#I could see Jet paying Haru off

[middleofnowhere92]

Katara: I'm so excited to marry Aang. Haru, can you play at the wedding?

Haru:

#its really petty if you know the song #do I think Haru would actually be this petty? #no #a partial lyric translation #Déjame decirte #Let me tell you #Se ve que él te trata bien #I see that he treats you well #que es todo un caballero #that he's a true gentleman #Pero eso no cambiará que yo llegué primero #But that doesn't change that I came first #Sé que te va ir bien #I know that it'll go well for you #pero no te quiere como yo te quiero #but he doesn't care about you like I care about you #I could see Jet paying Haru off #wedding crashers

[sokkas-honour]

for spotify wrapped: #7 and zuko?

checkmate - zuko x reader

pairing: modern!zuko x fem!reader

wc: 4.3k

warning: parties, alcohol, vomiting, kind of cheating, lmk if i’m missing smth

notes: the party in here is a kind of based off the ones i’ve gone to so they might be drastically different than they actually are lmao. if a character is very ooc for you, please lmk, i’m often scared that i differ too much from who they actually are. also i loved writing this and have been working on it for days.

-

you think you're funny right? calling me drunk when it's too late at night

he sat at his desk, book open as he studied for his earth kingdom history test late that saturday night when he received a call. he wasn’t very interested in answering but he reconsidered when he saw your name as the caller id. with a sigh he clicked accept.

“heyyyy zuzuuuu.” your words slurred through the phone when he finally picked up. voice sounding somewhat absent as lyrics from whatever song was on played in the background. you must’ve been yelling into the phone as the music seemed to playing rather loudly.

“hey y/n.” zuko sighed but still greeted you, a small smile forming on his lips at the fact that he was talking to you.

“did you knowww that you’re kinda cute?” you asked, a loud giggle escaping your lips at your drunken confession.

“thanks y/n.” a blushed spread accros his cheeks at your compliment.

“zuzzuuuuuuuuuu, come to the party. pleasseee.” you begged, your words starting to slur even more as you pleaded for your friend to come to the gathering.

“where are you right now?” he asked, realising that he hadn’t heard of any party during the week and hadn’t seen anything in their group chat. he had absolutely no idea where you were and who you were with.

“jet’s place. he invited me to his party with his friends.” you explained, practically shouting into the phone as the music behind you blared.

“did you go alone?” he pushed for more information, concern growing as you explained the situation. he’d heard rumours on things jet had previously done around campus and even in high school, none of it sounded any good and it rose all of his red flags.

“well no, with jet.” you stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“i mean with someone from our friendgroup.” he clarified, remembering that your drunken self probably wasn’t exactly thinking much.

“nope.” you popped the ‘p’ as you cheerily responded which earned a sigh from the firenation boy.

“what’s jet’s address? i’ll be there soon.” he concluded. he’d come to get you and let you spend the night at his place since you seemed a bit too drunk to be trusted to be left alone.

“he texted me roku valley number 35? i think? it’s this huge house.” you seemed to have sobered up as you told him where you were.

“i’ll be there in less than 15 minutes.” he informed the drunken girl and started grabbing his keys.

“see you zuuuzuuuu.” he heard you say but you didn’t hang up so he didn’t either, figuring you probably wanted to say something else.

right as he was about to grab his jacket, he heard a discussion between jet and yourself and grabbed the phone, and put it on speaker to be able to know exactly what was happening.

“hey y/n, you enjoying yourself.” jet asked, seeming to have not been affected by any alcohol yet. unbeknownst to zuko, he had handed you a bottle of beer which didn’t take you long to finish.

“yeah, i even got a friend to come.” you excitedly responded as you continued to drink.

zuko listened intently as he left his apartment to get to his car, he threw his phone in the passengers seat and started his car as another distinctive voice came up into the phone.

“so what about you and that firenation boy.” jet asked, this time no music was blaring but the voices were just muffled as your phone was in a pocket of yours. the no music meant that you had stepped out of the main room and you were probably alone with the boy.

at the realisation, zuko sped up, the roads were practically empty so he didn’t bother anyone as he couldn’t wait to come and get you.

“zuzu?” he hadn’t been paying much attention to your conversation with jet as he focused on the road ahead but the mention of his caused him to pay half attention to the call.

“i dont know. he’s like my best friend y’a know.” you explained to the boy after he had nodded, zuko deducted the last part.

he decided to just hang up as he was getting closer to his destination and before he knew it, he was in front of the house where the party took place. he parked rather hazardly on the sidewalk but he wasn’t going to be there for long, a simple get in, find you, and get out.

when he opened the door, some random generic pop song was blaring and a crowd of people were all in the center of the room, drunkenly dancing around. he had to push a path for himself to try and find you but it was a bit hard considering it was perfectly lit.

“zuko?” he heard the familiar voice of haru, a fellow classmate with whom he had shared classes with in his sophomore year of college.

“hey haru, have you seen y/n?” he didn’t feel like small talk as he was concerned for you. thankfully for him, haru seemed to pick up a small stress in his words and pointed to the kitchen with his head.

“thanks.” zuko smiled and quickly left to the direction that the earth kingdom boy had said. when he finally found it, it was practically empty apart from two people who seemed like they were about to indulge in a make out session and his eyes widened when he was able to recognise you. he’d recognise you anywhere.

“you mind leaving?” apparently he hadn’t been very discreet as the boy, who he saw was jet, moved his head to glare at the newcomer. interested, you turned around, your back now facing jet and you grinned.

“zuko!” your excitedly exclaimed, quickly leaving jet’s grip and skipped to your friend happily. to any sober person, your skipping was a mix of jumping and almost falling, and in any other circumstance, zuko would’ve found it adorable.

“hey y/n/n.” he was a tad bit surprised as you wrapped your arms around his waist but relaxed when you slightly cuddled into his chest.

“nicely played scar boy. nicely played.” jet gritted through his teeth at the fact that zuko had just taken the girl he had been flirting with away from him.

“jet that’s mean, zuko’s scar is very pretty to me.” you mumbled, not loud enough for the person that you actually wanted to hear it but loud enough for zuko to hear and it made his heart race.

telling me truths that you know all are lies, yeah, you think you're funny right?

the car ride home was quiet from both sides, zuko focused on the road while you went in and out of sleep.

when he finally parked near his apartment, he got out of the car and when he went to help you, he saw you were already out but slightly leaning against the car as you were tired.

“see zuzu? i’m not that drunk.” you gave him your signature drunken smile, earning a chuckle from him as he wrapped his hand around your waist to help you stand up.

he kept it around you as he you went up the two flights of stairs and he been kept it around you as he opened the door. you almost sprinted to bathroom as soon as the door was open, feeling the contents of the night come up.

concerned, zuko quickly shut his door and went after you. his heart broke slightly when he saw you leaned over the sink, a weak hand holding your hair back as you body ridded itself of whatever was in its stomach. he leaned down, wrapped a solid hand around your hair and rubbed circles on your back as you kept going.

when you finally felt like your stomach was completely empty, you rose your hand slightly. eyes red and cheeks puffy, you tried to give zuko some sort of joking grin but you were only met with a concerned face.

he let go of your hair and filled up a nearby cup of water and handed it you while you sat on the ground, not feeling like getting up just yet.

“spirits y/n, how much did you drink?” he bent down to your level, hand on your knee and worried eyes staring in yours.

“don’t know.” you shrugged your shoulders before slowly sipping the water.

“i guess you can tell me tomorrow morning, after you’ve rested a bit alright?” he suggested, taking the now empty cup from your hand and placing it on the sink counter. he extended his hand towards you to help you stand up and you gladly took it.

you let him guide you to his bedroom. you took a seat on his bed and absentmindedly stared at the wall in front of you as zuko grabbed a pair of his sweatpants and a shirt for you to sleep in. you staring got interrupted as you felt the clothes land on you, turning around, you saw a small smirk on his face.

“how kind zuko.” you seemed to have somewhat sobered up, throwing a playful grin his direction as he turned around to let you change in privacy.

“once you’re done, i’ll just grab a thing or two and go to the living room.” he explained, meaning he was giving you the bed.

“no zuko stay, it’s fine.” you crawled to the other side of the bed in his clothes to grab his hand, trying to get him to stay.

“you sure? don’t want you throwing up on me.” he joked, earning a slap on the arm from you as you moved back to the other side of the bed to give him some space.

you had taken your phone out of your pocket and were scrolling through it as you waited for zuko to get ready.

‘had fun tonight, see you tomorrow evening? 7pm?’ you texted jet, hoping you could finish whatever you started.

‘cant wait’ was his response that came almost immediately. a smirk on your face, you shut off your phone and placed it face down on the night table next to the bed as zuko entered the room.

“who were you texting?” he asked, eyebrow raised in questioning.

“no one, just scrolling through insta.” you lied, a reassuring smile on your face as he took his spot next to you. you mumbled one last thing before placing your head on the pillow and passing out. it wasn’t loud but you made sure that it was loud enough for zuko hear it. “i love you.”

you think you're super sly, flirting with them but telling me you're mine,

zuko woke up before you, smiling at your adorable soft snoring. he knew you were going to have one hell of a hangover so he prepared the ibuprofen and the glass of water, and set it on the night table closest to you before heading to the kitchen. he figured that he might as well make breakfast for the two of you, knowing that you’d be ravenous as you had been the multiple times you’d spent the night.

the boy found himself falling asleep next to you at least a couple of times a month, this being the third in two weeks. you two had never defined your relationship but you were both there for each other. he often found himself taking a drunk you home, wether it be from a random campus party or a little get together with friends. he didn’t mind, he loved spending time with you.

he got out the pan, the eggs and the bacon. that was something he knew how to cook and it was your favourite post-drunk breakfast, you always claimed that his bacon and eggs were the best.

while he was cooking the bacon, he heard some rustling from his room and a small knowing smile spread accross his face. he could hear the floorboard creek as you stepped out of the room and arrived practically directly in the kitchen.

you had woken up to an empty bed but to a heavenly smell. once you saw zuko in the kitchen being the cause for the delicious aroma that had filled the appartment, you rubbed the last of the sleep out of your eyes and walked towards him. you thought he looked adorable as he cooked so you wrapped your arms around him and cuddled into his back. you knew exactly what this did to him.

“good morning sleepy head.” he greeted you, heart racing a bit at your proximity. zuko desperately wanted to turn around to kiss you good morning but opted for keeping his attention on your breakfast.

“good morning.” you mumbled into his shirt, too lazy to remove your head from its comfortable position which earned a small chuckle from the raven haired boy. you could feel it in his chest.

“sleep well?” he asked as you moved your head so that only your chin was against his back, letting your just stare at the ceiling.

“like a baby.” your morning voice prevented you from saying it normally so it came out more as a rasp than anything.

“figured as such, you passed out as soon as i turned off the lights. how’s the hangover?” concerned laced in the last part, moving the eggs from the pan to a plate that he had already prepared.

“better than expected, i’ll take the pill after i eat something.” you explained, trying to clear your throat in order to have a bigger range of voice.

“mind unlatching yourself? breakfast is ready.” he explained as he placed the final bacon on the two plates then turned off the stove. you reluctantly removed your arms, a small pout forming on your lips.

when zuko turned around, a plate in each hand, he laughed a bit at your childish expression but still leaned a bit down to place his lips against yours as he wanted to when you first stepped into the room.

you smiled into the kiss and it replaced the pout even after he broke it in order to place the two plates on opposites sides of the two tables. you decided to make yourself useful and went to grab the silverware.

the majority of the meal was spent in silence, a couple of giddy smiles and compliments on the food were exchanged but a conversation didn’t pick up until you were about to finish the last of your eggs.

“did jet do anything last night.” so that’s what zuko was thinking about during the meal.

“no he didn’t zuko, i wouldn’t have let him anyway. i may be drunk but i’m not dumb.” you explained, telling a small white lie in order to reassure your friend. jet and you were about to make out but zuko didn’t have to know that, even if he saw the position you two were in, it was possible to lie about the intentions.

“you sure? didn’t seem like nothing when i found you.” he sipped his water as he doubted your previous statement.

“i was a bit nervous so he was kind enough to talk me out of the funk i was in.” you lied through your teeth but kept a genuine comforting smile, even extending your hand onto the table in order for him to grab it.

“what were you nervous about? since you seem to remember last night pretty well.” he looked at your hand but refrained from bringing his up to yours.

“i only remember bits and pieces zuzu. and don’t know really, i was probably nervous about you.” you bit your lip, waiting to see zuko’s reaction to your wild claim. as you expected, his eyes widened in shock and blushed.

“me? why would you be nervous about me?” he stuttered a bit in the beginning, his heartrate picking up your confession. zuko had been head over heels for you ever since he saw you in his first class of his sophomore year, and he wished more than anything that you two would get together.

“don’t know, maybe it has something to do with that beautiful face of yours.” you brought your mug of tea that he had made up to your lips to hide your small smirk but you still sent a wink in his direction. you loved watching his whole face illuminate and his cheeks grow redder.

“oh.” was all he managed to say, too stunned to say anything. zuko had been in multiple relationships before, boys and girls, but none of them ever drove him as crazy as you did.

the rest of the morning was spent by helping him do the dishes along with a bit of cuddling on the couch as the news served as background noise. sadly, an alarm rang from your phone, reminding you that you had somewhere to go. time to kill and get ready before your little rendezvous.

“do you have to go?” zuko mumbeld, not wanting you to leave his embrace.

“yeah i set a reminder to remember to start studying for the math final.” you explained, slightly unwrapping yourself from his grip.

“that’s in a long time y/n.” zuko rose an eyebrow in confusion, unwrapping his arms from your waist to let you get up.

“yeah but i’ve been falling behind and need to catch up by myself.” you explained, grabbing your phone and put it into the pocket of the sweatpants you were wearing and you realised you were still in zuko’s clothes.

“you don’t mind me keeping your clothes that i’m wearing right? i’ll change once i get home.” you gave him your best puppy dog eyes in order to convince him to let you keep his comfy clothes.

“of course, you look hot in them. also, feel free to leave your old clothes here for the next time you crash for the night.” he eyed you up and down, loving how adorable you looked in his clothes. it wasn’t the first time he saw you in them, the number of times you needed new clothes after a party was so high he lost track. you usually kept them but returned some.

“why thank you zuko.” you teased, grabbing your coat that he had placed delicately on top of an armchair.

“see you soon?” he wishfully asked hoping you two could go out together sometime as you were about to leave the room.

“you can count on it pretty boy.” you sent him a small smirk before shutting the door behind you. behind the door was a lovestruck boy that finally had his chance.

building me up, but buttercup you lied, now in gonna ruin your life,

a couple of weeks after that night, zuko and you had spent a couple of afternoons together and zuko savoured every minute of them. you were supposed to meet him and the rest of the gaang at a coffee shop but everyone had already finished their drinks and you still hadn’t showed up.

“you sure she’s going to show up zuko? it’s y/n.” sokka took zuko out of his constant glancing at his phone to check for any messages from you. you were somewhat notorious for showing up to friend dates later then the decided time.

“she said she would be there, y/n promised me she’d be there today.” the boy insisted, opting to stare out the window when he spotted katara placing her head on aang’s shoulder.

“she’s over an hour late, let’s just head back to our place and ask her to meet us there?” aang suggested after placing a small kiss on his girlfriend’s forehead.

“yeah zuko, i love y/n just as much as you but she might just have gotten caught up with something.” toph shrugged her shoulders, trying to help everyone convince the raven haired boy to just leave the coffee shop.

“i guess you’re right. let’s go.” zuko turned his head from his outdoor gazing and smiled to his friends who all cheered a bit before everyone grabbed their jackets.

everyone walked in pairs to take up less space on the sidewalk on the way to katara’s, toph’s and aang’s apartment. zuko found himself walking side by side with suki who was talking to him about a recent goof that sokka recently made. he felt bad for not fully paying attention but he couldn’t help thinking about why you didn’t show up or even text him. you never came late to any of your dates so why be late now.

all of a sudden, he bumped into toph who had stopped walking, apparently everyone stopped walking for some reason but he was so engrossed in his thoughts he didn’t realise it.

“why did we stop.” he asked, turning his head into the direction that everyone was staring in. he squinted his eyes, trying to see what everyone was seeing.

“jet.” sokka said through gritted teeth, narrowing his eyes in the direction of the aftermentiononed boy. zuko finally spotted him, katara’s short lived highschool romance who supposedly ended badly. he had heard some rumours around campus but other than that, it seemed like a bad highschool experience.

“oh no.” he heard those two words slip out of sukis mouth as he saw who jet was with, he would recognise you from anywhere. he saw jet whispering something into your ear which earned a giggle from you before leaning in to peck his lips.

“how about we go this way.” aang nervously suggested as everyone spotted you, not wanting to make this too uncomfortable for anyone but it was too late, zuko’s heart dropped at the sight.

“yeah, sounds good to me.” he managed to say, swallowing hard as he couldn’t take his eyes off of the similar way you acted with jet. the look you gave him was the same, he thought it was reserved for him.

cause ive gotten tired of the games that you play, when you tell me you love me then you throw me away,

when he got him that night, realisation dawned on him. every time you left a bit early, claiming to go study or go see friends, you were probably lying. it solidified when he received a text from you, probably apologising for being late because you didn’t seem to notice your whole friend group down the street from you.

‘hey zuzu, i’m so sorry but not making it today. i got caught up with this highschool friend i ran into.’

the text basically aggravated him, he saw the reason why you were late and receiving a text for you lying about why you weren’t there. he decided not to bother to respond and basically just find a way to release his agression. opting not to make his phone a victim of his anger, he grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at the wall.

‘we still on for friday night? at that really good firenation restaurant?’ he heard his phone ding with a message from you right after he picked up the poor pillow that had suffered so much.

zuko was about to call you to confront you but then it hit him, you were just playing with him, you were just playing with jet. you probably only saw him as a friend but noticed his obvious feelings and decided to toy with him, or maybe that’s just what you did with everyone.

you two never actually said that you were both a thing, which is probably your excuse for all of this. but there was one thing you didn’t realise, and it was that two people could play at this game.

‘of course, see you at around six pm at zheng-ho’s delicacies?’ he smirked slightly when he got your enthusiastic text back, agreeing to meet him then and there.

the only thing left was to bring someone else into this game, someone who had previously been apart of his life in the beginning of college. she probably wouldnt mind a small rekindling without any real commitment.

he searched for her name in his contacts and clicked on it, realising it had been a while since he had contacted his sisters friend and his old girlfriend.

‘hey mai, i know it’s been awhile but wanna meet up at around five this friday?’ and sent, your single player game was now a multiplayer one.

so cry me a river 'til you drown in the lake, cause you may think you're winning but checkmate,

the rest of the gaang decided to avoid the topic during the week, letting the tension between the two of you be resolved on your own. you of course were unaware of them seeing you with jet, and even more unaware that zuko saw you kiss him, so you kept flirting with him, feeling a bit down when he didn’t always reciprocate it.

so now you stood, in front of zheng-ho’ delicacies at exactly six pm, waiting for your date with zuko. if anyone asked you, you’d say you felt a bit bad about dragging zuko into your games but it entertained you, it kept you on your toes.

you recognised the firenation boy across the street thanks to his scar. but who you didn’t recognise was the girl with long black hair that was holding his hand. he looked down at her and placed his hand on her cheek to lean down and kiss her. the action making your blood boil, what the hell was he doing.

you took your phone out to pretend you didn’t see anything, only lifting it when your heard his footsteps next to you.

“hey y/n.” he greeted you as you lifted your head with a small smile, lifting yourself up slightly to kiss him, taking him by surprise.

“good evening zuzu.” your hand immediately went to grab his, trying to show him that you had the upper hand in whatever game he was playing. you didn’t know that he saw your kiss with jet, you didn’t know that he had figured out your little game.

“shall we.” he unlachted his hands from yours, holding the door open for you with a smirk onto his face, knowing you were shaken by the change of power dynamic in whatever game you were both now playing.

yeah you may think you're winning but checkmate.

general taglist: @butterfly-skinnylegend

zuko taglist: @duh-dobrik

atla taglist: @missmorosis @draqondance @biqherosix @firelady-jay @welovediaaxx

#atla x reader #zuko x reader #zuko x you #zuko imagine #avatar the last airbender imagine #sokka x reader #suki x reader #avatar the last airbender x reader #gaang x reader #zuko #firelord zuko #modern zuko #modern atla #modern sokka #modern aang #zuko x y/n

[backhurtyy]

Hear me out: Zukka! Percy Jackson AU

My head is too messy already, but I was listening to The Lightning Thief Musical and couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I put it here. This got very long, so I put it under the cut.

Zuko is basically the equivalent of Percy, except he’s the son of Ozai (Zeus. This one is perfect- lightning... Ozai’s a jerk... Zeus’s a jerk...)

He’s been living with him mom, Ursa, all his life. He never knew his dad, but he must have inherited his bad luck because he’s had a rough go. He’s been kicked out of school after school, he’s got ADHD, dyslexia, and weird things always seem to happen to him. But he’s got his mom, so everything’s fine

On a trip to a museum, his math teacher, Zhao, turns into a weird flying monster thing, and his history teach Piandao throws him a pen that turns into a sword, which he uses to kill his Zhao. He gets expelled yet again for “separating from the group”, and when Zuko asks Piandao why he isn’t backing him up, the wheelchair bound man simply shrugs

When he tells his mom what happens, she decides that’s it, and knows it’s finally time to tell him the truth and take him to Camp Half Blood

He’s in shock, to say the least. He’s apparently the son of a God, though his mom won’t say his name, and apparently his best friend, Aang, is a child of the long lost God of the Wild, Gyatso. He also has furry legs????

They’re almost to camp when suddenly, there’s another monster. The fight passes by in a blur and Zuko gets knocked out. The last thing he sees is his mom, disappearing in a blinding golden light

When he wakes up, there’s a boy staring at him quizzically. “You drool when you sleep,” is the first thing he says. Then he introduces himself as Sokka, the only human at camp

Zukos confused, of course, but this boy is very beautiful, so he decides to roll with it. Only once Piandao walks in, the lower half of his body a horse instead of a wheelchair, does he realize somethings off. Then he remembers his mom

Also Jeong Jeong is here too. He’s Dionysus, and he and Piandao are husbands. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.

Sokka is tasked with explaining things to him- he and his sister Katara have been at Camp Half Blood since they were young, when their dad joined the military or something, not quite sure on that

They have the same dad, but Sokka is human while Katara is the child of Hakoda and Kya (who’s Poseidon’s equivalent because I say so). Piandao (Chiron) agreed to let Sokka stay with Katara at camp because they were so young. Sokka has become super adapted to life at camp, and helps out with planning, administration, and strategy stuff

Basically, he works with The Mechanist kids (more on that later) and the Wan Shi Tong kids (he’s the only one I could think of who would be equivalent to Athena... it’s funny cause he’s an owl... and Athena’s symbol is the owl... yeah) 

Basically cue Zuko freaking out about being a demigod and wondering who his godly parent is. Meanwhile, everyone is staring at his scar, whispering about it. He doesn’t pay any attention to it- he’s used to it by now, several years after he slipped and crashed his face onto the burning stove

He gets introduced to the campers, and they are... a wild bunch of kids

There’s Jet, the son of someone who’s the equivalent of Hermes, idk who though. He’s Zuko’s counsellor in the beginning 

He ends up being the equivalent of Luke- I’m sorry. I love Jet, but he fits Luke’s character the best)

Suki, the daughter of Kyoshi (Artemis), is a skilled warrior with a sharp tongue, though she readily welcomes Zuko to camp and helps train him

Toph, the daughter of Poppy (Demeter), is a spunky blind girl with incredible control of the earth and plants 

Haru is also a son of Poppy

Ty Lee, the daughter of someone who’s essentially Aphrodite- she’s beautiful and fun and everyone loves her, but she’s as deadly with a weapon as Suki

Mai, the daughter of Ukano (Ares), is deadly with knives; she takes well to Zuko, but she has the energy of the God of War flowing through her, so it doesn’t come across very well. She does like him though, even if she doesn’t go easy on him just because he’s new

Teo, the son of The Mechanist (Hephaestus), is a brilliant inventor who created his own wheelchair that still allows him to fight and participate in all the demigod activities

He and Sokka are genius inventing buddies. We were robbed of that in the show

Basically, on the day they play capture the flag, Zuko summons lightning that causes the field to burst into flames and the symbol of Ozai appears over his head

Everyone is shocked, and Piandao tells him it’s because there are rarely children of the big three: Ozai, the king of the Gods and god of the skies. Kya, the goddess of the ocean. Iroh, the god of the underworld and Ozai’s brother.

Basically he gets the prophecy, which is why everyone was staring at him when he arrived- it spoke of a demigod with a scar on his face, then Zuko, Sokka, Katara, and Aang go off to save Zuko’s mom and get back Ozai’s lightning bolt that they think Iroh stole

On their quest, amidst all the fighting monsters and crossing country, Sokka and Zuko discover they have crushes on each other, but they just kind of dance around their feelings since they’re busy trying not to die

Eventually they save the day, and discover Jet was the bad guy, but he gets away

Zuko gets injured by Jet and wakes up in the infirmary to Sokka sitting next to him, worried out of his mind. He’s so relieved to see Zuko awake that he kisses him. They don’t start dating because Zuko’s going back to school in the fall and Sokka’s staying at camp, but they both admit their feelings

After that, basically everything continues along with the rest of the series, including Azula coming back to life after the tree gets cured by the Golden Fleece

Eventually Zuko and Sokka start dating and the Gaang saves the day and everything’s great

#this is very rambly and half thought out but i'm very attached to it #thank you if you read it #tell me the kyoshi warriors wouldn't make amazing hunters of artemis #i dare you #percy jackson zukka au #this au can be so personal #zukka #zuko #sokka #aang #katara #toph #suki #mai #ty lee #haru #teo #piandao #jeong jeong #pianjeong #percy jackson #atla #long post #avatar the last airbender #zukosadragon ace writes

[canyourscienceexplainthis]

And Your Jokes Are Always Bad

“Okay, guys, what’s the plan for tonight?” Sokka asks, looking through his rearview mirror at Aang and Katara’s shadowed faces in the back, and then over at Suki sitting in the passenger seat. “I thought we were heading over to chill at your place?” Aang questions from the backseat, arm wrapped around Katara and voice abnormally loud so he can be heard over the speakers blaring Rei Ami (it was Suki’s night with the aux).

“We aren’t going back to campus. If I have to go to one more party where everyone is talking about ‘Death of the Author’ or their latest shroomed out epiphany, I’m gonna jump off the roof of the library, I swear to God,” Katara says, rolling her eyes at the thought.

“Yeah, we can go to mine,” Sokka agrees, “but if you guys are expecting drinks or food at all tonight, we’re gonna have to stop somewhere cause my place is currently like an apocalypse shelter that’s running out of supplies.”

“Beer store and sevie it is!” Suki chimes.

With their drinks and snacks of choice acquired, the gang starts heading back to Sokka’s house, which they have affectionately named the shitshack. Listen, Sokka will be the first to admit that his house is a little...run down. “I think should-be-condemned is a more apt description, Sokka,” Katara had countered the first time she visited.

Sure, the foundation is caving in to the point that their bedroom doors couldn’t fully close because of the house’s slant. Yeah, weeds grow through the baseboards in the summer. And yes, he’s pretty sure there’s decomposing rat bodies under the sink cupboards. But he’s a struggling student living in one of the most expensive places in the country, and this place was as cheap as it gets (which is still way too expensive). He had decided long ago that he would rather live in an actual risk-to-human-safety with people that he can stand to be around than be paired up with strangers and live on campus.

“Fuck a princess I’m a king, bow down and kis—”

Just as they’re in the middle of the chorus, Suki’s phone starts ringing, interrupting their psyched-up, loud sing-along. Suki picks up the call but doesn’t unplug the aux, a raspy voice coming through the car’s speakers.

“Sukiii,” the mystery voice greets.

“Hey Zuko! What’s up?”

“Ugh, I’m bored! Come hang out with me,” the voice pleads.

“I’d love to, but I’m kinda on the way to my friend’s house right now…” Suki says, looking over at Sokka.

“Oh,” disappointment evident in his tone, “yeah, no worries, maybe next weekend.”

Suki glances over at Sokka again before saying, “wait, why don’t you come with?

Sokka looks over at her, shrugging his shoulders, silently saying, “the more the merrier, I guess.”

“You sure? Your friend won’t mind?”

“Nah, he’s cool with it. Where are you? We’ll come to pick you up.” At this, though, Sokka shoots Suki a glare. He has no problem with her inviting a friend over, but come on dude, gas is expensive! Suki rolls her eyes at him while waving her hand dismissively.

“I’m up at the school, actually,” he says, and Sokka nearly groans because that’s the complete opposite direction of his house.

“Really?” Suki’s eyebrow quirks. “Okay, we’ll be there in like, fifteen or twenty. I’ll text you when we’re close.”

“Okay, sounds good. Thanks Suki!” The music resumes when she hangs up. Sokka levels what he hopes is a withering stare at her.

“You know, I wasn’t kidding when I said I was going to start charging you guys for gas,” Sokka huffs.

Suki purses her lips, “alright, then I guess I’m going to stop helping you pass literally every single one of your humanities classes.”

Sokka pauses, considering whether or not it’s worth risking his GPA to continue complaining. “Fine, but anyone who isn’t helping me figure out what the fuck Derrida is talking about has to pay up!”

About 10 minutes later (because apparently, Sokka drives like he has a death wish), they’re parked outside Sokka’s first-year dorm. It’s giving him flashbacks to warm summer nights spent chilling in the woods with his friends and scattering into the trees when campus security eventually came to break up their drunken antics.

Thankfully, a light knocking on the passenger side window breaks Sokka’s train of thought before he can start dwelling on any of his more painfully embarrassing memories. It’s too dark out for him to see who knocked on the window, but Suki reaches over his lap to unlock the doors, so he assumes it must have been her friend.

What’s his name again? It starts with a Z. Zuzu? No, Zooko, yeah Zuko, Zuko, he chants to himself.

The door opens, and a shadowy figure slides into the back seat. Sokka pulls out of the parking lot and starts heading back into town. Aang, unbelievably (almost exhaustingly) friendly as always, is the first to introduce himself.

“Hey! I’m Aang. Your name’s Zuko, right?”

“Uh, yeah, that’s me. Nice to meet you.”

“Hey, I’m Katara, and that’s my brother Sokka,” she adds, leaning past Aang’s head and pointing at the back of Sokka’s seat.

“Hey dude,” Sokka says, keeping his eyes on the road but raising his hand to wave at the stranger in the back seat.

“Hey speed racer,” Katara scolds, “both hands on the wheel!”

“Katara, if you can’t handle me at my fastest, you don’t deserve me at my furiousest.” Even though he can barely make out any of their faces in the dim light of his car, Sokka can tell they were all rolling their eyes at his attempt at humour. Except for Zuko, who snorts out a soft laugh. Sokka has a feeling he’s going to like this guy.

“At least Zuko thinks I’m funny.”

“That’s cause he doesn’t know you yet,” Suki scoffs. “He’ll learn to tune you out like the rest of us soon enough.”

The rest of the ride passes with easy conversation and songs that, according to Suki, “just make you feel like a bad bitch.” As soon as he pulls into his driveway, Sokka jumps out of the car, excited to finally be home and able to blow off some steam with his friends. He bounds through the door, bellowing, “Jet! Ruru! I come bearing booze and food!” Sokka drops the bag of snacks on the kitchen table on his way over to the fridge. Opening the door, he thinks it would be pretty apparent that they’re university students by simply looking at its contents; ketchup, leftover takeout that’s been there for who knows how long, and beer. Haru springs into the kitchen and grabs at the snacks, pulling out a bag of all dressed ruffles. “Aww, you got my favourite!”

“Only the best for the best roomie,” Sokka smiles back at him.

“Hey! What about me?”Jet asks, (like the fuck boy he is, Sokka thinks) meandering into the kitchen behind Haru.

“Maybe if you learn how to unload the dishwasher or take out the garbage once in a while, you’ll get surprised with your favourite snacks too.”

Jet frowns up at Sokka, “dick.”

“Yeah fuck you too,” Sokka says, tossing him a beer from across the kitchen.  

The sound of Suki’s music emanating from the living room reminds him that “oh yeah, by the way, Katara, Suki, Aang, and one of Suki’s friends are hanging out here tonight.”

“Hell yeah!” Haru basically skips into the living room with Jet following much less excitedly in his wake. Sokka grabs some mixing bowls and starts emptying the bags of chips and popcorn. The last thing he needs is someone puking on his carpet because they started drinking on an empty stomach. From behind him, he hears a faint, “hey, uh, Sokka?”

“Yeah, what’s—” he starts, looking up.

Holy shit.

Holy shit.

Standing in the middle of his kitchen is who he can only assume to be Zuko. He has long black hair tied up in a half top-knot and gorgeous golden eyes. He’s wearing a black bomber jacket and crimson button-up that contrast with his molten eyes and pale skin in an unfairly beautiful way. He also has on a pair of black skinny jeans that are really working for him and working for Sokka, too, if he’s honest. It’s probably a good thing, Sokka thinks, that he couldn’t see him in the car because he probably would have completely forgotten how to drive and ended up in a ditch.

Good God, Sokka chastises himself. Get your shit together and stop staring at this absolutely stunning man like a fucking creep. Sokka clears his throat and manages to stutter, “y-yeah, what’s up?”

If Zuko noticed his gawking, he’s kind enough not to mention it. “Just wondering if I could put these in your fridge,” he asks, raising a six-pack of Strongbow.

“Yeah, for sure!” Sokka manages, voice still a little uneven.

Zuko walks over to the fridge, placing his ciders beside Sokka’s beers, then takes one and cracks it. He turns to face Sokka again, and they both stare at each other for a moment, the only noise being the hum of the bass in the background. Neither one seems to know what to do next. Thankfully for Sokka’s current error 404 brain, Zuko pipes up first.

“You’ve got a nice place. I really like it.” If he were judging by the tone of Zuko’s voice, Sokka would almost think he’s being sincere. However, the evidence proving that this was, in fact, a shithole of a house was literally everywhere.

“Hey, it's okay dude, we all know this house is awful. No need to sugarcoat it,” Sokka chuckles.

“No, really, I mean it. Obviously, it’s got its...flaws,” well that’s putting it mildly, Sokka thinks, “but I like what you guys have done with it. Like,” Zuko points to a Pavement poster hanging on the wall in front of Sokka, “how you’ve decorated it.”

“Are you a Pavement fan,” Sokka asks, eagerness clear in his voice at the prospect of talking to someone about his favourite band.

The edges of Zuko’s lips curl into an almost indistinguishable teasing smile, and his eyes glance down to his drink. “I guess you could say that, if you think going to their reunion show in 2010 counts as being a fan,” Zuko notes nonchalantly. Sokka doesn’t know if he’s ever been more jealous of someone in his life.

“Oh my God! You’re kidding?! I would have killed to have seen that show! Was it incredible?” He asks, humming with excitement.

“If I told you it sucked, would it make you feel better about missing it?”

“It’s worth a shot.”

“Then no, it was one of the worst live performances I’ve ever seen. They completely fucked up Embassy Row.”

Sokka hums, grabbing his chin like he’s contemplating whether or not he’s still upset that he missed the show of a lifetime. “Yeah, I’m still jealous. Guess I’ll just have to catch their thirty-year reunion tour.”

Zuko genuinely smiles then, and any composure Sokka had regained in the last minute goes down the drain. “Yeah, I guess so,” he murmurs.

Suddenly Sokka’s attention is jerked away from Zuko’s breathtaking smile by a loud crash emanating from the living room. Spinning his head in the direction of his exceptionally disastrous friends who apparently cannot be left alone for ten minutes, he yells, “Hey! What the fuck are you guys doing!?”

Katara sprints into the kitchen wearing a slightly guilty expression, clearly searching for something. “Dish towels?”

“What did you guys do now,” Sokka sighs, giving her a handful from under the sink.

“Thanks,” she says, grabbing them, “uh, well, Jet bet Suki a round at the brewpub that he could beat her at beer pong, and they kinda both launched themselves at the table trying to get balls back…”

Sokka crosses an arm over his chest and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Fucking menaces. I thought we all agreed that we weren’t going to let them do shit like this anymore! They’re both way too competitive, and our house seriously can’t stand any more abuse! For real, I’m surprised they didn’t fall right through a hole in the floor!”

“Do you really think there’s anything anyone could do to dissuade them once they’ve decided they’re gonna do something? No. So all we can do is mitigate the damages,” Katara emphasizes her words by holding the towels up to Sokka’s face.

“Yeah, okay, fine,” Sokka concedes, “just tell Jet I said he’s a fucking asshole.”

“That,” Katara mumbles, walking back towards the rest of the group, “I can do.”

Once again, it’s just Sokka and Zuko standing in the kitchen. However, Zuko now looks incredibly amused.

“What,” Sokka levels at him with his patented wiseass smile, “is my living space getting even more trashed funny to you?”

“No, it’s not that. I mean, it’s just...I’m sure I don’t know Suki as well as you guys probably do, and I just met Jet, but he must be a real dumbass to challenge Suki to anything.”

Yeah, Sokka was right earlier; he’s really going to like this guy.

After many rounds of beer pong and even more spilled drinks later, everyone seems to be approaching the more relaxed stage of their typical hangout. Aang and Katara are sitting on floor cushions, leaning into one another, and Sokka can only assume, whispering sickeningly loving things. Likewise, Jet and Haru are having their own coupley moment on the futon in the other side of the living room. He still finds it hard to believe that they’re together, but opposites attract, right? He, Suki, and Zuko are lounging on the couch (which is probably the nicest thing in their house because it’s a hand me down from his dad and Bato, unlike all of their other thrift shop furniture).

Sokka and Zuko are currently monopolizing the conversation, discussing one of their favourite shows that Suki had noted she’d never seen.

“I mean obviously it’s fucked, but it blends misanthropy and humour perfectly into a nice nihilistic package,” Zuko says, his eyes locked with Sokka’s.

“Firstly, agreed. Secondly, how in the fuck are you using words like misanthropy and nihilistic when you’re five drinks down?”

Zuko’s eyes flick with mischief. “I guess I’m just too much of a genius for you to keep up.”

Sokka isn’t sure what to say to that. He’s starting to think Zuko might actually be a genius. That, or he just has excellent taste in music and TV, which, to Sokka, is basically equivalent to having Mensa level IQ. Also, Zuko is probably the hottest person he’s ever seen. All of this put together has him questioning where his brain cells have gone, or if he even had any to begin with.

Suki, taking advantage of the brief lull in their discussion, decides this is her moment to stir shit up. Sitting cross-legged on the corner of the couch and looking down at her nails, she suddenly breaks their conversation, saying, “hey Sokka, did you know Zuko and I were each other’s New Years’ kiss last year?”

In hindsight, Sokka wonders if Suki knew what she was doing. Maybe she just wanted to take Zuko down a peg for his arrogant comment, or she was tired of being left out of the conversation. Probably a combination, he thinks.

His brow quirks up as his gaze flashes back to Zuko, who is staring at Suki with an expression edging on murderous. “Oh yeah?’

“Suki…” the warning tone of Zuko’s voice doesn’t seem to faze her in the slightest.

“Yup,” Suki confirms, unperturbed and grinning wickedly. “Zuko was the only person I knew at the party and I thought, fuck it! So we decided we’d be each others’ kiss.” She looks up from her apparently fascinating cuticles and gazes directly at Sokka, “and he apologized to me after cause he didn’t think he was a very good kisser.”

“OH MY GOD, SUKI!” Zuko sputters, choking on his cider and blush colouring his cheeks.

“What? You did!” She argues, her grin morphing into something truly evil.

“That’s not fair! We were both drunk and, and...I don’t know! But I officially hate you and I’m never covering a shift for you again!”

Zuko looks absolutely mortified. Sokka holds back his laughter at the objectively ludicrous visual if only to save Zuko from even more embarrassment.

Sokka feels bad for him. Really, he does. Suki just blasted him in front of someone he met a couple hours ago. However, Sokka recognizes that she also set him up to bat, so he doesn’t really feel that bad.

“Well, I’ve been told I’m an excellent kisser,” Sokka says, putting on a voice that he hopes resembles something sultry. “I can show you how it’s done. If you want.”

He simultaneously feels very powerful and very vulnerable. Sokka knows that he excels in the kissing arena, but, and he can’t quite put his finger on why, but if Zuko turned him down, he would be really disappointed. Maybe it’s just because Zuko is so pretty, like Sokka wants to draw him like one of his French girls pretty, or maybe it’s because he hasn’t had any action in a while. Either way, he hopes Zuko is either, 1) into the idea, or, 2) lets him down easy.

They stare at each other for a beat, gold eyes meeting blue. Zuko looks down at his hands, curled in his lap, and his blush travels from his cheeks to his just barely visible chest. Sokka wonders if he’s ever seen anything so fucking endearing. Zuko nods so slightly that if Sokka had blinked, he would have missed it.

“Is that a yes?”

“Y-yes, um, yeah, you can do that…” Zuko stammers, looking up at Sokka with both nervous and pleading eyes, “if you want.”

“Yeah, I want.”

Consent confirmed. Sokka wonders if he should hold off because they’ve been drinking, but then he remembers that Zuko just used the word “misanthropy” not five minutes ago in casual conversation. At this moment, he doesn’t know if he could even look at Zuko without spontaneously combusting, so if anything, Zuko would be taking advantage of him, and Sokka is very okay with that. Sokka gently grasps Zuko’s hip with one hand and his waist with the other. He pulls him nearer, noticing how Zuko leans into his grip and silently exhales as the distance between them closes. Their eyes meet again for a fleeting moment. Sokka realizes that Zuko’s pupils are blown so wide that his irises are nothing more than a thin golden ring circling black.

Ever since seeing him in the kitchen, Sokka hasn’t let himself look at Zuko like he wanted to. ‘I’m sure he’s uncomfortable enough in a room full of strangers without you eye-fucking him every five minutes’, he said to himself. But now he can really admire him. Sokka is drinking him in, looking at him like something to be cherished, adored, kissed all over. Fuck. He is gorgeous.

Like Sokka had said, he knew he was a great kisser, but something about Zuko made him want to make this particular make-out session even better than great. Maybe it was because he was supposed to be showing Zuko how it’s done (ugh, nice line Sokka), or maybe it was because Zuko was without a doubt the hottest person Sokka had ever seen in real life. Either way, he knew he had to make the most of this.

Slowly he closes the last couple of inches between Zuko’s mouth and his. He feels Zuko’s shaky exhale on his lips, and damn if that isn’t hot. What feels like ages later, their lips press together. Sokka notes that Zuko’s lips are so deliciously soft, but also hesitant. The kiss is so tender and timid, and delightfully honey-sweet. He leans in farther, moving his hand from Zuko’s hip up his side to cup the back of his neck. Zuko’s mouth opens up in an almost silent sigh, and Sokka takes the opportunity to lick his bottom lip lightly before slotting his tongue alongside Zuko’s.

Sokka can’t remember the last time he’d shared such a delicate kiss.

He dated Yue in first-year, and they had shared some beautiful moments. Being each others’ first relationship, they traversed the adoring, intimate, and sometimes incredibly awkward territory that came with one’s first time. But she had gone to study abroad in Bhutan for a year, saying it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. Before she left, they mutually decided long distance wouldn’t suit either of them and it would be best to break up.

And delicate wouldn’t be a word he’d use to describe his and Suki’s relationship. Obviously, they loved and respected one another. Still, it was very much just a good friends that hang out every day and sometimes hook up with each other and sometimes hook up with other people kind of deal. Admittedly, Sokka’s brain kind of imploded when he saw Suki sitting on Yue’s lap at a party about a month after she got back to campus. And it doubly imploded when they told him they were dating. He couldn’t say he wasn’t surprised, but he was happy two of his favourite people found someone that makes them happy. What? He loves love, okay?

But this.

This was...different.

Just as Sokka was about to move his attention from Zuko’s mouth to his cheek, neck, chest, anywhere and everywhere else, he was pulled out of the moment for the second time that night by Katara’s shriek of, “Jesus Christ Sokka! I don’t want to see that shit! Get a room!”

For a moment, he truly forgot that there was anyone else in the room. Snapping back to reality felt like waking up from a half-asleep half-awake dream. In the back of his mind he knew where he was and what was going on around him, but it was a hazy awareness, and one that he’d rather not focus on. Feeling feather-light and slightly out of it, Sokka gathered himself the best he could.

“Katara you do realize this is my house, right? Every room is my room!”

#Ok imma leave this one up tonight #please be nice #sorry i deleted it earlier #i got self conscious #atla #sokka #zulo #aang #katara #suki #yue #alt universe #jet #haru

[tickly-trashcan]

Plane Ride {DaiHaru}

A/N: Wow, i was suddenly inspired to write for this lovely show! july 16 cannot come sooner for me, so I had to indulge myself just a bit with this in the mean time, hope you all enjoy~

Word Count: 1.6k (more under the cut)

How did he even get himself into this? That was all Haru Katou could think of as he sat in the seat of the private jet belonging to one of his newest headaches: Daisuke Kanbe.

Just a bit earlier, he had agreed to go to Hong Kong to attend a symposium discussing international crime, but what he didn’t know was that he would be accompanied by an annoying, rich bastard along the way!

Daisuke sat next to him across the aisle, cigar in one hand and a magazine in the other, taking in long, deep breaths of smoke before exhaling them in a cloud that eventually wafted over towards Haru. He groaned in annoyance and leaned his chin on his hand as he stared out the window of the plane, the city growing smaller as they climbed higher in altitude and nearer to the big, fluffy clouds that decorated the horizon.

One of the flight attendees walked over to Daisuke with a silver tray holding a glass of champagne, two glasses, and an ashtray. He motioned for her to set it on his seat table, and she placed everything on the table before popping the champagne and pouring it into the glasses. He tapped his cigar ashes off into the tray and picked up the champagne glass. He looked over towards Haru and held the glass out towards him.

“Thirsty?”

Haru scoffed. “I’m good, I don’t need any of your 30,000 yen champagne, thank you very much.”

“It’s actually 80,000 yen champagne, Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs, although I can see how someone such as yourself wouldn’t know the difference between this and a bottle of Andre Brut,” Daisuke said with a smirk.

Why that little…! Haru’s eye twitched in anger as Daisuke took a sip of his champagne, setting it back on the tray and picking up his cigar again. He took a long puff and, without taking his eyes off the magazine, turned his head towards Haru and exhaled, purposefully dousing him with the smoke.

Haru coughed and waved the smoke out of his face roughly. “And what was that for?!”

“You don’t smile that often, do you?” Daisuke asked though it was said more like a statement.

Haru grumbled, annoyed that his question had been ignored and faced the window. “I’m pretty sure you took away my ability to smile…”

“Would you like me to help you get it back?”

Haru whipped his head around, a confused look on his face as he saw Daisuke had set down his magazine and was looking at him quite seriously.

Haru huffed out a short, sarcastic laugh and folded his arms across his chest. “What are you gonna do, pay me a million yen to give you a grin?” There was a pause for a moment before Daisuke replied, “Do you want me to?”

Haru massaged his temple with his thumb and sighed. This grown man didn’t understand that everything can’t just be bought, and it frustrated Haru immensely.

“Katou-san.” Haru turned to face Daisuke again after hearing his voice only to see him looming over him, his hand on the head of Haru’s seat. He jumped a bit at their sudden close proximity and leaned further back as Daisuke leaned down further, a devious smile on his lips. 

“Wh-What are you doing?” Haru stammered, flustered.

Daisuke waved to one of the flight attendants that was in the cabin, who nodded and shut the sliding door, leaving the two detectives alone in the spacious cabin. 

“I’m going to make you smile, that’s what I’m doing,” Daisuke said flatly, reaching one hand slowly towards Haru, who pushed it away. 

“Don’t touch me, you weirdo!” he shouted, trying to scoot away from Daisuke, but was trapped by the seat in front of him.

Haru reached over the seat in front and tried to pull himself over, but not before Daisuke grabbed him by the hips and pulled him back down on the seat, making Haru yelp.

Daisuke straddled Haru, who now lay across the whole row of seats, squirming and pushing at Daisuke’s chest helplessly.

“Let me go, dumbass! Who do you think you- Ah!” he squeaked when he felt a pinch at his side, and a horrible realization set in as he looked back up at Daisuke, who’s face still had that stupid smug smirk on it.

“No. No no no. Don’t you dare. Don’t you fucking dahahare!” Haru yelped when Daisuke’s fingers began to squeeze his sides, making him clamp his arms down.

Daisuke explored Haru’s torso, switching to lightly scribbling across his tummy. Haru giggled loudly, trying to curl his body away from the ticklish sensations.

“Shihihihihihiiiiiit stop! This is unproffessionahahaHAL!” Haru let out a loud squeal when Daisuke grabbed his hips. He began to rub his thumbs gently into the bone and Haru started laughing in earnest now, his cheeks heating up slightly as one of his worst spots was attacked. His attempts to push Daisuke off of him lessened and he instead grabbed his wrists to try and pull them away from his body.

“Tsk, tsk, Katou-san, see how easy that was to make you smile?” Daisuke teased, shooting his hands quickly up under Haru’s arms, which was met with a loud, girlish scream and peals of intense laughter.

“GAH- I’m smiling! SeeHEEHEEHEE!? StohohoHOP!!” Haru coughed, pushing desperately at Daisuke with one hand, the other trying to pull away desperately.

“Your hands are annoying, stop.” “You stohohohop!”

Daisuke lifted one hand towards his shirt collar and grabbed the knot of his tie, pulling it off quickly. He grabbed Haru’s hand that was pushing him away and tied his wrist with the tie and looped it around the seat’s armrest. As he leaned forward to tie it around the seats armrest, his chest came very close to Haru’s face, making him flush. He smelled strongly of cigars as his chest pressed lightly against him, grabbing Haru’s other wrist and tying it up as a blush quickly crept up Haru’s ears.

“You rich piece of shit stop! Don’t you fucking dare, stop it!” He yelled, snapping out of his short daze, pulling his arms as much as he could, but Daisuke had the upper hand and soon Haru was completely at Daisuke’s mercy.

Haru kicked his legs around aimlessly as Daisuke slowly lowered his hands towards Haru’s ribcage as he giggled in anticipation. “I-I can repohort you to HR you know!” Haru exclaimed desperately, but Daisuke’s smug smirk stayed in place as he gently shook his head. “I don’t think that will work, Inspector Katou.”

Haru was about to yell out another threat, but Daisuke’s hands finally descended and began their torture on the upper part of Haru’s ribs. He let out a shriek and arched his back, bucking his body around as he desperately tried to get the rich bastard off of him. He laughed loudly and earnestly, trying to hide his face in his tied arms. 

Daisuke noticed this and flittered his fingers across Haru’s neck, making him yelp and quickly uncover his face. Haru closed his eyes and cackled as Daisuke moved down to his sides and squeezed there in an agonizingly ticklish way. 

“Jesus Christ stahahahahap! I’m- I’m gohohohohonna dieeee!” Haru begged, squirming wildly. 

Daisuke rolled his eyes. “You’re not going to die, Katou-san, I have HEUSC on your vitals and you’re fine.”

“St-Stahahap letting your stuhuhuhupid butler scahaHAHAHAN MEEEE!” Haru let out a loud yell when Daisuke drilled his fingers into his bony hips, teasing the sensitive flesh.

“Why not? I thought you were going to die, Katou-san?”

Daisuke grabbed Haru’s upper thigh and squeezed, making him squeal and let out a stream of bubbly giggles. His other hand fluttered towards Haru’s shirt, slowly, slowly untucking it. Haru’s eyes buldged open and he shook his head. 

“I’m gohohohoing to destroy yohohohouu!” he yelled, squirming away from Daisuke’s curious hands.

“I feel very threatened by that statement, especially since you’re blushing and laughing like a child.” 

And with that, Daisuke stuffed both hands under Haru’s shirt and began to scribble over his tummy, pinching at his sides as well.

If Haru wasn’t laughing before, he sure as hell was now. Daisuke’s fingers were slightly cold and dammit he probably got manicures once a week so his nails scratching against his skin was almost painful it tickled so much.

“You’re kihihiHIHILLING meheheheheeee! Aaaah~!” Haru let out a noise he himself had never heard when Daisuke tickled right along his inner hip near the rim of his slacks, and clearly Daisuke never had either, since he briefly ceased his torture. 

Haru opened his eyes now that the tickling had stopped and looked up to see… what?

Daisuke’s smirk had disappeared and his attempt at a poker face was clearly unsuccessful, as a blush began to show barely on his cheeks. He noticed Haru looking at him, and quickly resumed his torture unexpectedly, making Haru yell.

“Mehehehehercy plehehehehease! I-I cahahahan’t breathe!” Haru barely gasped out, his previous struggling slowing down as his stamina did as well.

Daisuke seemed to realize that, indeed, Haru was having respiratory problems, and ceased his attack, his hands staying in place as his palms warmed Haru’s sides. Haru breathed in the air deeply, some giggles still leaving his mouth as he wiped away some tears of mirth that had slipped out with his arm.

“Your smile… it’s nice, Katou-san.”

Haru paused where he was, his breath hitching as Daisuke withdrew his hands and he shivered as the warmth from him left. What Daisuke said soon registered and he blushed furiously, stammering.

“You don’t get to tell me that, asshole! You almost tickled me to death!” Haru went to push Daisuke off of him, forgetting for a moment that he was tied up. He huffed.

“Will you untie me now?”

Daisuke smirked and got off of Haru, walking back to his own seat, relighting his cigar and picking up his magazine.

“No.”

#daiharu #balance unlimited #fugou keiji balance unlimited #daisuke kanbe #haru katou #tickle fic #it got kinda rushed at the end i didn't know how to finish it #as i do with most fics lol

[army-of-mai-lovers]

Jet, Suki, Smellerbee, Haru pt 5

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4

Suki and Haru spring into action. Haru starts Earthbending at the guy, and Suki gets in close enough that she can fight him with her fists

Jet and Smellerbee still can’t move. They’re shocked. 

Suki and Haru are both really capable fighters, but they’re playing fair, and Longshot isn’t

Because, like a true Freedom Fighter, Longshot is fighting dirty

Watching Longshot take down Suki and Haru snaps Jet and Smellerbee out of it, and they leap to their defense

Both of them are in a rage, but they’re still fighting somewhat carefully, trying to hurt Longshot as little as possible

Longshot’s not doing that. Longshot’s aiming to kill. 

As they’re fighting, Jet grunts out “Why are you fighting us? We’re your family!” 

Longshot pauses, just briefly, at that, and in that moment Smellerbee knocks him down. 

They help up Suki and Haru (who are both fine).

Longshot’s groaning on the floor, not saying anything coherent

When Jet and Smellerbee move to help him up, Suki and Haru try to stop them (which makes sense, seeing as that’s the guy who tried to kill them) and Jet and Smellerbee fill them in on the fact that this is Longshot. 

Suki’s still a little cautious of them helping out a known Dai Li agent, even knowing how Jet was brainwashed during his first run in with the Dai Li. She just doesn’t know if they can un-brainwash Longshot, and she’s not sure what the consequences of trying are. 

Haru has the same concerns as Suki, deep down, but he decides pretty quickly that the most important thing is that they at least try to help Longshot. 

Jet wants to help Longshot at any cost, but Smellerbee is unsure. She wasn’t even really expecting to find Longshot, and now that they know he’s been brainwashed and working for the Dai Li for over a year, she wishes they hadn’t. 

But the longer they stay down there, the more time they lose, and it’s pretty clear that neither Jet nor Haru will leave without Longshot, so she resigns herself to at least trying to help him. 

So they bring back a knocked-out Longshot to where they’ve been staying, and Suki and Smellerbee insist on taking precautions. They tie him up as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Suki asks Haru if Toph ever taught him seismic sense, and when he says yes, a little, she asks him whether he can detect lies. 

When he says he can, Jet briefly thinks of the many, many times he ditched Haru because he “had already promised Smellerbee he was going to hang out with her.” But then he sets that aside, because they have way more important things to be worrying about and anyway, he’s sure that Haru doesn’t even remember

Haru remembers 

When Longshot wakes up, Haru starts questioning him. He doesn’t remember his name, where he comes from, or who Jet and Smellerbee are. When pressed, he keeps saying that his only purpose is to protect the people of Ba Sing Se. 

He doesn’t lie once. 

Jet taps Haru on the shoulder and tells him to stop the questioning, and looks at Longshot for a long time. He then very quietly starts telling this absolutely nonsense story about a man who played pai sho and fought spirits. 

Suki and Haru are so confused, but Smellerbee’s eyes widen in recognition.  

Longshot reacts extremely poorly to it, yelling at them to untie him, telling them that Long Feng will come for them, and Suki, Haru, and Smellerbee move to contain him further, but every time they do Jet holds up a hand to stop them and keeps going. 

And after a while, Longshot gets tired. He stops struggling and just listens to Jet for a while. Eventually, he falls asleep. 

Suki and Haru have been waiting for hours for Jet to explain what he was doing, but instead of explaining anything, he tells Smellerbee to untie Longshot, and together they carry him to the bed where Jet normally sleeps. 

And now, Suki and Haru are super confused. 

As Jet’s getting settled to sleep on the floor, he says that that used to be Longshot’s favorite bedtime story. Jet usually didn’t tell it all in one night, and he doesn’t ever remember Longshot hearing the end of it, but he did today. 

Haru just stares at him, and says that Jet should sleep in his bed, and he’ll sleep on the floor. Jet objects, and they get into an argument about it (quietly) before Suki throws up her hands and tells them that they can both sleep on the floor. 

She quickly settles onto Haru’s bed, which is far more comfortable than where she’s been sleeping, and starts snoring before either of them have the opportunity to object. 

When Suki wakes up early the next morning, she sees that Haru and Jet are cuddling, fast asleep, and smiles before going to make herself some tea. 

But there’s already a pot brewing. Longshot is already awake. 

They stare at each other for an uncomfortable amount of time, before Longshot clears his throat, and tells her that he’s sorry if he hurt her. 

Suki’s not sure how to respond, so she just sits down. Longshot pours her a cup of tea, and they sit together in complete silence. 

Some time later, Smellerbee wakes up and sees Longshot and Suki drinking tea and not speaking to each other, and asks Longshot if he remembers her. 

Longshot nods, tears falling down his face as he says that he had no excuse to hurt her and that he’s so sorry for leaving her. 

And he just keeps rambling about how sorry he is and Smellerbee runs over and hugs him. 

“It’s not your fault, Longshot. It never was.” 

When Jet and Haru wake up, Longshot hugs Jet really tightly, saying he never thought he’d see him again. Jet hugs him back, and for once, it seems like everything is going to be okay for them. 

They stay in the city for a few days to let Longshot regain his strength. It’s not enough, but by then whispers have started up of the Dai Li looking for someone who fits Longshot’s description, so they figure it’s time for them to get out of there. 

Jet and Haru have an actual conversation about their feelings for once in their lives, and Haru laughs for a good long while when Jet tells him that he thought he was into Suki. 

“I’m literally gay, Jet” “well I know that now-”

They hold hands a lot and, seeing how happy Jet looks, Smellerbee decides she’ll give it a week before she starts teasing them. 

(for her, that’s incredibly generous) 

Longshot’s so happy he could cry, to be around new friends and old, free to decide for himself what he wants for the first time in a long time. 

When they’re out of Ba Sing Se, Suki and Haru decide to set aside their own personal feelings on the subject and ask Jet, Smellerbee, and Longshot where they want to go. 

Smellerbee says she wants to go back to Kyoshi. Longshot says he wants to see Pipsqueak and Longshot and hash everything out with them, and then maybe stay for a while before going off to travel the world. 

Jet thinks back fondly to the dream he had, of all the Freedom Fighters staying on Kyoshi Island together, being a family again, just like old times. He knows that dream isn’t possible, and was never possible, but in trying to realize it, he did a lot of good. 

And even if his family is in a bunch of different places, they’re still his family, and they always will be, no matter where they are. 

~le end~ (for real this time) 

#jet #smellerbee #suki #haru #longshot #jetru #posts where arthur cried while making them #also sorry it's been like a month since i posted the last one jfkdsjfklsd

[uh-ohspaghettio]

Wang Fire the Date Crasher

Description: it’s Katara and Aang’s first date and what kind of overly protective brother would Sokka be if he didn’t spy just a little

Ao3 link

“I thought this was a date” Suki pouted while gazing at her boyfriend as he continued to adjust how he sat in order to see something behind her.  He looked like an overgrown child trying to get a view at the circus.

“We are on a date” Sokka said absentmindedly while still distracted with whatever was behind her.

 “Well explain these” Suki argued as she reached across the table to tug at the fake beard Sokka was wearing and with the other hand tugged at the long black wig sitting atop her head. They had actually seen the wig in the market along with other Mai related memorabilia- ever since Zuko was crowned as firelord not only has his status rocketed but Mai’s had too along with her style. Many young fire nation girls sought out to copy Mai’s signature hairstyle.

Sokka sat down properly and swatted away his girlfriend’s.“Hey hey be careful this beard has been through many adventures I don’t want it to be ruined” The warrior complained as he readjusted it. He then paused and struggled to find an actual answer to his question while Suki stared at him quizzically. “ uhhhh….roleplay??” Sokka finally answered almost as a question. The smart kyoshi warrior of course didn’t buy it for a second and decided to turn around and finally sneak a peek at what Sokka was struggling to look at earlier,

As she turned she immediately recognized the waterbender and the tattooed avatar sitting across from each other. Suki snapped back around to Sokka who donned an apologetic face and smacked him in the arm.

“Sokka! You just did this so you could spy on their first date!” she  yelled at him in a hushed tone so as not to create a scene in the public restaurant. She couldn’t believe he would do this, well actually she could, but she skipped out on training today for this so Suki felt justified in her reaction.

The water tribe boy resisted the urge to rub at the arm that got affiliated. His girlfriend was by no means weak but he wasn’t about to show how much it actually hurt.

“I-no-I just-I didn’t” he blubbered while trying to scramble for an answer but realized it was pointless “ fine you caught me” he resigned after a few moments.

“Why?! I thought you loved Aang, and don’t you trust your sister?!” she questioned him.

“I do! It’s just she’s my little sister and I don’t know I just want to be there for her incase something bad happens” he explained with a sigh, his secret plans were revealed. “Even  if it does give me the oogies” he adds as he sees the air nomad across the room holding his little sister’s hand while they made goo goo eyes at one another.

Suki was still mad but she let out a little smile from the heartwarming sentiment. “As sweet as that is, you know better than anyone else that Katara can hold her own. You really have nothing to worry about, let’s just have a nice evening together, without you being all overprotective. Sokka reluctantly agreed. Suki was right, as always, he had nothing to worry about.

Suki took off the wig with relief because it was getting a bit hot. Sokka was quick to try to grab it and put it back on her head “What are you doing?! what if they see us?!” he exclaimed.

Suki began to laugh at her goofy boyfriend “I don’t think they’ll notice” she retorted while gesturing to a giggling Aang and Katara across the restaurant. “Besides I don’t think these disguises are all that convincing” she claimed as she dropped the wig on the floor by her feet while shaking out her hair actually attached to her head “Why don’t you take off your beard too?”. 

“I - uh- I can't, I kinda glued this to my face” Sokka admitted while mumbling towards the end of his statement.

Sokka agreed to not pay attention to Aang and Katara’s date and just focus on having a fun evening with Suki. That being said he did look over the kyoshi warrior’s soldier every now and then, just to be sure.

They went on to discuss the new girls who had joined the Kyoshi Warriors. Although the war had ended not too long ago there were many girls asking to join the warriors or to just learn self defense. It certainly kept Suki occupied, even more so because Ty lee offered to teach everyone how to block Chi which will be a great asset in battle but longer training sessions. Despite this she enjoyed it and the rewarding feeling all the same.  They continued chatting and every once in awhile Suki would joke about Sokka’s first interaction with the warriors, which Sokka did not laugh with out of stubbornness but he was grateful that Suki had set him in his ways, she’s really astonishing and he can’t believe he ever underestimated her. They continued like this until Sokka heard something that made him go stark white.

Three tables over there was another couple enjoying their evening, or budding couple. Aang and Katara sat across from one another not saying anything. This was their first date and although they both knew they had feelings for one another both of them have never actually been on a date before and they weren’t exactly sure how to interact. After a minute of awkwardly blushing at each other and passing pleasant casualties they both started laughing at themselves.

“ I don’t know why we’re both being so awkward, this really shouldn’t be different from all the other times we hung out” Katara pointed out. 

“Only difference is I can do this,” Aang replied as he reached over to Katara’s hand that was resting on the table and held it. Katara blushed and giggled at this air nomad’s cheesiness and he began to laugh along with her. He really didn’t know what he was doing but it sure felt nice to hold her hand and Katara felt the same way. Aang was relieved Katara didn’t pull her hand away, he knew she had kissed him after the war ended but he had felt so bad after the night of the play, he didn’t want her to feel her boundaries were violated again. He hated that he made her feel pressured, he wished he knew how to do any of this. He wondered if any of the past avatars could give him guidance on this but he’s not sure that was the intention of being given worldly wisdom.

“What are you thinking about?” Katara questioned. Noticing Aang’s change in expression.

“Just how funny it is that I ended a 100 year war but I’m struggling to talk to my best friend, I always thought if I got the chance with you I’d know exactly what to do and I’d sweep you off your feet” Aang replied with a sigh.

“Don’t be silly, you have already swept me off my feet” Katara stated, making Aang give her a quizzical look. “Remember when we accidentally sent off the fire nation booby traps when we first met? You picked me up and carried me off to safety” Katara answered with a smile remembering that hectic day. He had remembered that day, before they had found the old fire nation ship that day was one of the funnest he had in awhile. After it had been announced he was the avatar none of the other kids wanted to play with him. Having Katara penguin sled with him made him feel so happy. He was terrified that when it was revealed he was the avatar, Katara would’ve reacted the same way as his best friends and distance herself from him but he’s incredibly grateful that she didn’t, even though he did put her tribe in danger. He doesn’t know how he’ll ever repay her for giving him a family when he lost his and everything he knew.

“I guess I did” Aang smiled back at Katara.

“Besides, do you think I have any idea what I’m doing either?” Katara pointed out to Aang. Although she was older than him by two years she didn’t really have any experience, all the older boys went off to war, the only boy she really interacted with was her brother. Sure during her adventures she met a few boys she found cute but none of them had the connection that she and Aang had. As much as her friends like to tease her about Jet and Haru, Aang was her first kiss, so she’s just as new to this as he is. “We'll figure it out together” she finishes as she squeezes his hand that she was still holding and leaning over to give Aang a kiss which he embraced happily. As they broke apart from their tender moment Katara noticed something, or more accurately someone, out of the corner of her eye.

“I can’t believe him!” Katara suddenly blurted, making Aang jump a little breaking him out of his trance. He instantly became alert, expecting some enemy from their past to be in the restaurant ready to fight because of the anger in Katara’s voice. When he looked around and didn’t see anyone that looked remotely threatening, Aang just stared at Katara with a puzzled face until Katara pointed to a table close to the entrance of the restaurant that had her brother wearing his ridiculous Wang Fire beard and Suki with a wig by her feet.

“Ugh, does he really not trust me to go on a date by myself” Katara complained who had turned away from her brother who hadn’t noticed that she saw him and neither had Suki. “I mean I never pulled something like this with him and Yue or him and Suki, he could at least do the same” Aang gave a shrug in consolation and was not really sure what to do in this situation. He wasn’t surprised that Sokka would do this but he was disappointed and Katara’s moment was ruined.

Suddenly Katara had a devious grin slide across her face. “How about a little prank on my brother?” Katara suggested. Aang nodded, happy to do whatever she had in mind.

Sokka had noticed Aang and Katara getting up from their table, he tried to just look down in hopes of the pair not noticing him. He shushed Sukki which caused her to glare at him until she noticed that because of the location of the table in proximity to the door that Katara and Aang would walk by them. She put her head down as well making it seem like the noodles before her were the most interesting thing in the world. Although she was against her boyfriend’s idea of spying she still felt bad for being here, but she wasn’t gonna waste an opportunity to get some delicious food.

As the new couple walked by Sokka and Sukki’s table they overheard their conversation.

“I don’t know Aang don’t you think we’re a little too young to be that intimate but I am willing to try it could be fun” Sokka overheard her sister say. Sokka went stark white, she couldn’t mean what he thinks right? They wouldn't, right? Especially not Aang, isn’t he a monk- do monks even? Is Aang even old enough to-? Oh god he doesn’t want to be thinking about these things he’s starting to wish he never came.

Suddenly his sister walked back to his table where he was having a crisis. “No not actually, we’re only kids” Katara suddenly spoke up answering the questions she knew her brother probably had. “But that's what you get for spying” she stated, she then walked back to Aang who was blushing bright as a tomato because of the nature of the prank Katara pulled, he was expecting something like using waterbending to splash Sokka’s drink in his face. The young couple left the restaurant hand in hand as Sokka kept his hands in his face and Suki was left spitting out her tea with laughter.

#kataang #kataang fanfic #atla sukka #atla #avatar #avatar the last airbender #aang #avatar aang #katara #sokka #atla katara #atla sokka #katara/aang #sokka/suki

[tardistype221b]

fate doesn't care about money (https://archiveofourown.org/works/26470243) by reigenonice (TardisType221b) and Adonraz

Fandoms: Fugou Keiji: Balance:Unlimited (Anime) 

Rating: Explicit          

Category: M/M          

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply 

Relationships: Kambe Daisuke/Katou Haru 

Tags: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Mating Bond, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Mile High Club, True Mates, Alpha Kambe Daisuke, Omega Katou Haru, Slow Burn, Dubious Consent, Anal Fingering, Grinding, What Happened in Hong Kong, Scent Marking, Scenting, Self-Lubrication, Omegaverse Style Sexism, Alternate Universe, Soft Kambe Daisuke, Kambe Daisuke is Whipped Summary: Kambe Daisuke is on top of the world. Rich and handsome he's the world's most eligible alpha bachelor. In a world where alphas rule it all, Daisuke has everything he could ever ask for, except for the one thing he really wants.

His true mate. ~*~ Katou Haru has a secret. One that if revealed would turn his life upside down. He's not a beta like everyone thinks. And in a world with omegas at the bottom of the hierarchy, he'd do anything to keep it secret. That way he can keep his job as a detective, and the freedom he worked so hard for. So when he meets that arrogant Kambe bastard and every part of his instincts cry out for him, he tells them to shut up and moves on with his life.

Until now. ---

Check it out below or read on Ao3

Chapter One: Daisuke Despite whatever Katou seemed to think Daisuke knew that there were things that money couldn't buy, specifically one thing. No matter how much money he threw at the issue it wasn't making the process any faster, the process of finding his true mate. There were billions of people in the world, and the quality of a true mate wasn't something quantifiable something that HEUSC could search for. All the research just stated that he would know once he caught wind of their scent. How ironic that the one thing he wanted was the one thing he couldn't pay for. Daisuke eschewed dating, he didn't want anyone else. Money could not buy love, but it could buy lust, it could buy lies, and those were things that Daisuke didn't want. He didn't need submissive omegas simpering at him, trying to influence him with their pheromones to drag him into their bed. Everyone who wanted to get close to him was only after one thing, and while he was not stingy by any means, Daisuke just for once wanted someone to see past the glamour and glitz of having an unlimited bank balance and want him. He knew that the only person that would ever be able to would be his true mate, the omega that a higher power had bound to him, that would be his perfect match. He hoped.

How long would he have to wait? He was twenty seven already, and this life was lonely.

However, lately things have been looking up. Daisuke looked across the private jet to where Katou was sitting and he could see him seething, fists clenched, back tense, at the fact that Daisuke had deigned to make their trip to the police symposium in Hong Kong comfortable rather than flying commercial. Daisuke shuddered at the mere thought.

Katou was an interesting one, a beta but nothing like the mild mannered way betas usually were. He was a spitfire, challenging Daisuke at every turn. He was one of the only people he knew who turned up his nose at his money which was refreshing even if sometimes it could be infuriating. For a brief moment in the beginning, Daisuke wondered. Could he be...? But no. That was impossible, he had HEUSC scour Haru's records and nothing indicated even a whiff of omega status. He bought scent blockers but most people in his line of work did, when you had to interact with all kinds of people on a daily basis, it was a necessity.

But then wait a minute... What was that scent?

Daisuke watched as Katou quickly got up and walked away to use the facilities, as soon as the seatbelt sign turned off. That strange scent lingered in the air, so very faint that he could barely tell what it was. The only reason he could even notice it was that he had a more sensitive nose than most alphas. It was like something strong was trying to push through Katou’s scent blockers, but that didn’t make any sense either. Katou really was an enigma…

He called the stewardess over for another glass of champagne when he noticed the pill bottle on the floor. It was by Katou’s seat. Daisuke went and picked it up, puzzled at the lack of label on the bottle. He knew he shouldn’t open it, these were probably Katou’s scent blockers. Daisuke knew most people wore patches but maybe he was allergic and took pills instead? He was curious, however, and he let that impulse win. He opened the bottle and let one pill fall into his hand.

“HEUSC, analyze this pill.”

“Yes, Daisuke-sama.”

As HEUSC’s algorithm ran he accepted the glass of champagne from the stewardess and took another sip as he sat down.

“Here are the results Daisuke-sama.” HEUSC said. “Heat Suppressant.”

Daisuke’s eyes widened and he almost spit out his champagne in shock. Thankfully he managed to keep himself together.

“Would you like to know the manufacturer as well?” HEUSC asked.

“No need. HEUSC, would there be any reason for a beta to be taking heat suppressants?” Daisuke questioned. What if there was some other crazy explanation for this?

“No. Heat suppressants are specifically manufactured for omegas, no other secondary gender should take them due to adverse effects.”

Well then. Now there were two possibilities, either Katou had a secret omega partner that no one knew about and he had their heat suppressants, which was very unlikely, or Katou was an omega.

All of his paperwork read beta, Katou’s driver’s license, his file at the Metropolitan Police, even his high school and university records…

But Daisuke could not deny the truth that was in front of him. Katou Haru was an omega, one that had been in hiding for a very long time.

That just made Katou an even bigger enigma, how did he do it? How did he manage to hide for so long? And why? No that was silly, he knew why. Every day, every case, no matter how minor, Daisuke could see his drive, his passion for justice. An omega would never be allowed to be a detective, even in the third rate division that was Modern Crimes. No wonder Katou couldn’t handle shooting that suspect, omegas have very high empathy, their caretaking natures couldn’t help it. That didn’t mean that Katou wasn’t a good detective and that he shouldn’t be one, in fact Daisuke was certain that he was better than all of those alphas from the first division, and it made sense. Katou was an omega… omega’s were good with people, he could get answers and calm criminals and victims with ease.

But wider society didn’t see it that way, to them overall, omegas were weak, meant to be homemakers, and treated as lesser. The most that young Katou Haru would have been able to hope for was a job as a receptionist in the police department. Of course Katou would have rebelled. Daisuke could only imagine it, a young boy wanting to be a detective when he grew up, only for his hopes and dreams to be dashed upon his presentation. He probably had started hiding way back then. How lonely, to keep such a huge secret, to constantly have to look over your shoulder for fear of being found out as an imposter.

He knew Katou hated him, but Daisuke wasn’t cruel. He would keep this to himself. Most importantly, the people that mattered would never find out and Katou would continue to do what he loved.

The thought of Katou being happy put a small smile on Daisuke’s face. He was growing a bit fond of the man he could admit that to himself. It wasn’t often that anyone caught his attention after all, he still didn’t know the names of the rest of the Modern Crimes division.

Then Katou appeared from the bathroom and Daisuke was smacked in the face with his scent. It had grown even stronger, pushing past the scent blockers that he was wearing, thick and heavy with heat. Daisuke gasped in realization. This was the first time, the only time that Katou’s scent was unmuddled enough that Daisuke could really experience it.

Katou…

Katou was…

His mate.

Katou was his mate and he had never told him.

Did he really hate Daisuke that much?

“Kambe-san. Where did the stewardess put my suitcase?” Haru asked.

“Your suitcase - “ Daisuke choked out, trying to answer him. The scent was overwhelming him, calling out to him to go over to Katou, to wrap himself around him and scent him thoroughly, marking him as his. “The stewardess put it in the cargo hold. However, I’m assuming you’re looking for this.” Daisuke held up the pill bottle and he could see Katou’s eyes widen.

“That’s.. My scent blo---” Daisuke cut him off.

“Don’t bother. Your heat has already progressed too far, I can smell your slick from here.” And God did it smell delectable. “And even if I couldn’t, this heat is different from your other ones. But you already knew that didn’t you Katou?” Daisuke accused him with narrowed eyes.

“That’s right. I know why I’m going through this heat right now. I wasn’t careful enough. I didn’t take proper care of myself. I forgot to take my heat suppressants during the days of the stakeout and so my body found it more and more difficult being so close to, well… You. This heat is different because it was a combination of my recklessness and your presence that caused it. This heat is simply a.. Mistake. A big mistake that never should’ve happened. Just like us ever having met in the first place.”

Daisuke couldn’t believe it. “You knew the very first day we met, and yet you never said a word... You allowed me to treat you as if you were no one special, and over time I was finally starting to grow fond of you. You made me question myself Katou, and my loyalty to my true mate, who I would meet one day. Only to find out that that was you all along!”

It hurt. He had been waiting so long for his mate, only to be rejected like this. What a curse this balance was, what was the point of it when he couldn’t buy what he truly wanted? What was the point of it when it pushed his mate away?

“Why didn’t you tell me? I could tell, even if I couldn’t scent you I always knew something was different about you. You were the one person who didn’t care. Didn’t care about my money and status. You treated me like I was normal, you were everything I wanted in a mate and more. And now…” Daisuke trailed off.

“I knew from the very first moment I met you. As soon as you stepped out of your car, I knew. Your scent was impossible to ignore. But… You know what else also was impossible to ignore? It was the fact that all you are is just a rich, asshole alpha. Thinking you could solve everything with just your shitty money while throwing any morals out the window… Pathetic.” Haru sneered down at him, and grabbed his tie, pulling him up, closer to him.

So close… Haru was so close to him. His scent surrounded Daisuke like a cloud, the stale airplane air preventing it from dissipating. He was drowning in it, the scent of what Daisuke thought home would always smell like, along with the spice of Haru’s heat. His tie was being held in a vice grip by Haru’s trembling hands, preventing him from moving.

“I allowed you to treat me as if I were no one special because I’m not planning to ever become someone special to you.” Haru asserted. “Boohoo, Kambe. You don’t get to have your own, personal sex slave assigned by fate, like all the other alphas. I’ve defied fate before and I will do it again. If you want to take some omega’s freedom away, then use your money to find someone who willingly will take that role. I will not submit to you just because you’re telling me some pretty, little lies about how you care for me. I’ve fought hard for the life I’m leading, I’m not letting you take it away from me.”

Despite being an omega, Haru was no waif, and his strength was clear in this moment. It was hard to think when looking at Haru’s flushed face only a few inches from his, so full of emotion. Then he finally processed what Haru said. A sex slave? What kind of person did he think Daisuke was? An alpha that thought only with his knot? There were plenty of alphas that were sexist brutes but surely, despite their differences involving money, Haru could see that Daisuke wasn’t anything like those scum of the earth!

If not, then Daisuke would have to show him.

He knew that he always acted cold and aloof, being who he was, a member of the elite Kambe family, required him to put up walls, to be careful around others. But Haru wasn’t just anyone. That had to end now.

He reached forward and grabbed Haru’s hand, managing to coax it free from his tie, and kissed it ever so gently. And now what? This was his shot, his only shot. He had to say something. Haru needed him, Daisuke couldn’t let him suffer through his heat alone, no matter how stubborn he was.

“Please will you accept me, at least for now? I don’t want you to suffer alone.”

He never begged for anyone. But he had a feeling that with Haru he would be doing a lot of things he never had before.

#my fic #fugou keiji #fugou keiji balance: unlimited #fkbu #kambe daisuke #daiharu #omegaverse #abo #THE MILLIONAIRE DETECTIVE #the millionare detective balance: unlimited #balance unlimited #katou haru #fugou keiji balance unlimited fanfiction #millionaire detective balance unlimited fanfiction

[listless-brainrot]

expanding on a jet/haru dynamic

just hear me out on this okay. give me a CHANCE fellas

i kind of ramble down below but i think they simply both deserve it

(and thank you @the-hot-zone for spurring me on to write this!)

so jet and haru are two of my top faves from atla and i think they’d get along really well and this isn’t just me having hopeful wishes (for once), and i think that it’s high time that i talk about why i think they’d be good friends

for one, let’s start with jet- leader of the freedom fighters, is an orphaned child of war, takes in orphaned war children, is driven by his hatred and trauma from the fire nation to do what’s right, is pushed to extremes in his want to defeat the fire nation, gets called out by the gaang, and leaves for ba sing se to atone. he’s definitely a complex character with a lot of depth to explore, which is surprising coming from a side character.

while he may not have as much screentime as jet, let’s move onto haru, who, if you think about it, also has a surprising amount of depth- his father is the leader of the village (later on, assumedly, the leader of the earth kingdom rebellions), was forced to hide his bending for five years, still practiced bending despite the dangers it presented, often voiced his anger about the fire nation and is implied to have rebelled a little, is an extremely empathetic and strong-willed person, and is shown to be the first to run to action when needed. 

with these factors in mind, let’s talk about their similarities!

both haru and jet are leaders in different ways- jet is the literal leader of the freedom fighters, and haru is forced to take up the role of man of the house when his father is taken. we can see that jet seems to be a natural leader, however, we also have to remember that a large majority of his kids are, well, kids, and he was probably forced into a leadership role due to age (the wiki says he’s sixteen, i say he’s seventeen, same with haru). this leadership role can also be extended to a sort of parental role as well- again, jet takes in orphaned children, and is an orphan himself, and haru, though he’s an only child, still has to fill in the shoes of his father by helping his mom run the family shop. there’s also an implication that he’d have to carry on tyro’s legacy, again, with tyro being the leader of the village, but this is largely speculation.

they’re also both directly affected by the fire nation- the rough rhinos murder jet’s parents and burn down his village at a young age, giving him horrible trauma that continues to drive his actions, and the fire nation takes over haru’s village, outlawing earthbending and taking away his dad and every other earthbender, and, later, haru himself. both of them use this shared trauma to connect with katara, who they’ve both interacted personally with. i’ll bring up this shared interaction later. however, despite this trauma, both of them are still good people. in the case of jet, it gets a little more grey- he does horrible, misguided things, however, his causes are still ultimately “good”; right now, the fire nation is the only bad he’s up against, not just for himself, but for everyone he’s taken in and is protecting. in the case of haru, he’s shown to be made embittered, lonely, and even depressed, but he still vouches for the gaang later on, probably convincing his mom to let them stay and opening up to katara. later on, when he’s arrested, he’s the first to attack the warden, and has been shown previously that he’s extremely willing to fight for what’s right, their freedom in this case- his dad just stops him most of the time.

lastly, they’re both self-reliant outcasts. jet is a self-proclaimed one, as shown by his interaction with zuko, which is sad in retrospect- for someone who practically made his own family, admitting that he doesn’t feel like a part of it/doesn’t fully trust it feels really disheartening. he’s shown to go off on his own with less and less supporters, and, by the time smellerbee and longshot leave for rather understandable reasons, he’s relying on nothing but his instincts and himself. this isn’t anything new, as jet had to have relied on himself from the ripe old age of eight, when his village was burned. haru is an outcast in a different, yet extremely similar sense- he was made to be an outcast. he’s an earthbender in a fire nation occupied town, with no other earthbenders around- his own mother calls his bending dangerous and tells him to not use it, again, for understandable reasons. however, despite this, haru still practices, honing in his skills- another similarity he shares with jet, with both of them being entirely self-taught in their respective skillsets. haru’s skillset is his earthbending, which he adopts into his own entirely unique style, which appears to be a mix of earthbending and firebending techniques, which makes sense, as, with no earthbenders around, firebending soldiers would have to be his next best bet. jet’s skillset is his hookswords, or twin hooks, which we don’t see any other character use in atla use and/or teach, so we can easily assume that he taught himself, which is extremely impressive when paired with the fact that he not only uses them to fight, but also uses them to get around, swinging through the trees with them.

now, let’s talk about some conflicts.

haru, unlike jet, still has both his parents and a village to go back to- a luxury that even most of the main characters don’t have. while you could argue that jet does have a family, as he made his own family in the form of the freedom fighters and all the kids he took in, he still lacks biological family, as well as people he doesn’t feel entirely obligated to protect. both of them lack friends; haru’s, most likely, got killed or taken away, and while he is friends with the freedom fighters and everyone else, jet still carries the title of leader even outside of the forest, therefore making his relationship to the freedom fighters a little less personal, as well as they may know him. they’re both a little lonely in that regard, actually- and somehow, in the paragraph about conflicts, i started talking about similarities again, so let me get back on track.

jet is an active rebel leader, with his own coup and home base, attacking fire nation encampments and taking in orphans. haru is not, at least, we don’t really see him or hear him state that he’s a part of anything, which is entirely understandable given his situation. it makes sense that he wouldn’t be a part of a secret underground rebellion, especially if he doesn’t even know who to trust with people like him taken away from him. however, despite this, we know that he has a strong rebellious streak and a drive to do what’s right- he rightfully calls the fire nation soldiers thugs and thieves, is the first to run and help the old man, as well as, again, instigate the prison break. in the first and third of these situations, it’s his parents that are holding him back- in the second, it’s a little harder, but, ultimately, he’s still inspired to do the right thing, he just needed a little reassurance from katara. a large part of his idolization of his father is also shown to come from his admiration in still fighting while outnumbered, even if they did all get taken away in the end. case in point, this, paired with admiration of his father’s and katara’s rebellious actions, it would make sense, then, that he would probably view jet in the same light, and, perhaps, even wish that he’d be brave enough to do what jet is doing- being an active rebel making an impact, rather than his greatest rebellion being still in the village as an earthbender.

finally, jet doesn’t have a proper support system, while haru does, sort of. jet has an echo chamber- given his situation, his hatred of the fire nation makes sense when you realize that he’s surrounded by people who have been nothing but hurt by the fire nation. of course hearing stories of being hurt over and over would do something to him, and make him fail to distinguish individuality in favor of just attacking everything fire nation. you could argue that his friends at least tried to show him that he was wrong in ba sing se, however, he was most definitely going through an episode, which, of course, would cloud his judgement heavily, and, again, they are still a part of that echo chamber. haru, meanwhile, at least still has his mom, though she’s shown to not be the greatest in terms of sticking it to the fire nation, instead, remaining complacent and still paying the soldiers that just threatened to burn down her shop. not saying she shouldn’t have, and should’ve faced the consequences- just saying there’s probably a reason why haru admires and talks so much about his dad compared to his mom, who doesn’t even have a name. haru, at least, has someone to reference for what’s right- a parental figure. jet lacks this, as, instead, he is the parental figure- a large majority of his personality appears to be the way that it is because he has so many people looking up to him, and he knows this, quite possibly emulating and coming off as “cool and collected” because of it, rather than him doing it on purpose.

to conclude, if these two interacted, they would have a surprising amount of commonality, as well as interesting differences to explore, and i think that it’s fun to think about them interacting some time between jet’s episode and him leaving for ba sing se. after all, their respective places of living are rather close on the map; they definitely could’ve met. plus, i think that someone like haru would be good for jet- he needs someone outside of his echo chamber that knows how to protect themselves so he can really see them as a friend, rather than just an ally, and haru has been shown to be one to give many chances and lend a listening ear if someone really needs it. imagine how cool it would be to see them fighting together, using their own self-taught fighting styles to hold off fire nation soldiers! i think it’d be really neat.

also they could bond over knowing katara and their split interpretations of her; every time katara sees haru again, she runs in for a hug, while jet nearly gets killed on sight by her in ba sing se lmao

#long post #like really long post #jet #jet atla #atla jet #haru #haru atla #atla haru #haru/jet #jetru #ship or friendship i just really like to think about their dynamic okay #character analysis #atla meta #meta #original #harujet

[amixiifish]

Flirting

1. “Hey there, pretty boy,” she says, sliding up to him.

“Uh, thanks? Hi to you too?” Zuko responds uncertainty. Sokka makes an uncomfortable noise in his throat.

“So once you’re done hanging out with your friend,” the girl says, gesturing to Sokka, “wanna come hang out with me?”

Sokka growls but doesn’t say anything. Zuko nods, confused.

“Sure? What’s your name?” He asks as the beta says, “wanna meet at my place?”

“For what?” Zuko asks. Sokka chokes on his laugh- Zuko wasn’t that dense, was he?

The woman blinks.

“Um, are you serious right now?” she asks.

“Yeah. I’m not sure what’s happening?” Zuko trails off, looking at Sokka for help.

Sokka pulls Zuko into a possessive kiss, startling the omega.

The woman looks shocked. Then smirks. “I’m ok with a threesome. Especially with an alpha that nice.”

“I’m not,” Sokka deadpans.

“What was that about?” Zuko asks Sokka.

Sokka sighs. “Nothing, darling. Just pay attention to people like that and call me or Jet when that happens, ok.”

Zuko blinks. “It’s gonna happen again?”

“With you looking so fucking good, most likely,” Sokka purrs, grabbing Zuko’s and pulling him flush against him.

“But what does that have to do with-” Zuko says, soon cut off by a kiss. He melts into it.

2. Jet and Zuko were in line at the grocery store. They put their groceries on the conveyor belt and Zuko sees a man helping them. He isn’t wearing one of the workers' uniforms, so Zuko asks him what he’s doing.

“Well, such a beautiful omega shouldn’t have to do work by himself,” the man says, smirking slightly.

“I’m not doing it by myself? My boyfriend is here with me?” Zuko says. Jet smiles.

“Pah! Him? You could do so much better than that beta. Why don’t you come with me back to my place after we’re done here, and I can show you some… high quality.” Jet bristles, and is about to exclaim, but Zuko gives him a look.

“I’m good thanks. My alpha is waiting at home and I’d rather not keep him waiting. Bye.” Zuko says, voice absolute ice.

The alpha scoffs. “Whatever.”

Jet remains calm all the way home, but snaps the second they step into their house.

He slams Zuko into the wall, hands in a bruising grip on his ribs. Zuko lets put a strangled plea of “Jet” as Jet bites hard on Zuko’s mating bite.

“Fucking idiot doesn’t realize that alphas aren’t the only dominant ones.” Jet snarled into Zuko’s neck.

Zuko calms him down by releasing a calming scent to soothe the beta.

“Better?” he asks, after the curl up on the couch, Jet’s head on his lap.

“Hmm.” Jet hums, liking how warm the omega felt under him.

3. The next time it happened was at a party- but to be fair, everyone was already hammered. Zuko was only tipsy, and he watched as his boyfriends danced drunkenly. A petite girl comes up to him and wraps her arms around his torso.

“Um,” he says, trying to pry her arms off of him, “would you mind getting off of me?”

“Oh, but you’re such a pretty little omega!” she coos at him. She releases strong pheromones of lust and affection. Sokka angrily stalks over.

“He’s my omega,” he growls at her. She doesn’t take the hint, merely holding him tighter. Another girl sways over to them, though not as drunk as the first one.

“Amelia, come on! Are you cheating on me?” She asks the first alpha girl. She snaps out of her drunken trance and looks at the beta.

“Lilyyyyy!!!!!” She lets go of Zuko straight away and practically jumps into the arms of the other girl. Sokka hugs Zuko and he hugs back, slightly confused.

“I love you,” Sokka says, nuzzling at his mark on Zuko’s neck. Despite the alcohol in his breath, Zuko smiles back at him.

“Love you too.”

4. Zuko’s back is shoved against a wall, and the alpha leers at him.

“Please, don’t hurt me,” he whimpers to the man towering above him.

“Hurt you?” He smirks, “I’m not going to hurt you. Just show you what it’s like to have a good time.”

Zuko glances around for help, and starts to cry out when he sees a familiar flash of jet-black hair. The whole thing plays out in slow motion for him- Jet sends a flying punch at the man while Zuko knees him in the balls. The alpha reaches down to cover his nether regions and Jet roundhouse kicks him in the face. He soon grabs Zuko’s hands and then both of them are running. Zuko makes the mistake of turning back- the huge man is running close behind them.

Zuko faces him fully (running backwards) and throws him two double fingers. Jet laughs beside him, and they outrun him. Panting, they stop outside their apartment complex.

“Damn. That was crazy,” Zuko says, grabbing Jet’s water bottle. He takes a swig then passes it back to his boyfriend.

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Jet says after drinking. “I left you for literally ten seconds and you’re being seduced by an alpha. God, Zuko,” he says, shaking his head.

“What am I going to do with you?”

“Kiss me, perhaps?” Zuko responds, smirking slightly. Jet leans in.

5. “Hey there, pretty boy,” a beta boy says to him. Zuko moves away.

He slides closer to Zuko. “C’mon, don’t play hard to get. Not like anyone else is gonna give you a second look with that scar.”

Zuko blanches. Before he can say anything, Sokka and Jet walk behind him.

Sokka pulls Zuko against his chest and Jet presses a kiss to his mating mark on Zuko’s shoulder.

“Oh but they did. That’s because they didn’t want to end up with shit like you. Fuck off.” Sokka snarled.

“Take it easy man. It’s no big deal.” The beta huffs but walks away nonetheless.

“What a dick,” Jet mutters.

“I’m pretty sure he was trying to put it in me, too,” Zuko agreed.

That pulls a startled laugh from Sokka and a look of amusement from Jet.

“Nice to see your humor back in action,” Sokka teased.

“What humor?” Zuko deadpans.

Jet laughs and they enjoy the rest of their evening.

+1 “Well… I guess you have to kiss me, right?” Mai says uncomfortably as they look up to see the mistletoe hanging over their heads.

“I won’t if you don’t want to,” Zuko says sincerely. The two of them had dated when they were in their straight phase, and they had split on relatively good terms.

She glances away. “But what if I want to?” She asks him shyly. Zuko flushes, embarrassed. He looks to the other side, where Katara and Aang were sitting. Help me, he mouths to them, but they snicker at him and turn away.

“Well, uh, we could, I guess,” he says awkwardly. He glances at Toph and Haru, who also laugh slightly behind their cups of eggnog. She leans in, and he backs away.

“Sorry! I just realized that I’m gay as fuck, sorry!” He says sprinting away to Jet, who was closest to him.

Toph was wheezing and to everyone’s surprise, Mai was smirking.

“Aw, man! Zuko, couldn’t you have waited for two days to come out? Now I owe Mai 20 bucks.” Ty Lee whined.

Zuko’s jaw dropped.

Mai just faux sighed and said with mock disappointment dripping from each word. “How sad. I was totally looking forward to that kiss.”

“I thought we were friends,” Zuko pouted, and Jet hugs him from behind as comfort.

“We are. You were going to make me lose 20 dollars and that simply wasn’t acceptable,” Mai said, flipping her hair to walk over to Ty Lee and Teo who were drinking punch near the speakers.

“The nerve!” Zuko sputtered.

“Oh, she cares about your love life. What a bitch,” Toph drawled.

“What love life?” Katara said. Haru snickered and Aang muffled his laugh in his cup.

“Nice one, Sweetness. Gonna have to keep that one in mind.” Toph said.

Sokka laughed on the couch. He pulls Zuko by the wrist next to him.

They keep talking until everyone trickles out slowly.

Mai stays for a minute.

“If you hurt him, I know how to kill someone 37 different ways with just a bobby pin. And I can load a sniper rifle in less than 3 seconds, don’t test me,” Mai said to Sokka and Jet who had both turned pale.

“Hurt who?” Zuko asked.

“Fucking idiot, I can’t even-” Mai muttered her whole way out.

“Well, I should leave too. It’s getting late and-” Zuko starts but is pulled down by Jet on the couch when he stands to leave.

“Stay,” he insists.

“Why?” Zuko asks.

Sokka smiles.

“This is why.”

Before Zuko can process what’s happening, Sokka pulls him down into a kiss.

That was, by far, Zuko's favorite Christmas.

#atla #omegaverse #jetokko #fluff #modern au

[qveensbury]

return to sender; ch. 2

i said February lol here y’all go

 AO3;     zutara week 2019

to all the boys i’ve loved before AU — ch. 1

“Is this a bad time?”

Zuko stared at Katara.

“No…”

“You look distraught.” She sat at the counter and leaned her cheek against her palm.

“After the day I had, who wouldn’t be.”

“Well, I wanted to talk to you about today. Is that okay? Do you want to head to the patio in the back? Your uncle said it was a good place to talk.”

“Uh, sure.” He stood up and walked out from behind the counter. “Is everything okay?”

“Yea.”

The creakiness of Katara’s voice raised Zuko’s eyebrow.

“Are you sure?” Zuko sat in a chair.

Katara sat across from him. “Positive.” She tapped her fingers together. “A little known fact about me is that I am petty.”

Zuko crossed his arms. He thought of his sister and wondered what storms Katara hid. “Ok.”

“So, when Suki sent me a screenshot of Jet’s subtweets freaking out about us in the library, I just got a little happy.” Katara took in Zuko’s raised eyebrows and scoffed. “What is he gonna do? Dump me again?”

Zuko realized the storm was larger than he’d imagine. “You wanted to tell me we pissed Jet off?“

“No, I’m wondering if you’re interested in continuing to piss him off.”

Zuko frowned. “How?”

“The one thing you never want to do is show someone how to push your buttons. Jet just gave us a YouTube tutorial. He realizes it was a mistake to dump me. And the thought of me moving on is driving him crazy. I think it’s only fair to mess with him a little. He was a royal jerk. You know that better than anyone.”

“He is.”

“So are you interested in being my fake boyfriend just until Jet apologized for being a horrible human being.”

“That could take a while.”

“Jet can be pretty contrite when I’m involved.”

Zuko felt his eyebrows furrow. After the day I’ve had, the last thing I need is another ball to juggle on top of Je—

“And wouldn’t this temporarily solve the Jin situation? It didn’t look like you were too excited to talk to her about your letter.” Katara folded her hands under her chin and leaned her elbows on the table. “You don’t have much to lose.”

Zuko pursed his lips. A fake relationship seemed so over the top. “What would it look like?”

“Well,  we’d pretend to be a couple. We’ll say we started dating after you sent me your letter. We’ll go to parties and school events together. I can come to any theatre shows you have. We’ll hold hands—Jet hated it. It can be a win-win.” Katara’s eyes were sparkling.

“I don’t know.”

How many chances would he get to piss off Jet like this?

Katara hummed. “You don’t have to answer right now. Just think about it? Here let me give you my number.”

“Are there any other rules we should have in place?” Zuko handed his phone to Katara.

“Don’t fall in love with me, Ryuku,” Katara winked.

Yea, that’d be a bad idea.

“Here lemme walk you back.” Katara stood up.

Zuko followed her to the cafe. He saw a familiar ponytail and froze. He grabbed Katara’s arm before she could step in the cafe.

“Actually Katara, let’s do it.”

“Really?”

“Yea.” Zuko glanced above Katara before looking back at her. “Yes.”

She squealed before throwing her arms around his neck.

Zuko took a step back to steady himself, wrapping his arm around her. He saw Jin. She blinked and pivoted out of the cafe.

* * *

Katara stepped out of Zuko’s car.

“You’re supposed to let me open the door for you.”

Katara raised an eyebrow at him before glancing to the side. She turned to Zuko and beamed. “Sorry. It’ll be nice getting used to dating a gentlemen.”

Zuko turned and saw Jet. He took a deep breath and let it out. “Ready to go to class?”

“Yup!” Katara skipped around the car and took Zuko’s hand. She pulled out her phone. “Quick picture?”

Zuko nodded, a blush taking over his cheeks. He leaned towards her as she took the photo.

The relationship reminded Zuko of a bubble. It was pretty. But, he knew it wouldn’t last long.

* * *

“Ryuku,” preceded an arm being flung around Zuko’s shoulder. “What’s up?”

“Gas prices, Jet.”

Jet chuckled. “Always the killjoy, huh, Ryuku? Saw you with Katara this morning. What’s that about?”

“We’re dating. I wrote her a letter and the feeling was mutual.”

“I knew you had a thing for her,” Jet said dropping his voice menacingly low. Zuko knocked Jet’s arm away. “And yet, I never ruined your chances with Katara. You managed to do that all on your own.”

* * *

Katara scanned Zuko’s face. “Are you okay?”

“I saw Jet and—”

“What did he say?”

“He wasn’t thrilled we’re dating.”

Katara rolled her eyes. “His problem.” She stuck her hand out. “Are you ready?” She smiled.

Zuko reluctantly smiled back. He took her hand. “Lead the way.”

“This is Zuko, my boyfriend.”

In turn, Katara introduced her friends so quickly Zuko didn’t catch the names. He started to ask for them to say their names again.

But, one of the girls started talking.

Zuko sighed, hoping someone would say a name so he could start to memorize them. But he only heard Iri and Haru’s names.

At the end of lunch, Haru extended a fist towards Zuko. “Zuko, nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you,” he returned the fist bump.

“You have to be at my Halloween party.”

Zuko smiled. “Sure.”

Katara stood beside Haru. “Yay!” She shook her fists in a cheer. “We should have a couples’ costume.”

Zuko looked at the ceiling, raising his eyebrows. “I’m happy to hear ideas.”

Katara giggled. “Perfect.”

+

Zuko watched Katara take the ball back from a defender and lead the attack on the other side.

“Your girlfriend is great.”

“I don’t know that much about soccer.” Zuko turned to Mai.

Sitting besides him, she scoffed. “You’re supposed to say ‘she is.’ You’re terrible at this. How did you two start dating again?”

“Uh, Katara got a letter and we realized the feeling was mutual.”

“Mhm,” Mai watched as the other team started their counter.

Ty Lee stood in the goal, shouting instructions to the defense. “Romantic.”

“How did you and Ty Lee start dating?”

“We were friends and one day Ty Lee asked me if I liked girls. Sometimes, it feels like I was just waiting for someone to notice…I’m glad it was her. She asked me out and we’ve been together ever since.”

“That’s sweet.”

“Pay attention to the game Zuko.”

The referee on the field blew the final whistle.

“Well,” Mai stood up. “I’m gonna wait in my car for Ty Lee. Later Zuko.”

“Later Mai.”

Zuko looked at the field. The players circled around their coach. She talked for several minutes before clapping. The girls got up and started running around the field putting things away—the flags, the cooler, the soccer balls.

Katara looked at the bleachers and waved at Zuko. She raised her pointer finger.  Give me a minute.

Leaning back, Zuko nodded.

This time Katara walked out from the gym and waved again, beckoning Zuko to join her.

“Thanks for coming out.”

“Of course.”

Katara pulled out her phone. “C’mhere.”

Zuko shuffled towards her.

She turned as he stood behind her. She extended her arm before tutting.

“Can you talk the picture? My arm is too short.”

Zuko took the phone and angled the camera to capture both of them.

“Perfect.” Katara smiled, leaning back against him. “Cheese!”

Zuko smiled and took the photo.

Satisfied with the photo, Katara smiled at Zuko. “What a great way to end the day!”

Zuko’s heart fluttered. “Yea.”

+

After Zuko dropped her home, he stared at the photo Katara tagged him in. The sun had just begun to set when he took the picture and it brought out the gold in his eyes and made Katara’s skin glow.

They looked…good together. Like a natural couple.

Katara’s caption—soccer husbands of Republic City—made him chuckle.

Katara’s having too much fun with this.

+

“So you’re the guy who’s been dating my sister?” Sokka used a toothpaste to clean his teeth.

“Yes.” Zuko sat opposite Sokka waiting for him to say something.

Sokka was home on break from the magnet school he went to. The school was on the other side of the county so Sokka stayed with his grandmother.

Sweat collected on Zuko’s palms and he wiped them on his pants.

This is just a formality, Ryuku. You need to meet Sokka to keep up appearances and that’s all.

“So, are you a sophomore like Katara?”

“I’m a senior.”

Sokka let out a low whistle. “Way to go, Tara.”

There’s no reason for you to be so nervous.

“What do you do for fun?”

“Fun?”

“Yea. When you’re not at school or work?”

A groove formed in Zuko’s forehead as he tried to recall the last thing he did for fun.

Sokka snorted. “Oh boy. You’re definitely meant for my sister.”

“No! I mean I train at the dojo.”

“And, is your brain completely off?”

The groove grew deeper. “No.”

“Exactly! I have something to introduce you to.” Sokka stood up. “C’mon.” He led Zuko into his room, “Sit,” Sokka said, pointing to a beanbag.

Zuko did, watching Sokka turn on a small tv and the game console next to it.

“We’re gonna play some video games. You need to get a hobby.”

“Uh,” Zuko accepted the controller from Sokka. “Ok.”

“We need to avoid the guards and save the princess.”

“So, I shouldn’t try to think of how to save the princess?”

“Shh. It’s a different part of the brain.”

The game music filled the silence.

“This is going pretty well,” Sokka mumbled.

“Watch out!”

The defeated score played.

“Ugh! Let’s try it again.” Sokka reset the game.

Zuko let his shoulders drop. His brain needed the break. Even though it sounded like a hasty excuse, Sokka was right: the video game felt like a different part of his brain.

“Are you two done in here?”

Zuko looked away for a moment.

“Zuko, look out!”

Turning back too late, a guard captured Zuko’s game sprite.

“Sorry,” Katara sat on Sokka’s bed in between the two of them.

The tiny growl in Sokka’s throat suggested disbelief. “What do you want?”

“Zuko and I were gonna go study.”

“You said he’s like a star student and so are you. Let him goof off once in a while.”

Katara pouted.

Placing his controller down, Zuko turned to Sokka, “Thanks, Sokka. I had fun.”

“Katara gets everyone to do what she wants,” Sokka leaned back against the wall.

Although he could see the expression on Katara’s face, he knew she was either smirking or sticking her tongue out at her brother.

“Fine. I’ll let you kids study. Next time I’m in town we’ll try the new game I got last week.”

“Oh bubby,” Katara used a baby talk tone. “Let’s take a picture.” Katara placed an arm around Sokka’s neck. “Zuko you too.” She handed her phone to Sokka and put her other arm around Zuko’s shoulders. “My two favorite boys.”

“Ooh. How cute,” Sokka mocked. “Smile!”

+

Zuko was unsure if knowing Katara would visit was contributing to his nerves or bringing them down.

Their high school put on a renaissance fair every year instead of the usual homecoming fair. An alumni helped with the alehouse and the theatre program supplied actors around the grounds for an authentic experience.

“Hey you!” Katara waved. “Earl of the Pearl manor, correct?”

“Yes,” Zuko smirked, “how can I be of service?”

“The show starts in an hour, right?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Good. Can’t wait to see you perform,” Katara smiled. “Sorry, outsell!”

Zuko felt his chest grow light.

“Can we take a picture?” She brandished her phone.

“Is that a new case?” He whispered, breaking character.

Katara blinked, “Yea.”

“It suits you.” He took the phone from her hands and raised it to take the picture.

The fruit from Katara’s shampoo signaled she was getting closer to him. She pressed her head under his chin.

Zuko’s heart stuttered.

“Smile,” she giggled.

He listened.

After Zuko handed her phone back, she cooed looking at her phone. “That reminds me. I found a couple’s outfit that should be perfect for Haru’s party. For someone in the theatrical arts, you’d think you’d be more into costumes. But! This should work,” she turned her phone to show the picture to Zuko. “Your costume will be a lot simpler than mine and we’ll have plenty of time to put it all together. What do you think?”

Zuko rubbed the back of his neck. “Yea. That could work.”

“Don’t forget we’ll all be in costume. And, besides you’ll be with me,” Katara winked.

Before he could stop himself, he was smiling. “Okay.”

“Break a leg, Zuko! Can’t wait to see you in action.”

+

“What are you wearing Jake from State Farm?” Katara giggled.

Zuko snorted, finding her laughter funnier than the joke she was repeating since he picked her up. Pulling into a parking spot, he shut the engine off.

Clicking her tongue, she showed him the poll results on her Instagram story. “No fair! People think you’d give better insurance than I would.”

The photo Katara’s dad took of them served as the background to the poll Katara described.

“Maybe pointing the price gun at the camera wasn’t the best idea.”

Katara pointed, looking down at it, ”Sokka worked hard on this.”

“He did, but it might not be the best PR strategy.”

“Well, what do you know?”

“Enough to beat you in the polls.”

Katara hmpfed. “Obviously, it’s because you’re cute.”

Zuko froze. “Huh?”

“Don’t try to fish for compliments Ry—“ She blinked at him. “Oh, you’re serious. Zuko you do know you’re handsome right?”

“I, um,” facing the steering wheel, he struggled to pull the key out of the ignition. “Someone may have mentioned it.”

“But, do you believe it?”

He shrugged, before finally freeing the key.

“You should. You’re very handsome.”

The keys bit into his palm. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome!”

“Well, uh, we should go inside.”

Before Zuko could knock on the front door. Katara tugged on his hand. “First, the doors always unlocked. No need to announce yourself. Second, this light is perfect. We should take a quick picture.” She handed him her phone.

At least she didn’t ask me if this was my first high school party. Zuko extended his arm to take the photo.

“You’re getting much better at this!” Katara cooed after she reviewed the picture. “Okay let’s go.” Pushing the door open, she put her phone in her apron and took his hand to lead him inside.

“Zuko! Katara! You made it!” Haru grew out a mustache to complete his pirate costume.

He embraced Katara before giving Zuko a fist bump. A beat later, he laughed. “Nice. If anyone needs insurance, talk to these.

Katara squeezed Zuko’s hand. “Aren’t we so cute?”

“You don’t really give us a moment to forget, Katara.”

The smirk on her face probably meant something different to Haru than it did to Zuko.

It wasn’t flirty or cheeky. That smirk said our ploy is working.

And, that bothered him.

“Let’s get some snacks,” she tugged him towards the kitchen.

When she saw Katara, Haru’s mom’s face brightened. “How are you, my dear?”

“Good!” Katara let go of Zuko’s hand to hug her. “This is my boyfriend Zuko.”

“Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“Nice to meet you.” Haru’s mom turned to Katara winking. “He’s polite.”

She giggled, “Stop it. Don’t be embarrassing. We’re just getting some snacks.” The handful of candy Katara took wouldn’t hold her for very long but Zuko didn’t point it out.

“Are you gonna get anything?” Katara asked Zuko, eating a gummy worm.

He shook his head.

“Are you ready to explore?” Katara put the price gun under her arm and placed her hand in his.”

“S-sure.”

She smiled, leading him through the Prakoso house.

It all felt nice. And, Zuko was sure it looked nice, too. The picture of the two of them holding hands, matching costumes, having side conversations.

It would look good until you got too close.

Like fake flowers.

“Ugh, I’d kill to have a relationship like yours. You two are like couple goals.” Pearlista said before wandering off.

“Yea, except it’s fake,” Zuko mumbled.

Katara stiffened.

Crap.

Holding his breath, Zuko let his hand go slack in Katara’s.

“Zuko, I—“

“Hey! Haru wants every one to take a group photo.”

“We should go,” Zuko tugged on Katara’s hand towards where their classmate pointed.

She didn’t protest, letting him lead her.

Every time Katara tried to start a conversation, Zuko blurted something out to steer it away from what he said.

After the photo.

During the pumpkin carving.

And, the dance-off.

“I’m gonna go use the restroom. Can you hold this?” Katara handed the price gun to Zuko.

“Sure.”

“Be right back.”

Katara didn’t squeeze his hand or his face. She didn’t even wink.

Oh no.

Fiddling with the prop, Zuko sighed.

I wonder if she’s mad.

The bass of the music swallowed his tiny groan.

I’m being sucha downer maybe that’s why she left.

Zuko ruffled the back of his head.

Agni, I’m the worst. I should go tell her I didn’t mean it.

His heartbeat was a little faster as he walked around looking for Katara. Spotting her white headband, he walked towards her.

“Ka—“

Zuko’s stomach clenched.

Back against the wall, Katara’s arms were crossed.

Jet leaned over her, talking into her ear. Their body language reflected years of comfort and familiarity Zuko and Katara still hadn’t achieved.

There was another smirk on Katara’s face. She opened her mouth to say something when she saw Zuko. She pushed past Jet, shoving his shoulder away from her.

“Zuko, I—“

“Katara,” Jet called for her.

“I’m ready to go home. Please. If that’s ok.”

“Yea. Totally.”

She took his hand and sighed.

“C’mon.”

Zuko wanted to bring it up. It—his comment or Katara and Jet.

Of course, he knew their relationship was a set-up and eventually Katara would end up back with Jet. That was the plan.

But, Zuko drank the kool-aid Katara was serving.

They were cute together.

And he liked being with her.

He liked her.

Maybe Zuko never stopped liking her?

Why am I so shaken up by the two of them together?

He pulled up in front of her house.

“I had a lot of fun tonight.” Katara looked at Zuko.

“Good. Yea.”

Katara paused. “Thanks for the ride. Good night Zuko.”

“Good night Katara.”

What if Jet was apologizing to Katara?

What if she wanted him back?

What if that meant we’re through?

A sharp pain camped in his chest.

Jet looked like he belongs next to Katara. When have I ever felt that way?

Zuko stared at his bedroom ceiling.

The whole relationship’s fake.

Why is it such a surprise?

Somewhere along the way, the bubble had become solid. Fantasy is incompatible with reality.

Bubbles pop.

Solid things shatter.

A/N: uh khakis?

#Zutara week #zutara week 2019 #zutara fanfiction #atla #alta au #zutara AU #day three; shattered #return to sender; tatbilb AU #zkweek2019

[middleofnowhere92]

Ranking all ATLA Villains/Antagonists from worst to best (by someone who loves villains)

This post was inspired by this ask 

Warning: I swear quite a bit in this post and I’m a dumbass, not an ATLA scholar, so take this with a grain of salt. Also I have no idea wtf my ranking criteria was. I assigned arbitrary and meaningless points like Dumbledore giving all the points to Gryffindor at the end of the year. 

Iroh

 I have a secret for you...Iroh is an antagonist.... Say it with me... Iroh is an antagonist. For the people in the back, IROH IS AN ANTAGONIST. He’s not particularly good at at it, but he belongs on this list. Primary reason being, his siege on Ba Sing Se, which was a major battle in the 100 year war and all the other things he did in the war to become a general. If he was good at being a villain, he would at least have the decency to conquer the city, but as Ozai points out, Iroh excels at tea and failure. When we see Iroh in Book 1, He’s a very chill antagonist for the same reason a lot of our other antagonists are (June, the Yuyan Archers, Combustion man etc)-they are helping a villain achieve their goal. In Iroh’s case, he does help Zuko in many ways ( like sneaking him onto Zhao’s ship) and these in turn help Zuko get closer to his goal of capturing Aang. I love Iroh as a character, but he’s not good at being an antagonist, which is why he is ranked the worst. 

Circus Trainer

This man is straight up, evil. I like villains, but I do not like this man. He’s cruel and not in a fun way, which is why he’s near the bottom of the list. The whole point of being a villain is to be cool and do bad things, but he’s not even a little fun to watch. He’s the least interesting to look at... 

Yon Rha

This man is a coward. Like how did he lead the Southern Raiders? He went soft when he got old. He was more savage back in the day. Like this man is a firebender, but he cowers from Zuko before Katara even pops up. He needs to grow a pair. Like Katara said man is pa-thet-ic. 

The Rough Rhinos (ignoring the comics)

They get points for creating my favorite antagonist, Jet. But the first time we see these clowns in the show, the gang just rides away on Appa, easily avoiding them. And then the gang easily defeats them in their next run in. These clowns are good at destroying things, but not really fighting or pursuing others. 

Ozai

I expected more from this man. He was hyped up for three seasons and I just didn’t feel like he was smart enough to be the bad guy for the whole ass show.  The man clearly doesn’t think for himself or show up throughout the series doing  menacing things. The final agni kai overshadowed Ozai and Aang’s showdown. That’s the theme, Azula outshines a grown man as the star villain of the show. He does get some points for his fashion and flair for the dramatic. 

Mai's Uncle (Boiling Rock Warden)

This man, is a dumbass with the reflexes of a sloth. Suki overpowered him in 2 seconds flat. How is this grown man getting defeated by a little nugget like Suki? She was only holding his wrist. He could have just kicked her? Like you are a prison warden, look alive man! And he should have captured Zuko’s little ass and sent him right over to Ozai to get some street cred, but instead he just gets pissed cause Zuko broke up with Mai? First lesson in being a villain/antagonist- power over everything (including family). He does get points for ordering them to cut the line. That’s straight savage. 

Xin Fu and Yu

Toph gets it right, these are two dunderheads. How did they not hear Toph bending metal? They react almost as slowly as the Boiling Rock Warden, letting Toph easily overtake them. They are two skilled benders and they didn’t even stand a chance. 

General Fong

This man gets points for being a bat shit crazy. And I think he’s one of the first non fire nation antagonists we see in the show, so points for him. He’s an underrated antagonist. He does cool bending and his emotional manipulation to get Aang into the Avatar state is A+ villain work. 

Azulon

Azulon gets villain points for keeping the war going. He didn’t fuck it up like Ozai. But Azulon gets his villainness handed to him on a platter, he didn’t really do much, besides maintain status quo. We do get the scene where Ozai asks for the throne. But I don’t think Azulon assumed Ozai was going to kill Zuko. Azulon was trying to make a point, that Ozai’s request was absurd, but he obviously didn’t know Ozai well enough...

Koh

Koh almost didn’t make the list. I don’t really consider him to be an antagonist. Aang came to him asking for information and Koh was trying to do what he does..steal faces. He was just vibing. I included him on this list, because he antagonized us (the viewers). Dude is easily the most terrifying part of the show. 

Ghashiun

He muzzled Appa! He’s not ranked high on this list, because he didn’t know Appa was Aang’s so he wasn’t intentionally trying to fuck with the Avatar. I do like the sandbenders as a whole. They just run around causing chaos with their cool bending. This character, however, loses points, because when he is confronted about stealing Appa, he gets defensive and tries to lie. If you do something bad, at least have the balls to own up to it. 

Wan Shi Tong

Gets points for his flair for the dramatic a la Ozai. I did like Wan Shi Tong’s logic around not giving the gaang information: “You think you're the first person to believe their war was justified?!” He had more brain cells than some of our other villains/antagonists, but was also dumb too? Sokka pretty easily outsmarted him. This Spirit has been alive forever, he shouldn’t be outsmarted by a child. 

The Old Man

Oooof. I almost put him in the number one spot tbh. He did us and Haru so dirty. Like he could have died,but he turned in the person that saved him??? He gets points for shock value and pettiness. I personally think Jet should take him out...

June

June gets points for being a bad bitch. I like her vibe. She’ll do anything as long as you’re paying her the right price and I can respect that. She isn’t higher on the list, because she is executing someone else’s plan, not her own. 

The Yuyan Archers

Speaking of bad bitches, the Yuyan Archers are so cool and I wish they got more screen time! We see very few antagonists that can keep up with Aang the way that this group does. They add a bit of spice and a different flavor to what we know about Fire Nation fighting styles, which I approve of. I hope we see more of them in future ATLA projects. They aren’t higher up, because they are still doing someone else’s bidding. If they had their own leader and their own agenda, that would be some cool shit. 

Combustion Man

This man gets points for giving the gaang a lot of trouble. As viewers, we really worry about whether they will be able to defeat him. I like that he has a different style of bending, which in and of itself is terrifying. He still doesn’t make it up higher on the list, because he’s still doing someone else’s (Zuko’s) bidding.

Rig Warden

On second thought, I may have him ranked a little too high. But oh well, fuck it. He gets many many points for being voiced by George Takei. This man also gets points for having general villain swag. He is sassy and I am here for it. He’s highly effective at crushing the souls of the Earthbenders on the rig. Also, he does not stutter when Haru throws those rocks at him.Came at him full force which is what all the other himbos on this list should have been doing when these children played them! He outright told Katara he was gonna kill her “You’re one mistake away from dying where you stand.” Loses points for begging as he’s dragged off the rig. Go down with some dignity!

The Southern Raiders

So the Southern Raiders get ranked separately from Yon Rha, because he led them towards the end of their conquest. I think they started under Sozin’s reign. This group gets ranked fairly high, because they were very effective at their task. They came, they saw, they decimated-leaving the SWT defenseless and barely able to sustain itself. 

Mai

I like Mai and wish I could rank her higher. I like her knives, they are very cool form of defense that was unique to her. I also love how she just immediately flung arrows at Aang, no hesitation. She does get style points, her aesthetic is everything. Her one liners are pretty funny, “You’re so colorful, you’re making me nauseous.”  She lacks in her commitment. Anytime anything inconveniences her she’s just like eh, no thanks. Hardcore antagonists need to be have some dedication to their cause, which Mai does not.  I feel like she would eventually run out of weapons in a longer battle, which would be a big issue for her. 

Long Feng

Gets instant points for villain swag, creepy vibe and sass. This man kept news of a whole war from Ba Sing Se, even though the city was filled with refugees? Long Feng had his work cut out for him. He loses points, because he lets the children get away with too much. He should have locked down Aaang and co immediately, because they were trouble as soon as they rolled up. Also, he should have fought Azula. He let a fourteen year old take his whole career away. He was never even a player.

Sozin

Sozin gets a  large amount of hypothetical points from being the one to start it all. He’s the one who initiated the 100 year war. He did not play around. He used that comet to its maximum potential. Also he has a dragon, which is fucking cool. He gets bad bitch points for leaving Roku on the exploding island. Like that’s a power move right there. He wiped out the air nomads and invaded the Southern Water Tribe, which is why his successors  are ranked much lower on the list. They really didn’t do shit.

Hama

Gets points for being a waterbender, which is something cool that we hadn’t seen in a villain yet. She also gets points for executing her own deranged agenda. I would love to see her and Jet link up, cause that would have been chaos. She also gets heaps of points for inventing bloodbending. Many of the villains of this list can barely think and homegirl has big brain energy. She is cunning and quick, like when she utilizes Sokka and Aang to attack Katara. I like her general bruja (witch) vibes. She gets more points because she does not motherfucking stutter when Katara figures her out, she just starts bloodbending immediately. She really enjoys her power and I can’t blame her for it. She’s a baddie and she knows it. More points for Hama, because she gets Katara to carry on her legacy (whether she wants to or not) and goes off to jail with her dignity. She’s an all-star villain and I love to see it. She loses a few points, because her bloodbending is limited to the full moon, but she still has her waterbending which is terrifying enough...

Dai Li

Like the rig warden, I probably ranked these himbos too high, but I love them as henchmen. Their bending is amazing, they are sneaky and they can brainwash you? Like fuck me up man. They really are just a joy to watch and their betrayal of Long Feng is so unexpected. This group really creates the creepy/ominous aesthetic the creators were going for in Ba Sing Se. Don’t think their bending is good? They one upped Toph and almost had her, but Jet saved her at the last second. 

Zhao

I feel like Zhao’s characterization is inconsistent (sometimes he has a bad temper, sometimes he doesn’t?) which makes him hard to rank, but let’s do it anyway. He gets points for being voiced by the guy that played Lucius Malfoy, like yaaas work that Slytherin aesthetic. Gets points for using the Yuyan Archers. Loses a lot of points in his fight with Aang, like that child was obviously baiting him. He has a lot of ambition and actually has to work to his rise to power, which he obviously relishes. He’s the perfect antagonist for Zuko. He accomplished his goal of frying the fish/moon and he actually captures Aang. I think the writers added in his hot temper later on, because they realized he was too competent and had to give him a flaw. 

Zuko

Ohhh my morally confused prince, Where do we even start? Zuko gets a lot of points for his sheer determination. I would love to see an unhinged Zuko without Iroh. Zuko’s tenacity and unpredictability make him a fantastic antagonist. Iroh and Azula try to control Zuko, but they never really know what he’s gonna do next and neither do we as the viewers. He’s near the top of the list, because even with so many struggles he kept Aang on the run for two seasons. I like that he actually struggled to be good. He obviously loses points for joining the good guys, but we still love him. 

Jet

Speaking of morally grey, cue up Jet’s theme music. He gets instant points for swag and cool swords. Like the Yuyan archers, Jet is one of the few antagonists we see that can keep up with Aang. Like Zuko, Jet’s dedication to his cause get him high on this list, because he will defeat the Fire Nation at any cause. The creators lose points for being cowards and killing him off. We saw plenty of other people (Sokka) get hit with similar rocks and not die. Jet is a fantastic antagonist with a backstory that the audience can sympathize with. He loses points for not being more versatile in his tactics. I’ve written more on this here. 

Ty Lee

Katara is terrified of her, do I need to elaborate? Ty Lee by far has the scariest skill set on the show. It’s too easy for people to underestimate her. Katara and Suki make that mistake once and then never do it again. Like Toph, Ty Lee knows to wait for the right time to strike, making her highly effective at taking out our favorite benders and whole groups of benders (The Terra Team). Her betrayal of Azula is ICONIC and unexpected, but as always, Ty Lee knows just the right time to strike. I think Ty and Mai were perfectly capable of getting away at the Boiling Rock and I’m disappointed they were captured so easily. 

Azula

Look down, you’re talking to your highness. Can’t see her? She’s the reason for your blindness. 

To the surprise of absolutely no one, Azula is the baddest bitch in the game. PERIODT. She is ruthless, cunning and powerful. Her lightning bending is at a whole other level. She is the smartest person on this list. She takes Ba Sing Se from the inside out, utilizes the Da Li perfectly and has antagonized Zuko from the beginning. As far as I’m concerned, she was made to be Firelord. 

#atla villains #atla unpopular opinion #unpopular opinion

[loopy777]

if you were asked to make a full(the usual three seasons) retelling of the canon timeline(aang wakes up before the comet) with Aang x Mai as the main couple, how would you do it?

Well, there’s a reason I do most of my crackship writing in AU’s and not canon-divergence. It’s really tough to pull off for anything but side characters, at least if the integrity of the earlier foreshadowing is respected. Like, sure, it’s entirely possible to write a believable and good Zutara story that diverges between Books 2 and 3, but I have never encountered one that accounts for the fact that when Aang wakes up in the first episode, he sees Katara above him with an angelic framing. Yes, the stories deal with Aang’s attraction to Katara, but not the importance the cartoon placed on his falling for her.

Which, I rush to point out, is fine. Most people don’t care. I’m just annoyed by that type of thing. When I diverge from canon, I feel the need to pay off on every prominent Chekov’s Gun in a way that corresponds to the weight of the foreshadowing.

(For those who clicked that link, note that my own storytelling preferences fall somewhere between the views of Chekov and Hemingway.)

So, to set up Aang and Mai, I’d have to start before Mai’s introduction, in the finale of Book Water.

Something would have to be added to those events to alter the story arc of Kataang. I don’t feel the need to eliminate Kataang entirely, because Katara should be important to Aang, and I like the idea of the kids figuring out what that importance is. So the Siege of the North in some way makes Katara step back from her revelation that Aang might be her predicted husband, and I think Aang should be aware of this. He could still be in love with Katara, but the season should end with him knowing that Katara isn’t interested, and he needs to deal with that. I still want them to be friends, and I’d leave the events of ‘The Avatar State’ largely unchanged with their interactions.

‘Cave of Two Loves’ is vastly changed, though. Aang discovers the legend of Oma and Shu by himself. Thematically, it would be appropriate to introduce an alternate love interest for Katara, but I’m honestly not sure who to use. Haru bores me. Jet wouldn’t work at all in that episode, and I like his introductory episode so much that I want to keep it the way it is. And I don’t want to just stick her with Zuko. I honestly find it really creepy when people swap lovers, and one-sided Maiko is established in the backstory. Yes, Zuko and Mai weren’t “lovers” as kids, but it’s the same weird mix’n’match dynamic that turns me off.

Maybe I should consider Katara/TyLee again? You know, I can see Ty Lee going on a day-long excursion with some hippies who came by the circus. That might even be a neat twist, where we’re introduced to her as a member of the hippie party, and at the end after she parts from the gAang, we see an epilogue with Azula showing up to recruit her, and we realize she’s one of our new big bads! BOOM!

And Katara discovering that she prefers girls over boys while at the North Pole might be a good way to end Kataang in a suitable way. It might be a bit much to give her a crush on a Waterbender healer girl at the same time that the siege plotline is going on and all the stuff with Sokka and Yue, but I’d be willing to sacrifice The Great Divide to get another episode set at the North Pole.

So, sure, let’s go with that for now.

Mai is introduced in the last scene of the finale of Book Water, similar to Azula, in that we see her arriving in Omashu with her family and there’s a big This Character Will Be Important foreshadowing moment. We don’t get a proper introduction, though, until the Return to Omashu. The episode is largely the same, but during the battle, Mai mainly fights Aang while Azula and Ty Lee fight Sokka and Katara. Everyone is freaked out that the friendly people they met last episode are enemy warriors, but with Azula there, Ty Lee commits (for now) to fighting. Aang takes the time to criticize Mai for calling off the trade for her brother, and she doesn’t feel the need to correct his perception. However, after escaping, Bumi imparts some information that makes Aang reconsider his assessment of her.

So far, I’ve made only small tweaks to things. This is where we diverge heavily.

In the aftermath, Azula has a plan. Mai will ‘escape’ Omashu, with the story that for her failure, she was banished. Or maybe Mai is ‘escaping’ to actually ‘save’ Tom-Tom ‘against’ the Fire Princess’s ‘orders.’ Either way, the idea is that Mai is to embed herself with the escaped Omashu rebels and get information of the Avatar’s plans.

Mai improvises when she literally bumps into the gAang on the way to return Tom-Tom. She claims that she will take care of her brother and keep him away from Omashu. She even explains that she chose the gAang over Azula for Tom-Tom’s safety. Aang decides that he really was wrong about her and is impressed.

Mai disappears until whatever the equivalent of ‘The Chase’ is. There’s no actual chase, I think, but Azula still tracks the gAang (with TY Lee) and there’s still a big battle at the end where Azula and Zuko and Iroh encounter the gAang (including Toph’s triumphant return) and a huge battle ensues. Eh, maybe there should still be a chase. I dunno. I’m interested in the big arcs, not the little stuff. I’m mainly concerned with the next beat:

Mai arrives in a dramatic moment and joins in the fight near the end.

She’s a full rebel now, here to save the Avatar! Except she’s not, she was watching and waiting until it looked like Azula was going to lose anyway, and then she stepped in to help the gAang and Zuko. Except Mai isn’t really all that undercover, and is fine with saving Zuko!

End result, Zuko diverges from the gAang’s path again, but not before having an encounter with Mai. I think Iroh is still injured here, and Zuko’s behavior – perhaps including throwing fire at Mai – has her reconsidering if he’s the boy she remembers. She escapes with the gAang.

Mai (with Tom-Tom) travels with the gAang from then on as an undercover agent, Traitor’s Face style. Except she’s a more passive infiltrator, and not actively trying to transmit a location to Azula. (There’s no telegraph system in this continuity, alas.) She’s just learning about the enemy, and keeping an eye out for how to best make use of her position. She doesn’t want to just stab Aang and be done with it, because she’s still keeping in mind that Zuko needs the Avatar to end his banishment, and she’s not fully writing him off yet.

Stuff happens, and the gAang (plus Mai and Tom-Tom) get to Ba Sing Se. Stuff happens. and Azula and Ty Lee make their way there. Major goals for this part include giving Katara a chance to having a meaningful encounter with Ty Lee to put doubts about both Azula and the Fire Nation in Ty Lee’s head. Mai also has to deal with Azula calling for some payoff to the infiltration, which ends during the climax with Mai deciding to truly defect. Perhaps Tom-Tom gets left behind with Ba Sing Se falls, but Ty Lee or Zuko ensures that he’s safe from Azula’s wrath.

Book Fire is the Fire Nation infiltration, but now with Mai, and she shows real value in guiding the gAang, but also discovering how messed up Fire Nation life is and how it contributed to her own unhappiness. This is where Aang starts to fall for her, and she in turn NON-ROMANTICALLY comes to really respect him. At some point, Aang pushes for a romantic relationship, and Mai is not interested in a boy three years younger than her at this point, never mind how confused she still is by all the upheaval in her life. Aang is especially frustrated by this after the whole Katara-discovering-that-she’s-gay thing, and doesn’t take it well at first, but that’s for no more than an episode. Aang is a good egg and quickly becomes fine with being just friends.

During the Day of Black Sun, Ty Lee acts to save Mai in some way, and gets captured by Azula. This pays off in the Boiling Rock, where she’s discovered and freed and joins the gAang.

Things largely happen similar to the cartoon from there, but with the epilogue being turned into a distant epilogue, after several years, where the three-year difference between Mai and Aang isn’t as big a deal, and they start a romance. Hooray!

Huh, for something I worked out as I typed, that didn’t end up half-bad. I wouldn’t want to write such a thing, since Traitor’s Face has satisfied my itch for epic MaiAang and I’d rather not be hobbled by the cartoon’s setup. If anyone else wants to take a crack at it, though, feel free!

#maiaang #thekingofwinterblog