Tumgik
#zuko x mai x reader
lost-inthe-v0id · 2 months
Text
Someone PLEASE needs to do this
Like something about zuko and fire bending reader being engaged. Like she’s a royal and they’re being “forced to get married” but they actually fall in love. They support each other through everything and they’re literally stuck at the hip. They sneak out to see each other and whenever they have to go to formal events they can’t wait to see each other and they goof around all night. She knows all of his secrets and how he feels about his father and mother.
Reader somewhat gets along with Azula. Reader doesn’t like the way she treats zuko sometimes but she acknowledges she is only a product of the adults around her so she has a soft spot for her.
Then when zuko get exiled he’s so caught up on getting his fathers approval. He promises to her he’ll be back before she knows it. He knows how hard it is for her in the palace. She tries to go with him just as his ship is leaving, pleading with him one last time; insisting she can be of help. He declines her kinda harsh but she understands and bids him farewell. She walks away but remembers she has to give him something. A token of good luck. When she runs back to give it to him she over hears Zuko talking to someone telling them he didn’t want reader to come because she’d be baggage, a burden, dead weight. Reader is hurt and goes back to her room in the palace and cries her sorrows away. She really thought he thought more of her, he always complimented her when she firebent, she was taught by the best and he still thought of her as deadweight?
In Reality Zuko only said that because he knew he wasn’t going to come back for a while, he knew it would inevitably she would fall for someone else during the time he was away. What if he came back with his hopes up only to find her in the arms of someone else, someone who was there for her, who would care and love her then and there. He wasn’t good for her. And the faster he convinced himself he could move on, the less he would cling to her when he inevitably saw her again.
Time passes by and reader comes to the conclusion from the help of overthinking, that he never loved her. It was all a facade to win the approval of his father. If he really cared for her , he would know how awful it was in the palace without him. He abandoned her. And for what to find some kid?
She joins azula. She’s really good at fire bending and she hates to see azula practically destroy herself and the people around her for some approval. So she decided if no one will properly take care of her, she will. Over time Reader has disconnected her feelings from the actions she takes under Azula. Her only concern right now is Azula. She realizes Azula at her core is a wounded little girl and she takes care of her as her own.
IDK when or where reader and zuko reconnects or see glimpses of each other again but when he sees how she cares for Azula he melts away. You’re so scary to people around you but soft and nurturing towards his sister. He wants that. He needs it. At one point when you challenge him to fight due to anger from maybe hurting Azula in some type of way or jealousy due to his kindness towards katara. When you firebent in the past you made sure your flames wouldn’t hurt him but now they’re coming at him full force and he doesn’t know what to do.
@ me if u do plz give credit 👉👈🥺 I can’t write like that
1K notes · View notes
Text
'Fake' Feelings
Zuko x Reader
Summary- In a pinch, you have to pretend to be in a relationship with Zuko. Little do you know it was never pretend for Zuko.
A/N- HAPPY BIRTHDAY @thethreeeyed-raven!!!!! This isn't my typical fandom as y'all know. I wrote this as a birthday gift to my best best best online friend. SHE'S AWESOME. Go check her fics out <3<3! CONTAINS A SINGLE BAD WORD >:)
Word Count- 2,468
Tumblr media
"Mai, I already told you. I can't be with you!" Zuko was getting frustrated. While he did love Mai at one point, that was a long time ago. Zuko was now the Fire Lord, their relationship seemed like ages ago.
"And why not Zuko? We've been through this a hundred times. You always come running back, you're so pathetic. May as well cut the middle part and we can act like nothing happened." She stepped closer, pressing herself on his arm. "Like we always do..."
Zuko had finally realized how Mai controlled him. When he was weaker he was naive, now he knew what he wanted. Someone who never put him down, someone who never called him 'Pathetic.'
You.
He immediately thought of you. How you were so strong, but never put others down to feel powerful. How you always spoke your mind, but only out of the kindness you hid deep down.
Your walls were built up so high, but he knew who you were. He knew how beautiful you were.
"I can't be with you because I'm dating someone else." The words left his mouth faster than he could think.
This stopped Mai in her tracks. "Excuse me?"
"Yeah, you're not the only one I am allowed to go out with. We've been broken up for awhile now." Zuko was no longer on the defense, but the attack.
"You do know that I am the only one who could love you. Who could love a traitor, a banished prince. Who else, huh?" Her arms were crossed, a smirk on her face. She knew she outwitted him.
Releasing his bit lip, Zuko exclaims your name.
Her face dropped. She knew exactly who you were. She was furious.
"We'll see about that..." With that, she left the room.
You were on your way to visit Zuko, one of your closest friends, for a 'friend reunion' Sokka had planned. You were of course excited to see him after so long. Though, the ride on Appa was miserable. About a hundred "are we there yet"s and "I'm hungry"s from Sokka.
The five of you- Sokka, Toph, Katara, and Aang made it safely to The Fire Nation shortly.
Upon landing, a man in red robes greeted everyone.
"The Fire Lord sends his deepest regards, as he could not see to you himself. You are instructed to follow me to your rooms." He had a stoic expression, but you guessed he greeted people all the time.
Oh well, Zuko must be very busy as a Fire Lord. You were sad, but couldn't blame him.
What you didn't know was that Zuko was pacing his room, definitely not busy. In reality, he cleared his schedule as much as possible for the week you were all visiting.
How was he going to tell you? He was deeply embarrassed, not to mention Mai might try and pull something with you. He knew not to underestimate her.
The thought of her trying to hurt you was enough to rack up the nerve to confess. He just needed a moment alone with you.
A grand dinner was prepared for the Avatars arrival, the rest of you reaped the rewards of being his friends.
"This is SOO good!" Sokka exclaimed, "Zuko sure has a way with food....." He slammed a fist on the table, before quickly lifting more food to his mouth,
"Sokka, you know he has chefs who make the food, right? Please tell me you know that..." You deadpanned, looking at him.
"Uh... Yeah! Yeah, definitely...." He looked down, that was until a new voice appeared.
"Sokka, did you really think I cooked all this?" Zuko walked to the seat at the head of the table. You noticed you were sat to his right.
It was a Fire Nation tradition that the Lady of the house would sit to the right of the Lord... You brushed the thought off quickly, writing it all off as a coincidence.
"W-well I don't know! You've been working ALL DAY!" Sokka squawked.
The dinner went on smoothly, well as smoothly a dinner can go with this group. You could feel the servants and servers rolling their eyes at all the unprofessional comments, jokes, and laughter.
You didn't care, you were just happy Zuko was able to be himself.
Hours later, when everyone was worn out and had their stomachs filled, they started to head to bed.
You were one of the last to leave, having been helping tidy up as much as you could.
You thanked and farewelled the servers, trying your best to remember where your room was.
The Palace was much bigger than you remembered. The halls upon halls blurred together. You were soon lost.
Every direction you turned looked the same, you started to breathe heavy.
You could already see it, 'cause of death, starvation in the Fire Nation Palace.' Or maybe dehydration would take you quicker?
A man passed by, you were saved! Though, the closer you got the bigger his scowl grew.
"Excuse me, I think I'm lost. Can you help me?" You were nervous asking, it was so 'common' for someone to get lost in a palace. You were sure your cheeks were red.
His face was dark, his eyes covered by his demeanor. For some reason he seemed annoyed at you.
"Sir?"
A hand rested on your shoulder from behind. It started you, putting you into a 'fight mode.'
Turning around swiftly calmed your nerves as quickly as they came. It was Zuko.
"Can I help you?" Zuko was talking to the strange man, who was no longer so 'big and bad.'
"No Fire Lord Zuko, my apologies." He barred his head in a bow and left.
You had a small smile on your lips, "Thanks, he was starting to scare me." While you were positive you could have taken the man, you were tired and didn't really feel like fighting.
"Of course, I can show you to your room." He held his arm out, you took it.
The gesture was friendly, you told yourself. Nothing more.
You must have been lost for awhile, as it took a few minutes to get to your room. The small talk exchanged was nice, but something told you Zuko was hiding something.
At your door, he stopped. "Zuko, do you want to come in? You seem restless."
"Actually, I do have something to tell you..." The tone of his voice scared you.
"Oh, then please sit." He joined you on the edge of your end. The door shut behind you two.
You pushed a strand of hair back, nervously sitting. "What's wrong?"
"I'm not really sure how to tell you this... I really am ashamed to have to ask you for a really big favor..." You had seen him on edge a lot, he was quite the stressor. Nothing like this, though.
"Zuko, anything. What do you need me to do?" You questioned.
He looked down at his hands, "You can tell me. I'm in no position to judge you, you know that."
"I uh," He rubbed the back of his neck, "I told Mai that we were dating so she would stop trying to get with me." He spit out so fast you almost missed what he said.
"Oh."
Well that's not what you thought he would say...
"That's not the worst part." He lowered his face to his hands, "The ball in four days, well I told her you were going with me... She's got Ty Lee lining up suitor for her. Trying to make me mad. Also she uh, she's probably told everyone now..."
"Oh." You were at a loss for words.
"I... I don't know... I'm sorry. This is stupid, at the ball I'll tell everyone what happened. I am so, so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen! It just slipped out an-"
"Zuko."
"Yes?"
"What if you don't have to tell everyone?"
You hadn't looked at him since he started talking. Honestly, a night with Zuko at a ball? It sounded like a dream. Zuko was handsome, kind, generous, and you'd had a crush on him for months. You knew he wouldn't ever really date you... So you might as well seize the opportunity, right? What could go wrong!
The two of you decided it would be wise to not tell anyone else it was fake, as Sokka, Toph, and Aang had big mouths. They'd slip up sooner or later. As for Katara, she wouldn't have kept that big of a secret from Aang.
So, for the next few days you and Zuko spent every second together. At first, it was coming up with plans for the ball. It turned into getting more physically comfortable with each other. That eventually escalated to spilling each other's deepest secrets, ya know... just in case...
Even in four days, you found yourself going from a crush to madly in love. You found out his quirks, what made him tick, his hidden likes and dislikes. Not a second was spent apart.
The afternoon before the ball you were stressed. It had been easy up until the ball. You just had to be yourself around Zuko, now you had to pretend in front of hundreds...
Katara helped you pick out a beautiful red and black dress. To match Zuko's of course.
A big scene was planned out between the two of you, Zuko would introduce you to everyone in an announcement and you'd walk don't the grand starts arm in arm with him.
It was fun to imagine and talk about, but now the 'what ifs' were running wild.
You somehow made your way to Zuko's room, knocking hesitantly. He begrudgingly opened, but became excited when he saw you.
"Zuko, I'm terrified." He quickly guided you into his room.
"What happened?"
"What if I fall? What if no one likes me? It's a lot of steps it-" He cut you off.
"Hey, it's okay... We can throw everything out the window. Just saw the words."
You swallowed thick. "No, no just... Just promise you'll be there? For me?"
Your name was a whisper on his lips, "Ill always be here for you... Just imagines its only us up there... Just normal day."
You nodded, more relaxed knowing he'd be by your side through I tall. It also gave you a wicked feeling of comfort to know he was still willing to do whatever you preferred. He would have ended the lie immediately if you asked, but you wanted to be there for him as well. To make sure Mai would leave him alone.
The Palace was bustling with people, waiters, food, activities, and entertainment. It all came to an abrupt stop when Lord Zuko appeared.
It was comical, trumpets blared and all head turned.
"Fire Lord Zuko, accompanied by-" Your name seemed unreal on his lips. To be announced with a Fire Lord? You felt you didn't deserve it.
You slowly walked into view of everyone, whispers erupting. To be 'accompanied by' was essentially dating for Lords and Ladys.
All eyes were on you as you took Zuko's arm, walking down the steps. You felt light, your grip tightening on Zukos.
"Almost there, I'm right here." His words were all the comfort you needed.
Music resumed and the party goers continued their fun.
That was expect for one person. Mai. She marched up to you, her questioning eyes on guard. Watching her march over sparked a fury in you, the fire started and didn't stop until you spoke.
"Hello Mai. How can I help you? Is your father well, since he lost his job as Governor and all..." You passively aggressively asked, a mock frown on your face.
"What would you know about Governor dad's and all? You grew up poor." Damn, she got you there.
"I guess the difference in poor and rich is personality. Cause you don't have one..." You shrugged your shoulders at her, biting back a laugh.
"At least Zuko loved me for who I am, not who I was pretending to be." She remarked, not really knowing why Zuko loved her or you.
"Damn Mai, you must know a lot about pretending. Seeing as you're a two faced bitch. Should I go and tell Ty Lee you called her an 'easy bed'." A gasp left her lips in shock, how did you know she said that? Well, you wouldn't tell her, but a gossiping Fire Sage spilled the beans.
Zuko, who had been temporarily called away to exchange pleasantries with a Navy Captain, had returned.
"Mai, I see you've met my girlfriend." He said, snaking a hand around your waist. Chills were sent up your spine.
She gave a scoff, "It'll never last. You're only in it because he's the Fire Lord." She pointed to you, then him, "And you, you just seemed to pick up the next girl you saw laying around. Talk about a downgrade. When you get tired of her, i'll be waiting." She walked away.
"What is her problem!" You exclaimed, face hot with anger.
"Jealousy, I think." He said.
You turned to face him completely. "What for, she doesn't even seem to like you anymore?"
"Maybe cause you're prettier than her?" He said, not realizing his own words.
Your cheeks were now flushed for a different reason. You swiped your lips with your tongue before speaking, "Thank you..."
Hours of dancing, partying, and eating went by. Everyone bought the act easily, you and Zuko were naturals at dating. The fun died down, and many were starting to go back home.
Zuko walked you back to your room, hand in hand.
"Thank you. I really cannot thank you enough, just ask. Whatever you want is yours." Zuko said, still grasping your hands at your bedroom door.
"I don't need anything. This was really fun actually, I know you were just pretending... but i've had the best time the past five days."
"Pretend?" His face screwed up, like he was in denial.
You blinked a few times, own lip curling. "Well, I mean... You made it pretty clear this was all just an act. I-I am not hurt." You were, but wouldn't let him know.
"Words cannot express how genuine these days have been... Oh gosh, I haven't felt this free since I was a child." He pressed on, serious.
"Y-you mean, none of this has been fake to you?"
"Well, I know you signed up for 'fake'." He looked over you, face uncertain.
With a step forward you spoke, "This hasn't been fake for me either..."
"Really?" He pressed his chest to your slightly, hand wavering around your waist. "Because I don't think I could live if you're lying right now."
"Will this answer your questions?" You leaned up, closing the gap and kissing him.
A/N- Thank you for reading, I haven't fully watched ATLA In a little bit sorry if Zuko is OOC!! When it's not midnight and I'm not super tired, I will edit any mistakes!
470 notes · View notes
melzula · 2 months
Text
Smoke and Shadow
part one
pairings: Zuko x Princess!reader
notes: it’s finally here! hope you guys enjoy this and sorry it took so long! and ofc reminder that reading the comics is suggested for this piece
summary: The Princess decides to pay Zuko a visit only to find the Fire Nation in disarray.
~ part of the fire lilies series ~
Tumblr media
Returning home from the Fire Nation always feels bittersweet; you miss your people, but you know that once you’re back in the South the ache of homesickness will be replaced by your longing to be at Zuko’s side. You once thought the end of the war would mean easier days for your relationship, but being the leaders of two different nations seemed to keep you apart more often than it kept you together. Leaving him never got any easier, but you knew in your heart that this was for the best. You had duties to fulfill and people to take care of, so you’d just have to be patient. Things will settle eventually and the distance will become easier, you just have to see it through.
“Do you really have to go? You just got here!” Kiyi complains with a frown as she watches you pack your things and prepare for your return home.
“I’m sorry, Kiyi, but my people need me.“
“Can’t someone else do it?” She retorts, prompting you to let out a small laugh of amusement. She certainly had her older brother’s attitude at times.
“I’m afraid not. I have a tribe to rebuild and students to teach,” you explain to her. “Things don’t run very smoothly when the Chief is away for too long.”
“Will you at least come back and visit me?” The little girl begs, and you can’t really find a way to say no to her when she looks at you with her best pleading eyes. “I want to see more water bending tricks!”
“I promise to come back as soon as I have the time,” you assure her before giving her a tight hug. You’ve grown rather attached to Zuko’s little sister since meeting her, so it’s not easy having to say goodbye.
A gentle knock at your door alerts both you and Kiyi of someone’s presence, but once you see Zuko’s face peeking through the doorway you smile and part from the girl so that she can run out to play in the palace halls. “My love, the ship is ready to leave when you are.”
“I suppose I’m ready,” you sigh with a melancholic smile, melting into Zuko’s touch when he pulls you into his embrace. “It’s going to be hard being away from you.”
“I know,” he comforts while resting his warm hand upon your cool cheek, “but it’s nothing we can’t handle. We’ll be together again soon.”
“I’m already counting down the days,” you profess earnestly, eliciting a soft chuckle from him in return. Rubbing his nose affectionately against your own, Zuko angles his face to reach your lips and press a tender kiss against your own. It’s the last one you’ll be sharing for some time, and he makes sure to savor it for as long as possible. Your kiss is impossibly sweet, your smell of fire lilies intoxicating, and it pains him to have to pull away from you.
“I love you, y/n. I hope you know that.”
You smile before pulling him in for another kiss, enjoying your perfect goodbye.
~~~
A month has passed since you left the Fire Nation, and the South has developed swimmingly. With the help of your sister tribe, the outer villages have slowly begun to transform into cities equipped with new buildings, homes, and even town halls. Progress is steady and your tribe is growing, and it will only be a matter of time before the Southern Water Tribe is restored to its rightful glory.
As your advisor, Hakoda has agreed to oversee the Southern Reconstruction Project so that you may focus on teaching the next generation of water benders with Master Pakku. Your time as Chief is spent either at your school or in your office to approve new construction plans and debrief with Hakoda about the progress of the rebuilding project. You’re as busy as ever, but you couldn’t be any happier.
“Sifu y/n, why do we have to learn about healing?” One of your students complains as you set out the practice mannequins for the children. “I don’t want to heal, I want to fight!”
“Healing is just as important as bending,” you explain thoughtfully. “As a wise woman once told me, ‘You cannot bend something that is broken, but you can heal something that is hurt.’ Some situations require a gentle hand, and it’s important your bending has balance. Healing can save lives, and your gift can be used to help your people.”
“Sifu y/n,” another student says with her hand raised eagerly in the air, “is it true you healed Fire Lord Zuko from a lightning strike?”
“It is,” you reply with a fond smile, laughing at the amazed gasps your students share at the story. “I wouldn’t have been able to save his life if I hadn’t known how to heal, and that’s why it’s important for you all to learn. Now any last questions before we begin?”
A little hand raises into the air and you nod, signaling them to continue. “Do you miss Zuko?”
“Always,” you sigh wistfully, the familiar ache of longing pulling at your heart strings. You wondered what he was doing now and if he was thinking of you in this moment.
After teaching your healing class, you retire to your office for the evening to look over the new construction plans Hakoda has prepared for you. However, your mind seems to be elsewhere for the night as you find yourself repeatedly looking upon the frame on your desk. The night of your coronation you’d had a local artist paint a portrait of Zuko and yourself. You shared the biggest smiles, the two of you adorned in formal water tribe attire for the festivities ahead. It had been a perfect night, and the painting served as a reminder of the wonderful time you’d had together.
Sighing, you look over your schedule for the upcoming week. Nothing too major seems to be taking place, so maybe it wouldn’t hurt if you took a short trip to the Fire Nation to see how Zuko and Kiyi were doing. Hakoda could handle the reconstruction project on his own for a few days, and Pakku could look after your students in your absence.
Grabbing a scroll and a brush, you quickly begin scribbling out a lengthy list of items for Hakoda and Pakku to oversee while you’re gone. It seems your mind is made up, and as soon as your affairs are in order you’ll be using the secret tunnel to travel to the Fire Nation to finally see Zuko again.
~~~
Zuko was exhausted.
Carrying the guilt he felt for his sister’s kidnapping as well as the awkward tension that came with working alongside his ex-girlfriend wasn’t exactly helping him keep his peace. More children were going missing with every night that passed, and it seemed he wasn’t any closer to catching his sister and her group of Kemurikage. A part of him wished it really was spirits tormenting his people instead of his sister, but he figured she’d have to turn up eventually.
“We’ll find them, Zuko,” Mai comforts, carefully resting her hand upon his tense shoulder as he stares down at the array of scrolls scattered across his desk. Various passages about the Kemurikage and information about the men part of the New Ozai Society line the endless papers, and yet none of it has gotten them any closer to figuring out where the missing children or Azula are.
“I hope you’re right,” he murmurs before shifting his gaze to the bush of fire lilies out in the courtyard. It dawns on him then that he hasn’t had the time to write to you lately, and he feels you deserve to know about Kiyi‘s disappearance and Azula’s return. He’s sure you’d know just what to do, just what to say to make him feel better, and he needs the comfort now more than anything. “I should write y/n. She cares for Kiyi just as much as I do, she should know.”
Mai’s mood immediately sours at the mention of the Southern Princess, but she’s able to mask it well enough for Zuko’s sake. Despite being willing to work with her ex-boyfriend to find her missing brother, their past relationship was still a sore subject for her. It’s not exactly easy getting over the fact that the boy you thought was in love with you was really just using you to get over someone else.
Their talk at the Boiling Rock hadn’t given her any real closure, and her encounter with the Princess at the flower shop didn’t leave the greatest impression on the girl. Mai still couldn’t see what was so special about her, and she didn’t understand what kind of future Zuko saw with her. She supposed it didn’t matter what she thought anymore, and it didn’t matter what Zuko did with his life. She was with Kei Lo now, and the Fire Lord was no longer her concern.
“Is writing a letter to your girlfriend really your top priority right now?” She can’t help but to retort sarcastically, prompting Zuko to scowl.
“Y/n could be a great help to us,” he argues defensively. “She views things more clearly than I do at times and keeps me from making rash decisions.“
“So is she your girlfriend or your babysitter?”
“Mai-!”
“I know, I know,” she sighs with a passive wave of her hand. “I’m sorry.”
Frowning, Zuko lets out a quiet breath before turning to meet her gaze. He’s unsure of how to approach such a sensitive subject, but he knows he must if any progress is to be made. “I know you’re still mad at me, and I know no apology will fix the hurt I caused you, but you have to put it behind you if we’re going to work together. Y/n is my girlfriend, and Kei Lo is your boyfriend, so why are things still so awkward between us?”
“It’s not that simple, Zuko,” Mai snaps, a bitter scowl masking her features. “It’s not just that you broke my heart, it’s that I was stupid enough to let you! I should have known I’d never be enough for you, and you talking about her is like throwing salt in the wound. It’s like a constant reminder that I was never good enough for you, that what we had was all just a lie. I never want to feel that way again, but I feel it every time I’m around you. I’m like the pathetic ex-girlfriend you can’t get away from.”
“Mai…”
“I can’t believe I still care about you,” she grumbles sullenly.
“I care for you too,” he insists before gently taking one of her hands in his own. “Maybe not in the way you want me to, but I do. I always have, even when we were children and I pushed you into the fountain to put out that apple on your head. You’re a good friend, and I owe you more than I can ever repay you for what you did at Boiling Rock. Can’t we still be friends?”
Mai is silent, her gaze set firmly upon her hand in his own. The sensation is warm and familiar, comforting, but she knows the hurt that is to come if she agrees to his request. Maybe one day she can learn to love Kei Lo and fill the emptiness, be the one doing the using instead of the one being used, but she can’t accomplish this feat with Zuko in the picture.
The room is quiet and tense, but still she does not remove her hand.
And neither of them notice the figure in the doorway watching the scene unfold.
~~~
You’re surprised to find Zuko’s end of the tunnel blocked off by Fire Nation guards. He hadn’t been expecting you of course, but you didn’t think you’d find the passage closed off like this. What had happened while you were away to promote such a drastic measure?
“Excuse me,” you call gently so as to not startle the guards that face away from you, “I’m here to see Fire Lord Zuko. May I cross?”
“I’m sorry, but no one is allowed in or out of the Capital City,” one guard states gruffly, but his companion waves him off dismissively.
“She’s the Southern Chief and the Fire Lord’s girlfriend,” he explains before gesturing you to continue forward. “I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy to hear we’d blocked his beloved from seeing him.”
“O-Oh, my apologies,” the first guard stutters sheepishly before clearing himself out of your path.
“What’s going on? Why is the Capital City in lockdown?”
“Children of the Fire Nation have been going missing and the people are becoming restless,” he explains. "The Fire Lord wants everyone to stay put until a culprit has been caught and the children are returned safe.”
“How awful,” you murmur quietly before an uneasy feeling begins to hit you. “Have you heard anything of Kiyi, Ursa’s daughter? Is she safe?”
The two guards exchange solemn glances, and that’s all you need to know before immediately rushing towards the palace. If Kiyi is in danger, you want to do everything you can to help Zuko find her and the other missing children before it’s too late. Who knows what danger they could be in?
Your trek to the palace isn’t easy, what with the protests and unrest occurring on the streets as a result of Zuko’s harsh restrictions, but you manage to weave your way through the chaos and make it to your destination. You’re a bit overwhelmed by the commotion, blind to the conflict that’s been occurring in your absence and unaware of what exactly is going on, but you do your best to focus on finding Zuko first.
Surprisingly, the palace hallways are relatively empty, and you slow your sprint to a walk once you reach the throne room corridors. The pristine gold doors are left open, and the sound of Zuko’s voice carries through the air. Already you can feel the worry melting away just by hearing him speak, and though you want nothing more than to run in and throw yourself into his arms you stop to listen. You want to make sure you’re not interrupting anything important before you announce yourself.
“I care for you…” you hear him say, prompting your brows to furrow slightly in uncertainty. You can’t exactly make out everything he’s saying or what the context of his conversation is, but you’re able to note the soft gentleness in his tone, and a part of you is starting to feel strange listening in. Who is he speaking to in such a manner?
Peeking your head around the corner, you can’t help but feel your heart begin to sink to your stomach at the sight before you.
Zuko stands in the center of the throne room, gently clasping one of Mai’s hands in his own as he speaks to her in a comforting manner. You’re not sure what exactly they’re saying to each other or why she’s there, but watching the scene unfold before you fills you with dread and insecurity. Surely Zuko wouldn’t be unfaithful to you… would he?
You’ve worked hard to build your trust in him again after all you’d both been through, but you can’t help but question what he’s been up to in your absence. Why was he with his ex-girlfriend, and why he was holding her hand in what looked to be like an intimate moment? Was he thinking of leaving you again? Had he changed his mind about your relationship? What had you just walked in on?
“Zuko?” You call meekly, as if you shouldn’t be there interrupting their moment and as if you’re not his actual girlfriend. The two startle at the intrusion, but when Zuko realizes that you’re actually there before him he immediately releases his hold on her and runs towards you.
“Y/n!” He exclaims, engulfing you in the tightest hug imaginable. You’re unsure how to react at first, still reeling from what you’d just seen, but eventually you return his hug. Your weary gaze sets upon Mai who keeps her eyes down to the ground and refuses to look you in the face.
“Am I interrupting something?” You warily ask when he finally pulls away. He falters for a moment, almost offended by your insinuation.
“No! No, of course not,” he rushes to explain. “We were just… talking.”
“It kind of looked like it was more than just talking to me,” you say defensively. You don’t want to be jealous or accusatory, but you can’t help it. How could you not question them being alone together and holding hands?
“Princess, I swear there is nothing going on,” Zuko pleads earnestly, taking both of your hands in his own. “Mai is only here because the children of the Fire Nation are going missing and she’s helping me find them.”
“They took my little brother,” she adds quietly, solemn gaze still focused on the ground.
“They took Kiyi,” Zuko utters sorrowfully. His eyes are full of shame and worry, and you find it difficult to be upset with him when he looks so hurt and vulnerable.
“I’m so sorry,” you murmur softly before pulling him in for a tight hug.
“I have the city on lockdown until I’m able to find the people responsible, and I’m doing everything I can to get them back. I’m sorry you had to find out like this, I didn’t mean to exclude you. I swear I was just going to write you and ask for your help.”
“You never have to ask,” you say with a comforting smile. “I came to surprise you because I missed you, and I’m glad I did.“
“So am I,” Zuko professes earnestly before cupping your face and pulling you in for a kiss.
Neither of you notice Mai leaving the room.
~~~
Zuko catches you up on everything- the Kemurikage, the “Safe Nation Society,” the kidnapping of Tom-Tom and Kiyi, Azula’s return, and Ukano’s possible connection to Zuko’s sister. It was a lot to process, but you were quick to get up to speed so that you’d be able to do all you could to help.
“I don’t think you should have kicked Aang out of the throne room,” you chide Zuko after hearing him recount his disagreement with the Avatar. Fire Nation guards escort you to the Capital City prison as you converse, and Zuko hopes that by the time you reach your destination Mai’s father will be caught and ready for questioning.
“I tried to do things his way, but if he isn’t going to see things my way then I can’t have him around,” he tries to explain.
“Zuko, I saw firsthand how restless your people have become as a result of your harsh lockdown rules. Aang might be right,” you try to reason with him. “I don’t think causing fear and uncertainty is going to help us find the missing children.”
“I had to do something,” he argues weakly, “I have to get my sister back and stop Azula before it’s too late.”
“You will,” you assure him firmly, giving his arm a comforting squeeze.
As the two of you talk, Mai trails along quietly behind you both. A whirlwind of emotions are festering in her mind; she wants her brother returned to her, but she feels guilty exposing her father to Zuko and his guards and costing him his freedom. It feels like she’s working with the enemy, and perhaps in a way that’s true.
She can’t help the scowl that plays upon her features as she watches you and Zuko walk arm in arm to the prison. While she’s fretting over her family, it almost seems as if you two don’t have a care in the world about anything but each other. That isn’t true, of course, but her resentment clouds her better judgement, and all she can feel is disdain for the couple in front of her.
You were Chief of the Southern Water Tribe, a master bender, kind, beautiful. She could understand why any guy would want you, but why did Zuko? And why did you have to want him back? You had practically everything, you grew up a Princess, so why couldn’t you have just let her have this one thing? Why did you have to take him back and take him away from her after she’d finally gotten the one thing she’d always wanted?
“I’m sorry about your brother,” a voice says, pulling Mai away from her thoughts. So wrapped up in her cynicism, she hadn’t even realized they’d made it to the prison. A couple feet away, Zuko speaks to one of his men about the riot that had broken out on behalf of the Safe Nation Society. And in front of her you stand, your features kind and your words remorseful despite the tension you share.
“Thanks,” she says flatly, unsure of what else to say. The last time she’d spoken to you had been in the flower shop, and it hadn’t exactly been a pleasant conversation. She knows that you’re trying, and she knows this is all just as uncomfortable for you as it is for her, but she still isn’t so easily swayed. She doesn’t think you deserve her sympathy or understanding, and she doesn’t plan to go out of her way to be nice to you.
“I don’t have any siblings so I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I want to help however I can if you’ll let me.”
“You can help by staying out of the way,” she replies bluntly, her gaze hardening much to your surprise. “Zuko promised he’d help me find Tom-Tom, and I don’t need you distracting him while you’re here.”
“I want to help him find Kiyi,” you argue defensively, “I’m not going to get in the way of something as important as finding the missing children. Why can’t you believe that?”
“Because you have a really good track record of getting in the way of things that are important to me.”
Stunned by her admission, you can’t help but find yourself falling short of words. You knew Mai didn’t exactly think highly of you or approve of your relationship, but did she really still believe that you’d stolen Zuko away from her? You’re not to blame for what Zuko did to her or what she went through. You’ve endured just as much hurt as she has if not worse, and it isn’t fair for her to paint you as the problem.
“I didn’t even know about you and Zuko until we were already broken up! I’ve never personally tried to hurt you, and I don’t expect you to like me, but you need to get over yourself. Zuko isn’t what’s important here, you and I are not what’s important, it’s the kids. It’s Tom-Tom and Kiyi and all the children that are probably so frightened and alone. Can we at least agree on that?!”
It’s silent for a moment, you and Mai simply starting each other down for what feels like ages until she finally relents. Her tense shoulders slowly fall in defeat and she sighs, somewhat embarrassed at her little outburst. She’d been letting her emotions get the better of her lately, failing to conceal them like she was usually so good at doing, and it was painfully embarrassing for her to come to this realization.
“You’re right,” she murmurs, “let’s just focus on finding the children. The sooner this is all over the sooner we never have to see each other again anyway.”
“Fine by me,” you huff indignantly. Though Mai has more to say, she isn’t given the time to once she spots her boyfriend being escorted towards the prison in handcuffs.
“Kei Lo!” She exclaims before turning to the Fire Lord. “Zuko, this is obviously a mistake! Get him out of those cuffs!”
“I’m not so sure,” Zuko says hesitantly, looking to you for guidance to see if he’s making the right choice. You merely give him a hesitant shrug, not really wanting to get involved in their quarrel. You don’t know the full story, so it’s better to just stay out of it.
“Are you serious? You need her permission to let my boyfriend go?” She exclaims exasperatedly. “Release him!”
“What were you doing with the Safe Nation Society, Kei Lo?” Zuko prods firmly, ignoring Mai’s complaints.
“They ran into me! Literally!” The boy argues to try and prove his innocence.
“You’ve betrayed your allies bedore, who’s to say you aren’t acting as a double agent now!”
“Zuko! Stop being ridiculous!” Mai scolds angrily before looking to you. “Tell him he’s being ridiculous.”
“I’d rather not get involved…” you trail off awkwardly, only irritating her further.
Eventually Zuko allows for Kei Lo’s release, but you can tell by the look on his face that he isn’t too happy about it. His firm gaze seems to be burning holes into the back of Kei Lo’s head as he watches Mai embrace the boy, and a part of you wonders if he’s feeling some sort of jealousy towards him. Surely he wouldn’t be, he has no reason or right to be jealous, at least you think so anyway.
“Zuko?” You utter softly, placing a careful hand on his back to get his attention. “If I ask you something… will you be honest with me? Even if it’s something I don’t want to hear?”
“Of course, my love,” he says earnestly before giving you his full undivided attention. “What is it?”
“Do you… do you still-“
“Zuko!”
You startle away from Zuko at the sudden intrusion, eyes widening as you see Aang sprinting towards your boyfriend with Suki and Ty Lee in tow. You’re honestly surprised to see him considering he should have been heading back to the South with Katara and Sokka by now, and based upon his reaction it seems he’s just as surprised to see you.
“Aang!”
“Y/n! What are you doing here?” He exclaims in bewilderment.
“I could ask you the same thing,” Zuko interrupts. “I thought you left.”
“Well you thought wrong, buddy!” Aang corrects him impatiently. “We’ve been looking all over for you! Suki, Ty Lee, and I found something you need to see! Come on!”
“Fire Lord,” one of Zuko’s men interrupts, “the sun will set before we know it. We need to make a plan our people will rise up again.”
Zuko shares a quiet glance with the men before looking to Aang. You know what his answer is going to be, and you know that the Avatar isn’t going to like it.
“I’m sorry, Aang, but General Mak is right. I need to handle this my own way.”
“Even if your way is stupid?!” He rebuffs indignantly.
“What Aang means to say,” you correct, trying to put a nicer spin on his words, “is that maybe the approach you’ve been taking isn’t working. Maybe keeping your people on lockdown like they’re criminals in their own homes will only make things worse. You need to change your approach.”
“I’m sorry, Princess, but I know what’s best for my people.”
“I’ve seen your people, and they’re not happy. They’re scared, and I know you want to find Kiyi and stop Azula but you need to start thinking rationally first.”
“Can you please just trust that I know what I’m doing? Help me come up with a new plan to keep the Fire Nation citizens in order and find Azula and Ukano so that we can find Kiyi.”
His pleading eyes beg for your understanding and support, but you’re hesitant. You know that Zuko means well, but you don’t agree with his methods at all. Being a leader yourself, you know that fear and unrest is not the way to solve problems. You must treat your people with trust and respect like they deserve, otherwise they won’t be able to do the same for you.
Luckily, Aang buts in before you’re able to shoot Zuko’s request down. An air scooter is abruptly thrown beneath your boyfriend, lifting him up and carrying him away to spirits know where- if the situation weren’t so serious you’d laugh at how discombobulated Zuko looks being swept up off his feet and whisked away by a ball of air.
“Aang, slow down!” You call out before sprinting after the pair. Suki and Ty Lee are right beside you chasing them down. “Why are our reunions always so chaotic?”
“I don’t think this group knows how to live without chaos,” Suki quips with a breathless laugh. “It’s good to see you, y/n. Ty Lee and I will catch you up on everything on the way there.”
“I’d love nothing more,” you applaud gratefully.
You can only hope that whatever it is they’ve found will make things much easier from here on out.
Because you’re not sure how much more of this you can take.
| atla tags: @sirkekselord @niktwazny303
| zuko tags: @thebluelcdy @royahllty @the-firebender-girl @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @knaite-solo @taeeemin
| fire lilies tags: @emberislandplayers @kikaninchen-2 @music-geek19 @thia-aep @thyunnamed @haylaansmi @nataliahaslosthershit @idkdude776 @aangsupremacy @thirstyforsometea @ihaveaproblem98 @brown-eyed-thang @xapham @misnmatchedsox @chewymoustachio @that-bucket-hat-gal @chilifrylizard2 @kyomihann @kaylove12 @kiwihoee @freggietale @moon-spirit-yue @bubblegum-bee-otch
801 notes · View notes
darkprince1110 · 7 months
Text
Y/n enters the room where Mai and Zuko are making out
Y/n; you need to start locking your door
Zuko; or you could start knocking
Y/n; I have a question
Mai; this should be interesting
Y/n; so Azula and I have been cuddling every night and it’s nice and all but she falls asleep and she’s got all that space on her side of the bed and I would kinda like to have some room when I sleep if you know what I mean
Zuko: my sister cuddling?
Y/n; yeah
Mai; sorry, y/n can’t help you wear cuddly sleepers,
Mai leaves the room 
Zuko waits till Mai leaves
Zuko; OK so the cuddling thing this is what I do
Y/n; oh, but I thought you two were cuddly sleepers 🙃
Zuko;😒 she is, I’m like you I need the room, so I just roll her to her side of the bed when she’s asleep, it’s that easy
y/n; OK what if she wakes up
Zuko; well, then, it was nice knowing you 🙃
Y/n;😒 that’s reassuring 
The next day Azula Mai and tylee are having lunch together Azula arm is heavily bandaged 
Tylee; Azula, what happened to your arm?
Azula; oh, you can blame y/n they spun me right off the bed last night
Tylee: spinning that’s so cute you guys play games in bed🥹
Mai:🙄
Azula: no, no not like that They said Zuko does this thing where he rolls Mai to her side of the bed when she falls asleep 
Mai; WHAT?
Azula: apparently our partners absolutely need their space when they sleep 🙄
Mai: oh he won’t have to worry about that tonight 😡
Next day Zuko walks up to y/n in the garden
Zuko; I’ve been looking for you
Y/n; join the club
Zuko; this isn’t funny Mai has been giving me the cold shoulder 
Y/n; what does that have to do with me?
Zuko; think about it
Y/n; Oh, she must’ve found out
Zuko; more like somebody else told somebody else then told her
Y/n; 😬 my fault, azula has forbidden me from taking any more of your advice
Zuko; good cause I’m not sharing anything else with you 😡
y/n; at least she knows you need your space when you sleep 
Zuko; I slept on the couch last night.
Y/n; 😬
Tumblr media
370 notes · View notes
Text
Imagine Azula having a crush on you and everyone but you knowing it
Tumblr media
You walked into the dining room to hear Ty Lee and Mai talking. Ty lee seemed to be worried about something and Mai nodded along. "Just invite y/n too and she'll be in a good mood" Mai replied and your ear perked up "invite y/n where now?". Mai and Ty lee jumped vividly. "Y/n" Ty lee said shooting you a smile "good morning how are you?". You smiled "morning, i’m good how are you?". "Really great" Ty Lee smiled and you nodded "so this thing you're inviting me to?". Ty lee nodded "yeah so basically the Kyoshi Warriors need some fire benders to help with the winter preparations and I was wondering if you and Azula could spare half an hour or so?". You nodded "of course! I'm seeing her after this for training so I’ll ask her then. What time do you need us for?". "Erm this evening if it’s okay?" Ty lee asked and you nodded "sure!". You tucked into your breakfast missing the sly smirk Mai shot Ty lee.
You asked Azula and she agreed to help so together you made your way to the foundations below the palace where the heating system lay. Ty Lee and Suki were waiting for you. “Thanks for coming” Suki smiled “we’ve got a few firebenders but the two of you will definitely be a strong force”. “Of course, Y/n and Azula have always been an excellent duo” Ty lee grinned and Azula made a noise. You didn’t notice and simply smiled back at Ty lee “of course we do, that’s why we’re best friends” and you shot Azula a fond look. Azula smiled back at you but you noticed she seemed nervous. You made a mental note to ask her about that later when you were alone and turned to Suki “now, where do you want us?”. 
Azula’s POV
Once you’d helped balance the heating system Azula excused herself hoping to avoid any further teasing from Ty lee. Suki accompanied her back up to the palace but apparently the warrior had caught onto Ty lee’s teasing. “I have to admit I was surprised you could make it tonight” Suki told her “I figured your schedule would be far too busy to spare even half an hour”. Azula nodded “it is, I had to push several things around just to be here. Hence why I’m rushing away now”. Suki nodded “I guess you must really care a lot about Ty Lee and y/n”. The warrior stressed your name and Azula tensed. “Of course” Azula nodded “now excuse me i’m going this way” and she left the warrior. Azula could’ve sworn she heard the sound of chuckling and it took all her willpower to prevent a blush creeping up her neck. She’d be having stern words with Ty lee, that was for sure.  
Your POV
To celebrate winter a ball was thrown every year and the annual event was fast approaching. When you questioned Ty lee on what she planned on wearing she admitted she wasn’t sure. You could always tell when there was something Ty lee was leaving out so encouraged her and she admitted there was something she’d like to try. The Kyoshi Warriors were all very close and apparently they regularly went shopping together and had chosen their outfits for the ball as a group. Ty lee liked how fun the group fashion shopping-spree sounded and confessed she wished she could do that with her friends but Mai and Azula hated shopping with a passion. You frowned recognising her predicament but you didn’t see why they both couldn’t do this one thing for Ty lee. She was always there when Azula needed her and you’d lost count of the number of times she’s skipped social events for Mai. So you agreed to talk to them both, determined to make Ty lee’s wish come true. 
You had dinner as a group often and the next time it happened you decided to broach the subject. Ty lee left early for her guard duty and you figured it was the perfect time. You set down your cutlery and breathed “So...I have something to ask you both. It’s a thing Ty lee would like us to try”. "What thing?" Azula asked immediately and you smiled nervously. "Hear me out before you dismiss the idea. She wants is to go shopping and choose outfits for the ball together". Mai groaned instinctively "eugh but shopping is the worst! Especially in groups". Azula nodded "that is true, what is even the need? We’re all capable of selecting clothing". “The idea is to have some fun together” you smiled undeterred “we can pick out outfits for each other and give advice and encouragement. We can make a whole day of it and anyway it will make Ty lee so happy! Isn’t that enough". "No" Mai replied and you sighed "what about you Azula? What do you think?". Mai saw Azula’s conflicted expression and began to worry. You stared at Azula with wide pleading eyes and Mai could feel her ally slipping with every second. Azula eventually sighed "fine...I guess this once couldn't hurt". You squealed and wrapped yourself around Azula. "Thank you you’re the greatest" you cried pecking her cheek "sorry Mai but 3 against 1 we’re going! I'll go find Ty lee" and you rushed away. 
Azula’s POV
"Traitor" Mai hissed the second you’d left and Azula blushed. "I'm no such thing. I just agree this will be a nice thing for Ty lee". "Sure you did this for Ty lee" Mai said and Azula blushed "whatever perverted thought you have about y/n...". "I never mentioned y/n" Mai smiled and Azula blushed. "whatever" and she rushed from the dining room.
So the four of you found yourself in a boutique a few days before the ball. You and Ty lee were very enthusiastic and Azula watched as you had soon selected several outfits for each girl which you thought would suit them. However when it came to choosing an outfit for yourself you realised you hadn’t even thought about it. Standing there empty-handed Mai smirked at you. "Maybe this is why you should be less social" she teased and you smiled "I'll be fine I don’t care what I wear I'll just pick....this" you said grabbing the first dress you saw. Azula paused as she saw the chosen item. It was a stunning gold dress, she knew it would match your body type and skin colouring perfectly. "How do you just pick up a beautiful dress like that?" Azula asked and you smiled "magic hands, now let's try them on". You rushed to the changing room and the woman paused "I'm sorry we only have 2 private changing rooms available and there’s a time limit. We’re very busy with the ball just around the corner”. Azula glared "I knew I should’ve booked this whole place out". She felt her anger rising up inside her and was about to tell this woman exactly who she was when you placed a hand on her arm and all that fell away. You shot her a smile and stepped forwards "it’s okay we can just share them! Mai and Ty lee in one and me and you in another". The woman nodded "that would work”. Azula turned bright red "but share changing rooms...are we really that desperate". "You said you would do this" Ty lee whined and you frowned "it won’t be that bad Azula I promise". Azula sighed but gave in. Azula let you lead her into a changing room and froze when the door closed. You hung up your one dress and began pulling your coat off. Azula felt the heat rise to her cheeks and panicked. Did she walk out? Could she make covering her eyes seem casual or would that be too weird? Should she just act as normal? You chatted to her through all of this and Azula had no idea what to do. You began pulling your clothes over your head obliviously and then you got tangled. "I don’t think I undid all the buttons" you laughed "Azula can you help?". "Me?" Azula cried. She had her eyes glued to the floor and now you wanted her to look at you! "Who else?" you giggled "can you just help pull it over my head please?" you asked. Azula frowned and looked at you. "The dress is tangled on your necklace" she explained and you sighed "knew it! Can you loosen it?". Azula did so, pleased you couldn't see the huge blush on her face as she tried not to look at you. Finally your t-shirt came over your head and your face came into view. Your hair was all messy and your face was so close to hers. Azula thought you looked effortlessly beautiful and she hastened to look away. "Thanks" you grinned before turning to grab the dress you’d brought to try on. Azula turned away and gave you privacy. "Aren’t you trying anything on" you asked and Azula paused. She’d actually forgotten that was the whole point of this but the thought of undressing in front of you made her even more embarrassed so she shook her head. "No I just remembered I already have a dress I want to wear to the party anyway". "That’s good" you smiled "what does it look like?". "It’s nothing special" Azula tried brushing the subject away. "I'm sure that's not true" you replied instantly "can you zip me up?". Azula turned back around to see you’d gotten the dress on and it looked stunning. The gown hugged your body in a flattering fashion and it looked as if it had been tailored for you. You just looked great in everything apparently. Azula stared at you in shock before she realised you were watching her. "Azula?" you asked “a little help?” and she nodded "yes of course”. Azula brought her shaking hands to your zipper and pulled it up. "So how does it look?" you asked spinning around and Azula shook her head "you look so beautiful". You blushed and Azula did too "I mean the dress is beautiful and it really suits you". "Thanks Azula you’re so kind to me" you smiled hugging her. You let go far too soon for Azula’s liking and opened the door "Mai, Ty lee are you ready?”.
Once the other two girls appeared compliments and opinions were exchanged while Azula stood there awkwardly. It was decided Mai’s dress needed accessories and you disappeared back into the shop to find something for her. Ty lee and Mai chattered amongst themselves but Azula’s lack of outfit didn’t go unnoticed for long. "Azula where's your dress?" Ty lee asked and she shrugged "I decided to wear an old one". "So you just..went into the changing room with y/n for fun?" Mai asked with a smirk and Azula blushed. "No I helped her zip it up and I'm going to wait out here now anyway". The duo laughed and Azula was getting ready to shout at them when you returned with the wrap for Mai. “I’ve got it! What did I miss? Wait are you guys actually enjoying this?” you asked grinning. Ty lee nodded and Mai smiled devilishly “you know I hated it at first but now I’m getting into it. This is fun” she grinned shooting Azula a look and the princess groaned. This was going to be a long afternoon. 
Finally the day of the ball arrived and Azula, of course was one of the first ones present. Azula watched the people enter the hall, mentally taking notes and putting names to faces.
About an hour into the party Azula began to wonder where you were. Most of the guests appeared to be here and the party was now in full swing but still there was no sign of you. Azula paced wondering what was keeping you.
You entered with Ty lee and that answered Azula’s question. The chi blocker was late to everything of course she'd held you up. Azula watched as you descended the staircase and felt her skin erupt in goosebumps. Whenever she saw you she just got lost for a few seconds and this time she let herself. She noticed how a piece of hair had slipped out of your bun but how if anything it framed your face wonderfully, making you look even more glamorous. She noticed how the bracelet you always wore on your arm jingled up and down as you spoke animated to Ty lee. She saw how your eyes sparkled with excitement as you surveyed the room. And then they landed on Azula herself. You smiled immediately in response to her and Azula felt a warm sensation sweep over her. The smile was all for her and she basked in it before turning away so as to not creep you out. "Y/n and Ty lee look good" Zuko commented and Azula nodded "they certainly do". “Although you probably think more so for the former”. Azula’s head snapped around rapidly. “Mai told you?” she hissed and her brother chuckled “yes but she didn’t have to. You’re very territorial, sister. Anyone comes near y/n and you’re ready to maim them in case they hurt her. You’ve all but declared her yours”. Azula rolled her eyes “you don’t know what you’re talking about and I’m hardly going to take dating advice from you. It took how many years before you acknowledged your feelings for Mai and even then she was the one who asked you out because you were too scared!”. Azula had meant to provoke her brother into storming away but he only smiled. “Try and change the topic all you want but it doesn’t change how smitten you are for y/n and speaking of...you should be careful Azula someones stealing your girlfriend" Zuko teased with a glint in his eye. 
Azula immediately froze and spun around to find you in the centre of the dance floor with some boy. She narrowed her eyes and glared "what is that boy of yours doing here?". Zuko smiled "who Jet? I invited him to the party, if I remember right he's quite a smooth talker isn’t he Katara?". The water bender, who apparently had been rudely listening to the whole conversation, nodded smugly. "He is. Quite the ladies man". Azula narrowed her eyes and the pair exchanged a smile. "Well I don’t care" Azula said in a weak attempt to brush off their comments. She was quiet for three seconds before she burst "and y/n’s gay anyway so he’s wasting his time". Your laughter suddenly broke across the room and Zuko smirked "I’m sure you’re right”. Azula glared and Katara took pity "you know Azula if you just told y/n...". "Told her what! There’s nothing to tell!" she cried and Katara raised her hands in surrender. "Okay but if you did like y/n, then telling her would solve all your issues". "You don’t know anything about me" Azula snapped and stormed away.
Azua simmered on the edge of the dance floor, watching you laugh and smile while wishing the boy would trip over and hurt himself. She kept grabbing drinks from nearby trays for something to distract herself and was beginning to feel the effect of them. Azula drummed her finger against the empty cup and tried to deal with all the feelings swirling around in her head. 
She felt annoyed that everyone she knew had been teasing her mercilessly for her crush. She felt anger at that boy for presuming to touch you and even slightly miffed at you for not telling him to back off. She felt anxious being in a social setting surrounded by so many people who were more extroverted and socially advanced than her. But mostly she just felt sad. She wanted you to look at her the way Zuko looked at Mai. She wanted you to hang off her arm and laugh at her quips. She wanted to be able to dance with you like that boy was and to be confident enough to tell you how she felt. 
But she wasn’t and so she’d have to stick with the consequences.   
Then suddenly, as if summoned by her thoughts, you stopped dancing and made your way directly towards her. Azula pretended to look busy but considering she was standing alone that was hard. She stared at the hem of her sleeve and pulled a stoic face when you appeared. “Hey” you smiled “how are you enjoying the ball?”. Azula snorted “as much as I always do”. You smiled “I thought you might say that so came here to shake you out of your slump”. “And how do you suppose to do that?” Azula asked. You just smiled. "I want you to dance with me"  you replied and Azula froze. "Me? But why?" she managed and you smiled hooking your arm through hers. “Because it will stop you stewing over your thoughts”.  Azula paused "but I...you know I've never been good at this why don’t go get Ty lee?". "Because I want to dance with you not Ty lee" you replied and Azula suppressed a shiver. "Okay" she nodded and you smiled. You wrapped her hands around your waist and placed yours around her neck. It was dangerous being this close to you. Azula had worked out being closer to you triggered her weakness more and this was as close as she’d ever been to you. To make it worse she couldn't avoid looking you in the eye either. She had to stare into those dazzling orbs and try not think about how beautiful they were. "You lied to me" you said suddenly and Azula froze "what do you mean?". "You told me you weren’t wearing anything special and you turn up in a dress like that?”. Azula blushed "you've seen this on me a thousand times". "So?" You asked "you look wonderful in it every single time. The red matches your hair and skin tone well and you know how much it brings out your eyes. Admit it you wear this dress on purpose" you teased and Azuka blushed. "I didn’t but seeing how good a reception it apparently receives" she replied and you smiled "every time". Azula couldn’t think of a reply so she looked away. She was aware the others were probably watching, laughing at her red cheeks but she tried not to think about it. All she had to do was get through these next few minutes and then she could calm down. When the song ended you knew Azula would want to stop so led her away from the dance floor. You asked Azula if she wanted a drink and she agreed so you headed to the bar. However you never arrived. On the way there you bumped into the avatar. You apparently knew him well and chatted when Sokka appeared. "Azula" he said nodding to her and Aang looked up confused. "Ow sorry Azula I didn’t see you there. Are the two of you enjoying your evening?" he asked. Azula nodded "so far it's been pleasant". Aang smiled "I’m glad to hear it and can I say the two of you make a lovely couple".  Azula flinched as the Avatar’s words sunk over her. Was this child really joining in with this whole teasing her for her crush thing? The subtle mischievous look on his face told Azula he was. You obliviously looked from Aang to Azula "ow we’re...we’re not a couple". "You’re not?" Sokka asked joining in with the act. "No" you said blushing slightly and Sokka hodded. "Huh...sorry I figured you two were...". "It’s fine" you smiled and Azula could feel her face burning. She couldn’t even speak she was so angry. Had Zuko put them up to this? Mai? Her thoughts swirled and she finally couldn’t cope. She stormed was angrily and exited the ballroom. She raced through the corridor and stormed towards her own wing. Once there she began attacking the practice dummy in her room trying to get all her pent up rage out.
She did not think she would be followed.   "Azula?" you asked knocking softly on the door before entering. Azula paused mid-punch. She was aware she’d probably ruined her makeup and looked a mess but she didn’t care. You stood frozen in the doorway "are you okay...Sokka and Aang didn’t mean anything by their comments". Azula sighed "it's fine I just need some time". You nodded but didn’t leave. "Was it that bad?" you suddenly asked in a small voice. Azula didn’t hesitate "yes". You shrunk away at that and looked down "okay...sorry I didn’t realise being mistaken for my girlfriend was so terrible" and you left. Azula immediately realised that was that you'd been asking and froze. "Y/n!" She yelled and chased you. You hadn't gone far but didn’t stop when she called out to you. "Y/n I didn’t mean that" she called "I meant being teased! Or course i didn’t mean you!". You stopped walking and eyed her wearily "are you sure?". Azula nodded "totally". "Then what made you so angry?". Azula sighed "I can’t tell you". "Why not?" You asked upset "if it’s about me then I deserve to know". "But it will ruin things between us" Azula explained and you frowned. "What could possibly ruin our relationship?". "Trust me this will" Azula replied and you stared back at her stubbornly "why don’t you trust me enough to believe that it won't?". Azula sighed "y/n...". "Azula please” you cried and she sighed "I like you! There are you happy". You froze "like me as in...". "In that way" Azula nodded and you went silent. "I..." you started but Azula cut you off "wait not here. Anyone could be listening. Can we go back to my room?". If she was going to be rejected she’d rather it be done in private. You nodded and followed her back into her room. Azula closed the door as you both entered and turned back around. "So I guess you might have questions?” she asked and you nodded. "Kind of...why did liking me make you so angry?". Azula shook her head "liking you didn’t...well not alone. It was more the principle, the fact people were using it to tease me and make jokes. It makes me feel humiliated and weak". You nodded "because you like me?". "Yes" Azula nodded "liking someone who doesn't like you back is always embarrassing or so i’ve heard". "But who says I don’t like you back?" you asked. Azula froze "what?". You smiled softly and walked closer "who says I don’t like you back?". Azula paused "I...just assumed". "Your brain is usually impeccable Azula but not this time...see if you’d have asked me out or even to this ball tonight I'd have said yes because I like you". "Romantically?" Azula asked and you chuckled "yes, was my flirting on the dance floor that bad?". Azula shook her head "no I noticed I just figured you didn’t mean it in the way I heard it". You nodded "i don’t know why it didn’t occur to me subtle flirts wouldn’t work...here let's try something more straightforward”. You came to stand right in front of her and your eyes softened "Princess Azula can I kiss you?". Azula nodded and you moved even closer your lips meeting hers. Azula got lost in the sensation from the start. She’d wanted this and you for so long it was surreal. She wanted to make to most of it and to experience every second of it. All she could feel was you and it intoxicating. She wasn’t even aware her hands were wandering when you suddenly pulled away. You were bright pink, excitement and something else clearly lingered in your eye but you also looked down bashfully. "I think maybe just a kiss for now?" you asked and Azula was horrified. "I...of course I'm so sorry I just got over-excited". You noticed Azula's worry and immediately reassured her she had done anything wrong. You gripped her hands and smiled reassuringly. "No I enjoyed it greatly just I'm kind of new to this so would like to take this slow. I want you too but I don’t want to rush into this. I want to savour it and you". Now Azula was the one blushing "I...that sounds..." Azula trailed off and you smiled "alright?". Azula nodded "of course! Better than alright that's why I trailed off...i like you a lot! If that was evident from that kiss..." Azula trailed off "anyway I'd love to date you". Azula cringed at her own words and you noticed smiling fondly at her. "I'd love to date you too" you smiled pecking her lips "how about tomorrow night we go to dinner?". Azula nodded "yes! I can have the restaurant cleared for us and the best chiefs brought in". You smiled "as much as I love the passion how about we just slip out of the palace and visit one in disguise? Then we could stroll around the park after and watch the sunset? I love your title but I don’t need anything special. Just you is perfect". Again Azula was lost for worse and she babbled before being able to speak "yes of course".
The two of you returned to the party hand in hand and of course your friends were like bloodhounds and appeared seconds later. Ty lee gasped so loudly half the room looked over and Mai’s eyes were wider than Azula had ever seen them. “You told her?” Sokka cried disappointed “we were just starting to have fun”. “Yeah...we never get to tease you about anything” Zuko pouted. As your friends all nodded along an idea came to you. "Wait you mean you all knew and have been teasing Azula this entire time?" you asked. Everyone paused and your eyes turned darker. "That is so horrible!" you cried "all of you! Ty lee? Mai?". The girls looked down and you looked to Zuko "Firelord? Even you?". Zuko babbled "we didn’t mean any harm by it" and you just swatted him. "Didn’t mean any harm by it! Remember that time I nudged you when Mai entered the room and you wouldn’t speak to me for a week! And now you did this to your little sister! And you" you said turning to Aang "you're the Avatar!". Azula smiled watching as you took on everyone in the room scolding them. A smug expression settled on her face and she laughed to herself. "My girlfriend is the greatest" she said quietly. The next morning  Azula woke up the following morning with a jolt. The night came flooding back to her but she wasn’t sure if her crush admitting she liked her back was a dream or real. She looked around her room for any hints but didn't find any. Snoring suddenly startled her and she jumped before spotting Ty Lee asleep on her sofa. The chi blocker was too tired to walk home so had crashed at Azula’s. Azula quickly rushed and woke her up "Ty lee get up I need to ask you something". Ty Lee groaned "Azula it's barely even light...". "Did y/n and me start dating last night?". Ty Lee opened her eyes "really? You can’t remember?". "No I can remember but I'm not sure If it was real, it seems like one of those things that was too good to be true. Did it really happen?". Ty Lee smiled "it did Azula, y/n likes you back". Warmth filled Azula and a smile worked its way onto her face without her even noticing. She sat back in bed and Ty lee giggled softly. "That is good news" she said awkwardly in reply. There were several things that Azula knew she should be worried about. The fact she’d never been on a date or to a real restaurant before were two big ones but in this moment none of that mattered. A smile worked its way onto Azula’s face and she basked in the moment. Her crush liked her back, nothing else mattered. 
484 notes · View notes
yandere-avatar · 10 months
Note
Hello!, I hope your day/night is going well!, I thought of something to request and just wanted to shoot my shot lol!
- How about some headcanons of possessive yandere ty Lee?
- // oh and I just wanted to ask this in case your comfy with writing team up yandere scenario's if not I totally understand!-//
-Maybe a scenario where the fire nation squad/ zuko, Azula, mei and ty Lee are all yandere for the reader?
/ I totally understand if you don't vibe with these requests! No pressure to do them just wanted to stress that hgbgb, anyways have a lovely day/night :) /
I write Polygamous stuff, but I don't know if it's the best, but I can always try. This has been in the drafts since: July 14, 2022 [Almost a full year... I'm so sorry. You've probably forgot you requested this because it's been so long] (3rd oldest draft and oldest ask)
Tumblr media
[Possessive] Ty Lee
She doesn't understand why you get so mad that she only wants you to pay attention to her
Granted multiple people flirt with her, but she always shuts them down
She watches you and uses her abilities to get to high places to see you
If you're a bender, she uses her Chi Block on you
She's very giddy and loves being with you
She loves partying w/ you and taking you places
She doesn't want you to meet her sisters, in fear of you comparing them to each other
She wants to be herself with you
She's ecstatic and always energized
She always defends you when someone tries to make you look dumb
Unlike Mai, she would trade the other nations if they kidnapped you, because she loves you more than anything else in the world
Though, she is like Mai in the sense she'll betray Azula, because she loves you more than she fears her
Tumblr media
Azula, Mai, Ty Lee, and Zuko
You were at first with Ty Lee
Though, you two were never official
You two just bonded better than the rest of them
Zuko and Mai became protective over you, seeing you repeatedly get hurt
Azula just saw you as stupid and she liked humiliating you
Zuko saw himself in you and wanted to protect you from Azula
^Mai was jealous at first, but soon realized you weren't enemies, but friends. You deserved to be protected from the monster that is Azula
You love Azula, because you've realized that she's never really had love in her life [It's more out of pity]
You go with them everywhere, though this gets you a lot hurt
They always get you, but then Azula becomes a little more anxious about letting you come
Azula would never tell you, but she loves you more than anything in the world and that scares her
Ty Lee just thinks your fun, but she doesn't really form a complex feeling for you. She just likes that you're fun
Mai and Zuko see themselves as your protector, especially against Azula. They kind of act like your parents, but they're both distant emotionally, but you definitely open them up
Tumblr media
The GAang [Katara, Sokka, Aang, and Toph]
Katara was the first to fall for you, but not the first to tell you her feelings
It's probably Sokka who tells you
But you don't take it seriously, because he's a flirter
Toph is mean to you and is kind of like a big bully
Aang is nice and treats you like he's known you forever
You both just click so well
When Toph and Katara fight, you are brought into their fights, because they want you to be on their side
"I think Sokka is calling me-"
You don't want to catch that smoke
You're probably the most scared of Katara, she reminds you of a scary mother, but don't tell her, because she wants you to see her as a lover not a mother
It took you the longest to get close to Toph, because she has walls up and it's hard to get them down
You bring up her being blind and she get super angry and you quickly blush in embarrassment
^ You do try and watch it and be more considerate of her, but she also doesn't want you to treat her different. Just treat her like the rest. Once you do, she'll let you in
Aang and Sokka make fools themselves in front of you, because they're not good with crushes, no matter how smooth Sokka is
Though you do all get along better than the relationship with the fire nation group [Ty Lee, Azula, Zuko, and Mai]
You're very close and it's hard to break you apart
258 notes · View notes
the-air-nomad · 11 months
Text
Burning Destiny (part.2)
part 1 : https://www.tumblr.com/the-air-nomad/719741684747059200/burning-destiny?source=share
part 3: https://www.tumblr.com/the-air-nomad/721589459145080832/burning-destiny-part-3?source=share
Tumblr media
  How many years had passed? 3 or 4? You didn't even know anymore. The town where you hid was suspended in time, it seemed as if the 100-year war had not existed. This state was due to the lack of resources that made it unimportant both for the Fire Nation and for the Earth Kingdom. People were peaceful and welcoming to the rare visitors who ventured into their corner of the world.Although you appreciated the kindness of the townspeople, you always complained to Agni about the endless monotony. Every day you went to the market, then to the school where you worked as a teacher, then home.
            It was a new day and you had just gotten out of bed. Confused, you looked out the window and noticed that the Sun was not yet in the sky. You were sure you heard a child crying. You slowly left the house and looked at the street. Not far from your house, a small child is staring in amazement at a boy no older than 12 years old. You thought it was just Li and his younger brother Taro and that the two of them were sneaking into your house to play a prank on you. Remembering that the last time they did this you lost an eyebrow you headed towards them wanting to scare them.You threw yourself at the older boy managing to immobilize him and pull his hat off his head to pull his ears. Both you and the boys screamed. The two were scared of you and you were scared of the blue arrow that adorned the head of the young man in your arms. The Avatar! You knew Agni hates you! If he is here, it means that the Fire Nation is not far away! You quickly send the smaller boy to his house and push the avatar towards your house.
 Y/N: what are you doing here?! You're crazy?! The Fire Nation will destroy the whole city to find you!
 Aang: Um, me and my friends stopped by to get some supplies ma'am..
 Y/N: my name is Y/N, I'm one of the teachers in this town. I will help you stock up, but as soon as you do, you and your friends will leave. We have a deal?
       The boy approves energetically and then bows respectfully. Y/N helps him cover his arrow and then they leave together for the market. There they meet two panicked teenagers dressed in Watertribe clothes. Y/N sighs, no wonder the Fire Nation always finds these kids. They don't even bother to change their clothes to blend in better with the crowd. The teenagers run towards the avatar looking suspiciously at the y/h/c woman. Y/N quickly explained the plan to them. She quickly buys them a good amount of food and other goods that could be useful to them on their journey. Then the woman offers them a bag with a reasonable amount of silver coins. The children hug her gratefully but she tells them that she is just trying to do her part in winning the war and advises them to run away quickly. You agreed to help them carry the supplies to their bison to make sure they would actually leave. There you met a small girl dressed in the clothes of the Earth Kingdom who seemed on the edge between panic and anger. The girl comes towards you and taps her foot accusingly. 
Toph: what took you so long?! we have to leave quickly! The crazy princess and her even crazier friends are close. i feel the komodo rhinos approaching.
 Y/N: Azula?! Run away from here immediately! 
        In a few minutes, the bison rises to the sky, and the noise of an angry Komodo rhino pierces the silence of the forest. The y/h/c woman tried to run away but it was too late as a circle of blue fire surrounded her. 
Azula: what else do we have here? who are you peasant?
 Y/N giggled bitterly. She takes a deep breath in her chest and turns to the princess. 
Y/N: let's just say I'm not exactly a peasant my dear
 The princess's face falls to the ground. All of a sudden, more expressions appear on her face than she has in years: insecurity, amazement, sadness, anger, happiness. The older woman looks at her with a broken smile and opens her arms in anticipation. The young woman throws herself into her arms and gives her a tight hug. Y/N sighs and returns the hug.Ty Lee and Mai also arrive and look at the scene in front of them confused. Then they analyze you and finally recognize you. Ty Lee quickly runs towards you and tries to join the hug but Azula angrily pushes her away then hugs you again. Y/N gives the girls an apologetic look and orders them to set up camp. After a few minutes, Azula moves away from you and begins to interrogate you. You sigh, feeling like you're talking to the old Ozai, this girl doesn't know how much she really resembles her father. But you hope that she will not go down the same path of destruction that her father decided to go down. You stop her talking with a wave of your hand. She blushes slightly and then regains the dangerous calm that is so characteristic of Fire Nation nobles. 
Y/N: let's just say I needed a break from all the stress of the Palace. I have no excuse for my actions, and my only regret is that I felt like I left you alone. I know Zuko had Iroh, and your father deserved to spend some time and rethink his actions. But, I'm afraid that Ozai applied the tactic of blaming any other people besides himself.
 Azula: You're saying my father was the reason you left? But why? He did nothing wrong!
 Y/N: let's say that the two of us had some adult arguments. You are too young to understand, believe me.
 Azula: I'm sure you'll sort everything out when we get to the palace. 
Y/N: that's all I could wish for.
            The journey to the palace was fast and tiring. Azula was getting more and more impatient with each passing day. If at first Y/N thought about a possible escape, an idea she gave up because she didn't want to hurt the three girls, then she reconciled with the idea that she would at least have a chance to roast Ozai a little for the Agni Kai with Zuko. Someone has to take the place of Ozai's heart until she returns from vacation, that is if she didn't die with Lu Ten. Y/N was starting to think that the second option was the most plausible of the two.
          Arriving at the palace, Ty Lee and Mai went to their rooms and Azula hid Y/N in her rooms. Y/N tried to rest but that was almost impossible with all of Azula's talk. Y/N had already noticed from the trip that no one had paid attention to Azula, only to the wonder princess. The good part was that now Y/N knew everything that had happened in her absence. The bad part was that the only way Azula knew how to show her affection was to report all the useful information and do anything else despicable to get recognition. Okay, maybe there was another bad part. Azula had become worryingly paranoid, Y/N had noticed how Azula tentatively smelled and tasted her food before letting her eat, how she eyed the guards suspiciously, how she seemed to check on her every few minutes to make sure she hadn't disappeared.
          After a few days in which Y/N ​​tried with all her might to make Azula a little more relaxed, the day of truth arrived. Now she was outside the Fire Lord's chambers waiting for Azula to leave so she could enter. Azula had insisted on breaking the news to Ozai but Y/N didn't want to risk that psychopath venting his anger on Azula because of her actions. Azula left the room and told Y/N she could come in. Y/N stopped thinking and entered. Ozai was sitting at his desk reading a scroll. He didn't even bother to look up and said boredly: 
Ozai: I hope you have a very good reason to bother me, Minister of Agriculture 
Y/N: I look like an old man struggling to walk without a cane, Ozai?
           Ozai gets up from the desk and for a few moments looks at the woman as if he saw Agni before him. The woman rolls her eyes but bites a sharp remark from her tongue. There are more important things than her pride at stake. She knows Ozai and knows that he is not extremely difficult to handle if you know what strings to pull. Ozai approaches her like a predator who doesn't want to lose his prey. She looks at him the way the old dragon tamers looked at a wild dragon. Yes, if she has to die, she will die fighting because she is a firebending master and is no longer afraid of burning herself.If the price to protect Azula and the rest of the world from this monster is her life, then she will pay it with a smile.
Although I do not own the characters from avatar the last airbender, this work belongs to me! I sincerely hope you liked it. please rate it and leave a comment! follow me to see my next posts! Don’t forget that the request are open💖💖💨
You can buy me a coffe if you want:  buymeacoffee.com/TheAirNomad
Tell me if you want part 3!
271 notes · View notes
melzula · 5 months
Text
Someone Else
pairings: Zuko x Princess!reader, Zuko x Mai
notes: i was writing smoke and shadow when i realized i should probably give more insight to zuko and mai’s relationship in the fire lilies universe before i delved into the story. also someone requested i cover their conversation on boiling rock so here it is :)
summary: Zuko is forced to confront his past
~ part of the fire lilies series ~
Tumblr media
As Zuko struggled against the hold of the calloused prison guards who were dragging him away to whatever punishment awaited him, he couldn’t help but think of y/n.
He remembered the way she’d struggled against the crystals that held her and his uncle captive in the catacombs and how she’d urged him to go on without her to help the Avatar. Her eyes had sparkled beautifully in the light, and it had been the last time she had looked upon him with love and care. Now when she looked at him, her eyes were cold and void of any love for him. They looked upon him with anger and resentment, and he knew he deserved it. He deserved every last bit of her animosity.
Growing closer to the open cell, Zuko began to contemplate the possibility of Sokka’s plan failing. He feared he may never get to see y/n again and make things right, apologize to her for the hurt and anguish he’d caused, and she’d spend the rest of her life hating him for what he’d done. The chance of never returning to his Princess seemed a far worse fate than anything the warden had planned for him on Boiling Rock.
The guards finally toss the Prince into the cell, his body colliding harshly with the floor.
“I didn’t do anything wrong!” Zuko protests with a groan before pulling himself up onto the sole chair in the room.
“Come on, Zuko,” a voice chides harshly, its owner carefully emerging from the shadows, “we all know that’s a lie.”
“Mai?” Zuko utters in surprise, his stomach immediately twisting itself into knots. Guilt creeps in his gut at the sight of her, and he dreads the conversation he knows is coming. He’d hoped he’d never have to face her again, but it seemed fate had other plans.
“How did you know I was here?”
“Because I know you so well,” she replies sarcastically, her cold glare never leaving his slumped figure on the chair.
“But how-“
“The warden’s my uncle, you idiot,” Mai chides. Her features soften for a moment as she reaches into her robes, the heartbreak and betrayal overpowering her anger for a moment. However, her wrath returns as she presents Zuko with his own letter. “The truth is, I guess I don’t know you.”
Zuko is silent, his eyes guiltily scanning over the scroll. Perhaps it had been wrong of him to end their relationship in such a way, but she probably wouldn’t have let him live to see another day if he’d looked her in the face and told her there was someone else. How can you look the girl you’ve known since you were children in the eyes and tell her you’d only used her to get over your previous girlfriend?
“All I get is a letter?” She scoffs indignantly. “You couldn’t even look me in the eyes to tell me you were leaving me for someone else?! You couldn’t even leave me my dignity and rip my heart out in person?”
“I didn’t mean to-“ Zuko begins to say, but this only seems to anger her further.
“You didn’t mean to?!” Mai retorts before unfurling the scroll to read the letter aloud. “‘Dear Mai, I’m sorry that you have to find out this way, but I’m leaving.’”
“Stop!” He interjects, subtle irritation clear in his tone and his features. “This isn’t about you.”
“Right,” Mai drawls dully. “It was never about me. It was always about her.”
“Mai-“
“You told me she never meant anything to you, but that was a lie, wasn’t it?” She insists, and Zuko’s silence only infuriates her more. “Wasn’t it?”
“…It was,” he relents quietly, his guilty eyes finally meeting her stern gaze. “But this isn’t about her or you. This is about the Fire Nation.”
“Thanks Zuko, that makes feel all better,” Mai replies dryly before harshly tossing the scroll at his head.
Rubbing the spot where the paper had made contact, the Prince rises from his seat and looks at his ex with an empathetic gaze. “I never wanted to hurt you.”
“Then why did you do it? Were you just dating me to get over her? Was any of it real, or did you just pretend I was her while we were together to make yourself feel better?”
“You have to understand I didn’t mean for things to turn out this way,” Zuko pleads earnestly, guilt clear upon his face. “It was never my intention to break your heart. I thought being with you would help me feel at home again, and in a way it did. You were familiar, someone I cared about. I thought maybe with time…”
“Did you ever even love me?!” She cries angrily. The truth was ugly, and the tightness in her chest was suffocating. How was she supposed to react to the news that she’d been used by the boy she’d been in love with since she was a young girl? She thought she’d finally won his heart only to learn none of it had been real.
Zuko remains silent, and that’s enough of an answer for her.
“You know, you two deserve each other,” she spits harshly, her words like venom. “A selfish Prince and a selfish Princess. I guess I know what you see in her now.”
“Don’t speak about her that way,” Zuko snaps. Mai laughs bitterly in return.
“I hope she’s not stupid enough to take you back. I hope she breaks your heart the way you broke mine,” she utters quietly. “You deserve it.”
“It’s not like that,” he argues, “I didn’t leave just for her. I have to do this to save my country.”
“Save it?” She repeats incredulously. “You’re betraying your country. Joining the Avatar and going after the South’s water bending Princess? You’re a traitor.”
“That’s not how I see it,” Zuko rebuts firmly. A tense silence fills the room as Mai indignantly crosses her arms over her chest and turns her body away from him. “And I hope you’ll see it that way too.”
“I won’t let you fool me again,” she replies coldly. Though her exterior is hard and angry, her heart is crumbling inside. Mai desperately wanted to know why she hadn’t been enough for Zuko. Why couldn’t he love her the way he’d loved the Princess? What did y/n have that she didn’t? Why her? Why not me?
Their conversation is cut short by the prison guard sent to protect Mai from the ongoing riot, and Zuko uses the opportunity to escape the cell and lock it from the outside. Though he’s free from captivity, he finds himself frozen in place by the girl’s gaze. Her eyes are full of wrath, but they shine with tears that refuse to fall. Locking into her intense stare, the guilt begins to creep up on him again. He’ll never be able to undo the hurt he’s caused her, but he hopes that maybe one day she’ll be able to forgive him.
Breaking away from her gaze, Zuko rushes towards the courtyard to join Sokka and Suki in their escape plan. Mai’s heartbroken eyes still haunt him, but the image is soon replaced with that of y/n’s. Unlike Mai, her eyes had been full of sadness when she’d been met with his betrayal in Ba Sing Se. She hadn’t been angry, she’d been disappointed, and that had felt worse.
His legs urged him to run faster now, his motivation to return home to his Princess stronger than ever.
Zuko was going to make things right, he had to. And he hoped she’d give him the chance.
~~~~~
| atla tags: @sirkekselord @chronic-daydreamer @niktwazny303
| zuko tags: @thebluelcdy @royahllty @the-firebender-girl @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @knaite-solo @taeeemin
| fire lilies tags: @titaniafire @emberislandplayers @kikaninchen-2 @music-geek19 @thia-aep @thyunnamed @haylaansmi @nataliahaslosthershit @idkdude776 @aangsupremacy @thirstyforsometea @ihaveaproblem98 @brown-eyed-thang @xapham @misnmatchedsox @chewymoustachio @that-bucket-hat-gal @chilifrylizard2 @kyomihann @kaylove12 @kiwihoee @freggietale @moon-spirit-yue @bubblegum-bee-otch
507 notes · View notes
darkprince1110 · 11 months
Text
Tumblr media
Azula: can I speak to you alone?
Zuko; can’t you see were busy 
Zuko and mai go back to kissing
Y/n starts kissing azula
Azula: what are you doing?
Y/n: what they just challenged us to a kissing competition
Mai; OMG you too are so annoying
355 notes · View notes
Text
Imagine getting Azula a present for her birthday
Tumblr media
The first thing you noticed when your family returned to the fire nation was how serious everyone was. You’d been born in a fire nation colony so had little experience with the capital of your nation. Your parents were high born but even they’d relaxed in the colonies and allowed you to have a mostly normal life. However once Ozai declared your parent’s mission over and summoned them back to the capital that all ended. Rules patroling you seemed to spring from everywhere. Don’t wear your hair fully down, don’t meet the eye of anyone who ranks higher than you, bow from the floor to all members of the royal family...the list was endless! Due to your parent’s being very well respected you were introduced to Azula and she took you into her group. Part of you wondered if she only did it to please her father or because you were considered an oddity here in the capital but as time went on you didn’t think either was the case. Everyone here was very strict or distant and even Azula’s closest friends didn’t know her very well. Mai seemed to tolerate her mainly because of her titles and brother. Ty lee, while seemingly fond of Azula, obviously didn’t try getting closer to her than necessary. That wasn’t how friendships worked in your town and you were determined not to pick up this capital custom. So you put time and effort into all three of the girls and made progress with each. You’d go shopping with Ty lee, discuss popular and obscure theology with Mai and help Azula think through her battle strategies. Azula was the one who reacted the strongest to your attention and friendship. She began spending more time with you alone, seeking you out regularly and inviting you to events where even Mai and Ty lee weren’t permitted to go. You found yourself drawn to Azula because she seemed like the one who could most do with a friend. Mai had Zuko, Ty lee seemed content flitting from numerous different people but Azula didn’t really have anyone.
So you continued nurturing your friendship and when Azula’s birthday came around you set out to get her the most meaningful present you could to let her know she was cared for. You were very excited with your choice of present and rushed into the palace, the box you’d spent hours wrapping and unwapping until it was perfect, held tightly in your hands. “Good morning” you smiled finding Mai, Ty lee and Zuko in the royal wing. “Good morning” Ty lee beamed back but Zuko and Mai just nodded not being morning people. Mai noticed your present first. “What’s that?” she asked and you smiled “Azula’s present!”. They all looked at you confused and Zuko spoke first “why are you buying my sister a present?”. “Because it’s her birthday” you explained but that didn’t seem to help, they all still stared at you blankly. “It’s her birthday so I got her a birthday present...is that not something you do in the capital?”. “No but it sounds very sweet” Ty lee grinned. Mai shrugged “I would like presents every year just for being born but I can’t say I understand the logic”. Zuko nodded but you shrugged “ow well, hopefully Azula will enjoy it anyway”. “You’re still going to give it to her”? Zuko asked shocked and you paused “well why wouldn’t I?”. “She might think it’s weird considering you only give people presents when you’re...”. Mai hit Zuko’s arm before he could finish and shook her head. You stared confused “if you’re what?”. “It doesn’t matter” Mai said quickly “Zuko was thinking of something else, I think Azula’s in her study if you want to see her”. You frowned but Mai and Ty lee smiled at you encouragingly so you shook Zuko’s words from your mind and went to find the birthday girl. 
You knocked on Azula’s door and heard her call come in. “Happy birthday Azula!” you cried as soon as your eyes fell on her. Azula jumped vividly, the  brush she was writing with dragging messily across the page ruining her letter. “I am so sorry” you gaped “can it be saved”. “No it cannot” Azula sighed angrily “please in the future don’t scream just because it’s my birthday”. You nodded “is wishing someone a happy birthday not a thing here either?” you asked “just when I think I’m getting a handle on the capital I mess everything up”. “Birthdays are not a big deal here” Azula nodded “only important ones are given any recognition but I have heard of some places where every single birthday is celebrated. I take it your home town is one such place?”. You nodded smiling at the memory “Yes! Every year you usually have a party or do something special with the people you love most! You eat your favourite foods and someone usually makes a cake, it’s lovely”. Azula nodded her head but looked unconvinced and then her eyes fell on the box in your hand. “And what is this?”Azula asked. “A present” you smile brightly but Azula blushed and looked away for some reason. “For my birthday right?” she asked “this is one of your odd traditions nothing more?”. “Yes” you agreed unsure what else a present could mean “you also give the person whose birthday it is a present, something you think they’ll like and wrap it up nicely for them...can I give it to you?”. Azula was still red but nodded so you placed it down on the desk before stepping away. 
Azula picked it up hesitantly and undid the bow before removing the lid carefully. You watched her face excitedly for any reaction but all Azula did was stare inside. You were dying for a sign however small to know if she loved or hated it but Azula continued to stare until you thought you would burst of anticipation. When you couldn’t contain yourself any longer you sighed “so do you like it? It’s the trinket we saw in that glass store in town”. Azula nodded her head “yes I recognise it...how did you decide on this for me?”. “Well I thought I saw you admiring it when we were there because you kept staring at it but now I’m not sure if you staring at something means you love or hate it”.
Azula remembered the day a few weeks ago when you went into town together and she recalled how you’d mysteriously disappeared before reappearing minutes later. She picked up the small figurine carefully. It was a rose that fit in the palm of her hand made of different orange, red and yellow coloured glass all intricately folded together. When the light hit it looked as if it was on fire and Azula remembered thinking it looked very beautiful and she had the same thought now. 
“So...is it okay?” you asked nervously “If you don’t like it then I can always return it and get you something else?”. “No!” Azula said sharply before she composed herself and rid her face of the emotion she felt underneath. “It is a nice present, I like the colours...” she said awkwardly aware she was blushing “I will keep it, thank you”. The look on your face made Azula’s heart beat faster. You were so happy that she liked the tiny piece of glass and Azula figured if such a small thing could cause you so much happiness maybe it wasn’t such a stupid tradition after all. “I’m so glad you like it” you grinned “I was going to suggest we have a meal or something to celebrate but as that’s probably not a thing here either I’ll leave you to your work. Have a lovely birthday day Princess” you smiled and with a bow to her you disappeared.
Later
All day your gift didn’t leave Azula’s mind. Usually when you gave someone a present it meant you were interested in courting that person. For a second when you entered Azula thought that was what you intended, she thought this was your declaration before she realised what your intention’s really were. As she stared at the small rose she recalled the slight relief she felt realising you didn’t mean to court her but she also felt another feeling, larger and deeper inside herself which she refused to acknowledge. 
Azula placed the rose back in the box and got back to work. A while later a servant let her know that her father was ready for her and she prepared to meet with him. She hesitated to leave the present you gave her and frowned. She saw the servant glance at it and blushed furiously. “Tell my father I will be there soon” she commanded and he scurried away. Azula sighed and lifted the lid off the box once again. The rose was still shining beautifully and Azula hesitated before picking it up and slipping it into her pocket. 
The meeting did not go well. Ozai didn’t mention Azula’s birthday which wasn’t odd but the fact he didn’t even seem aware it was today stung a little considering a girl she knew for only 8 months did. The meeting went from bad to worse as Ozai started snapping at everyone in the room and through it all Azula gently held your rose. It was cold in her palm and she liked the coolness. She carried on with her meeting, holding the rose whenever she needed something positive to focus on, and got through the meeting. 
When Azula was finally dismissed she was relieved and felt the toll it had taken on her. She started back to her study aware she still had work to do but honestly her eyes were tired and her brain hurt. She didn’t want to do any more work and your offer suddenly came into her head. You’d mention something about food...a tradition you’d thought to try before figuring Azula wouldn't want to. Azula thought it over before she found a messenger and dispatched them to go find you.
You arrived at Azula’s apartments in the palace confused. Her note hadn’t said much just that she wanted to see you and to come quickly. So you dutifully dropped your very busy schedule (which concerned lounging and reading in the gardens) and made your way to her door. Two guards let you in and you called out for Azula. “Ah y/n” a voice replied and you turned to see Azula descending the stairs. “Azula” you smiled before remembering the note “is everything okay? Your note just said to come here”. “Everything is fine” Azula assured you “I just...thought we could entertain that custom of yours”. “The meal?” you asked excitedly. Azula nodded looking away to disguise her blush “exactly, what must we do?”. You laughed “we don’t have to attack it like a battle! I have everything planned, I’d already gotten the picnic ready and I still have the spot in the gardens although I do need to decorate it and call the others...if you give me an hour I will have everything ready!”. Azula nodded “that is fine” and with a smile you rushed for the door. Before you could disappear Azula called out to you “ow and y/n there’s no need to disturb the others i’m sure they’re too busy on such short notice”. You paused “are you sure? You’re their friend so i’m sure they’d happily drop whatever they were doing to celebrate your birthday, I mean it only happens once a year”. Azula smiled at the sentiment but shook her head “somehow I doubt they’ll think that way but it doesn’t matter, I will be happy with just the two of us”. Now it was your turn to blush. You nodded and bowed slightly “of course princess” and left the room. 
An hour later Azula made her way to the gardens, following the instructions you’d sent her. She usually avoided the gardens for obvious reasons but she was hoping you’d give her a good memory in the place her mother cherished. You’d said to follow the yellow flowers and so Azula did that until she saw a raised area. There was a small platform with food all arranged along a small table. A small cake perched in the centre with the words “Happy Birthday Azula” frosted on the top. Lanterns hung around the platform and lines of colourful fabric hung from the ceiling of the structure. Cushions were placed on the floor in a seating area and the whole area looked very inviting even if it wasn’t very fire nation. Azula took in the scene for a few seconds before she realised you were there. You were muttering about something as you re-arranged some of the decorations your back to her. “Y/n” she called and you jumped “Azula! I promise I’m almost done I was just trying to work out where to place the balloons”. Azula smiled “there’s balloons too?” looking at the sea of decorations all over the small structure. You paused “why is it too much?”. Azula stepped through the doorway and saw due to the streams of decorations you were practically hidden away from the rest of the garden. Azula liked that idea and surveyed the rest of the platform. The lanterns made the light that passed through them change colour and they chimed nicely in the breeze. The food looked and smelled delicious and the cushions looked very comfortable. “No this is just perfect” Azula smiled. You beamed at her happily and squeezed her arm “I’m so happy you like it! You deserve a special day”. Azula blushed and wasn’t sure how to respond to something like that, especially while you were staring at her just inches away. So Azula just avoided the topic. 
“Shall we begin?” she asked and you nodded. You placed a selection of all the foods (which were all Azula’s favourites of course) on a plate and passed it her before doing the same for yourself. You joined her on the cushions and smiled “so! How was your birthday? What made you decide to indulge me?”. Azula looked down at her food “it was fine...I had a really long war meeting and honestly the thought of doing more work after it was not appealing, so I contacted you. I know it’s not ideal, a whole evening wasted on being frivolous but there’s nothing to do about it now. I’ll just work extra hard tomorrow”. You frowned before looking up at her “it’s your birthday so I think you’re allowed to have a more chilled day just enjoying yourself. Plus you already work so hard anyway, if anyone deserves a rest it’s you”. “Yes but I work hard for a reason, you don’t become the best by being lazy”. You nodded “yes but you’re already the best!” you grinned “so sit back and relax for one evening. The world will still be waiting for you to conquer it tomorrow”. You nudged her shoulder and despite your words going against everything she’d been taught Azula found herself smiling “okay”. 
The two of you chatted while you ate and when you finished you began cutting Azula a piece of cake. She watched the concentration clearly etched on your face fondly. You passed Azula the piece and she took a bite cautiously but she had no reason to. It was wonderful. “This is rather nice y/n what type of cake is it?”. You smiled “it’s based off a red velvet cake because you know fire nation but I also added some spice because I know you like it”. “You made this?” Azula cried and you nodded “yes but it was no bother...i’m just glad you like it”. “I do” Azula agreed “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this silly custom of yours. It is nice to be spoiled”. You nodded grinning “it is! My birthday is in January just so you know”. Azula froze at the thought of having to plan something like this for you when you laughed “don’t worry I was joking, you don’t have to do anything for me”. “Well I doubt I’d be able to match this” Azula said gesturing around her “but I will remember, you have my word”. You smiled blushing but didn’t break your eyes away from her “thank you Azula, I’m really glad I met you”. Azula went red matching you and nodded her head “I am too...although I should be going soon. I have a meeting early tomorrow morning”. You nodded standing “of course, would you like me to walk you back to your room?”. Azula shook her head “that is fine thank you y/n...do you need any help with all the decorations?” she asked hesitantly. You shook your head “no it’s fine, the decorations will take 5 minutes to pack away and i’ll take the spare food to the kitchen...the only thing is the cake, would you like to take it or would you like me to?”. Azula eyed the cake remembering the delicious taste and nodded “I will take it with me”. You packaged it up for her and smiled “well I hope you’ve had a nice birthday”. “I have thank you” Azula nodded “now I must be going”. You nodded and waved as Azula left the gardens. 
Azula walked through the palace to her room your cake in her hands and she felt proud. Her friend had made this to celebrate her birthday. She hadn’t asked you to, you did it because you wanted to do it for her, because you cared for her. Azula stepped inside her room and looked about her. She couldn’t help but realise after all the colourful decorations you’d used just how dull her room was. Despite all of the finery none of the room was really hers. None of the pieces had been bought just for her, they were all things passed down for generations. Azula placed your cake on a table and took your present out of her pocket, running her hand over it softly. Nobody had ever bought her something just because they wanted her to be happy. Azula wondered where to place your present. She didn’t want it out in the open where anyone could see or break it. She couldn’t find anywhere suitable so she changed and got into bed still undecided. She toyed with the figurine remembering the way you’d smiled when she said she liked it. Now safely in her own room alone she recognised she’d been slightly disappointed this was a token of friendship and nothing else. She enjoyed having your attention and liked you most out of all her friends but in a very different way. Still, even if this wasn’t a romantic gesture it was still a gesture of love and such an open un-fire nation one. 
Azula smiled to herself before placing the rose under her pillow where she could hide it but also keep it close to her while she slept. “What a strange day” she muttered to herself but she knew it hadn’t actually been strange, it had been the best birthday she could remember having and it was all because of you.   
___
I’m constantly sad Azula never had anyone really love and care for her like Zuko did, she deserved better. But even if someone had shown her affection, based on her sad upbringing, I feel like Azula wouldn’t know how to respond to it because she’s never been shown what love is so I want to shower her in it!!  Hence this story :)
381 notes · View notes
Text
Avatar: The Last Airbender Masterlist
❤️=Romantic 💛=Platonic 💔=Angst ☁️=Fluff
❤️‍🩹=Hurt/Comfort
Imagines/Oneshots
Aang x Reader
Katara x Reader
Zuko x Reader
Zuko x Childhood Friend!Reader (Fem!Reader) ❤️
Toph x Reader
Azula x Reader
Sokka x Reader
Suki x Reader
Ty Lee x Reader
Mai x Reader
Jet x Reader
Character x Character
Headcanons
Aang x Reader
Katara x Reader
Zuko x Reader
Toph x Reader
Azula x Reader
Sokka x Reader
Suki x Reader
Ty Lee x Reader
Mai x Reader
Jet x Reader
Character x Character
Completed Series List
Ongoing Series List
90 notes · View notes
normal-internet-user · 2 months
Text
:ATLA MASTERLIST:
SHARED HEADCANONS:
Nothing yet...
Sokka:
Nothing yet...
Zuko:
Nothing yet...
Aang:
Nothing yet...
Katara:
Nothing yet...
Mai:
Nothing yet...
Toph:
Nothing yet...
OTHER:
Nothing yet...
29 notes · View notes
simpywriter · 2 years
Text
Flames
Part One
Tumblr media
Pairing: Zuko x Reader Universe: Canon Words: 2.6k
Part II | Part III
Summary: The relationship with your best friend Zuko come to a difficult moment when you discover your bending powers.
Warnings: just a bit of angst
Tumblr media
You knew Zuko since he and his sister were of young age. Being the only daughter of an important general close to the Fire Lord, it wasn’t uncommon for you to wander around the rich part of the Fire Nation Capital by yourself, too shy to approach the other kids without the help of your mother, which on the other hand wasn’t so caring to be on your side even at a young age.
One day your small feet carried you to your favorite spot, an isolated and quiet nook of a garden where no one was able to see you jumping and screaming, pretending to be a mighty fighter and throwing fake kicks and punches to the air. This time you didn’t even get to the garden’s entrance. Turning to take a street parallel to the main one you ran into someone just around the corner; you fell on rear with a pained groan.
«Ow- I’m sorry, sir», you muttered dusting the dirt off your shorts «I wasn’t looking where…». You voice died in your throat as soon as you saw Princess Ursa and her son, prince Zuko, looking at you from their spot in front of you. Your small figure was consumed by shyness and uneasiness, the prince was looking at you with big curious eyes and you suddenly remembered that you were in front of the royal family, hastening to bow in sign of respect. «Oh no sweetheart, no need for that», Ursa intervened, shaking her head with a smile «I’m happy to find someone of Zuko’s age here».
Her tone was calm and sweet, she emphasized her last statement with a gentle pat on Zuko’s head, who was quick to hide behind her gown. You were back on your feet with rosy cheeks, tugging at the hem of your shirt. «Are you alright?», she asked, receiving a small nod from you. «Where is your mother?» «She’s… home», your face was even redder now and you couldn’t bring yourself to look her in the eyes «I’m usually alone when I play…». Ursa didn’t miss the tiny disappointment in your voice, her expression softened looking at you and the hand resting on Zuko’s head instinctively started caressing his hair again. She looked at her son with kind eyes before speaking, «Why don’t you go play with her for a while?”. At her words your face lifted with wide eyes, you couldn’t believe what you heard. Prince Zuko, heir of the Fire Nation was going to be friend with you?
«No» Yes, maybe it was too good to be true. You should’ve expected it but the rejection still made your heart ache in sadness. Ursa opened her mouth to convince her son, but was quick interrupted by a piercing scream from the other end of the street «Zuko!». The said boy went pale upon seeing an excited Ty Lee running in their directions, dodging a complaining merchant with a jump «Zukooooo». The girl kept screaming until her form blocked your way, starting to run around you in circles, her long braid almost hitting your face more than once.
«Who is she? Who are you? What is your name? Are you Zuko’s friend? Are you his girlfriend? How old are you? Do you know Azula? Do you know Mai? I’m Ty Lee nice to meet you, can we be friends? I want to be your friend!». You’ve never been this red in your entire, short life and as she pestered you with curious question you were only able to stammer your name and your age, but nothing seemed able to stop the vivacious girl. Ursa was laughing and Zuko seemed to have overcome the initial embarrassment, leaving his hiding spot to argue with Ty Lee.
«Come on! Let’s play together!», after a silent request for permission to the prince’s mother, the little girl took your hand, not waiting a second before pulling you in the direction of the same garden where you were going to play alone for the rest of the afternoon. «Hey! Wait for me!», you heard from behind you, turning around as you could to see Zuko running in your direction with his eyebrows furrowed. The edges of your lips lifted on their own accord, forming a little smile.
From that day on you were no longer alone, soon you also met Mai and Azula and thanks to Ursa (and the appeal of your father’s status) you were also allowed to play inside the Royal Palace, creating a special bond with the Fire Prince and Ty Lee. It was exactly with the two of them that you first discovered that you were a Firebender. You almost completely burned Ty Lee’s skirt when fire came out of your hands.
«You must hide it!», Zuko yelled right after your initial surprise. You never saw him this worried and the fear in his eyes made you squirm in anguish. You never expected to be a bender, but for a small fraction of a second, the moment your fingers were engulfed in flames, you felt a strong power withing you; it only lasted a few moments but the thought of being able to experience that feeling again filled you with excitement. At least until you sensed your friends’ terror.
You looked between them in confusion, «What? Why should I-» «If they see you… They’ll make you fight as a soldier. You’ll have to go away and-» «And we’ll never see you again…», Ty Lee finished for him. Her voice was calmer than the boy’s but much sadder. You were trembling and looking at your hands with quivering lips, «I don’t want this. I don’t want to fight», your vision blurred as tears started to flow down your cheeks, the girl next to you quickly gathered you in her arms. «We won’t allow it, it’s a secret», she whispered «Yes! A secret», Zuko nodded vigorously «My uncle will help you like he’s helping me. And dad will never know». His hand took your tiny one and hold it tightly as he whispered your name «I swear, I will protect you».
You learned to control your power with the help of Zuko, he tried to explain to you, hidden from curious eyes, what his father taught him. He also asked his uncle a hand and he gladly accepted, taking you under his wing and treating you like a real niece. You grew up like this, together with the prince and Ty Lee, playing in the company of his sister and Mai. Your family seemed happy to know you were so close to the future Fire Lord and innuendos of a possible relationship were not long in coming; you, on the other hand, had no intention of changing the nature of your relationship with Zuko. It was all too perfect, so spontaneous and sincere, you wouldn’t let Azula’s teasing and your parents’ pressure ruin your friendship with the boy.
But sadly, you wouldn’t have remained children forever. «I said that it wasn’t me!», you yelled at Mai, she was staring down at you with folded arms, her thin eyes nearly scrutinizing inside of you. «Then who? You were the last one I saw near my knives». Her tone was calm but extremely arrogant, so much what you could feel your ears ring with annoyance. Zuko, Azula and Ty Lee were seated at the age of the turtle duck pond, their gazes worn out and exhausted; the argument had been going on for several minutes now and neither seemed to want to gave up, with Mai accusing you of taking two of her throwing daggers and you constantly defending yourself.
Zuko’s head was resting against his palm as Ty Lee wearily kicked the dirt, only Azula seemed to be amused by the discussion in front of them, typical of her. «Come on, Y/N», she interceded, getting the attention of both of you «You can admit it and get it over with»
You raised an eyebrow at the girl, giving her a quizzical look «Admit what, exactly?» «That you’re just jealous because you don’t have anything special», her words were sharp as a knife, your body froze and with the corner of your eyes you could see how each of those present nearly stopped breathing, even Mai was speechless. «What do you mean?» «It’s obvious. Me and Zuko? We are firebenders and Fire Prince and Princess», she started, eyes closed and fingers raising with every statement.
«Ty Lee is the best in sports and a prodigy in the chi blocking technique» «Azula», Zuko intervened, his tone cautious but your ears could only hear the girl’s venomous words «And Mai is so good at fighting that you had to steal her knives to feel important» Your voice was feeble as tears pricked your eyes «It’s not true…» «Of course it is! Look at you, small and vulnerable» «Azula, that’s enough» «Even now, you need Zuzu to come to your rescue» «Stop it…» «And just because you’re nothing more than a spoiled girl with a crush on my brother» «Azula!» «Stop it!»
You body was shaking, rage crawled in every inch of your chest, legs, arms…. Until it exploded from your fingers in a blast of smoke and flames, that embraced your fists in a menacing display of your power. Every one stared at you with wide eyes, Ty Lee covered her mouth with both hands, the only sounds in the gardens were the water’s pouring and your heavy breathing. When the fire went out, it was too late. Your gaze met Azula’s astonished one, it was a split second, just an instant before her mouth folded into a grin, the same one you had seen countless times when the girl plotted something spiteful.
«Interesting», was the only word her lips formed, before her back turned to you and she was running towards the Palace’s entry. «Azula, wait!», Zuko’s voice woke you from the trance you were in, you looked at him, eyes glossy and scared «Y-You just stay here, I’ll try to… convince her». And he was gone, just as Azula, going after her with desperate steps.
She saw. She saw you and she was going to tell her father. They’ll make you fight as a soldier. You’ll have to go away. Zuko was screaming directly in your head, you couldn’t stop the tears this time, as they flowed down your cheeks, falling to the ground, soon followed by your knees as your legs gave out under your body. You vaguely heard Ty Lee carefully calling for you, reaching your side as soon as you let out a sob; «Zuko will convince her», she stroked your hair, trying to calm your cries «Right Mai?». The girl was still in front of you, standing composed as always, but her expression betrayed her true feelings. The compassionate look Mai gave you didn’t leave you much hope.
You were suspended for at least a week, no news, no certainty, no sentence. You stayed in your room most of the day, crying. Ty Lee and Mai came to visit you from time to time but your parents stopped them after they found out what you were keeping from them. «You will deserve whatever our Fire Lord will dictate to you. You have betrayed your country, now you will suffer the consequences», your mother once said.
Zuko was gone, you heard from Ty Lee that he was spending his time talking to her mother whenever he could, trying to get her to intervene. And you hoped with all your heart that Ursa still had some influence on Fire Lord Ozai.
«Charged of desertion», your father came into your room one morning, behind the door you could see two guards. The blood inside your body froze at the sight of their stiff and menacing form, of what it could mean. «Punishment, exile. And I agree», he stated. Your world crumbled under your feet, a lump in your throat made it difficult to speak clearly, «Father-»
«But…», he stopped your pleads with the wave of a hand, his gaze even harder than before «Apparently our prince is more merciful than his father. You have the opportunity to atone for your sins by working for the Nation, you will be a bodyguard. You will do whatever your customers ask and I warn you, don’t you dare doing anything to make us even more ashamed of the disappointing daughter you are». You didn’t have time to see your mother, you didn’t even heard another word from your father when the two guards guided you to the palace, your new home; your belongings have been entrusted to two servants you passed through on your way up the staircase. The first real interaction with a human being was when Zuko ran to you at the entrance of your rooms, hugging you with such impulse that you almost fell to the ground. «I told you I’d protect you», he kept whispering in your hair as you were finally free to feel the warmth of someone who truly cared for you.
Protecting others became your new job, the Fire Lord gave you so much work that it made seeing others more and more difficult; most of the time they came to visit you in the evening, when possible. Your training, now individual and at one of Ozai’s men’s hand, became more and more intense and regular, sometimes Zuko openly requested to spare with you, it was one of the few occasions you were truly happy to use your bending.
But in two years many things changed, Iroh’s son died, Ursa disappeared and the competition between Zuko and Azula became more and more tenacious. The need to prove that the princess was wrong grew stronger within you; you didn’t need to be protected, you were strong enough to take care of yourself and others, just like your job required. But you weren’t going to serve just capricious nobles whose real need was to have a personal army so that they’d feel important, you wanted to be really useful to your country, no matter the stupid war that everyone seemed to be so happy for, pursued by the false propaganda of the Fire Lord. It was just painful to see Zuko so convinced by it. So you started to sneak off, face covered from the nose down with bandages, a hood over your head and your bending as your only weapon in aid of the suburbs. It didn’t take long for the birth of a myth among the cities: an enemy of the Nation but a friend of ordinary people. If you weren’t required for job nobody asked about you, you were almost invisible, as if your crime acted also as an alibi, allowing you to escape for a longer amount of time and giving you the chance to help even in more distant towns.
But although you felt stronger, the loneliness did not fade, by now your bond was only with Zuko but his duties as a prince began to increasingly consume your time together, until you were left with only fleeting encounters late in the evening, for a little more than an hour before collapsing to exhaustion. But your relationship snapped the day of his Agni Kai, when his father scarred him and proved himself as the horrible person you always thought he was; but for Zuko this truth was too much to bare and there was nothing you could say to convince him. From the moment he was exiled his only desire was to regain his honor.
It didn’t matter that you ran away, risking your own life to embark with him, condemning yourself to a life as a fugitive, just to be with him, it didn’t matter that his uncle was the only real parent always present for him and that he was the first to offer to keep you hidden from the Fire Nation, knowing how much important was your presence for him. Nothing mattered anymore.
Part II
Thank you so much for reading! If you liked this chapter you can leave a like or a comment and if you have time you can check my Ao3. Hope you enjoyed!
228 notes · View notes
lovleey · 30 days
Text
𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 ☆
Tumblr media Tumblr media
YES!
fluff, angst, suggestive, sfw-only
NO . . .
18+ content, smut, NSFW, triggering content, etc.
Tumblr media
18 notes · View notes
frost-queen · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
Zuko 
• Have mercy, Oh fire lord (sis!R)
• Tickles that heals all
• My mortal flaw (LA) *waterbender!r
• My mortal flaw (LA) // part 2 *waterbender!r
• My mortal flaw (LA) // part 3
• My mortal flaw (LA) // part 4
Sokka
• A lie with good reasons
• Elements in harmony (LA)
135 notes · View notes
Text
Mai trying to do Y/n's so they can go meet with Aang
Mai : Zuko you're child's being difficult!
Zuko: why's Y/n always only my child when they've done something???!!
48 notes · View notes