed" or joining the heroe's side.

I want to ask for your opinions on this sentiment, and if yes, if you could elaborate why you think so.

Thank you for your kind words!

To be honest, I'm rather tapped out on talking about toh; I've said what I needed to say and I just feel like I'm being repetitive.

But to answer your question, yes, there is a pattern of redeemed characters becoming "Luzified" once they join the good guys. Lilith becomes the Cool Aunt, wears glasses, and is into history and architecture. Hunter becomes interested in their in-universe version of Star Trek and wears that Three Wolf Moon shirt. Camilla (even though she was not an antagonist) is also revealed to be a secret nerd. In Amity's case, it's at least justified since it allows us to see a different side to her without feeling like pandering.

I think part of the reason why we see this pattern of "Antagonists Becoming Nerds" is that it provides a stark contrast to their antagonistic selves and also foreshadows their eventual turn; Lilith as the head of the Emperor's Coven is austere, dressed in all black with an intimidating presence, but she is still trying to heal her sister and is being manipulated by Belos. Hunter as the Golden Guard is cocky and a fighter, but also an abused teen trying to appease his uncle. Amity is haughty, a bully, but also a kid who is under the thumb of her domineering mother.

The problem is that when they do change for the better, they seemingly shed any of their previous personality traits; they become defanged so to speak. Lilith is too much of a dork, Amity becomes the Loving and Supportive Girlfriend, and Hunter becomes the resident whump character. They all become broadly nice and all happen to like nerd things because aren't they oh so relatable?

Imagine if Zuko lost his fiery (pun intended!) temper and sullenness in favor of being goofy and cheerful like Aang?

It also doesn't help that all three of these characters have someone to blame for their actions (two out of three have Belos as a narrative scapegoat). Fans have frequently argued that post-redemption, these characters can finally heal and embrace their true selves. Which is fine, but it's pretty underwhelming that the show only knows how to write one type of redemption arc: Antagonist stands in Luz's way BUT they have a secret soft side that is being exploited by Belos! Once they are free they can at last be themselves and we'll even change their hairstyle as a symbolic representation of their ✨growth!✨

So, in short, redeemed characters feel like they morph into the same Nerd character because the crew only wrote one kind of redemption arc with the same resolution.

(I did not include the Collector as a redeemed antagonist because his arc was so embarrassingly bad and had so many retcons it gave me whiplash)

[000marie198]

Okay okay I just realized something.

Zuko is a theatre kid right, we all know that. I mean, aside from every other thing solidifying that he's a theatre nerd there's also the most major evidence aka The Blue Spirit. Boy really chose a theatre mask from his favorite play to wear and sneak out to do stuff.

And it gets better!

The Blue Spirit (as Zuko's shenanigans had given it a reputation and a different title) is based upon the Dark Water Spirit, which he used to play as when he and Azula reenacted the scenes from Love Amongst the Dragons when they were little. He really went ahead and chose the exact same character he would play as a kid and as it is clear from his ninja skills when Blue Spirit makes its debut in the series, this isn't the first time he has gone out as the Blue Spirit.

Scary ninja skills aside, what I wanted to point out was Blue Spirit's theme. It is a great theme and the rising and falling volume of the jingles gives it an air of creepiness and mystery. But here's the thing, aside from all the times it played during the appearance of Blue Spirit, there is one other time that theme played. Zuko wasn't in the Blue Spirit disguise at the time, he was swimming through the turtle seal tunnels to sneak into the North Pole. Why play the Blue Spirit theme when he isn't in that disguise. Logically, because he was sneaking in, he was still using his stealth and it's Zuko. This just affirmed that it isn't just Blue Spirit's theme, it's now Zuko's theme just as much.

But there's another explanation too. Blue Spirit is the Dark Water Spirit, from the play, and the character which Zuko used to play the most as a kid. And Zuko is a theatre nerd. Which means he has imaginary of one too even if he was single-minded about his goal. And he was sneaking into the Northern Water Tribe, wearing white camouflage, through the underwater arctic caverns. Through the water. Aka the domain of Dark Water Spirit.

Taking MuffinLance's hc from Little Zuko VS. The World where the kid cannot help himself from humming the theme song of Blue Spirit wherever he goes while disguised as one, I believe the theme is something he likes to imagine when 'playing' or 'acting' like the Dark Water Spirit.

And using all his stubbornness and survival and stealth skills to swim through arctic waters in the turtle seal tunnels is definitely something that'll make the theatre kid part of him go "I am the Dark Water Spirit"

Ergo, Blue Spirit theme playing even when he isn't wearing the mask. Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Zuko, an absolute nerd.

Thank you for reading my essay

And there's another thing!

Considering the hc I've come across a few times where Zuko had the Fire Lord's fit redesigned to suit his style better, I've just now noticed that nearly half his Fire Lord outfit as seen in comics is based more on the one as the Dragon Emperor's costume from the play instead of the original Fire Lord robes that he wore at the coronation or the ones Ozai used to wear.

Jcjfjfchjdjfnfjgjfjffhj Even as the Fire Lord, he can't stop being a theatre nerd