#actually come to think of it. if KATARA hadn’t been as mean as she was would I have been obsessed w her as a child? probably not

[comradekatara]

ppl who don’t like azula bc “she’s mean >:(“ baffle me so much. my love for mean women developed at a very early age. as a child, azula would come onscreen, say something cunty, and i’d just black out. that imperious shakespeare villain of an eighth grade bully made me go “AWOOOGA” hearts in my eyes, steam coming outta my ears, drooling a lil, like some kind of misogynist wolf in an MGM cartoon. and don’t even get me started on whenever she fought katara, the OTHER bitch of my dreams!!! it was only a few years later that i was like “oh she’s actually quite tragic…. oh she’s just a scared kid who only wants love….” but there is truly no understating how crucial azula spewing her divine right of kings imperialist bullshit was to my developing sexuality as a child. oh, you don’t appreciate mean women? okay, that’s fine, it just means more for us, the connoisseurs of the world.

#azula #actually come to think of it. if KATARA hadn’t been as mean as she was would I have been obsessed w her as a child? probably not #like being mean + angry + extremely powerful was all it took for me #hence why katara & azula final agni kai genuinely awakened something in me the first time I watched it #also in general I will never understand disliking a character bc they’re ‘mean’ like u do know they’re not real right? they can’t hurt u? #disliking a character for being ANNOYING will always be valid tho. prince wu haters get behind me

[muffinlance]

Fellow Prisoner Li, Part 5: Zuko, Ruiner of Speeches

Read from the beginning || Previous || Read all chapters on AO3

“We can’t leave without Li,” Katara said, and Aang said, and Hama and the other ex-Fire-Nation-prisoners were largely neutral on, but Sokka wasn’t actually arguing that.

“We’ve been here too long,” was what Sokka was arguing. “We are in the middle of the Fire Nation. After breaking into a prison, with our giant recognizable sky bison and our glowing recognizable Avatar. The whole point of coming here was to not be recognized, which now that I think about it, was a planned doomed to fail the second it started with ‘break into a prison’—”

Not that he’d voted for that plan, either. Honestly, that plan seemed custom-built to out themselves immediately. While in a prison designed to hold benders. Which just went to show that Li was not a Plan Guy. And yes, Sokka was just as worried as the rest of them that the firebender had apparently wandered off with no supplies into a forest and not come out in any of the neighboring towns, but— 

“Would you leave me behind?” his little sister said. “Or Aang? Or Hama? Li’s one of us.”

“Yes,” Sokka said. “I mean no. I mean—ugh. He knows where we are. So either he doesn’t want to come back, or someone is stopping him, and the fact he’s held out for days means it would probably be pretty terrible of us to waste his—”

“If you say sacrifice—” Katara said, while Aang was turning a distinct shade of hadn’t-previously-contemplated-torture white. 

Which was, of course, when the Fire Nation troops announced themselves. The inn was surrounded. Appa was groaning under the sudden weight of an iron net. Faceless skull masks stood poised to bend in a double-ring all around them, with… a teenage girl as their leader?

Good evil smirk. 10/10. Sokka really felt the unflappable confidence.

“What have you done to him?” Katara shouted, interrupting a very dramatic monologue about the inevitability of their defeat. 

“Rude,” the girl said. “And unspecific.”

“With Li. Where is he?”

The girl’s eyes skimmed over their little group again. Three children and one elder out front, other elders huddled inside, watching through the upstairs windows. Her eyes narrowed. 

“You misplaced your firebender?”

“Well,” Aang said, clutching his staff in front of himself. “He might have been upset, and… left?”

“Li,” she said, drawing the name out in a very particular way. “Left. Left you. The Avatar.”

“Or,” Katara growled, her glare firmly on the girl, her hand firmly on her waterskin. “He was captured.”

“If he was captured, I would know,” the girl said.

“Because… you are…?” Sokka asked.

10/10 on the I don’t disappoint me, you disappoint me look, too. Which was on her, really, because what had been the point of her whole speech if there was no one here who even knew who she was? And it wasn’t like they should know—

“Princess Azula,” she said. “Daughter of Fire Lord Ozai. Heir to the Dragon Throne.”

And then she snapped her fingers, and started giving orders. Search pattern orders. 

“Find him,” she said.

“Um,” said Aang, holding his staff a little less tightly. “Are you… capturing me?”

The Fire Princess had quite a repertoire of looks. Sokka… did not recognize this one.

“What’s even the point if he’s not here to watch?” she said, and turned her back on them.

She still left the nets on Appa, and enough soldiers to burn the inn if they so much as twitched. Given all the elders inside who could barely walk, much less run…

Team Avatar sat tight. Or, as Sokka preferred to think of it: outsourced their Li-tracking to someone with superior manpower.

#Azula: I had a whole speech and he RUINED IT #I can’t just start again when we find him his little friends would know it was a repeat performance #Do you know what you’ve done Zuzu #You’ve ruined a perfectly good gloat #Meanwhile Sokka: this level of drama feels… familiar #I can’t quite put my finger on it #Fellow Prisoner Li #(she cobbled together speeches from three lesser known plays and changed a few words) #(somewhere Zuko feels the rage of uncredited playwrights) #(it is the only thing keeping him warm) #Avatar The Last Airbender #atla #Zuko #Azula #Sokka #ficlet

[krimsonrose]

The mission to confront Azula at Caldera and why it doesn’t work narratively

When Iroh explains that Azula MUST be defeated before the end of Sozin’s Comet it’s only Katara and Zuko with Appa who go to Caldera to confront her. This immediately opens up problems that would have come from this if plot convivence was not involved.

Iroh sent two teenagers by themselves into the heart of the Fire Nation. How could he think this would go well when every firebender was running on steroids including his niece who can go toe to toe with masters.

The White Lotus could NOT have known that Azula (who had always been on the front lines as a General? Field Commander?) would even be in Caldera to begin with since even she expected to be with Ozai and the air balloons and hadn’t been told until just before take-off. Which mean a White Lotus spy could not have gotten that information and brought it back before the battle started. For all anyone could’ve known Ozai might have still been at the palace awaiting victory.

Katara and Zuko’s plan was to try and take on Azula, her imperial firebenders, the Dai Li and the regular royal guard by themselves. No matter how talented you are sometimes quantity is better over quality which is how it would be in this case.

The duo’s original plan was a coup to put Zuko on the throne and not the Angi-Kai that had actually happened in canon. Even if they tried to get the sages and any other fire national to side with them most still wouldn’t seeing as how Zuko was seen as a traitor. They shouldn’t have expected any kind of help leading to it still most likely being only the two of them.

Katara (no bloodbending) & Zuko (with lightning redirection)            vs. Azula (lightning generation) & x number of firebenders & Dai Li 

Above is what would have happened if the plot had played out as Iroh expected it to happen. How was he expecting two teenagers to go against a super charged platoon of firebenders lead by Azula and her squad of Dai Li?

In conclusion: Iroh’s plan to have Zuko (and Katara) go to Caldera would not have worked if the plot didn’t MAKE it work. They would not have known about the palace workers banishments or Azula’s declining mental health which lead to an unofficial Agni-Kai allowing Zuko the victory. Too many other important moving pieces had been taken out of play for the “heroes” to win.

#azula #katara #zuko #iroh #atla #avatar: the last airbender #atla meta #avatar: the last airbender meta #my stuff

[ihaveacorgi]

Zuko used to love sitting on the roof as a child. It was a way to get away from the servants and nannies, the tutors and instructors, and most of all, his father. It was his happy place, his escape, the one place in the palace where he could just… be. It was just a roof, maybe nicer than most others, but it served the same function in the end. It was just a roof, but it meant so much to Zuko. And he knew Sokka wouldn’t understand that, that he had no idea why Zuko was so nervous to bring him out here. It was just a roof, afterall.

Sokka seemed to love it too, from the awed way he looked up at the stars and out over Caldera. “This is beautiful, Zuko,” he breathed, turning his brilliant smile towards Zuko. “I bet this is how Yue sees the world. It’s incredible. She would’ve loved this,” he continues, gazing sadly up at the moon. And Zuko knew it didn’t mean anything, but he couldn’t help the spike of jealousy that flared in his chest, regardless.

Zuko stamped it down and nodded. “Yeah,” he said, though he had never met Yue and knew nothing about her. It was what was expected, so he said it.

“Thank you for showing me,” Sokka said, as he leaned over to kiss Zuko. They existed like that, in stolen, hidden moments, cloaked in shadows and darkness, unable to be open like Katara and Aang.

“Sokka, I… I wanted to tell you something.” Zuko swallowed heavily. That was the whole reason for showing Sokka this place. He wanted somewhere that he felt… safe, for this. “I… um, I wanted to tell you how I got the scar.”

“Oh,” he replied quietly, his voice lacking any hint of joking or amusement in the way it so rarely did. And Zuko was sure Sokka had probably guessed. He was smarter than the entire Fire Nation court combined, and Zuko’s father hadn’t exactly hidden his hatred of his son well, nor had Zuko been able to hide his fear of his father.

“I… I’m sure you’ve guessed, what happened. O- or someone told you, li- like Uncle Iroh, or Aang might know, but I… I wanted you t- to hear it from, you know, me,” Zuko began, haltingly, stuttering and tripping over a few words as he tried to find the right ones to say. He’d never really been good at words and sharing his unfiltered thoughts rarely ended well, but he was going to try his Agni-damned hardest, because Sokka deserved to know. He deserved to know it how it was, not some twisted-up version, told by one of the witnesses and warped by hatred or sympathy. No, Sokka should know the truth, and Zuko knew there were only two people in the world who would tell it to him. And there was no chance Aang or Zuko would let Sokka anywhere near Ozai, bending or no.

“Ok,” Sokka replied, pressing a kiss to Zuko’s temple. “You can tell me, Zuko.”

“It… well, I guess it started because I asked Uncle to let me into a war council. Or… maybe, maybe it was before that. I, uh, I was always a disappointment. My father, uh, Ozai, he used to say that Azula was born lucky, but that I was, uh, lucky to be born. And, well, you know Azula. She was a prodigy, you know? She was always better at fire bending than me, and, well, Ozai always favored her. But I tried, Sokka. I wasn’t… I wasn’t trying to slack off, or fail on purpose, or make mistakes. I did my best to make him proud, but… he just… didn’t love me. Or… maybe he never loved anyone. I don’t… I don’t know. But, uh, anyway, when I was around thirteen, I asked Uncle to let me join a war council. He told me to be quiet, not to say anything. And I, I should’ve listened, Sokka. Uncle, he’s usually right, you know? But, well, I– I didn’t listen. There was this general, uh… I don’t remember who, actually. Uncle probably knows. Anyway, he wanted to sacrifice a division of new recruits, the 49th – who were probably drafted, come to think of it. But they were young, and he wanted to send them up against part of the Earth Kingdom army as a distraction and come around the back for a completely insignificant piece of land. It was… it was dishonorable. Barbaric. We were… I was told we were better, back then. That we wouldn’t… that we weren’t like that. So, I spoke out. I thought he would be proud,” Zuko spat the word. “I thought that would make him proud, Sokka. That I would be showing him I was capable of leading, of thinking about our people the way a good Fire Lord is supposed to, but, uh, that’s not what happened. The general challenged me to an Agni Kai, a fire bending duel over honor, because, by speaking against his plan, I had insulted him.”

Sokka took one of Zuko’s hands, and he realized he was shaking. “You didn’t fight the general, did you?”

Zuko shook his head. “It… it was my father’s– it was Ozai’s war room, and I had disrespected it… disrespected him. I… I didn’t fight him, Sokka. I couldn’t fight him, and I begged. I knelt and I begged, like a coward, and he burnt me. It was his right, I forfeited, he won. His words to me were ‘you will learn respect. Suffering will be your teacher,’ and, uh, and then he banished me. He told me that I… that I could come back if I captured the Avatar. For, uh, for context, your sister didn’t get Aang out of that iceberg for another, uh, three years, give or take. He expected me… no, he hoped that I would die, first from the burn, then again in exile, but I…” Zuko laughed bitterly. “I thought he wanted me back. That he’d offered me a way home because… because deep down, that’s what he wanted. That I could… that I could finally make him proud.”

“That… that wasn’t your fault, Zuko,” Sokka replied, wiping a stray tear that Zuko hadn’t noticed.

Zuko sighed, wearily. “I know, Sokka. I was a child. A stupid one, but a child. I just, I wanted you to know.”

“Why didn’t you tell us when you tried to join Aang during the war? He would’ve understood. He’s a very forgiving person.” Sokka asked, but he looked like he knew the answer.

“I didn’t want your pity. I wanted– no, I needed to know that I could… that I could do better than Ozai. I still, sometimes I think I’ll become like him. I get so angry, sometimes, and I… I wonder if it’s just in my blood. I… I asked Aang to kill me, if I’m ever like him. I made him promise. If– if he ever tries, let him, Sokka.” Zuko’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I love you, so much, Sokka, but you can’t… you can’t let me turn into a monster.”

Sokka just pulls him closer and promises him that, if necessary, he would kill Zuko himself. It’s not what lovers are supposed to say, in these situations. Zuko knows that they’re supposed to tell each other that they’d never become that, that they’d always protect each other. But this, this promise is far more comforting, because if Zuko has to die by someone’s hand, he’d rather it be Sokka’s.

And, if Sokka spends that night crying for the childhood that Zuko lost, swearing to himself that he’ll never, never do anything to hurt the beautiful boy next to him, the broken, angry, but, above all, kind boy sharing his bed. That, no matter what Zuko did, he would never raise so much as a pinky finger against him, because there was nothing Zuko could do to end up anything like his father – even back when he was screaming about honor and trying, so hard, to be just like him – then that was between him and Yue, and no one else.

#my post #zukka #zuko #sokka #avatar the last airbender #atla #sokka x zuko #I wrote this for my bf and figured id share

[juniperhillpatient]

How’s it going @juniperhillpatient ?

I just read chapter VII of “The devil You Know”. The chapter was a roller coster and the story is really heating up. Poor Yue…

Was it truly a mere accident that Sokka’s coffin laid on top of Yue’s and Fy Lee”. He is very suspiciously close to many deaths. Toph was killed soon after she found out he and Suki were implicated in (I think it was Chan’s?) death. Speaking of Suki, it’s quite interesting when she protested how her phone wasn’t working, only for Azula to notice that it suddenly began to work again when it came time for Yue’s video to appear. Yue of course being an idvidyal that Suki has a grudge against. Via Sokka. Speaking of Yue, her POV this chapter was a gut punch. As was Katara’s in the beginning.

Also Jets’s POV drew several points about Ty Lee from his perspective. That she was smarter than she initially appeared. And that she six identical sisters. In appearance and voice.

What if Ty Lee hadn’t died at all. What if merely faked her death (by sacrificing one of her sisters) and engineered the call to Azula. Blaming Zuko for something he hadn’t actually done. From Jet’s PoV we know that Ty Lee’s parents wouldn’t actually notice if one of their daughters disappeared. Which may make it easy for Ty Lee to fake her death and switch with one of her sisters. If indeed she is one of the killers. I could just be reading into something that is’t there after all.

One of the killers expressed heartbreak over Azula. And we know that something happened between her and Ty Lee. Maybe enough to push Ty Lee into being a killer? Their’s also Mai, who may have been acting the fool this whole time. Her anger at Azula is readily apparent. My distrust of the two stems from canon. Though their actions are understandable I’ve got a thing about people betraying their friends. So their deeds at the Boiling Rock still leave a bad tastes in my mouth. Minus saving Zuko/Sokka/Suki’s lives of course.

So I like Suki and Sokka for Ghostface. With Mai coming in as a secondary suspicion. And If my theory about Ty Lee faking her death is right, she immediately jumps to #I suspect

In the end scene, where Katara is perving on Azula. Is Azula blacking out like in the first chapter? In which Zuko is taking of Azula in that moment?

And a message for Azula. “Tell your girlfriend important shit! Your brother being accused (supposedly at least) in being a killer definitely qualifies. Also don’t cheat on her”. That’s a bit fucked up. Unless you blacked out for it. Which makes Zuko’s action monumentally more fucked up. But then, every character in this story is a bit screwed in the head. But then, that’s one (though by no means the only) of the reasons we love all the ATLA main crew (Gaang+Dangerous ladies+Yue).

Also, I’m pretty sure Kiyi is Hakoda’s and Ursa’s bastard child. Does Sokka suspect which married women that Hakoda slept with (Ursa?). He’s been a big brother figure to her thus far, so maybe. Out of all the characters, I’m hoping Kiyi lives. Even more so than Azula or Katara (I know, It me saying that!). Also hopeful she doesn’t end up as one of the killers…

I enjoyed the chapter, and am greatly looking forward to next! I want to see this mystery unraveled!

Bestie I wish you could like.....watch my face journey as I read through your speculations because I had a BALL reading this!

I seriously LOVE all the theorizing & I feel like I'm interacting less than usual with readers when it comes to this story because I'm always just like -

"love the theories :))))" but also I literally CANNOT respond with anything to theories without giving away if you're close or way off LMAO

But just know. I feel so validated in putting as much thought as I do into this story (trust me it's a lot lol) & I just get SO excited about seeing the different possibilities when I get messages such as this. Just - AHH !! :)

As for Kiyi - I can go ahead & confirm that she is indeed Ursa & Hakoda's child. I don't consider this a spoiler given it is pretty much confirmed in the latest update. More on how much Sokka knows about this very soon!

Anyway - THANK YOU. Whenever I see notifications from you I get so happy because you are so thoughtful & insightful & so supportive <3

#scream au #asks #mutuals #<33333

[azulamakesmeblank]

Eternally Yours [Kataang] - Part 1

Hey lovely readers!!

The is the first of three parts for my take on Katara and Aang’s wedding! I posted this on my AO3 if you wanna check it out over there. Please excuse any inaccuracies when it comes to the wedding ceremony, I am by no means an expert and have absolutely no idea how a water tribe wedding would really be lol 

I wanna thank my good friend @atypicalkataangist​ for beta reading this fic for me, its been a challenge and I definitely couldn’t have done it without him!

Plan is to post each part weekly, but things may change cause uni is a bitch lol, i’ll link them below for easy access!

Part 1 - The Ceremony [THIS PART]

Part 2 - The Reception

Part 3 - The Wedding Night

SUMMARY: Katara and Aang journey to the Southern Water Tribe where they finally eternalise their love

GENRE (for the series as a whole): Wedding fluff, romantic comedy, little dash of angst cause you know that's my personality at this point, and of course eventual and explicit smut to finish it all off hehe

WARNINGS: none for this part (except for the conversations concerning a dead parent aka katara’s mom)

So without further adieu, I give you Kataang finally tying the knot!

The most peculiar thing about this day was the state of the sky. Where in the past a love-struck, teenage Katara, daydreaming about this momentous day any chance she got, had imagined crystal blue so like the colour of the glaciers of the North Pole and a blindingly bright sun hanging right in the middle, today she stared up at a sky scattered with opaque grey clouds giving way to uneven splotches and slivers of aegean blue, the sun hiding in limbo between day and night. It wouldn’t be long till the light faded further and even the clouds became invisible against twilight’s dominant hue. Not even the stars would be able to break through. Maybe a couple here or there, but Katara wasn’t holding out hope. One thing that did shine like a beacon against the darkness, her head tipped up to the sky, was a snowflake.

Since leaving the South Pole with Aang around three years ago, Katara hadn’t seen snow once (one of the many perks of living so close to the equator). But now she was back - for a very important reason - and after four days of no snowfall, today was the day mother nature let loose. Katara smiled as the microscopic lattice of ice landed on her cheek and melted, a multitude more falling around her, no doubt.

One thing the weather and the sky didn’t emulate, under any circumstance, was her mood. The woman couldn’t be any more elated than she was now while thinking about what was to come.

Katara took a slow breath, her eyes drifting to a close as she savoured the last moments of peace and calm and quiet, because any second now, the attention of her friends, her Gran-Gran and other women from her family would be on her.

In a matter of hours, Katara’s life would be forever changed.

“Hey! Sugar queen!”

Katara jolted at the volume of her friend's voice, looking over her shoulder and instantly covering her hand with her mouth when the urge to laugh at Toph’s exaggerated attire almost won. For spirit’s sake, she looked like a penguin wrapped in two of the thickest snow-leopard parkas the south had to offer! Only the centre of her stern face peaked through the fluffy hood and her thick fringe, her silhouette stark against the light shining from gran-gran’s hut out onto the streets. Who could blame Katara? It was too funny not to laugh.

“Mind coming inside so we can get this show over with already?”

“Show?” Katara scoffed with the breath of a laugh, too used to her friend's antics now to actually take her complaints personally. “Did you forget I’m not the only one getting dressed up tonight, Toph?”

“That’s my point, sweetness. Sooner you get in there, the sooner I get out.”

“Alright, fine. You’ve got a point.” The waterbender acquiesced, making her way to the bundled-up earthbender who was completely shielded from the snow now floating down around them both.

“As always.” Came Toph's smug reply as they made their way over to the hut and the warm glow of a fire from the inside. “But uh… wanna tell me why you were all alone out here?”

“No reason.” Katara shrugged, truthful with her reply. “Just thinking. I guess I always imagined this day a little differently.”

“Uh… is that a bad thing?” Toph asked, emotional sensitivity far from her strong suit in serious conversations, but she always tried. And katara had to hand it to her - she’d definitely gotten better over the years.

“Not at all. I think… I’m glad. It kind of feels like a clue as to what my life is going to be like from now on.” She explained, her tone quiet and calm. “Every day, around every single corner, I’m going to find the unexpected.”

“Well, that sounds like a real hoot. But can we please get inside? I’m sick of not seeing anything in these dumb shoes.”

Katara laughed again. “I hate to break it to you Toph, but unless you want to get frost-bite on your feet, then you’re going to have to wear shoes for the rest of the night.”

“I know that! Let a girl dream, would ya?” Toph exclaimed, walking on with determination through the door to Gran-Gran’s hut (and straight to the fire) with Katara on her heel, shaking her head at her friend's temperamental ways no matter the situation. She didn’t expect her to have any sort of emotional response from Toph to her mini confession, but that didn’t perturb her at all. What did, however, was the immediate attention of the other women on her the second she walked through the door, those blue eyes of hers blowing wide as all five heads turned to her. It was as if they’d locked on their target. They called her name in greeting, getting up from where they sat in the main living area to immediately crowd her with high energy and a list of things to do. All the voices and words kind of blended into one, but they were of little to no importance to her anyway, so her replies came out on auto-pilot, all of her attention now narrowed in on the rapid beat of the heart.

It made sense that they would be so thrilled — these women hadn’t been so closely involved in a wedding as grand as this one in their entire lives, they’d only heard stories — and after watching her grow up during the midst of a war, Katara had almost become like a daughter to some of them. To her, however, they were people she scarcely knew.

“Hey, beautiful!” Came a familiar voice from behind, cutting through all the chaos and flooding the waterbender with relief.

Katara whipped around to face her, beaming from ear to ear. “Suki!”

“It’s so great to see you!” She chimed back as they hugged tightly. “I’m so sorry I’m late.”

“Don’t be, you’re not. I’m so relieved you’re here, seriously.” Katara mumbled into Suki’s shoulder, pulling her a little tighter before letting her go. The mahogany-haired woman pulled back, holding Katara by her shoulders with a loving smile.

“You know I would have walked all the way here if I had to.” She rubbed the water bender’s back comfortably, watching glancing around the hut and finding a strangely toph-shaped lump by the fire. She investigated the shape with a narrow gaze. “Toph… is that you?” Suki called out and the lump seemed to shift, the earthbender turning her head around slightly to acknowledge the warrior.

“Sure is, honey. I’d come get a better look at you but hearing your voice will have to do. I’m not moving an inch.”

Suki and Katara let out an amused chuckle together and pulled back from their embrace to share a caring look. “Sounds like Toph is super glad to see me, too.” Joked the warrior light-heartedly.

“I think this whole ‘wearing shoes’ thing is making her a little cranky.”

“I heard that!” Called the so-called cranky earth bender.

“I know you did, Toph, it’s not like you’re far away.”

Toph tutted, wrapping her arms around her knees to murmur something Katara wasn’t sure she wanted to hear, yet she just shook her head fondly, setting her attention back on Suki and taking the warrior’s hands, squeezing tightly. “I really appreciate you doing this, Suki, thank you.”

“Oh, please! It’s my pleasure!” Suki assured her confidently. “After everything you did to help me when Sokka and we got married, this is nothing.”

“It’s not nothing.” Urged Katara. “I mean it.”

“Kat... you’re too sweet.” Suki pouted, lifting her hand to nudge the water bender’s chin with her knuckle fondly. “And you already look so pretty! How is your skin so flawless?!”

“Oh, I don’t know about that… but I did start using this new moisturising balm!”

They fell into a trivial conversation about different products they both swore by for skin care and along the way, Katara ended up leading her to the make-shift make-up station set up on the opposite side of the room. She took her seat, Suki unloading all of her make-up supplies onto the vanity. Katara had the odd cosmetic back home in Republic City, but she’d never really found an interest in the practice like Suki had. She never really felt pressure to wear any, anyway. Especially when Aang seemed to find her captivating in either sense. He always snubbed out even the slightest notion of insecurity that crept up on her from time to time.

Suki came up behind her to begin pulling her hair back from her face and tying it in a loose ponytail, their eyes meeting in the mirror. “I’ve got a few ideas I wanna run by you before we get started.”

“Fire away!” Katara said with enthusiasm. “You’re the expert, after all.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t go that far.” Suki blushed.

“I wouldn't say it if I didn't think it was true.” Exclaimed the waterbender.

Suki gave her a warm smile. “Thanks, Kat. And really, I was thinking something simple overall… some warm-toned colour on your lids will really bring out your eyes. But not too much, I promise.”

“Yeah, whatever you think suits me.” She nodded.

“And I’ve got this gorgeous lipstick that’ll be the perfect shade for you!”

“Sounds perfect.” Katara easily complied.

“You sure?” Suki quizzed.

The waterbender nodded with a gentle smile. “I’m sure! But hey, what do you think about my hair?” Katara queried with a delicate frown between her brows. “Should I keep it down, or just go with my regular braid?”

“Hmm…” Suki thought on it as she looked at Katara’s reflection in the mirror, “Let’s make that decision once you’re dressed, what do you think?” Suki cocked an excited brow.

“I guess your right.” Katara agreed, though when she took her next breath, her exhale shook a little, alerting Suki and making a worried frown crease between her brows.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“Yeah! Yeah, I’m just…” she sighed, trying to calm the beating of her heart that seemed to come out of nowhere every now and again, “I guess I’m just a little overwhelmed now that it’s finally happening.”

It’s not that the waterbender was scared to get married to Aang, it was the more trivial worries that sent her body into fight or flight mode. Thing’s like all the people who would be watching her walk down the aisle, saying her vows and making sure she didn’t forget anything, how everyone in gran-gran’s hut was here for her. Katara had never been one to crumble under pressure and yet a few pairs of eyes on her today made her nerves surge out of control. It was all felt so public in her mind, so grand, and so she couldn’t help feeling extremely relieved that they’d decided to have a more private ceremony in the South Pole. The bride-to-be could feel her nerves rising unchecked while preparing to get married in front of fifty-odd people, let alone hundreds or thousands in Republic City like it was initially meant to be. Only the spirits knew what would have become of her if that had been the case.

“Katara,” Suki soothed, walking around the chair to hold her face in her hands, “I felt just like you do right now. The best advice I have for you is to think about what all this means, what you’re going to find when you’re dressed and ready, and, most importantly, who’s going to be waiting for you.” Suki smirked playfully before raising a brow. “And believe me, from what I’ve heard, you’re not the only one feeling a little nervous.” Katara’s cheeks blushed at the indirect mention of Aang and his state of mind. She hadn’t seen him for almost three days thanks to marriage traditions in the South, so she didn't have a clue how her Fiancé was fairing. Katara had had half a mind to expect Aang to sneak into her room one of the nights prior, but he’d been surprisingly vigilant and disciplined when it came to sticking close to her tribe’s wedding customs. She was thoroughly impressed by his determination, but she missed him dearly, and she couldn’t wait to finally see him again. “These nerves you’re feeling right now? They’re good nerves, I’m telling you.”

Katara frowned delicately. “Are you sure?”

“I promise.” Suki nodded earnestly. “But let me ask you something… How do you honestly feel? Under all those nerves. When you think about marrying him, what do you feel?”

“I feel…” Katara contemplated all the emotions swirling through her body and her brain, and it all encompassed one core feeling that was so strong that she was beaming before she even spoke the word out loud. “I feel excited. Really excited.”

“See? That’s it. Just focus on that feeling, okay? Nothing else.”

Katara sighed a breath, trying to focus like she said and already feeling those heavy nerves that weighed down her chest slowly morphing into butterflies. “Okay. Good nerves... I’ve got this.”

“Of course you do, girl! Let’s get you ready.” Suki smiled sweetly, leaning in to press a kiss to Katara’s cheek before going to the vanity and gathering a few of her make-up supplies. The second the first featherlight touch of a brush was felt on Katara’s face, the gravity of the situation really began to solidify in her mind.

A few streets down in Hakoda’s home, the Avatar paced the length of the living room with Momo perched atop his shoulder, the lemur letting out little chirps every time the young man sharply switched his direction. Back and forth, back and forth, over and over again as his mind raced faster than he could ever try to keep up with.

What if he was late? Sure, he has dressed already and had been for the past hour and, yes, he’d made sure every last bit of stubble had been shaved clean off his jaw and his head, but what if something got in the way? What if he needed to use the bathroom again? What if he tripped on the walk to the venue and ruined his clothes? What if she didn’t like what he was wearing? What if—?

“Aang!” Yelled Sokka as he whipped the Avatar around to look at him (or rather look a little up at him - Aang had shot up like a Banyan-Grove tree over the past year alone) and the warrior couldn’t ignore the storm of worry swirling in the Avatar’s grey eyes. “Snap out of it!" He ordered, shaking him by his shoulders and finally pulling the Avatar from his inner turmoil. "Spirits, Aang... it’s like the invasion all over again.”

Problem was, that inner turmoil was now being projected outwardly, Aang's face twisted in worry. “No it isn’t, Sokka! There’s so much more at stake here and I can’t mess up! I can’t! Don’t you get it?!”

“No. I don’t. None of us gets it.” Sokka emphasised with a gesture to Zuko and Hakoda, the only other two men in the room who nodded their agreement. “You’ve gotta tell us what’s got you so worried so we can help you, Aang.”

The Avatar let out a defeated sort of sound, a mix between a scoff and a laugh, as he shrugged out of Sokka’s hold. “What doesn’t have me worried is an easier question to answer. So much could go wrong tonight, Sokka, the list is literally endless! I-I might be late! Or I might mess up my clothes or I could trip and fall on my way there! And, better yet, I could get there and Katara might realise what a big mistake she’s making and that she can’t be with me because I’m the Avatar and she deserves more than I can give her and... and—“

“Now, hold on there, son—“

“No, Hakoda… I-I’m sorry. I know you gave us your blessing but… but what if she changes her mind? What if she realises that a life with me isn’t what she wants? I can't help thinking the worst! I can't--”

Hakoda stormed right to the young man whose face was the image of anxiety, eyes glassy and telling the Chieftan that the worry and insecurity he felt was indeed very, very real. He grabbed him by the shoulder tightly, giving it a hard squeeze while locking his eyes hard on the grey irises of the Avatar, boring into his soul. “Aang, you listen to me. Alright? You are one of the wisest men I have ever come to know in my life. I know you would never make a decision as final as this one unless you knew without a doubt it was the right one… and I may not see my Daughter as much as I would like to, but... after every moment I have spent with her since the war ended, there is one thing I am completely sure of... and that is her love for you.”

Those words from Hakoda seemed to break through the trepidation that had been drowning the Avatar in what ifs and worst-case scenarios. That knot between his brow seemed to loosen just a little, and he found himself wanting to know what else his soon-to-be father-in-law had to say.

“Her love is deep for you, Aang. I have no doubt that those feelings will last forever. I promise you that there is nothing for Katara to change her mind about tonight, because she made her mind up about you a long time ago and I don’t think anything - not even you - could convince her to decide otherwise.” Every word that had come from Hakoda’s mouth was fully genuine, soothing the pointless distress that had been sending Aang out of his mind. The core reason why Hakoda’s speech had calmed Aang so easily was that every word was rooted in truth... every word was inherently easy for him to believe. Because in the very core of his being, he knew Katara loved him as much as he loved her. “Do you hear me, Aang?”

The Avatar bowed his head, taking in a slow, deep breath before giving a clear, calm answer. “Yes, Chief Hakoda.”

“I’m sure you know even better than I do that my daughter can be… pretty stubborn.” That unexpected comment made Aang laugh, and Hakoda flashed him a smile, glad to see he had gotten through to him in the end. “She’s just as stubborn about you. Deep down, you know there is nothing to worry about. Don’t you, son?”

Aang nodded his head, taking in another breath as he let the words truly sink in, to replace the negativity with the truth of love and commitment. Love that Katara and Aang felt for each other. Commitment that they would soon promise to keep. “I do. I know you’re right. Spirits… Thank you, Hakoda. Truly. I know I was being irrational… I just… I can’t help but worry.”

“Which is pretty dumb,” Sokka chimed in, “my sister adores you. She did say yes when you proposed, didn’t she? Or did I make that up and this whole wedding thing is actually a dream?”

Aang couldn’t help the brief flash of a smile that brightened his features the second the memory flashed in his mind. The beach. Him down on one knee. Katara crying tears of joy as she said yes too many times for Aang to count. “No... she definitely said yes.”

“Exactly!” Sokka chuckled with a sharp elbow nudge to Aang’s arm. “Stop being a jerk!”

“I’m sorry! You know how I get when I’m stressed— hey!”

Sokka swiftly pulled the Avatar into a head-lock.

“Oh, we know. Idiot.” Teased the soon-to-be brother-in-law after his attack, Momo flying off to instead perch himself atop Zuko’s head. There was a brief moment of silence where all three men stared at the Fire Lord lounging by the fireplace who had been silent for the entire exchange and was silent now as well. The look on his face, however, gave away how utterly unamused he was at the lemur currently messing up his hair. The three men suddenly laughed altogether at Zuko’s chagrin, Sokka’s headlock quickly dissolving into a friendly arm around Aang’s shoulder.

Zuko huffed out a sigh. “Are you all going to stand there and laugh or is someone going to get this thing off of me?”

“Alright, alright... Momo, come on,” Aang chuckled, stretching out his arm for the lemur to land on, “leave his Royal grumpiness alone.”

None but Sokka seemed to find that joke hilarious by the sound of his guffaw, and despite it all, Momo stayed right where he was as Zuko begrudgingly sipped at his drink, a far lighter atmosphere ironically taking over the space.

* * *

A few hours had passed and everyone was dressed and ready. It may have taken a little more effort to get Toph into her bridesmaid’s gown. Still, anyone could see the earth bender secretly enjoyed it - especially when all the Water Tribe women paid her compliments, telling her how pretty she looked. There seemed to be the constant ghost of a smile on her face.

That was nothing compared to how the room erupted with aws of praise the second Katara entered the living room area in her bridal attire.

“Oh, Katara!”

“Wow! You look like a princess!”

“Such a beautiful young woman.”

“The most gorgeous bride!”

“Oh, spirits… if only Kya could see her now.”

“Stunning! Absolutely stunning!”

“Your mother would be so delighted!”

“Kya would be so proud.”

The constant voices and eyes on her began to blur and mould together into one, all the while she continued to be pleasant, to give kind smiles and grateful nods as if she was listening.

Really? On the inside? Katara was trying her damnedest to keep it together.

The compliments she could handle. Yes. But the mere mention of her mother? No. Even after years of making peace with her loss, of fighting to think only happy things when her mother came to mind, just the simple comparison between her and her dead mother on a day as important as this sent her backwards. Way back. Suddenly that wound was fresh and bleeding and she was 8 years old all over again.

Thank the spirits for Toph's shoeless state on the rug right now, because if it weren’t for her feeling the spike in Katara’s heartbeat and the way her breathing became rapid, Katara was sure she would’ve broken down in front of everyone.

“All right everyone, let’s quit the chatter and skedaddle, yeah? Give the girl some space.” Her headstrong demand earned a few shocked gasps from other women in the hut, yet still, they did as she said and dispersed, clearing a path for the earth bender to stand by her best friend’s side. Toph was always good at that, and Katara couldn’t be more grateful. “Yo, Suki. Wanna weigh in over here?”

“I’m fine. I’m okay.” Katara assured her friend, though it was harder to keep the tears from filling her eyes when she saw the look on Suki’s face and even Kanna's as she made her way over. “I-I’m fine.” She tried again, yet this time her voice shook.

“What happened?” Suki asked with a gentle hand on Katara's back. “Did someone say something?”

“Katara, sweetheart,” Kanna soothed, taking the girl’s hands into her own. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing! I-I’m fine!” The waterbender tried to smile through her pain, though her eyes glistened. “Spirits, I don’t want to cry! I’m happy! Really!”

Suki rubbed her friend's back. “Hey, we can fix your make-up, it’s no big deal if you need to cry.”

Katara sighed, frustrated with herself. “I know, I know… I'll be fine. And Toph… thanks for that.”

The earth bender smiled, but she could still feel the pounding of the water benders heart. “Don’t sweat it, sugar queen.”

Kanna caressed the backs of Katara's hands with her thumbs, trying to figure out what had gone wrong. “Are you having second thoughts, dear?”

“Spirit’s, no!” The girl exclaimed with a tinge of defence in her tone. “It’s nothing like that, I just… I can’t help wishing… that… that mom was here.” She thought she had her walls up high and sturdy, yet the second she confessed her worries aloud, acknowledged the absence of Kya outright, her lip trembled and Kanna realised the depth of the situation. Especially when a tear dripped down her face of its own accord. Katara hastily wiped it away.

“Oh, Katara.” Breathed Kanna in understanding, pulling the waterbender down into a hug which she reciprocated as if reaching for a lifeline. The dam broke loose at that moment and the sobs poured from her lips, uncontrolled. It was only then that she realised the root of all her worries throughout the day, suppressed until the second she heard her mother's name. Suki and Toph’s faces were both marred with sympathetic frowns as they listened to the heartbreaking sound of their friend crying, wishing they could take her pain away. Especially on such a happy day.

“She was supposed to be here with me, gran-gran… she was meant to help me get ready, she was meant to be here watching me walk down the aisle!” Katara sobbed, trying her damnedest to hold in the tears, but they just wouldn’t stop. Suki tentatively reached out to lay a hand on Katara’s shoulder, hoping to give her friend the support she needed in some way. Just being there for her was enough, but her friend's still wished they could do more.

“Shh… it’s alright Katara... I know that Kya is gone… But she will be with you for as long as you remember her, honey… your mother is in your blood. She is in your heart and in your thoughts. Kya lives inside you, through you, and that is how sh wi'll be there with you as you walk down the aisle. She lives on in your memory, in the love you feel for her, and even in your face. You have reminded me so much of Kya today, and although it may hurt a great deal to remember what I have lost - what we have lost - I find myself feeling… grateful that I can look at you today and feel her presence through you.” The older woman smiled, tears filling her own eyes as she hugged her granddaughter tighter once more. When they parted from their embrace, Kanna reached up to dab away the wet streaks that stained Katara’s cheeks gently, wishing to sooth the scars that had opened once again.

Katara sniffed wetly, taking Kanna's hand and giving her a weak smile. Even though the absence of her mother brought so much grief, hearing her Grandmother speak so positively was enough to dull the pain. “That was so beautiful, Gran-gran… I know this must be hard for you too and I’m sorry.”

“Don’t you say such a thing. This is a happy day with nothing to be sorry about, do you understand?”

Katara nodded, letting herself believe without guilt that today was in fact a joyous day. One her mother would have been ecstatic about. “Yes, gran-gran. I know.”

“That’s my girl.” Kanna smiled carefully, giving Katara’s face one last caress with her wrinkled palm. “Now let your dear friend Suki fix up your make-up. It’s almost time to go.”

The water bender felt a wave of anticipation flood her body, her chest heaving with the deep breath she took.

“There’s barely anything to fix, anyways. You look beautiful as always, Katara.” Suki grinned, hand stroking her back in a gesture of comfort that Katara deeply appreciated.

“I would say the same,” blurted the earth bender, “but you know I can’t see shit—“

“Toph! Language!” Gasped the old woman.

“Oops.” She got out without laughing by some miracle. Katara and Suki snickered at Toph getting told off for once -- usually her colourful tongue was accepted without question, but not in front of gran-gran. “Sorry, Kanna. Won’t happen again!”

“Better not, young lady. A wedding is no place for such language.”

“Gran-gran,” Katara lightly chastised through a chuckle, “Toph gets it. She won’t do it again.”

The earth bender lay a palm on her chest and put on her best act of innocence. “I’m usually not such a potty mouth, I swear.”

“She’s really not, Gran-gran” Suki added, even as Katara and Suki shared knowing looks that Kanna didn’t catch.

“Well… alright then. I’ll go see to it that Anika and the other women are ready to go.” She walked off. “Don’t take too long now. I’m sure Hakoda will be leaving soon.”

“We won’t,” Suki assured the older woman before guiding Katara back to the vanity chair. “Really, it's only your under-eyes and cheeks that need a little fixing, other than that you’re perfect!”

“Suki… You really think so?”

“Of course.” Suki beamed as she hugged her friend gently from the side so as to not mess up her hair. “I love what you did with your hair, and I think Aang is going to love it, too.”

At the mention of her fiancé, Katara’s body flushed, a giddy sort of smile fighting its way onto her mauve-tinted lips. “I really hope so.”

“Oh, we know so, sweetness.” Smirked the blunt earth bender. “Twinkles can’t get enough of you any other day. I wouldn’t be surprised if he passes out the second he sees you tonight.”

“How would you know?” Katara teased. “Thought you couldn’t see shit?”

Suki laughed as she worked away at Katara’s face, a light atmosphere between the three of them. “Oh, I get to feel enough vibrations anytime I’m around you two, and, let me tell you, I’m not sure his heart can take much more.”

Katara blushed hard at that tidbit of information which she knew was quite obviously exaggerated, but it still made her feel good to know his heart still fluttered when he saw her. There was no denying that her's does, too.

Suddenly any and all unwanted thoughts and feelings gave way to that excitement once again, and Katara took Suki’s advice, grabbing onto the emotion and holding it as tight as she could. There was absolutely nothing to worry about, and finally, it seemed like she was starting to truly believe her own thoughts. That conclusion was massively relieving.

* * *

“So, Appa’s already down there.” Sokka ticked off with one finger.

“Yep.” Chimed Aang.

“And we've got Momo.”

“Right here.” Zuko muttered, the lemur chirping from his shoulder as though he knew he was being talked about.

“What about you, Aang, you all set?”

“Yeah. I’m ready.” The avatar answered with a shaky breath, Sokka clocking the sound and giving him a slap to his back (that hurt his hand more than it hurt Aang).

“Enough with the nerves! You’ve got this, Aang!”

“I never would have thought a wedding would scare the Avatar this much.” Zuko unhelpfully commented though Aang found the humour in his words as always, chuckling in self-deprecation.

“Yeah, well… I guess the Avatar can be a bit of a wimp sometimes.”

Zuko gave his friend a shrug and a careful look that made Aang think he was getting at something else. “Or maybe you’re just scared about the whole consummation thing--“

“UGH! OOGIES!” Sokka yelled and slammed his hands against his ears, much like how he did when he was younger.

“For Agni’s sake— Sokka, you know it’s going to happen and you know that’s probably why he’s so nervous—!“

“I DON'T HEAR YOU! LA LA LA LA LA…—!”

“Yeah… about that, Zuko…” started Aang, his hand rubbing at the back of his head. He was nervous, there was no denying it, but he also couldn’t find the courage to broach the subject with his friends. Aang tried to will himself to talk about it now that the opportunity was right in front of him, though just when he was about to let his concerns loose, looking across at Zuko to see his golden irises full of concern, the Avatar found himself chickening out. “Don’t talk about that kind of stuff in front of Sokka.” He gave his friend a sheepish grin and Zuko could only roll his eyes in response.

"Okay, fine." Scoffed the Fire Lord. "But trust me, Aang, there’s nothing to be scared of. Just—”

“ARE YOU DONE?!”

Aang patted Sokka on the back and he finally dropped his hands from his ears. Aang didn’t really want to talk about it, either. He'd cross that bridge when he came to it.

Sokka carefully lifted his hands from his ears, staring at Aang in distrust.

“We didn’t even say anything, Sokka.” Laughed Aang.

“Whatever.” The warrior droned with an unbothered wave of his hand, back to his busy-body self. “Let’s keep it moving! We’ve got a tight schedule to follow. Dad left like ten minutes ago so that means Katara will be there soon! And Aang, you said so yourself, you can’t be late, so…—”

Aang and Zuko shared a meaningful look, the two of them laughing silently at the idea that their Water Tribe friend, no matter how many years went on, would never change.

* * *

The venue for the ceremony was outside in a beautiful courtyard with a fountain in the centre, and, thankfully, Katara noticed that the snow from earlier had stopped. The woman tipped her head up to see the sky how she had predicted it to be earlier - clouds opaque and blending into the night sky, blocking hundreds of stars as well as the moon, though Yue’s glow still seemed to create a halo of light through the patches that were sparse enough. The South Pole city silhouette was speckled with golden squares and rectangles of firelight shining through the windows of peoples’ homes. In its own right, the landscape was beautiful. Though still, she found herself clinging onto her father’s arm as if for dear life.

From where they were just outside the courtyard, Katara could hear the murmur of her close family, friends, and a few other people from the tribe who were invited by her grandmother simply because they had known Katara when she was growing up. She was so grateful that her friends had made the trip all the way to the south pole to celebrate her wedding. Even Mai was able to make the journey with Zuko, though they would be leaving early enough the next day to get back to their duties in the Fire Nation.

The whole thing was just so daunting regardless of the fact there weren’t a lot of people attending as she’d initially anticipated after deciding to marry the Avatar. If they’d had the wedding in the United Republic of Nations like they’d been expected to, then Katara knew the crowd probably would have spread indefinitely, full of strangers and faces she’d never seen before in her life simply trying to catch a glimpse of the avatar and the heroes of the hundred-year war. Katara was relieved to hear that Aang wanted to limit their guest list, too, giving way to a more intimate celebration with only those she knew and trusted. That’s also the reason why they decided to have the ceremony at night - the later the ceremony, the fewer people up and about to nosy in on what was the most important day of Katara and Aang’s lives so far.

The bride and her father were waiting patiently for the entry music to begin playing, Katara like a coiled spring. Her gloved fingers drummed incessantly at her father's arm with sheer impatience, anticipation and adrenaline coursing through her veins. She was literally raring to go, bouncing on the balls of her feet with a pounding heart during which one thought kept creeping up in her brain.

What in the spirit realm was taking them so long?

Katara let out a heaving sigh, making her father laugh at her impatience. “Relax. It’s only been a few minutes.”

“I can’t deal with the waiting.” She huffed.

Hakoda gave his daughter a teasing smile. “I know. I’m sure Aang feels the same way.”

“Yeah.” Sighed the young woman, feeling her face heat up and her heart race because after three days apart, they were finally going to see each other again. She prayed to the spirits that the band would get on with it already and just—

The first tune of traditional Water Tribe wedding music began playing, Katara feeling both surprised and pleased at the timing of it all. Relieved as she was, the rustle of clothes and feet as the whole courtyard of guests stood in waiting for her entrance made her heart skip a million beats at once.

“Spirit’s…” her voice shook. “I don’t know if I can do this, dad.”

“Sure you can,” Hakoda reassured his daughter, genuinely believing what he was telling her, pressing a kiss to the side of her temple as if to press the words there forever. “You’re my Daughter. You can do anything.”

Katara stared up at her dad and he gave her this melancholic smile. That one look was enough for Katara to understand that this moment was an intensely happy and sad moment for him all at the same time. “Dad…”

“And you know, the best part of this is that you won’t have to do it alone. You’ve got Aang to do it with you, and I have absolutely no doubts that he won’t do anything and everything in his power to make you the happiest you can possibly be.”

Now Katara’s face was beaming with a smile brighter than the stars if they had been visible above, a face filled with more genuine joy than Hakoda could have ever dreamed about seeing on his daughter's face. “Of course, he will, dad, I love him. I can't thank you enough for giving us your blessing.”

“It was a no brainer, really." he chuckled. "I can’t think of anyone more deserving of my daughter than the Avatar.”

“The Avatar…?” she chastised him with a playful nudge, her father laughing heartily.

“Okay, sorry. Aang. Even if he wasn’t the Avatar.”

“That sounds better.” Approved the water bender with a squeeze of her father's arm.

She sighed, looking ahead to the archway on the right of them and tensed up with a slow and even breath in and out. “Should we get moving?”

Katara nodded after a slight second of hesitance, swallowing down past the lump in her throat and willing herself to make peace with her trepidation. To realise, once she got passed this part, all that was left to do was trust in love. “Yeah. I think I’ve kept him waiting long enough.”

Hakoda released a low chuckle. “You’re just like your mother… guess I’ll have to give Aang some advice myself. Come on.”

And instead of feeling like she could cry at the mention of Kya, Katara felt a smile as it grew wider on her lips at the idea of Aang and her father bonding. Soon her dad was leading her straight to the arch wall, curtained with hanging blue flowers that drifted in the gentle breeze. One more calming breath that failed to slow the hammering of the bride's heart against her ribcage, a signalling look to her father, and they were stepping through the waterfall of petals and into the courtyard.

If Katara thought her heart couldn’t beat any harder, she was wrong.

Every single guest in the courtyard was standing on their feet and facing her and her dad. She felt the anxiety rise up her body, flooding her limbs, settling into her stomach like a swirling storm of terror that made the urge to run seem like a good idea. She could barely even hear the music with the way the sound of her blood rushing drowned out her ears, though her dad held her tighter, grounded her.

That was until she looked straight ahead and saw him.

Then it was him grounding her.

The sight of Aang alone was enough for Katara to feel her nerves dissolve and melt away, dripping off of her body like water off a turtle-ducks shell. She felt loved, and she felt whole again knowing that only a short walk forward would bring them back together again at last, where they belonged. Where they were meant to be. Together.

Hakoda started walking and Katara followed his lead without thinking at all. No one except Aang held her attention in the entire courtyard and nothing could possibly threaten her focus. All of the guests were watching her, in awe of her beauty, while she watched Aang, completely tunnel-visioned. The closer she got to him, the more she saw of him, and consequently the easier it was for her to see how handsome he looked. She couldn’t help the way her eyes wandered, trying to take all of him in.

Aang wore his traditional colours - orange, red, yellow and brown - though they had adapted his regular robes to withstand the cold of the South Pole and fit in with the Southern traditions. He wore a high-necked tunic with long sleeves, his red cape draping over his shoulders. His trousers and shoes were the same, his clothes looking exactly how a typical Water Tribe man’s attire on a wedding day would except for the colours, and Katara felt so grateful to realise he had intertwined their cultures together. Aang looked incredible, the water bender shaking her head at him as if to say ‘how dare you show up here looking like this’, but when her gaze landed on his face, she realised he’d beat her to it. The groom couldn’t decide between staring at her face in awe or giving her another once-over, just for good measure. She giggled quietly to herself at the look of wonder on his face as he committed everything about her to memory without shame.

Though Aang wasn’t the only one staring in awe at the bride, and for good reason, at that.

Katara was wearing an indigo and white wedding gown. The neckline was high and tight-fitting, the sleeves long and gradually widening down the length of her arm, the sleeve cuffs draping down to her knees. The bodice was made of thick fabric but moulded to her torso, flaring at her hips and creating a long train of fabric that trailed behind her along the ice floor as she walked. Every hem was lined with white fur, and delicate patterns of embroidery coloured white and sky blue accented the bottoms of the skirt and the sleeves, making the dress unlike any other. Katara would rather compare the blue colour to Aang’s tattoos, however. That is why she asked for the design, after all — the swirls in the stitching were meant to represent his born element. Even how she styled her hair was decided with her fiancé in mind. Half of her hair was styled in a tidy bun with two pins holding it in place, azure gems hanging from the accessory and of course with her hair loops securely in place. The rest of her hair hung in thick waves down over her back, Katara knowing that Aang would love all of those details. To top it all off, she had matching dangling gold and blue crystal earrings with her betrothal necklace sitting pride of place above the dress’s collar, complimenting her outfit in perfect harmony as it glittered in the lantern lights flanking the aisle.

The closer she got to him, the wider both their smiles grew, and all of a sudden, she found that they had fallen into each other's eyes instead, a silent conversation passing between them that only they could decipher. Only a few steps later and she could see her love in full detail, could find the shape of the fire light flickering within his grey eyes.

“Aang.”

“Cheif Hakoda.” Aang nodded once, reaching out for Hakoda to place Katara’s right hand into the Avatar’s left palm.

“I trust you to look after her, Aang,” the older man spoke only to Aang, separate from the traditional ceremony that was moments from commencing. “Don’t let me down.”

“I won’t ever let you or Katara down. You have my word.” Aang gave him a short bow.

Hakoda nodded, giving Aang a genuine smile in parting. Though he didn’t leave before giving his daughter one last kiss on the forehead before making his way to his seat, finally leaving Katara and Aang alone together at the altar side by side at the base of the fountain.

Aang intertwined their fingers, pulling her captivating blue eyes to gaze up at him with unadulterated adoration swimming in their depths.

“Hey, sweetie,” Katara whispered with the squeeze of his hand.

“Hi, sweetie.” He whispered back.

“You’re looking very handsome.” Teased the girl with the ghost of a smirk, though when she heard the common chuckle of a few of her friends in the crowd, she realised with sheer mortification that the music had already stopped and everyone had heard. Her head slowly turned to the guests and her cheeks burned when she saw a multitude of grinning faces. “Oh, spirits…” Katara sighed, gripping Aang’s hand tight and turning her back to the guests to stand by his side, making him chuckle by her side.

“Hey. Don’t worry about anyone else.” Her love whispered by her ear in reassurance.

It’s just you and me.

Katara was transported back to the war, to the party they threw in that Fire Nation cave, and she was forgetting all about her embarrassment, glancing up at him with a playful smirk.

“It’s just you and me, right?” She said under her breath.

“Right.” A knowing smile tugged at Aang lips as he reminisced as well.

But before they could continue their banter, the Shaman was calling for their and the guest’s attention.

The wedding ceremonies in the South were almost entirely composed of a set of pre-determined speeches and blessings, right down to their wedding vows. It was tradition and had been for centuries now. Everyone involved knew where to stand, what to do, what to say, how to respond — it was a rehearsed set of events, for lack of a better word, though that didn’t dull the emotions brought about when marrying two people. All those directly involved had been well versed on the happenings during the ceremony, each person well aware of the part they had to play. And once every step was complete, they would be married and the real celebrations could finally begin. But with this inside knowledge came impatience. Now, Katara and Aang found themselves on edge for a different reason — they wanted time to speed up so they could just be married already.

The rustle of guests taking their seats at the Shaman’s gesture echoed in the open space and brought the couple to attention... except, the elder’s whole introductory speech mostly went over both their heads. Especially Katara’s since she kept getting distracted with every brush of Aang’s thumb across the back of her gloved hand. She hated that a piece of fabric separated his skin from hers, and after so many days apart, the couple were understandably becoming restless. Though for the sake of her culture and their morals, they tried their best to listen. It may have taken an enormous amount of willpower, but finally, she focused in on the Shaman's voice.

“… loved ones and the spirits above, bear witness today as we join Aang of the Southern Air temple and Katara of the Southern Water Tribe together in sacred matrimony. I call upon the bridesmaids and the groomsmen to give their blessings.”

Suki, Toph, Sokka and Zuko made their way to the alter and stood in front of the couple to be married. A few smiles were exchanged here and there before the shaman started to speak once more.

“If you would all please repeat after me to bestow your blessings upon the bride and groom… We call upon the great spirits Tui and La to bless the marital union between Aang and Katara.”

“We call upon the great spirits Tui and La to bless the marital union between Aang and Katara.” Spoke their friends in unison.

“We ask that their ancestors watch over their life together and protect the sacred bond between them.”

Again, they repeated, though Katara noticed the glistening of her brother's eyes and their gazes locked for a moment. A moment long enough that she felt her breath catch in her throat.

“We promise to support Aang and Katara on their eternal journey together,”

Their friends repeated the shaman’s words dutifully and with genuine promise, Aang squeezing Katara’s hand as they listened, feeling how much their friends meant what they said.

“And we will bear witness as love, care, and respect strengthens the bond of their relationship.”

Surprising everyone, Sokka was silently crying as he spoke and Katara couldn’t stop it as her eyes began to fill with tears as well. She rarely saw her brother cry, and for that reason, it was as if she could feel what he was feeling. Aang noticed right away, his other hand reaching for her cheek to gently wipe away a stray tear that made it's way down her cheek.

“We bless this marriage.”

“We bless this marriage.” Finished their friends with loving smiles.

“Thank you, guys.” Aang bowed and Katara copied him as part of their rehearsed response, though she was afraid that if she tried to speak, more tears would fall, so she kept silent.

“The bridesmaids and groomsmen can now return to their seats.” Instructed the Shaman with a bow of his own. Suki gave the couple a wide smile before guiding Toph back down to their seats on the left behind Katara and Zuko went right back to his seat behind Aang, leading the way for Sokka to follow, but before her brother could go, Katara reached out in front of Aang to grab his hand, stopping him in his tracks.

“Don’t cry, Sokka.” She begged with a trembling voice.

“Don’t worry!” He choked, smiling through the tears at his little sister. “These are the happiest tears ever! You guys… you really deserve each other. Really.”

“Sokka… you don’t know how much that means to me. To us.” Katara whimpered.

“Oh, don’t mention it. I’m fine.” He sniffed, squeezing her hand. “I’ll leave you guys to it.” The warrior whispered as he slipped his hand from hers, giving them both a thumbs up that the couple managed to laugh, the warrior swiftly returning to his seat.

“Are you alright?” Asked Aang softly, and Katara gave him a short nod in reply. She just grabbed his hand tighter, leaning more into his side as the Shaman cleared his throat, ready to continue with the ceremony.

“The blessings of Aang and Katara’s loved one’s have been received, and by the grace of the spirits, I recognise the promises made by Sokka, Zuko, Toph and Suki to be strong and true. Now, I ask the bride and groom to honour their love and commitment to one another through the exchange of vows. If the groom would like to proceed.” With a gesture to Aang from the older man, Aang took a slow breath in and out before turning around to face Katara, taking her other hand in his, and he found himself utterly captivated by her beauty the instant he looked at her. Dazed. She was almost glowing.

“Wow…”

The guests laughed at his dreamy sigh and so too did Katara, bushing at his flattery. A sheepish smile graced the Avatar’s lips as he addressed the crowd.

“Sorry… I just can’t believe this is happening.”

“Me neither!” Joked Toph in a manner that served to dissolve any of Aang’s leftover nerves about speaking in front of everyone thanks to the light-hearted laughter that had risen among the guests. He realised at that one, singular moment how very human this was. If everyone felt comfortable enough to laugh with his friend, then he knew without a doubt that he could do this. This was easy.

Aang cleared his throat, turning his attention back to his bride, his grey irises full of adoration as they darted between her oceanic depths. He caressed the backs of her gloved hands, trying to gather his thoughts, to order them. To remember what he was meant to say. “Katara… I…”

“You’ve got this.” She whispered only to him, and his heart fluttered, the girl of his dreams squeezing his hands in a bid to send him support. To give him strength - and, of course it, worked. From then on, the vows he learned but meant with all his heart came easy to him. He barely even had to think, now that he remembered what all of this was for. Who this was for. Katara. The love of his life.

“Katara… I promise to be your shelter, protecting you from all that threatens to do harm. I promise to love you for all that you are, no matter the circumstances we may find ourselves in… I promise to be what you need. In sickness, in health. In good times, and in bad. You will never feel coldness, for my heart will keep you warm. You will never feel lonely, for my soul is forever bound to yours. To the spirits I pray that our bond will only ever grow stronger, and that as two people in love, leading one life together, we will become the best versions of ourselves. As your husband, Katara, I ask for your trust that I will fulfil every promise I make today” Aang squeezed Katara’s hands, finally breathing easy now that he got his vow out smoothly. Though the sight of Katara smiling up at him with starry eyes made the man feel the urge to just pull her against his chest.

“I trust you, Aang.” Came her response, and Aang couldn’t help but beam… because this was it. They were so, so close now.

“And if the bride could now proceed with her vows.”

Katara tightened her grip on Aang’s hands, staring up at him as it really, truly dawned on her that this man, his eyes glittering in the golden firelight, was going to be her husband at last. The joy was written all over her face. Smiling was something held the capacity to avoid, infectious to every person that watched. She took a deep breath and let the words flow like water, too. “Aang. I promise to be your shelter, protecting you from all that threatens to do harm. I promise to love you for all that you are, no matter the circumstances we may find ourselves in. I promise to be what you need. In sickness… in health… in good times, and in bad. You will never feel coldness, for my heart will keep you warm. You will never feel lonely—“ Her voice shook, the weight of the truth in everything she was saying to him now blocking her throat and pushing up, her eyes stinging as they threatened to fill with tears.

This was more than just a wedding vow. Every single word came from the bottom of her heart. Thinking about how lonely Aang must have felt finding out about his people always played on her mind, and now, being able to promise him he would never feel loneliness like that again, made her feel a wave of relief.

Her eyes shut tight to try and fight off the urge to cry, but then she felt Aang as he leaned in, resting his forehead against hers as if to reassure her that he was there for her, too. That she herself was not alone. If she was worried about anyone other than her love, then she would have heard murmurs from the guests who watched with heavy hearts, but all that mattered to her was him. “I’m sorry—” She choked out.

“No…” he whispered. “Take your time, sweetie. It's not like i’m not going anywhere.” Aang tried to joke, and surprisingly it landed.

Katara let out the breath of a laugh despite her tears. “Yeah. Better not be.”

Aang laughed quietly with her, waiting with her, breathing with her. They could have stood like that forever, but whether they liked it or not, she had to finish her vows, so she willed herself to be strong. Katara nuzzled her nose against his once and pulled back with a sniff to continue at last (to Toph's delight - not being able to see properly was really getting in the way, though under it all, she had to say even she was moved).

“I promise that you will never feel lonely, for my soul is forever bound to yours… to the spirits, I pray that our bond will only ever grow stronger, and that as two people in love, leading one life together, we will become the best versions of ourselves. As your wife, Aang, I ask for your trust that I will fulfil every promise I make today.” The ocean of her eyes translated every emotion she felt for him and Aang knew without question that he trusted her with every fibre of his being. He always had and always will.

Aang spoke from his heart when he gave his response, sealing their vows at last. “I trust you, Katara. Always.”

A wide, toothy grin spread across Katara’s face, radiating so much joy that Aang physically felt it in his chest.

“Then I call upon Hakoda, the Head Chieftan of the Southern Watertribe and the father of the bride, to bring the ceremonial paint. Katara, if you could remove one of your gloves.”

The couple reluctantly loosened their grip on each other's hands and Katara carefully tugged off her glove. Hakoda came up to take the place of the Shaman, holding a shallow bowl of paint that automatically transported Aang back to one of the most shameful moments in his life. Though today, this paint would symbolise a memory of love and trust.

“Aang, paint the Mark of the Trusted on Katara’s forehead.”

The Avatar dipped his thumb into the navy blue paint held by Hakoda and then held Katara’s face with his free hand, carefully smearing a horizontal curved line on her forehead, giving her a sheepish smile that gave away the memory he was reminiscing on. She pursed her lips, trying not to laugh as Aang wiped the excess off of his thumb with a cloth Hakoda gave him. The two men shared a brief smile and then the attention was on Katara.

“Katara, paint the Mark of the Trusted on Aang’s forehead.”

The water bender dipped her thumb into the paint and without her having to ask, Aang leaned down the slightest to make it easier for her. She painted the mark of the trusted across the bottom of his arrow carefully and gave him a playful wink when he finished. Aang straightened up, fighting back a laugh, and after Katara cleaned the pad of her thumb, she pulled on her glove and they held hands once again, sharing this excited little look because they were almost there. Only a little more to go.

“Thank you, Chief Hakoda.” Said the officiant, sending the Head Chieftan down to his seat with a gentle hand on his shoulder. Katara smiled at her dad briefly as he went before turning her attention back to the shaman with Aang, a piece of long fabric resting in his palms. “This ceremonial marriage cloth has been used to wed water tribe men and women for hundreds of years,” he announced while wrapping the frayed-edged white cloth around Aang and Kataras joined hands three times. “Today, this cloth is used for the first time in history to join a person from the water tribe and a person from the Air Nation. Today proves that love transcends the barriers of all nations and cultures. Aang, Katara, are you prepared to begin your lives together as husband and wife?”

“We are.” The couple said confidently in unison.

“If anyone present has any reason to object to this marriage, please speak now.”

Katara and Aang briefly looked at the guests and saw nothing but smiling faces, so, relieved, they grinned back at each other, Katara practically bouncing on her feet.

“Very well. Then… with the power bestowed upon me by the spirits, I bless this union and declare you both Husband and Wife…” Katara and Aang were lost in each other, the former chomping at the bit and the latter grinning so hard his cheeks must have been burning. “I invite you to seal your promise with a—“

Katara stood on her tiptoes and crashed her lips against Aang without waiting a single second longer.

“Kiss.” The shaman finished with a laugh and the whole crowd of guests fell into laughter together. Though that laughter quickly turned into claps and cheers of celebration for the newlyweds.

“Finally!” Cheered Toph, both happy for her friends and glad the blurry ceremony was over, though Suki didn’t even have the heart to tell her off. She was too happy for her friends who were lost in one another at the altar, sealing their love like nobody was watching. It was adorable. And it was one hell of a long time coming.

“Ugh! I can’t deal with the oogies!” Exclaimed Sokka in what sounded like irritation… sort of. That is if it weren’t for the obvious way he was trying to conceal his tears. Zuko could see right through the Water Tribe warrior after years of knowing him.

Well, actually... it was the wet trails staining his cheeks that gave it away, but the Fire Lord was too stubborn to admit that.

“Are they ever gonna stop?!” Croaked the warrior even as he clapped.

“You’re one to talk, Sokka,” replied Zuko with a laugh, still clapping for his friends. “Last I remember, you and Suki ran into the reception time with that kiss.”

“Oh whatever. This is different.” He huffed, though the wet sniffs were still coming one after another and all Zuko could do was shake his head in amusement.

A few of the Water Tribe warriors suddenly began to ululate together in celebration of the union, the guests all getting to their feet as the cheers grew in volume. It truly was a beautiful night, one that would never be forgotten for those lucky enough to be a witness.

When Aang and Katara softly parted from each other, it was like the world suddenly solidified around them again and only then had they finally noticed the commotion. For a moment, as they kissed, it was only Aang and Katara in the world. Only her lips pressed against his.

A boyish look of awe passed over Aang’s face when he heard the Tribe’s celebratory calls. The way his wide eyes captured the moment endeared his wife to no end. “That’s so cool! I’ve never heard anything like it!”

“I haven’t heard it since I was a kid.” She answered him back with similar awe in her tone. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

“Yeah! But… not as amazing as this.” He cheesily replied, eyes glittering as he shook his head in what seemed like disbelief. He couldn't believe it. It all felt like a dream come true. “We really did it, sweetie.” Grinned Aang, his smile infectious to Katara. Then he turned his attention to his animal companion, pure delight written all over his face. "We did it, Appa!"

The beast roared in response, Katara grinning up at him, feeling charmed by him all over again. He smiled brightly down at her, those blue orbs of hers wide and enamoured with him.

“We really did it, Aang.” She repeated wistfully. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Aang professed deeply, ready to lean into another kiss when she suddenly let go of his hands and passed the ceremonial cloth over to the shaman’s clapping hands. Initially, he was bemused at the impulsive action, but the moment she looked back up at him with mischief glistening in her eyes, sliding her hands up his chest, Aang realised there was absolutely nothing to worry about. She smirked at him deviously. “Now. Would my husband care to give me a proper kiss?”

“Oh, absolutely. Anything for my wife.” Aang grinned, reaching to hold her face in his hands and leaning in to slot his lips between hers slowly, savouring her as if they had all the time in the world. Katara hummed into the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him even closer. They moved in perfect synchrony, passion and love fueling every brush of their lips. Aang's hands dropped to her waist, pulling her flush against him as they kissed like no one was watching and without a care in the world. It just felt too good to hold each other again. They poured all their love into the lip-lock, starting their journey together exactly how they meant to go on.

Not even a loud growl from Appa or Momo flying over to land on Aangs shoulder brought the couple out of their hypnotic state. As far as Aang and Katara were concerned, the reception could start without them and they’d have no complaints.

Being in each other's embrace was all that they needed.

#kataangtag #kataang #kataang fanfic #kataang wedding #fluff #Smut #atla #a:tla fanfiction #atla fanfic #fanfiction #avatar: the last airbender #aang #katara #sokka #Zuko #suki #toph #hakoda #this is the sweetest thing I've ever written #got a bit carried away lmao oops

[ellakomskaikru]

I love your post about the Katara and Azula parallels. I never noticed that Azula is actually brave like Katara is. I think a lot of people don’t realize that’s one of Azula’s traits because she’s usually so calm and collected and barely shows fear. But a lot of the stuff Azula did was dangerous and she had to have known the risks of trying to conquer Ba Sing Se like you said and she still went through with it. I love Azula and Katara they’re both awesome.

Hello anon!

I’m glad you liked it! And yes, Katara and Azula are both similar in that regard. They’re both determined when it comes to trying to accomplish their goals and they’re both very brave. And I agree that bravery doesn’t get listed as one of Azula’s traits often when it should be. And I agree with your theory that it’s because of her super calm demeanor. Being brave means doing something even when you are afraid.

And like you said, Azula does not seem to show fear very often. But realistically, I think that she would have been inwardly afraid at Ba Sing Se because if she failed to conquer the city she would have ended up captured herself most likely. She was just good at hiding that fear. And yet she still took the risk for her father and nation, when he hadn’t even ordered her to conquer Ba Sing Se, which shows that she is brave.

I totally agree that Katara and Azula are both awesome, they’re two of my favorite characters.

Thanks for the ask!

#atla #azula #katara #atla ask #ella’s original post

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Imagine the Ember Island Players creating a romance between you and Zuko which hits a little too close to home

You sat beside Katara and noticed how Zuko sat on the other side of her. Aang faltered, obviously wanting to sit there and you smirked as Zuko obliviously missed Aang’s look. Zuko had been with the group a few weeks now but his social skills still weren’t very good and you found it made for some very interesting interactions. His attempt at telling jokes alone made you smile every time you saw him for a full week afterwards and you found Zuko did a lot of things that amused you but apparently not so much the others. “I was going to sit there” Aang whined and Zuko shrugged “so? Just sit next to me”. Aang pouted and you laughed to yourself “here” you said standing up “take my seat Aang” and you moved so he could sit beside Katara. Katara was oblivious and you sat on the other side of Zuko chuckling at Aang’s blush. “What was that all about?” Zuko asked and you smiled “ow nothing you just almost ruined Aang’s evening”. Zuko frowned and went to ask what you meant when the lights dimmed so you knocked his arm shaking your head “i’ll tell you later now shhh”. Zuko folded his arm huffily but stopped talking. The play was wonderfully awful. As you hadn’t joined the gang straight away you knew you had time to just enjoy the first few acts and make fun of the way they portrayed all your friends. Plus what could they do to your character? You didn’t have any old flames like Katara or Sokka and you didn’t have an emotional backstory like Zuko or Aang. So you relaxed arms spread over the back of the bench and waited for *yourself* to make an appearance.

The second your actress walked on stage you knew it wouldn’t be good. They had your character all wrong! Your actress flirted with everyone and acted like a lovesick idiot. You didn’t think it could get much worse and then your character met Zuko’s.

“I’ll save you from the pirates” Zuko’s character purred to yours and you spluttered. “That...that wasn’t even me! That was Katara!” you whispered angrily. You looked to Zuko for confirmation who nodded “yeah I didn’t say that to you...and I certainly didn’t tie you up while staring at you like that”. “And I did not flirt with you like that either”. You both glared as your characters bonded and they actually invented Zuko letting you go voluntarily. As Zuko’s character stared off into the distance and said your name you heard Sokka and Suki wheezing from laughter while you simmered with anger and embarrassment. “I didn’t do that!” Zuko cried and you saw he was blushing vividly. That made you blush too and crossed your arms tightly “they better not stick with this theme”.

Of course they did. By the time act 3 had ended you and Zuko were living a star crossed lovers lifestyle in Ba Sing Sei. They again got you mixed up with Katara and said Azula kidnapped you to lure Zuko to the Earth King’s palace. The act ended with Zuko charging in to save you, offering his own life in exchange for yours, but Azula outmanoeuvred him and arrested him too. As the lights went up for intermission you and Zuko paused before exploding.

“That never even happened!”.

“I knew he was in Ba Sing Sei but we never went on a date”.

“Yeah that was a different girl”.

“And you did not fight with Jet over me”.

“I didn’t even know you knew Jet!” Zuko agreed and you both paused for air.

The gang all looked at each other before bursting into laughter. “What is so funny?” you cried and Sokka smiled. “We all know none of that stuff happened, we were there too remember?”. “Yeah so...can’t we rant?” you asked. “Well yeah but why get so mad about it? Are you trying to convince us or yourselves that the idea the two you flirted is so impossible?”. You and Zuko exploded again at the thought and Sokka and the others burst into laughter again. “All i’m saying is this is a lot of emotion to come from nowhere” Sokka smiled “now i’m going backstage so yell at each other or something” and he disappeared with Suki. Katara and Toph left for snacks and Aang went to the toilet leaving the two of you alone. “But i mean it is ridiculous” you muttered and Zuko nodded “utterly ridiculous”. “Sure we ended up together a few times” you shrugged “but that was completely by chance, it wasn’t like you were hyper-aware of me or vice versa”. “Yeah not at all” Zuko agreed but he wasn’t looking you in the eye for some reason. You stared at him confused and noticed his neck looked slightly red as if he was blushing. “Wait did you?” you asked suddenly “notice me more?”. Zuko looked up and he was indeed blushing deeply “what I....of course not! I never...I mean I did learn your name before anyone else’s but that’s because we spent that time together when I helped the pirates kidnap you and you wouldn’t shut up the whole night”. “Then why are you blushing so much?” you asked and Zuko shrugged “I don’t know I...it’s just them insinuating I like you. I’ve had it a lot”. “You have?” you asked amazed and Zuko nodded “when my uncle heard you’d seen me in Ba Sing Sei and that we’d reached a deal not to tell on one another he had this annoying smirk like i’d done it for any other reason besides the fact it was mutually beneficial. Then when I went back home Azula made it seem like me and you had a thing and Mai got jealous and started asking about you and I had to explain all our interactions and it was very awkward...she wanted me to reassure her by putting you down and making the idea seem impossible but I must have failed because she didn’t believe me. So I guess that’s why it makes me feel weird, everyone keeps telling me I act differently with you and I suppose I do but I have no idea if that’s because everyone keeps saying it or if I always have”. You nodded your head but were unsure what to say. “Well which one do you think it is?” you asked eventually and Zuko paused “what?”. “If you had to guess, would you say you act differently around me because of what people say about us or have you just always acted that way”. Zuko thought, staring at the ground and basically anywhere but at you, “i’m not sure but I guess maybe the second? They must have got it from somewhere I suppose”. “The second?” you asked surprised and Zuko’s blush returned vividly “I’m only guessing, I honestly don’t know”. You nodded your head and went to speak when the others returned which stopped you right in your tracks.  

The second half of the play began of course with you and Zuko reuniting in the prison under Ba Sing Sei. You and Zuko did end up there together but you definitely did less staring at one another. You rolled your eyes as your characters began to passionately speak to one another stepping closer and closer. They finally reached one another and you laughed when your character began yelling at Zuko’s. “Ha maybe they got some things right!” you whispered to Zuko who nodded “you did yell at me a lot”. You smirked and went to apologise when Zuko’s character kissed yours. You and Zuko abruptly shot away from each other. “That is not even close to what happened!” you cried at the others who were all laughing. Zuko nodded “this is just slander! They didn’t even bother to try to get our characters right and anyone with half a brain would realise that!”. Someone shushed Zuko and he glared “shush yourself” he cried before storming from the room. He didn’t return for the rest of the play and honestly you thought that was probably wise. It got worse and worse. They still kept in Zuko’s betrayal of Iroh but changed it making you at the centre of Zuko’s struggle. He chose the crown and they made you react dramatically (even getting a love ballad moment). They then skipped forwards to Zuko at the palace, who got his own song when he realised he’d made the wrong choice. Your characters reunited not long after and promptly confessed their love for one another. Then you were both murdered by Ozai very much in line with the tragic forbidden lovers style.

“I mean I’m just glad she’s dead” you shrugged on your way out “anything to end that romance”. The others smirked when Aang paused “do you think Zuko went back home to the villa?” looking around for the angry fire prince. “No he knows we don’t know this place well, he’s probably just sat outside somewhere” you replied looking around but you couldn’t see him brooding anywhere either. When you walked out the front door and still didn’t spot him Aang frowned “okay everyone split up and look for him, meet back here in five minutes”.

You returned five minutes later to see Katara, Suki, Sokka and Toph all hadn’t found him either. “I wonder where he is” Katara frowned and you shrugged “he’ll be fine, that boy has nine lives”. “He didn’t in that play” Toph commented and you nodded. “True but that play was a mess and there’s one thing I still can’t get over. Zuko said his family and friends thought he liked me that’s where his side of this rumour started but in the play they acted like I encouraged him! Where on earth did they get that idea?”. The group all went quiet and you paused “what?”. “Well...I mean you kinda do encourage him” Sokka frowned and your jaw dropped “I DO NOT! When have I ever...”. “When we got kidnapped by the pirates you teased Zuko constantly and refused to be quiet until he spoke to you” Katara pointed out. “Yes but that was to annoy him not flirt with him!”. “Okay how about when June asked if you were his girlfriend and you replied he wishes instead of no?”. “I was joking” you shrugged and Toph smirked “or how about when I was sneaking out to see Zuko at the Western Air Temple and found you already on your way to see him? What were you popping in to see Zuko for huh y/n? Nice date by the campfire?”. “I was doing the same thing as you! I was going to see if he would tell the truth and given that I knew him best I thought I....”. The gang all erupted and you paused “what?”. “You know him best?” Sokka asked smirking and you nodded “that doesn’t mean anything it’s a fact”. “Ow is it?” Sokka asked and you nodded “It is! Fine if I don’t know him best what was his fake name in Ba Sing Sei?”. Everyone went quiet and you nodded “or how about how long ago he was banished from the fire nation? Better yet just tell me his parent’s names!” you cried. When nobody replied you smirked folding your arms victoriously “told you I know him best”. “Yeah you’ve definitely proved how much you know about Zuko” Suki smirked looking past you. You frowned before you heard someone behind you. You turned to see Aang had found Zuko and by the look on his face he’d heard everything. You blushed and looked down “Zuko we were...”. “Having a competition to see who knows me best?” Zuko asked mildly amused and you paused “well sort of...Sokka started it”. “No I didn’t” Sokka retorted “you declared you knew Zuko the best and when I asked if you were sure you started spouting your favourite facts about him”. “They’re not my favourite facts about him” you snapped and Sokka’s smirk just grew “whatever y/n” and he turned leading the way home. The others all followed and purposefully made it so you and Zuko were at the back. “Why were you talking about me anyway?” Zuko asked and you paused “ow nothing I was just er...trying to work out why the Ember Island Players thought I had a thing for you but the gang was not helpful”. “They couldn’t think of a reason?” Zuko asked innocently and you frowned “no they could actually think of lots of reasons, it appears similar to your family they were also under the impression I held a flame for you as it were”. “Ow really?” Zuko asked. He kept his voice flat but you could swear he was smirking slightly. “Stop enjoying this” you whined pushing him “it’s not funny, it’s embarrassing”. “Liking me is embarrassing?” Zuko asked and you paused “no I didn’t mean that, I just meant having all your friends claim you like someone when you can’t see it”. “You really can’t see where they’re coming from?” Zuko asked and you shook your head “nope not at all”. Zuko looked away and you frowned “I saw that, what did that look mean?”. “Nothing...” Zuko trailed off but you sighed grabbing him by the arm to make him look at you “I’m sick of everyone saying things about me for once just say it to my face!”. Zuko sighed “fine, I just think i’ve been honest with you but you’re not being honest with yourself”. “Not being honest?”. Zuko nodded “Yes, I admitted I could see where my family were coming from and how the rumours started but you’re acting as if they plucked them out of thin air!”. “Well maybe they did! I don’t see how any of our interactions could be interpreted as romantic”. Zuko didn’t look convinced. “You don’t think there’s some truth to what the Ember Island Players said? That maybe there is something here?” Zuko asked gesturing to the small gap between you. “No of course not! Do you?”. “No” Zuko yelled back and you nodded “fine! You are the most infuriating...” you started when Zuko grabbed you kissing you. You initially tensed at the sensation but soon melted into it. Zuko seemed to be trying to prove a point by kissing you passionately and not wanting him to win you kissed him back matching his intensity. Finally Zuko pulled away for air and stared at you “still not want to admit there’s something here?”. You stared at Zuko torn between admitting he was right and your pride. You were annoyed, frustrated, excited and exhilarated all at once. You were breathing rapidly, your cheeks bright red as were Zuko’s and neither of you made to move away. “I...” you started eventually “that was a good kiss”. Zuko nodded, his frustration melting away “it was, I enjoyed it...I’ve been wondering what it would feel like to kiss you for a while now”. “You have?” you asked and Zuko nodded “as annoying as it is to admit my family and friends were right, I like you and I have for a while”. You smiled despite yourself at how adorable Zuko looked all bashful and embarrassed. “I tried ignoring it for a while but then when I joined the group your friends all saw it straight away. Then tonight...the play was bad but I was frustrated that everyone seemed to see it apart from you the person I actually wanted to see it...you”. You looked down wondering how to reply “I’m sorry I bet that was really frustrating”. Zuko nodded “It was and I figured this was just one-sided but that...did you feel it too?”. Zuko looked so unsure and unlike himself it was endearing and gave you confidence. “Yes” you said shakily “after that kiss I can tell you it is definitely not one-sided. I like you too Zuko and probably have since the start”. “Probably?” Zuko asked and you sighed “I’m not good with my emotions, I can be oblivious to them so I can’t with certainty tell you it’s been going on as long as the play made it out to be but I know I like you. Right now in this moment...I hope that’s enough, I know it’s a shit confession and you probably wanted something more solid but I...”. Zuko began laughing and you paused “what’s so funny?”. “Something more solid? Y/n I’m on the run from the Firelord who is my father, my sister is hunting me to kill me and I could very likely be imprisoned for the rest of my life if Aang fails and that’s if i’m lucky...I’m not even sure if I have a future so trust me all I need is the present. To know in this moment right here you like me back” Zuko blushed but he stepped closer and took your hands “that’s more than enough for me”. “It is?” you asked and Zuko nodded “yes and if by some chance it becomes more long-term I’ll be very happy but for now I just want to enjoy this time with you”. You smiled and leant in to kiss Zuko again when someone coughed. “Hey what are you two doing?” Sokka called. Apparently the others had finally realised the two of you were no longer with the group and walked back to find the two of you as you currently were. Luckily it was dark so you moved away from Zuko but still held his hand. “Yeah we thought you’d gotten lost are you okay?” Katara called. Zuko sighed and you smirked at his expression. “We’re fine” you smiled “we were just talking and Zuko’s going to show me this beach he went to a lot as a kid”. Zuko’s eyes shot up to yours and he smiled. “You are?” Aang asked and Zuko nodded “yep, it’s not far from here so we won’t be long. You guys head back to the villa and we’ll meet you there” and with that Zuko tugged you away from the others. You smiled at Zuko and he smiled back at you “quick thinking, I didn’t think we’d get out of there so easily”. “You can thank me later” you replied when you heard Sokka gasp “wait are they holding hands? Y/n are you holding hands?”. “Run!” Zuko cried and you laughed but did as he said. You kept running even after Sokka’s voice trailed off and only stopped when you reached a sandy beach. You both collapsed on the ground and you turned to look at Zuko “did you know this was here or did you get lucky?”. “Totally the former” he smiled and you shook your head “you’re lucky I like you”. “I really am” Zuko agreed and he stared at your face tenderly. His fingers brushed your cheek and you smiled “what are you waiting for?”. “I have no idea” Zuko admitted and he leant in to reclaim the lost kiss from earlier. This time you weren’t interrupted.

#zuko #zuko imagine #zuko x reader #avatar #avatar imagine #avatar the last airbender #avatar the last airbender imagine #atla #atla imagine #atla zuko #prine zuko #prince zuko x reader #ember islands #fire nation #aang #sokka #katara #suki #toph #prince zuko #azula #ozai #iroh #mai #avatar zuko #avatar ember island players

[chitsangenthusiast]

ive always seen a zuko oh moment, but can you give me some examples of sokkas oh moment? 💞

i love so much that you asked this bc imo sokka would have several oh moments throughout their relationship 🧡

it happens when sokka finally realizes why he's so worried about gran-gran liking zuko.

he's right in the middle of confiding to his dad, trying to both-sides the situation because "i understand if she wouldn't. i don't think i would either if it hadn't been for going with aang and actually getting to know what he's like—but, dad, i just feel like he's similar to katara enough that she could come to like him, right? i mean, gran would appreciate how straightforward he is—he's so determined too, she'd love that, and i have gran's humor so he'd definitely find her funny and would totally put up with her picking on him, and—"

i want to see him spend time with my family. i want to see his first time trying gran's signature dish with freshly-caught sea prunes. i want to see what his smile looks like when it's snowing.

and i just want to see him.

and i really want him to visit more often.

"and—" sokka feels a little faint as the weight of this revelation makes its home into his heart. "and—oh."

"i do like him, you know," hakoda says, carefully casual when sokka stays quiet for a beat too long. they had been looking at each other when it happened, and so he got to watch the way his son's eyes widened with a new sparkling wonder before sliding to the ground in a daze—and how his face suddenly flushed, probably in embarrassment and possibly even wary excitement.

hakoda doesn't try to catch his eye, but he does make sure his voice is strong enough to break through the obviously raging whirlwind of sokka's mind. "and i have a feeling your gran will too, son."

(she does. because sokka's right, it is incredibly fun to pick on zuko.)

—

the thing is, it never really occurred to sokka that these kind of revelations don't always have to be big occasions reserved for special things—like realizing you like someone, or realizing you want to marry them. sometimes, those little oh moments can just be sweet reminders of how much you love someone, which means he's somehow always caught by surprise every time the next one happens.

(some of those little moments do feel pretty monumental to him though.)

—

he's not expecting the second time to happen so quickly—or at all—but zuko apparently thought he was impervious to the cold or something and his clothes aren't as heavy as they should be. katara ends up giving him one of sokka's old coats ("stop pouting you didn't even make this one!") and—

zuko has a tendency to put his hood down and forget to put it back up, despite how cold it is outside, and eventually sokka just starts fixing the hood himself before tucking any loose strands back behind his ears, so that zuko doesn't have to keep batting any flyaways out of his face.

they make eye contact once, after the fifth time, and for some reason it startles sokka enough that he feels he needs to explain.

"uhm—" oh. zuko looks nice in sokka's old furs. his smile is also nice. "sorry—ears. don't wanna lose them, you know."

zuko just rolls his eyes, and lets him keep going it for the rest of the trip.

—

when they get together, sokka didn't think zuko would be big on pda—but apparently it turns out he's the pda king. he has no problem with draping his arm over the back of the couch to give sokka the opportunity to lay his head on his shoulder, or to give sokka a quick kiss before heading off to his next meeting, regardless of who's around. sokka's pretty sure zuko doesn't even think before he does it, and that it's somehow just a natural thing for him to do, except sokka isn't really used to being treated like this, and it takes him awhile to get accustomed to it.

until one visit, when his afternoon is free but zuko's isn't, so he chooses to go laze by the turtleduck pond to work on an upcoming lecture (read: nap).

zuko's stomps are more like little thumps as he stalks over the grass, but all sokka needs is one whiff of that crackling frustration to know it's time to open his eyes.

"was it minister chen?" he asks. things have improved over the years, but that doesn't mean that politics have stopped being politics.

"it's always minister chen," and sokka figures it's good this courtyard is private because zuko never has any issues with being loud when he's annoyed.

"figures. so are you here to hold a turtled—"

sokka doesn't get to finish his question before he's being semi-gently pushed forward and away from the tree trunk he was leaning against, before zuko swiftly shoves himself into the scant space to sit behind him.

there's barely any room for him, and sokka doesn't have to go far to lean back against his chest as zuko wraps his arms around his waist—it happens instinctively, sokka realizes. he had moved to be held without a second thought, and the thought makes him drop his head back onto zuko's shoulder in quiet surprise.

"no, wanted to hold you," zuko grumbles heatedly, but the kiss he drops onto sokka's cheek is incredibly soft. he then peers down at the papers still in sokka's loosened grip, and snorts. "are you working on the ba sing se university presentation? i didn't realize you had already gotten the data or whatever from that project. what'd you find?"

and oh. oh, sokka realizes that he's never going to be able to let zuko go.

—

zuko doesn't get a betrothal necklace right away, partly bc he's the one who proposed first, and partly because it's not really a prominent swt custom again just yet.

(sokka instead gifts him a handmade hunting knife to replace the one he lost on their last camping trip, bc thoughtful practicality is what he grew up with, and seeing zuko's obvious excitement over it is all sokka needed to send him into full-on wedding planning mode.)

instead, zuko gets a necklace for their first anniversary after the idea of it grew on sokka, and—oh, the first sight of his husband wearing the necklace sends him falling in love all over again <3

#lol i do my lil zukka brainrot dancey dance~ #this got long and needed a cut bc ofc it did. it's me uwu #also for what it's worth i also 100% imagine ambre's art where zuko laughs and sokka's starstruck by it as a perfect sokka /oh/ moment!! #thank you for the ask anon <33 #only lightly edited so i hope that's ok and that it's enough to have answered your thought!! #(sorry for answering this so late my brain went kaput yesterday+i couldn't properly write my thots until i got more sleep lol) #ask #anon #zukka #zuko #sokka #own post #my writing

[comradekatara]

i think it’s a really good character detail that sokka and toph both love eating meat, because it does serve as a good shorthand to a contemporary audience to signify their relationship to masculinity that also makes sense within the worldbuilding and is consistent with their characters.

like obviously sokka’s diet is meat-based. he lives in a part of a tundra that is (implied to be) frozen over year round. eating meat is a part of his cultural identity. but it’s more than that. katara also grew up eating mostly meat, but it’s not a part of her identity the way it is for sokka. and that’s because being a hunter and providing for his village is crucial to sokka’s conception of who he is. he was “the only man” left, and he felt like it was his sole responsibility to provide ample food for his people, mostly elderly women and young children. throughout the show we see sokka fail to hunt and forage for comedic purposes, whereas we don’t actually see his successes, but that doesn’t mean it’s not implied. he wouldn’t be as effortlessly proficient with a boomerang as he is by the pilot if he hadn’t been practicing on animals over the years. he clearly has a lot of experience hunting, and the pressure he feels as “the sole provider” for his tribe is something that he is also takes great pride in, as if the knowledge that his father had enough faith in him to hunt alone and make sure his people didn’t starve is very precious to him and any challenge to his identity as “the meat guy” is a great blow to his ego.

when he calls himself “the meat and sarcasm guy,” he is being facetious about parts of his identity that are in fact very important to him. meat: he comes from the south pole, so meat is important to his culture; he is a hunter, and it was his role to provide for and protect his people. sarcasm: he’s used to not being taken seriously, as the brother of a waterbender, as the only warrior left behind, as the token nonbender of the gaang, by people throughout the earth kingdom who see a water tribe boy and assume the worst about him before he even opens his mouth; he uses humor as a coping mechanism, for example, in that very moment, when he starts talking to himself while trapped in a hole, genuinely concerned that he might die, but staying glib and flippant nonetheless. it isn’t just eating meat that is part of his identity, but providing it as well. if he isn’t feeding his people, if he isn’t keeping them safe, if he isn’t giving everything he has to protecting them, then is he even a warrior? is he even anything at all?

as for toph, she grew up never having to worry where her next meal was coming from. she probably didn't even think about how food was prepared until she started traveling with the gaang, probably didn't even know the name of her cook(s). but when it came to dining, she was undoubtedly policed by her parents on how to eat. sit like this, hold your chopsticks like this, chew like this, only eat so much at a time, be proper, be discreet, be ladylike. the contrast between how toph eats and how sokka eats in "the blind bandit" is played for laughs, but as we've just established, sokka is someone who knows what it's like to not know where your next meal is coming from, and who also knew that if he wanted to eat, and if everyone else in his village wanted to eat, it was his responsibility to go out and kill an animal, so when someone offers him free food, he will not hesitate to eat as much of it as possible, table manners be damned. toph has never experienced food anxiety, but living in high society under the thumb of her ableist parents who excruciatingly monitored all of her behaviors is why she relishes eating as impolitely and as much as possible. if eating as little and as discreetly is a marker of femininity of a certain class (note how zuko says to jin "you have quite an appetite for a girl" because he's never seen a woman who wasn't from nobility eat before), then toph rejects her oppressive high society upbringing and its forced femininity and embraces masculinity by loudly proclaiming her love of meat.

in the US, eating meat is seen as a sign of masculinity despite the fact that most of the purported "alpha males" who claim that meat consumption is masculine did not actually hunt and cook that meat themselves (you may as well be a drag queen etc). nevertheless, when the audience hears sokka or toph claim they love meat, they do register that it indicates their complicated relationship to masculinity. sokka always felt an immense pressure to be masculine due to the fact that he was the sole warrior left in his tribe and believed that it was his responsibility and his alone to protect, defend, and provide for what was left of his people. meat signifies masculinity to him because he was actually hunting it himself, and being a good hunter is part of what "being a man" (an ideal he feels incredible pressure to live up to) means to him. toph feels a pressure to be masculine due to her rejection of femininity, which she associates with the submissive, meek, shallow ideal her mother performs and expected her to perform as well. she associates masculinity with strength, power, and agency, which she desires even as her humility, cunning, and ability to go underestimated are such a crucial component to her strength in the first place. when she claims that she loves meat, she's celebrating her ability to eat without being policed, she's embracing her gender nonconformity, and she's probably mirroring sokka, since she's still figuring out who she is, and he is her role model.

#analysis #sokka #toph #sokka&toph #i feel like i've always alluded to this but never probably expanded on it. so! here we are #i love analyzing the gender politics in atla so much #it is genuinely so fascinating and underrated #could talk abt it forever

[atlabeth]

everything happens for a reason part 11 - zuko x fem!reader

Memories, where'd you go?

part 10 | masterlist | part 12

a/n: alternative name for this fic: y/n gets a crush on every pretty girl she meets. yue, katara, and now suki. she can't help it (and she questions why they're all connected to sokka in some way lmaoo)

anyways, this is kind of filler but it establishes some more with relationships and finallyyy gets us into ba sing se at the end. i know it's a lil annoying because there's a lot of episode-to-text writing, but i promise it'll get more freeform as it goes on

also i know that i just posted something yesterday but i have literally zero patience. like i cant hold chapters i have to post them as soon as i write them loll

wc: 5.3k

warning(s): some feels over zuko as per usual, but overall a pretty tame chapter

chapter title comes from memories by panic! at the disco!

Zuko could barely sleep anymore.

He didn’t know when his life became so complicated, but he wasn’t a fan of it.

Back when it was just him, his crew, and the open sea — it was simple. He had a job, a straightforward mission. Find the Avatar, capture him, return home to the Fire Nation and regain his honor.

Now, the waters were more muddied than ever. Now on the run from the Fire Nation just like the boy he was chasing, all he really felt nowadays was anger.

Angry at the world for setting him on this path, angry at the Avatar for refusing to see what was necessary, his sister and her friends for turning against him, angry at the waterbender for making things so damn hard.

He didn’t want to hurt her. A part of him wished that she had never come back into his life, if it meant he wouldn’t have to constantly be fighting against her. He hated himself for the thought, but maybe it would have been easier for her to remain a memory of a lover than his active enemy.

Late at night, when he was reaching fruitlessly for sleep that would never come, he saw her face. The carefree energy from their childhood morphed into the shock and disappointment from both the North and their fight with Azula, and…

It made him wonder what in Agni had happened to them.

He—

He didn’t know. The way he felt about her, it was different than anything he had experienced before. Zuko didn’t know what it was, but he understood that it was special. And now… it felt like he had just thrown it all away.

Zuko couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened with her in that town — what he had done to her.

He had burned her to try and get to the Avatar, and he hadn’t even allowed a glance back at the damage he had done. He had heard her cry out in pain, pain he had caused, and he didn’t even look back.

What had happened to them? What had happened to him?

He kept telling himself that the mission was the only thing that mattered. And it was, wasn’t it? Capture the Avatar, regain his honor, get his old life back and finally be enough for his father. He didn’t have time for friends, or for these feelings he had, or— or for anything but capturing the Avatar. Because the Avatar was the key to everything, to his honor, and that was all that mattered.

But now…

Now, he didn’t know what he was supposed to do. He didn’t know what was right, or what was wrong, or what path was the one he had to take.

Zuko just wished things could be like they used to be.

~~~~~~~~~~

She didn’t really know when everything had become a mess again.

It all started out fine, like it usually did. Toph had become fully integrated into the group, any past squabbles put to rest in the name of a stronger friendship emerging between all five of them. Katara continued to work on Aang’s waterbending (oftentimes Y/N joining them in their sessions) while Toph slowly but steadily beat earthbending into him — literally.

They had all been working hard for so long that, by decree of Aang, it was ‘vacation time’. They would all get to pick out places they wanted to spend as a break, and after it was over they would get back to work.

Aang had chosen some sort of field with musical groundhogs, and Y/N had opted to revisit an Earth Kingdom village that she had passed through on her journey to the North. Sokka had complained the whole time about how they were ‘wasting valuable planning time’, but had finally conceded after the promise of ‘all the planning his heart could desire’ from Katara after their mini-vacations were over.

Y/N was actually feeling somewhat relaxed for once, but she had forgotten the golden rule — never let your guard down. Everytime she let her guard down, something bad happened without fail. So it shouldn’t have been any surprise with what happened in the desert.

Because after one trip to the Misty Palms Oasis and a journey into the desert with a professor to a long lost library, Appa had been taken by desert raiders.

It was… less than favourable. During their escape from the library, Professor Zei had insisted on staying behind, and now the five of them were stuck in the middle of the desert with no way out and zero guidance. Add some brewing tensions between Aang and Toph because of her being there when Appa was taken, and they had a recipe for a huge disaster.

And a disaster they had. Multiple disasters, actually.

There was only so much she and Katara could do to hold the group together, but by some miracle, they made it out of the desert with only one Avatar State mishap.

(And an incident with cactus juice, but… she didn’t really want to talk about that.)

....at least they had the information about the Eclipse. That was about the only thing keeping her together at the moment.

They had to get the information to the Earth King so they could formulate an attack with his warriors, but without Appa, they had to resort to more traditional methods of travel. Add in one passport problem, and that was how Y/N found herself braving the Serpent’s Pass alongside a refugee family with a baby on the way.

It was… intimidating, to say the least. Despite being surrounded by her element, Y/N didn’t feel any safer from the challenge that faced them. She took a deep breath, trying to tamp down on her fear the way her mother had taught her, as she followed the group, but her thoughts were soon interrupted.

“Hey.” She turned to see who the voice belonged to and was greeted by the girl that had teased Sokka early — Suki, if she remembered correctly. “I haven’t seen you around; are you with the Avatar or that family?”

“I’m with Aang,” Y/N explained. “I’m from the North, and they offered me a spot with them after they helped us defend our tribe against the Fire Nation. I’ve been with them ever since.” Suki nodded as they settled into a comfortable stride.

“That’s cool. Are you a waterbender?”

She gestured to her waterskin and smiled. “Yeah. I’ve been training with Aang and Katara ever since I left.” Y/N then turned her gaze back to Suki, raising an inquisitive brow. “Your makeup — what’s it for? I heard you talking about the Kyoshi Warriors back there; is that some kind of thing with Avatar Kyoshi?”

Suki grinned, her every expression heightened by the sharp reds and blacks above her eyes. “We’re a group of all-female warriors that use the teachings of Avatar Kyoshi and her partner Rangi to defend our home and the place she founded, Kyoshi Island. I’m the leader of our village section.”

“Wow,” she murmured, her eyes falling to the ground for a moment before finding their way back up to the warrior. “That’s really cool. You’re really cool.”

She laughed and shrugged. “Thanks. I’ve been training as a warrior for almost my whole life, so it just comes naturally. I like being able to protect people, and there’s no better way to pay back my home for all it’s done for me like protecting the whole village.”

“Wow,” she repeated with a small laugh of her own. “That’s really brave. I gotta say, I’m kinda jealous — I would love to see what would happen if Master Pakku met you all. Katara literally had to beat the sexism out of him in order to train to be a master.”

Suki chuckled. “Sounds like what I had to do with Sokka. Guess it’s a thing with Water Tribe guys, huh?”

At the mention of Sokka, she internally laughed. There had to be some kind of connection between the two of them, the way their interests kept aligning. “Sokka… he’s had it hard. I can’t blame him that much for any kind of attitude he had before he met you. Pakku, on the other hand? He had to have had something better to do than fight teenage girls.”

“You would think so, right?” Suki agreed. “And Sokka… I know. He’s got a heart of gold underneath all that, he just needed a little push to get it out.” As Y/N glanced over at the girl, noticing a slight pink tint under the white makeup, she gasped.

“La’s fins, are you two a thing?” she exclaimed with a grin.

Suki flushed even harder as she suddenly became very interested in the ocean around her, but she couldn’t help the smile on her lips. “No! I mean— yes— but… but—” she stopped to gather her thoughts before making eye contact again with a sheepish smile. “We’re not… really a thing, but… I do like him a lot. I didn’t really think I was going to see him again after they left the island, so this is really nice.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” Y/N asked. “I can already tell that he cares about you — have you seen how careful he’s being with you?”

“Well—” Whatever kind of excuse Suki would’ve made up was interrupted by a rock falling out just under Than, one of the refugees they were with, saved in the nick of time with Toph’s earthbending.

“I’m okay!” he reassured, but no sooner had the words left his mouth before the Fire Nation ship in the distance started firing.

“They’ve spotted us!” Sokka yelled. “Let’s go, let’s go!”

Aang flicked his glider open and deflected the blast, and Katara grabbed Y/N’s hand as they all began to run. Another blast rocked the mountain, causing several boulders to fall just above Suki. Y/N didn’t even have time to shout out a warning before Sokka tackled her out of the way, but it was ultimately more of Toph’s quick earthbending that saved him.

“Suki, are you okay?” Sokka brushed dust and pebbles off of her uniform as he examined her, and once he was satisfied he grabbed her hand and helped her up. “You have to be more careful! Come on!”

As the two of them caught up to Y/N and Katara, she gave Suki a knowing look. The warrior only blushed once again and glanced away.

After hours of navigating the pass, they were only about halfway through. Sokka made the executive decision to set up camp for the night to give everyone time to rest, and then they would get up at the crack of dawn to finish their trip. It only took a few minutes for Y/N to get a fire going, and soon everyone had settled in with their sleeping bags. Sokka got up from his spot as Suki wandered closer to the edge, and Katara nudged Y/N with her shoulder.

“Hey. How are your hands doing?”

“They’re fine,” she answered with a small smile, flipping her hands over as proof. Where there were once red burn scars on her palms only tiny white marks remained — one benefit to healing via waterbending was that most injuries were able to fade away completely after enough sessions. Her burns weren’t very serious and she was able to heal them almost immediately, so both her and Katara were sure that the marks would be completely gone soon.

The mental scars wouldn’t fade as easily.

“That’s good. And you’re taking care of them, right? Like, you’re not beating up people while we’re not looking?”

Y/N grinned. “No. I think I’ll leave that to Toph.”

Katara chuckled and nodded, turning her hands over in a final examination before nodding. “Good,” she repeated. The silence between them, although comfortable, stretched out for a little too long before she spoke again, this time much quieter. “He did this to you.”

“Katara…”

“I know,” she said. “I know you probably don’t want to hear this from me, or really at all, but… I’m worried about you. Zuko isn’t good for you. Every time we’ve run into him, he’s hurt you. And you deserve so much more than that.”

“You don’t understand,” she countered. “You don’t know Zuko like I do. You weren’t there when I was. I know you think I’m insane for still believing in him, but I— I can’t let go of him, Katara. I know the Zuko I love is still in there somewhere, and I have to try and find it. For me and for him.”

Katara’s eyes were full of nothing but sympathy as she sighed — it was obvious she didn’t believe her words, but in true fashion she was still trying her best to be supportive.

“Okay. I don’t understand it, but… I don’t think I can change your mind.” Y/N chuckled sadly and nodded, Katara’s piercing gaze meeting her own once more. “It’s just… Why are you playing with fire when you know you’re going to get burned?”

And for once, Y/N didn’t have an answer for her friend.

~~~~~~~~~

The night went by quickly, which Y/N was thankful for. It meant that the nightmares didn’t last as long.

After a quick headcount to make sure no one had fallen off the pass overnight and an even quicker gathering of their things, they set off to finish their journey.

It went just as well as she had expected — a giant serpent, the namesake of the pass, had attacked them while crossing through an underwater section. Thankfully, she was able to aid Katara and Aang in defeating it with waterbending with no casualties

But in the wake of one disaster there was always another, and before Y/N knew it a baby had been born. She was mostly there for moral support — Katara had it all handled, and Y/N didn’t expect anything less.

But finally, they had made it across the pass, and they were so close to Ba Sing Se that she could almost smell the city air. Sadly, though, that meant it was time for them to part ways — Aang to find Appa, and Suki back to her warriors. After some sad but hopeful goodbyes with Aang, it was time to bid farewell to Suki.

“Are you sure you can’t travel a little longer with us?” Y/N questioned, apparently not above pleading to try and get the girl to stay. “You’re— you’re amazing, and we’d really love to have you with us.”

“I can’t even imagine what travelling with the Avatar would be like,” she smiled, causing Y/N to get her hopes up for just a moment before they fell back down. “But I can’t stay. I have to get back to the Kyoshi Warriors.”

Y/N sighed, her gaze falling slightly downcast. “I get that. I just really wish you could stay. Or that I could meet your warriors. You seriously don’t know how cool you are, Suki.”

“Well, if you’re ever in town on Kyoshi Island, find us. I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out and do you one better than just meeting them all,” she said with a grin. “I think it’d be pretty cool to have the first waterbending Kyoshi Warrior.”

Y/N was unable to prevent the heat rushing to her cheeks as she smiled shyly, once again averting eye contact. “That would be amazing. I’ll have to find my way back there after the war.”

Suki bumped shoulders with her, causing a startled laugh to spill from her lips. “We’d love to have you.”

“Wait, why does it sound like you’re saying goodbye to her?” Sokka questioned as he walked up to the two of them. Y/N winked at Suki and gestured at him with her head, walking off before Suki could protest to find Katara.

The conversation the two girls were sharing was an extremely thinly veiled excuse to eavesdrop on the lovebirds, and when they kissed Y/N actually had to hold back a scream.

Sokka deserved this. She knew how much he beat himself up over every little thing that went wrong, and it was about time he got to relax even for a moment. She only hoped that Suki would be in their corner of the world sooner rather than later.

What could she say? She was already fantasizing about life as a Kyoshi Warrior.

~~~~~~~~~

Although they had parted ways, they soon found themselves reunited with Aang to stop yet another Fire Nation threat.

“For the love of Kuruk,” Y/N murmured as she stared into the distance, her eyes wide at the sight of a large mechanical drill. “That was Ty Lee who just took down all those soldiers. And if she’s here, Mai and Azula are with her too. Guys, It’s one thing to stop this drill, it’s another thing to take those three down with it.”

“The question is, how do we do it?” Aang questioned.

“Why can nothing ever be easy?” Sokka lamented. His gaze remained trained on the drill for a moment before he realized theirs were on him. “Why are you all looking at me?”

“You’re the idea guy,” Aang said.

“Wait, so I’m the only one who can ever come up with a plan?” he protested. “That’s a lot of pressure!”

“And also the complaining guy,” Katara muttered, drawing a chuckle out from Y/N.

“Now that part I don’t mind,” Sokka admitted.

“Well, Sokka— you were a huge help in the North, and you figured out a way to defeat the Fire Nation during that eclipse at the library! Plus, there’s all that stuff that Katara told me you did before I joined.” She patted him on the back. “If anyone can figure out how to take that thing down, it’s you.”

He shrugged nonchalantly, his ego only slightly bolstered. “...okay. I think I can do it.”

“That’s the spirit!” she said with a smile.

Unfortunately, that smile faded as a young guard came running up to the wall. “Excuse me, Avatar and friends — I’ve heard that you’ve dealt with that… that pink girl down there before.” They nodded and he continued. “It would do us a great deal of help if you could come down and look at our injured soldiers, then.”

Y/N and Katara nodded in unison and started to follow the guard, the remaining three trailing after them. They ended up inside the wall, in what looked like an infirmary of sorts with all the cots and soldiers lying around, and the two waterbenders exchanged looks.

“You know what to do?” Katara asked.

Y/N hummed in acknowledgment, and they both knelt down next to separate cots. “This definitely looks like Ty Lee’s work,” she murmured as she bent water up from the pot and molded it over the man’s arm.

“What’s wrong with him?” the general questioned. “He doesn’t look injured.”

“His chi is blocked,” Katara explained. “Who did this to you?”

“Two girls ambushed us,” the soldier said, moving his arm as he regained feeling. “One of them hit me with a bunch of quick jabs and suddenly I couldn't earthbend anymore and I could barely move. Then she cartwheeled away.”

Katara sighed as she bent the water back into the pot. “You were right, Y/N. That was Ty Lee — she doesn’t look dangerous, but she knows the human body and its weak point. It’s like she takes you down from the inside.”

As if struck by lightning, Sokka lit up. “Oh, oh, oh! What you just said — that’s how we’re going to take down the drill; the same way Ty Lee took down all those earthbenders!”

“By hitting its pressure points!” Toph exclaimed with a grin.

The breakthrough brought a steely determination to Aang’s features as he looked out into the distance. “We’ll take it down from the inside.”

~~~~~~~~~

Like everything they did, it seemed so simple on paper. But now that she was actually inside the drill, it felt a lot more nerve wracking. Toph opted to stay outside where she could see and try to slow down the drill with the earth at her disposal, which left the four of them to somehow take it down from the inside.

Sokka led them through a hallway with a myriad of valves and pipes as he thought out loud. “I need a plan of this machine — some schematics that show what the inside looks like. Then we can find its weak points.”

“Where are we gonna get something like that?” Aang asked.

Sokka thought for a moment before he took his machete out and hacked a valve off a pipe. Y/N instinctively took a step back and shielded her face from the hot steam. “What are you doing?” she cried. “Someone’s gonna hear us!”

“That’s the point!” he exclaimed. “A machine this big needs engineers to run it, and when something breaks—”

“Someone will come down to fix it!” Katara finished with a smile at Aang, a sentiment the boy returned happily.

It was surprisingly easy to take down the engineer once he arrived — with a little bit of frozen mist on Katara’s end, they had the plans they needed. Sokka’s expertise combined with the blueprints got them to the beginning of the outer shell.

“Wow,” Sokka muttered. “It looks a lot thicker than it does in the plans. We’re gonna have to work pretty hard to cut through that.”

Katara crossed her arms. “What’s this ‘we’ stuff? The three of us are gonna have to do all the work.”

“Look, I’m the plan guy!” Sokka explained with a gesture to himself. “You three are the ‘cut up stuff with waterbending’ guys. Together, we’re Team Avatar!”

Katara and Aang looked wholly unamused while Y/N chuckled. “Team Avatar. I like it.”

“Thank you,” he smiled. “At least someone appreciates my genius.”

“Tui’s gills, why do you have to keep boosting his ego?” Katara complained. “Let’s just get this done before it gets worse.”

The three of them got in position — Katara and Aang on opposite sides so they could pass the stream of water between them, and Y/N making the point of the triangle to work on the other side on her own. They were hoping it would be more efficient being able to cut through both sides at the same time, but it was proving to be much more difficult than they had imagined — halfway through the three of them were already exhausted.

By some feat of strength they were able to completely cut through the brace, but their hard work didn’t pay off in quite the way they had imagined — when the beam only shifted a few inches she groaned.

“Oh, you have got to be kidding me,” she breathed as she wiped sweat off of her forehead.

“At this rate,” Katara paused to inhale deeply, “we won’t do enough damage before the drill reaches the wall.”

“I don’t know how many more of those I have in me,” Aang said sadly.

A large creak suddenly rang throughout the large chamber, and they all looked up for the source.

“Did you hear that?” Sokka asked, already backing up to make an exit. “We took it down! We gotta get out of here, fast!”

Just as they reached the door on the other side, a crackle followed by the sound of a man’s voice dashed their hopes. “Congratulations, crew. The drill has made contact with the wall of Ba Sing Se. Start the countdown to victory!”

A collective silence hung in the air between them, the threat now even more imminent as their situation sunk in. Mai and Ty Lee had proven effective in taking down any Earth Kingdom threat posed at them, and despite Toph’s skill they knew she couldn’t take down something like this on their own.

They either had to figure out a way to destroy this drill, or the Fire Nation was going to make it into the city.

Sokka ran back over to the brace and pushed against it, putting all his strength into the feat but to no avail. “Come…. on! Move!”

Katara started pacing around in a small circle, crossing her arms again as she tried to think of something. “This is bad. This is really bad.”

“Sokka, that’s not going to work!” Y/N didn’t mean to snap, but the grinding of metal on metal combined with her nervousness got to her. She sighed and ran her hand over her face. “I— I’m sorry. But it’s still not going to work.”

He groaned as he leaned against the brace. “We’re putting everything we have into busting these things, but it’s taking too long!”

Suddenly, Aang jumped up from the ground with stars in his eyes. “Maybe we don’t need to cut all the way through! Toph — she’s been teaching me that you shouldn’t put a hundred percent of your energy in any one strike. Sokka, get in a fighting stance.”

Sokka complied and as Aang talked through his points, he demonstrated it on Sokka. “You've got to be quick and accurate. Hit a series of points and break your opponent's stance. And when he's reeling back, you deliver the final blow. His own weight becomes his downfall, literally.”

As Sokka fell over from the attack, Katara lit up. “So we just need to weaken the braces instead of cutting all the way through—”

“—then I can go to the top of this thing and deliver the final blow!” Aang finished.

Y/N helped Sokka up from the ground, his spirits not dampened at all. “Then boom! This whole thing goes down!”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Y/N asked, flexing her fingers to refresh them for all the bending she was going to have to do. “Aang, Katara and I can handle the braces. Focus on getting up to the top before anyone sees you.”

He nodded and they all met each other with determined eyes. “Everyone inside that wall, the whole world — they’re all counting on us.”

“Here, take this. You need this more than I do. ” Katara took her waterskin off and handed it to Aang. “Good luck. And be careful.”

Y/N noticed a slight blush on her cheeks and she had to hold back her smile. That was definitely something she was going to tease her friend about later — when they weren’t trying to stop the Fire Nation from breaking into Ba Sing Se.

“I will,” he assured. Aang slung the strap of the waterskin around his shoulder and took off, and Y/N and Katara got to work breaking through the rest of the braces.

With the knowledge that they only had to cut through half of each column and the revitalization that came from having a plan, their work went by much quicker. Just when they finished the final brace, it all went wrong.

“Good work, Team Avatar!” Sokka cheered. “Now we— Y/N, duck!”

She didn’t question Sokka as she immediately dropped to the ground, something she was immensely thankful for as a blast of blue fire seared past her. Her eyes snapped up to the source of the attack and narrowed in recognition.

“Of course they’re here,” she growled as she pulled herself back up. “We gotta go, now!”

Katara and Sokka nodded and they all started running. Bringing up the rear, Y/N was able to hear Azula’s words right before they split off into an intersection:

“Follow them! I’m going to find the Avatar.”

Sure enough, when she allowed a glance back, Mai and Ty Lee were closing in on them. She flicked open the cap of her waterskin and bent some out, managing to freeze it at just the right moment to block the incoming daggers from Mai. Still running, she melted it quickly and let it fall to the ground before freezing it again, creating some ice on the ground that would hopefully give them a few more seconds of leeway.

“That should give us some time!” she yelled as they turned a corner, finally turning her attention back to the path in front of them. “Any idea how we’re gonna get out of this thing?”

“Maybe!” Sokka yelled back, slowing to a stop as they came to a dead end, a large hatch the only thing at their disposal. He started tugging on the wheel in an attempt to open it, and when Y/N joined in they were able to wrench it open.

“Slurry pipeline?” Katara frowned as she read the sign on the wall and looked at Sokka. “What does that mean?”

“It’s rock and water mixed together,” he explained as they looked into the rushing liquid underneath the hatch. “It means it’s our way out!”

Katara nodded and climbed in, Sokka following close after. The sound of metal footsteps got closer and closer, and Y/N ducked inside just as Mai’s knives clanked against the hatch. Never before had she been so happy to be floating in a stream of slurry.

The rest of their mission went by surprisingly easy — at least, on their end. All it took was some waterbending — earthbending, when Toph joined them — and encouragement from Sokka (though unappreciated by Katara). Whatever magic Aang was working at the top of the drill had done its job, because soon enough the drill had collapsed in on itself.

And now, they had reunited on the top of the wall overlooking the sunset. After the chaos that had been their day, it was nice to just relax for even a moment. And there was no better way to do so than with her friends.

“I just want to say, good effort out there, Team Avatar!” Sokka exclaimed as he threw an arm around Y/N’s shoulder.

“Enough with the ‘Team Avatar’ stuff,” Katara said dryly. “No matter how many times you say it, it’s not going to catch on.”

“I like it, Sokka,” Y/N smiled. “I’ve liked it this whole time.”

“You always appreciate my genius, Y/N,” he mused. “That’s why I appreciate you.” She laughed and leaned her head against his shoulder as he continued to list off names.

“How about… the Boomeraang squad! Eh? See, it’s good because it’s boomerang, and it has Aang in it—”

“Yeah Sokka,” Toph interrupted. “We got it.”

Aang grinned and scratched his head. “I kinda like that one.”

“The Aang Gang. Ooh, the Fearsome Fivesome!”

“You’re crazy,” Toph muttered as she walked away.

“Wait, Sokka—” Y/N pulled away from him and held up her pointer finger. “Aang Gang — what if we combine it, so it’s just the Gaang? But still with Aang’s name?”

And at that moment, Sokka looked more proud than ever. “Oh, you— you are a genius.”

“Oh, spirits,” Katara groaned. “Why do you insist on encouraging him?”

“You’re just jealous of our name-making abilities,” Sokka said haughtily.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “You two are completely ridiculous, you know that? Let’s just get into the city before the trains stop running.”

Y/N and Sokka winked at each other as they all started walking, unable to keep the smile off of her face. She always thought it was amazing — they went through insane things every day, but at the end of it all she was always able to smile because of them. And as her gaze drifted towards the city in the distance, she hoped it would hold true.

She had no idea what Ba Sing Se had in store for her.

-

shit is gonna happen next chapter so i hope you all are READY bc im not

perm tags: @dv0412 @siriuslyslyslytherin @maruchan77

atla tags: @marianne1806 @brown-eyed-thang @akiris

ehfar tags: @chandies-sideblog @zacatecanaaaa @anzanity @randomthingssss @escapingthoughtsandsecrets @shanksfav @shephard17895 @ilovespideyyy @carisi-sonny @selfship-mishaps @i-belong-in-fandoms @ilistentotayswifttocope @i-make-questionable-choices @3leni

#zuko x reader #zuko x you #zuko x y/n #zuko #zuko fic #prince zuko #avatar #avatar the last airbender #atla #avatar fic #atla fic #avatar the last airbender fic #avatar x reader #avatar the last airbender x reader #atla x reader #sadie writes

[helpistolethesecharacters]

Love Conquers All

Part 2

Zuko x Male Reader

Word Count: 1643

-----------

The next morning Y/n followed Zuko back down to the kid's campsite. Y/n was half expecting them to have packed up and left, but he was happily proven wrong when they got down there.

The kids were sitting in a half circle, clearly waiting for the two of them to arrive. From the looks of things, they might actually be more open to talking to them today.

A look at the water tribe girl told Y/n that she still had a serious distrust for them that would be annoying to get past.

They approached the group. Y/n held back. He would be on guard for anything they might pull that could hurt Zuko.

"Um, so, you guys have something you want to say?"

Y/n guessed that if you couldn't count on the Avatar to break the ice then the world was doomed.

"Yes. I'm here because I know now that my destiny is to teach the Avatar firebending. I also wanted to say that I'm deeply sorry for all of my actions that have caused you pain or worry. I know that my apology doesn't fix everything, but I hope that it can help pave the way to better relations between us."

Y/n had missed this version of Zuko. He had been buried under so much pain and anguish, and had been desperately trying not to let anyone see it. It was good to have him acting more like himself again, but no amount of royal training was going to remove his awkward manner.

"Why should we believe anything you have to say? You've been chasing us around the world trying to capture Aang and kill us! We shouldn't even be sitting here listening to you!"

That girl was really sticking with her hard-done-by feelings. Y/n was going to have to keep a close eye on her around Zuko.

"Actually," the water tribe boy interjected, "I had a question about that."

He stared into the remains of their fire for a second before looking up at the still standing duo.

"Why didn't you just use your airbending to capture Aang? I mean, it looked like you were holding your own against Katara pretty well. When we first met you could have wiped the floor with us. So why?"

Y/n was surprised. The Water Tribe boy was more perceptive than he had given him credit for.

"It's a secret."

Bless Zuko for trying to take the question for him. Y/n sent a grateful smile his way.

"The Fire Lord has decreed that any airbenders are to be executed. If any are found, it's a death sentence."

Y/n looked around at the appalled faces of the kids. Finally it looked like they were starting to realise what they were involved in.

"How can you side with monsters like that?!"

Y/n turned furious eyes on the opinionated girl.

"I don't side with them! I side with Zuko."

"That isn't any better! So you're saying that if he decided to go back to the Fire Nation tomorrow you would just go with him?"

She was on her feet and flinging her words at him much the same way she had been with water the day before.

She turned back to her friends.

"This is why we can't trust them! I know you want to have someone else who's an airbender Aang, but he won't do the right thing if Zuko doesn't."

She spat Zuko's name like it was a bad word.

Aang turned big eyes on them.

"Would you really go back to them?"

"No."

"You just said----"

"I won't go back to them because Zuko won't. And I stand with him."

Y/n chanced a glance at Zuko only to find him already looking at him. He had that soft smile on his face that had been missing for years. Y/n was so glad that it was back. They reached for each other at the same time, fingers coming together and intertwining easily, familiarly.

There was a surprised intake of breath from the kids in front of them.

"Oh."

"Yeah, oh." Was Y/n's eloquent response.

"Well, that doesn't make it okay to do the wrong thing when you know it's wrong."

She was still lecturing them, but the wind had clearly gone out of her sails.

Y/n managed to pull his eyes away from Zuko and look back at the group.

"We really are on your side this time."

Y/n stilled. The air had shifted in the way that it did when it was trying to warn him of something, becoming electrified. He spun around, scanning their surroundings, trying to locate the problem. He spotted the man up on the cliff just in time to bring his sword up and deflect the wave of energy that he sent at them.

Y/n growled. His timing had been off, resulting in his returned wave being sent off in a different direction.

"You all need to get out of here! If he keeps this up, the whole temple is going to come down."

"Y/n, if you can keep him busy, we can try to find a way to get rid of him!"

The Water Tribe boy was apparently their leader, was Y/n's distracted thought as he stood waiting for the man's next barrage.

If they got out of this alive he was going to smack Zuko upside the head for ever hiring the assassin.

That was probably something that the group of kids didn't need to know about, Y/n thought absently.

He was almost too focused on the long distance fight between the two of them to notice Zuko attempting to distract the assassin from where he stood nearly beside him. When had he gotten over there?

Something whizzed by Y/n's ear and he was so distracted by the thought of Zuko doing something so monumentally stupid as to antagonise the most ruthless assassin in the Fire Nation from a matter of feet away, that he didn't even sense it until he felt the air move by him.

He watched as the boomerang flew true and struck the assassin in the center of his third eye. He felt the world slow down as he saw the man draw in a breath for another wave of energy, but instead of it being sent to where they were standing, it exploded in his face and in the air all around him.

Y/n's heart stopped when the whole side of the temple crumbled and fell. Zuko had still been up there.

His sword fell with a clatter that was muted in his ringing ears. He was over by the side of the temple before he even thought about it, scrambling to find Zuko. If he was gone then that was it.

Y/n felt a thought settle in the front of my mind. He felt a sickening sinking feeling in his stomach, but there was no denying it.

He turned empty eyes on the group who were all celebrating their lucky escape. It was their fault.

He stood at the edge of the temple, watching them, feeling the wind caress him. It was whispering something to him, but he still couldn't hear anything over the adrenaline still coursing through his body.

He took a step toward them, reaching for his sword but coming up empty. His gaze narrowed in on it, lying on the floor back where he had been standing.

He was shaking, he realised as he tried to take another step but found himself on his knees instead.

The wind was growing around him as he fell forward onto his hands. He could feel himself falling apart, but he couldn't seem to pull himself back together. He had always had Zuko for that, but the stupid self-sacrificing idiot had gone and gotten himself blown off the side of the temple.

There was a groan from the ledge Y/n was nearest to. The wind died suddenly.

Y/n turned his tear streaked face sharply in it's direction.

He recognised that voice.

Then he was scrambling once again for the ledge, and grabbing hold of Zuko's arm and pulling with everything he had until he had his idiot firmly in his arms and far enough away from the edge.

He squeezed his eyes shut tightly and held Zuko in his still shaking arms. Y/n hoped Zuko was comfortable because he was never letting him go again.

-----------

They had gathered around the fire that someone had restarted to sort out something for lunch.

Y/n had the feeling that his melt down hadn't gone unnoticed by at least one member of the group. When he had gone over to pick up his sword from where he had dropped it, the little blind girl had watched him with her unseeing eyes. He had just sheathed it and walked back over to Zuko's side, but she hadn't stopped watching him ever since.

Y/n was sitting by Zuko's side, too strung out from earlier to be properly on guard, but he was sure that since they had seen him in action they might be a little hesitant to attack so openly.

Once everyone had a bowl of food Sokka cleared his throat. He had an uncomfortable look on his face.

"So."

Y/n waited silently. This was Zuko's destiny, it was up to him to earn his place with the group.

"You know why we're here. Our reasons haven't changed. I think, it comes down to this. Can you trust us?"

"Look," Sokka started, "We don't fully trust you, but I think that's fair. I mean you chased us around the world, but we also saw what you did for us back there. You could have died trying to help. So we're willing to give you a chance. But just one."

Zuko's face lit up with his happiness. It was a sight that Y/n knew he would always enjoy.

"You won't regret this. I promise!"

#Zuko x Male Reader #Zuko #Male Reader

[likealittleheartbeat]

I deeply appreciate how ATLA depicts all the main characters responses to trauma. Aang’s, for me, however, stands out for its rareness in media. And we are not hammered over the head with the idea that Aang (or any other characters) repeatedly act certain ways because of a single traumatic event. Sure, there are key moments in our lives when a certain event comes to the forefront, but no one experiences the world as constant flashbacks. Rather, we see only in retrospect the way our sarcastic sense of humor or our heightened friendliness were protective responses to a deep emotional injury. Being able to understand Aang’s approach to loss is essential for the show. The structure of the series is founded on his arc (despite an incredible foil provided by Zuko). Our little air nomad initially confronts the loss of his people with a full-on meltdown in the episode “The Southern Air Temple,” where Katara’s offering of familial belonging soothes him. But this kind of outburst is not Aang’s primary response (and actually the literally out-of-character apocalyptic tantrums align with Aang’s overall process of grieving). Instead of constantly brooding (hey Zuko!), Aang leans heavily toward the monk’s pacifist teachings and toward his assumed destiny “to save the world.” He becomes overtly accommodating and joyful, constantly trying to see “the good” in everything with a perfectionist’s zeal. This is not to ascribe his bubbliness only to his trauma. Rather, he comes to emphasize this part of his personality for reasons related to the negative emotions he struggles to face.  Book 1: Water

In the first season, Aang is simply rediscovering his place in the world. “Water is the element of change. The people of the water tribe are capable of adapting to many things. They have a sense of community and love that holds them together.” This is vital to Aang as he initially faces his experience. He won’t get through this if he is not prepared for his life to change. Even if he hadn’t been frozen for 100 years, his world would never be the same. This fact involves eventually finding new people that he feels safe with. After such a massive loss, he’s learning who to trust, and also often making mistakes; not only does he find Sokka and Katara (and I’d argue he’s actually slow to truly open up to them), this is the season where he helps save a fire nation citizen who betrays him to soldiers, befriends the rebel extremist Jet, and attempts to befriend an actively belligerent Zuko (his moral complexity had only JUST! been revealed to the kid!). He’s constantly offering trust to others and seeking their approval in opposition to the deep well of shame and guilt he carries as a survivor of violence. This is also the season where Aang swears off firebending after burning Katara in an overeager attempt to master the element (one will note how fire throughout the series is aligned with, above all else, assertiveness and yang). Aang is so eager to be seen as morally good to others that he refuses to risk any possible harm to them.  And asserting himself carries a danger, in one sense, that he might make a mistake and lose someone’s positive regard, and, in another sense, that he is replicating the anger and violence he’s witnessed. He has no relationship to his anger at this stage of his grief, so it comes out uncontrollably, both in firebending and the Avatar State. It’s through the patience of his new family that he can begin to feel unashamed about his past and about the ways his shame is finding (sometimes violent) expression in the present. Book 2: Earth In the second season he begins to trust himself and stand his ground. Earth, after all, is the element of substance, persistence, and endurance. The “Bitter Work” episode encapsulates how Aang must come to a more sturdy sense of his values. First, there is the transition of pedagogical style. While Katara emphasized support and kindness, Toph insists on blunt and threatening instruction, not for a lack of care towards Aang. Instead, it’s so Aang learns how to stop placing the desires of others above his own--to stop accommodating everyone else above his own needs. Toph taunts Aang by stealing one of the few keepsakes from the monastery that he holds onto. This attachment to the lost airbending culture is echoed in the larger arc with Appa. And, by the end of this episode, it is Aang’s attachment to Sokka that allows him to stand firm. This foreshadows the capital T Tragic downfall in the “Crossroads of Destiny.” Aang gives up his attachment to the other member of his new found family, Katara, despite his moral qualms. Although he has access to all the power of the Avatar state, his sacrifice is not rewarded. Season 2 illustrates Aang coming to terms with his values. He is learning about what he stands for, what holds meaning to him. Understanding himself also includes integrating his grief, and there’s a lonely and dangerous aspect to that exploration. We see Aang’s anger and hopelessness over longer stretches rather than outbursts in this season. It’s hard to watch and hard to root for him. That depressive state leads to actions that counter his previous sense of morality, as he decisively kills an animal, treats his friends unkindly, and blames others for his loss. Letting these harsher feelings emerge is an experiment, and most people discover their boundaries by crossing them. Finding ways to hold compassion for himself, even the harm he causes others, is the other side of this process. Our past and our challenging emotions are a part of us, but they are only a part. Since Aang now has a strong sense of community and is learning to be himself rather than simply seeking validation, we also see him having more healthy boundaries with new people. He’s no longer befriending villains in the second season! He’s respectful and trusting enough, but he’s not putting himself in vulnerable situations nor blindly trusting everyone. Instead, he’s more likely to listen to his friends’ opinions or think about how the monks might’ve been critical towards something (they’re complaints about Ba Sing Se, for example). By knowing what he cares for, he can know himself, the powerful, loving, grief-struck monk. And he can trust that, though he might not be everyone’s favorite person, he does not need to feel ashamed or guilty for who he is or what he’s been through. Book 3: Fire However, despite a sense of self and a sense of belonging, Aang and the group still find themselves constantly asking for permission throughout their time in Ba Sing Se. It’s in the third season, Fire, that initiative and assertiveness become the focus. And who better to provide guidance in this than the official prince of “you never think these things through,” Zuko. It’s no longer a time for avoidance or sturdy defensiveness. It is the season of action. Fire is the element of power, desire, and will, all of which require us to impact others.  We see the motif of initiative throughout the season: the rebels attempt to storm the Firelord on the Day of the Black Sun; Aang attempts to share his feelings and kiss Katara; Katara bends Hama and a couple of fire nation soldiers to her will. In each of these examples, the initiators face disgrace. Positive intent does not bring forth success, by any means, only more consequences to be dealt with. This is perhaps Aang’s biggest challenge. He is afraid that his actions will fail, or worse, they will succeed but he will be wrong in what he has chosen. The sequencing in the series, here, is important. We have already seen how Aang has worked to care for (and appreciate) the well-being of others and how he has learned to care for his own needs. With this in mind, he should be able to trust that his actions will derive from these wells of compassion. But easier said than done. Compassion can also trap him into indecision, hearkening back to his avoidant mistake in the storm, in which the whole mess began. Aang’s internal conflict, here, becomes more pronounced as the finale draws nearer. I think it’s especially significant that we witness Aang disagreeing with his mentors and friends. He must act in a way that will contradict and even threaten his sources of support if he is to trust his own desires. Even the fandom disagrees about the choice Aang makes, which further highlights the fact that making a decisive choice is contentious. There is no point in believing it will grant you love or admiration or success. For someone who began (and spent much of) the series regularly sacrificing himself just to bring others peace, Aang’s decision to prioritize his own interests despite the very explicit possibility of failure is the ultimate growth his character can have and the ultimate representation of him processing his trauma. (This arc was echoed and made even more explicit in many ways with Adora in the She-ra finale.) The last significant time Aang followed his desire, in his mind, was when he escaped the Air Temple in the storm. To want something, to trust his desire and act on it, is an act of incredible courage for him, and whether it succeeded or failed, whether anyone agrees or disagrees with it, it offered Aang a sense of peace and resolution. Now I appreciate and love Zuko’s iconic redemption arc, but Aang’s subtler arc, which subverts the “chosen one” narrative and broke ground to represent a prevalent emotional experience, stands out to me as the foundation for the show I love so much.

#aang #avatar the last airbender #trauma #ptsd #cptsd #atla #atla meta #zuko #redemption arc #adora #spop #catradora #catra #also no one will read this far in the tags but this is phoebe buffay's arc on friends

[azucanela]

OMG I AM OBSESSED WITH YOUR WRITING YOU ARE DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BEST WRITERS ON TUMBLR NO CAP!!! i love ur zuko fics, and i wanted to request some sokka x reader!!! i want u to have complete creative freedom but i love how you write slowburn omg so some enemies to friends to lovers sokka content would be insaneeee! maybe reader is fire nation (zuko’s cousin/iroh’s daughter??) but joins the gaang after crossroads or something?

AFTER | SOKKA X READER

SUMMARY: Sokka didn’t expect the girl who held a knife to his neck to be the same girl he’d fall for. Y/N didn’t really expect to fall either. 

WORD COUNT: 10k

WARNINGS: injuries, implications of death, kisses, bloodbending, threats of bodily harm, death threats

A/N: time to give sokka the attention and hype he is OWED, also im SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONGGG but this is quite possibly my favorite Y/N. writing for sokka is hard tho. im not sure how much i like this tbh but its really long omg. also thank you!!!! i feel honored to be considered the best :D you are too kind

When she was younger, Y/N joined Azula’s little troupe of girls. Though she wasn’t some loyal little soldier for her to order around, no, Y/N never feared Azula. Nor did she follow her blindly. No, it had always been a struggle for power between the two. Even when her father was booted from the throne as the rightful heir. 

Losing her brother made her wonder if giving up like her father had in Ba Sing Se was the easy way out. Perhaps thats why she promised herself she would never give up. Maybe thats why she challenged Azula to... an unofficial duel when she’d heard her comment. Challenged her and won. 

The new Fire Lord’s pride and joy had lost against his niece, a shame. 

Y/N hadn’t thought much of it, but it probably would’ve explained why Fire Lord Ozai was rather pleased when Y/N had came to him and explained her intents to go alongside her father and cousin in banishment. She was, no matter how unlikely, another potential heir to the throne. And unlike Zuko, an actual threat. Sending her on a journey to find someone who’d been missing for a century was the best way to get rid of her. 

If Y/N was honest, she viewed the banishment as more of a vacation. All her life, she had to deal with banquets, politics, war tactics, all at such a young age. It was tiring, and dull, spending day and night in the palace doing such things. Now, she had the opportunity to travel the world, though her grumpy cousin was rushing them throughout each spot, it was still nice. Zuko certainly didn’t think so, given that they hadn’t found the Avatar yet, not that Y/N believed they ever would but, it is what it is.

A sigh escaped her as she sat, on leg propped up against the other on the deck of the ship, they had arrived in the Southern Water Tribe after seeing an odd light in the distance. Maybe it was cruel, but Y/N sincerely hoped they didn’t find the Avatar. She didn’t want her vacation to end, she didn’t want to return to the politics, and she didn’t want to deal with one of the most powerful people on the planet. Aside from her own desires, Y/N couldn’t help but disapprove of Zuko’s need to please his father, the man who’d hurt him beyond forgiveness.

She sincerely doubted her father approved either. Though their relationship had been strained for some time now. Y/N didn’t hate her father, she doubted that was possible, he was a kind man and a good father. Things between them simply felt... off. She liked to think she’d gotten over it, the initial jealously she felt when she discovered her father intended to join Zuko on his hunt for the Avatar.

When she’d found out from Fire Lord Ozai. 

Sometimes she wondered if her father even intended to say goodbye. But she wasn’t a fool, Y/N knew he had recently lost a son, they were both hurting and Zuko needed someone who wasn’t going to hurt him if he did something wrong. Though, Y/N saw him try to save the lives of the soldiers of the so-called great Fire Nation, not do something wrong. Regardless, Zuko needed a father figure, yes. But Y/N needed a father as she grappled with the death of her brother. 

Maybe she was just a little bitter about it. 

“Are you coming?” Zuko asked, his words coming out harshly.

Raising a brow, Y/N shook her head, “no. Don’t get too violent, though.” She warned, looking at him pointedly, “they’re a small tribe that’s going extinct.” 

Zuko rolled his eyes as he exclaimed, “that’s not my fault!”

Sitting up to face him, Y/N smacked him upside the head as she walked past him, “considering the royal family, which you are a part of need I remind you, ordered the genocide of every single Waterbender they had...” She paused, cracking her knuckles before turning to look back at Zuko, “I would say you that everyone here probably blames you for it by assosiation.” Y/N reasoned. She had never liked the history that her ancestors had, much less approved.

Taken aback, Zuko exclaimed, “you’re a part of the royal family too!”  Y/N was well aware of the circumstances surrounding his banishment, he’d tried to save lives, but war was the only thing that mattered to the Fire Nation it appeared. 

His attempt at defense simply earned him a shrug, “perhaps.” Y/N didn’t consider herself a member of the royal family, and she doubted her father did either. And no matter what Zuko thought, though he was royal by blood, his banishment severed his ties to the throne permanently.

Unless they happened to find the Avatar, though that wasn’t very likely, Y/N decided she would rethinking her life choices should the Avatar be here of all places, as she rested her forearms on the side of the ship and watched Zuko march down his soldiers.

She wasn’t going to tell him that the Southern Water Tribe didn’t have a military, much less benders. As previously mentioned, the genocide destroyed the benders, and the most of the soldiers in the village had headed off to fight in the war against the Fire Nation. Though her brow did raise as she watched him yank an old lady from the small crowd of people, Y/N straightened her back, preparing to get involved. 

Of course, a young warrior ended up running at her cousin, war paint and all as he attempted to attack. Key word being attempted. Watching him fall face first into the snow, Y/N realized he wasn’t a warrior, but a boy. The Avatar also happened to be a boy. A very, very young boy. Not a century year old Airbender. 

Y/N supposed it was time to start rethinking her life. 

Sokka didn’t know what he was supposed to do as he helped Princess Yue onto the Sky Bison. They needed to find Aang’s physical body, quickly, otherwise he wouldn’t be returning to the real world, and they happened to be fresh out of Avatars up until recently so that wasn’t really an option. Not when they needed the balance of the world to be restored immediately. 

Sighing, Sokka moved to get onto the Sky Bison, only to be yanked backwards, stumbling before having a knife pressed to his neck. “What the hell!” He exclaimed in shock, garnering the attention of the others that were already on Appa. Katara’s mouth gaping open at the sight of him as Princess Yue cried out in shock.

The knife against his neck is certainly uncomfortable, and he realizes that he probably should’ve stuck around Kyoshi Island long enough to learn how to get out a situation like this. “I’m coming with you. Someone has to make sure Zuko doesn’t do anything else dumb.” Comes a voice from behind him, and Sokka’s brows furrowed in confusion, who was this? And why were they trying to kill him? More importantly, how did they know Prince Zuko, the guy who had been chasing them since Aang had come out of that iceberg. Questions ran rampant through his mind, and he nearly forgot that his life was being threatened.

That was a luxury he couldn’t afford at the moment. 

Though he couldn’t see the person behind him, he could see Katara grimace at her demand, anyone associated with Prince Zuko likely had a similar end goal, to capture the Avatar. This wasn’t something they could allow, and Sokka recognized this as Katara asked, “why should we trust you?” Katara’s eyes soon met Sokka’s and he knew that no matter what he said, she would give into the girl’s demands for his safety. Sokka mentally scolded himself for failing to prevent this situation. 

The girl behind him scoffed, “unlike my dear cousin,” Sokka couldn’t help the shock that flooded him, cousin? As in Zuko is this girl’s cousin? Or did she mean someone else? He was kidding himself, there was no one else it could be. “I like banishment, it’s like a fun little vacation. I could care less about the Avatar.” The knife draws in closer to Sokka’s neck, nearly drawing blood, likely expressing the fact that she could care less if Katara believed her. Though Sokka doubted she didn’t care about the Avatar, he was one of the most important people in the world. 

But Sokka would likely die if she didn’t agree, or at least end up fatally injured. No matter how far Katara had come with her Waterbending, she hadn’t perfected it yet, and healing was only so effective. Sokka sincerely doubted she could beat the speed of this girl and her weapon considering the fact that she’d gotten the jump on them the first time around. Death wasn’t something he wanted, but anyone who knew Zuko couldn’t be trusted, much less someone who shared his blood. If he turned out... like that, Sokka didn’t want to imagine how this stranger ended up.

“Don’t try anything.” Katara warned, eyeing the girl wearily. Though it was an empty threat for the most part, in the air, there was little Katara could do against a foe. Though three, well two if you exclude the princess, against one seemed like favorable odds, this girl seemed talented in combat, even without bending.

She released Sokka, and he turned to see her beaming up at Katara, “happy to be doing business with ya.” Turning to Sokka, she looked him up and down, sizing him up before speaking, “be a gentleman and help me up?” Yeah, she was crazy. The pretty ones are always crazy. That, and she was Zuko’s cousin, it made sense. Though Sokka was fairly sure that she was joking, you could never be too sure.

“Who even are you?!” He exclaimed, exasperated and preparing to whip out his boomerang as he glared at her. He didn’t recognize her, but she’d likely been traveling with Zuko for quite some time now if they were related.

She just shrugged, “you can call me Y/N.” She got onto Appa with ease, Katara on guard a she eyed her, eyes piercing into her soul, Y/N raised a brow upon noticing this, “calm down. I wouldn’t have killed him.”

Katara inhaled deeply, trying to maintain patience as Sokka got into the saddle, “yip, yip.”

Y/N wasn’t really shocked when it turned out Azula was after them. Of course good old Uncle Ozai sent his most valuable asset to bring them back. Though some good at come of it, Zuko cut his ponytail, something Y/N had taken pleasure in bullying him over. Now they were on the run, in the very city that her father had tried to run to the ground all those years ago. 

Irony at its finest.

Tugging at the sleeves of her Earth Kingdom garments, Y/N sighed, walking through the streets of the city. She didn’t know where she was if she was honest, and standing in the beautiful plaza, Y/N wondered if maybe, it would be better if she never returned back to that horrid apartment. Her father was starting over, getting them all jobs at a tea shop, even Zuko had tried to move on, going out on a date with a girl. 

The Earth Kingdom was an odd place, but here, no one knew who she was. It wouldn’t be difficult to restart, alone. Without the expectations she’d been raised with. Fists balling up, Y/N exhaled slowly, turning a corner. There wasn’t graffiti in this part of the city, she realized, staring at the walls. Though there was an odd poster, squinting at it, she moved closer. It was a poorly drawn image of-

A Sky Bison. The same one she’d ridden on back during the Siege of the North, not that any others existed, the Sky Bison were a dying breed. Which could only mean one thing, the Avatar was in Ba Sing Se. 

"Have you seen him?” She heard from behind her. Y/N recognized the voice, it belonged to the boy she’d held at knife point, “the drawing isn’t my best but-”

Turning around she spoke rapidly, “don’t freak out.” This was a problem.

Y/N liked to think she was the least threatening of the Royal Family, aside from her father that is. Though they could both be lethal in their own ways, neither demonstrated the true extents of their power unless it was truly necessary. Maybe that’s why Y/N hoped that the boy, Sokka, she believed his name was, wouldn’t freak out.

Of course, he did. Dropping the posters in his hand, he opened his mouth, likely to scream, only for Y/N to practically tackle him. She slammed his body against the wall, covering his mouth with her hand as she glared at him. Sokka let out a grunt of surprise, immediately beginning to struggle in her hold, “calm down! I don’t have a knife this time around.” Y/N cried out, her voice a hushed whisper. Of course, what she said was a lie, she always had at least three weapons on her. Upon entering the city, she’d knocked that number down to only two weapons, much to her dismay and Iroh’s relief.

She felt him lick her hand, and she quickly removed her hand in disgust, while keeping the other planted on his shoulder, they both exclaimed, “what the hell!”

Sokka’s eyes narrowed at her, “look. I don’t wanna cause a scene, so I’m just gonna go-” He sighed when her hand remained on his shoulder, firmly holding him against the wall as he tried to move away only to be pushed back into the wall. “Or not.” 

“Look, you cannot go back to your little group and tell them that I’m here.” Y/N tried to choose her words carefully, if she didn’t need to, she didn’t want to suggest that her father and Zuko were also in the city. “I’m trying to have a permanent vacation, away from the Fire Nation and my crazy family, in Ba Sing Se.” She explained, slowly removing her hand from his shoulder, “think you can respect that?”

He looked at her wearily, during their last interaction, she’d made no attempts to actually injure them. And when she had the Avatar right in front of her, unlike Zuko, she hadn’t tried to kidnap him. Y/N had been honest last time, and chances were, she was being honest now. That didn’t make him feel any better about trusting her though. 

“How do I know you won’t follow me and kill me in my sleep?”

Y/N looked at him incredulously, “is that a joke?” She’d considered that too though, the possibility that he’d follow her back to her shared apartment and alert his friends of their location. Y/N refused to be the reason that they lost their new lives in Ba Sing Se, and had already decided to check into an inn for the night. 

Raising a brow at her, Sokka gestured for her to give him an answer, and Y/N stared at him momentarily, “well. How do I know you won’t kill me in my sleep?” Y/N retorted.

Sokka rolled his eyes at her, “I’m a good person.” Came his response.

“Debatable.” 

Sokka stared at her in disbelief, “I’m trying to save the world here!” He exclaimed, and Y/N wasn’t shocked by his response, her goal had been to fluster him and she had.

Tilting her head at him, Y/N replied, “sure.” Stretching her arms upwards, she waves to him, “don’t tell your friends I was here, and we’re good.” She began to walk further into the alley, towards the other side, “see you around.” If he was here, his friends were probably around the area as well, meaning she had to leave.

His mouth gaped open and he stared at her figure as she stalked off, pausing momentarily before groaning and running after her, ending up at her side. “What do you mean, sure?” Sokka asked, confusion laced in his tone. 

Y/N raised a brow at him. “What are you doing?”  She wanted to laugh at his reaction, though he was now following her liked a lovesick puppy, which could prove problematic. 

Crossing his arms he responded, “making sure you don’t do anything bad.” Sokka eyed her suspiciously, “because I am a good person.” He asserted.

“And I’m a bad person?”

She already knew he was going to say, ‘yes, yes you are.’ After all, she was from the Fire Nation, and Y/N had no doubt she’d done terrible things in her life, especially when she’d fallen into a dark place and taken on... less than favorable coping mechanisms. 

And he’s silent for a moment, leaving Y/N to wonder if he suddenly cares about the feelings of the enemy. Only for him to say, “in my experience... good people can do bad things.” 

That wasn’t what she expected. Y/N found herself stunned, speechless as she looked to Sokka, though he simply continued to walk alongside her nonchalantly. Quickly collecting herself, she looks away from him and to the nearby food stand, “that didn’t answer my question.” And as Sokka opened his mouth to likely continue his statement, Y/N realized she didn’t want to know the answer as she spoke, “you want food? I want food. Let’s get food.”

Sighing, Sokka followed her, “as long as you don’t poison me.”

Y/N’s brows furrowed at his comment, looking back at him, “do you-” A small laugh escaped her, “do you think I just carry around poison?” 

Sokka didn’t know why he swelled with pride when he made her laugh, “in case you run into your enemies, absolutely.” It was probably because she was the enemy, and it took real talent to make someone who hated you laugh. 

“How often do you think I run into my enemies and invite them to get food with me?” She asked, picking up a few things from the stand, before heading over to pay.

Frowning, Sokka watches her pay, “I thought we were bonding over,” he paused to take a meat bun from her and shove it into her face dramatically, “meat! Yet, I’m still your enemy.”

Y/N simply shrugged, “this is a one time thing.”

It was not a one time thing. 

Sokka found himself ‘coincidentally’ running into Y/N, more and more often. She’d be walking through the streets of the upper ring about once a week, though she had started walking through the streets of the inner ring of Ba Sing Se far more frequently than normal in recent weeks. He’d been meaning to ask her why, maybe she’d also grown accustomed to their meetings and started to come around more. During their meetups they’d talk, about things other than the war, which was a conversation difficult to come by with the others. Though he cared for his friends, talking to Y/N felt different, a good different. She wasn’t overbearing like Katara, or mean like Toph, but she also wasn’t as passive as Aang. 

It was odd. Knowing someone who had once held a knife to your neck in a more friendly way. Though, if Sokka was honest, he didn’t trust her, and she likely didn’t trust him either. They’d both taken precautions due to the mistrust between them, not that be blamed her. At the end of the day, they were still on opposing sides, kind of. Y/N had never seemed to care about finding the Avatar, but she was certainly loyal to her family above all else.

She’d demonstrated that in the Northern Water Tribe. 

Sokka was the same, if he had saw an inkling of betrayal as a possibility, he wouldn’t hesitate to tell the others. Their safety was his priority at the end of the day, and Y/N didn’t owe him anything, just like he didn’t owe her anything. Maybe that was the beauty of it all. But for now, everything remained peaceful, calming, and simple.

Of course, all good things must come to an end. 

Katara had oddly disappeared after Aang arrived with news of his vision. And then, as though things couldn’t get any weirder, Iroh arrived, Y/N’s apparent Father Iroh. Toph seemed to know him well, which certainly came as a shock to Sokka and Aang. “I need your help, Prince Zuko has been captured.” He explained, opening his mouth to continue only for Sokka to interrupt. He couldn’t help it when his brows furrowed in both confusion and frustration, Y/N had never suggested that the rest of her family was here.

“Are you crazy? You guys were trying to capture Aang not to long ago!” Sokka pointed out, throwing his arms outwards, “why not get Y/N to help?” She was certainly capable of raiding the palace and retrieving her cousin.

At this comment, Iroh’s face darkened, “we were separated in the palace. I’m unsure if they managed to capture her or if she escaped.” Oh. So that’s what he was going to say. 

Sokka couldn’t help it when his face dropped, looking to Iroh he exclaimed, “well- why didn’t you lead with that!” Pushing past Aang who had been prepared to start giving a speech on why they should assist Iroh, only for his mouth to gape open as Sokka headed for the door.

“Why are you so eager?” Toph asked as they began to follow him out the door.

He faltered, quickly trying to think up a good excuse as he replied, “no reason.” 

Toph’s frowned, “I can tell when you’re lying Sokka.” She reminded him. 

“We can discuss this later!” He exclaimed, flustered. “Let’s go.”

Y/N had contemplated killing Zuko before. 

It had never really been serious, as far as she would’ve gone was maybe injuring him badly enough that she got her point across. But at the end of the day, she protected Zuko to the best of her ability, and tried to keep his mind from being poisoned by the Fire Nation ideals that she’d once lived by unquestionably. 

Now she actually wanted him dead. He stood alongside Azula, who had offered Y/N her spot in her little gang hours ago, though she’d rejected the offer much to Azula’s chagrin. But she seemed sure that Y/N would accept some time soon. Perhaps it was because Zuko had betrayed her father and left him to the Dai Li. 

He had betrayed her father, the man who had practically raised both of them. 

Y/N had a violent past, she wouldn’t deny, and she liked to think that she was past all that. But looking at the situation ahead of them, watching the Waterbender, Sokka’s sister, Katara, cry over the body of the Avatar, she realized that maybe violence was the answer. Just this once. 

So, when she hopped in front of them, she had a plan. A violent one. 

“Pull yourself together.” She snapped at Katara, who looked up at her, bloodshot eyes and tears streaming down her confused face, “he’s getting out of here alive. But first, I need you to soak them.” Y/N gestured towards the troops coming towards them, Zuko and Azula accompanying them. Katara opened her mouth, and Y/N didn’t care what she was going to say as she ordered, “now!” 

Katara’s brows drew together as she released the Avatar’s head onto her lap, raising her hands to use the waterfall behind them to successfully drench the soldiers, who groaned at the discomfort but pausing temporarily before they continued towards them. “What did you think that would accomplish? What a pitiful-” Azula’s taunts were paused when she watched as Y/N drew her hands together, inhaling deeply, and Azula stopped her movement. “That’s not possible.” 

Suddenly, lightning was between Y/N’s fingertips, and she extended her hand into the large puddle of water that Katara had created. Y/N had learnt to bend lightning soon after she’d mastered Firebending, from her father, he’d insisted that she only use it when necessary, so she kept her ability to herself. This was necessary, she decided, hand touching the water and sending a shock throughout everyone with it, successfully putting all of the soldiers out of commission. 

Unfortunately, Azula recognized the signs of lightning bending, and withdrew alongside Zuko, and the two were now coming to attack from above at a rapid rate. Y/N whipped her head around to see Katara, mouth gaped open at all the fallen soldiers. “You two need to leave, I’ll hold them off.” She began to move to create another strike of lightning

“No.” Called out another voice, and Y/N whipped her head over to see it was her father, Dai Li agents likely nearby as he moved in front of Y/N. “You all need to leave. Take Y/N with you, she will help the Avatar reach his destiny.” Y/N wanted to laugh at that, how could he be so sure? If the boy did die, then this would all be for nothing

Y/N scoffed, “are you crazy?” She moved closer to her father, “unlike Zuko, I’m not leaving you.” She exclaimed, exasperated. 

Iroh simply smiled at her as he said, “I’m proud of you, Y/N.” 

Sokka knew he seemed dumb. He knew how others perceived him, as the ‘extra’ member of Team Avatar, the useless one, because he lacked bending. At the end of the day, Sokka was the brains of their operations, he was observant, and this helped him develop plans that most people would never even consider.

Not that anyone else knew, but Sokka was the only one that had actually interacted with Y/N prior to what happened in Ba Sing Se. Sure, they’d all met once or twice in the past, but Sokka had a knife to his throat then, so Y/N probably didn’t seem that appealing to the others. And he doubted they understood how odd it was that she was so... apathetic. Normally she’d tease, and joke alongside him but now? 

It was odd, and nobody else could notice the shift in her personality but him, and he was concerned. Y/N had lost her father, and been betrayed by her cousin, and she had yet to talk about it, at all. Sokka liked to think that they were close enough to discuss such things, and he’d tried to get some sort of emotion out of her, the key word being tried. 

Despite her apathetic personality, the others had warmed up to her for the most part. Apparently Toph had met Y/N in the past, during the time she’d run off and encountered Iroh. So, the two got acquainted fairly fast, Aang was happy to have a Firebender, and insisted that once he was back to full strength, and they’d found a better place for practice, he’d learn Firebending from her. Y/N had agreed but it was clear Aang wasn’t as excited as he was acting, Sokka figured he still associated the time he hurt Katara with Firebending.

Katara had been far less weary of Y/N than Sokka had expected, but given what Katara had told him when she’d first joined, that made sense. Y/N was a powerful Firebender who had betrayed her entire nation to help save Aang’s life, and though Katara didn’t approve of everything she’d done in the past, she tolerated her. Which was better than nothing in Sokka’s book.

They were currently camped out in the woods beside a Fire Nation town, everyone had scattered to prepare for the few nights they’d likely stay in the area. Katara had gone to the town with Toph and Aang, in search of supplies and food, while Sokka and Y/N set up the camp and collected wood to help start a fire. Y/N had insisted that she could maintain the fire without any wood, but Sokka viewed this as an excuse to get her alone and force her to discuss her feelings.

“So...” Sokka mumbled, looking to her as she leaned down to pick up another piece of wood, “lovely weather we’re having.”

Y/N turned to him, raising a brow before nodding, “yeah.” It was clear she wasn’t entirely paying attention the nonsense that was coming out of his mouth as he tried to get her to listen to him. 

Sokka grabbed another piece of wood, “how have you been?”

Tilting her head at him in confusion, Y/N brought another piece of wood into her arms, “fine.” Looking up at the dimming sky she frowned, “we should start heading back to that spot we’d found earlier.” Y/N turned to begin walking, and Sokka struggled to match her pace.

His brows furrowed in frustration as he stared at her, the light of the falling sun filtering in between the trees and onto them. Y/N seemed to glow as she maneuvered between the trees, “how have you been sleeping?” Even Sokka sounded confused at the question he asked, but he didn’t know how to broach the topic with Y/N.

She simply paused her movement, turning to him, he stumbled slightly due to the abrupt stop, and met her eyes. “Just ask what you wanna ask, Sokka. Stop dancing around whatever it is.” Y/N sounded tired, looking to him expectantly as she awaited his question. Sokka scolded himself for being so obvious that she’d noticed something was up. 

He sighed, “are you okay?” And she opened her mouth to respond but he continued, “actually? You can say that you are okay, and not mean it. Y/N you lost your dad and were betrayed by your cousin, and you-” Sokka grimaced as he met her eyes, “you haven’t been the same since you joined us.”

Y/N is silent for a moment, then her eyes were piercing into his, “how would you know that I haven’t been the same?” She asked, turning away to continue walking back to the chosen campsite, “it’s not like you know me.” His statement had set her off it appeared, but her response had easily done the same for him. 

“Are you serious? Not like I know you?” He scoffed, jogging to catch up with her, “I know that you do whatever it takes to protect the people you care about. I know that you really like Earth Kingdom food because most of the food within the Fire Nation is on the spicier side.” Y/N didn’t seem to be listening, and the camp was in sight, but Sokka continued, “I know that you get really cold easily unless you regulate your body temperature with your Firebending. And I know that you can’t pick a favorite color because you are very indecisive.” 

Aggressively, Y/N dropped the sticks into the center of the campsite as they arrived, turning to him, “you can stop now.” Her voice was almost taunting as she spoke, sarcastic in a way. 

Sokka simply followed suit, placing the firewood in the center and facing her head on, “and most importantly, I know what it’s like to lose someone.” He takes her hand, and Y/N practically growls at the contact, attempting to yank her hand out of his grasp, she ends up pulling him closer towards her. Sokka clumsily topples onto her, knocking the both of them down into the dirt with a grunt. His forearms preventing him from crushing Y/N under his body weight as he held himself up, his eyes meet hers.

Y/N finds herself glaring daggers at him, while Sokka finishes his little speech with, “you don’t have to deal with this alone.”

And in that moment, he looks at her, really looks at her. And she’s really pretty.

Y/N opens her mouth to say something to him, only for someone else to begin speaking, “are we interrupting something?” Toph. Looking up, Sokka sees the others as well, Aang looks rather smug as he wiggles his eyebrows at Sokka, and Katara gives him a pointed look, likely disappointed that he’d fraternizing with the former enemy. He can’t help it when he feels his cheeks warm, and before he can move to get off Y/N, she’s launched him off of her, and he’s flat on his back on the ground. Toph laughs at the actions, bending a seat of earth for herself and the others before falling backwards into it, the girl seems to wish she had popcorn as she watched the moment unfold.

“No.” Y/N mumbles, bringing herself to her feet and dusting herself off. “I’ll be in my tent if you need me.” She retreats into one of the tents they’d set up earlier, and Sokka groans as he lets his head fall backwards into the ground and runs his hands over his face.

When he removes them, Aang is standing over him, along with Toph, while Katara organizes the firewood. “So... did we interrupt something?” Toph asked.

Sokka just sighs, his plan failed. This time at least. Next time, his goal would be to make her laugh, to make her smile. At least she had expressed some emotion, anger was better than nothing.

Anger seemed to turn to annoyance, since Y/N doesn’t leave her tent until nightfall and Sokka can’t help but wonder what was entertaining enough to keep her in there for all that time. When she does exit, she uses her Firebending to light a fire, and uses the firewood they’d collected earlier to ensure it stays alight. The rest of the group was seated around the center of the campsite, and Sokka wonders if she’s going to go back to her tent when she realizes the only open seat is next to him. 

She doesn’t return to her tent though and he’s grateful. Though she sits as far as possible from him on the bench that Toph had created, half-heartedly listening to the things that the others are saying. Y/N can feel herself getting cold and can’t help the resent that bubbles up in her chest as she recalls what Sokka send earlier. Exhaling deeply, a puff of blue fire escapes her mouth and Y/N feels nauseous at the small reminder of Azula. 

This catches Sokka’s attention, though the others are too enraptured in the story Aang was telling, Sokka turned to her, “cold?” He asked, leaning to the side to grab a blanket from his small pack, he offers it to her.

Y/N knew she wouldn’t be able to regulate her temperature when she fell asleep, but accepting the blanket from Sokka felt like... it felt like accepting him and everything he had said about her. So, when she doesn’t take the blanket from his hands, Sokka sighs, moving to put it back, only for Y/N to snatch the blanket from his hand and wrap it around herself begrudgingly.

This was her way of apologizing, moving closer to Sokka on the small bench she huffed as she pulled the blanket tighter around herself and turned her attention to Aang. She’d been mean, she wouldn’t deny, but what was she supposed to say? Exhaling deeply, Y/N closes her eyes temporarily, allowing drowsiness to consume her for a moment, before looking back to Aang.

It isn’t until Sokka feels a weight fall onto his shoulder midway through his own story that he realizes Y/N has fallen asleep, his mouth gaping open in shock as he pauses his words. He quickly shakes off the shock, cheeks warming as he turns back to the rest of the group, who all regard him curiously. Aang once again wiggles his eyebrows and Sokka ignores the action, continuing his story. Though he’s more weary of his vivid hand movements in fear of awakening Y/N, and noticeably quiets his voice. Sokka finds himself wishing he was Y/N as he listens to Katara’s Water Tribe horror story intently, after all, this is the most peaceful he’s ever seen her. 

It doesn’t last long, because she’s soon startled awake, hand going to her side where she keeps her dagger as she and Toph speak simultaneously, “someone’s coming.”

As an old woman emerges from the shadows, Sokka practically holds Y/N down to keep her from lunging at her and attacking as the woman speaks. And of course, Y/N’s distaste for the woman doesn’t stop there, even when she invites them into her home, though Sokka doesn’t blame her. She’s a suspicious woman. 

It’s not until he and Aang are attacking each other that Sokka regrets preventing Y/N from attacking the old woman when she had the chance. Katara is struggling to move, and Sokka can only hope that Toph and Y/N return from the cave soon as he yelps upon nearly making contact with Aang, the old woman laughing cynically. Sokka watches as she shifts, hand outstretching behind her, “don’t think I forgot you little Firebender.” 

His eyes widen in both shock and fear as Y/N’s body is suddenly thrown onto the ground in front of him. Her body rising almost mechanically, back to a stand, Sokka realizes there’s lightning at her fingertips, the woman manipulating her body to aim for Sokka. “A shame you’ll be the woman to end your friend’s life isn’t it,” She’s making eye contact with Katara who is crying out and begging for her to stop.

Sokka can see the panic in Y/N’s eyes as the her hands aim towards him, “Y/N. It’s okay.” He calls out her, in an attempt at assurance that he doubts does much to soothe her. “It’s okay.” He repeats, squeezing his eyes shut as he prepares for the lightning to hit him. Except it never does, instead, it goes upwards into the sky as Y/N cries out in pain, having moved her body despite the woman blending her blood. 

She had overpowered Hama’s bloodbending, something that clearly came as a shock to the old woman as Y/N turned around sluggishly, staring at the shocked old woman as blue fire left her mouth once more, chest heaving. Sokka could feel the weight on his bones slowly disappear, leaving behind an ache, the woman likely intended to focus her abilities onto Y/N, who was struggling to walk towards her. 

“Scared?” Y/N asked, looking up at the woman, “you should be.”

The next time that Team Avatar feared Y/N. She was face to face with Zuko.

He’d approached them as they sat in the Air Temple. And Y/N had practically jumped out of her seat, preparing for a fight as lightning seemed to dance at her fingertips. Though Sokka knew better than to allow her to attack her cousin, and grabbed her arm. “Can you guys handle this?” He asks the others, maintaining eye contact with Y/N. The others looked to them understanding what would likely occur if Y/N was allowed to be involved.

Zuko wouldn’t walk away from that fight. 

“We got this Sokka.” Katara assured, pure hate in her eyes as she stared Zuko down, and Sokka couldn’t help but wonder if maybe he should remove both of them from the situation. 

Sokka’s hand found Y/N’s, and it was almost burning hot, a sparks seeming to fly between them, he pulls at her hand. Y/N hesitantly allows him to drag her away, though she turns back momentarily to meet Zuko’s eyes. “I’ll kill you later, cousin.” She promises, and her voice is scarily calm. “For my father.” The condescending tone in her voice and the wince Zuko has in response is enough for Sokka to know that her intent was to hurt him emotionally if she couldn’t do it physically, and it was clear she had been successful.

Inhaling deeply, Y/N closes her eyes temporarily as Sokka brings her into one of many abandoned rooms in the temple, sitting her down onto a bed before kneeling down in front of her. “Are you good?” He asks. 

“That’s a stupid question.” Comes her response.

Sokka tilts his head at her, giving her a smile, “well I’m a stupid guy.” 

He’s rubbing gentle circles in her hand as she shakes her head, a small laugh escaping her, “no you’re not.” Her voice cracks and she cringes at the sound so she clears her throat, staring at the wall beside her. Sokka can’t help the way his heart swells at this comment, because for once he doesn’t feel like the comic relief, he doesn’t feel like the side character. Though he appreciates the rest of Team Avatar and loves them all dearly, at times, they didn’t take him seriously. 

Y/N makes him feel important. Though he doesn’t say this as he looks at her, clearly shaken by Zuko’s sudden appearance, she speaks once more, “are you sure I can’t kill him?”

This time Sokka laughs, shaking his head, “I’m sure Katara would love to help you with that, but I doubt Aang would approve.” 

Y/N nods slowly, letting out a shaky breath as a tear escaped her, though she quickly wiped it away and looks to the ground. “You wanna sit with me?” She asks, patting the spot on the bed beside her. 

“Sure.” He replies softly, moving to sit on the bed with her. One he’s situated, Y/N leans her head onto his shoulder, and Sokka finds his hand wrapping around her waist. And they sit like this for several moments. 

Taking a deep breath, Y/N removes her head from his shoulder and looks to him, “thank you.”

Sokka raises a brow, “for what?”

“Being here.” She replies, bringing her hand to move a hair from his face, Sokka watches her actions intently and in awe. “With me.” Her hand remains on his face for longer than necessary, and when she moves to let it fall back into her lap, Sokka’s hand cups hers. 

They’re both silent when Sokka’s hand releases hers, and his other hand leaves her waist, both coming to her face. The look in his eyes tells her enough, and she nods to him. 

The kiss felt like the first breath of fresh air in a while. Maybe it’s because it had been long overdue, but as Y/N brought her hands to his arms to pull him closer, she felt her head empty of all thoughts. 

He pulls away momentarily, their foreheads resting against each others, he can see her eyes are shut, lashes pressed against her cheeks. “I hope,” Sokka pauses, and her eyes flutter open to look at him, he can feel his cheek warm as he continues, “I hope I can always be here, with you.” It’s a confession in its own way, and Sokka understands the weight of his words as he watches her reaction. 

She opens her mouth, likely to reply, be closes it quickly, and Sokka can’t help the panic that floods him. Though this is quickly replaced by the feeling of her lips on his as her hand collides with his chest and pushes him down on the bed, earning a grunt from him. 

“Guys, Zuko is gone-” Y/N throws herself onto the floor as she rolls off Sokka, and he sits up immediately. “Am I interrupting something now?” Aang asked, giving Sokka a look.

Y/N clears her throat, “no.” Sokka couldn’t help it when his brows drew together at this comment, bringing a hand to his temple as he sighed, and Y/N stood, dusting off her thighs as she mumbled, “see you guys later.”

She started avoiding him after that. 

When Zuko joined the group, she’s also made a point to avoid him no matter how hard he tried to apologize to her. And of course, when Sokka first showed him to his room they had a... chat. To put it simply, Sokka had threatened him. 

Just a little. 

“So yeah, here it is, your room.” Gesturing to the room, Sokka gave Zuko a tight lipped smile, watching him wearily. 

Zuko’s back was to him as he placed his stuff down, “thank you.” He said, expecting that to be the end of it, upon hearing the door close he assumed Sokka had left.

When he turned around, Sokka was still very much there. “Let’s have a chat, Prince Zuko.” It didn’t go unnoticed by Sokka how the boy grimaced at the use of his title, though that didn’t stop him from moving forward and placing a hand on Zuko’s shoulder a little too tightly. “Y/N does not want to speak with you.”

“I know,” Came his reply. “Thank you for keeping her from... killing me. The other day. I intend to apologize-”

A small laugh escaped Sokka, “next time. I won’t stop her.” This was for multiple reasons, one of which being that Y/N was avoiding him, and the other being that he wished to respect her and her feeling about Zuko. “And you need to respect her wishes. One of those wishes being, avoiding you. Until she approaches you, leave her be.”

Zuko’s brows furrowed at this comment, “she’s my cousin. You can’t expect-”

“Leave. Her. Be.” 

Zuko became silent, nodding slowly as he looked to Sokka curiously. 

And now, to avoid some of his problems and solve some of them, Sokka ended up running away in a hot air balloon with the person he related to the most at the moment, and the person he threatened rather recently. Zuko. Both of them were being avoided by someone important in their lives, and they both had slightly crazy younger sisters. Though their conversations were certainly... odd.

“My first girlfriend turned into the moon.”

Zuko looked at him for a moment before saying, “that’s rough, buddy.” There was silence after this, a temporary lapse in conversation that Zuko seemed determined to fill. “So...” Zuko mumbled. “You and my cousin huh.” 

It wasn’t a question, Sokka realized this, but he disregarded it as he responded, “what about us?” Playing dumb would hopefully get him to drop the subject. 

Zuko raised his brows at Sokka, “us?” 

Scolding himself, Sokka realized he’d unintentionally dug a deeper hole for himself when he said this as he tried to avoid Zuko’s gaze. “Not really.” Sokka replied, “she’s avoiding me too.” 

Nodding, Zuko gave him a tight lipped smile, “what did you do?”

“I wish I knew.” Sokka could only make assumptions about why Y/N had begun to avoid him, but at the end of the day was confused over it.

He really needed to talk to her. 

As the day of Sozin’s Comet drew closer, Sokka had started trying to talk to Y/N more and more, she’d keep basic conversation but whenever he tried to address... the kiss, Y/N would shut down the conversation. And now, it was the day of Sozin’s Comet, and they established that Zuko and Katara would take on Azula, Aang would take on Ozai, and the rest of them would go after the army that was heading for the Earth Kingdom. 

It seemed that Sokka intended to try to speak with her once more as he approached her while she strapped a dagger to her thigh. “We need to talk.” He said, plopping down onto a rock beside her.

“About battle strategy?” She asked, looking to him, “I had some ideas.”

Play dumb, play dumb, play dumb.

Sokka’s brows furrowed as he shook his head, “about the kiss, Y/N.” Y/N tried to hide her shock at his forwardness, he’d never been this blunt before, during his previous attempts to discuss this with her. Turning to him, she prepared to speak but he silenced her, “you’re going to listen this time.” Grimacing, he looked away, towards the horizon. “I don’t know what’s going to happen today. And if something goes wrong, I need you to know-”

“Nothing is going wrong.” Y/N stated firmly. “Nothing. So, we can have this conversation after.” 

Sokka sat up from his place on the rock, moving in front of her, “there’s no way to guarantee that Y/N.” 

Squeezing her eyes shot, Y/N took a deep breath, “I’ll make sure nothing happens to you guys.” She promised, “and I swear we can talk about this after.” She grabs onto his hands, holding them in hers as she looks away. Y/N knew why she was avoiding it. He was right, it was totally possible for one of them to die, and a relationship in the midst of a war was the worst possible idea. After would be better, or at least that’s what she’d told herself.

The pleading look in his eyes almost burns through her resolve as he asks, “will we?” It almost hurts that he doesn’t believe her, but Y/N can’t blame him.

“We need to go.” Her voice was almost a whisper as she releases his hands. Even if she wanted to continue discussing the subject, they needed to begin the battle soon. 

Sokka frowned though, “if you don’t want this, just tell me and I’ll-” He sighed, bringing a hand to his temple. “I’ll stop bothering you.”

Y/n began to shake her head, “you are never a bother to me I just-” Sighing, she looked into his eyes, “I want this. I do, I’m just scared, and we’re in the middle of a war Sokka!” She exclaimed, the words spilling out of her mouth before she can stop them.

“You think I don’t know that?” Sokka cried out, exasperated. “Y/N I’m so scared that something is going to go wrong, and I’ll never get to tell you that I-”

“Don’t say it.” She interrupts, fear in her veins as she watches him.

So, he didn’t. 

If she didn’t feel like she had something to come back to, maybe that would make it easier. Sacrifices would have to be made to reach victory, and Y/N wouldn’t hesitate to be the one to make them if it meant the others survived. They deserved to see the new world, the world of peace, prosperity, and freedom, the one that came after all this.

Y/N could feel the power flooding her as the comet drew closer, pure and raw power. Though this accompanied by her skill would likely help her in the upcoming battle, dozens of Firebenders with half her skill and the power of the comet was something she was definitely worried about. Overpowering them all was unlikely, and in the best case scenario, Y/N could slow them down. But she wasn’t a fool. In war, there were always casualties, and she was prepared to become one of many. 

Then there were the thoughts in the back of her mind. Though nobody had discussed it, the throne could potentially go to her after all this, and that wasn’t really something Y/n was looking forward to debating. Perhaps it was selfish, but Y/N didn’t really care. Was it wrong of her to dream of escaping the shackles that bound her to the Fire Nation since birth, to leave behind the politics and the lies and the pain of it all?

Maybe. 

Sokka knew Y/N had a lot going on in her mind right now. And he knew she was scared of what was to come, and no matter how much it hurt him, he respected her wishes to wait until this battle was over to discuss whatever it was between them. He knew where he stood. But now that Suki had left them, he found himself beginning to regret it. On the top of the Air Balloon, Toph was practically blind, and Sokka could do little in terms of long distance, aside from his boomerang. Which left Y/N to do her best to defend them from the Firebenders that had begun to swarm them. 

“Go!” She cried out, knocking one of the Firebenders off the balloon. “Take out the rest of the fleet.” Y/N dodged the oncoming flames, intercepting them with her own to prevent the others from getting burned.

But Sokka wasn’t going to let anyone die today. “You still owe me a conversation,” came his response, looking down at the bridges on the Air Balloon. “Jump!” Sokka cried out as another ball of fire rushed towards them, he took Toph by the hand and hoped that Y/N followed. 

Thankfully, she did, he took notice of her as he fell towards the bridges extending from the giant hot air balloon. They were all screaming as they fell, and Y/N grunted in pain as she hit Sokka, tumbling over him and off the edge, yelping as her hands grasped the bridge, with little leverage. Toph similarly went over the side, her screams filling Sokka ears as Y/N released one of her hands from the bridge and caught Toph’s wrist. 

Panic flooded Sokka as he scrambled to the edge of the bridge, Y/N’s hand slipping, “Sokka! Hurry up-” Another scream rips out of her as she loses her grip on the edge.

Nearly falling as he grabbed her hand, his chest heaved. “It’s gonna be okay.” He promised, looking into Y/N’s panicked eyes. “It’s gonna be fine Toph!” He cried out to her.

“Yeah, right!” She called out into the wind, the fear evident in her voice despite the sarcastic nature of the comment. “Y/N I don’t wanna die.” 

Y/N almost can’t hear her, too focused on maintaining her grip on both Sokka and Toph’s hands. She exhales slowly, eyes falling on the soldiers that are beginning to make their way down to them as she replied, “you’re gonna be fine, I promise. I’m gonna get you to Sokka, okay?” 

Sokka was internally panicking, he wouldn’t be able to fight back against the incoming soldiers if both his hands were occupied, but his grip was faltering and he couldn’t pull them both up. Grimacing as he looked down at the two, he nodded in agreement to Y/N signaling that he was ready. It made sense in his mind, she would be able to use her free hand to Firebend, which was far more useful than anything he could provide at the moment. 

Inhaling deeply, Y/N looks to Toph, “Toph, I need you to climb up my body, and grab Sokka’s free hand, okay?”

Toph’s death grip on her hand seems to grow stronger, tears brimming her eyes, “I- I don’t think I can.” 

Y/N shakes her head at these words, “yes, yes you can. Bring your legs up to grab my lower body, and then make your way up, okay? Like a tree.”

Toph shook her head rapidly, “I’ve never climbed a tree!”

Sokka couldn’t help but grow impatient as he exclaimed, “there are soldiers coming, Toph please!” His hand was growing sweaty as he used his free hand to throw his sword at one of the oncoming soldiers, effectively knocking him down. 

Y/N felt her arm swing slightly, and watched as Toph blindly extended her legs, finally managing to wrap them around her legs. She released Y/N’s hand and wrapped both arms around her lower body, slowly inching upwards until her legs were around Y/N’s waist and her arms were on her shoulders. “Good job, now reach up, as far as you can, and Sokka’s gonna grab your hand.” Y/n instructed using her free hand to pat the hand that Toph had wrapped around her.

Y/N could feel the young girl’s tears fall onto her shirt as she extended her hand upwards, Sokka’s freehand moving as far down as possible. The strain on Y/N’s body slowly becoming too much as tears leaked out of her eyes.

Maybe it would be better to just... let go.

She quickly shook off those thoughts, Toph, Toph, Toph, she couldn’t do anything brash until Toph was safe. Y/N watched as Sokka’s hand narrowly missed Toph’s. “Sokka, please.” Y/N whispered, looking to him with pleading eyes.

Maybe it was the desperation he heard in her voice that moment, or maybe it was pure luck, put his fingers grazed Toph’s and he latched on, extending his arm as far as possible and gripping her hand. “Now let go of me, and Sokka’s gonna pull you up, okay?” Y/N explained, looking to Sokka, his eyes meeting hers. Y/N quickly realized he couldn’t lift either of them up. Just like her, this was straining his muscles, and Sokka was struggling to keep both of them up. 

“Sokka.” She said, demanding his attention, his eyes met hers, filled with fear as Toph relieved Y/N’s body of her weight and evened out the distribution on Sokka’s body. “You can’t fight back with both your hands taken.” More tears were streaming down her face as she spoke, “a-and... you can’t pull us both up.” Sokka was crying too now, shaking his head rapidly as Y/N simply pointed out the facts.

Toph’s grip on his hand tightened, “we’re all going to die.” There was resignation in her voice, and it hurt Y/N to hear it.

“We’ll figure it out. We are all going to be okay.” He stated firmly, a shaky breath leaving him as he made an attempt to pull them both upwards, a failed attempt.

Squeezing her eyes shut momentarily, Y/N allowed herself to imagine it, a life with Sokka and the rest of her friends. A life where they were all happy. Where everyone made it out of this war alive, and they helped bring balance to the world.

To give them that world, they had to end this war. And what was war without death?

Opening her eyes, she looked to Sokka, and he was panicked, noticing that far more soldiers had surrounded them and were preparing to mercilessly throw them off the balloon. “Sokka.” She repeated, and he looked to her with a tear streaked face. 

“I love you.” 

Everything seemed to slow as she spoke this words, and Y/N didn’t see the horror on his face for long as the grip of his hand faltered when she released it, he was screaming, crying, begging for her to stop. Toph clearly didn’t understand what was going on as she began to call out Y/N’s name in a panic. 

And then she was falling. 

It appeared there would be no after.

It felt peaceful, she decided. Falling. The stress on her body had dissipated and she caught one final glimpse of Sokka’s mortified face before going through the clouds. The comet was visible from where she was, the horizon, it was a beautiful way to die. But staring at the comet she realized she wanted to know what would come after, she realized that Toph was practically helpless and all Sokka had was a boomerang against dozens of Firebenders.

They would die. So, what was the point of her sacrifice? What was the point of her dying?

No, she wouldn’t be dying today.

Inhaling deeply, Y/N felt the power course through her veins, and she reminded herself that she was Y/N L/N, a force to be reckoned with. Nobody would forget that as fire tore through the soles of her shoes, and extended from her hands, propelling her upwards. 

She was the daughter of the famed Dragon of the West. And she would take on his mantle, she decided, as she flew upwards and through the clouds. 

She could see Sokka had managed to bring Toph upwards and onto the platform alongside him, and they were surrounded by Firebenders. It was clear that they’d seen her when their mouthes gaped open, and a few of the soldiers began to retreat, much to the chagrin of their commanding officer. Y/N found herself ceasing her Firebending and falling towards the platform, she landed in a roll and rose on one knee before opening her mouth and allowing fire to pour outwards.

The Firebenders fell off the bridges beside them one by one, and those who didn’t retreated back inside along with the others at the sight of the Air Balloon that Suki had evidently comandeered.

Closing her mouth, Y/N’s chest heaved, and she felt Toph tackle her from behind, “you’re alive!” She exclaimed, punching Y/N’s arm roughly, “idiot.” She dug her head into Y/N’s shirt.

“Yeah, I am an idiot.” Y/N replied breathlessly, holding the girl tightly.

When Toph finally released her, she gave her a smug look, “I’ll give you and him a minute.” Though this was partially an excuse to head back inside and into the safety of the balloon, maybe even attack some of the remaining Firebenders, it was also because Toph could read the room.

And there stood Sokka, mouth gaping open, tears streaming down his smiling face as he looked at her, before lunging towards her similar to how Toph had. Except his hands came to her cheeks as he brought their lips together, effectively knocking the two onto the ground of the platform, be pulled apart from her with a smile on his face, “I love you too.”

Yeah, after was looking pretty good right about now. 

A/N: i hope you guys liked this SUPER LONG THING WOW, that was an accident. i was super close to like breaking everyones hearts and killing Y/N but then i felt bad so be grateful i was nice ksaljdlahfkj

anyways take care of yourselves!

taglists:

atla:  @bubblebars @jada-cleo @art-flirt @the-deli-meat

#sokka x reader #sokka x you #sokka x y/n #sokka atla #atla sokka #atla sokka x reader #sokka atla x reader #atla sokka x you #atla #avatar the last airbender #lok #legend of korra #sokka is a bottom change my mind #im sorry ignore this #i hope no one reads tags #anyways have a nice day #drink water

[gimmezutara]

Drabble that came to me earlier when reading hc’s about the steam babies:

Kya whirled around the kitchen grabbing various tea leaves. She expertly arranged the tray and swept past the counter to serve another customer.

She loved working at her Grandpa’s tea shop. It was refreshing and so different from the palace she was used to spending her days in. This place was absolutely bustling with activity and here she had more freedom than she ever did back in the Fire Nation. Here, she wasn’t Kya, Crown Princess of the Fire Nation, she could just be… Kya.

Iroh smiled as he watched her work. He loved the summers he got to spend with his granddaughter. She was always so keen to help out and was a ray of sunshine to his days.

She rushed past him again pulling a funny face and Iroh laughed.

She put her dirty tray down and bumped into Ran at the sink. “Hey, watch it Ky!” he complained as the bump knocked his arm straight into the sink.

“Are you a waterbender or aren’t you?” she teased, reaching for her notepad and pen.

“Yeah, but doesn’t mean I like being soaked,” he replied sulkily. “How come you get to serve and I’m stuck doing the washing up?”

“Wanna swap? There’s plenty of people who’d love to chat with the Prince of the Fire Nation out there,” she said, offering the pen and notebook with a knowing smile.

Ran rolled his eyes and tipped his head back with a weary sigh. “Why did Mum and Dad send us to work here again? You know I could’ve been at Ember Island with Shomo and Raoko right?”

“Doing really productive things I’m sure,” Kya said sarcastically.

Ran huffed, his fringe flying away from his face as he went back to his reluctant cleaning.

Kya bent under the counter to pick up a dish rag.

“Excuse me?” came a voice from above.

“Just a second,” she said, before she tossed the rag back in the sink behind her (feeling satisfied at the groan from her brother) and turned back to see the most gorgeous face she had ever seen in her life. She didn’t know eyes could be that green! He must be an earthbender, surely.

She suddenly realised she’d been gawping at him completely silent.

“Uh, what can I do for you?” she said, tucking her hair behind her ear and tugging the ends nervously, a habit she seemed to have picked up from her mother.

“Can I get a ginger tea please?” he asked.

“Oh yeah sure!” she said a tad too loudly. “You sit down and I’ll be right with you!”

She hastily made her way to the kitchen to make the tea, knocking the whole pot over in the process. “Shit…” she muttered to herself.

“Are you alright, Kya?”

She jumped at Iroh’s voice. “Yep, absolutely fine!” she said a little too quickly.

She prepped the tray, steeled herself and made her way out into the seated area. She caught his eyes and felt herself smile. Then she tripped over the green rug in the middle of the floor. With lightning reflexes she managed to right herself just as a tan hand appeared to steady the tray. “Are you ok?” the boy asked.

Kya’s eyes widened. She laughed awkwardly. “I’m fine, just fine,” she said, feeling the tips of her ears burn with a blush as she took the tray from his hands and placed it on the table. “Sorry, I spilled your tea a bit,” she said, “I can get you another-”

“No no, it’s alright,” the boy said with a kind smile.

“Ok, um, great,” Kya said. She nodded her head at him and made her way back to the kitchen as fast as possible.

***

The next few days the boy returned every day. One afternoon Kya was leaning on the countertop lost in her imagination.

Iroh watched from his usual seat. He followed her gaze to the handsome Earth Kingdom boy sitting by the window and chuckled to himself.

He rose from his seat and joined his granddaughter at the counter. “It appears we have a new regular!” he said.

Kya was startled from her daydreaming. “Oh, uh, yes. I mean… who?”

Iroh gestured. “He is a handsome boy is he not?”

Kya blushed. “I… wouldn’t know. I guess,” she said, winning the award for worst nonchalant answer in the world.

“Shame he always sits by himself,” Iroh said. “I would have thought he would have a girlfriend.”

“Do you think he does?” Kya asked a little too quickly.

Iroh laughed to himself but kept his features neutral. “I shouldn’t think so,” he said.

Kya’s face melted with relief. “Ok. That’s good. I mean… that’s fine. Why would I care?”

They stood in silence for a while. “I’ll take over for a while my dear, you could do with a rest,” Iroh said. “Why don’t you go and accompany our new patron?”

“What?” Kya said, instinctively clutching the notebook and pen to her. “No no no, I couldn’t do that, I couldn’t possibly-”

“Make polite conversation with our new, generous customer?”

Kya paused, stumped for a response. “Uh- no-”

“Great! You have a rest,” Iroh said, taking the notebook and pen from her gently but firmly and shooing her away from the counter.

Kya stood frozen, wrestling with herself for a bit.

She turned to face the table. She sighed and drew herself up straighter and made her way over.

“Uh, hi,” she said. The boy looked up at her and smiled.

“Hi,” he said.

“It’s- uh- nice to see you again. Here. You’re a- um- good customer,” she said. Her brain screamed at her.

The boys lips quirked up into an unfairly gorgeous smile. “Uh, thanks,” he said. “Are you… still working?”

“Me? Oh, um, my Gra….boss just said- it-it’s my break,” she managed.

The boys face lit up. “Oh well, please feel free to join me,” he said, gesturing to the chair opposite.

“Ok, thanks,” she said, managing to get through at least one sentence without stumbling over her words. Short as it was, she’d count it as a victory.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before,” the boy said.

“Oh yeah, I’m just here for the summer,” she replied.

“Where are you from?” he asked.

“The Fire Nation,” she said.

“Ah, I thought so. I mean, I didn’t want to assume, but-”

“Golden eyes gave it away huh?” she said. It was a pretty dead giveaway, even if her lightly tan skin and curly hair gave away her Water Tribe heritage.

The boy nodded, smiling a bit sheepishly. “Firebender?” he asked.

She nodded. “Earthbender?” she asked.

He smiled and nodded too.

***

Kya readied herself for her night out.

“You tell anyone I went out, you’re dead,” she threatened her brother.

“Sheesh, calm down, I’m not telling on anyone,” he said from his position lying on the couch. “Just… be careful Kya ok?”

She rolled her eyes at him. “I’ll be fine,” she said.

“Oh and you better not bring him back here, ok? I’m not sharing an apartment with you and your new lover.”

She threw a pillow at him. “Same to you and your new fancy lady!” she retorted.

Ran’s face fell. “I- what?”

“Don’t think I didn’t notice you sneaking out last week!”

“I didn’t- she’s not-” Ran began before his face fell into a scowl and he growled in frustration. “Real nice, blackmail from the future Fire Lady, that’s comforting.”

“Shut up,” she retorted with a smile. She took one last glance in the mirror before she set off.

***

Later that night she crept back into the tea shop, a soft flame burning in her palm to light the way. She could hear her brother’s loud snores from outside the room. She carefully put her pack on the side and went to grab some water from the sink.

Suddenly a loud snore from the sofa made her jump and almost drop the cup. She quickly caught it and snapped her head round. She silently made her way to the sofa and peeked her head over it.

Iroh was fast asleep on the couch.

She breathed a sigh of relief and carefully crept back to the kitchen, putting the cup back in its place before quietly going back to her room.

The door closed with a soft click.

The snoring from the sofa ceased and Iroh carefully lifted his head to glance around the room. Then he chuckled to himself.

***

“Ah, you are both here!” Iroh said, greeting the Fire Lord and Lady enthusiastically. “We have had the most wonderful time! Ran’s been working hard in my shop and Kya has been wonderful as always. She’s even made some new friends,” he said. He glanced over at Katara with a twinkle in his eye.

Katara caught his look. She knew that look. Her gaze flicked over to her husband who, as usual, hadn’t noticed his Uncle’s tell tale signs of having some juicy gossip.

“Sit down, you must tell me all about your trip over,” Iroh said, shooing them into seats around the table.

Just then the door opened and Kya walked through, lost in a world of her own.

“Kya!” Zuko said excitedly. Kya jumped, startled at the sudden presence of her parents.

“Dad! Hi!” she said, her startled face melting into a smile.

“How’s my little sunbeam?” Zuko asked, coming over to give her a hug.

“Great, Dad,” Kya said as he squeezed her tight. She made her way over to Katara giving her a hug too.

“Had fun with Grandpa?” Zuko asked.

Kya beamed. “Of course! I actually said I’d look after the kitchen this morning though so…” she said, backing towards the door.

Zuko smiled. “Of course, I’ll come and help get heaters going.”

“Dad, I’m a firebender, you haven’t had to help me with that since I was like three,” she complained.

“Let your Dad be of assistance if he wants,” Katara said, with a patronising pat on Zuko’s shoulder. He arched an eyebrow at her and she nudged him playfully before turning back to his daughter.

Katara eyed Iroh suspiciously over the rim of her cup as Zuko and Kya left the room. Iroh’s face was impassive, as always, but Katara knew he was dying to tell her something.

“Iroh…” she said.

“Yes?” he asked.

“What do you know?”

Iroh looked around conspiratorially and leaned in. “Kya’s got a boyfriend,” he said excitedly.

Katara laughed. “Who?” she asked.

“There’s a handsome boy who comes to the tea shop, you should see her, she’s been daydreaming about him all day every day since she first laid eyes on him!”

“Oh spirits,” Katara said in mock despair.

“Reminds me of a Water Tribe girl I once had working here who could barely make the right orders because she was too distracted by the other server.”

Katara’s face suddenly became amusingly affronted. “I did not make the wrong orders! And I was not ogling Zuko!” she said.

Iroh laughed. “I believe I said ‘distracted’, my dear,” he said.

Katara blushed, as if the idea of being attracted to her husband of twenty years was still embarrassing, making Iroh laugh even more.

“What’s this boy like?” Katara said, a hint of concern in her voice. She knew her daughter could handle herself but she was all too familiar with how vulnerable feelings for someone could make you, and how much it could hurt when it didn’t go well.

“He’s very kind,” Iroh said reassuringly. “You know the day she met him she tripped over, spilled his tea everywhere!”

Katara laughed. “Oh spirits, I’d hoped she wouldn’t take after her father in this respect…”

Iroh laughed too.

Zuko walked back in and the two quickly fell quiet and went back to sipping their tea.

Zuko paused by the table. He regarded them both suspiciously.

“What did I miss?” he said, his tone heavy with suspicion.

“Nothing, my son,” Iroh said dismissively. “I was just telling Lady Katara here that it is important to spice up a marriage after such a long time together.”

Katara choked on her tea.

#Zutara #steambabies #grandpa iroh

[the-badger-mole]

Down the Road and Back Again: Chapter 19

“Sochiro is such a great guy. I feel like a girl with her first boyfriend. I love the way he takes initiative. I told him a couple of weeks ago that I like dancing, and he planned this whole evening as a surprise for me. He makes me feel special.”

“Didn’t Aang do that whole ‘putting you on a pedestal’ thing?” Toph asked. “Sochiro’s not doing that, is he?”

“This is different,” Katara said assuredly. “With Aang, it wasn’t so much that he made me feel special as much as he idealized me. Sochiro isn’t trying to make me fit some version of me he has in his head. He’s actually trying to get to know me. You know, I don’t think Aang ever really truly knew me. And part of that was my fault- I made a lot of concessions on things I should have stood firm on. But he would never have come up with a night like tonight if I asked him to.”

“It sounds like things are getting serious,” Zuko said, taking a sip of his tea. Katara shrugged shyly.

“I don’t know if I would say that…”

“It sounds pretty serious to me,” Suki said. “Sochiro seems like a great catch.”

“Sochiro is lovely,” Katara agreed. “But tonight, he mentioned going back to the Earth Kingdom.”

“He’s leaving?” Zuko’s brow quirked at that. “Did he say when?”

“No.” Katara rested her chin on her hand thoughtfully. “He didn’t even officially say that he was planning to leave soon at all. All he said was that he wanted a recipe from the restaurant to take home with him. But I hadn’t thought about his leaving at all until then. I know that’s crazy, but these last few weeks have been so nice, it hadn’t even crossed my mind. Eventually, he’s going to go back to the Earth Kingdom, and this is going to end. What kind of relationship are we going to have by correspondence?”

“What do you mean?” Suki asked. “You have Umiak, and you can afford to take time to visit him if you want.”

“ What ?” Zuko’s head snapped towards Suki in shock. “You want her to follow some guy she just met?”

“Only if she wants to,” Suki shrugged. She turned back to Katara with a reassuring smile. “All I’m saying is distance isn’t a huge hurdle if this is something you want to pursue.”

Read the rest here

#atla #zutara #down the road and back again #let's just kiss and...