#zkfanworkweek

[strawberrymilkyumyum]

his callused hand held her face as she cried. she couldn’t stop crying, not since zuko had appa land for the night. facing yon rha was supposed to make her feel better, but it didn’t. 

more tears streamed down katara’s face and the zuko’s pale hand brushed some of her tears down her face. “it- it hurts!” she cried, “it hurts so bad.” 

when she looked up, so saw the pain written all over his face, “i know.” he swiped away a few more tears. “i understand.” 

“how? how you you possibly understand!” she wasn’t yelling, she wasn’t angry, she was desperate. katara knew he wasn’t lying, zuko couldn’t lie to save his own life, or hers. 

he sighed, “do you remember ba sing se?” she nodded. “i told you we had something in common?” katara nodded again. “well, now we have this in common too.” 

zuko could’ve meant that they went on this same trip, but she knew that wasn’t the case. he’d done what she did before. “when?” 

“on the day of black sun.” katara leaned into his hand. “i always thought- i thought letting him live was weak, even though i knew it was the right choice. but when i saw you today i realized,” that you showed true strength. you showed me i was strong too. “thank you, katara.”

he was so painfully honest that she couldn’t take it anymore. katara threw herself into his arms, causing him to stumble back. the hug was relaxing, or it would be if zuko was hugging her back. katara squeezed her arms and zuko wrapped his around her, pulling her tight to him. she buried her face in his neck and said, “thank you, zuko.”

with that, he tucked his face into her hair and sighed. eventually they sat down, which turned to laying on appa’s legs. katara wasn’t ready to let go of him just yet, he was her lifeline. from the relaxed beating of zuko’s heart, she thought he wasn’t too eager to separate either. they fell asleep curled into each other. 

when she woke, it was still dark. she only slept a few hours, but she felt as though she slept for days. it was the best sleep she’d had since her mom died. katara leaned back to study the firebender’s face. it was relaxed for once, and innocent. he was the same boy who hunted her, but that boy was put to rest a lifetime ago. 

sensing her move, zuko unconsciously pulled her closer, resting his head on top of hers. he hummed and katara felt warm and fuzzy. she let herself be pulled closer and she buried her face in his chest. it was the best sleep she’s had in years, and she knows she won’t be able to sleep well without zuko with her. with his arms strong around her waist, katara realized she would be able to sleep alone, but she never wanted to sleep without him there ever again. 

here’s my second contribution to @zkfanworkweek​ . this is for angst wednesday. i don’t know if this was angsty, i’ve never done this before and i prefer fluff. i hope you like it!

#zkfanworkweek #zuko and katara #katara and zuko #katara x zuko #zuko x katara #zutara #zutara fanwork appreciation week #the southern raiders #atla #zutara fanfiction #zutara fanart #angst #i think

[merruschka]

I insist that this fanfic "Bloodbending Practice" (careful there is lime! Rated M) by mysticwater and this scene happened in the southern raiders episode. It's canon -cough-

I totally felt the moment when Katara had a slight mental breakdown after meeting Yon Rah and Zuko was there to comfort her on their way back. It's so nicely written and I really enjoyed reading it! 😍

Anyway this is my contribution for Screw-Canon-We-Die-Like-Men Thursday for the @zkfanworkweek !

#zutara #katara #zuko #southern raiders #zkfanworkweek #zkfaw #atla #zuko x katara #zuko and katara

[moonifall]

This is for @neincraff and their AMAZING zutara fic that has been my recent obsession, For Pride And Honor, AND ITS SO GOOD. HIGHLY RECOMENED YOU READ IT GOSH IM OBSESSED. Without spoiling too much, the Fire Nation is in the middle of a Civil War and your resident Waterbending Master Katara is roped into helping Prince Zuko claim his victory. Fair warning its Rated E for smut, and mentions of attempted r*pe (should this be censored?), which is brief at the beginning.

(Btw I took some creative liberties on Kataras outfit because I wasnt sure how it looked)

#zutara #avatar the last airbender #atla #avatar #katara #zuko #zutara week 2020 #zutara fanwork appreciation week #zutara fanart #zutarafaw #zkfanworkweek #zkfaw

[rideboldlyride]

And in her hand, a thin stem with tiny white bell-shaped flowers, one or two or three or four just barely hanging on.

She gathered her strength and lifted her head to meet Zuko’s eyes. He stared back, body statuesquely still but eyes frantic. She opened her hand, showing him the flower resting in her palm. She held his gaze a moment, willing him to understand.

And then she snapped it in half.

~ Countdown, Four, there’s nothing more.

Her mouth moved with a short series of words that he couldn’t make out in the dim light. She opened her palm and he realized that she was showing him the flower that he had given her a few hours ago. It was wilted, its flowers barely clinging to the stem. But it was still beautiful.

She held it in both hands for a few seconds and he wondered what she was trying to say. Her blue eyes were piercing, as if she were concentrating every ounce of vitality into giving him this look. This look that made his world stop spinning and hold his breath in anticipation.

And then she snapped the flower in half.

- Countdown, Four, except this By @hugs4zuko / @thetasteoflies

This is my very nervous entry for @zkfanworkweek Day 3; Fan Art Tuesday. I don’t publish my art really, because I’m really just starting back up, but this was an image I couldn’t get out of my head. And honestly, @hugs4zuko has such an amazing way with imagery and symbolism without being pretentious in the slightest.... Countdown is by far one of my all time favorite WIPs and fic overall.

Btw- two different perspectives on the same event... the repetition, the meaning, just... profound. And this whole moment is heart wrenching.

This is an E rated fic. Please proceed with caution, and respect tags/age restrictions.

#Zutara #zfaw #zkfaw #zkfanworkweek #thetasteoflies #fan art #treat me kindly #please

[anyaarts-sideblog]

somewhere between the sky and the sea, they fell in love

its day 4 of zkfaw! a tribute to my favorite canon divergent fic “Once Around the Sun” by eleventy7 // @tinyhistory

this one’s from chapter 11 where zuko teaches katara how to hoist flags on fire nation cruisers 🥺

@zkfanworkweek

https://archiveofourown.org/works/3257693/chapters/7102769

#zkfaw2020 #zkfaw #zkfanworkweek #zutara fanart #zutara #zutarafanart #art ph #art philippines #atlafanart #zuko #katara #anyaarts

[gemgirl28]

Black is the color of my true love’s hair

Hello lovelies! Please accept this most humble offering to the @zkfanworkweek. I'm not going to lie, I caught a little of the imposter syndrome that's been going around looking at all the amazing art and reading the most incredible works to come out of only two days so far. But then I remembered that's what makes this ship so beautiful, is we have TONS of AMAZING content that shows our love for these two, and adding to that can only be a good thing.

Anyways, if you haven't checked out @pineapple-frenzy, you should. Their art is AMAZING and I'm slightly obsessed, especially with their short hair Katara art. This fic is less of "Let me put into words this art" and more of "I was so inspired by this short hair Katara that I need to write a short hair Katara fic". So it might be a tiny stretch for the prompt, but oh well. This post specifically is what inspired me to write this little fic. So I hope you enjoy! And thank you pineapple for all your beautiful works!!

Read on ao3 here or ff.net here.

#atla #zutara #zuko x katara #zutara fic #zkfanworkweek #zutara fanwork appreciation week 2020 #zkfaw #zutara fanfiction

[jasmine-tea-latte]

(Some of) My Favorite Zutara fics

Warning, looong post ahead!

Zutara Fanworks Appreciation Week snuck up on me, so sadly I haven’t had time to properly contribute anything. I’d love to participate next year or maybe even before then (I play by my own rules, folks!)

Still, though. I wanted to at the very least pay tribute to some of my all-time favorite Zutara fanfics that I’ve enjoyed and have inspired me over the years.

(Click here for my post on Self-Love Saturday, where I shamelessly promote my series The Phoenix and the Dragon and share a bit of backstory behind how it came to be in the first place.)

I’ve shipped Zutara ever since Fall 2006, and I have been fortunate to read so many excellent fanfics since then.

Some have made me laugh, others made me sob, others straight up made my heart burn like it was shot full of lightning:

So in honor of @zkfanworkweek​, below are 13 of my favorite Zutara fanfics, in no particular order:

~*~*~

Rated G(eneral)/T(een)

Engulfed by Luaburachid

Zuko finds himself engulfed by love.

A sweet one-shot of our favorite firebender discovering how deep his feelings are for a certain waterbender. It’s just pure fluff and always brings a smile to my face.

 we hold our hearts in silence by psychedelic_aya

Seventy years later, Korra tries to figure out Zuko and Katara.

Oh, this one is so bittersweet but oh so good. It alternates between flashbacks and Korra’s POV watching an older Zuko and Katara interact. Just… ugh. My heart.

 Day 6: Found by SooperSara

When Sokka comes up with an idea to get rid of Joo Dee, Katara finds herself in the Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se with a tea server she did not expect to meet.

I love a good Jasmine Dragon AU where Katara / the Gaang actually interacts with Zuko while he’s undercover as Lee from the tea shop instead of what happened in “The Guru.” This is so much fun to read, and my only complaint is that it’s not longer.

 Celestial by SooperSara

An unexpected dip into the koi pond at the North Pole brings Zuko in contact with the spirits and grants him insight to his destiny. A destiny he isn’t sure he wants.

Another by the talented SooperSara! Actually, you should check out all of her stuff. It’s all so good, and I absolutely adore this one. It’s pretty canon-compliant and the ending… oh, the ending makes me tearbend. Ma’am, I’m still weepy.

 this little fuse we lit made something in you by SecondStarOnTheLeft

There's a secret door in the wall of Katara's room. Things go a little further than planned, once she opens it.

What happens when Katara discovers a secret tunnel (secret, secret, secret tunnel, yeah!) that leads directly to the Fire Lord’s bedroom? Reading this fic is like settling down to drink a hot cup of Iroh’s tea – it’s soothing, sweet, and thoroughly warms the soul.  

 Dancing in the Dark by damagectrl

Post-Season 2 AU: While in Ba Sing Se, Katara and Toph hear a rumor about two tea servers in the lower tiers of Ba Sing Se and sneak away go to investigate only to have their suspicions confirmed. On her personal time, Katara tries to teach herself to dance and fails so badly, a masked man takes pity on her to try to help.

This is one most OGs will probably remember. It’s also one of the first ZK fics I ever read, back when I was a wee lil bb Zutarian! It was originally posted in Oct. 2006 and takes place between “Appa’s Lost Days” and “Lake Laogai.” One of my all-time favorite Bluetara AND Jasmine Dragon AUs. Heck, all of damagectrl’s works are fantastic reads, for that matter. I highly recommend checking them out, especially this classic.

 such selfish prayers by andromeda3116

Katara's ambition, so long set aside for the good of others, breaks free and sets fire to her soul. Or, Katara has a vision of her canon future, casts it aside, and becomes a world-changing politician instead.

There’s a reason why this fic is one of the highest rated on AO3, if not THE highest. It does right by Katara and gives her the ending she deserves. 10/10 would recommend.

 better than things dreamed of in the forest by catie_writes_things (SERIES)

As a child, Bumi knew: his mother was a waterbender, his father was an airbender, and he was a firebender. Something about these facts did not add up, but it would take him a long time to understand.

Hands down, one of the most heartbreaking fics / series I’ve ever read. The author describes this as the adultery fic for people who hate adultery fics, and it certainly packs an emotional punch in the gut. Personally, I’m not one for the “Zuko and Katara have an affair while she’s with Aang” fics in general, but this one examines the fallout caused by a single night of passion and all of the consequences that stem from it, especially how the ripple effect of their choices impacts everyone. Even though it breaks my heart all over again every time I reread it, I can’t recommend it highly enough. 

  ~*~*~

(More fics, several with high ratings, are listed below the cut)

Rated M(ature)/E(xplicit)

Moonlight and Sunshadow by GrapefruitTwostep

The dragon offered Katara a deal: protection for her family and tribe if she lived with it for a year and a day. And she said yes. Because what other way was there to save her people? But there was more to the dragon than Katara bargained for. An "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" retelling.

A fairy tale AU in which Zuko is cursed to live as a dragon and Katara is certainly no damsel in distress. You’ve probably heard some version of the original fairy tale before that this fic is inspired by, and it’s such a delight to read.

 The Blackfish and the Dragon by ama

Katara grew up in the Southern Water Tribe under the tutelage of Hama, the only waterbender ever to have escaped Fire Nation captivity. When Zuko arrives at the South Pole, seeking the Avatar, they are more than ready to defend him. Then one day, the Southern Water Tribe receives a petition for peace, and a proposal of marriage.

One of the best arranged marriage AUs I’ve come across. Iroh is crowned Fire Lord after defeating Ozai, and Katara must find some way to peacefully coexist with her hotheaded new husband as she also finds a place for herself in the Fire Nation.

 Confused by thispieceofwork

Zuko stood. "You told Aang you were confused. Are you confused because of me?" Katara was silent, arms crossed in front of her. "Don't make me answer that."

Starts during “The Ember Island Players” where Zuko overhears Aang and Katara’s private conversation on the balcony. This is another fic that will shatter your heart into a million pieces but it’s oh so worth it in the end.

 A Heated Exchange by Smediterranea (SERIES)

Katara had not considered herself to be someone who would have earth-shattering sex with a guy whose name she didn’t even know. But here she was, certain that she had never made a better decision in her life.

An AU two-part series of Katara getting familiar with a certain handsome guy who lives down the hall in her college dorm. It’s funny, cute, and cuddling while watching Planet Earth has never been hotter.

 Bonus day: Tea Shop by cincilin

"Hello and welcome to the Jasmine Dragon. Today's special is—" he cut himself of with a sharp intake of breath, at the same moment that Katara placed the voice and looked up.

'He has hair.' was her first thought. Then the rest of her brain caught up with her and she started to get up, sending Momo scrambling to hide under the table. Season 2 AU, during "The Guru."

I told y’all, I *LOVE* a good Jasmine Dragon AU fic, and this one-shot checks all the boxes: heart-to-heart conversations? Witty dialogue and banter? Bending match that turns into a makeout and something steamier? It’s got it all.

~*~*~

This was only going to be a list of maybe 5-7fic recs, but well… oops. I also kept the above list to completed works only, just because this post is already long enough.

Several of my other favorites that get honorable mention include:

Thinking Out Loud (WIP)

The Summit (WIP)

Sparrowkeet (Series)

Purr

The Nature of the Blue Spirit

Rhythm of the Rain

Fault Lines

Clarity

Seriously, there are just SO MANY good Zutara fics out there. I had to cut myself off from adding even more, because I could go on and on and on. Much like Admiral Zhao, I have no. self. control. 

I love you all, my fellow Zutarians ❤️💙💜 Mwah! Happy ZFAW! 

#Zutara Fanworks Appreciation Week #zkfanworkweek #zutara #zuko x katara #zuko #katara #zfaw2020 #also i apologize if the formatting is being weird on mobile #it looks fine on desktop but that's tumblr for ya

[thetempestcup]

No Map Without Water: Prologue & Chapter 1

It’s barely in time for the @zkfanworkweek Day 4: Angst Wednesday, but, hey, on the plus it’s also about 15 years late overall. Nonetheless, the dining room is proud to present...

No Map Without Water

Prologue: +checkpoint+

Somewhere in the air, there is a girl.  Somewhere on the sea, there is a boy.

Chapter 1: +rhyme and reasons+

"Run away with me."

#zutara #zkfanworkweek #tempest in a teacup #no map without water #chapter update

[strawberrymilkyumyum]

zuko and katara are friends that are def pining after each other 

this is my first actual fanart that i’m posting and i’m so happy that it’s zutara. this is my first contribution (hopefully not my last) to @zkfanworkweek for day 3, fan art tuesday. this ship has my whole heart and i’m excited to finally share some art work. 

(modern version of katara and zuko sitting on a side walk at sunset(ish) zuko is talking with his hands while katara listens. first picture is edited to add noise, second is unfiltered)

edit: reference was from pinterest (i’m sorry i don’t know og artist)

#zutara #zkfanworkweek #zuko x katara #zutara fanwork appreciation week #zutara fanart #fanart #art #friends to lovers #mutual pining #modern au #modern zutara #zuko #katara #zutara fanwork appreciation week 2020

[doodleladi]

I just wanna say @hayleynfoster is personally responsible for the heart attack im currently having 😭😭😭 I can't even watch it without making distressed excitement noises

#good god hayley #you've killed me #zutara #zkfanworkweek

[merruschka]

Dawn

I can't believe I am finally done with this piece. Super late -had sudden emergencies I had to tend to and sleep lol but hope that's not too bad x.x-

Anyway! My contribution for FLUFF Friday for the @zkfanworkweek ! ♥️

After all the angst I had to make it up to ease the soul haha!

This piece was inspired by this amazing... wonderful, heart quenching oneshot headcanon writing by @antarcticasx

I hope you like it! ;w;

BONUS Mama Katara watching them 👀

#zutara #zuko and katara #zuko #katara #zuko x katara #steambaby #zkfanworkweek #zkfaw #antarcticasx

[wondrgrlwannabe]

Zutara Fanwork Appreciation Week Day 1: HIDDEN GEM

Please pleasepleaseplease read The Reporter Who Came In From The Cold by kangaroo2010! It’s a oneshot with about 30k words. Here are links: ao3 ffnet

I wasn’t going to make anything for @zkfanworkweek​ but I remembered this and I couldn’t resist! This fic is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I cannot believe it doesn’t have enough love on ao3 OR ffnet!!

IMPORTANT: There are triggering themes in the story like violence and abuse. I believe the author put a note in before everything. It’s based on China in the late 60s during the Revolution there. I read it first back in 2016 and I couldn’t believe my younger mind got any of that lol. I reread it recently and my mind is blown especially now that I have a better understanding of the world and Chinese culture and history. The story goes dark and explores humanity so well in just 30k words. IT’S SUCH A PROFOUND STORY!

It’s more Katara-centric than zutara-centric, but please it’s so good I can’t tell you enough how good it is! I wish I hadmore time to conceptualize something for this fic, ut alas this was all last minute cjananf literally I’ve been working on this all afternoon where I’m at kjvnlkajfndv

SIDE NOTES: Yes, I know Katara looks like Korra there lmao thas bc her hair is short in the story bc that’s government standard or something. Also, a friend of mine had a friend of hers translate the title for me hehe bc I wanted Chinese characters (this is Mandarin) to make it more in-the-story. This translates to “the reporter coming in the cold wind”.

So there ahaha thank you for coming to my Ted talk lmao and PLEASE GIVE IT A READ!!

#zkfaw #zkfanworkweek #zfaw #zutara #fanfiction #fic recs #zutara fic recs #april does art #my art #edit tags later

[southslates]

lord adorable

It’s still @zkfanworkweek day three somewhere! I had to do some appreciation for @pineapple-frenzy and-- of course-- hair loopies Zuko! Inspired by this absolutely amazing art!

Rated G for General Audiences, short oneshot. 

Summary:

“Essentially: Zuko has hair-loopies. He is not okay with this.“

Read on AO3!

#zkfanworkweek #zutara #zutara fic #pineapple-frenzy

[rideboldlyride]

This took three different apps, two different sites, and no, I won’t pay to get the different watermarks out, because I’m broke, BUT.

I finished this in time for @zkfanworkweek day one’s prompt!!

This is my personal favorite “hidden gem”. It’s probably not a big hidden gem if you are on Instagram, but I hadn’t seen these comics linked on here, so I decided to take matters in to my hands (with proper permission)... this is Aze.of.hearts on instagram’s modern!au Zutara... I adore their version of Zuko’s b1 hairstyle... I plan on doing more of these, so keep an eye out! I’ve been given clearance to do these, so expect more.

#zutara #atla #zuko #zkfanworkweek #zkfaw #dubbed comic #something new from the house of Ride #I’m rather proud of this #Aze.of.hearts #Instagram artist

[lady-morgain]

Pulling him close— one last hug, not enough, it will never be enough— she whispers the words she found on her journey here.

‘One day, when we’re old and the responsibilities of our nations are on our grandchildren’s shoulders, we’re going to buy ourselves a tea shop next to your uncle’s in Ba Sing Se and have tea on the roof every night.’ His hands are hard, bruising, when they grip her elbows. ‘I will always love you. I will always be your friend. Anytime you need the Painted Lady, or there’s something the Water Tribe can help the Fire Nation with, I’ll be there.’

He tries to hold onto her, but Katara does them both the favour of letting go. She steps back.

She dresses though her paint is smeared beyond recovery. Across her skin. Across his.

As silently as she came, she leaves.

Behind her, above her, through the window to the Firelord’s bedroom, comes the scent of smoke.

- After the War VII (Chapter 79) from Rumour Has It  by FictionIsSocialInquiry

Rated Mature for Smut, Angst and Violence.

---

Day 3: Fanart Tuesday  of @zkfanworkweek is about creating fanart about your favourite fanfiction. And although there are so so many wonderful Zutara stories that I love very much, I chose "Rumour Has it". I know I don't do this story justice because it is so amazing and perfect but I wanted to post my drawing anyway. This fanfiction means so much to me. I read it this summer and it touched me deeply. Especially this scene, which is for me one of the saddest and most beautiful scenes in fanfiction in general. It is such a wonderful, perfectly written story that I can highly recommend. Thank you SO much FictionIsSocialInquiry for writing this wonderful piece of art and sharing it with all of us!!!

#zkfanworkweek #zkfaw #zutara fanwork appreciation week #zutara fanart #zutara

[gemgirl28]

Trying to convince myself to go to bed early because I need to be a responsible adult but I’m too excited about @zkfanworkweek tomorrow to fall asleep right now.

#zutara #zuko x katara #It feels like Christmas Eve #but for Zutara #but I really need to go to bed #zkfanworkweek