#yue x sokka hurts

[iminaworldofpureimagination]

I'll never understand zukka it feels so meh to me

#anti zukka #it feels too safe too boring #zukaang has oomph jetko has angst drama zukka has two bros talking about girlfriends ehh #atla #i tagged right i will delete hate #i dont car2 much for zuuuki either shurg #yue x sokka hurts #i don't want z

[ivnxrori]

When Sun and Moon meet - S1 FINALE

Zuko x Fem!WaterBender!Reader Enemies to Lovers

As one of the Princesses of the Northern Water tribe, you were blessed with a gift by the moon. However you were permitted to be allowed to use the gift at all costs. From many hidden waterbending usages, the aftermath of the avatar visiting the Northern Tribe had led to your beginning journey, hiding yourself as a water bender as a princess from the Northern water tribe

Warnings: death, arguing, angst

Masterlist

҉ * ‧͙ ⋆ ⁺ ༓ ☾ Chapter 4 - New Sacrifices

Panic rushes through my mind, when the enemy from the fire nation has the moon spirit fish in his hands. My breathing grew heavy and my headache was aching even more than before. It's most likely my fear and anger, this soldier from the fire nation attacking the moon spirit. I still stood in my fighting stance while Aang attempted to console the fire nation member. Some old man, who is also part of the fire nation, stood by our side. The enemy lays low, slowly pouring the moon spirit back into the water. My shoulders softened and I sighed in relief, only for the worst to happen. The moon spirit was killed by a blow from the fire, and the moon is gone. “What have you done?” I screeched and ran to the pond, seeing the white fish unable to move. I grab it and next thing I know, only the old man was there, none of the soldiers or the killer. I felt tears peering through my eyes. “What do we do?” my voice cracked, I tried to swallow back my tears and breathe shakily. Everything is happening way too fast… I don't know what's real. I wish it wasn't real. “There's no hope now,” Yue said sadly, leaning against Sokka. “It's over.”

It's over. It's all over. My mind rang the same sentence again and again. It's like I have accepted the fact we have lost, everyone has lost. There is no winner. “No it's not over” I immediately turned my head, seeing Aang with his eyes and arrow glowing. “What can you even do?” I spat angrily but he paid no attention to it. He just went to the center of the water, near the black fish circling around him who is also glowing. Not even a second later, Aang fell through the water. Causing the world around us to be brighter and bluer. The water moved through the bridge violently, slowly moving upward to show Aang who was in the water. The form of the water was like the moon spirit, moving around our nation destroying the fire nation's people. Then once again the atmosphere was back to being dark. I sigh disappointingly at the fact the brightness of the night didn't last forever. I put the fish back in the water. “It's dead,” the old man said as I nodded in agreement. “I have to go” I got up. This place is going to drive me insane if I stay here any longer. “It's dangerous out there” Katara called out but I didn't respond. I needed to go.

  ҉   ☾

The only hope there is was with Aang, praying somehow he can bring the moon spirit back. I walk around the bridge only to see the scar boy, Zuko. “How did you get out of the ropes?” I called out and he immediately got into a fighting stance. “You're hurt,” I glared at him. Noticing the purple bruises on his skin. He looked horrible and angry, piercing through me with his glare. “Don't bother with the ‘Avatar’” I said “He is destroying your whole nation, you do not stand a chance with him especially with the state he is in currently.” I once again squinted at his marks “You're also tired” I attempted to grab water to heal him, unfortunately to no avail due to the moon. “I don't need your help” He spat. “You’re right” I exaggerated my arms in annoyance “Why should I even bother healing for an enemy” I hissed. I felt a bright light from the corner of my eye and snapped my head towards that direction. “The moon!” I yelled out excitedly “Aang must have done it” I turned around not even sparing a glance towards Zuko. As if I cared for his well being. Well- I did for a short moment, a moment of weakness and kindness from my heart but that was short lived. I ran towards the spirit Oasis as fast as I possibly could.

“The moon! Was it Aang’s doing?” I yelled, running towards Sokka, Katara and Yue. “I came here as quickly as I could to see the moon spirit”. I exhaled breathily looking around. “Where's Yue?” I asked but I was met with silence. Only answer I got was the siblings and the old man moving their heads down, looking at the grass. That's all I needed to understand. “Please…don't tell me…” I shakily said, looking at the grass holding back my tears. “How could you guys let her do that?” I yelled at the three. “I left for what? A few minutes only to find my sister gone?” I continue shouting. “We tried Y/N! We tried to stop her but she was persistent. She wanted to help her nation, she wanted to help you!” Sokka yelled back angrily. Tears were running down my face, everything was just horrible. “If only you guys never came, the fire nation would have never attacked and Yue would have been alive” I scream, crying, letting every bit of my anger out which hasn't been released in years. “How could you say that?” Katara shouts, Sokka standing up “You're so selfish! You even left us three for your benefit. Yue wasn't all that happy here and she acted out willingly to help everyone.” Sokka yelled back. “Calm down kids'' the old man speaks up “This isn't the best situation to fight.” Sokka wasn't wrong however. I was indeed selfish. I never saved Yue like she saved me, and this was the most impactful. I never gave her anything, I was always on the receiving side. I was, in fact, selfish. I continued to look down but I broke. I fall onto the grass, gripping my hair as tears continue to stream down my face. “I know how hard it is to lose your sister but remember your sister wouldn't want you like this, she would want you to be happy. She did it for you” Katara reassured me, patting my back. I hiccuped silently. Of course Yue decided to do it when I was away. I wouldn't have allowed her to sacrifice herself to the moon and she would have hated me seeing her disappear. I got up and hugged Katara tightly, tight as I ever could. Sokka shortly joined. We have received the moon, but at what cost?

“Chief Arnook! Y/N is gone” One of the soldiers yelled out to Chief Arnook. “What?” He responded in shock, already losing his eldest daughter, now losing his second. “She only left a note on her bed” The soldier unraveled the note, revealing elegant writing written with ink. Chief Arnook grabbed the note and scanned it urgently. The letter read…

Dear Father,

I have decided to leave the Northern water tribe. I apologize for the run away, especially with all that's already happened. But this journey will help me, it will help find what I need. Please don't bother sending soldiers to look for me. I have run away on my own terms and I will not be coming back unless the time is right. I have Yue to protect me and to always be there by my side. I love you and Sivoy but please respect my decision to leave. I know this is selfish so once again I apologize. I have taken a Buffalo yak for transportation so please don't worry.

Goodbye Father and Sivoy,

Love Y/N

Chief Arnook sighed “Don't do anything” as he rolled up the paper. “But…Chief Arnook we already sent some soldiers to look for her and put up missing posters” The soldiers said guiltily as the Chief sighed in disappointment. “What are you going to do?” Sokka asked worriedly, “I believe my Y/N would be capable of handling these kinds of situations for now, prevent sending out more trouble and tell the soldiers to not search for Y/N.” The soldiers bowed to Chief Arnook to take their leave.

“Should I have told my father that I also left to take revenge on the fire nation?” I tilted my head, asking the Buffalo yak only to get a huff from the animal. “Yeah I didn't think it was necessary” I shrugged as I continued to make the water under us turn into us, helping the buffalo yak travel through the water. “I think we might make it to the earth kingdom quicker than I thought” I look at the map and look above. “Thank you buddy” I patted the Buffalo yak’s head in appreciation. 

Well this is a new start…

Season 1 END

<- Back - Next ->

a/n: LAST CHAPTER OF SEASON 1 WOOO!! And your welcome that i snuck in Zuko in this chapter however Yue does die :( Im not 100% sure if Season 2 will start back up tmr but it will start up soon!! So stay tooned! Im surprised this many people want to read my work honestly LMAO BUT THANK YOU!! Have a nice day!

--

Taglist: @luvkvni @katovano @karmaswitch @someonesmember @velvet-spider @sh3sa1dwhat @nerdisthenewcool @meiraloves2dmen @fqnfics101 @iluvme547 @leaderwon @yukihatesreoyo @heart4hees @4l3x1s @kkissaku

#zuko x reader #prince zuko #zuko #zuko atla #zuko avatar the last airbender #zuko avatar #atla #fire lord #fire lord zuko #the gaang #gaang #zuko fanfic #zuko x y/n #zuko x you #alta zuko x reader #reader #reader insert #female reader #fem reader #x female reader #zuko imagine #alta x reader #avatar last airbender #prince zuko x you #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko x y/n #waterbending #waterbender reader #waterbender #avatar the last airbender

[cncozutarapoto]

fun. x ATLA

Idk if anyone else in the fandom listens to fun., but I'm a big fan of pretty much the whole Some Nights album. I was listening to it last week (yes, even the Some Nights - Intro, which I don't vibe with) because it was speaking to me in terms of ATLA characters (certain songs reminded me of certain characters).

"But Turtle, Nate Reuss wasn't focused on ATLA when he was writing this album"

Ok, and? I'm gonna have some fun with this!

So here's each song and the character I think it fits (not all are exact fits & not every song is included, but most are)

1. Some Nights - Sokka

"This is it, boys, this is war/what are we waiting for?" feels very Sokka to me, especially since he considers himself a warrior and is the protector of Wolf Cove after Hakoda and the other men leave to fight the fire nation. Also "I still see your ghost" could reference Kya, but more likely Yue, since Sokka says that he sees Katara's face when he tries to remember his mother. The line about the martyr reminded me of Suki. Ok also the "miss my mom and dad for this" line?? Come on. Ok BUT "my heart is breaking for my sister and the con she called love/and then I look into my nephew's eyes" is just SCREAMING a Zutara or Kataang fic of some sort. Come on, right?? It's just begging to be written. Overall, this is very existential crisis-Sokka to me.

2. We Are Young - Katara

Ok so I wasn't fully sure what song to give Katara and it just didn't feel right to leave her out so I deadass just gave her this one like 5 minutes ago, but it still works. It would also be AU-based, but hear me out. I'm assuming y'all are most likely to know this song out of all of them. So Katara's at a bar after breaking up with her boyfriend (Aang) and the Gaang's all here. "My seat's been taken by some sunglasses askin' bout a scar" would be Zuko asking about the scars on Katara's hands that she couldn't fully heal after Aang's firebending accident. "But between the drinks and subtle things/the holes in my apologies/you know I'm trying hard to take it back" feels very Aang to me, especially since he's immature. Then right after, I feel like it switches to a more Zutara vibe for most of the song. Also "the moon is on my side/I have no reason to run" with Katara is such a sick combo omg.

3. Carry On - Zuko

The lyrics are very angsty. "You swore and said we are not/we are not shining stars/this I know, I never said we are" feels like a very Zuko & Iroh interaction to me. And also "though I've never been through hell like that/I've closed enough windows to know you can never look back" !!!! Like that feels very Season 3 Zuko to me. Also, no matter what, Zuko is forced to carry on, whether it's with Ozai, Azula, the Gaang... Although don't get me wrong, Zuko does take back his destiny, but I'm referring more to how he can't give up. Also Ursa tells Zuko and he later says how he struggles and fights, even though it's hard. "And we talked and talked about how our parents will die/all our neighbors and wives" Zuko is very familiar with the concept of mortality, he nearly died and he loses his mother at a young age. I'm sure he worries about when Iroh will die, as well as his friends. I feel like Zuko has a line about people leaving him, but I can't find it. Ok next point "and it's nice to know when I was left for dead/I was found and now I don't roam these streets/I am not the ghost you are to me" is very reminiscent of Zuko's relationship (or lack thereof) with Ozai. Also "may your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground" feels like a very Iroh line. Last point, "on our darkest day, when we're miles away/so we'll come and we'll find our way home" is very reminiscent of Zuko's redemption arc and how he returns home and retakes his place in the line of succession and becomes Fire Lord.

4. It Gets Better - Katara?

Honestly the "yes, I know it hurts at first/but it gets better" reminds me a lot of Katara. I also liked the line about fire in the sky and snow on the ground. Not too much else to say.

5. All Alone - Mai

I really encourage you guys to listen to this song, it was really interesting. The lyrics reminded me of Maiko, especially how Mai seems to not care about anything. The girl's voice reminded me a lot of Mai throughout the series, especially her interactions with Zuko. "I gave her to you/I don't need a toy/I thought you might appreciate it/I don't like the way it moves" reminds me of their interaction when Zuko tries to give Mai the shell on Ember Island. "How do you cry with inanimate eyes/you're never gonna smile/with the way that you're wired" also reminded me a lot of Mai's character throughout the series.

(I really like All Alright, but wasn't sure who it would fit well with)

6. One Foot - Toph

"I put one foot in front of the other" is very Toph, she is a fighter first and foremost. "I don't need a new love or a new life" also feels very her, Toph doesn't care as much about the more material things compared to the rest of the Gaang. I'm sure there's more that can be said about this connection, but I didn't really vibe with the song so much. Sorry Toph.

7. Out on the Town - Aang

Okay, Aang fans, I'm asking you to stick with me here. "Cause I know I'll never take the time/to unpack my missteps and call all of our friends" feels very much like season 3 Aang, where he doesn't face consequences for his actions and Bryke kinda places him on this pedestal of sorts. Also, this is a kataang breakup song to me. The chorus really feels like Aang to me, putting his feelings before those of other people, causing a scene, there being consequences (that he somehow gets out of, but that's not today's discussion). "But I'm waiting for the day you come back and say/'hey maybe I should change my mind'" reminds me of the first 2 times Aang kisses Katara and how he expects her to change her mind on how she feels about him. Also the repetition of "open up your heart".

Overall, I found the entire album to be very Zuko-coded.

If you read this far, I appreciate you!

#atla #fun. #sokka #katara #zuko #mai #toph #aang #zutara #fun #nate reuss #some nights

[loriiisstuff]

𝐖𝐀𝐑

sokka x fem!reader

summary : y/n gets injured during a fight

𝐘/𝐍 watched the firey flams shoot down on her village with her friend yue not in sight

"no" she cried out a a hot rock slam onto her home "y/n come on fight" katara pulled y/n to her feet "i can't i don't want to die katara" she cried trying to pull her hand away "i'm not going to let them hurt you" katara whispered under all the yelling making y/n feel safer somehow

i guess katara had her way with people "fine...i can do it" y/n agreed running up producing water from her hand to stop one of the bolders from hitting the village

after a little bit of fighting a flamey bolder struct y/n down knocking her back scraps now formed on her smooth skin and blood coming out of her nose

"ah fuck" she scream out as a bolder lays on her leg crushing her "sokka" she yelled out but to no avail she started to get light headed

all y/n thought was the fact that this was her last moments on earth

𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐎𝐊𝐊𝐀 & 𝐘𝐔𝐄

"i have to do this sokka" yue places her hand on the boys shoulder "now go find y/n...and keep her safe" her weak body walked over to the pond dunking herself in the water "yue no there has to be a other way" sokka yelled but yue was gone

sokka didn't no how he would tell y/n

𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

"katara where's y/n" i asked my sister who looked at me worried "i don't know last time i checked she was fighting" katara said helping someone up "i have to go find her" i said before dashing off to go find y/n

i see someone arm sticking out behind a bolder barely moving "y/n oh my god" i ran over rolling the bolder over off her legs "sokka" she mumbled before groaning as i pick her up one arm under her leg and the other on her back

y/n wraps her arms around my neck and nuzzling her head into my chest "come on lets get you some help" i whispered walking towards what was left of the village "where's yue" she asks not looking up at me "y/n...she sacrificed herself for the moon spirit" i told her waiting for her to react

our walk was silent for a moment when i heard small sniffles "its okay she did it for you" i stroked her hair slowly calming her down "im tired sokka" she mumbled pain wrapped around her voice "i know but lets get you checked out first"

a/n : hope you enjoyed this one <33

#sokka x reader #ian ousley #atla sokka #sokka #ian ousley x reader #atla x reader #atla #avatar the last airbenber netflix #avatar the last airbender x reader #avatar the last airbender

[snorlaxlovesme]

thoughts and feelings about the Netflix's Live Action Avatar, now that I've finished:

overall, net positive! as i said in my previous post about the first 3 episodes [x], i'm someone who goes into adaptations with minimal expectations, treating it more like fanfiction, so I can spend more time enjoying myself than being a butthurt baby, so with that in mind i can say that I enjoyed myself a lot! there are episodes that i'm actually really excited to rewatch (5 and 6 are bangers and i won't be told otherwise)

i'm not going to lie and claim that any of the actors will be winning Daytime Emmys, but there were a few standout performances for me at least:

-Zuko was incredible. i love the way this version leaned into Zuko's desperation to capture the Avatar, because now he finally had a real chance of being able to come home after all these years. his acting pre- and post-Agni Kai in the flashbacks felt so sincere. his optimism was adorable before the war meeting and his shattered expression after Ozai banished him was fucking heartbreaking.

-i really loved the boy who played Aang. he was so charming and cute! and i think as the episodes went along he gradually got better at displaying more subtle emotion. for such a young child actor i thought he was doing amazing

-Sokka's actor was putting in work in the back half! i was impressed! the first half of the show I was pretty neutral about Sokka's acting but the more development he got the more I appreciated what his actor was bringing to the table. i think he just needed to be paired with the right acting partners in a scene to bring out the best of his abilities. Katara didn't give him much to work off of, but his scenes with Sai and Yue really hit

-Zhao was great too! they really re-worked his character to be a lot more important from the jump and i loved seeing how underhanded he was being during all of Zuko's quest. normally seeing Zhao on-screen just annoys me but i loved this version and how patronizing he was to Zuko

-idk man every time Gyatso was on screen I was crying. that's just how it is. every time i saw his face it felt like a warm hug

i think the weird part of this adaptation is that the parts that were adapted were pretty mid (or sometimes just bad) in a lot of cases, but whenever they added in their own original ideas it really shined! i feel like that's not the case with a lot of adaptation, people want to see what they know, but honestly if they added in more of their own original writing in s2 I would not be mad because i loved what these writers were bringing to the table (for the most part)

-i've already said that the way they structured ep 1 to include the start of the war was awesome. that was a cool change to show the audience from the jump that they weren't planning on boring everyone with a one-to-one(but worse) adaptation. it also set the tone really well bc my GOD do firebenders be setting people on fire in this show

-big fan of the early inclusion of Kyoshi and the idea that Aang can only convene with past Avatars at their temples. that was not a Hard Rule in the original and it always felt weird to me that sometimes he needed to be at a certain place on a certain day to communicate with his past lives but then in the finale he just had to meditate wherever he was. but yeah, they used Kyoshi lore from the novels and did indeed lose my mind about it

-Zuko and the 41st division. that was SUCH a cool storyline that was woven in starting at episode ONE and i was genuinely impressed with how hard it hit. i didn't see that coming and it had me CRYINGGGG. so yeah, BIG thumbs up for that original storyline. and also they inclusion of the post-Agni Kai Zuko recovering in the hospital and getting banished for claiming that maybe the weak just need the opportunity to get strong. heartbreaking, devastating on its own (Zuko's actor truly was killing me, i loved him so much) but once we see Zuko and Azula start going toe-to-toe next season that line will hurt me even more

-the bonding moment about calligraphy between Aang and Zuko was a really good bait and switch. in the original Blue Spirit episode Zuko didn't talk to Aang at all before firing at him. i like that i was expecting it to play out the same way as before but instead they had a moment of connection before Aang triggered Zuko and all potential for empathy was lost.

-which seems like a good time to address Zuko's character. i want to be clear when i say that i liked something because it was different from the original, it doesn't mean that i like it BETTER than the original. i simply think the new version is fun fanfiction that was written better than i expected. so when i say i like how they dealt with Zuko's obsession with honor, i'm in no way implying it's superior to the original. simply a good different

-anyways. in the original, Zuko's obsession with honor is fully connected to his need to be wanted by his father again. OZAI is the only one who can restore it, and it can only be restored by completing an impossible task for him. in the Netflix version it almost seems like Zuko's honor is tied to the disillusion that the Fire Nation itself is honorable. the bit about Lieutenant...Yi? sorry i'm getting his name wrong, but Lieutenant Yi gossiping about a superior officer, Zuko's disbelief that the Fire Nation would ever use such underhanded tactics like planting spies in Omashu, it was clear to me that Zuko bought into a rigid sense of morality and honor when it came to the Fire Nation. i hope we see more of that in s2 so that we can see Zuko's world truly rocked when he and Iroh become refugees

-Katara being hailed as a master was very sweet! i wish she would have gotten SOME training from Paku (could still happen at the start of book 2) but I did enjoy that during the Siege of the North that she got her own little battalion to command bc she was seen as worth warrior

-OH and I love how they explored Sokka's character. again, them taking out Sokka's blatant sexism didn't bother me, so i was happy to see that in taking that out they DID work hard to make Sokka's character motivations rich and meaningful. having him have the same complex about being a lacking warrior as the original cartoon but with the added twist of overhearing his dad's harsh words about his abilities really added something to Sokka's insecurities. i loved the inclusion of Sai encouraging Sokka to become an engineer because it was clear how much that meant to him. considering in the cartoon he does become a pretty badass warrior (while still being mainly an Idea Guy) i wonder how this storyline will play out later. if he'll try harder to fit into the warrior box he thinks he belongs in or if he'll blatantly begin to reject that role for himself and identify more heavily with his engineer side

-the cave of two lovers had me worried for a second because Sokka and Katara were paired together for that and im like UMMM so i thought it was pretty funny how they reinterpreted "love is brightest in the dark" in that scene. not as good as the original, obviously, but a funny reinterpretation that i didn't hate

i probably have more to say on the additions but this is getting long so i think it's time to get to some criticisms. this show was not perfect by any means and i have several gripes with it so i might as well get that out now

-WAIT first i must say that a lot of the bending looked phenomenal. particularly Zuko and Aang's bending. both actors (and their stunt doubles) were great martial artists and the fire effects and air effects were done really well. i was really worried about how they'd adapt airbending (since air is invisible) and they did a great job adding in dust cloud effects and making sure the props in the scene moved they like would if they were blasted by air

-AND i must emphasize that i was not mad at them chopping up storylines and mixing them together. the Mechanist/Jet plotlines had similar themes of seemingly Good People doing unethical things for what they believed to be a good cause, so putting them in the same episode made sense to me. and having Sokka and Katara getting spirited away and caught up in that mist (a fun LOK reference that time, i loved the easter eggs) and then captured by Koh was a good way to separate them from Aang the Blue Spirit arc could take place. that also made sense to me. people who get mad about the re-shuffling of episodes frustrate me to no end.

okay, now onto critique:

-unfortunately, Iroh was a giant flop. i don't know how else to say it. i didn't really like any part of him, from his costuming to his writing to his acting. something about him felt like he was plucked out of a campy low-budget stage play and just thrown into this show while only know his campy stage play lines. both Zuko and Zhao give pretty grounded, emotional performances and Iroh is SO jarring by comparison when he's in the same room as them acting like a caricature of himself for no reason. his wig was terrible, i wish they had made it more flowy because it stayed the same shape and position the whole time, he used the WEIRDEST announcer voice the whole time (like why are you using a voice?? no one else is using a voice??), and his robes seemed out of place when everyone else was wearing leather armor. and they had a moment in episode 4 where an Earth Kingdom soldier really laid into him because back when Iroh was a general he was responsible for the death of Earth Kingdom soldier's brother. i was interested to see this bc we BARELY get to see Iroh's Bad Side in the cartoon and i was curious to see where the live action would go with it. but it ended with Earth Kingdom soldier slugging Iroh or slapping his face or something and Iroh made some snoody remark about how war changes people, and he WASN'T talking about himself. like bro this man just told you you COOKED his brother alive he has earned the right to slug you, what are you talking about! i was expecting remorse, or at the very least a solemn look of guilt over the person Iroh once was, but nothing. it was bad. obviously having the iconic Uncle Iroh be so terrible is a huge mark against the show. i simply cannot defend that

-circling back to Iroh's wig. well. the hair and make-up department went out of their way to make important characters look like their cartoon counterparts and that was not always beneficial. why did Yue look like she was from Whoville. who okayed that.

-many people have already pointed it out, but it was weird in ep 1 that Aang's decision to leave was because he needed to clear his head, not because he was running away from his responsibilities. i have no idea why they made this change, unless the reason was to have every single person (including past Avatars) dog on Aang for not being around during the past 100 years. but even that doesn't hit the same bc it truly wasn't his fault! he went for a drive and got caught in a storm! he intended to be back in a few hours! idk that change didn't make sense to me. i know Aang felt guilt regardless but the guilt was supposed to be from the intentionality of Aang running away

-the way Katara broke Aang out of the iceberg was weird?? she wasn't angry at Sokka for his sexism, but she could have been angry at him for SOMETHING that caused her bending to grow out of control. or at the very least when she was bending the canoe towards her she could have done a sharp pulling motion towards her that ended with her arms behind her, therefore forming the cracks in the ice (kind of a callback to how in the pilot Katara could really only waterbend backwards at first). instead her hands were fully facing forward and she was gently bending in front of her and that led to the ice sphere exploding behind her. its been bothering me. whyyy

-character-wise, Katara was pretty one-note. like the addition of her guilt for getting her mom killed with her subpar waterbending, while not bad, didn't make up for how much she DIDN'T have going on. it felt like they toned down a lot of Katara's character strengths AND flaws to give Sokka more room to arc, then shoved all of Katara's development into the last 2 episodes. they didn't show much of her resilient hope in the face of adversity or rage towards injustice or how petty she could be. part of this could be her actor, who i won't dog on because she is a child actor who will get better with time, but i don't think the flimsy writing of her did her any favors

-score wasn't nearly as good as Jeremy Zuckerman/The Track Team's. remixing some of the A:TLA's score doesn't make up for the fact that all the original scoring in this adaptation was flat by comparison

-Bumi's whole thing was....weird. i didn't mind at first that they speedran through his reveal because i don't think there's a point to try and surprise the three people who haven't seen the original. 99% of the audience knew the King was Bumi, so I didn't see any problem with that. but the set-up flashback of Bumi lasted like 10 seconds and basically just showed him snort. it didn't give you a reason to get attached to him as Aang's past friend. and his current actions didn't help at all. the acting was very Michael Meyer's Cat in the Hat-esque. so. uh. SCARY AND OFFPUTTING. was not a fan of that all. and having him do a few random goofy tests for Aang AFTER already knowing his identity felt...weird? like what's the point of these now? and then having the reveal that he's NOT kooky, he genuinely IS pissed at Aang for being gone, well. hmm. it's not a bad idea in theory. i liked the concept of having someone FROM THIS TIMELINE (looking at you, Kyoshi, Roku, and Kuruk, and your unjustified rage toward Aang) be upset at Aang for leaving the world in such a state of imbalance. having Bumi be like DO YOU KNOW ALL THE SHIT I'VE HAD TO DEAL WITH SINCE THE WORLD HAS HAD NO AVATAR, was an interesting line of thought i could have rocked with, butttt.....idk man. it's BUMI. he's supposed to be a living memory of Aang's past to give him comfort and wisdom! it hurt to see this version be so cruel to Aang and basically force him to try to kill him just to prove a point. i would have rather had them write out Bumi altogether and use that episode for something else than to smear his name like that

-i'm tentatively alright with Azula's plotline right now. the Zuko line "Azula was born lucky, I was lucky to be born" is really essential to how their rivalry worked in the cartoon. Azula was a cold-hearted prodigy while Zuko was compassionate boy but average bender. i liked the idea of showing how Ozai intentionally pitted his children against each other. i liked seeing Azula's moment of defiance where she claims she's DONE being tested because she know how good her abilities are. i liked seeing the origin of her lighting bending. all of those were cool fanfiction. the thing that worries me is that we, the audience, have already seen Azula's doubt in herself, something we weren't privy to until the very end of the series. plus showing how hard Azula trains kind of undercuts the fact that Zuko is supposed to think he can't measure up to her because of her natural abilities that he DOESN'T have. they DID plant the seed to Zuko that Azula was the one backing Zhao the whole time, so we do have some of their rivalry primed to go. but the rivalry in the original is extremely one-sided. it will be odd to see Azula fighting just as hard to earn Ozai's affection, because intrinsically she should think that game was won a long time ago. so yeah. i'm not mad about it YET, just interested to see how it plays out

and then there are little nitpicks that could be resolved in season 2, should it get picked up again

-Aang not learning any waterbending or burning Katara with firebending can be woven into the early eps of season 2 before Toph's introduction

-the gaang's chemistry will only grow stronger with time. as the cast becomes better friends, as the kids become better actors with age, and considering they don't separate much in s2, i have faith that will iron itself out naturally

-tbh im sure there are more but this is so long i'm fizzling out. i'm fading. i must stop.

but yeah! good and bad! there's lots to unpack but in general i think it was fun. i'm excited for more.

#netflix avatar #long post #i am. exhausted. #writing this took so long

[quillthrillswriting]

sokka and yue are the personification of a mitski song and NOBODY can tell me otherwise. every time i see the moon mentioned, i think of them, and the song "mine, all mine" is just TOOOOO perfect for them

you can't tell me that the lyrics moon, tell me if i could send up my heart to you? so, when i die, which i must do, could it shine down here with you? aren't so incredibly sokka x yue that it HURTS.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Before the war had ended, he thought for sure that Suki was it. That this was his path, settle down with her in a new era of peace. Try as he might, the moment the threat of the Fire Nation was no longer filling his mind, distracting him entirely, the only girl he could picture was Yue.

Which was a problem, considering that she was now, y’know, the moon .

And she was almost definitely never coming back.

♥ find the rest of the fic, which i swear has a happy ending, here ->

#atla sokka #sokka/yue #sokka/suki #atla fanfic #mitski #inspired by music #mine all mine #atla fandom #archive of our own #a03 #ao3 recs #Youtube #oneshot #atla #princess yue #sokka #suki #suki atla AND suki waterhouse!! #sokka and yue fanfic #quillthrillsatlafic

[zukkaart]

One-shot/Prompt sesh!

I have been in such a writing rut lately so I figure this will be a good way to fix that! So pick a ship then pick a prompt and I’ll get it to ya 😘

Ships:

1. Zukka (Zuko x Sokka)

2. Yuekka (Yue x Sokka)

3. Sukka (Suki x Sokka)

4. Zutara (Zuko x Katara)

5. Tyzula (Ty Lee x Azula)

6. Mailee (Mai x Ty Lee)

Prompts

1. “Why are you helping a monster?”

2. “I was only using you”

3. “I don’t see a future with you”

4. “Where we’re you when I needed you the most?”

5. “Please, pull the trigger”

6. “Leave! I don’t want to see you!”

7. “Why would I help someone like you?”

8. “Don’t leave me! Please!”

9. “Stop talking to me”

10. “I’m not fine”

11. “I wish that I never met you”

12. “Stay away from me”

13. “Why am I always your second option?”

14. “You’re hurting me!”

15. “You’re useless”

16. “Is it okay if I give up?”

17. “I…I am barely holding on”

18. “Do you ever shut up?”

19. “Please put me down”

20. Whatever you want!!! Surprise me

#avatar the last airbender #sokka #zuko #sokka avatar the last airbender #atla #Zukka #yuekka #mailee #tyzula #Sukka #Zutara #Atla prompts #one shot #dialogue prompts #Suki x sokka #Ty Lee x mai #Ty Lee x azula #send me asks

[findroleplay]

Literacy: semi-lit and up

Fandom: (* indicates high desire) hunger games, percy jackson series (through Burning Maze), avatar the last airbender (and associated universe), *the dragon prince*, also open to nonfandom

Pair: for fandoms i pretty much only do cc x cc, for nonfandom I have female and non-binary ocs with the full range of attraction for pairings

Character(s): I am also happy to play other characters on the side

Hunger Games: Katniss, Peeta, Finnick, Annie

Percy Jackson: Percy, Annabeth, Jason, Piper, Nico (note: I headcanon him as ftm trans), Bianca, Reyna

A:TLA+: Katara, Zuko, Azula, Toph, Yue, Sokka, Ty Lee, Suki, Korra, Asami, Kyoshi, Rangi, Mai Emi (my singular oc)

Dragon Prince: Callum, Rayla, Claudia, Terry

Ship(s):

Hunger Games: katniss x peeta, finnick x annie

Percy Jackson: percy x annabeth, jason x piper, nico x will, jason x reyna, nico x reyna (queerplatonic)

ATLA+: Just about any combination of characters that isn't creepy

Dragon Prince: Callum x Rayla, Claudia x Terry

Triggers: pretty much my only rule is no smut

Genres: romance, drama, slice of life, light fantasy

Plot ideas: in general with fandoms I like picking up where the series left off and continuing the story, I don't like rping over things the creators produced with a few exceptions. I am also a sucker for domestic fluff. I do have some nonfandom oc plots, and am open to ideas, so dm for details

Specific Plots (or at least jumping off points)

Dragon Prince---Rayla gets hurt when the mountain collapses at the end of s4, hurt/comfort ensues and also resolving the whole aaravos part (dw I have a plan)

Hunger Games---finnick survives. that's it that's the plot

A:TLA+---au where Mai is mtf trans, and after the Search comic Zuko seeks her out to offer to take her to the Mother of Faces to see if she would be willing to help Mai transition

A:TLA+---five years after her death, Yue reappears at the South Pole with no memories. Sokka has to reevealuate his entire life choices. Obv a Sokka x Yue plot but ofc Suki will also be a part of it

A:TLA+---Aang and Katara break up about the same time Mai and Zuko break up, and Zuko and Katara bond over it and eventually end up together

A:TLA+---Sokka and Suki struggle with long distance, and eventually decide to split. When Zuko is struggling with assassination attempts, he asks the Kyoshi Warriors to be his bodyguards. He and Sokka have a budding romance, as do Suki and Ty Lee, but one thing leads to another and Sokka and Suki spend one last night together. They put it out of their minds until Suki finds out she's pregnant.

Where: I prefer to use discord, but I'd rather not give it out until we've agreed on an rp, so dm me here first.

_

#hunger games rp #roleplay #rp #percy jackson rp #avatar the last airbender rp #the dragon prince rp #oc rp #original rp #fandomless rp

[weatherman667]

Sokka Romances

Suki: Now, despite not being my primary ship, I have absolutely nothing against this ship.  The biggest complaint I can have against it is that it’s slightly underwhelming.  It’s good, solid, wholesome ship.

Toph:  My favourite Sokka ship.  There is only one person that Toph will be vulnerable with, and that’s Sokka.  This is because Sokka is the only one to only view her disability as a disability when it directly impacts her abilities.  Like the rest of the Gaang, she quickly starts to rely on Sokka, and really, only Sokka.

Yue:  Consort of the Moon, whom is a beautiful, loving lady filled with lunar goodness.

Ty Lee:  No deep seated feelings, other than simple warmth.  Ty Lee flirts with a number of boys throughout the series, but Sokka seems to be the only one with any real substance.

Katara:  Water tribe means love.

Azula:  Before Azula’s final descent into madness, post Black Sun, Sokka is probably the only one that could save her.  This makes an intruiging relationship, to say the least.  She needs someone to break through the barriers she was erected to the hurt girl within, and I doubt anyone else could navigate that fraught labyrinth.

Mai:  The two main versions of this are:  The only good consequence of the detestable Zutara ship; Sokka cucking Zuko.  To be entirely honest, humiliation, (from the Humiliores), is literally what Zuko needs.  Maybe not in this way, but still fun and impactful.

Sokka x Kyoshi Warriors:  Officially, the Kyoshi Warriors retire when they get married.  This would require a severe alteration of the world, such as making Sokka a king, with the Kyoshi Warriors as his Warriors-Concubine.  I am perfectly okay with this.

#avatar #sokka

[justanotherghostwriter]

I posted 186 times in 2022

28 posts created (15%)

158 posts reblogged (85%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@zkbigbang

@lizanthium

@marijayne-writing

@x-rainflame-x

@derinthescarletpescatarian

I tagged 185 of my posts in 2022

Only 1% of my posts had no tags

#fanart - 41 posts

#zutara - 34 posts

#zk big bang 2022 - 17 posts

#flagging for later - 15 posts

#animorphs - 15 posts

#fullmetal alchemist - 15 posts

#avatar the last airbender - 10 posts

#ghostfic - 9 posts

#about me - 9 posts

#lizanthium's art - 9 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#he was just - as cassie says - the pillar. the one who took everybody's views and personalities and strengths and weaknesses and sorted out

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Chapters: 1/7 Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Katara/Zuko (Avatar), Lu Ten/Yue (Mentioned), Katara & Sokka (Avatar), Hakoda & Katara (Avatar), Druk & Zuko (Avatar), Lu Ten & Zuko, Toph Beifong & Zuko, Toph Beifong & Katara Characters: Zuko (Avatar), Katara (Avatar), Druk (Avatar), Toph Beifong, Agni Kai Triad (Avatar), Iroh (Avatar), Lu Ten, Yue (Avatar), Hakoda (Avatar), Sokka (Avatar), Suki (Avatar) Additional Tags: Zutara Week 2022 (Avatar), Zutara Week, Round Robin, Modern AU with Bending, MeetCute, Identity Reveal, Slight Mentions of Gang politics, The Order of the White Lotus (Avatar), Hurt Zuko (Avatar) Summary:

While taking a shortcut through a park near the old Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se, Katara runs into an interesting dog and the dog's interesting owner. For the next few days, they share a morning walk and surprisingly deep secrets with one another. Katara is a little disappointed when her new friend stops showing one morning, until she finds the dog, alone and lost, and is pulled into danger she never anticipated. Also unexpected is how she appears to be falling for somebody who should be a sworn enemy.

I'm very excited to introduce this project to you. This year, for @zutaraweek, I decided to try a Round Robin with any writers who were keen. We each picked at least one of the weekly prompts and, like an impromptu acting class, followed on the story from where the previous writer left off. It's been amazing getting to know the other writers and seeing how their unique perspectives, skills and passions mold and shape the story. @ekwolfwriter-blog, @the-badger-mole, @marijayne-writing, @ryu-slayer: thank you all for trying this out with me!

It's my privilege to kick us off with day one. Please stay tuned for the rest as the week progresses!

17 notes - Posted September 19, 2022

#4

NORTH STARS: PART II

PART I IS HERE

It’s one of the best days of the year! Today is @lizanthium 's birthday, which means that today is the reason we all get blessed by her presence, her art, her brain and her existence in general. Happy birthday, my dear twin. I offer you the ending of a story I’ve given you a beginning to, so that you can infer all the middle bits with no effort on my part. ;P In all seriousness: you sparkle so well, and it’s always a privilege to have some of your light in my life in whatever form it comes in. Here is to many more years blessed with growth and quiet moments and creativity and good family and friends. 

Without a word, Katara padded to her brother’s side and sat beside him on the edge of the ice walkway. Even through her parka, the ice was chilly, but she made herself ignore the sensation in order to sit very still and watch the horizon. Sokka sighed beside her, and Katara watched from the corner of her eye as he turned a very misshapen carving of an otter seal over and over in his gloved fingers. 

“Are you going to do it?” she asked, after a moment, still innocently studying the horizon like her heart wasn’t in her throat at the possibilities of what that evening could bring. Both potential outcomes made her on edge, but the emotions behind the quickened pulse were as different as the way the river could twist. 

“I don’t know,” Sokka all but whispered, glum. “I don’t… Our tribe is counting on me. Dad and Bato are counting on me.” He glanced around a little theatrically. “Aang being able to stay hidden for a while longer and just… goof off and be a kid… The very tentative end to a hundred years of war… I could screw that all up by stopping that wedding. For a woman I’ve known for only three months. Three months, Katara.” 

There were a hundred things Katara wanted to say to him, but some of them were tainted with frustration and hurt, and Katara was learning to keep those inside until their blades were dulled a little bit. Not every battle had to be fought with blood and wounds. A lesson that still sometimes tasted bitter. But, with hands that were learning how to heal people with the gift that thrummed like blood and breath inside of her, Katara clasped Sokka’s hand. And squeezed. He squeezed back, and she remembered that he was only sixteen, and she dropped her head onto his shoulder. 

For a long moment, they were both quiet. Katara’s thoughts were on the Fire Nation ships that had come into the Northern waters that morning, and the handful of people clad in red who had been allowed to descend the gangplanks into the Northern Water Tribe. And her thoughts were on her father and Bato and the other select men and women from the South who had arrived the day before. And then she thought to Chief Arnook, and the Northern Tribe’s council of Elders, and all the arguments that could be made of all they’d done wrong and right during the war and during this situation. Would they be ruining hard-earned peace between the Water Tribes and the world, and the beginning of better relations between Water Tribes with their plan? Possibly. Was said plan only going to fulfil the selfish whims of four teenagers? Also possible. 

But just as possible was finding the long-lost Avatar in an iceberg three months after a hundred years of war had ended because there was suddenly the desperate, hopeful chance she could learn Waterbending, and she’d already been eagerly practising. Just as possible was the fact that Yue was right, and the Spirits had organised things to happen this way, and some things were just destiny, and the adults just had to… be helped to see it. Or, if she couldn’t get her head around being that important to the Spirits, then she could at least hope for the fact that they were unimportant enough for destiny to still flow around them, even if they altered the course just slightly. Just slightly enough for four unimportant teenagers to be a little bit selfish. 

“Are you going to do something even if I don’t?” Sokka asked her, and Katara smiled, fondly, at how well her brother knew her. 

“Yes,” she told him, only a tiny bit unsure of her answer even though she and Zuko had taken a large chunk of the three months they’d known each other to even become friends. Her heart was just… sure.  “I really think it’s worth it to try.” 

Sokka laughed, not unkindly, and pulled away from her a little, making Katara have to lift her head. Once she was sitting upright, Sokka pulled off his glove, jabbed his thumb to his chest and then painted an invisible mark on her forehead. She knew he was painting the Mark of the Brave, even though she hadn’t been through her ice dodging ceremony just yet. She rolled her eyes at him, but there was fondness in her for the brother who was braver than he thought he was, and was probably about to find that all out for himself. 

“Give your hand here,” she instructed instead of turning things as sappy as she wanted to, and she began to heal all the little cuts the carving knife had left on him. 

***

There was no good moment to interrupt a marriage ceremony, Katara learned that day. But Sokka, brilliant as he was at strategy, somehow managed to crash in at the moment that almost made the most sense. Or, perhaps it wasn’t planning at all. Perhaps the words had just burst out of him in giddy adrenalin as Yue and Zuko were instructed to stand beside one another in the presence of their gathered witnesses. 

“I am Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe!” Sokka yelled, cutting across Elder Anik’s grand speech in a squeaky, breathless rush. It was so unexpected that even Katara jumped in surprise. “And I — I — I do not condone this match!” 

The second bit, at least, came out a little bit stronger. Katara heard her father inhale sharply behind her, and she quickly bent the ice under his feet slick, causing him to suddenly slip and have to cling onto Bato, who almost fell at the sudden, crashing weight. She’d apologise later. Right now, Sokka needed to be able to say his piece. Her brother caught her eye, and she nodded, and he squared his shoulders and turned back to the Northern Water Tribe Elders and Fire Lord Iroh and the four Fire Sages he’d brought with him, all who were staring at Sokka with varying degrees of quiet surprise. 

“Boy,” one of the Elders boomed. “You do not—” 

“I have every right to object!” Sokka fired back at him, head thrown back proudly. “The North has violated one of the very oldest promises between the sister tribes, and I, son of the current chief of the Southern Water Tribe, will not be silent and allow it to go grossly unaddressed for another year.” 

Yue’s eyes were transfixed on Sokka as she reached out and gripped Zuko’s hand. Zuko, on the other hand, was warily alternating his gaze between the five Fire Nation representatives, the Northern Elders and the Southern representatives, entire body tense as though ready to fight. She realised, with a twist in her heart, that he expected somebody to attack Sokka for his interruption, and he was getting ready to intervene. To protect, like nobody had done for him. Once again, she was sad that Ozai hadn’t come to the North Pole so that she had no chance to accidentally drown the man. 

“Sokka,” Hakoda said, almost sharper than Katara had ever heard him. 

Elder Oki cut across her father. “The South is not truly independent,” he sneered. “The title of chief that your father holds gives him as much power as one of us Elders. If that.” 

Instead of cowing Sokka, this only made him stand taller and take a step closer to the Elders. “Exactly. The Southern Water Tribes, plural, were always meant to be under the leadership and protection of the North. Protection. Where were you in the last hundred years? Where were you in the raids that stole our Waterbenders from us? The ones that killed my mother?” Oki’s mouth snapped shut, whatever he was going to say evidently getting knocked out of him. “If any of the Water Tribes deserve compensation from the Fire Nation, it is us.” The Fire Lord’s eyebrow raised, and he tilted his head to the side, as though agreeing. “The North, our great ‘big sister’, the seat where our Chief resides, did not even offer us that reparation. They simply asked for a few delegates to come and watch the wedding. Without discussion. Without apology for years of silence.” 

There was certainly silence in the hall as Sokka took a pause, his chest heaving slightly. The same emotions that were clearly thrumming through him were in Katara’s chest, heavy and achingly hot. Some instinct made her glance at Zuko to find that his wary tracking had stopped and he was, instead, watching her. Okay? he mouthed at her, and some of the tension in her chest left as she gave him a small smile and a little nod. 

Sokka didn’t let them stew for too long. “There is only one way to make reparations between North and South. Only one way to repair the brotherhood that has been broken here for so long. And that is the promise that should have been ours over generations: the good faith, unity, and celebration of marriage. That is what I am demanding on behalf of my people.” 

The silence shattered to murmurs that rippled at different decibels across the room, people leaning in to whisper to one another. Only Sokka, Katara, Zuko and Yue stood perfectly still and perfectly upright. 

“Sokka, son,” Chief Arnook said, and his gentle tone couldn’t quite cover the grief there. Katara noticed he was pointedly not looking or speaking to her father at all. “I… I understand your hurt. But there has been a war treaty signed between —” 

“The treaty was signed to honour unity and to step forward into peace with good faith,” Zuko interrupted, voice clear and usual awkwardness completely gone. He stared Arnook head on, and only the way his free hand trembled gave away how much speaking up was costing him. “If I were still to marry Princess Yue, knowing all this that has been brought to light, it would be a violation of the very thing the marriage is supposed to stand for.” 

“Prince Zuko,” the Fire Lord said, and nobody in the room could miss how Zuko flinched instinctively. In the too-long pause that followed, Yue did what Katara longed to do but could not and placed a subtle hand on the small of Zuko’s back, rubbing small circles there to try and soothe him. The Fire Lord very briefly closed his eyes in what Katara thought might have been sorrow at his nephew’s reaction. “And Warrior Sokka. What is it that you would both suggest?” The Elders started murmuring louder, so the Fire Lord turned a mild gaze to Chief Arnook. “It would be worthwhile to hear them out, I think, Chief?” he asked, with a little bow. 

Chief Arnook, lips pressed together into a very thin line, waved his hand in agreement and in offer for Sokka to continue. Zuko looked over at Sokka, who suddenly looked very unsure. Alarmed, Katara started mentally willing him to scrape it back together. 

See the full post

19 notes - Posted May 13, 2022

#3

While the Music Lasts (20333 words) by JustAnotherGhostwriter Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Katara/Zuko (Avatar), Aang & Toph Beifong & Katara & Sokka & Suki & Zuko, Hakoda & Katara & Sokka (Avatar)

@zutaramonth day 25: Modern AU

A retelling of ATLA Book three in a college classical band AU. With lots of past and present and hints of future Zutara. With an added playlist for your listening needs.

24 notes - Posted April 25, 2022

#2

Chapters: 2/15 Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Katara/Zuko (Avatar)

Waiting in the courtyard after the messy, terrible Agni Kai against Azula, Katara and Zuko aren't sure what to expect next. When news does come, it's devastating: Aang has failed to stop Ozai. Run. Hide. We'll find you when it's safe.

They obey the order, fail to disobey the order, and find a little temporary space for a while, until they can rejoin what is left of the plan to stop the Phoenix King from destroying the world. And they wait.

And wait.

And wait.

And learn that life has a way of carrying on even in the midst of war and failure. And then, as it always must, their past finally meets their present, and Katara and Zuko need to once again define what makes them who they are, and the roles they are willing to play in destiny.

28 notes - Posted January 30, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

NORTH STARS: PART I

PART II IS HERE.

I promise this won’t be very a long author’s note so, in summary: life really Got Real for a while there, and I lost the time to write at all. Most of the things I write and put out to the world mean something to me, but my current long project is weighty in a way that’s possibly also just a lot of self-pressure. Either way, I couldn’t leap right back into it after Februarch, and it’s Zutara Month, and my dearest and most beloved Northern Twin, @lizanthium, who deserves the best of the world, is not getting the best of the world right now.

Of course Liz’s SWT Zuko AU was the first thing I thought of when I saw today’s prompt. But I’ve already made a mess in that universe enough, so I decided to be Extra TM by writing her a “get well soon, I think you’re awesome so just keep being you, I believe in you so much” little thing set in an AU of her AU. If you’re new here: writing fic of fic is, horrifyingly and shamefully, like my signature anime attack move.

So here you go! I joked once about doing a Shakespearean/fairytale-Disney AU in which Zuko was set up in an arranged marriage with Yue, and then he and Yue fall head over heels in love (at first sight-ish, hence the Disney vibes) with both parts of the SWT delegation that come to celebrate their wedding. Cue the Shakespearean comedy and angst vibes as everybody tries to figure themselves out. So this isn’t, exactly, Southern Water Tribe Zuko. Yet. But I’ll submit it to the tag in a vain hope it makes the mark, somehow. Here are two planned beginning snippets of the AU for the worldbuilding feels, and then one scene that I didn’t plan to write but that needed to see the light of day because @barelyaware drew such hysterical and amazing fanart for it.

Liz, you’re so special. May this brighten your week at least a little. Thank you for your brain in which the SWT Zuko AU exists.

=========================================

“The way forward to find your own North Star is not to think or feel your way forward, but to dissolve the thoughts and feelings that are actually lies. You don’t have to learn your destiny — you already know it; you just have to unlearn the thoughts that blind you to what you know.” — Martha Beck.

She had always longed to be included in the war meetings her father and the tribe Elders held. Or, barring that stretch of custom, at least the serious meetings where tribe matters were discussed and decided. Yue was, after all, their princess, and one day to rule beside their chief. She had been brought up understanding and accepting that her husband would get her father’s title and responsibilities, but, as she grew older, she secretly looked at her father, ruling without her mother by his side, and wondered what would happen to her should the Spirits take the tribe’s next chief from them early. What if they had no son by that time, or had one, but he was too young? What would happen to the tribe if she did not know enough to keep them afloat until a new chief could come? Yue had never known how to broach such fears with her father, however, and so she had kept them to herself and to her prayers.

Now, finally sitting in a war meeting, Yue wished she had never longed for this moment to come and, in equal measure, wished that she had asked for it sooner. Her father’s face was as grave as a wall of black ice, but there was also a lack of his usual steadiness about him that frightened her beneath her own forced stillness and straight back. Yue couldn’t place where it appeared to be missing; was it in his shoulders or his hands or the way his eyes looked around the room? It occurred to her, with deep sadness, that perhaps it was she that was different; that the mirage that had hung around her father for so long had finally dissipated as they came to this moment, and she saw him as simply a man. Still wise and strong and worthy of all her love, but just a man.

Her husband would be just a man, too, she tried to remind herself, even as the Elders around her spoke about letting a monster into their midst. They were angry, distrustful, frightened, proud, and they had every right to be this way, but also no right at all. Yue understood that those two things could both be true, because she’d grown up learning to walk the line between two realities tugging in different directions. It both amused and alarmed her that these men she respected and loved and who protected her home did not seem to have a grasp on a truth that would be needed for the coming days. But she sat silent, and let the waves roll around her, waiting for the moment she would be heard if she spoke instead of trying to fight the tide that was stronger than her.

“We will have two men with Princess Yue at all times,” Elder Kiugak stated.

“Two is too few!” Elder Anik argued.

“If we place more around her, we will be telling the Fire Lord that we distrust his request for peace,” Elder Kiugak argued back.

“We do distrust him!” Elder Oki spoke up. “It is enough that we are agreeing to having an Ashmaker here in our city. The request to make peace by setting that thing as our one day chief is an insult that will anger the Spirits and the people we have laid to rest in this ground. It is enough that it has come to this! We cannot allow him to think that he will be treated with anything except the suspicion and disdain that his kind requires, even —”

“Thank you, Oki,” Arnook interrupted, loud but steady.

If Oki was allowed to continue, his rant would only grow like an avalanche. There was not a single person in the Northern Water Tribe who was happy about the terms of peace that they had arrived at with Fire Lord Iroh. But they also all knew that the war could not continue. As much as they’d walled themselves off and had managed to escape from Azulon’s ruthlessness, it was only a matter of time. And the rest of the world had burned. This was as much admitting defeat gracefully as it was atoning for the years they’d been wilfully blind to the suffering of those elsewhere. Or, at least, Yue hoped so.

“Perhaps,” Elder Anik interjected, giving Yue a side look full of pity, “we should ask the princess what would make her feel safe and work from that.”

“Yue?” her father asked her, nearly free of inflection.

Yue took a deep breath and raised her head higher and painted a small smile on her face. “If it will make you feel better, then please give me a guard. But I feel that none are necessary.” Protests shot up from every corner of the room, but Yue kept her gaze forward and her head high. When her father’s sweeping gaze landed on hers again, she continued, seizing her opportunity to speak. “We have few men as it is; we cannot afford having many simply standing around me, idle. Especially since Prince Zuko is coming alone, without any guards, friends or even servants.”

“Princess Yue —”

“Princess—”

“— a Firebender and —”

“—the Ashmaker—”

“Prince Zuko,” Yue said, firmly emphasising his title, “has given his word and his consent to this marriage and this treaty as Fire Lord Iroh has. Master Pakku. You trust the Fire Lord, do you not?”

There was the faintest smile on Pakku’s face; an almost approval. “I do, Princess.”

“And I trust Master Pakku’s judgement. I also trust the judgement of my Elders and of my Chief. I choose to trust that they would not have offered me in marriage to somebody whom they believed was a dishonourable liar only coming here to kill or destroy or colonise. Am I wrong?” Still with a face of innocence, Yue looked from face to face. All but Pakku’s eyes slid from hers. Pakku was definitely smirking faintly. “I did not think so, because I know of the love you have for me and for this tribe. And I know that your hearts are set on peace. And so I choose to give Prince Zuko the benefit of the doubt, because that is what I wish to start my engagement on. That is what I wish to be the foundation of my marriage and Prince Zuko’s rule over this tribe one day.”

There was a ring of silence. “Princess,” Oki finally blustered. “You have a good and kind heart, but the Ashm— the Fire Nation is a treacherous—” He stopped as he realised how close he was coming to slandering his chief, the Fire Lord and the intelligence of those who had combed through the wording of the treaty and had finally accepted the terms. “What happens if he harms you?”

“Then I will go for help,” Yue replied, giving him a soft, gentle smile. “And if he kills me, then there are repercussions you can take on the Fire Nation. And Hahn will become the next chief, as was the original intent before this treaty. Elders, death is not something you can keep at bay. We all know this. I know this deeply.” She fingered her Spirit-touched white hair. “And I choose to believe in the Spirits, in our people, in the reported love Fire Lord Iroh has for his nephew, and in the good intentions of people who are soon to be tied with ours forever. We agreed to embrace them as members of our tribe. Let us not be as dishonourable as we are accusing them of being.”

Yue let them talk and argue and complain and half-slither around things they didn’t want to say outright after that, content that she had had her peace. When the meeting finally ended, her father motioned for her to stay, and she did so until they were alone. They walked out the hall side-by-side in a heavy silence.

See the full post

32 notes - Posted April 5, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #Awww #Look at me loving my squad #I love that it's ATLA everywhere #and then my longest tag is me screaming about Jake Berenson #On brand #Nothing has changed #About Me #About My Writing

[peoniarose]

Tell me about Zuko WIPs

@justfandomwritings

“Do you need help?” Twisting her head to the side, Hai sees Sokka standing there, a thoughtful look on his face. A small smile etches onto her face.

“No, but you can if you want,” she says waving to the items that need to be packed and put away. There weren’t too many things that needed to be put away and she would like the company. She enjoys being around Sokka.

Sokka nods, kneeling down next to her, folding the blanket strewn across the ground. He sneaks small glances at her, trying to figure out how to talk to her about Suki. He was hesitant and a little worried at the ferry station to tell her who Suki was. When Hai asked how he knew Suki, he thought he was going to combust. He knows he is going to have this talk with her at some point, but he doesn’t want to hurt her. He made a vow the day that she left with them from the North Pole that he would always protect her, but how can he if he is going to be the one to hurt her? Sokka cares about Hai too much to hurt her.

“I can see the steam coming out of your ears, Boomerang Boy” Hai teases, tossing the last of the small items into the pack. All that needed to put in is the blanket…that Sokka is determined to fold for fifth time in a row.

“Huh?”

“Well either your very focused on folding that blanket for the fifth time or something is up.”

“Sixth time, actually,” Sokka corrects you without missing a beat.

She laughs at that. “That doesn’t help your situation.”

He shrugs, “The sides aren’t aligning.” He struggles for the sixth time, trying to get all the sides to match up. Hai stops what she is doing to watch him. She isn’t stupid. She knows that Sokka wants to talk to her about something important otherwise, he wouldn’t be obsessing over the blanket. And she thinks she knows what he wants to talk about. It’s pretty in green, has awesome fans, and, according to Sokka, can apparently communicate with the Unagi (whatever that is).

Hai gently grabs the blanket from him and folds it, not caring about the sides not matching up. She tosses it into the pack and ties it up.

“But…the sides,” He motions to the pack.

“Something tells me that you aren’t too concerned about that. You can talk to me Sokka. What’s wrong?” She asks him gently.

Sokka sighs, “I don’t how or what to say.” She takes a step closer to him and grabs his hand, gently squeezing it. “Hai, I – I love your sister. And I care about you. I really do, but Suki is – she is…” He is trying to get the words out. Trying to convey to Hai how he feels.

Hai seems to get where the conversation is going. She gives him another gentle squeeze, grabbing his attention. “Sokka, Yue cared for you more than any other guy she has met. You’re very special to her. If she was gifted with more time, I am pretty sure she would have fallen in love with you.” Sokka looks away but she maneuvers herself, so they are once again looking at each other. “She does care for you. She would want you to be happy. And I think moving on is part of that.”

Sokka gets misty-eyed, and she allows him to turn away. He nods after a few moments of silence. Hai smiles continuing, “And if it matters, I want you to be happy too.”

He turns to look at her seeing the sincere smile on her face causing one to appear on his. It made him feel better to hear her opinion on how Yue would feel. It made him feel better knowing that Hai accepts his feelings and his happiness. Hai was his best friend after all. He tugs her into him, crushing her into a hug. “It does matter. Thank you.”

Hai settles into the warm hug, “Of course, Boomerang Boy. What are best friends for.”

--

One of the tropes that I like are sibling or sibling insert tropes and I thought, ‘Hey, what if Yue had a sister.’ I played around with that idea for a while. I didn’t officially get anything written down until a few months ago when I rewatched the series with my brother. In the beginning I played around with the idea of it being a Sokka x OC fic instead, but decided to go in a different direction instead. I also have to admit that I am still salty over Katara and Zuko not ending up together. I stand by that ship and I will sink with that ship. 😂

#peoniarose answers #atla #avatar the last airbender #zuko x oc #zuko #sokka and oc are best friends

[everythingloveandanimated]

I posted 251 times in 2022

That's 9 more posts than 2021!

23 posts created (9%)

228 posts reblogged (91%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@agentpenguinmann

@whaleiumsharkspeare

@therealnostalgialover808

@shinybluebirdwizard

@sokkastyles

I tagged 192 of my posts in 2022

Only 24% of my posts had no tags

#loid forger - 59 posts

#spy x family - 51 posts

#yor forger - 35 posts

#anya forger - 29 posts

#twiyor - 16 posts

#spyxfamily - 12 posts

#sxf twilight - 11 posts

#jason todd - 10 posts

#zutara - 10 posts

#phineas and ferb - 9 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#any time bruce and jason disagree jasons like 'excuse me which one of us is the college drop out and which of us is a practicing attorney?'

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Once Camilo gets more comfortable around Bruno, they decide to team prank the family. They do pretty good until Isabela and Mirabel team up to retaliate (and/or compete).

Camilo and Bruno use Bruno’s visions for ideas and to see where opportune prank moments will be (?). Of course they use Camilo’s shapeshifting. Maybe objects the Bruno keeps in his room. Maybe they swap sugar for salt?

Isa and Mirabel use plants and casita for ammo. They Also use various everyday items.

Thought maybe this could be taken out to the town, but that would get them in trouble with Abuela and others in the town. Or the teams could prank each other while they’re out.

There would be a point where they are told to knock it off.

At the end, the four of them are lying in Isa’s room or on the lawn thinking and talking about the day. Bruno’s soaks in the moment with his nephew and nieces.

46 notes - Posted January 16, 2022

#4

I was remembering the scene where Katara yells at Sokka for being sexist. "Ever since Mom died, I've done all the work around camp while you've been off playing soldier!"

Sokka isn't playing soldier in the form of playing pretend or even entertaining delusions of grandeur.

Ever since their mom died, Sokka probably took his role as a tribal warrior more seriously, and much sooner than if there hadn't been a war.

During the raid that took their mom from them, Sokka made a choice to stay with the warriors. He watched the fight happen from behind a snow wall until he gathered up his courage to join. He thought his place was with the warriors to defend from the front with the homes, women, and children behind.

BUt when he finds out his mother was killed, he may have internalized it and wondered if he made the right choice.

"It's not a day I like to remember."

"I was so relieved when it was over... but I didn't realize that we had lost our mom."

Sokka is a warrior who is supposed to protect his family...and he failed to do that. As a son, he failed to protect his mother. As a warrior he failed to protect the sanctity and safety of his household. As a warrior, he failed to protect his chief's wife. Admitting that failure to himself hurts. It may make him doubt his ability to be the warrior and leader he is meant or called to be. If he can't protect the people he loves, he own family, the people most precious to him, who will trust him to protect their loved ones?

Which could be why Yue's death hits him so hard. He failed to protect his mother, and now the Northern Chief is entrusting the life and safety of his precious daughter to him. Even though Chief Arnook knew that his daughter could become the moon spirit, it's still another person that Sokka took into the deeper parts of his heart.

He failed to protect his mother, and now he's failed to protect someone he had deep feelings for. This is one of the reasons he tears up when he sees Yue's ascension in the Ember Island Players. It reminds him of his loss, but it also strikes like a lance at his insecurity and biggest regrets.

This has been said (I don't have the link for the post right now), that Suki telling Sokka that she "came to make sure [he] got through the serpent's pass safely" was a relief for Sokka to hear. He doesn't need to protect Suki the way he thought he had to, and he finally has someone looking out for him! His father and older warriors are away at war, so he's on his own. Even though Katara will defend her brother in battle, in Sokka's mind, she is his responsibility. Suki is in a similar position that Sokka is. A leader and warrior tasked with the duty to protect her village and the people she loves. She is a capable warrior who can protect herself but also those around her.

Sokka will protect Suki, come hell or high water, come Fire Nation soldiers or malignant spirits, but now, he has someone watching his back. Someone, an equal, who can help him protect the people he loves.

46 notes - Posted July 15, 2022

#3

Got this idea while at work today. When the Steambabies are little, they go to the Southern Water Tribe with their parents and see the Otter-penguins. They imitate the way the penguins walk while on the ice. When they learn how the mommy and daddy penguins carry their babies it starts a phase of the kids grabbing on to their parents and calling them “Mama Penguin!” or “Papa Penguin!”. Meaning they want their parents to waddle a short distance while they hang onto their legs, or while they stand on their parent’s feet and hold onto their hands. The latter provides opportunities for Zuko and Katara to have a waddle race to see which team wins.

60 notes - Posted July 18, 2022

#2

Is it just me or does Twilight/Loid look younger when his hair isn't combed back?

62 notes - Posted August 24, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Post Reveal:

Twilight will sometimes come home exhausted and still insist that he’s fine. Anya and Yor eventually come up with Operation Pillow Fort and Operation Couch. (formerly Operation Knock Out)

Operation Pillow Fort is guide tired target to bed. Agent Anya guides target by the hand to bedroom while Agent Mama guides target from behind by his shoulders. Once target is on bed, Agent Anya plants herself on the mattress to watch the target. Maybe she has drawing supplies or a school book. Yor makes some calming tea and brings it in. Head rubs maybe needed for extra relaxation. Mission complete when target is relaxed, comfortable, and not insisting that he be busy.

Operation Couch is for when target is being stubborn. If pushing from behind and pulling forward doesn’t work, Agent Mama carries target to couch. Either over the shoulder or bridal style. Agent Mama sets target on couch, then Agent Anya places thin pillow on Target’s lower legs and sits on them. Agent Anya is is serious mode. Target tries to bribe her to get off. When cartoons and outings don’t work, he tries peanuts. Agent Mama hears bribery and reminds Agent Anya that a good sentry never leaves her post, no matter what treats she’s promised. Banter might ensue between target and Agent Anya until Agent Mama comes over with tea. Mission is considered complete when target relents to rest.

(Sometimes Agent Bond is asked to fetch things around the room to bring to target. Book, remote, etc. although target does comment that asking agent bond to fetch things could damage objects being brought over. So this only happens a handful of times.)

75 notes - Posted September 8, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review

[flowersfrombefore]

Okay but in The Serpants Pass episode when Sokka and Suki almost kiss and the moon is the only thing separating them in the shot...symbolism.

#he still misses yue so much #beuh rewatching this show hurts #avatar #avatar the last airbender #sokka #suki #sokka x suki #princess yue #atla

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳Bonus pt. 3

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, fluff with smut, and if you squint hard enough you’ll find some angst.

Rating: NSFW

Warnings: Hair pulling, mild choking, fingering, orgasm denial (a lot of it), squirting, public sex, D/s (no more undertones), dirty talk, rough sex, penetrative sex, angry sex, a whole bucket of begging, finger sucking, oral sex (m. & fem. receiving), deep-throating, cum swallowing, spanking, mild pain play (I’ll add more as I see fit)

Words: 27000+

Notes: Sorry for the delay! I hope you enjoy the smut, it’s a bit rougher in tone, not the usual fluff. Also I had to snort because the tea involving Sokka and Suki’s sex life, I- Thanks for all of the love and support! Please stay healthy and safe, take care~!

P.S. Remember there is a SFW version of these NSFW chapters, just check my masterlist.

Masterlist ︳36  ︳ 37

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Odaxelagnia

(English/n.) Sexual arousal from biting or being bitten.

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

“What can I say? I'm the sharpest.”

“You're as sharp as a spoon.” Zuko retorted, and I couldn’t stop myself from giggling, Zuko not thinking twice about his witty comeback to poor Sokka.

The gasp of hurt, Toph snickering, approving of Zuko's insult. I knew what was happening, as if I had eyes at the back of my head. Their reactions were amiable; Sokka pointing a finger as Zuko would smirk with crossed arms, only for Toph to add the cherry on top-

“Hey Princess, I bet if you look up the word stupid in the dictionary, you'll find Sokka’s picture beside it."

I bit my lip, stifling in a laugh, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. For once, I wasn't the center of such pestering, and I wasn't going to call attention to myself if I could.

My fingers dragged along the book spines, their banter fading off into the background. You could tell what books were old, their sleeves consisting of withered leather, warped and broken along the corners. It showed that they were well-used, admired at some point in time.

The newer books are the contrary.

It was a curious feeling, going from the coarse texture of hide to an almost felt-like sensation. Advancement in technology, that much was evident in the recent book-binding techniques. While it was apparent that the newer books had been used, they seemed to handle the abuse much better.

‘Love Letters to the Moon.’

My head tilted, taking a step back to let the tips of my fingers trace the golden ink. Unlike most of the red and brown, even orange coloured books - this one was completely white.

A poetry book? There seemed to be quite a bit of them, beyond the ones I requested, and with a sense of wonder, I reached.

“The romantic.” A voice mused, and I jumped.

I listened to his deep-toned voice throughout the day for months, yet the low rumble, a huskiness that reminded me of firewood, always seemed to catch me off guard. I could hear his chuckle under his breath, his thumbs skimming over the book that caught my attention as I cowered for a split moment.

“Why must you always scare me like that?” I huffed, my hands resting over my chest, a feeble attempt to steady my racing heartbeat. I could feel the coolness of my skin as my life flashed before my eyes, looking over my shoulder with a cold glare.

Effortlessly, Zuko brushed off whatever frown I sent him. It probably looks more like a pout anyway. Viewing my looks of intimidation as nothing more than a source of entertainment.

Zuko titled the novel on the shelf, letting it fall into his palm with a soundless thud. As he brought it downwards, his golden eyes scanned the front. A calm expression passed over him for a second, as if Zuko was reminiscing before twisting his wrist and presenting it to me.

“This is a good one. Calming. And the illustrations match the tone.” Zuko spoke casually, and my eyes widened.

“You’ve read this?” I peeped. Incapable of hiding the hint of judgement because this was Zuko we were talking about. The last person I anticipated to see, holding a poetry book, nevertheless, a poetry book about love. Something like life or war would make sense...but love?

Zuko snickered, “Uncle Iroh.”

Now that made sense.

“Said I was too angsty. I needed to expand my perspective and get a taste of something new. ‘too much like green tea; I need to be more like chamomile.’”

It sounded like Iroh to me, especially with the mention of tea, and I giggled under my breath.

The thought of Iroh forcing a teenage Zuko to read poetry about love. And there was no way Sokka or Toph knew about this because if they did, they would’ve used this as blackmail or a source of endless ridicule.

I heard the stories of Zuko, who he is now and what he was like as a teenager was different while also the same. If only I could be there to see the look on his face when Iroh gave him that poetry book.

“So...Uncle Iroh made you read poetry about love to stop you from being so grumpy?” I said, and Zuko glared, unamused by my poke, “Angsty, not grumpy. There’s a difference.”

“Mhm,” I kittenishly nodded, forging agreeance. The corners of my lips pulling upwards as I shrugged my shoulders, all while fiddling with the fabric of my dress and letting it circle around me.

I could see the vein in his temple rise, knowing full well I was being difficult on purpose. As much of a tough act Zuko often presented, his outer shell was much softer than people thought. An illusion, but he seemed to be quite honest with me over time. Or I just got better at seeing past the facade.

“It seems like you have something to add,” Zuko fussed, a testing step towards. His figure was overbearing, looking down at me. While many would be intimidated, I brushed it off just like how he brushed off my angry pouts.

“I wouldn’t want to hurt the almighty Fire Lord’s feelings,” I spoke with a tongue-in-cheek attitude, and the fire in Zuko’s eyes deepened, “Try me, love.”

I’m going to dig my own grave.

Yet, some twisted part of me took pleasure in testing Zuko’s patience. Always attracted to see what results would yield from my pestering. For once, I could understand why Sokka enjoyed teasing Katara and me.

This game that I was playing was always dangerous with Zuko. But just how far could I push? Before Zuko’s rough but tender love act would break, unleashing a side of himself that I knew he was capable of.

He would only show light of his wilder side in random bouts, teasing the both of us, memories of yesterday just a drop in the ocean...so much to experience, a world of endless possibilities. Pushing back my hair from my front, I let my fingers toy with a rouge strand, twirling it around my fingers coyly.

“Even if there were a difference between angsty and grumpy,” I spoke daringly, batting my eyelashes as I gazed upwards to his stern yet handsome expression, “you���d still be both.”

Without warning, Zuko leaned in close.

My heart pounded, part of me anticipating a heated kiss as a means to shut me up. Pushing my figure against the antique books, Zuko’s hand tangled in my hair as I melted in his arms. My knees were already buckling at the thought.

Instead, his pearly white teeth grazed my nose, biting - hard.

“Ow~!”

“You’re a brat, love; you’re lucky I didn’t do worse,” Zuko smirked, pulling away just as fast as he attacked. He’s making fun of me, knowing what I was trying to do and using it against me. My hand rose to my nose, cupping it as I could feel it throb as I puckered.

This man really is a pain in my- “I bet you memorized all the poems in this book, you over-emotional grump,” I huffed, and Zuko stilled.

The playfulness in his eyes dissipated along with his smug attitude, and I could feel my heart stop. His expression, such a quick change- Did I say something wrong? Did I hurt his feelings?

My hands dropped; I must have pushed too much. A joke taken too far-

“Zuko-”

“There was one poem in the book that did stick with me all these years...I thought it was silly, stupid, in fact. But now….” His voice trailed as if he was debating on continuing.

I shut up right away, realizing I mistook his silence as anger rather than him reflecting like before. But as fast as the feelings of concern rose within me, he must have seen the look on my face. Desperate to hear more, because it must have been such a compelling poem to make him take such a deep pause - to remember.

And once more, he outstretched the book from his grasp, and I gently rested my hand over it.

“A sky full of stars, and he was staring at her. Page 25.” Zuko spoke softly, a mere whisper. His typically sharp eyes had a kindness in them, a look that only a handful of people would ever see, let alone had it directed towards them.

As my lips parted, eager to question, Zuko stepped back into the chaos of Sokka and Toph. It was as if he had never left. Weaving himself into the laughs and banter, everyone still unable to believe that Zuko finally woke up from his deep slumber just yesterday.

A sky full of stars, and he was staring at her…

I could not stop the rosiness in my cheeks as I fiddled with the pages, flipping the book frontwards and backwards, trying to hide the evidence that I was flustered. My eyes were falling over Zuko in my ruffled state, seeing the adorable dimpled smile that painted his face.

He’s my sun...despite what others would argue.

Zuko had such a charming character, a heated personality, motivating me, making me stronger. I, on the other hand, was the calming presence he needed in his life. I wonder...if he considers me the moon in his life?

“Love Letters to the Moon,” I hummed, noticing the golden etched image of a brilliant moon cupped by a pair of hands on the hardcover. Maybe I can write Zuko a book called ‘Love Letters to the Sun?’

I giggled at the thought. As silly and bashful it would be, something tells me Zuko would keep it close by his side.

He never did seem like a materialistic gift-receiving type, recalling how happy he was when I surprised him with snacks or tea or when I created a space for him to relax. He appreciated acts of service, kindness, and patience. He could buy anything he wanted, but he couldn’t buy love or newly-made memories of happiness.

And I could love him for an eternity and more.

“So you’re really not going swimming, Princess?” Sokka perked, his arms thrown over my shoulders as he rested his pointy chin on my shoulder. I jumped for the second time in less than five minutes, Sokka following suit and scaring me.

“What is with you guys and scaring me-” I puffed, wincing at how Sokka’s sharp chin continued to dig into my shoulder as he laid all his weight and more on me.

“I was literally calling out your name for a minute straight,” Sokka rolled, his heavyweight finally gone as he sidestepped around my figure.

He stood before me with his classic boyish grin, letting the light that poured highlight his deep blue eyes. His hair was in a messy bun, casual blue slacks with a white shirt, a heavy contrast to Zuko’s regal red robes. And that was Zuko underdressing.

Sokka flicked the text in my hands, the light thud causing my eyes to flicker to the book and back to him.

“I hate swimming, but I’m surprised you didn’t join; you’re practically a water spirit, Princess,” Toph added in the distance, lounging on the red couch.

Toph’s feet were prompted on the armrest, showing off the bottom of her soles as her head rested on the throw pillows. She looked like a Queen; all that was missing was people hand-feeding her grapes and wine-no, more like beer, she hates wine.

I walked towards the closest coffee table, letting the poetry book slip from my grasp and tumble with the rest of my ‘to read’ pile.

“I just wasn’t feeling it,” I spoke, gently patting my dress with a soft smile. Sokka raised a brow, crossing his arms in disbelief, “Are you sick or something? You always complained back home that you could never go swimming beside the hot springs.”

I let out a nervous laugh, embarrassed to tell the truth. My fingers were pinching the soft texture of my dress, nibbling on my lip. In all honesty, I didn’t want to go swimming with Aang, Katara, and Suki because I was in so much pain.

My thighs were aching, feeling as if I had just run a marathon. And the tenderness only spread throughout my body; even my throat was sore.

And the reason why I was in so much pain, blissful pain, was because of him.

Stand I behind Sokka; I could see that cocky smirk on Zuko’s face - my cheeks began to burn.

‘I thought I wasn’t going to be able to walk all week, Fire Lord Zuko?’ I sheepishly bothered this morning, poking Zuko’s cheek with a bratty grin.

Rather than Zuko suggesting we go another round as I had expected, he merely grinned, ‘Mmm, get out of bed then, love.’

It was then I knew I messed up.

Almost falling face-first onto the ground, Zuko’s arm wrapping around my naked figure and pulling me back into bed. And despite nearly crashing onto the floor like a sack of potatoes, Zuko had tears in his eyes, laughing freely at my dishevelled state.

How was I supposed to know that the soreness was going to kick in today, in full gear? Running off pure serotonin yesterday, the tenderness of my limbs I should’ve felt left my mind and hit me all at once today. As if Appa sat on my chest.

To make matters worse, Zuko had to tell Kima and Lia this morning. Asking them to make me tea to ease the discomfort. They were the reason I could even get out of bed, asking them to help me dress as I stumbled around our bedroom like a newborn learning how to walk.

This wasn’t even considering the love marks that Zuko had left all over my skin—not leaving a single part of my body untouched.

Me sheepishly asking Katara to work her magical healing skills this morning during breakfast. And despite me wanting to keep it on the down-low, it was a lost cause because somehow, from across the room, Suki and Toph heard me.

Jumping from their seats, the girls all getting together behind closed doors to gossip. The embarrassment of stripping bare, the girls giggling as they teased and prodded.

‘You owe me five silver, Katara; I told you he’d be rough.’

‘That kinky man- I get hickies, but he practically claimed you!’

‘I could feel them all morning and afternoon yesterday, you nasties.’

‘Can you blame him? Yue has the best ass in the group, hands down.’

‘I can appreciate a nice ass.’ Toph had mumbled, all of us looking at her with confusion, the same question popping into our minds.

‘I may be blind, but I still have hands,’ Toph said with a grin.

I don’t know whether to love them and hate them.

With a deep breath, I clumsily brushed my hair behind my ears, “I feel a bit dirty after Zuko, and I planted the flower in the garden for Kayto.”

I raised my hands, wiggling my fingers to emphasize my point.

Sure, we cleaned up afterwards, but I knew there were probably still random specs of soil on my skin and under my nails—a small mud spot at the very end of my red gown. Rinsing of the hands was nothing compared to a warm bath.

Then there was Zuko, standing behind Sokka like some sun spirit. Walking out of the planting session, seemingly unscathed, not a single strand of hair out of place.

Probably because he happily let me get on my knees and dig a tiny hole with the hand-held gardening spade. Letting me get my hands dirty. But I can’t hold it against him.

Gardening just wasn’t Zuko’s thing, but at least he tried. Letting me ramble for hours as he patiently listened while doing some work.

“I’m going to take a quick bath, and then girls’ night is us in the hot springs till morning.” I beamed, and Sokka nodded, taking the bait, “I thought you were sick or something, passing up a chance to swim.”

I laughed, waving away the idea as if it was outrageous. A tiny white lie won’t hurt, would it?

“I’m fine, Sokka, just feeling a bit dirty, I promise-”

“Liar~” Toph’s voice carried as she sang loudly.

My body stiffened, a chill running down my spine. It felt as if Toph’s voice boomed throughout the kingdom. Her voice was reaching the Earth Nation and going as far as to the Water Tribes.

I was holding my breath, turning on my heel. Toph, sitting upright, her feet pressed against the ground. Oh my gosh, no-

“Lying about what?” Sokka asked, confusion laced in his voice as Toph grinned devilishly.

If there was one thing that was scarier than one of Zuko’s low-purs in your ear, it was seeing Toph smile.

It was a look that would reach her eyes, her chubby cheeks growing in size, unable to contain her grin. In other situations, one would dare say it was cute, but when it was on Toph-

“She means nothing~!” I awkwardly chuckled, skipping my way to Toph with my arms thrown around her broad shoulders.

Our heads rested against each other, Toph even lacing an arm around my waist. And a part of me hoped that her way of signalling that she would let it go—what a foolish thought.

A shit-disturber, that’s exactly what she was.

“About not wanting to go swimming. I think there’s more to it than Princess is letting up,” Toph snickered, and I whined in her ear. She was really going to make me bargain with her.

“Come on," I whispered, nudging myself into her body as unsuspectingly as possible, "I promise I’ll give you a pedicure.”

I could see her peek in interest, head leaning towards the source of my voice, “And a pack of beer?”

“Regular and a bottle of spiced rum.”

The smirk on her face spoke wonders, no longer tilted towards me as she raised her hand in the air, “False alarm- just dicking around.”

“I love you~” I giggled, planting a kiss on her chubby cheek.

Toph huffed, causing her bangs to fly before landing over her eyes messily. Completely unamused by the public display of affection, but she didn’t move.

A tug and war with her, but I always won in the end. Too lazy to push me away, letting me lean on her buff figure.

To my relief, Sokka let it go, muttering under his breath about how weird we were. A hint of bewilderment flickering in his eyes. But the way Zuko bit his lip, shaking his head, was the confirmation I needed to know he knew exactly what had just happened.

‘Good save,’ he mouthed before crossing his arms, lounging against the bookshelf and causing some of the books to shuffle.

“Do you want one of us to bring the alcohol?” Sokka asked, following suit as his figure leaned beside Zuko, moving on from the conversation and bouncing towards another idea.

I hummed, my finger resting on my chin as I tried to recall an answer. But with a pout, I shook my head, eyeing Toph for her opinion.

She shrugged, “Ask Suki. That’s her domain.”

“What about you guys? What are your plans for guy night?” I questioned.

Sokka and Zuko stared at each other, both of them holding empty thoughts on the topic.

Gosh, they're nothing like the girls. We had already been planning and chatting about it all day, mostly everything plotted minus a few details, like the alcohol. But it wasn't something we couldn't figure out on the spot if we brought our minds to it.

“Training, chilling in the pool-” Zuko lazily named, saying whatever came to his mind.

As if Zuko’s voice triggered something in Sokka, listening to him list whatever activities popped in his head, Sokka flung himself off the bookshelf. He snapped his fingers, facing Zuko with a grin.

“Shit, you know what sounds great? Roasting some meat and vegetables around the pool. We haven’t done that in a while.”

I could see Zuko’s eyes brighten at the idea, “With a few cigars, beers?”

“And some games of Pig’s Tail.” Sokka added, and Zuko smirked, “I always kicked your ass in that game.”

“What are you talking about? I’m the undefeated champion-”

I glowed, appreciating the sight of Zuko and Sokka bantering amongst themselves. For once, Zuko seemed at ease, his mind not buzzing around with thoughts.

Although, it was a bit strange...ever since he came back yesterday, he appeared...preoccupied. Maybe because he had to tell me Kayto died?

But I shook my head.

There was more.

Something I couldn’t put the finger on, but I let the curiosity die away, begrudgingly. What’s more important now was the peace in Zuko’s eyes, a nice break and a time to bond with friends.

Sure, I loved spending time with Zuko. He was my joy, the man I was ready to marry, have kids, and spend the rest of my life with. Before lovers, he was my best friend, a person I could always rely on.

I sighed in bliss, letting my head snuggle into Toph.

But sometimes, time away from each other, to spend with friends was a good thing.

“Why are you so clingy?” Toph groaned, but once again, she didn’t push me. Letting me take in her soft natural scent, like wet earth, after a rainy day.

I never smelled perfume over her skin; the only ‘artificial’ fragrance that could be found was her freshly washed green sweats. I like it...she smells nice.

“If you think I’m bad, Zuko is worse.”

“Shut up-” Toph considered, and I giggled, nodding, “I can’t even go pee during the night because he holds me so tight.”

“And this is why girls’ night is awesome.”

“You’re terrible, Toph.”

“And that’s why I’m not the avatar.”

We laughed, Toph finally letting her head lean with mine as she bore a gummy smile.

Her arm was squeezing my waist, letting it rest on my hip as I continued to hug her shoulders. I was lost in conversation while Sokka and Zuko already started preparing the things they wanted to eat.

“Katara said she created a new recipe for a face mask.”

“If it’s that cucumber mask, I can say for certain; it doesn't taste as good as it sounds.”

I shook my head, “Toph, you’re just as bad as Sokka. You’re not supposed to eat it for the 100th time-”

Before I knew it, a new set of voices joined in with our ruckus, cutting our conversations short.

I raised my head, the comforting embrace I had over Toph slowly slipping as I stared at the front entrance of the library.

The light streaming inside the grand room caused a halo-like effect over their bodies. The blue arrow that decorated Aang’s head shone as if he was in the Avatar State.

Katara’s arm linked with his, wearing an adorable blue wrap dress, the straps of her bikini peeping through. Suki was wearing a matching set; hers was a stunning green that made her brown hair stand out beautifully. It must have been something they bought together during a shopping trip, and I couldn't wait for us to share a moment like that too.

“Yue, we waited for you!” Katara announced, letting her arm fall from Aang’s gentle grasp, taking quick steps towards me.

Her hair dry as can be, the perks of being a Waterbender. Katara's thick wavy locks bounced with every step. It was then I learned they were all barefooted, their actions sounding light in nature.

“I thought I told you, I’m waiting for tonight-” I spoke softly, genuine regret painting my face at the thought of them waiting for me. Had I not made myself clear? Was I too wishy-washy? Passive? "I'm sorry, I thought I was meeting you all at the hot springs tonight-"

“Change of plans.” Suki interrupted, waving away the awkward mishap.

It didn’t take much to shift our attention. It was a funny trait within our group, bouncing from topic to topic in a flash. But one thing was certain; we were all nosy to hear what Suki had to say. What could she possibly have in store?

She glided her way to Sokka with a cheery skip, her arms draping over his chest as he instantly kissed her forehead. It was a natural gesture of affection, a regular part of their routine. While I would’ve awed at the gesture, I was far too curious to know what Suki and Katara managed to whisk together during their swim.

Suki let her back lean into Sokka’s chest, his arms wrapped around her. Merrily snuggled before clearing her throat, “You haven’t visited the capital, have you, Yue?”

I frowned at the simple question.

There was no harm in it, Suki playing with Sokka’s fingers with a smile, yet I found myself uncomfortable...I haven’t ventured outside of these kingdom walls.

At first, it was something I was eager to do, always on my mind. The list I wrote with Sokka is still in my diary; barely anything crossed off. It wasn’t that I couldn’t go or that Zuko didn’t want to take me; there was no time.

Every plan, special outing and date were always put on hold, something always happening. Whether that be Yakone, Azula, or Mai, it was easier to spend time here, relaxing, whenever we had time because something always arose with our luck.

“Besides Ember Island...I haven’t…” I mumbled, nibbling on my lip because I saw the disappointment in Zuko’s eyes, upset with himself.

Even our getaway trip, a vacation for us to finally spend together, was in a way ruined. The stress-relieving trip somehow brought upon us more stress. But it's not your fault, Zuko—just bad timing.

“Great, today is your lucky day,” Suki clapped excitedly, and Sokka looked down at her with a look of confusion, “We’re going to a disco!"

My eyes widened- “A disco?”

“I know, you finally get to go to your first disco since the parties back home are nothing like the ones here,” Katara bubbled, adjusting her bikini strap as it slipped down her shoulder.

Both of them were animated, giving each other improving glances at the brilliant idea of an outing.

Aang stood behind Katara, a look of utter surprise that matched Sokka’s. This was something they planned when he was out of hearing range.

Katara’s hands fell over her hips, studying my expression, and I found myself sporting a timid smile.

My first disco.

A place where the music would play all night, instruments that could have one’s soul bouncing to the beats. It was a place that made you feel intoxicated without touching a drop of alcohol, the atmosphere alone magical and beyond exhilarating.

I read books about characters dancing the night away, a standard cliche of finding their soulmate in such a place, a trope I enthusiastically enjoyed reading. And to know I was going to experience one for myself had my hands trembling with joy.

“We can get ready in Yue’s room, hair and makeup,” Suki winked.

“I didn’t bring my fancy-people shoes,” Toph grumbled beside me, her arm finally dropping from my hip.

“We can find some, and I’ll cut the soles out for you.” Katara offered, and Toph nodded, her way of saying thank you.

I get to wear a pretty dress, some heels, my makeup and my hair all done up. The smile on my face grew in size by the second as I gushed inwardly.

It’s been a while since I got all dolled up, usually opting for a soft, natural day-to-day look. The last time I dressed up was when Kayto arrived for the small ball we had hosted, and I quickly shook the memory away.

“I’m so excited,” I breathed, Katara laughing, as she watched the sheepish look wash over me.

As much fun as we tried to have at the Southern Water Tribe, there were a few things that just couldn’t happen the same way in other Nations. Although I miss Penguin sledding, and we’re already running low on hot chocolate.

“We can finally dance the night away, Katara,” Suki cracked up, swaying her hips against Sokka, her fingers snapping. Strutting to a tune in her head, but the way she jammed had me wondering what song exactly.

In a matter of seconds, Suki turned the library into our dance hall.

I laughed, shaking my head at their silliness, before gazing back at Toph, curious to know her opinion of all of this. And to my utter surprise, she seemed pleasantly engaged at the prospect. It would make sense; she got to experience the music both by sound and touch.

“Toph can be my date.” I bothered, once again wrapping my arms around her shoulders, and Toph groaned, “Listen up, Princess, I much rather have Sugar Queen over here as my date than you.”

“Why does that sound like an insult?” Katara glared, hands resting over her hips, and Suki snickered, “We should pick out our dresses. Going dancing is our best idea yet-”

“I beg to differ.” Zuko’s voice rang, and just like that, our smiles lowered.

The stare Suki gave Sokka as she tilted her head back against his chest. A wary look flashing before his usual confident eyes. With a deep swallow, Sokka’s Adam’s apple bobbed, nodding in agreement with Zuko, “It doesn’t sound safe, babe.”

“What do you mean?” Katara said with a look that showed how displeased she was. Her foot striking the ground to emphasize her point.

I saw her eyes dart back and forth between Sokka and Zuko, but unlike Sokka, who knew how to ride the waves, Zuko glared back at her outburst heatedly. Not again-

The frown on Zuko’s face deepened as he let his body rise from his lounging position. Slowly letting his arms unfold as he clicked his tongue with resentment, not once letting his tense stare waver. Katara didn’t budge, meeting his gaze with a challenge.

With his chin held high, Zuko spoke, “We know Azula, Yakone, and Mai are hiding in the Fire Nation. We are on guard here, within the kingdom. Can you imagine how dangerous it’ll be outside these walls?”

The fun, easy-going, 'planning a pool night with the guys’ demeanour was gone from Zuko in a snap.

He was making the library seem like his office at how sharp he was to reason, to bring things to attention—talking as if he was speaking to his council or the guards.

All I wanted was for him and me to relax.

A day off.

“Zuko has a point…” Aang quietly muttered, scratching the back of his head as he carefully studied Katara’s expression.

The first time I heard him speak since they arrived, I could tell he was hesitant to pitch in. Never one to willingly rock the boat, always trying to stay as neutral as possible, “If something were to happen, we’d be nowhere near to help you guys.”

Katara’s brows pinched together, “Are you trying to say we can’t defend ourselves? That we need a man to come to rescue us?”

“In case you forgot,” Suki huffed, storming away from Sokka with a pointed finger, “We’re all masters in our craft; two Waterbenders, an Earthbender, and the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors.”

“That’s not what we’re trying to say-” Zuko scowled.

“Then what are you trying to say?” Katara stomped, her cheeks turning red.

I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath until Toph gently rested her hand on my lower back, whispering a faint breathe.

My eyes turned to her, seeing her head tilted towards the heated discussion. Not daring to miss a single word, the tension in the room escalating. But she still managed to keep an eye out for me.

“That even though we know, you can all handle yourself, if something were to happen, we’d have no clue, and you’d have no back-up,” Sokka added to Zuko’s point. A bit of annoyance in his tone at the stubbornness everyone was showing.

“We’d be fine-” Katara fought back, and Zuko hissed, “This is Yakone we’re talking about.”

Just like, the room fell silent.

For the first time since everyone arrived, the library was quiet, how a library should be—the sounds of our hearts beating as we finally took in the severity of the situation.

It was like we were all scared to talk, to break the muted tension that surrounded the room, replacing the air itself.

Rarely have we been as mute as we were now when all of us were together. Able to count each moment on one hand because it was that much of an oddity. Our conversations were always loud and rambunctious. That was the charm.

It was Zuko, with an exhale, that had the nerves to break the tension.

“We already know Yakone has no boundaries...He murdered Kayto, and besides Aang, none of us stand a chance...” Zuko finished, his voice trailing off as his eyes made contact with mine.

He’s right, and I hate it.

All I wanted was a night in town—a chance to go beyond these castle walls and explore.

I came here because I loved Zuko, and uprooting my life to start anew was worth it. But that didn’t change the fact that I also came here to experience a life I had always wanted but never could.

From fighting to survive to working every day at the Southern Water Tribe to pay back my imaginary debt to Gran-Gran, Hakoda, Sokka, Katara and Aang for giving me a home. A haven for all these years as I mourned and tried to find myself, only to introduce me to the man of my dreams.

I was bursting at the seams with enthusiasm for tonight, only for the guys to pop my imaginary bubble.

“I’m so sorry, Yue.” Suki frowned, taking a careful step forward as she surveyed my expression.

I didn’t even realize I had been picking at my nails, my expression blue as I blankly stared at everyone. Lost in my thoughts, and I forced a smile upon my face.

A smile that didn’t reach my eyes.

“They’re right; there’s nothing to apologize for,” I spoke, tilting my head to the side as I swept strands of hair behind my ears.

I could feel my cheeks turning red, not enjoying all the looks that were falling over me. They all looked at me with pity because it was probably obvious how eager I was to go dancing—like a child promised candy, only to have it taken away.

I want to leave; I want to go.

“I’m going to wash up; I want to be clean before the hot springs,” I said meekly, waving a silent goodbye to everyone. My stomach was in knots, skin feeling hot.

I don’t want to be here anymore.

I was upset, so frustratingly upset, that I could feel the tears build up.

My hands were bunched into fists as I held my dress, letting Toph’s comforting hand slip down my back. Don’t cry over something so stupid, Yue. There are far better things to be upset over, to cry.

But I didn’t realize how badly I wanted to experience something new until it was whisked away from me.

I kept my head low, walking around the coffee table that housed all of my books, spotting the white poetry on top. My pace flattered, unable to stop the temptation to stare at the golden design, the title repeating in my mind.

Love Letters to the Moon…

I reached downward, and I found my fingers brushed against another, their touch warm.

My attention shifted, knowing whose long, slender fingers they belonged to, coming face to face with a look of remorse.

“You can read it when you take a bath,” Zuko whispered, and I nodded, “Thank you for always thinking about me.”

The gentle caresses, slow in pace, as if my hair was made out of glass. He made sure he applied a delicate application of heat, combing his fingers through my hair, brushing every knot he could find.

A balance of making sure my hair was dry while also letting the natural curls at the ends come to life.

It was rare for Zuko to brush my hair like this. More often than not, it was me cheerfully grooming his long locks. So thick and silky, it slipped through my fingers like water. 

My downwards cast moved upwards, and our golden eyes met through the vanity mirror where I sat, and he stood behind.

Without a doubt, this was, single-handedly, the most awkward bath we had ever shared.

Usually, bathtime was filled with laughter and teasing—a way to unwind and just bask in each other’s presence. I couldn’t deny that I was usually the one to pepper kisses over Zuko’s face, turning bath time into something steamy.

But today- gosh, today.

It hurts just remembering.

Zuko silently scrubbed my back, lathering the sweet-smelling soap over my body and hair. It was usually a time for us to tease, appreciating what the other person was self-conscious about. Zuko always traced my stretch marks while I admired his scars.

And don't forget his usual spontaneous bouts of playfulness. His infamous trick of putting soap on my nose as I giggled childishly. Only for me to blow the bubbles and causing them to float around the bath.

But today- we didn’t meet each other's eyes, nor was a single peck shared.

It was silent—two strangers sharing a bath for some unknown reason. I could tell Zuko wanted to speak, but a careless part of me didn't want to. I'm terrible.

In his defence, Zuko suggested that I wash up first and that he had no problem waiting. But I waved off his proposal because I knew Zuko thought I was upset at him. And I was determined to prove that I wasn’t.

As it would turn out, I was upset.

I bit my lip, letting my gaze fall back down to my lap as I puffed. Why was I so mad? It wasn’t his fault, nor Sokka’s or Aang’s. It was a brilliant idea that got shot down, not to hurt me purposely, but for the overall safety of everyone.

They aren't the ones to blame; it was everyone else...Yet why were my hands currently balled up? This wicked feeling in my chest-

“Love,” Zuko spoke, his voice strained as it cut my train of thought. 

My head rose, shocked to hear his weak call. But I was more surprised when I found my chair swivelling, knees bumping into Zuko’s - no longer watching our reflection in the mirror.

The gasp I let out, the room around me spinning as I stuttered nothing but meaningless sounds. In one swift movement, Zuko was on his knees, his hands over my lap.

The look in his eyes, muddy as he bore an expression of defeat. I couldn’t help but call his name, but he shook his head.

“I love how honest you are, Yue,” Zuko began, voice wearied, “I can tell from your eyes when you’re happy or sad. True to your emotions, and I love it.”

I bit my lip, staring down at Zuko, seeing him cuddled against my legs.

His large hands were squeezing my thighs, letting the loose fabric of my robe wrap around. What was he trying to say? The heaviness in his eyes, whatever was in his mind, was eating him alive.

With a shaky breath, he continued, “But right now, Yue, I’m struggling. There’s no hiding the fact that I’m no boyfriend, let alone husband, material, as everyone had wonderfully agreed on about me.”

“I think you’re perfect…” I interfered with a soft smile, shaking my head at his self-inflicted insult. And Zuko chuckled at my quick response, his gaze dropping to his hands.

“Yeah, well, I don’t feel like it because I feel like I should know how you’re feeling, and I don’t because I suck at doing this.”

I let my touch fall over his, my palm resting along the top of his hands, realizing how small I was in comparison. A difference that I've grown to adore.

“Love...please, talk to me. Are you upset with me?”

“Zuko,” I spoke, unintentionally clapping my hands against his once more with force, “I’m not mad at you, or Sokka or Aang.”

“Then what.”

“I’m upset at everything happening!” I blurted, “I’m mad that I can’t go dancing with my friends, with you, because some mean people might do terrible things to us. It’s selfish, thinking about my wants-”

Zuko frowned, his hand escaping my death grip to cup my chin, “We talked about this. Be selfish.”

“Then I want to have fun. After all of this, I want me and you and everyone else to have fun together. No paperwork, no training, no waking up early.” 

I knew if I turned around and faced the vanity mirror, I would be red in the face.

I was yelling out everything in my mind and more to Zuko. It was like the more I bottled things up, the greater I exploded; my only release was just to cry. And I didn’t realize how laboured my breath had gotten from my low uproar.

Not once did Zuko brush me off, stripping his line of sight away from me or rolling his eyes. Zuko listened. Despite what everyone thinks of him, Zuko has grown to become a fantastic listener over these past few months.

“I promise, when we solve this, we’re taking the month off. A trip to Ember Island and a chance to visit the city. Me and you, relaxing on the beach...but Yue, I didn’t say what I said to upset you.”

Zuko’s fingers grazed my cheek, trailing down my jaw only to rest his thumb over my pout. He stared at me with an expression of remorse.

This whole situation was so silly. No one was in the wrong, just horrible luck on both ends—no mal-intention in either one of us.

I’m ready to move on, and I found the corner of my life tugging upwards, taking advantage of the situation.

My lips parted slightly, letting the soft padding of his thumb slip between my lips. Zuko’s eyes widened, instinctively pulling his hand as I cheekily bit the tip of his thumb.

“You brat-” Zuko fussed, but I saw the spark in his eyes, a mischievous smile that matched mine.

I let this thumb escape, a faint mark from where my teeth nibbled. Nothing more than a superficial mark that would go away after a few seconds. But I did that- unable to push out the odd sense of satisfaction, adoring my marks on his skin.

“If you wish to suck on my fingers that bad, you could’ve just asked.” Zuko pestered, and my cheeks redden, “W-what are you-”

“Don’t be shy, love,” Zuko rumbled, “I can have you sucking on something else too if you so desire.”

I immediately regretted my decision.

He was teasingly raising his fingers, letting them rub against my bottom lip, dragging the natural wetness down my pout. I felt with a hitched breath; his hands were so glorious.

My lips parting unconsciously, long and soft to the touch- there was just no winning with Zuko, was there?

Every turn, every twist, Zuko always knew how to counter. The more time passes, the need to have him stumble, to have him so flustered he loses control of his gentle demeanour, grows—a crack.

I want to see him crack.

The warm touch along my lips abruptly left, and the hypnotic trance I found myself in broke. The unashamed smirk on Zuko’s face as he licked his lips, “Sorry, love, but they’re going to be here any second.”

“They?” I repeated, trying to regain my bearings. Caught red-handed, gawking his fingers and Zuko snickered.

With a hand on his knee, he pushed himself off the floor, my eyes moving upwards to ogle at his frame. Wearing the matching bathrobe I wore, the silk material creased and wrinkled in the flow of his flexed muscles as he moved.

While I was guilty of staring, he wasn’t innocent either. Zuko's eyes lingered for a moment too long at my lips.

Before I could comment, boisterous voices began to rumble behind our bedroom doors.

“OHHH, PRINCESS-” 

“They,” Zuko sighed at their loudness, repeating the question I had asked a while ago as an answer. Unamused by their rowdiness, but regardless he held out his hands, helping me stand.

“You love them, Zuko. Don’t deny it."

“I don’t deny it, just like how I won’t deny that you drive me mad.’

“Zuko, you-” I exclaimed, raising my hand to punch his chest.

That stupid grin as he playfully cowered away. As if my punches held any strength to hurt him. “I’m going to charge you with assault against the Fire Lord-”

The bedroom doors flung open.

Like a stampede, footsteps were pattering on the wooden floors and towards us with a rush.

I froze mid-punch, taken aback as all I could do was squeal. Suki and Katara threw their arms around my torso, snatching me away from Zuko with a tight embrace. 

“Are you ready?” Suki jumped, and finally, could I process what was happening. The girls, they’re here! We finally have a girls’ night.

“I think so-”

“I sent the alcohol to the hot springs already,” Zuko interrupted, watching him stroll to the front of the room.

His pace was slow, and as he crossed Toph, he let a hand rest over her shoulder, “The beer and spiced rum are also there.”

“Great doing business with you, Fire Lord,” Toph smirked, and Zuko snickered at her brash attitude with an undeniable curve of his lips.

I looked over my shoulders, head turning side to side to see the fluffy robes everyone wore. They looked so soft and cozy. But I couldn't help but notice my brows pinching together because they seemed too puffy.

The knots that wrapped around their waist were tight. Their necks and a little below their knees, completely covered. Since when were they so...modest?

“We may stop by later tonight,” Zuko added, as his hand played with the bedroom handles, and Suki shook her head, “Absolutely not. We’re having a girls’ night, and we plan on being butt-naked.”

Zuko looked over his shoulder, “You guys are really going full-out.”

“Yes, so stay away, no boys!” Katara reinforced.

“Point understood. Try not to drink all the kingdom's alcohol supply, and Yue-” he hummed softly. The door opened just a crack; his expression softened as he ignored the world around us for just a moment, “Have fun.”

I smiled, “I will, and I hope you have a fun night too.”

The door slowly closed shut, my hands resting over Katara and Suki’s as I let out a sigh of bliss.

A night of fun; for both of us.

“He’s down the hall-”

“Perfect, let’s go, Katara, grab her bra and thong-”

“Yue, what’s the sluttiest dress you owe?”

I’m sorry, what-

My gentle expression halted, their hugs gone, as Toph had her feet firmly planted on the ground, actively searching. “What are you guys doing?” I exclaimed as Katara and Suki dashed to the closet. 

And it was the running, moving around in a panic, did their robes begin to drift. The ends folding back from the firm knot, bright colours of blue and green-

“We’re having a girl’s night, naturally,” Suki spoke, her head poking out of the closet.

“No-no-no-no-” I began to stutter, walking towards them, and Katara cut me off. 

In her arms, she held a lacy bra and thong, my cheeks flushing. Memories of me wearing that same lacy pair when Zuko and I had that terrible bet. Having me sit on his desk with my legs spread wide, the first time he had gone down on me.

Not the time, Yue-

They were planning on going to the disco. The very thing we agreed on not doing an hour ago.

“Yue! I can’t believe I forgot I bought this for you,” Suki shouted, side-stepping Katara and raising the dress in hand.

I’m going to die.

It was a sultry red, deep in hue and silky to the touch. It was a dress that Suki gifted me years ago, but I never did have a chance to wear it without freezing to a crisp.

Cutting off mid-thigh, the back open beside the lacy straps stringing it together. It was like a useless corset, only to show off the skin of your back with a pretty design.

It was sexy, a showstopper of a dress, and I was far too timid and lacked the confidence to work such a bombshell of a piece.

“You’re going to be so hot,” Suki blissfully sighed, like a proud mother sending her child off into the world.

“But we agreed on not going,” I pouted, not troubling to retort Suki’s comment because I would look great in that dress. I’m letting Zuko’s compliments get to my head.

“We’re going to be fine, Yue. We have three master benders and two Kyoshi warriors.”

I paused, “Two Kyoshi warriors?”

Suki pointed behind me, and I let my gaze follow her direction. Toph was unravelling her robe on cue as if she could feel our stares over her.

I don’t know whether to face-palm, cry, laugh or all of the above.

“Recruited and trained in one day, a first,” Suki said in far too serious of a tone. You’ve got to be kidding me-

There he was, Momo hugging Toph’s waist with an expression of confusion, just as dazed as me.

But the cherry on top was the makeshift Kyoshi outfit he wore, far too big for his body. But why did the outfit seem so put together? Someone amongst the three putting time and effort into gathering the materials and stitching it together to make this.

A stupid thing that I could probably see myself or Sokka doing, but not these women.

A tiny squeak of confusion left Momo as he looked at me with those crazed eyes of his before Toph wrapped the robe around her body once more.

They’re crazy.

They’re actually crazy.

How did Katara agree to this? The only voice of sanity within our group?

“Momo? We’re bringing Momo for protection?” I shouted in disbelief. Was I the only one taking in the situation for what it was? Since when was I the rational one!

“We agreed that this was dangerous.”

“You’re right, Yue. But you know what, this may be one of the few chances we get to go dancing together in a while,” Suki responded, and the chaos of the room calmed for a moment.

The giddy look on everyone’s face dimmed a look of dismay in their eyes. “What do you mean?” I slowly asked.

“Yue...when we solve the Azula and Yakone situation, I have to go home. I’m in charge of so many programs and projects with Dad-” Katara sighed, her eyes glazing over at the thought.

Suki nodded, “Me too...I’m the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, and I’ve already been gone for so long. It’s not fair to Ty Lee.”

They’re right.

So much time has passed regarding the situation. For days, weeks, months now, we’ve run around in circles. No doubt, Sokka will leave with Katara, and Aang and Toph are working on the United Nations with Zuko.

When will be the next time we are all here together?

When we have a day to ourselves, to have fun. It’s easy for Katara and Aang to go on vacation together, or Zuko and I, but to plan a time for us all- 

Be selfish; his voice rang in my head.

Do what I want, stop limiting my wants and desires. And I knew what I wanted at this moment more than anything.

Oh, Zuko, you’re going to regret teaching me this. If he thinks I’m a brat, I’ll show him a brat then.

“The matching pair of heels are in a brown box right under where you found that dress, and no way are we bringing Momo with us.”

Unable to hide the devilish smile that was appearing on my face, Katara and Suki high-fived.

It was like Momo understood my words, slipping out from underneath Toph’s robe towards the window of my bedroom. His abnormally long fingers gripping the edges as his tail curled underneath his dress. He looked at me, and I swear, he looked alleviated.

You owe me one, buddy.

I raced, joining in the chaos of grabbing the bare minimum of makeup. My bedroom was the final stop before we did the stupidest of stupid. We're breaking out of the kingdom despite us being grown-ass adults.

I reached over my vanity, opening and shutting the drawers as I sought. Red lipstick, blush, some mascara-

I’m going to look hot, damnit.

As I gathered my things, hiding as much of them under my bathrobe, I just couldn't push the thought out of my head that this was a foolish idea, an awful idea.

If any of the guys found out, they’d lose their minds and probably lecture us for months. But as we walked out of those bedroom doors, dashing to the hot springs as inconspicuous as possible, I felt a rush of adrenaline.

Such a long time since I’ve done something so crazy.

Ever since I entered this kingdom, I had to follow the rules and protocols. Under a watchful eye, every mistake, no matter how minor, was twisted and used against me. Down to the way I sipped tea or bowed.

I needed a break. My eyes fell over Katara, Suki and Toph - the best sisters I could’ve asked for as we giggled like school children.

The guard in front of the hot springs eyed our suspicious behaviour, letting us in warily. I could feel his lingering stare before the door shut behind us.

He totally knew something was going on.

“Come on, Princess. The faster you change, the faster we can get out of here!” Suki whisper-shouted, everyone stripping themselves of the bathrobes.

The soft fabric fell to the ground soundlessly, and my assumption that everyone was already wearing their outfits was proven correct.

They all looked so beautiful. 

Suki and Katara unrolled the ends of their outfits to make sure it wasn’t peeking from under their robes when they came to get me. Everything they wore perfectly captured their charm.

I watched as Katara grabbed the red lipstick I managed to swipe, applying it while facing the foggy mirrors in the hot spring. I studied how her flowy blue skirt twirled around her body, the white tank-top making her eye colour pop.

“Put some on me too!” Suki perked from behind, leaning over Katara’s shoulders with a pucker.

Katara didn’t skip a beat, dragging the tub over her lips, and the shade did wonders against her tanned skin. The baby green wrap dress highlighted how toned Suki was. Years of training only benefited her in every way, shape and form.

But the outfit that caught my attention the most was Tophs.

She leaned against the humid walls with a bored expression as she waited for us to get dressed. Her face was free of makeup, but it was a look that suited her, and I've grown accustomed to it. But I wonder-

“Toph, would you like some lipstick?” I asked as I shook my dress free of any wrinkles, and Toph looked startled.

“Umm...I guess,” Toph spoke hesitantly; I smiled.

Toph was able to do many things on her own. Her blindness never hindered her ability to do what she wanted, merely doing things differently. But I also knew Toph wasn’t one to dress up. She probably doesn’t have much experience with makeup because she doesn’t wear it. A skill she never adjusted to. 

“Pucker up,” Katara hummed to Toph, and with an awkward posture, she did. Katara cupped her chin and dragged the tube along her lips, Toph letting her head stick out a bit.

Dark green high-waisted dress pants with a brown shirt tucked in; I found myself blushing because with the red lipstick - Toph looked great.

“Remember Toph, you’re my date,” I giggled, and Toph huffed, her bangs fluttering in the air once again as a rosy blush coated her cheeks. Not one to accept compliments, but I knew she loved it whether she admitted it or not. 

Katara tossed me the tube, “Let me help with this-”

She came from behind me, adjusting the lacey straps as I wiggled the fabric down my thighs. It was as tight as a glove, and I was happy I didn’t wear a bra. If I did, it would have clashed with the glamorous lace backing.

Without looking at the mirror, I began to apply the finishing touch.

Used to wearing lipstick, I obtained the skill of applying makeup without a mirror for the most part. And in my opinion, that was a more extraordinary skill than being a master bender.

“Toph, help me make this look messier,” Suki said over her shoulder as she grabbed our clothes. She was throwing it onto the floor near the door.

She’s trying to make the scene of the crime not look so obvious - natural. It made perfect sense, something we would have totally done.

Eager to get into the hot water and gossip with some wine, it wasn't past us to strip as soon as we entered and hop in. It was something that we've done many times before at the Southern Water Tribe, and it would make sense for us to continue the tradition.

Without another word, Toph began kicking her feet around, whatever robes that fell in her way creasing under her feet. I watched as her foot managed to snag my bra, causing it to fly beside the door.

They were masterminds, and the realization had me impressed.

I stroked my hair back, letting it cascade down my back. This was my final look, dolled up as can be given the circumstances—the temptation to look at myself in the mirror to see how I fared.

With a deep breath, I twirled to face the mirror. Oh my-

“You look fucking sexy,” Suki blurted, and I realized that they were staring at me.

My cheeks glowed, shaking my head because I wasn’t used to seeing myself like this—a sultry, mature look, completely different from my true personality.

Yet...I liked it.

It wasn’t something I would do every day, but that odd bubble in my chest, smiling as I looked at myself. I…

I felt confident. For the first time, I could see what Zuko saw.

He always said I had the cutest of pouty lips and that my hips were his biggest temptation. I was beautiful. No matter how many times I doubted myself, Zuko was right.

I need to recognize my worth. I’m his Queen, but more importantly, I am my own Queen.

Katara’s hands fell over my shoulders, giving me a tight hug, “Let’s have a night to remember.”

“Umm, guys. Before that, how are we going to deal with him,” Suki spoke as I saw her frown in my reflection.

The steam in the room began to pour out slowly, the main door opened a crack, and we followed her direction.

The guard.

We clearly didn't think this plan through all the way.

“I could bury him underground for a bit,” Toph suggested, and I hit her arm, “Are you crazy? He'll suffocate!”

"Not if we leave his head above ground."

"We're not burying him, Toph!"

“Do you have a better idea, Princess?” 

“That’s it-” Katara replied, and we all shifted our attention to her, “Yue, you're royalty. The second-highest person in command.”

I stared at her, confusion written all over my face, at a complete loss. What was she trying to suggest? That I demand the guard to stay quiet? 

“I-I can’t do that. That’s so wrong! Taking advantage of my position-”

“I guess burying him alive it is,” Toph said, cracking her knuckles. She wouldn’t dare.

Yet there she was, Toph’s feet firmly planted on the ground, hands in front of her. In a matter of seconds, I could feel the ground beneath us begin to tremble, growing in intensity- why did I even doubt her for a second.

“Okay-okay, I’ll do it!” I shouted, and at the sound of my raised voice, the guard turned his head sharply, our eyes meeting.

The timid smile, waving shyly- Why me?

“Go!” the girls all shouted, their hands dropping over my back and shoving.

I stumbled forward with clumsy steps, everyone tumbling behind me as we bore smiles that meant trouble.  It took the guard two seconds, his brown eyes washing over us in one sweep, to get the picture.

“Imperial Consort, Ying Yue…” The guard carefully spoke out of habit, his hand falling over his chest with a short bow.

But he was unable to strip his eyes over me as I shifted in my spot. I felt so shy under his stare. He wasn't judging or seemed rude; in fact, he was sporting my infamous look of curiosity.

Gosh, we're in the middle of the hallway; anyone could come by and see us- “Hurry, Yue, we’re going to get caught,” Katara urged, and I swallowed.

I don't have time to struggle with my internal turmoil. The situation was simple. If we got caught, we were done for.

“Umm, excuse me, Sir.”

“Yes, how can I be of service, Consort Ying Yue?”

I spotted the growing smile under his helmet.

This whole circumstance fascinated him. He wasn’t stupid; he knew exactly what I was going to ask, and for some odd reason, that made the entire situation worse.

“Listen here,” I stuttered, “If Fire Lord Zuko comes, under no condition are you to allow him to enter, understood?” 

Oh my gosh, I gave an order.

It wasn’t odd for me to ask for help or assistance, but I was ordering someone right now. The feeling of telling someone what to do was so bizarre. How did Zuko do this so easily?

“And I assume that extends to any inquiries on your whereabouts?” the guard pondered, and I nodded, “Whatever you do, don’t let him know that we snuck out- are going for a long...walk.”

I could hear the guard stifle a laugh, “I give you my word that I will try my hardest.”

“Thank you.” I breathed, my shoulders dropping.

I didn’t realize how tense I was, asking for this. I heard the squeals from the girls behind me, patting my back as I asked.

First obstacle - complete.

The guard stood back into position, his hands falling by his sides, expression neutral. As if the conversation didn’t happen.

But my brows pinched in trouble because now we had our second obstacle. How do we get out of here?

It was one thing to make one guard stay silent, even two, but at this rate, I was going to get the whole kingdom involved. This was a plan that sounded great in theory but not in reality.

“Do you know any ways to sneak out from here?" Suki asked, and I shook my head.

I barely got to explore and learn about all the standard rooms, let alone any secret tunnels or exits. The promise of Zuko taking me to the underground storage, to show me the ‘dragon egg,' another adventure in the waiting.

“Maybe I can feel one out,” Toph suggested, her feet shifting once again. But it was a steady voice, a whisper, that caught our attention.

“There so happens to be a secret exit in the hot springs, used for emergencies to escort royalty in case need be,” the guard uttered.

Not once did he shift his brown eyes over us. For a moment, we all questioned if it really was him that spoke. But the confirmation was when we saw his lips move once again, remaining as still as a statue and pretending to talk to himself.

“It leads straight outside, perfect for your nighttime stroll. You can leave and come back completely unnoticed.”

He’s a spirit.

A literal lifesaver. Every worker here cuts me some slack and makes life ten times easier. Whoever does the hiring here needs a raise.

“I promise, I’ll bake you whatever you want,” I gushed, and I saw the corner of his lips twitch, fighting back a smile, “It’s a pleasure to be of service...and your strawberry tarts. My kids love them.”

My heart swelled. I'll make you a dozen and more.

“What are you waiting for? Go!” Katara huffed, and the door to the hot springs swung open. We found ourselves running back inside, giddy as we walked over our clothes.

Everything was happening so fast.

Toph stomping, immediately pointing in the direction of the entrance. Suki spread out her hands as she felt the wall of rocks that decorated the space.

It was clear when she found the secret exit, her eyes lighting up, feeling a spot give way.

We found ourselves pressed together as we entered a dimly lit space. The air was dewy from the intense heat of the spring water, my fingers feeling the moistness along the course walls.

Toph served as our guide as none of us could light the torches that lined the earthy tunnel.

You could hear our nervous breaths, a mixture of excitement and adrenaline as we made our way out of the kingdom and do possibly the stupidest thing to date.

I held onto Katara’s arm tightly, the butterflies in my stomach too much to handle.

“That's the exit, and I think-” Toph spoke, and just like that, we could smell the fresh air.

The moonlight poured over our skin while the hot breeze kissed our skin. The stars were painting the sky as if guiding us towards our destination.

This was the end of gardens, the flowers no longer the focal point as the thick bush and trees took over. Hearing the birds sing their final songs before going to sleep.

We did it.

"We have a long walk, girls, but if we speed it up, we can at least show Yue the boutiques we can come to in the morning."

"And that restaurant with the great seafood!"

"My stomach just rumbled."

I smiled; today was my night.

I still remember the time Mom took me to see a waterfall. How my heart pounded in my chest, stunned with the grandness of the sight.

It was the moment I understood exactly why Mom loved nature. Unable to describe what I was experiencing with my non-existent vocabulary at the time.

The droplets against my skin, the booming sound of water crashing downwards. It had little me trembling with excitement, Mom pinching my cheeks at how innocent I was. That even a waterfall dazed me.

And that unexplainable feeling of joy, a rush that had me spinning, was precisely how I felt now, almost twenty years later.

Katara replaced the role of Mom as she pinched my cheeks with a smile that showed just how happy she was. It was everything I read about and more; my breath caught in my throat as I stared in awe, frozen in my spot.

The music, the people, the beginning of an adventure. I can’t believe I’m actually here.

“Hurry up and finish your drink so we can get back to the dance floor!” Suki yelled, leaning as close as possible to my ear, her voice competing with the roaring music.

The cracked tile beneath our feet vibrated, the band that was at the very front on stage, perspiring buckets as they strummed away. I could only imagine how drained they were by the end of the night, the loose cream-coloured blouses they wore sticking to their skin as beads of sweat dripped down their temples.

But the cheers and atmosphere were the driving force they needed. Giant smiles on their faces as they didn’t just play the music; they danced along with it.

I fanned myself, the air thick, people unbuttoning their tops and tying up their hair. Everyone’s skin was glistening under the candles that were lit up high along the walls.

It caused the room to be dimly lit, adding to the environment. A mystical touch that had you beckoning deeper into the crowds as people’s bodies touched.

It was captivating how everyone moved so fluidly. It was like everyone in the Fire Nation was a dancer. Singing to their native songs with their eyes closed as they let the chorus take over for one night.

I never recognized how different the dancing culture was compared to the Earth Nation, recalling the few parties I went to as a teenager.

They moved with quick footwork: couples twirling their partners around in beat before pressing together. Their legs would slip between each other before grabbing their partners’ hips. With such sharp and synchronized motions, they begin to swivel, pelvis flushed.

The alcohol they consumed had them acting bolder, their dancing turning sultry. They were drawn by their lust as the dirty rhythms of the beating drums fed into everyone’s desires.

“Where’s Toph?” Katara asked, bending over the table we managed to secure, her eyes scanning the dancefloor.

I frowned, realizing she was right.

In such a trance as I gawked at the dancing crowd; I forgot about the ache in my legs and Toph as well.

I stared at the almost done drink in my hand, a cocktail that was once filled to the brim, yet Toph was nowhere to be found. My back straightened, searching because Toph said she was going to the bathroom, but it’s been a while now.

How long was she going to take?

“I knew one of us should’ve gone with her,” Katara grumbled, shaking her head as she scowled to herself. Her protective instincts started taking over, the party-girl mode gone as her eyes turned intense.

She searched the crowd, narrowing her eyes to scan every single face in her view.

“Maybe she got lost-” I spoke, my hand falling over Katara’s arm. Worry beginning to seep into my thoughts at the idea of us losing Toph.

I turned to Suki, asking if she had any information or could see Toph, only to see the look on her face. It wasn’t one of worry or concern.

No, she was entertained.

Watching as Suki’s lips moved, and while I couldn’t hear under the loud music and chatter, I could tell she was snickering.

She finally noticed me staring, and Suki quickly leaned over the table. Flicking Katara’s arm to catch her attention as well before shouting, “I think I know why she insisted on going by herself!”

“What, why?” Katara frowned, her head bobbing up and down as she continued to search actively. She wasn’t going to let this down until she could see her. Half expecting Katara to get on a table and call her out.

But Suki laughed, pointing at a poorly lit section, “Look.”

All I can see are people dancing. My brows pinched together, trying to understand what she was trying to show us.

What was I missing? The thick film in the air was illuminated by the lights as people took long drags from their cigars and lounged at their tables.

Katara must have struggled as well because the next thing you know, we were all stooping against the furniture with a squint. A particular pant leg in the far distance caught my attention.

Is that a pair of dark green dress pants? There’s no way- I could feel my cheeks heat up, Katara gasping, “That sneaky, bitch.”

Brown hair pinned up in a bun that was bound to come undone as Toph’s hands combed. Bodies pressed, lips frantically moving together, tucked away in the corner in their little world.

Suki had the biggest grin on her face, Katara looking away bashfully from the sight.

“She could have just told us and not made us worry!” Katara huffed, and Suki snickered, “Toph was feeling her out since we came here.”

“It has only been a couple of hours! How-”

“To be single again.” Suki sighed as she watched them with glee.

I had to roll my eyes because, to my dismay, I knew far too much about Suki and Sokka’s sex life. And if one thing was sure, they didn’t mind adding a few others in the mix.

My eyes shifted back onto Toph without much thought, and the quick sip I stole almost left my mouth.

Oh my- Toph’s mystery partner had her under her command, something I didn’t expect ever to see. Pushing Toph’s figure up the wall, her thigh slipped between her dress pants as her hands wandered down Toph’s waist.

“GET IT TOPH!” Suki shouted beside me, and my eyes widened. The embarrassment, Suki was raising her beverage in the air as I hoped her cheer went unnoticed.

There wasn’t a bone in me that doubted that Toph didn’t hear. A keen sense of hearing, while it may be selective.

Both her and her hook-up stilling, and without hesitation, Toph gave Suki the middle finger.

I could spot the satisfied smirk on Toph’s face before her lips were preoccupied with more important manners. Resuming whatever they were about to do.

With the grin on Suki’s face, I couldn’t help but laugh. Taking one final sip of my drink, I let it rest on the table where the rest of the glasses we had that night piled.

I could feel the light buzz, my body feeling hot as I let my hand run down my chest, touching the dewiness. A shower sounds excellent right now, and it was then I felt the pains of my legs again.

I winced, thighs burning.

Between yesterday with Zuko and the dancing, I was burned out. But a part of me still wanted to dance for a little bit longer. It was fun, no matter how exhausting it was.

I wonder if Zuko knew how to dance? Would he like a place like this?

I laughed under my breath, already knowing my answer. But just because he didn’t seem like the type to dance, I wonder if he knows how to.

I recall Zuko telling me about all the classes he had to take as a child; music, literature, and bending. Would dance lessons be included?

I’m pretty sure Earth Nation royalty took those classes, so would the Fire Nation be any different?

“Let’s go, Princess; I want to see you dance for real now,” Suki pushed, her hand pulling on mine as she began to stand.

The tips of our fingers were still a bit moist from the condensation of our drinks, and that brief moment of coolness had us sighing with relief.

“What do you mean ‘dance for real?’”

“I mean, I want to see you move those hips and pretend I’m your Zuko for the night,” Suki winked, and I slapped her arm, “No way, I’ll look so stupid!”

Me, grinding and letting loose like everyone else?

I could only wish.

Suki stuck her tongue before bowing over the table once more to Katara, “Will you be okay here? Or do you want to come with us?”

“I’ll meet you guys in a second; I’m just going to finish my drink,” Katara said, happily waving us away as she patted down her forehead with a napkin.

I swallowed, looking at Katara with begging eyes, and she merely laughed, “Have fun, Yue, you look great.”

Katara always knew what to say, and that’s why I loved her. Proud to call her my sister, even though she often acted like the older one and me the baby.

Rather than Suki tugging me along, I found myself skipping ahead. Her eyes were widening as she saw me zoom past her, pulling on her arm so we could get to the dance floor faster.

Our heels clicked against the cracked tiles, proud at my ability to move as fast as I was with a few drinks coursing through my veins and bodies bumping into me.

It was stimulating being in such a new and inexperienced environment. Despite my feet hurting, body begging for rest, I was having so much fun.

I looked sexy today, and a bratty part of me wished Zuko could see how I looked - to see his reaction. Would he appreciate this look? Would he want to dance with me?

The questions I thought were forgotten as a new song began to play, and I already started to sway. Even if the night were to end right here, right now, I’d have no regrets because I was having a blast.

Guaranteed to write about this day in my diary as soon as we get home. And when Zuko falls asleep.

A short tap on my shoulder, intense in nature, had me turning on my heels. It felt urgent, her grip over me tight, “Suki, what’s up-”

“Hey there, baby.” A man whispered, his face inches from mine, hand sliding down my back.

I froze, my voice stuck in my throat, realizing the situation I managed to get myself into.

I didn’t feel Suki’s hand slip out of my grasp, me running into the center of the dance floor and letting the music envelop me. I got carried away, and as I tried to peer over the man’s frame, I couldn’t see her anywhere.

He stepped into my field of view, drawing my attention back to him, dark brown eyes staring down at me. It felt oppressive; his short hair ruffled as dancing bodies banged into us.

He licked his dry lips, leaning towards my face, and I winced, an uneasiness washing over me.

“You’ve been getting a lot of the guys talking over here. A babe in a cute lil’ red dress.”

“I-I’m sorry?” I stammered, not knowing what to do, where to go because the hand he had placed on my back kept on trailing downwards.

I felt uncomfortable, trying to ease his touch away, but he kept it firmly on me. Feeling his rough fingers against the open backing over my dress.

He needs to go away- taking a step back, attempting to create some distance. I pushed my hands against his chest, but that only seemed to spur him on.

“I love it when people play hard to get. Gotta lay my claim before those other guys do.”

I frowned.

“I’m not playing hard to get, nor am I something you can claim. Go away.” I shouted.

A quick shove, applying all my weight to my hands as I found myself getting both annoyed and disgusted by his idiotic comment.

As much as Zuko bothered and asserted, saying he ‘claimed’ me, he didn’t actually believe or mean it. He viewed me as a person, respected every single word I spoke and my boundaries. Everything up to this point was something I agreed to, on my own accord, not because Zuko ‘claimed me.’

But this person- he really thinks I’m some piece of meat.

“That’s my girlfriend you’re touching, and I advise you to listen to her unless you want to get your ass kicked,” Suki shouted from behind, wrapping her arms around my waist.

I quickly clasped her embrace, already knowing the formidable looks we were both sending him. I didn’t like him, bad energy seeping from him like a thick goo.

The man’s face twisted, cussing us off under his breath before storming off.

He shoved anyone who was in their way, people giving him glares before they continued to dance—refusing to let him ruin their night. They had the right mentality.

I’m not going to let him ruin my night.

“I swear, some people don’t understand the simple concept of respect,” Suki grumbled into my ear, letting me twirl in her grasp.

“He scared the crap out of me,” I huffed, and Suki smiled, “Don’t worry, your one and only replacement, Zuko, is here.”

I grinned, our foreheads pressed together, noses brushing, as we both made a silent pact to forget about what happened.

“Now,” Suki started, wiggling her eyebrows with an animated look in her eyes, “show me what you did to Zuko that got you all those hickies.”

“Oh shut up!” I laughed, my arms falling over her shoulders, her hands on my waist, guiding me to move to the music.

She brought my body close to hers, a hand sinking to my lower back as she spoke in my ear, making it easier for me to hear.

“Come on, we both know, if Zuko was here, and he saw that man. Girl- he would have you pinned against that wall like Toph is now,”

Losing my footing for a split moment, I glared—Suki snickering in my ear at how frazzled I got at the mere thought of that happening.

Why was it so arousing? 

This stupid need to see Zuko lose his mind and show his true colours without his usual restraint. A morbid obsession of mine ever since I met him from this morning to now.

I had to fan myself because I could feel myself getting hot, panties wet at the mere idea.

“I promise when the chance presents itself, I’ll help you get what you want,” Suki teased, and I redden, “What are you talking about-”

“You want rough Zuko. I know that look, trust me. It’s the look Sokka gets whenever-”

“Suki! Too many details!” I shouted, pulling away to look at her face. Toph and Suki are far too liberal with details, Katara too reserved. 

“Okay-Okay- Point is, I get it. And since I’m the best girlfriend you have ever had, I’ll make it happen. But-” Suki grinned, and in a swift motion, she spun me around, whistling at how my hair fluttered around me, skin glittering under the lights, “Let’s get dirty!”

Another body found itself in front of me, and I looked upwards to a pair of beautiful big blue eyes. Katara’s smile was radiant, already bouncing to the music, as the tempo changed to a faster, more profound tone.

Have fun.

No one knew who I was, who cares if I made a fool out of myself—seeing Katara and Suki laughing and dancing freely without a care in the world. I was too anxious, preoccupied with my thoughts; I pushed away the soreness in my legs and danced.

“Look at Princess, go~!” Suki cheered as I found myself squeezed from behind, her body grinding down on mine. I giggled, Katara clapping her hands at the sight, everyone here feeling so free.

Sweat beaded down Katara’s forehead, tying her braids in a messy bun the longer we stayed. At some point, Suki had tossed her shoes to some forsaken corner, and I hoped we could find them before we left and went home.

We found ourselves dancing together and with random people for fun, the atmosphere so light-hearted. “We’ll teach you!” A bunch of girls gushed, showing us some dance moves not even Suki knew.

This was the experience I craved for so long.

These past hours I got to strip myself of all duties and royal expectations. No one knew who I was yet. Besides a few ‘speculative’ drawings that we got to see as we toured the city before arriving here, no formal painting was released to the public.

I was a no-one.

Just me, in my little red dress, having the time of my life. With the man of my dreams waiting for me at home.

With a hum, and the band still going strong, I felt Suki go behind me once more.

Her hands were trailing down my waist, pelvis pressing against me. I reached backwards, letting my eyes flutter shut, hugging her neck as I giggled at the closeness.

Suki is so determined to play the role of Zuko. I had to give her some credit because she was doing a pretty good job.

But I knew better because while Suki was just dancing from behind, Zuko would’ve done much more.

Letting his lips brush my neck, his hands teasing the hem of my dress as he would whisper tempting ideas in my ear—promises of what was to be expected later.

I was feeling the beat radiate through my body, hearing it mix with Suki’s tired breaths.

How much time has passed at this point? Staring up at the ceiling, the skylight letting us see the moon at its highest peak.

The stars still shined brightly despite the lamps that lit up the city. It was a subtle blend of nature meeting city life, a concept I could get behind.

Tilting further into Suki’s chest with a deep sigh of contentment, “Suki, we should get going soon-”

“Is that after I remind you of who you belong to, or after I burn this man to a crisp?”

There was only one voice that could have me on my hands and knees in a snap.

A single, breathless command and I was batting my eyelashes and staring up at him with longing eyes, eager to please. His deep smell would always overwhelm my senses as I nestled in his neck, inhaling his natural scent with so much love.

Any day, any time, I welcomed it.

Except at this very moment.

My head snapped forward, and I could feel my blood run cold.

There’s no way.

It was a foolproof plan; how did they figure it out-

“You better pick, love, because I’ve officially run out of patience in three, two-”

My mind was racing, unable to piece together the sight before me. A dishevelled, and very pissed-off Zuko, standing with a fury that I had never seen before until now.

Despite the low-lighting, I could still tell that he was clenching his jaw, his forehead furrowed. He raised his hands in front of his chest, only then taking note that he hadn’t even buttoned up his blouse all the way.

Seeing every scar, divot, muscle of his torso. His deep collarbones-

The cracking of his knuckles brought me back. Not the time.

“Zuko-” I breathed, not knowing when the touch behind me had left because I was too busy staring. I took a shaky backward step, fingers fidgeting as I bit my lip, “I can explain?” 

“Can you now?” Zuko hissed, taking a step closer, and I swallowed. Every move, he countered, a dance unlike any other.

I looked over his shoulder, seeing Aang with Katara, Suki with Sokka. All of us getting an ear-full except Toph because she managed to sneak away with her hook-up.

But my brows pinched because Suki was looking at me?

A smirk on her face despite Sokka giving her a lecture of a lifetime, shooting me one of Aang’s infamous thumbs up-

“Eyes on me, baby, or do I have to teach you that lesson here too?” Zuko growled, and my eyes snapped back onto him. 

The crowd of people that were around us didn’t seem to pay us any attention. Lost in their drunken states and lust as Zuko stalked while I trembled backwards.

The crowd grew sparse the further I walked back, darker in light.

“I didn’t mean-I-I thought-” I babbled nonsense, unsure of what to say because of the look in Zuko’s eyes. It was like staring directly into the depths of fire. Every time he blinked, it became more intense, perceiving the heat from his state.

The vein in his neck pulsed with rage, the twitching of his fingers as he inched his way towards me.

Prey cornering their lunch, or I guess you could say midnight snack.

My stomach was in knots because no matter how obviously angry he was, he somehow still held this air of calmness. A sadist smile emerged on his face, licking his lips, and it took me a second to realize why.

Body hitting the stone wall, the chill against my lacy backing providing some solace to the heat I felt. My cheeks were flushed, skin so dewy as I fought to even my heartbeat.

The wild music, laughing, talking, the world was lost - only focused on Zuko.

The way his fingers glided, effortlessly wrapping each slender digit against my throat, pressing his body to mine once he finally caught up.

His touch over me was so natural. Falling into place like two puzzle pieces. A perfect match, always met to be.

My breathing hitched, swallowing hard under his grasp as my lips parted.

His grip was somehow hotter than the warm, humid air around us. Unable to stop the whine escaping from being under his touch.

It was a dangerous mix of lust and thoughtfulness – his golden eyes ablaze as he towered over my figure.

I need to speak, say something- but my mouth was dry, my throat parched. No matter how hard I tried, I found myself unable to whisper a damn word.

Zuko is going to kill me.

I was sure of it.

“Having fun?” Zuko seethed as he stared down at me.

A mocking chuckle fleeing his parted lip as all I could do was gape upwards with doe-like eyes. He looked so menacing, domineering, the poor lighting doing nothing more but accentuating every sharp feature of his - making him look masterful. 

He let his forehead press against mine, and I could feel his wet hair.

Not bothering to take the time to dry it from his swim with the guys, it left tiny droplets over our exposed skin. The beads of water trickled down my chest, trailing between my breasts, the sensation heightened by his stare.

The music continued to blare behind us, people unaware of how Zuko’s free hand lingered down my body, memorizing every curve. As if satisfied, enjoying the taste of what he could have, he let his caresses move up my stomach with crawling steps. 

Despite the fabric that separated him from my bare skin, I could still feel the heat he emitted. And only when his fingers began to toy with my low-cut neckline did I feel how hot it indeed was.

My bottom lip rolled between teeth, Zuko caressing the skin of my exposed breasts. He was playing such a risky game. The thumb I had bitten earlier today was now strumming my neckline, urging it further and further down my body. 

I held back a whimper, Zuko purposely letting his palm graze my breasts, taking a minute too long to brush against my hardening nipples.

The feeling of his hand rubbing against my clothed nubs was an unexpected sensation. Something I wasn’t adjusted to and had my thighs clenching because it was good.

Only then did I realize how heavy my eyes were, breathing erratic as I melted under his heated gaze.

Not once did his eyes leave mine, making sure he saw every reaction, moan, and whimper.

It was his fuel.

I groaned under my breath, arching my back against his teasing touches. My chest was spilling out of my dress, but all I cared about was getting that much-needed touch—the need to have him touching me directly, not like this.

My thighs squeezed tight once more, whimpering because I could feel my panties getting wetter by the second. I need-

Zuko’s eyes darkened, “Fucking brat-”

His hips snapped against mine, forcing himself between my legs. Oh fuck-

I moaned, my eyes fluttering shut as the grip on my throat tightened. Stop being so loud, Yue. You’re gonna get us caught-

I stared at the ceiling and prayed to the spirits because I could feel him.

Zuko’s hard bulge rubbing against me, satisfying me temporarily as he dug his hips into me. Kneading my growing sweetness that was building the moment my eyes settled over him.

My head was spinning, wheezing, feeling Zuko’s fingers heat my skin into my pressure points.

“What’s wrong, baby? Is someone fucking needy?” He taunted in my ear, voice so husky and dripping with contempt, “It didn’t seem like you needed me two minutes ago – dancing happily with some man.”

“I-It was an accident; I thought he was Suki-” I protested, but another sharp sigh escaped me as I felt his hand fall from my breast onto my thigh. He can’t be serious- 

I bite my lip, hands dropping over Zuko’s broad shoulders. My fingers dug into the loose blouse he wore, letting it clump under my fingers as my head lolled backwards.

Zuko slapped the inside of my thigh hard, a pretty red mark rising to my skin, the sound going unnoticed by the gaudy music that boomed. He raised the same thigh, letting it rest on his hip, my dress lifting upwards, exposing myself to him like a gift.

“Was that it, baby? An accident?” Zuko jeered, mimicking my innocent tone as he wickedly kissed his teeth. His anger, annoyance, caused my legs to shake with excitement. Shame eating away at me because he looked so good like this.

Zuko wasn’t satisfied.

Elevating my leg higher and pushing himself farther into my body. My dress continued to roll upwards, now resting along my bikini line, and I blushed, “Zuko, someone is going to see us-”

“You should’ve thought of that before, baby. Now, suck.”

The tight grip over my throat left, sliding up my neck and slipping past my moaning lips. The desire to suck on his fingers when I tried to tease him earlier came running back. His hands were just his tools to induce my descent, and a part of me folded.

With an eager hum, I sucked.

My lips vacuumed over his digits, tongue flicking between every finger like it was a lollipop. Sucking hard, making sure I didn’t leave a single part untouched.

Eyes falling shut in the heat, unable to contain my moans as I rubbed my cunt against him.

The whole time, Zuko watched. Basking in the eagerness I displayed, my pace fastened as I bucked against his cock. With an amused chuckle, his lips skimmed my ear.

“Mmm, you’re my good girl, right, baby?” Zuko growled huskily. His teeth were nibbling on the shell of my ear before tagging hectic kisses down my exposed neck.

It was wild, my skin already bruising, challenging the hickies that he placed over me the night before. Something told me that these marks were going to be far worse. Feeling my skin rise and snap back, Zuko moved along, claiming as much territory as possible.

I whimpered between those slender digits, nodding my head instinctively at his dominance, needing to answer.

He chuckled, getting a kick out of how fast I melted under his controlled touches. Zuko’s feverish breath tickled my raw skin as he pulled to appreciate the messy sight in front of him.

A sight I was indeed.

Entirely under his mercy, already lost in our little world. Looking up at him while batting my eyelashes, sucking on his fingers as if they were his dick.

Zuko’s free fingers drew circles on my thigh, inching his way closer and closer to my soaked core. Please.

I jerked my hips, a desperateness taking over me as I whined around his fingers. No longer being reasonable, as I humped once again, pleading with my eyes.

Zuko’s dark laugh, pulling his hand away from me. No, please, no. My eyes teared up, disheartened as I fruitlessly rose my hips against nothing now.

And as if Zuko could tell, he grinned.

Slamming his hips against mine, the head of his cock flawlessly hitting my clit. If it weren’t for his fingers stuffed in my mouth, you would’ve heard me scream.

Such a basic act, him stroking his cock against me, had me shivering. His hand crudely gripped my ass from behind, making sure I stayed put. Unable to twitch against him as he took his time, rolling his hips to the beat of the music that I had long forgotten about.

I was lost in the moment, in utter bliss every time the coarse texture of his red slacks rubbed against the lacey fabric of my panties. His dick was perfectly nestling along my slit as I gasped underneath him.

It feels so good, a slow and tantalizing tease.

“Look at you; I haven’t even touched you, and you’re a fucking mess,” Zuko chuckled, and I could feel my whole body flush in embarrassment. 

He was right.

There was a visible wet spot on Zuko’s pants, and if it weren’t for the loud bass, you would hear my juices gushing along his length. I could feel my heart beating rapidly, torn between wanting to stop this and the need to have him fuck me senseless in the middle of this damn room.

Zuko sluggishly pulled his fingers from my mouth, watching the spit stringing from my lips with a satisfied drone. It was then I realized what he was planning. There’s no way.

We can’t. My mind screaming to stop this before I hit the point of no return.

But the moment his spit covered hand snuck its way up my thighs, fingertips playfully running up my clothed slit, where his dick was seconds ago-

“You can dance with as many guys as you want, love – but you feel this?” Zuko whistled, his fingers pushing aside the lacey fabric of my panties, freely massaging my core. There was no denying anymore. The unmistakable sound of my slick against his prodding fingers, “I’m the only one who can get you this fucking wet, baby – your body knows who it belongs to.”

I swallowed back a cry, two slender digits entering into me with a single push, “Oh gosh, Zuko.”

The burn as he began to stretch me, not bothering to be kind to emphasize his point. But the hint of pain just caused my juices to continue to seep.

Zuko growled, pulling back his fingers slowly, intentionally grazing the sweet spot inside of me. My juices dripped down his hand, my eyes so heavy. 

“Please-please, fuck me,”

“You’re not getting fucked by me until you fucking learn. So, tell me, baby, who does this sweet cunt belong to?” Zuko hissed, maintaining his agonizingly slow pace.

I could feel my eyes watering, jerking my hips to quicken his pace. But he didn’t budge, the grip he had over me making sure I couldn’t move, stealing more than he allowed.

I need more; I need more of Zuko right now.

“Do I have to teach you how to talk too?” Zuko growled, and I shook my head with a struggle, unable to focus on Zuko’s words as his fingers pumped.

“Then who do you belong to? That guy there or me? Do you think he can get you this fucking wet? Begging?”

“N-no, I’m sorry, Zuko. Please, I need more.” I sobbed, the pleasure building up in my stomach like tight knots.

I fought to concentrate, Zuko curving his fingers, not only teasing but fully hitting that sweet spot inside of me over and over again.

“Someone isn’t so shy anymore, getting this fucking wet in public.”

“Zuko, p-please. I-I-ahh~” I cried, his pace fastening. It was so much at once, my legs shaking as my head fell into his chest.

My hot breath fanned against his skin, hearing his racing heartbeat. I felt so close to him, consumed. With the slow pace of his finger-fucking to the harsh pounding, a tingling sensation was rising over my skin.

“Please, what, baby? You know the fucking rules. Do I need to teach you how to beg too? Now I’m really fucking pissed off. Back to square one with you.” Zuko warned, grunting in my ear as I drooled.

 “N-no, I’m so close, please,” I begged.

I fought against his grip, trying so desperately to hump his fingers. I need to cum, the pressure building. Wanting his pace to fasten, get rougher. Oh my gosh-

 “Aww, baby. You’re going to cum?” Zuko teased, his thumb suddenly brushing my clit, causing me to shudder. My walls clenched against his fingers, practically sucking him in as I moaned loudly into his shirt, “Y-yes, Zuko. I’m-I’m going to cum.”

“What a dirty girl. Wanting to cum in front of all these people.”

“Zuko-”

“Make such a big mess as you squirt, letting everyone watch.”

“Zuko I-” I gasped, a warning. Staring up at him with glazed eyes as I felt the coil in my stomach about to snap.

And just like that, his fingers pulled.

The pain, my legs trembling as I looked upwards at Zuko. A single push was all I needed to topple over the edge. Holding my breath as I couldn’t even muster up a sob, “I-I was going to cum-”

“Aww, were you now, baby?” Zuko taunted, imitating my wavering voice, “Well, that’s too fucking bad; only good girls get to cum.”

The darkness in his eyes, shoving my leg off his hip, to bring the hand he was fucking me with to his lips.

My juices spread around his fingers and tricked down his palm, showing off how wet he managed to get me. Lapping away like it was the sweetest thing he’s ever tasted, a drug.

I can’t believe I made that mess. My hands were shaking over Zuko’s chest, cheeks rosy at the sight. 

“I’m sorry, I’ll do anything. I’m a good girl, please, just fuck me,” I pleaded softly, my brain still on a high and desperate for anything.

I was so embarrassed, nervous, but I had to stop the pain of my cunt clenching around nothing. The taste of him inside of me yesterday was etched in my mind, and I didn’t think I could survive another round with Zuko until now.

No matter how tough it was to stand, I tugged on his blouse.

“Zuko…” I whimpered, and only then did Zuko’s look soften for just a minute, letting his clean hand caress my cheek, “I’m right here, baby. What do you want?”

“Fuck me,” I pressed.

My eyes were tearing, squeezing myself against him. And feeling him hard as a rock, his cock poking my stomach-

“I’ll fuck you, on one condition,” Zuko hummed into my ear, his hands holding me tight to his body. I moaned, his tongue licking my neck as my hands dropped down his chest.

Unable to resist letting my fingers coyly slide down, feeling the tip of cock over the fabric over his pants. He growled, my thumb caressing the crown, and while I could feel my wetness, I could also feel his pre-cum building. 

“Tell me,” I panted, unable to quit squirming, doing nothing more but edging myself.

My orgasm was so close, but no matter how much I clasped my thighs together, it did nothing but irritate me. Unable to finish myself off.

And something tells me if I tried to do it myself, I’ll cease to exist.

It was then Zuko pulled away slightly, lust-tainting his eyes, “The only way I’m going to fuck you is if I punish you. Have that ass of yours red, on your knees, the only words I expect coming from your mouth is ‘yes, Zuko.’”

Why bother acting like I was thinking over his words when I wasn’t?

His words, hunger, causing me to grip his dick harder. Playing with the pre-cum that stained the front of his pants. My hands looked so small as I attempted to hold as much of him as possible, nudging my body up against him once more.

“Is it a deal, love? Letting me punish you as I see fit?”

“Y-yes, Zuko,” I obediently answered. My teasing touches over his cock stopping as I opted to tug on his arm instead.

A wicked smile painted Zuko’s face, “You were made for me, love.”

He grabbed my hand from his arm, yanking me forward, and my eyes narrowed for a moment.

While the light in this place wasn’t even that bright, being cocooned under Zuko’s body had me realizing just how secluded we were.

The music came back to life, people looking exhausted as they continued to dance sluggishly. Not willing to call it quits and go back home, desperate to enjoy the last few minutes of bliss.

How long were we there for?

Not a single person passed us a glance as I staggered over my feet, my heels clicking ungracefully over the tiled floor.

My hand fought to adjust my neckline, brushing back my hair as the build-up sweat from dancing and getting finger-fucked dumb caused it to stick to my skin. All of this while I stumbled behind Zuko.

More drunk on him than any of the drinks I had with the girls.

“Hey, we’ll be back!” Zuko shouted, his voice catching my attention in a sex-craved haze. His hand flew into the air, trying to catch the attention of the others, but my eyes narrowed, spotting something off.

Red smears on the base of his long fingers, dripping onto his boney knuckles. My hand fell over my lips.

Oh my gosh, my lipstick-

“Alright, we’ll be here; Aang and Katara are dancing!” Sokka yelled back, his voice struggling to cut through the music. I shook my head, a detail so tiny that I knew nobody noticed. But I did.

All it was doing was solidifying the fact that I wanted his fingers back inside me now as I bit my lip to control my breathing. Don’t think about it.

Stop thinking- forcing my eyes to look at Sokka, seeing Suki in his embrace.

Dressed up nicely, Sokka’s hair combed back into a top knot. A black shirt with some navy blue pants sporting a shiny silver bracelet that glistened under the light as he stole a gulp from his beer. 

The guys- there were all dressed for the club—something I didn’t realize until now.

Suki blissfully sipped away with her drink as she strutted in front of Sokka, his hands caressing her hips, kissing her neck. Whispering something into her ear because she giggled, her face turning red.

Was everyone about to hook up?

I blushed, hiding behind Zuko’s figure. A part of me was relieved that I wasn’t the only sex-starved person in this club whose panties were sticking to me like skin. 

My check rested against Zuko’s back, feeling his muscles shift under my touch.

There was no damn way I was going to let Sokka, let alone Suki, see me as I was. Legs trembling as I looked up to Zuko like he was my master. I was always a passive type, but this level of submissiveness wasn’t something I had shown so publicly like this.

I could deal with Sokka’s ten-second fury, but not with Suki’s teasing. Pointing out how I clutched onto Zuko, purring into his body. My body just naturally eased into his shape; my breasts squished as I inhaled his woody scent.

I could feel Zuko stiffen at the sudden embrace, feeling me rub against him with bated breath. “Hurry.” I whimpered, drawing my thighs together as my hands rested over the seam of his pants.

My touch was so dangerously close to him. Feeling the fabric taut under my touch. Just a little bit lower, and I could have him resting in my grasp-

“You impatient little brat,” Zuko hissed, grabbing my hand once more, drawing me behind.

I giggled under my breath, seeing whatever patience that was left in his mind disappeared—effortlessly tiptoeing around the dancing and chatting persons. But while Zuko moved around a few, more so shifted away, intimidated by his presence.

My shoulders pressed against someone before I saw the entrance in view.

“Are we leaving?” I asked, perking as I could see the city lights in view, people taking a midnight stroll along the town. The air already seemed lighter, not as thick, and Zuko looked over his shoulder, “Not exactly; we’ll be close, don’t you worry.”

I titled my head at his comment, the man who guarded the entrance not sparing us a single glance. He must be used to this sight.

Couples sprinting to get back home, the sky the limit.

The white smoke from people smoking began to disperse around us, thinning out the closer we got to the exit, much like how the steam left the hot spring whenever we opened the door. But the smoke cleared as soon as we crossed the door frame.

Our feet were resting over the stone path, a smile falling over me. It was magical.

Taking a deep breath, my ears ringing from the noisy music I had listened to for hours upon hours. The air is so much cooler now that we have left. Even Zuko was suffering under the intense heat, and he was only there for a few moments.

I sighed; fresh air never felt, or tasted, as good as it did right now—the night breeze inducing goosebumps to rise on my dewy skin. My touch dropped over my chest, feeling my overheated skin finally cooling.

A hand caressing my cheek, and I hummed.

“Mmm, ready, love?” Zuko purred with a devilish smile, and I nodded with a bite of my lip.

As much as I wanted to appreciate the exquisitely built wooden stores in front of us. The strung lanterns that illuminated the stone paths, where vendors still sold their handmade crafts despite the time, seeing Zuko in front of me- he’s so handsome.

A picture-perfect guy.

Zuko’s hair stirring under the soft breeze, his lowly buttoned top allowing me to sneak a peek of what was lurking. To drag my long nails down the divots of his muscles, his skin shivering because he cherished my cool touch.

And those pants.

Despite how loose they hung around his waist, they didn’t do any injustice, showing off his thick thighs—knowing full well the maximum damage they could inflict whenever I straddled him. 

Yet that distinctive bulge that was still wet from my juices, begging to be released, was what caught my eye. My cheeks were rosy at sight, as I couldn’t help but stare.

With not an ounce of shame, Zuko didn’t seem to mind that if anyone were to stare at him for longer than a second, they’d notice it too. In fact, he seemed proud. Smirking as he saw where my eyes were drawn to.

His hand settled on my lower back, pushing me close to his chest, “Well?”

“I’ve been waiting, Fire Lord Zuko,” I pestered.

While flustered, I had this need to play, and Zuko chuckled, pulling me off the familiar road.

The sound of my heels died off instantly as I aimlessly followed his guide. We were finding ourselves off into a dirt path, unmarked, as we newly made it.

My eyes looked beyond his back, taking in the environment as he walked along the side of the building we were just in until it was behind us. I never noticed…

Surrounding this town was a forest. Wrapping around in its entirety, engulfing the space like a make-shift fishbowl.

Thick bush, high trees that spanned for days. The stars and moon were our only source of light, Zuko not risking to use his flames to guide us.

The elongated shadows, darkness against darkness, a few noises from the wild animals that lived here. The air was seemingly fresher than before, taking a deep breath as we walked.

Fireflies were flying past us, and I giggled, seeing how they buzzed. It was oddly calm, the crisp air causing me to sigh softly.

“Zuko?” I whispered, having to mimic the silence of the forest as he purposely slowed his pace so my heels wouldn’t get stuck in the dirt.

The greater distance we walked, the smaller the lamps of the town began to look. Flickering balls of light that barely lit up the space.

People’s voices were muffled, and the melody that seemed so loud was now background music. I couldn’t make out any details, just seeing stumbling figures leaving while newcomers rushed inside.

Could they see us?

My fingers were dragging across one of the many trees we had walked past. If they squinted and focused well enough, they probably could, couldn’t they?

“This will have to do; I don’t have the patience,” Zuko muttered under his breath, and I perked from behind, trying to study the expression on his face, “Patience for what, Zuko?”

“To walk any further, so you better keep quiet unless you want to give everyone a show.”

Oh-

I tripped on my feet, but it didn’t matter because Zuko’s arms already wrapped themselves along my waist. Green leaves fell over our bodies, as Zuko had my back pinned against the tree with a rush. 

Our lips finding themselves in a second, crashing in a feverish kiss.

A kiss, finally.

To feel the softness of his lips against mine, enjoying his flavour, and tasting a bit of myself. I moaned, my hands combing through his silky hair, sighing in delight as our lips moved.

It was rough, messy, deep inhales in between whenever we could find a chance because we just couldn’t get enough.

I didn’t know what to do with my hands, so anxious to touch every single part of Zuko’s body.

Nails dragging along his scalp that had him grunting mid-kiss. His heavy breath over my swollen lips, a hint of his favourite flavoured cigar in his breath. So addictive.

Indulging once more, the flame of desire ignited.

Ghosting the skin of his neck, squeezing his broad shoulders, loving how tiny he made me feel as the bark dug into my skin. His body had me helplessly pinned, but it wasn’t like I didn’t want to be here anyway.

Zuko nipped my tongue, and I rolled my hips against his. D-damnit. Everything about him was so perfect, feeling myself growing wetter, “Zuko.”

My touch dropped, yanking at his blouse- I needed it off.

I needed to feel his bare skin under me. Tugging on the thin fabric, whatever buttons that kept his shirt closed, bursting at the seams.

The golden buttons fell onto the dark earth below, a shirt that would have to be thrown out, but it didn’t matter. Far more desperate to feel his tense muscles under my fingers, a hint for what was yet to come.

“Baby.” Zuko groaned, feeling how I squirmed under him.

Too blissed to scowled me for ruining his shirt as my fingers dipped into his sex lines. I followed the natural curve, finding myself stopped by the waist of his pants.

A part of me was frantic to undo it and unleash his cock from its confines. It was long over-do at this point.

We were skipping the mind-games and gentle caresses that were yesterday because right now, we ran off pure desire. 

“I can’t wait anymore, Zuko.” I gasped between kisses, his teeth biting my bottom lip at my remark.

He clicked his tongue in disapproval of my subtle demand, drawing away heatedly.

Whatever was left of my red lipstick smeared on the corner of his lips, only making me imagine how sloppy I looked. A sight to appreciate at my expense, but I didn’t care. I just needed him.

We stood in silence, our laboured breathing filling the night air as the sound of carriages and the disco echoed in the far distance.

This street was a lot busier than I had realized. Zuko’s right, if I’m not quiet-

“You get fucked when I say so, do you understand?” Zuko warned under a ragged exhale. There was no room for negotiations in his tone, and I nodded, muttering a weak apology.

My hands twitched on his waistline, coyly tugging the fabric lower and lower. The tip of cock just a hair away from spilling for me to devour.

“I just, I need you-” I huffed, my foot-stomping in frustration and Zuko had to chuckle. His hand was rising to cup my cheek, letting his thumb rub soothing circles.

“And I’ll fuck you so well, baby, but first-” He adjusted, making me look at him dead in the eye, his expression serious, “Yue, my love, if at any point I’m too rough or you want to stop, tell me, okay? I don’t want to hurt you.”

I smiled, my heart pounding.

The simple things that Zuko does to make me feel protected and comfortable had me glowing. I felt safe with him, and I never felt this sense of security with anyone else but him.

“Say it, love. I want to hear your voice.”

“I trust you, and I’ll tell you if it gets too much,” I recited, my hands leaving the waistband of his pants - hugging his neck as I brought him close.

Zuko looked satisfied with my answer, his eyes drinking up my figure gradually. He didn’t care that I saw how he stared, pride in his eyes for creating such a mess of me with minimal effort.

“Now,” I whirred, bringing his face closer to mine, so our lips brushed against each other. Our eyes were half-lidded, my body arching against the tree as I moaned under my breath.

To feel him, so close, wiggling my hips, “Punish me, Fire Lord Zuko.”

It was instantaneous. The change of demeanor, his hand was reaching for my long hair to pull me back. In his eyes, it was the perfect leash—a way for him to toy and dictate every action he wished for me to obey.

If I hadn’t known better, I would’ve thought he was a different man. Incapable of hiding the shiver that ran down my spine because it was at this moment I realized he knew what I was trying to do.

The games, the backtalk, the pushing. Months of calculated pokes to this morning. I’ve been waiting for this, and Zuko knew it too.

“You tried every fucking day to make me crack,” Zuko asserted, no room to dispute. It was a fact, something even Suki could spot. And I could only guess the others too.

The childish part of me urged me to defy. My cheeks heated as I shook my head innocently under his tight grasp, “Untrue.”

“Strike two.” Zuko snorted, another tug on my hair that would’ve hurt many but merely encouraged my attitude.

“What was strike one?” I pressed, slapping myself up the head.

Why must I always push?

Zuko grinned at my quick response. The hold he had in my hair loosening in tension undeniably impressed at my behaviour despite the circumstance.

“I don’t know, love, why don’t you tell me?”

“I’m a good girl, the pinnacle of well-behaved, so I did nothing.” I jabbed, knowing full well that I was just asking for death.

But I already secured my grave; I might as well milk it.

“Oh, my sweet baby girl,” Zuko sang in a sugary tone, “I guess I’ll just have to spank it out of you. Figure out your damn limits.”

“What-” My eyes widened, the last thing I had expected to hear, let alone experience.

A rough heated moment of passion is what I had imagined, but the look on his face. Zuko was dead serious.

“Flip over before I change my mind and tie you to the fucking tree instead.”

There was a time and place to deny and now was neither. Gulping as I spun around, my hands falling over the rugged texture of the tree bark.

I could feel my feet sink into the uneven terrain, trying to stay up as my nerves ran wild. I struggled to wrap my head around what was happening, but that dangerous coil in my stomach grew.

Zuko’s heavy hand roamed down my back.

He was feeling every silky strap that decorated my back, studying it. I knew of the wicked grin on his face, probably admiring how the simple design emphasized the deep arch of my spine as I mewled under his touch.

Letting the straps snag under the tips of his fingers before letting go. It snapped against my skin, relishing in the dull pain he inflicted before the main course.

“Mm, now bend over and spread those legs wide for me- that’s it, baby,” Zuko groaned as I heeded to his command.

I was pink as can be.

Completely bent, so my hair fell over my head. His feet were nudging my feet apart until he was pleased. The distance caused my dress to roll up, ass just peeking from underneath.

My heels burrowed into the ground. Further cementing myself into this position, my eyes facing the grass.

“I should get a painting of this done,” Zuko bothered, standing behind me as he ran his hands up my smooth thighs, pressing his hips forward.

Purposely letting himself rest over me, teasing my core. I let out an achy whimper, Zuko feeling my legs trembling, “Baby, you’re so desperate.”

“I need you inside of me,” I fussed, so close to throwing a tantrum at this rate. It was like the more frustrated I got, begging and losing my sanity, Zuko celebrated.

Every time he said he wanted to break me, I took it figuratively.

But now, as he hiked up my dress, I felt the night breeze against my backside, “Fuck, you’re going to look pretty with my handprints all over.”

I swallowed.

“Zuko,” I whispered out, seeking comfort, unsure of what to expect from him. I was so naïve, inexperienced, the things I didn’t know I wanted till now. What have I gotten myself into? 

Zuko hushed me, a soothing gesture as his hand caressed my backside, the comfort and reassurance I needed at this moment.

“Tell me if this hurts too much, baby-”

My eyes hyper-focused on each blade of grass underneath us, watching it flutter in the breeze. I was holding my breath, anticipating a sudden pain. Blood rushed in my ears as seconds felt like hours.

But the air was still.

What was Zuko waiting for? Doing? Tempted to shift my gaze and look over my shoulder.

As much as I loved nature, even staring at the grass grew boring. Working up another shameless beg, annoyed with his lax attitude.

I felt a sharp slap, me inhaling as my fingers dug into the tree in surprise. Zuko’s whole palm struck, holding it there for a pause.

Quick, unexpected; it took me a second to realize what had happened.

“Did that hurt, baby?” Zuko purred, his voice sounding like he was repressing something. Swallowing his words, hearing him sound so restrained, a testing question waiting for a response.

I shook my head, mumbling a soft no.

At most, it caused my skin to turn pink. The shock of it more than anything, and I nibbled on my lip because I expected more from Zuko.

Was this all he had to offer? Pushing my ass further, attempting to seek his hardened length against me.

I was impatient, needing just a touch to satisfy this craving. To bring back that lost orgasm.

A stupid mistake, because this time, I felt it.

The sound of his hand spanking me, the squeal. If anyone were paying attention, they would’ve heard us, loud and clear. Tears built at the corner of my eyes, legs trembling.

It fucking hurt.

A sting that radiated up my back and down to my toes, a whole-body experience. I could feel my skin he slapped begin to rise; why does Zuko’s hand seem hotter?

As if he was fighting the urge to burn his handprint over me.

“Thanks for being so honest,” Zuko groaned.

The reservedness I heard earlier in his voice was gone, practically grunting as he let his strength arise with little restraint.

He tricked me.

Asking me such an innocent question with such a falsely sweet tone.

Zuko was testing me, a mock trial. Just like how he said, he wanted to see my limits. And knowing him, he plans to push those limits, only to break them. Creating new ones which he could break again because that was just who Zuko was.

“Instead of thirty, I’ll do twenty spanks for being so honest, love.”

Twenty spanks-

I felt it again. Switching to the other side, Zuko’s large hand landed over me. Taking his sweet time to let his fingers dig in my sensitive flesh.

My heels dug further into the dirt, the soles of these shoes beyond spoiled. Those two slaps were holding enough force for my knees to buckle.

It stung, gasping under my breath as I squirmed because it also felt damn good.

Zuko reached forward, grabbing my hair once more. He leaned over my figure, hearing my silent protests, music to his ears. 

Spotting his face out of the corner of my eye, his pupils dilated as he stared down at me.

“It seems I forgot to tell you to count.” Zuko frowned as if he was disappointed in himself.

He wants me to count after each spank? The shame of counting my punishment caused butterflies in my stomach.

He’s made me beg, pout, cry in frustration, but this was a whole new level of humiliation that I was oddly modified and intrigued by.

“Hmm, I guess that means we’ll have to start all over again.”

“N-no, please, we’re at two; please don’t start over,” I begged, and Zuko shook his head, placing a kiss on my cheek, “Mmm, when you beg like that, I think you’ve changed my mind. I’m not stopping till you confess every. Dirty. Thing.”

He shifted away with heavy steps; the grass pressed down underneath our feet from his muscular physique. I whirled, the noise of his hand cutting the air before meeting my bare skin filling the empty space.

The burn and that addictive tingling sensation, “O-one.”

Again-

Zuko’s hand was leaving the tender skin before raining over me.

An even pace, not at all phased by how I squirmed, edging him on. I was discovering myself keenly awaiting the pain, and I could feel the redness.

Zuko wasn’t lying when he said he would leave his handprints all over me, dreading the pain of sitting tomorrow. But what did I expect?

Zuko always kept his promises, for better or for worse.

My back arched, “Eight.”

“You’re taking this so well, baby girl.” Zuko cooed, moving his hands over my cheeks, trying to soothe the burn.

It was confusing; the very touch I was melting under was the same touch that had my ass stinging. His body was crouching over mine, his hips thrusting against me once more-

I could feel Zuko freeze, shame engulfing my heart because he felt it.

I was soaked.

Despite the pain, my tears and silent protests as I struggled to count. My cunt was begging to be touched, fighting the urge to play with myself as he spanked me each time.

Part of me was surprised you didn’t see my wetness drip onto the grass under me, creating a damn puddle.

I loathed because I couldn’t control myself anymore. My body rolled against Zuko, moaning shamelessly, feeling his dick slip between my folds. So good-

“This is supposed to be a punishment, not a fucking reward,” Zuko hissed under his breath, his hand slipping under my thong.

I gasped, Zuko drawing upwards, causing my panties to bunch along my slit. The wetness that seeped as the fabric was pulled taut, tarnishing his pants further.

“You’re soaked. Fuck, you really are my cute lil’ masochist, aren’t you, baby?”

“D-don’t say that,” I whined as I pushed my ass further against him, feeling his head rubbing against me.

My own words contradicted my actions because his ridicule had my pleasure rising. So deliciously thick, his cock in between my legs.

Zuko chuckled, “But you are, love. I bet if I push these panties aside, I’d be able to slide right into you, make you feel so full because you love this.”

“Zuko, please-” I cried in embarrassment.

I had no clue what I was begging for, but the sensation of him on me, hearing his groans as he rutted, was making me lose touch with reality.

Zuko let his hand fall over my ass, again and again. I’m losing my mind.

He was so hard, not troubling himself to hide his greedy grunts as he sought his much-needed friction. Zuko used me to his heart’s content while I quivered and drooled, denying everything I wanted.

Admit it, give in-

“I-I snuck out,” I whispered, and I could feel him chuckle. He played ignorant, acting as if he was unsure if he heard me speak, “A little louder, love, I can’t hear you confess.”

“I s-snuck out, and I danced with some random guy!” I cried, admitting whatever came to mind. Whatever I could do to make this end so he could have his way with me.

Zuko hummed approvingly, landing another slap as I counted, “Nineteen.”

“One more, baby-”

I need to end this. I couldn’t deal with the punishment any longer.

“I-I touched myself last night,” I confessed under my breath.

Zuko stilled above me, feeling the heat of his hand just hovering my sore ass cheek. I caught him off guard.

Fuck, I caught me off guard at my confession. Not realizing what I had even blurted in public until he leaned over my figure, grabbing his undivided attention.

His hand combed my hair back. Sweeping my locks behind my ear sweetly and letting his fingers twirl the ends before he gave a gentle pull.

My hair draped to one side, giving Zuko a clear view of my pink face. The tears that brimmed my eyes in frustration and the mouthwatering pain of wanting to cum so badly.

“You did what, love?” Zuko mused, a genuine hint of curiosity twinkling in his stunning eyes.

He was so entertained, not at all bothered caring that he was fucking his length between my thighs, far more interested in what I had to say.

My blush deepened, attempting to look away, but the gentle hold of my hair changed, Zuko sharply tugging.

A warning.

Why did I even say anything? He had no clue about it, and it was also the first time I had ever done something like that before. Why Yue, why?

“L-last night, after you fell asleep.” I mumbled, and Zuko encouraged me, “Do tell; I love a good story.”

“I didn’t plan it; I just woke up so, so, so needy,” I huffed, all because of that stupid- “I had a dream.”

“What dream?”

“A dream of us having sex,” I exclaimed as I pushed myself against him, moaning.

I could hear my voice reverberating throughout the forest, and I bit my tongue. Forgetting we weren’t in the confines of our room. But realistically, not even that managed to stop me from letting the whole kingdom know what was happening, especially yesterday.

And that was exactly what I dreamt of.

Zuko’s husky voice, whispering lewd things in my ear. Wholly consumed by desire, my toes curled as I rode him and felt the ridges of his cock drag along my walls.

“I’ll let it slide, my love. But next time you touch yourself, you better have my permission, or else you’ll have to play with yourself in front of me till you cum.”

Why did his threat make me wetter? Swallowing back another moan because I refused to let him know the idea was tempting.

“T-thank you, Zuko.”

“So she does have some manners,” Zuko muttered under his breath before standing straight.

His hands dragged down the length of my back, shivering as he let his fingers follow the divots of my spine. The skin was thin, and the pleasure heightened.

His touch was oddly soft as if reminding himself of what he was doing before I interpreted.

“Ah, that’s right,” Zuko hummed before retreating.

He slapped his hands on my ass once more.

I jumped, swearing and Zuko laughed, “Not exactly the count I was expecting, but I can let it slide since you’ll experience far worse soon.”

It’s over.

The first time I had ever been punished to this extent had me aching, dazed yet curious for more.

No words were able to explain the satisfaction in my heart when I felt Zuko string his thumbs on the sides of my panties, ignoring the thinly masked threat of his words. 

Finally- panting like a wild animal as my toes curled into my shoes.

He was such an ass, letting my panties drop down my thighs leisurely. Further and further, stretching them to the breaking point.

My nails dug into the bark, forcing myself not to kick my legs to make the stupid thing drop to the ground faster. Self-control, something I was learning about today very well.

A lesson I didn’t want. I don’t care if I didn’t go home tonight with those panties, as long as I got to feel Zuko inside me-

“Look, love,” Zuko whispered, and I inhaled roughly as his fingers glided over my folds.

The singular, gentle swipe coating his fingers.

Thick, sticky honey, so precious in Zuko’s eyes as he keenly dragged the wet substance along my swollen lips. Like he was painting, his fingers drawing small shallow strokes.

He didn’t care to apply the pressure he knew I desired, simply playing, watching how I continued to drip down my thighs, my essence leaking.

“I said look,” Zuko grumbled, as I panted under him, “W-where?”

“Downwards,” he answered quickly before letting his fingers slide along my slit. My eyes rolled, his fingers parting me and letting the cool air kiss my skin. 

There were so many different temperatures at once.

My feverish skin against the cool breeze, Zuko’s touch burning. 

With a struggle, I tried to focus on what he wanted me to see. The last thing I needed was another punishment, my ass a shade of red that I didn’t want to get any darker.

As my half-lidded eyes struggled to see under the moonlight, I could see something glisten between my legs. My cheeks turned pink.

He wanted me to see my panties.

They were soaked, the whole fabric drenched, as if we poured water all over it, "You'd be a fool to think anyone else could get you this fucking wet."

"I know, can you just please-"

"Can I do what, baby?"

"Finger me," I said, blurting the first thing that came to mind as I felt his fingers prod at my entrance.

Just the tips of his nails, purposely drawing as much of my juices as possible. He drove me up the ladder of arousal effortlessly without doing anything. My stomach was clenching as he once again let his fingers push forward but never fully entered.

"Manners."

"Please, Fire Lord Zuko."

"That's my girl," Zuko cooed, planting a kiss on my upper back that would have had me shivering if I wasn't already.

Shoving his fingers in one fatal movement, the burn as I stretched. It was a burn that I welcomed, but Zuko didn't move an inch after that.

Oh, my fucking word- frustration didn't even begin to describe what I was feeling.

"Something the matter?" Zuko laughed from behind, loving every moment.

If I weren't bent over, reliant on him to send me over the edge, I would've killed him. But I knew that no matter how much I touched myself, it never yielded the same results as when Zuko did it.

"I'm losing my mind, Zuko."

"As I said before, this is a punishment, not a reward," Zuko whistled before drawing his fingers out part way and slamming them back in.

I gasped, bucking my hips at the perfect timing, his fingers hitting that sweet spot inside. The stars in the night sky were not the only stars I saw, his pace brutal.

I had to spread my hands, securing my grip on the tree because Zuko wasn't playing anymore. The way his forearm must have looked, muscles bulging and veins popping as he fingered me with a passion.

"Is this what you wanted, love?"

"Yes!" I shouted, eyes rolling as I chanted, "Thank you, thank you, thank you-"

"I wonder if you'll still be thankful in another minute," Zuko purred, his thumb landing perfectly on my nub.

He applied pressure, pushing the hood of my clit back, and I couldn't hold myself up anymore. I was so sensitive; just a tiny direct rub made me cry. Zuko's arm swept under my waist as my hands dragged down the tree.

It was so much at once, the knot from earlier building up again, but stronger. Seconds, a minute at most, was all it took.

Zuko, an absolute monster.

I hadn't felt my panties rip around my ankles, my moans drowning out the sound of lace torn in half. All that was left was a string stuck on my heel as proof I wore panties today.

I was shaking, Zuko able to feel my pounding heart as the hand he held over my stomach began to move upwards.

He yanked my neckline down, and unlike before, where I was still somewhat covered, this time he let my breasts bounce free.

My dress was stretched and wrinkled, covered in sweat, spit and fluids.

"Don't tell me I already fucked you dumb," Zuko chuckled, as his fingers pulled harshly on my nipple, arching my back into him, "I still haven't gotten my dick wet."

"Oh my gosh, Zuko-"

"You're going to cum already," Zuko teased as he heard me stutter.

I can't take it, nodding my head furiously, my thighs pressing tight against his hand, "Don't stop-"

"And what if I don't listen?"

He wouldn't dare. 

But the laugh in my ear, panic hitting me as I finally realized why Zuko was trying so damn hard—overstimulating me all at once.

His thumb was rubbing fast circles over my clit, tugging on my perky nipples as he let his wrist snap inside of me. It was like reality kicked in.

He was going to deny me again.

He wasn't going to let me cum.

That obvious threat he spoke to me came rushing back, realizing why I should've never said thank you to Zuko. Flashbacks of me clenching around empty fingers as my orgasm was ripped away from me.

I-I need to fight it.

Forcing my eyes to open, focusing on the building that was only a few steps away. Trying to count how many people were entering and leaving, anything to distract me from the coil in my stomach.

"That's no fun, love," Zuko purred as he nibbled on my ear, rubbing his cock against me so I could feel him throb. He figured out in seconds what I was trying to do, seeing my struggle.

Yue, count the grass if you have to! But I shook my head, drawing blood as I bit my lip so hard, losing this uphill battle quickly.

There's no way I can win this. Admitting defeat before I realized I was even in a battle. 

"Please, don't do this to me, Zuko," I cried, helplessly humping his hand, meeting his every thrust despite me trying to resist. It was fruitless, pointless.

"You agreed to this, love."

"I'm so close." I gasped, and just like that, my body tensed. Frozen in my spot as Zuko pulled away from me in a single go, letting me fall onto the grass, twitching.

Denied once again, struggling to catch my breath.

"Perfect," he clapped, proud of his work.

I looked over my shoulder, seeing Zuko smile so innocently towards me. As if he wasn't the reason I was on the ground. 

He was crouching down to my shivering figure, raising his hand so he could wipe the drool that dripped from the corner of my mouth.

"I hate you," I pouted, and Zuko chuckled, "Does that mean you don't want me to fuck you?"

I blushed, Zuko getting an answer from my rosy face. No matter how aggravated I was at Zuko. The prospect of having him in me always won.

"I can't move, Zuko, I need help," I shyly pleaded as I twisted my body poorly, trying to face him.

The heels of my shoes made me groan with frustration as I had dug myself into a hole. The weight of my body crashing down cemented me. My knees were as dirty as when we were gardening. I had to yank my foot, one by one, to turn around.

A hilarious show in Zuko's eyes, as he snickered under his breath, unable to look away.

After seeing me struggle for longer than I had wanted, he finally helped.

His hands snaked under my arms, lifting me in one motion. It was the same way Zuko would raise Kiyi whenever she wanted to ride Appa, and I felt even more embarrassed. 

Lifting off the grass and dirt, he pressed my back against the tree, my panties in pieces on the grass.

My hands fell over his shoulders, holding onto them for dear life as my exhausted figure rested. But as I tried to steady my breathing, I finally got to see Zuko.

He looked glorious.

The moonlight shining behind him, dewiness building on his skin as he took heavy breaths. His pecs rising and falling, his abs tensing.

He was just as worked up like me; the only difference was he was great at hiding it, especially when he wasn't the one being sexually tortured.

"I'm going to go insane, Zuko-" I warned, my voice rising in volume. No matter how tired I was, I couldn't let go of the tingling sensation. My mind was cloudy, and my answer was to cum.

Zuko merely smiled, and without another word, he got to work. Curling an arm under my thigh, the heel of my foot digging into the ground as all my weight rested on one leg.

It was humiliating how open I was, Zuko hiking my leg, so it was over his hip, my foot dangling behind him.

I was fully exposed, my panties that usually helped me keep some sense of dignity - gone. The blush I sported deepened as Zuko cooed at the sight of my weeping pussy.

He couldn't resist, dragging his fingers to pet me, "So pretty, love."

"Put it in," I begged, unable to watch as he caressed the area around my clit, refusing to touch it directly.

He mused at seeing how sensitive I was as I jerked in his grip. Not even touching me directly, yet I convulsed as if he did. I had no means of moving away, having me pinned perfectly against the tree.

Despite not cumming once, I felt as sensitive as if I had.

"Fucking watch," Zuko growled, and I forced my eyes to fall back down on me. Seeing how I glistened in the moonlight, my essence coating his fingers.

And I was guilty of letting out a happy mewl because finally, Zuko moved his pants past his hips. Hearing his groan of utter relief as his pants dropped mid-thigh.

His weeping cock bounced upwards, slapping his stomach with a wet thud- I moaned at sight.

Beads of pre-cum dribbled from the tip of his dick to the underside. Swollen and an angry red, he wanted nothing more but to fuck. The thick vein running up his length pulsing, already imagining the groans I could pull from him whenever I licked my tongue up and down, hands cupping his balls.

"You're going to watch, love. Watch how this pussy knows who owns it. Who it begs for every fucking night."

"Zuko-" I said as he grabbed himself by the base.

Saturating his cock with my wetness with large jerking motions as he moved his wrist over himself. My breathing hitched because it was so sensual to watch before he finally began to adjust himself.

Running his length against my slit, watching the crown of his cock nudge my clit, enticing a soft cry from me. I was going to lose it—my hands resting over Zuko's chest, nails leaving marks over his smooth skin.

"Who do you belong to?" he demanded.

“F-Fire Lord Zuko.”

“Louder.”

"Fire Lord Zuko," I fussed, bringing my hand to my mouth because I saw as he guided himself into me. I bit into my palm.

It was so lewd.

Gawking with parted lips how Zuko's cock slipped between my folds, my cunt taking him in inch by inch.

I couldn't believe the sight, something so thick entering me with such ease because of how wet I was. But I still found myself holding my breath because the stretch of Zuko's fingers didn't compare to the stretch of his dick.

Despite us having sex the night before, I was still so painfully tight. It should be a crime, being able to feel every ridge and vein, as he throbbed inside of me, "Fuck, babe, you're drooling."

"Be quiet," I moaned, letting my head fall back onto the tree trunk because his hips were finally flushed with mine.

We stayed like that for a moment, the both of us struggling to catch our composure.

Me panting and Zuko hissing as he felt me clench around him. The coolness of the air sizzled against our skin as I basked in the feeling of being pushed beyond my limits with just Zuko - what I had wanted all along.

I'm ready; I need more.

Having him inside me, not moving, was frustrating. And it was me, failing terribly, trying to grind upwards, that caught Zuko's attention. The sign he needed to know I was ready.

He pulled back, forced to watch his raw length leaving me, before pushing himself back in, "Zuko~."

It was a slow pace, but with every roll of his hips, he went deep. Hitting notes I didn't think were possible was silenced by me nipping on my hand, so my teeth left marks.

"Keep squeezing like that, baby," Zuko groaned, his head nestling into my neck, snapping his hips.

My body felt limp, letting my head tilt to the side as he placed messy kisses up and down my neck. His teeth sucking as a hand fell over my breast again, kneading circles around my nipple.

I swivelled my hips against him, meeting his thrusts, and this only seemed to encourage him. His pace quickening, grunting-

"Harder." I begged silently, and Zuko chuckled into my ear, "You sure, baby?"

"Yes~." I sighed, and he slammed his hips against mine.

I gasped, my velvety walls squeezing to the tune of my juices gushing around him. Unable to stop me from tensing, toes curling into my heel, "D-damnit, yes."

"How does it feel, baby? To be fucking stuffed, isn't this what you wanted?"

"Yes, oh my gosh, yes, it feels so fucking good." I cried as I struggled to control my volume.

Zuko's hips pounded, rolling, so his pelvis just grazed my clit, enticing, sinful moans into his ear. My walls fluttered around him, not wanting to let him go for a second.

He clenched his jaw at the sound of me calling his name, ending with a whine. His head was swinging back, no longer tucked into my neck.

"Fuck, I can't hold back anymore."

I perked at his confession.

Hold back?

Zuko's hand left my breast, throwing it beside my face, so the bark dug into his palm. The clutch he had on my thigh was painfully tight, as he held me as close as he could.

The skin of his chest was blushing, heart pounding. It was as if we were suffocating, not enough air for the both of us.

This was probably the first time we had ever felt this level of desperation.

I whimpered, Zuko changing positions resulting in his pelvis rubbing my clit directly. His eyes snapping to mine at my sound, and I saw how his golden eyes were burning—twinkling with the utmost desire, his lips as red and swollen as mine.

"Zuko," I breathed, and he answered, "You got to be selfish today. Now, I'm going to be selfish."

My arms flew around his shoulders, bouncing.

With my hand gone from my mouth, it was sheer willpower that kept me from screaming. Unable to vocalize because I couldn't wrap my mind around anything besides Zuko and his back-breaking thrusts.

Slamming himself against me with the loudest of groans, his eyes falling shut as he felt me squeeze around him. It was like my cunt refused to let him go, Zuko pulling reluctantly only to eagerly snap his hips against mine.

I could feel the sparks, my stomach tensing in utter delight.

It was too much, all too much- I couldn't hold back my moans any longer.

Crying tears of pleasure, just letting my throat burn from how loud I found myself being.

I could hear the footsteps of innocent bystanders walking towards the party; my only hope was that the music drowned out the sounds of my cries as my hair dragged up and down this forsaken tree.

"You want to give a show, baby?" Zuko chuckled, his pace not flattering as he bit his lip.

His face was rosy, seeing his stomach muscles tense as he watched how he slid in and out. A hypnotizing sight as you could see my juices gushing with each draw.

"I-it just feels so good." 

"Feels good to be used by me, love?"

"Yes, only you-" I whimpered, as Zuko's words haunted my mind

He was going to be selfish, and this was him doing just that. The trick with that statement was his pleasure was inflicting overwhelming pleasure over me, and I had to push the thought away.

He wouldn't dare- would he?

Raising my thigh higher, the slight shift in angle was all that was needed for the head of his cock to slam against my pleasure point, my mind drawing a complete blank. White flooded my vision, forgetting how to fucking breathe until I heard Zuko calling out with a snicker.

"Don't fucking tap out on me yet, love. Don't you want to cum?"

It was like wiggling a treat in front of a wild animal.

Nodding my head as my voice cracked because I could feel it building for the third time this night. It was a wave building momentum; the moment it crashed, it was going to take everything and more with it. 

It hurt so much, the knot in my stomach.

"Fuck, you look so cute when you're desperate," Zuko grunted, his eyes shutting for a moment as he pushed himself against me again.

His pace was aggressive, manic, furiously seeking out his high, and if I got off, it was merely a bonus. At this moment, it was all about him. The situation now sexier because it was such a turn-on to see Zuko seeking his pleasure.

A look that I've only seen a handful of times, groaning freely and into the open air as it mixed with my moans.

"Zuko- just don't ever stop." I cried, arching my back against him, my hands tugging on his hair.

"Fuck, you're going to make me cum if you keep squeezing like that-"

"Aah- I-I can't help it, Zuko!" I huffed, Zuko watching how I bounced on top of him like a doll. The beautiful dress that Suki had bought got its lifetime worth of damage all in one night.

His head fell into my neck, his teeth biting my skin, and I moaned at the pain, "You're so fucking tight. It's like you want me to cum inside you."

Memories of him stilling, practically whining as he spilled his seed and painted my insides white yesterday. It was a sensation I didn't think I needed in my life or I wanted until it happened. And seeing Zuko clench his jaw against my skin, his lips parting as each breath he took was a struggle.

"Please, cum inside of me!" I begged, the knot in my stomach growing tighter.

I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that Zuko was fucking me against a tree in the middle of a forest. People not even a few feet away could sneak in a free show if they just looked between the trees at the perfect angle.

They would see how Zuko jerked himself off with my cunt; the sweet honey that dripped was his source of lube. My cries of pleasure spurred him on as his pace was no longer even but just mad.

"Of course you'd love that, wouldn't you? Have my cum dripping from your sweet lil' cunt."

"Oh my gosh, yes. I want to feel full." I whimpered, my thighs shaking, toes pointed.

"Go back to the party, let everyone see the dirty girl I have. Drunk on my cock as my cum runs down these thighs." I nodded furiously as Zuko grunted into my ear, "Fuck, I bet you'd even let me fuck you in front of everyone. Show them how desperate and needy you are just for me."

I shook my head, sobbing, just thinking about it so vividly, "I'm going to cum-"

Zuko chuckled breathlessly, his hot breath fanning against my skin as he felt my walls clench around him. The hand he held over my thigh, burning in temperature, I could feel it beginning to turn red.

"You're going to love our wedding traditions. Made for it."

"W-what do you mean?" I stuttered, trying to steady my gaze as Zuko watched.

There was no way I was going to recall a single Fire Nation protocol or custom. Not when Zuko's cock was ramming into me, watching him ready to explode inside of me.

I was biting my lip, raising my hips as much as I could to meet him halfway, our hips slamming.

"Public bedding," Zuko whispered hotly into my ear.

Two words, and my back arched.

I struggled to breathe, shaking under Zuko as he continued. Knowing I was a single push away from tumbling over the edge.

"Imagine it, baby. Me spreading your legs nice and wide so everyone can see how your greedy little cunt swallows me whole."

"I-I'm going-"

"I'll fuck you in every single position so they can see what a good fucking girl you are."

"G-going to-"

"By the end of it, the only thing you'll know is my name, and my name only-"

"Zuko!"

"Get on your fucking knees."

Zuko abruptly let my leg drop from his hip. I was relying so heavily on him to hold me up against the tree that I dropped like a rag doll.

I was panting, trembling, staring up at Zuko like he was the moon, seeing him hold his cock in his hand, jerking. 

"Open up, love-" He purred, and without a thought, I wrapped my lips around him.

My knees were digging into the dirt, his hands tangling themselves in my hair. He pushed himself down my throat in one go.

Quick to get to work as I swallowed his length, gagging. My button nose was touching his pelvis, tongue lapping on the underside, feeling that thick vein that ran down his shaft pulse, "That's fucking it, baby."

A satisfying groan, his hands forcing me to stay still, his cock lodged deep. The sensation of me gagging around him and the tears that brimmed my eyes was the final push he needed.

"Don't spill a single drop."

I felt him explode.

Groaning and grunting the whole time as his hips twitched. I was swallowing around his length as I tasted him. Thick and creamy, moaning and the vibration of my desperate humming had Zuko bucking himself further into my throat.

My hands had found their ways to his balls, making sure I milked him to the very last drop.

The whole time his head tossed back, as I stared and watched as he unfolded above me. His dick twitched in my mouth, the hold he had over my hair finally loosening as he sluggishly dragged back.

Only then did Zuko look down at me, a crooked smirk, as his hand caressed my cheek. A proudness in his eyes, "You did so well, baby."

With one last lick, my tongue dragged along his softening cock as he pulled from my mouth. I had licked him clean.

I was exhausted.

So mentally drained and sniffling as Zuko tucked himself in his pants, watching how I sat in my puddle of sexual frustration.

All I wanted to do was cum. So desperate, rutting against the grass seemed to be the only solution at this point.

"What's wrong, love? Aren't you excited to go back and enjoy the night with some dancing?" a voice deliberated.

Zuko's hands were toying with the band of his pants, adjusting the fabric to no longer hang so dangerously low around his hips. He forged this illusion of ignorance.

Acting as if nothing was wrong, that I was terrific.

My hands slamming onto the grass beside me, wincing because his stupid gold button pierced my skin-

"I just want to cum!" I cried out, bursting into a fit of giggles.

So frustrated and annoyed - spending so much time being upset, I couldn't wait anymore.

My hands fell over my face, makeup smeared, and lipstick gone without a doubt, especially after that throat-fucking. But not like it matters because the non-stop blushing from today was good enough to replace my usual makeup.

I just wanted to cum.

That was it. That was all I wanted, and my thighs kept tensing, and even the lightest breeze had me shivering.

I was right on edge, so close-

"Love." a voice hummed softly from right across me, their breath fluttering over my hands.

I froze, my fingers dropping from my face, down onto my lap, alarmed. Not hearing or sensing his movements, fluid and quiet like Aang's light steps.

Zuko, squatting on the ground in front of me, a smile on his face, "I was going to fuck you again when we got home and let you cum then, but-"

"But?" I repeated, and he reached forward, his hand caressing my cheek, "I don't feel comfortable pushing you any farther for now. And I think...I need to remind you how much I love you."

My heart thumped as he guided me towards him with the tip of his finger.

Our lips touched, and I found myself smiling because it was like walking on a cloud. Soft, romantic, Zuko's hand brushing my hair back as he hummed a soft tune.

Our song.

"A warm bath, cuddles, anything you want-"

"I just want you," I whispered, pulling away softly. My hands fell over his lap, only to realize how I looked.

A mess. 

My breasts were exposed to the elements, my nipples hard from the cold breeze. My ass was sore, heels filled with dirt as pieces of Zuko's shirt and my panties decorated the scene of the crime.

As if Zuko could tell, he let his hand reach. He was adjusting the seams to provide me with the decency I had wanted. He respected my wishes.

The Zuko now versus the Zuko two minutes ago. I got to see an aspect of him I've longed for a while. He trusted me.

"Thank you...for showing this side of yourself."

Zuko sighed, "I don't want to scare you, make you do anything you're not comfortable with-"

"But I want this too, Zuko, and I'm scared you don't trust me to accept this."

"But I do."

"Then don't hold back again, baby-steps," I smiled, before planting a kiss on his lips, "And you never know, maybe I can be in charge one day."

Zuko snorted as if the notion was utterly outrageous.

I pouted. Why was the idea of me taking charge so silly? Another challenge for another day as he raised his long fingers, flicking my forehead at my comment.

Rather than pulling back after that painful attack, he let the pad of his finger hold position. Applying pressure until my head tilted, my back bending, "Zuko-"

I found myself sprawled on the comfortable thickness of the fresh green grass—the long blades tickling my skin. My gaze was forced to stare upwards, in awe of seeing the stars above between the large tree branches.

"It's so beautiful-"

"A sky full of stars, and he was staring at her,” Zuko whispered, feeling his touch slide up my calves.

I blushed the poem, 'Love Letters to the Moon.'

Long forgotten about, a book I wanted to read while in the bath. I was feeling him rest his hands under my knees, supporting them upwards.

My head tilted, curious to see what he was doing. Propping myself on my elbows to ask until Zuko slowly spread my legs wide.

My balance was ruined, tumbling onto my back and recognizing the cold breeze against my exposed core, in face level with Zuko.

"What are you doing-"

"Treating my future wife as the Queen she is."

My back arched, hands burrowing into the dirt as a soft sigh escaped me.

Zuko's tongue, slowly licking up and down my slit, his hands softly caressing my thighs to soothe the twitches.

My hips bucked into his mouth, his whole mouth laid over me. Parting my folds so he could lap my sweetness.

I could feel the rosiness in my face, like the pink flowers that decorated the kitchen. Whimpering, the sight of the stars above and the whistling trees made it seem like it was only us in the world.

With him, I'd never feel lonely...my eyes fluttering shut.

His teeth carefully nibbled on my clit, and I hitched in a breath. Taking in a deep inhale of the fresh air, sweet and calm.

"Zuko~" I hummed, my fingers pushing into the dirt because his touches were so gentle.

Like a feather against my skin, Zuko let his tongue roll over that sweet spot, continuing to pleasure as I rose into his lips. Faint noises left my parted lips, chest rising and falling at a fastening pace as I felt my skin tingle.

Every single orgasm that was built and denied had me sensitive, unable to stop my limbs from shivering as jolts of pleasure would randomly spike. 

As if Zuko knew, he handled me so delicately.

Keeping his touch warm, letting himself draw pointless circles along my inner thighs, "You're doing amazing, love, beautiful."

I melted under his soft praise, my toes curling, "It feels good."

"I know, baby," Zuko cooed, flicking my clit as he smiled. Loving how I gasped and arched, humping my face against him for more, "I want to taste more of you; you're so sweet."

I blushed as his pace began to pick up, my pants soft and deep. Whimpering because I could feel that twist in my stomach. 

It was so intense, overwhelming; I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest as I found myself falling down a hole before I realized it.

"Z-Zuko-"

"Shh, baby, I got you-"

"I-It's too much-"

"Cum love, I'll catch you, I promise," Zuko hummed. Seeing his soft eyes peering from between my legs, a smile reaching them.

I burst into tears as I finally came.

It was like a dam was released, feeling myself squirting embarrassingly hard. My vision was white as I held my breath for who knows how long.

I couldn't control my limbs, my thighs clenching around Zuko's head, as his tongue maintained that slow, delicate pace.

The whole time his eyes watched over me protectively, following how my lip trembled as all the tension in my body finally broke. A peace washing over me.

With a soft roll of his tongue, lapping whatever he could from my slit, he slowly pulled away—kneeling between my legs, looking down at me.

I was embarrassed. How silly I looked in his eyes. Laying on the grass with tousled hair. I raised my arm to cover my face, but Zuko's grip was faster.

Carefully resting his figure over my body, so his face was up against mine, not giving me the chance to move away.

"That was single-handed, of the most beautiful things I have ever seen," Zuko buzzed, planting a kiss over my nose. 

"D-don't lie-"

"I'm not," Zuko grumbled, nudging his hips forward, and I gasped. How is he- "Zuko!"

He smirked, "Only you can do this to me, love."

I giggled, shaking my head.

His hair was falling over the sides of his face, mixing with my locks. I didn't realize my hand was outstretched, tracing his scar until he let his face rest in my palm. His own eyes were shutting. 

I could stay like this forever. The peace of being outside. A calmness that only the night could offer.

"How did you realize?" I asked, and Zuko didn't bother opening his eyes, "Realize what?"

"That we snuck out."

"Easy. You don't wear bras."

I gasped, snorting at Zuko's comment, and only then did Zuko open his eyes. A sheepish expression was painting his face.

"The guard was pretty convincing; I'll give him that. But I wanted to sneak in a little treat in your bathrobe pocket, only to see a bra that I don't think I've ever seen you wear."

I mentally slapped myself.

That stupid red bra-

This is why I hate bras. They hurt, they dig into your rib cage, and they get you in trouble when you try to sneak out into parties.

Zuko tapped my nose, "I have to say, I'm quite impressed, though. You would've gotten away with it if it weren't for the bra."

"So you aren't mad?" I implored, and Zuko shook his head, "Mad? Quite the opposite, fascinated. I didn't think you had it in you. You keep me on my toes."

So if he wasn't mad- I raised a brow, "So what was all of this about?"

My hands were dramatically waving around us, the gesture alone enough to convey my point.

Zuko merely shrugged, a devilish smirk on his face, "The start of many new twisted adventures...and a little help from Suki."

He rolled his body, using his core to ease his way off me and back onto his knees. I couldn't help but stay a few moments lying on the grass.

Catching sight of the stars passing by, twinkling as if they were saying hello. I wonder if there was a book that I could read about the stars? I knew Aang had quite an extensive knowledge; maybe I could ask him?

"Ready to go back to dancing, love?" Zuko asked, and I shifted my view back towards him.

He was dressed.

Ready to go, tucking his blouse not to make it so apparent that the button on his shirt was gone. And I opened my mouth to answer before shutting it.

Was I ready?

I wanted to have him spinning me in circles. Sharing drinks as we cuddled at tables when we needed a break. It would be a joy, everyone having a blast. But-

"I think...I want to go home, Zuko."

He looked at me stunned, looking back at the party, where the music was blasting. People were still entering, joining in on the fun as if the night just started. And Zuko's eyes fell back over me, skeptical by my decision.

"I thought you wanted to hang out with everyone-"

"I do, but...I think everyone already had their fun. I saw how Sokka and Suki were dancing, Aang and Katara went dancing as well, and then you have Toph hooking up with who knows…" Zuko listened to me ramble, watching how I twirled with my fingers across my chest, "I want to go home and have a mini-dance party in our bedroom. Just me and you."

Zuko outstretched his hand to me, his fingers beckoning me.

"I'll tell the guards to send up a bottle of wine."

And I smiled up at him, daintily letting my hand rest over his, "And some chilled whiskey for my husband-to-be."

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten-Writer, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

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#Zuko #atla #Avatar The Last Airbender #avatar #smut #yuko #limerence #masterlist #bonus pt. 3 #ying yue jiang #zuko x reader #zuko x oc #tw smut #zuko smut #atla smut #fire lord zuko #prince zuko #Like and/or reblog! #i want to know what you guys think so dont be shy and leave a comment

[neptuneh0rn]

from the sidelines | sokka x reader

warnings: angst, yue's death, angry reader

summary: "If I have to look at your face for another second, I'm gonna lose it."

word count: 900 (it's very short, sorry :/)

A/N: I think this is gonna be a series??? or at least I'm gonna write a second part. I'm kinda excited about this one, so let me know what you think!!! also pls keep in mind that English is not my first language, so I apologize for any spelling or grammatical errors. feedback would be appreciated!!

You had known the Gaang since the Siege on the Northern Water Tribe. Being the closest person to Yue, it was no surprise you got to meet the Gaang. The truth is, you and Sokka didn't get along well when he first arrived. In your opinion, he was always so loud and so God-damn arrogant!

At first, you brushed off the feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach as pure annoyance towards the ponytail-haired boy. You later realized that it was out of jealousy towards his infatuation with Yue. You don't know how it happened. One day you were a normally functioning teenager, and the other, you would wake up and sleep to the thought of Sokka, not that you would tell anyone. Not when Yue was also captivated by the boy.

Yue was the princess of the Northern Water Tribe, the only daughter of Chief Arnook. So it made sense she always got everything handed to her on a silver platter. It wasn't like she intended to take the interest of everyone in every room she would be in. You couldn't blame her. Not with her confidingly soft blue eyes and her strikingly snow-like white hair. Yue brought a sense of calmness wherever she would be, a smile plastered on her face. She had the kindest soul, would never hurt anyone. It hurt you to hear that Yue would marry the young, egotistical warrior Hahn. You'd always ask her why she couldn't just call off the engagement. Yue would always reply with something along the lines of, "for the people," which you never understood. You never understood how someone would put the happiness of others before theirs, but you'd always keep quiet.

You never understood it until you had to put Yue's happiness before yours. As much as it hurt, you were happy she finally found love, even if it was with the same guy that clouded your thoughts more often than not. You were the first person she told about the walks together around the city and the kiss on the bridge. She came to you crying that night. She'd describe how much she loved him, but she had to do the right thing for her people. You'd take her in for a hug, patting her on the back and promising her how everything will be alright.

Oh, how wrong you were. Not even a few days later, Zhao's siege of the Northern Water Tribe would take place. Yue would lead you, Katara, and Aang into the Spirit Oasis. Zhao would fatally strike the Moon Spirit. Yue would sacrifice herself to give back the life the Moon had given her. She'd place her hand on the fish, close her eyes, and die in Sokka's lap, leaving you alone, full of dread for what's to come. Yue's spirit appeared before your eyes, swearing that she'd always be with Sokka before giving him a heart-drenching kiss, to you at least, and then she'd vanish completely, not telling you anything, her lifelong friend.

You got asked to join the Gaang, as you'd grown close to Katara and Aang since the beginning. You accepted. What good would you be if you stayed in the Northern Water Tribe, anyway? You were a non-bender. Not like you could help mend the injured. So you hopped on Appa.

You sat at the very end of Appa's saddle, your knees tucked to your chest and your head resting on them. silent tears streaming down your face, mourning the loss of your best friend. Katara had decided it would be best not to bother you. However, Sokka thought it would be better to comfort you. He situated himself next to you. You could feel his presence, though you decided not to bother with a look at him; not when you felt mad.

Mad at yourself, for not protecting Yue. Mad at the fire nation, for obvious reasons. Mad at Yue, for not bidding you a farewell, like she did Sokka. And most importantly, you were mad at Sokka. Mad at him for-

"Hey, I'm sorry you had to go through that."

You simply shrugged, still facing your surrounding.

"I know what you're feeling,-"

"No, you don't." The anger you were feeling had started to build up.

"I loved her, Y/N, and I know what your going through is not easy but-"

"For Agni's sake will you just shut up!" You finally turned your head towards him, not caring about the shocked expression on his face. "You have only known her for three days. Three days." You held up your fingers. "You don't get to tell me you know how I feel when I've known Yue-," your voice had started to crack, already hoarse from the lack of use, "I've known her my entire life, and she didn't even think to spare me a glance when she bid you her goodbyes. She chose you over me, her lifelong bestfriend. So no, you don't know how I feel. And quite frankly, it would be best if you leave me alone. Because if I have to look at your face for another second, I'm gonna lose it."

Sokka's lips were pressed in a tight line, he gave you a single nod and went back to his original place next to Katara. You went back to your original position, your head on your knees once more. You physically feel all your energy drain out, and slowly went into a slumber. Dreaming of the moon, a white-haired girl, and a certain ponytailed non-bender.

#sokka x reader #sokka x yue #sokka fanfic #sokka x you #sokka imagine

[atlabeth]

everything happens for a reason part 11 - zuko x fem!reader

Memories, where'd you go?

part 10 | masterlist | part 12

a/n: alternative name for this fic: y/n gets a crush on every pretty girl she meets. yue, katara, and now suki. she can't help it (and she questions why they're all connected to sokka in some way lmaoo)

anyways, this is kind of filler but it establishes some more with relationships and finallyyy gets us into ba sing se at the end. i know it's a lil annoying because there's a lot of episode-to-text writing, but i promise it'll get more freeform as it goes on

also i know that i just posted something yesterday but i have literally zero patience. like i cant hold chapters i have to post them as soon as i write them loll

wc: 5.3k

warning(s): some feels over zuko as per usual, but overall a pretty tame chapter

chapter title comes from memories by panic! at the disco!

Zuko could barely sleep anymore.

He didn’t know when his life became so complicated, but he wasn’t a fan of it.

Back when it was just him, his crew, and the open sea — it was simple. He had a job, a straightforward mission. Find the Avatar, capture him, return home to the Fire Nation and regain his honor.

Now, the waters were more muddied than ever. Now on the run from the Fire Nation just like the boy he was chasing, all he really felt nowadays was anger.

Angry at the world for setting him on this path, angry at the Avatar for refusing to see what was necessary, his sister and her friends for turning against him, angry at the waterbender for making things so damn hard.

He didn’t want to hurt her. A part of him wished that she had never come back into his life, if it meant he wouldn’t have to constantly be fighting against her. He hated himself for the thought, but maybe it would have been easier for her to remain a memory of a lover than his active enemy.

Late at night, when he was reaching fruitlessly for sleep that would never come, he saw her face. The carefree energy from their childhood morphed into the shock and disappointment from both the North and their fight with Azula, and…

It made him wonder what in Agni had happened to them.

He—

He didn’t know. The way he felt about her, it was different than anything he had experienced before. Zuko didn’t know what it was, but he understood that it was special. And now… it felt like he had just thrown it all away.

Zuko couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened with her in that town — what he had done to her.

He had burned her to try and get to the Avatar, and he hadn’t even allowed a glance back at the damage he had done. He had heard her cry out in pain, pain he had caused, and he didn’t even look back.

What had happened to them? What had happened to him?

He kept telling himself that the mission was the only thing that mattered. And it was, wasn’t it? Capture the Avatar, regain his honor, get his old life back and finally be enough for his father. He didn’t have time for friends, or for these feelings he had, or— or for anything but capturing the Avatar. Because the Avatar was the key to everything, to his honor, and that was all that mattered.

But now…

Now, he didn’t know what he was supposed to do. He didn’t know what was right, or what was wrong, or what path was the one he had to take.

Zuko just wished things could be like they used to be.

~~~~~~~~~~

She didn’t really know when everything had become a mess again.

It all started out fine, like it usually did. Toph had become fully integrated into the group, any past squabbles put to rest in the name of a stronger friendship emerging between all five of them. Katara continued to work on Aang’s waterbending (oftentimes Y/N joining them in their sessions) while Toph slowly but steadily beat earthbending into him — literally.

They had all been working hard for so long that, by decree of Aang, it was ‘vacation time’. They would all get to pick out places they wanted to spend as a break, and after it was over they would get back to work.

Aang had chosen some sort of field with musical groundhogs, and Y/N had opted to revisit an Earth Kingdom village that she had passed through on her journey to the North. Sokka had complained the whole time about how they were ‘wasting valuable planning time’, but had finally conceded after the promise of ‘all the planning his heart could desire’ from Katara after their mini-vacations were over.

Y/N was actually feeling somewhat relaxed for once, but she had forgotten the golden rule — never let your guard down. Everytime she let her guard down, something bad happened without fail. So it shouldn’t have been any surprise with what happened in the desert.

Because after one trip to the Misty Palms Oasis and a journey into the desert with a professor to a long lost library, Appa had been taken by desert raiders.

It was… less than favourable. During their escape from the library, Professor Zei had insisted on staying behind, and now the five of them were stuck in the middle of the desert with no way out and zero guidance. Add some brewing tensions between Aang and Toph because of her being there when Appa was taken, and they had a recipe for a huge disaster.

And a disaster they had. Multiple disasters, actually.

There was only so much she and Katara could do to hold the group together, but by some miracle, they made it out of the desert with only one Avatar State mishap.

(And an incident with cactus juice, but… she didn’t really want to talk about that.)

....at least they had the information about the Eclipse. That was about the only thing keeping her together at the moment.

They had to get the information to the Earth King so they could formulate an attack with his warriors, but without Appa, they had to resort to more traditional methods of travel. Add in one passport problem, and that was how Y/N found herself braving the Serpent’s Pass alongside a refugee family with a baby on the way.

It was… intimidating, to say the least. Despite being surrounded by her element, Y/N didn’t feel any safer from the challenge that faced them. She took a deep breath, trying to tamp down on her fear the way her mother had taught her, as she followed the group, but her thoughts were soon interrupted.

“Hey.” She turned to see who the voice belonged to and was greeted by the girl that had teased Sokka early — Suki, if she remembered correctly. “I haven’t seen you around; are you with the Avatar or that family?”

“I’m with Aang,” Y/N explained. “I’m from the North, and they offered me a spot with them after they helped us defend our tribe against the Fire Nation. I’ve been with them ever since.” Suki nodded as they settled into a comfortable stride.

“That’s cool. Are you a waterbender?”

She gestured to her waterskin and smiled. “Yeah. I’ve been training with Aang and Katara ever since I left.” Y/N then turned her gaze back to Suki, raising an inquisitive brow. “Your makeup — what’s it for? I heard you talking about the Kyoshi Warriors back there; is that some kind of thing with Avatar Kyoshi?”

Suki grinned, her every expression heightened by the sharp reds and blacks above her eyes. “We’re a group of all-female warriors that use the teachings of Avatar Kyoshi and her partner Rangi to defend our home and the place she founded, Kyoshi Island. I’m the leader of our village section.”

“Wow,” she murmured, her eyes falling to the ground for a moment before finding their way back up to the warrior. “That’s really cool. You’re really cool.”

She laughed and shrugged. “Thanks. I’ve been training as a warrior for almost my whole life, so it just comes naturally. I like being able to protect people, and there’s no better way to pay back my home for all it’s done for me like protecting the whole village.”

“Wow,” she repeated with a small laugh of her own. “That’s really brave. I gotta say, I’m kinda jealous — I would love to see what would happen if Master Pakku met you all. Katara literally had to beat the sexism out of him in order to train to be a master.”

Suki chuckled. “Sounds like what I had to do with Sokka. Guess it’s a thing with Water Tribe guys, huh?”

At the mention of Sokka, she internally laughed. There had to be some kind of connection between the two of them, the way their interests kept aligning. “Sokka… he’s had it hard. I can’t blame him that much for any kind of attitude he had before he met you. Pakku, on the other hand? He had to have had something better to do than fight teenage girls.”

“You would think so, right?” Suki agreed. “And Sokka… I know. He’s got a heart of gold underneath all that, he just needed a little push to get it out.” As Y/N glanced over at the girl, noticing a slight pink tint under the white makeup, she gasped.

“La’s fins, are you two a thing?” she exclaimed with a grin.

Suki flushed even harder as she suddenly became very interested in the ocean around her, but she couldn’t help the smile on her lips. “No! I mean— yes— but… but—” she stopped to gather her thoughts before making eye contact again with a sheepish smile. “We’re not… really a thing, but… I do like him a lot. I didn’t really think I was going to see him again after they left the island, so this is really nice.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” Y/N asked. “I can already tell that he cares about you — have you seen how careful he’s being with you?”

“Well—” Whatever kind of excuse Suki would’ve made up was interrupted by a rock falling out just under Than, one of the refugees they were with, saved in the nick of time with Toph’s earthbending.

“I’m okay!” he reassured, but no sooner had the words left his mouth before the Fire Nation ship in the distance started firing.

“They’ve spotted us!” Sokka yelled. “Let’s go, let’s go!”

Aang flicked his glider open and deflected the blast, and Katara grabbed Y/N’s hand as they all began to run. Another blast rocked the mountain, causing several boulders to fall just above Suki. Y/N didn’t even have time to shout out a warning before Sokka tackled her out of the way, but it was ultimately more of Toph’s quick earthbending that saved him.

“Suki, are you okay?” Sokka brushed dust and pebbles off of her uniform as he examined her, and once he was satisfied he grabbed her hand and helped her up. “You have to be more careful! Come on!”

As the two of them caught up to Y/N and Katara, she gave Suki a knowing look. The warrior only blushed once again and glanced away.

After hours of navigating the pass, they were only about halfway through. Sokka made the executive decision to set up camp for the night to give everyone time to rest, and then they would get up at the crack of dawn to finish their trip. It only took a few minutes for Y/N to get a fire going, and soon everyone had settled in with their sleeping bags. Sokka got up from his spot as Suki wandered closer to the edge, and Katara nudged Y/N with her shoulder.

“Hey. How are your hands doing?”

“They’re fine,” she answered with a small smile, flipping her hands over as proof. Where there were once red burn scars on her palms only tiny white marks remained — one benefit to healing via waterbending was that most injuries were able to fade away completely after enough sessions. Her burns weren’t very serious and she was able to heal them almost immediately, so both her and Katara were sure that the marks would be completely gone soon.

The mental scars wouldn’t fade as easily.

“That’s good. And you’re taking care of them, right? Like, you’re not beating up people while we’re not looking?”

Y/N grinned. “No. I think I’ll leave that to Toph.”

Katara chuckled and nodded, turning her hands over in a final examination before nodding. “Good,” she repeated. The silence between them, although comfortable, stretched out for a little too long before she spoke again, this time much quieter. “He did this to you.”

“Katara…”

“I know,” she said. “I know you probably don’t want to hear this from me, or really at all, but… I’m worried about you. Zuko isn’t good for you. Every time we’ve run into him, he’s hurt you. And you deserve so much more than that.”

“You don’t understand,” she countered. “You don’t know Zuko like I do. You weren’t there when I was. I know you think I’m insane for still believing in him, but I— I can’t let go of him, Katara. I know the Zuko I love is still in there somewhere, and I have to try and find it. For me and for him.”

Katara’s eyes were full of nothing but sympathy as she sighed — it was obvious she didn’t believe her words, but in true fashion she was still trying her best to be supportive.

“Okay. I don’t understand it, but… I don’t think I can change your mind.” Y/N chuckled sadly and nodded, Katara’s piercing gaze meeting her own once more. “It’s just… Why are you playing with fire when you know you’re going to get burned?”

And for once, Y/N didn’t have an answer for her friend.

~~~~~~~~~

The night went by quickly, which Y/N was thankful for. It meant that the nightmares didn’t last as long.

After a quick headcount to make sure no one had fallen off the pass overnight and an even quicker gathering of their things, they set off to finish their journey.

It went just as well as she had expected — a giant serpent, the namesake of the pass, had attacked them while crossing through an underwater section. Thankfully, she was able to aid Katara and Aang in defeating it with waterbending with no casualties

But in the wake of one disaster there was always another, and before Y/N knew it a baby had been born. She was mostly there for moral support — Katara had it all handled, and Y/N didn’t expect anything less.

But finally, they had made it across the pass, and they were so close to Ba Sing Se that she could almost smell the city air. Sadly, though, that meant it was time for them to part ways — Aang to find Appa, and Suki back to her warriors. After some sad but hopeful goodbyes with Aang, it was time to bid farewell to Suki.

“Are you sure you can’t travel a little longer with us?” Y/N questioned, apparently not above pleading to try and get the girl to stay. “You’re— you’re amazing, and we’d really love to have you with us.”

“I can’t even imagine what travelling with the Avatar would be like,” she smiled, causing Y/N to get her hopes up for just a moment before they fell back down. “But I can’t stay. I have to get back to the Kyoshi Warriors.”

Y/N sighed, her gaze falling slightly downcast. “I get that. I just really wish you could stay. Or that I could meet your warriors. You seriously don’t know how cool you are, Suki.”

“Well, if you’re ever in town on Kyoshi Island, find us. I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out and do you one better than just meeting them all,” she said with a grin. “I think it’d be pretty cool to have the first waterbending Kyoshi Warrior.”

Y/N was unable to prevent the heat rushing to her cheeks as she smiled shyly, once again averting eye contact. “That would be amazing. I’ll have to find my way back there after the war.”

Suki bumped shoulders with her, causing a startled laugh to spill from her lips. “We’d love to have you.”

“Wait, why does it sound like you’re saying goodbye to her?” Sokka questioned as he walked up to the two of them. Y/N winked at Suki and gestured at him with her head, walking off before Suki could protest to find Katara.

The conversation the two girls were sharing was an extremely thinly veiled excuse to eavesdrop on the lovebirds, and when they kissed Y/N actually had to hold back a scream.

Sokka deserved this. She knew how much he beat himself up over every little thing that went wrong, and it was about time he got to relax even for a moment. She only hoped that Suki would be in their corner of the world sooner rather than later.

What could she say? She was already fantasizing about life as a Kyoshi Warrior.

~~~~~~~~~

Although they had parted ways, they soon found themselves reunited with Aang to stop yet another Fire Nation threat.

“For the love of Kuruk,” Y/N murmured as she stared into the distance, her eyes wide at the sight of a large mechanical drill. “That was Ty Lee who just took down all those soldiers. And if she’s here, Mai and Azula are with her too. Guys, It’s one thing to stop this drill, it’s another thing to take those three down with it.”

“The question is, how do we do it?” Aang questioned.

“Why can nothing ever be easy?” Sokka lamented. His gaze remained trained on the drill for a moment before he realized theirs were on him. “Why are you all looking at me?”

“You’re the idea guy,” Aang said.

“Wait, so I’m the only one who can ever come up with a plan?” he protested. “That’s a lot of pressure!”

“And also the complaining guy,” Katara muttered, drawing a chuckle out from Y/N.

“Now that part I don’t mind,” Sokka admitted.

“Well, Sokka— you were a huge help in the North, and you figured out a way to defeat the Fire Nation during that eclipse at the library! Plus, there’s all that stuff that Katara told me you did before I joined.” She patted him on the back. “If anyone can figure out how to take that thing down, it’s you.”

He shrugged nonchalantly, his ego only slightly bolstered. “...okay. I think I can do it.”

“That’s the spirit!” she said with a smile.

Unfortunately, that smile faded as a young guard came running up to the wall. “Excuse me, Avatar and friends — I’ve heard that you’ve dealt with that… that pink girl down there before.” They nodded and he continued. “It would do us a great deal of help if you could come down and look at our injured soldiers, then.”

Y/N and Katara nodded in unison and started to follow the guard, the remaining three trailing after them. They ended up inside the wall, in what looked like an infirmary of sorts with all the cots and soldiers lying around, and the two waterbenders exchanged looks.

“You know what to do?” Katara asked.

Y/N hummed in acknowledgment, and they both knelt down next to separate cots. “This definitely looks like Ty Lee’s work,” she murmured as she bent water up from the pot and molded it over the man’s arm.

“What’s wrong with him?” the general questioned. “He doesn’t look injured.”

“His chi is blocked,” Katara explained. “Who did this to you?”

“Two girls ambushed us,” the soldier said, moving his arm as he regained feeling. “One of them hit me with a bunch of quick jabs and suddenly I couldn't earthbend anymore and I could barely move. Then she cartwheeled away.”

Katara sighed as she bent the water back into the pot. “You were right, Y/N. That was Ty Lee — she doesn’t look dangerous, but she knows the human body and its weak point. It’s like she takes you down from the inside.”

As if struck by lightning, Sokka lit up. “Oh, oh, oh! What you just said — that’s how we’re going to take down the drill; the same way Ty Lee took down all those earthbenders!”

“By hitting its pressure points!” Toph exclaimed with a grin.

The breakthrough brought a steely determination to Aang’s features as he looked out into the distance. “We’ll take it down from the inside.”

~~~~~~~~~

Like everything they did, it seemed so simple on paper. But now that she was actually inside the drill, it felt a lot more nerve wracking. Toph opted to stay outside where she could see and try to slow down the drill with the earth at her disposal, which left the four of them to somehow take it down from the inside.

Sokka led them through a hallway with a myriad of valves and pipes as he thought out loud. “I need a plan of this machine — some schematics that show what the inside looks like. Then we can find its weak points.”

“Where are we gonna get something like that?” Aang asked.

Sokka thought for a moment before he took his machete out and hacked a valve off a pipe. Y/N instinctively took a step back and shielded her face from the hot steam. “What are you doing?” she cried. “Someone’s gonna hear us!”

“That’s the point!” he exclaimed. “A machine this big needs engineers to run it, and when something breaks—”

“Someone will come down to fix it!” Katara finished with a smile at Aang, a sentiment the boy returned happily.

It was surprisingly easy to take down the engineer once he arrived — with a little bit of frozen mist on Katara’s end, they had the plans they needed. Sokka’s expertise combined with the blueprints got them to the beginning of the outer shell.

“Wow,” Sokka muttered. “It looks a lot thicker than it does in the plans. We’re gonna have to work pretty hard to cut through that.”

Katara crossed her arms. “What’s this ‘we’ stuff? The three of us are gonna have to do all the work.”

“Look, I’m the plan guy!” Sokka explained with a gesture to himself. “You three are the ‘cut up stuff with waterbending’ guys. Together, we’re Team Avatar!”

Katara and Aang looked wholly unamused while Y/N chuckled. “Team Avatar. I like it.”

“Thank you,” he smiled. “At least someone appreciates my genius.”

“Tui’s gills, why do you have to keep boosting his ego?” Katara complained. “Let’s just get this done before it gets worse.”

The three of them got in position — Katara and Aang on opposite sides so they could pass the stream of water between them, and Y/N making the point of the triangle to work on the other side on her own. They were hoping it would be more efficient being able to cut through both sides at the same time, but it was proving to be much more difficult than they had imagined — halfway through the three of them were already exhausted.

By some feat of strength they were able to completely cut through the brace, but their hard work didn’t pay off in quite the way they had imagined — when the beam only shifted a few inches she groaned.

“Oh, you have got to be kidding me,” she breathed as she wiped sweat off of her forehead.

“At this rate,” Katara paused to inhale deeply, “we won’t do enough damage before the drill reaches the wall.”

“I don’t know how many more of those I have in me,” Aang said sadly.

A large creak suddenly rang throughout the large chamber, and they all looked up for the source.

“Did you hear that?” Sokka asked, already backing up to make an exit. “We took it down! We gotta get out of here, fast!”

Just as they reached the door on the other side, a crackle followed by the sound of a man’s voice dashed their hopes. “Congratulations, crew. The drill has made contact with the wall of Ba Sing Se. Start the countdown to victory!”

A collective silence hung in the air between them, the threat now even more imminent as their situation sunk in. Mai and Ty Lee had proven effective in taking down any Earth Kingdom threat posed at them, and despite Toph’s skill they knew she couldn’t take down something like this on their own.

They either had to figure out a way to destroy this drill, or the Fire Nation was going to make it into the city.

Sokka ran back over to the brace and pushed against it, putting all his strength into the feat but to no avail. “Come…. on! Move!”

Katara started pacing around in a small circle, crossing her arms again as she tried to think of something. “This is bad. This is really bad.”

“Sokka, that’s not going to work!” Y/N didn’t mean to snap, but the grinding of metal on metal combined with her nervousness got to her. She sighed and ran her hand over her face. “I— I’m sorry. But it’s still not going to work.”

He groaned as he leaned against the brace. “We’re putting everything we have into busting these things, but it’s taking too long!”

Suddenly, Aang jumped up from the ground with stars in his eyes. “Maybe we don’t need to cut all the way through! Toph — she’s been teaching me that you shouldn’t put a hundred percent of your energy in any one strike. Sokka, get in a fighting stance.”

Sokka complied and as Aang talked through his points, he demonstrated it on Sokka. “You've got to be quick and accurate. Hit a series of points and break your opponent's stance. And when he's reeling back, you deliver the final blow. His own weight becomes his downfall, literally.”

As Sokka fell over from the attack, Katara lit up. “So we just need to weaken the braces instead of cutting all the way through—”

“—then I can go to the top of this thing and deliver the final blow!” Aang finished.

Y/N helped Sokka up from the ground, his spirits not dampened at all. “Then boom! This whole thing goes down!”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Y/N asked, flexing her fingers to refresh them for all the bending she was going to have to do. “Aang, Katara and I can handle the braces. Focus on getting up to the top before anyone sees you.”

He nodded and they all met each other with determined eyes. “Everyone inside that wall, the whole world — they’re all counting on us.”

“Here, take this. You need this more than I do. ” Katara took her waterskin off and handed it to Aang. “Good luck. And be careful.”

Y/N noticed a slight blush on her cheeks and she had to hold back her smile. That was definitely something she was going to tease her friend about later — when they weren’t trying to stop the Fire Nation from breaking into Ba Sing Se.

“I will,” he assured. Aang slung the strap of the waterskin around his shoulder and took off, and Y/N and Katara got to work breaking through the rest of the braces.

With the knowledge that they only had to cut through half of each column and the revitalization that came from having a plan, their work went by much quicker. Just when they finished the final brace, it all went wrong.

“Good work, Team Avatar!” Sokka cheered. “Now we— Y/N, duck!”

She didn’t question Sokka as she immediately dropped to the ground, something she was immensely thankful for as a blast of blue fire seared past her. Her eyes snapped up to the source of the attack and narrowed in recognition.

“Of course they’re here,” she growled as she pulled herself back up. “We gotta go, now!”

Katara and Sokka nodded and they all started running. Bringing up the rear, Y/N was able to hear Azula’s words right before they split off into an intersection:

“Follow them! I’m going to find the Avatar.”

Sure enough, when she allowed a glance back, Mai and Ty Lee were closing in on them. She flicked open the cap of her waterskin and bent some out, managing to freeze it at just the right moment to block the incoming daggers from Mai. Still running, she melted it quickly and let it fall to the ground before freezing it again, creating some ice on the ground that would hopefully give them a few more seconds of leeway.

“That should give us some time!” she yelled as they turned a corner, finally turning her attention back to the path in front of them. “Any idea how we’re gonna get out of this thing?”

“Maybe!” Sokka yelled back, slowing to a stop as they came to a dead end, a large hatch the only thing at their disposal. He started tugging on the wheel in an attempt to open it, and when Y/N joined in they were able to wrench it open.

“Slurry pipeline?” Katara frowned as she read the sign on the wall and looked at Sokka. “What does that mean?”

“It’s rock and water mixed together,” he explained as they looked into the rushing liquid underneath the hatch. “It means it’s our way out!”

Katara nodded and climbed in, Sokka following close after. The sound of metal footsteps got closer and closer, and Y/N ducked inside just as Mai’s knives clanked against the hatch. Never before had she been so happy to be floating in a stream of slurry.

The rest of their mission went by surprisingly easy — at least, on their end. All it took was some waterbending — earthbending, when Toph joined them — and encouragement from Sokka (though unappreciated by Katara). Whatever magic Aang was working at the top of the drill had done its job, because soon enough the drill had collapsed in on itself.

And now, they had reunited on the top of the wall overlooking the sunset. After the chaos that had been their day, it was nice to just relax for even a moment. And there was no better way to do so than with her friends.

“I just want to say, good effort out there, Team Avatar!” Sokka exclaimed as he threw an arm around Y/N’s shoulder.

“Enough with the ‘Team Avatar’ stuff,” Katara said dryly. “No matter how many times you say it, it’s not going to catch on.”

“I like it, Sokka,” Y/N smiled. “I’ve liked it this whole time.”

“You always appreciate my genius, Y/N,” he mused. “That’s why I appreciate you.” She laughed and leaned her head against his shoulder as he continued to list off names.

“How about… the Boomeraang squad! Eh? See, it’s good because it’s boomerang, and it has Aang in it—”

“Yeah Sokka,” Toph interrupted. “We got it.”

Aang grinned and scratched his head. “I kinda like that one.”

“The Aang Gang. Ooh, the Fearsome Fivesome!”

“You’re crazy,” Toph muttered as she walked away.

“Wait, Sokka—” Y/N pulled away from him and held up her pointer finger. “Aang Gang — what if we combine it, so it’s just the Gaang? But still with Aang’s name?”

And at that moment, Sokka looked more proud than ever. “Oh, you— you are a genius.”

“Oh, spirits,” Katara groaned. “Why do you insist on encouraging him?”

“You’re just jealous of our name-making abilities,” Sokka said haughtily.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “You two are completely ridiculous, you know that? Let’s just get into the city before the trains stop running.”

Y/N and Sokka winked at each other as they all started walking, unable to keep the smile off of her face. She always thought it was amazing — they went through insane things every day, but at the end of it all she was always able to smile because of them. And as her gaze drifted towards the city in the distance, she hoped it would hold true.

She had no idea what Ba Sing Se had in store for her.

-

shit is gonna happen next chapter so i hope you all are READY bc im not

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