Bloomstuff

HELLO IM GLAD YOU GET THE VISION

Grandmaster Price has been in a bad mood for upwards of a month now. While such a scene is not a rarity, his bouts of melancholy typically did not last this long. Or to this extent.

The Court is terse. Bandits have been spotted along the Southernmost border of your kingdom, crops are dying off as the months bleed into winter and offers of marriage have been gracing the Court for at least a month now. Except your Lords are scared to speak. The younger, lesser experienced Lords step forward. “I think we should station an order by the border,” he states, clearly pleased with himself to have been the first to suggest it.

But only because the other Lords knew better, especially at a time like this.

“Good thing we don’t act on what you think.” Grandmaster Price grits, jaw terse and gaze hot enough to melt iron and simultaneously cool it to frost. “Putting an order on the border for bandits is a waste of effort and resources, ‘specially with the dying crops.”

The other Lords exchange glances, mustering small nods of solidarity.

“Perhaps her majesty should consider accepting a proposal from one of the Southern kingdoms?” Another Lord piped up, albeit nervously.

The mention of accepting the proposal draws your lips together. A sharp line to hide the frown, your fingers fidgeting with the forged gold around your fingers, a nervous habit. Grandmaster John replies before you, a sharp scoff as he turns, angling his sharp, armour clad body towards the foolish Lord, strong arms crossed across his chest. “Bandits scout our Southern border and your first suggestion is to sell out our Queen?”

The young Lord flusters slightly, turning to face you wide-eyed, “no,” he replies, the tips of his ears turning pink. “Of- of course not, I simply meant to imply that offers have been made and if her majesty is looking then—“

“Looking?” John scoffs again, and from your throne you can see the vein across his temple bulging. There’s a pang of something in the pit of your chest at the sudden flare in your Grandmasters gaze.

John has always been protective of you. Five years your senior, he’d watched over you as you’d grown up, had taught you how to fight. He had been by your side at your coronation and had been there for you after the sudden assassination of your family that had thrust you to the throne.

Except, it was more than being protective, or so you would fantasise. John wasn’t like a brother, like a mentor or guide. You’d spent late nights together while he’d been off duty, had ridden on the back of his horse, (against the protocols of royalty), had wrapped your arms around him (furthermore against the protocols of royalty), had spent countless hours laughing together, sharing glasses of mead. The amount of times he’d put himself in harms way to save your life. The scars that tainted his body, all in the name of protective

Nonetheless, even if your heart skipped a beat whenever he was in close proximity. How his gaze would linger for a moment too long (or maybe that was just you).

“Her majesty isn’t looking for someone to take her hand in marriage.” John adds, voice thick with restraint as silence falls upon the Court room. “The Court of Lords should know better than anyone that her majesty hasn’t had a say in any of the proposals—“

One of the elder Lords pike up, a flash of defence crossing his face, “Grandmaster Price, if you are suggesting that we are coercing her majesty—“

“Did you need me to spell it out for you?”

You end the quibbling with a sharp sigh, a soft tsk as you raise to your feet. The Court falls quiet again as you wave your hand, a dismissive flick of your wrist. “Leave Grandmaster Price and I alone.” You order. The Court bows before slipping through the Court doors, leaving you alone with Price.

The male is terse. Body stiff beneath the armour. His arms are uncrossed from his chest, now planted stiffly by his sides.

You step down from the dais, your soft gaze on him. “John,” you breathe out softly. The males gaze falters at the sound of his name instead of his title. The stiffness dissipates from his shoulders and he lets out a soft breath, as if the tension of Grandmaster had left completely.

“What is going on with you?”

“Nothing, m’lady.” He replies gruffly, turning his body back to face you, his gaze softening again as you descend the dais, your shoes falling quietly against the tiles of the Court room. “Wrong answer.” You reply, arching a brow, displeased as you stop in front of him.

Barely even chest to chest, you gaze up at him. “You’ve been… Off.” You murmur, measuring your words. Trying to make it out as if you hadn’t noticed the very day his mood had turned sour. As if it hadn’t plagued your mind since. “It’s unsettling the Court.” I add after a beat of silence. A cool breath of detachment. As if it were merely professional concern.

His jaw clenches at the mention of the Court and he scoffs. He goes to turn away, to stride across the room, put the distance before you that is meant to be there, but you’re not letting him off that easily.

You reach up, grasping his bottom jaw in your hand, as if threatening him to turn away from you.

John falters at the touch, blinking as his body stiffens. You shouldn’t be touching him. Shouldn’t be this close. Shouldn’t be alone together.

“What’s going on with you?” You repeat again as the silence settles between the two of you. Thick. Charged with something you’re both too scared to voice out loud. But John is not a man of fear.

His hand rests on the handle of his sword as he moves, lowering himself down onto one knee. The metal clinks against the floor of the Court, your gaze locked on his, maintaining eye contact as he lowers before you in devotion. “The Court is forcing you into a marriage you don’t want.” He states after a beat of silence.

You tilt your head, hand shifting from his jaw, finger nails tracing up his cheek. You watch the flutter of his eyelashes, the subtle twitch of his nose as you trail across his temple, palm finally coming to rest against his cheek. “What makes you say I don’t want to be married?”

“Because you’re not a fool.”

A small huff of amusement, an arched manicured brow, “and you’re calling my Court fools?”

“Not the word I would use, is it?” He replies, the corner of his lip twitching upwards. His gaze flickers with something. Something akin to hope. Or maybe you’re just making it all up.

“You haven’t taken any initiative.” He adds after a beat, as if to prove his point. “You change the topic every time a proposal is mentioned, bet you couldn’t even name five of the suitors and their proposals.” You can’t help your small smile. How well your knight knew you.

“You know none of them will ever be worthy.” He adds when you don’t try to discredit him. “Know you’ll never be happy with any of them.”

“And why wouldn’t I be happy with any of the suitors?” You challenge softly after a beat of silence, heart pounding in your chest, your hand still pressed gently against his cheek. His gaze fixes on your own, oceanic blue and stormy waters. The tension between the two of you flickers. A candle about to burn down to the wick.

“Because you’re not a fool.”

Mom who plays with my hair as Dad fucks me. Im so flustered and whiny but she just coos at me. Mama...too deep, I gasp softly as dad mounts me. Pushing my legs back even more and driving his cock into me. Every time the tip hits that one spot my body jolts. She just smiles and laughs while shaking her head. You'll get used to it, princess... Softly scratches my hair and watches as her husband fucks her daughter.

Her other hand is wandering our bodies. From Dad's chest to pushing on my stomach. When I start to get too loud she pulls down the top of her nightgown just enough. Puts her tits in my face while softly shushing me. Loves watching as I cum around dad's cock. How I choke up and my body shakes. Look at that, she smiles as she spreads my cunt open even more. I'm still stretched around dad, she's enjoying every minute even if she's a whiny girl. Dad shakes his head panting as he pulls out to the tip only to slam back in.

I squeak and grab onto the sheets as I feel my wetness running down onto the bed. Mom laughs and coos, let's give her a small break. She pulls away and softly kisses my lips. Climbs on top of me on all fours, dad pulls out of me, and sinks into her. Fucking her on top of me, I watch as she moans, and smiles. Sometimes she leans down and starts to kiss me. See, baby? This is how you properly take your father's cock, She says between moans. Mom is a messy cummer so once she does cum it drips down onto me.

She gasps as she lets go and pushes back, taking all of dads cock as they both moan. Dad pulling out and running his cock over her clit, really making sure she lets it all out. Before sinking back into me suddenly. Dad! I squeal at the suddenness but a small laugh also escapes me. Just like mom does, I'm close princess. He moans and starts to fuck me quickly. Chasing her own high and mom gives me one last kiss before climbing off of me.

GET THAT CONTRACT READY BECAUSE HERE IT IS!!!!

By the third drink, Zuko was realizing that this little bachelor's evening for Aang's wedding had been a bad idea. By the fourth drink, him and Sokka were convincing Aang to go skinny dipping with them in the royal koi ponds and after that, he'd lost count.

Stumbling, the other two had been taken to the guest wing by servants and Zuko himself was being guided to his chambers by someone he couldn't even recall the name of.

You were already asleep when he entered.

"Zuko?" You sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.

He squealed at the sight of you and tried to wrestle away from the servant that had brought him back.

"Apologies, My Lady-" The servant said uneasily. "The Lord has indulged himself a bit this evening with the Avatar and Chief Sokka." You nodded, standing up and wrapping a robe around yourself. "Shall I stay to help ready him for bed?" He asked as Zuko actively tried to get away from him.

"Uh- Please. Thank you." You nodded, "Call for some help too. I doubt the Fire Lord will be easily handled in his current state." You mused.

It took four servants to get Zuko to bathe and ready for bed. All the while he kept whining and squirming and trying to get away from them. Finally, after they were done and it was just you and him left, he sighed with relief.

"My Sun-" He pouted, "How could you leave me with them?" He knelt beside your side of the bed. "Angi... You're so beautiful."

My Sun? That one was new. But you ignored it.

"Zuko- You're very drunk. You need to sleep-" You laughed, trying to herd him back to his side of the bed.

"No! I don't need sleep!" He turned, holding both your hands against his chest. "I've never been more awake!"

"You are not-" You shook your head. "Come on- You have to lay down before you hurt yourself or-"

Before you could continue, Zuko pushed you enough that you fell back and ended up sitting on the edge of the bed, then he leaned forward, his face smushed against your thighs. He let out a soft sigh of contentment.

"You're so warm, My Sun." He mumbled, sighing at the silky feeling of your gown.

"Uh- Why are you calling me that?" You asked softly.

He looked up, his golden eyes almost sparkling. "Because that's what you are. The sun." He said dreamily. "You know- Every morning, I wake up thinking of you. Every night- I sleep, dreaming of you."

Your jaw fell open and your skin burned at his confession. "Z-Zuko- You're very drunk-" You stammered

"Noooo- I'm- I've never felt better!" He whined, his hands wrapping at the back of your calves. "We've been married for months now- And I- I can't take it anymore!" He frowned. "You're so beautiful- I'm in agony every single day. Why can't I touch you, My Sun?"

"You- You want to touch me?" You swallowed hard.

"In every way a husband is allowed to touch his wife." He nodded, his forehead leaning against your knees. "I want to kiss you all the time and-"

"We kissed and scandalised the entire palace-" You laughed, reminding him of the gardens incident.

"Servants should mind their business!" He groaned. "Spirits- I want to touch you." He added wistfully. "Respectfully and very disrespectfully." You gasped his name in shock. "Tell me, My Sun." He held your hands against his chest, making you lean down a little. "Do you think about touching me?" He asked. "Or- Or my scars make you feel otherwise?"

"No! You're beautiful, Zuko!" Your skin was actually on fire now. "How- How about you just lay down?" You stuttered out.

"Next to you?" He climbed into bed but stayed close to you, not going to his side on the far end of the bed.

"I- Yeah. Okay." You nodded.

"Thank you-" He smiled and pulled you down then curled up against you.

It would have been a little funny how this big man was acting like this if he hadn't made such huge declarations.

Zuko whispered your name gently after a while and you hummed for him to continue. A fingertip traced the side of your face, forehead to neck. "You truly are the sun." He smiled dopily. "I love you. So much." He murmured. "And I'm grateful that I can call you my wife."

"You're not going to remember any of this in the morning." You smiled sadly.

"I will. And I'll say it again. I promise." He mumbled and drifted off to sleep. His arm around your waist, his face pressed into the side of your stomach.

You, however, were wide awake.

Yeah... this was going to be a very long night.

.

.

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First Meeting

The Night After The Ceremony

Something Gently Shifts

First Kiss

Jealous Zuko

Daily Life With Zuko

Reader is kidnapped by the Denied

Reader and Zuko's first improper kiss

"Fire Lord Zuko, you must be mistaken," his chamberlain laughs nervously. "You can't honestly be considering marrying a commoner?"

"I'm not considering it, Chamberlain," Zuko tells him, looking over the scrolls laid out on his desk. "She's already said yes." 

"She works at a tea shop, Fire Lord Zuko," the chamberlain repeats himself. 

"She owns the tea shop, Chamberlain, and I don't see any problem with that."

"There are several-"

"My uncle owned a tea shop, at one point of his life. And he found great pride in it," Zuko announces, placing his work down. "It was his dream."

Hi chamberlain bows his head, keeping his eyes down and wisely choosing to stay silent. 

"Is there anything else to add, Chamberlain?"

"No, Fire Lord Zuko."

"Then see yourself out."

On his way out, you step through the door. From the look on the chamberlain's face, you can instantly tell you've made another mistake. 

"It would be wise to knock before entering a room," the chamberlain tells you. 

"Chamberlain," Zuko calls sternly from his seat. 

The man rigidly bows to you with a sneer. "Princess." Then, he leaves you alone with Zuko. 

The Fire Lord is in his evening robe, sitting on the floor behind a flat wooden surface that held a heavy stack of scolls.

"Are you busy?" You ask timidly, taking a few steps into the workspace. 

"I'm just reading recent reports," Zuko tells you, holding a hand out for you to come closer. "The price of rice has gone up."

"How fascinating," you answer dryly, lowering to ground beside him and curling into his side. "Are you going to keep reading for awhile?"

"I'm almost done," Zuko murmurs, pressing his lips to the top of your head as his eyes skim over the parchment. "Why don't you head to bed without me?" 

You shrug, fidgeting with your fingers in your lap. "It's a little weird, honestly." 

That makes Zuko turn his body to look at you. He takes your hand and brings your knuckles to his lips. 

"What do you mean it's weird? What's wrong?"

Smiling tiredly, you carress the scarred half of his face. 

"The room is larger than any room I've ever been in, and the bed can fit five grown adults," you tell him like it's obvious. "It feels empty lying there by myself. Can I stay here until you're done?"

"Of co-"

Before Zuko can finish his sentence, you're lying on your side, crawling halfway into his lap until your arms are wrapped around his waist. 

"What are you doing, my love?" He chuckles, gently patting your head. 

"Getting comfortable while I wait. Just carry me out when you're done."

Although you look uncomfortable, you doze in and out of drowsiness as the fire around you crackles and the parchment shifts. Zuko decides to cut his reading short when he feels your breathing even out against his legs. 

He carefully takes you in his arms, feeling elated when you relax against his chest and your head leans into the curve of his neck. 

A few servants catch the Fire Lord carrying the tea shop owner to his room that same evening, and by the next morning, a rumor has already spread throughout the palace. 

dark red sheets swallowed you and your husband’s body as you slept together. his arms gently encircled your waist, his face pressed into the crook of your neck as per usual. zuko loved having you close like this—just beneath his fingertips. you were soft enough to squeeze and hug and kiss, grounding him even as he slept. your presence allowed him a peaceful rest, your warm body against his own a sensation he stated he couldn’t live without.

he was so quiet when he was in bed with you, sleeping through the night like a baby. at least, that’s what you had thought.

the small jerk of his fingers against your stomach was enough to make you shift, the tips of his fingers tickling you through your night clothes. he was probably just shifting around as well, getting comfortable.

but then his lips pressed themselves directly against your shoulder, his grip around you suddenly growing tighter.

“zuko…” you whined, voice laced with sleep and discomfort. zuko wasn’t one to act erratic as he slept, generally silent and still…but now it seemed a flip had switched.

“sorry..’m sorry. stop..” he whispered against your skin, but he…he didn’t seem as if he was talking to you. more like to…himself? someone else? his mumbled apologies woke you up, but before you even had a chance to turn around, to look at him—you heard him choke out a sob. it was so sudden—so unusual you couldn’t force yourself to move. zuko? crying? it wasn’t something you could proudly say you saw often—or ever.

“don’t g-go, i’m sorry.” he cried, slow tears rolling down his cheeks and gradually soaking your top. you stilled in pure shock for a moment, blinking as if time had stopped.

“zuko?”

he buried his face completely into your neck at the sound of your voice, letting his tears fall without resistance. he gripped onto you for dear life, the heat radiating from his palms out of emotion warming your skin.

you let him cry for a while after the realization set, allowing him quiet time without interruptions to just…get it all out. something you knew deep down he needed.

after a few minutes his breathing finally slowed, his tears subsiding as he held you in his arms. “i’m..i’m sorry.” this time he was talking to you, kissing your neck in apology.

he finally let you turn around to look at him, his cheeks all blotchy and pink from his own body heat, eyes red from crying. he looked so…vulnerable. never in your life had you seen him like this. a bit broken but still so desperate for your touch.

you cupped his cheek, wiping away a stray tear just below his eye. “what happened..?”

he let himself melt into your palm before shamefully replying, eyes fluttering shut to avoid the look he’d thought you’d give him.

“..it’s embarrassing.”

“zuko, it’s me…what’s wrong?” you murmured, gently pressing a kiss to his scar. he physically winced as if it hurt, knowing the pain had long faded, but something in the moment made him extra sensitive.

“it was just a nightmare..they happen sometimes, but they aren’t this bad. not like today.”

“oh, my baby..” you sighed, immediately pulling him in towards your chest. you buried your hands into his hair and he breathed a sigh of relief, his own hands pressing into your back to bring you impossibly closer in response.

“i didn’t mean to wake you this time—“

“why? why didn’t you tell me before?” you kissed his head, slowly stroking his scalp with your nails.

“i didn’t want to be a burden.” he confessed, running his fingers up and down your spine to soothe himself—and you. “i know how i am…i ..i couldn’t do that to you.”

your poor baby. your precious husband couldn’t even get himself to open up to you about something that effected him so much. it was heartbreaking.

“you can speak to me about anything. always. i love you.” you started, pulling away slightly to look him in the eye. “i didn’t write my own vows for you to take them as a joke y’know?”

he finally smiled—even if it was just a tiny quirk of his lips—you made it happen. “no..you didn’t.”

“mhm..” you hummed, leaning in ever so slowly before pressing your lips against his own. he moved his mouth back almost instantly, letting out a small noise of defeat when you pulled away.

“we have to get back to bed, zuko. you won’t get up on time tomorrow..” you chuckled, tucking a sliver of hair behind his ear. he looked so beautiful, so peaceful now.

“you’re right, i won’t…but that’s what my dear wife is for.”

illi’s notez; first time writing for atla don’t bully me ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️ i haven’t seen the new movie yet either but these leaks made me sooo excited eheheh :333 zuko is literally younger me’s bf and with this fandom revive i had to get tonwritin ;(( im so hypednfornall the new fics other writes r making too omgogmgogm ok let me stop

Masterlist Zuko Masterlist

Tip of the Tub

The first sign your husband was on his way to you was the sound of boots in the corridor and the second was the sigh. That long, exhausted sigh only Zuko made after a full day of council meetings, trade disputes, and generals arguing in circles.

You looked up from where you were seated near the bedroom window. He paused in the doorway, looking worn in that way only responsibility could make a person look. Robes slightly disheveled. Hair coming loose.

“There’s my favorite person,” he murmured.

You smiled. “Tough day?”

He came close enough to lean down and press his forehead briefly to yours. “Today I mediated an argument about shipping routes for three hours.”

“That sounds terrible.”

“I missed you.” He grumbled.

You touched his sleeve. “Come with me.”

content | angst? (it's so buzzy), little sister!toph, evil little shit!toph, simp!zuko on the low, brief bone manipulation, small miscommunication trope

word count | 2.6k

PART ONE

You and your sister lean lazily against one of the less crowded walls of the bustling great hall, the two of you "people-watching" as she funnily calls it, listening to other people's conversations through her sharp hearing and your stilled breathing. A few stare back at the both of you, whispering in your own little world, all inside jokes and complaints about the stuck-up air of the room.

Sometime in the midst of your joking and complaining, Toph had made some off-handed comment about a very particular man across the room, a close friend of hers, though Toph had never been very good at making friends. This one, you knew of, and of course he was here, it was his home you'd been invited to, his great hall which hosted the Fire Nation's very first party of the new scorching summer.

Toph's mentioning of him blanketed something else sinister, hid something teasing.

"You know, he's not so bad once you get to know him."

Your sister, Toph, had always proved rather convincing when it came to you---like everyone else, she had you wrapped around her strong little finger from the day she was born and all the days after. Her word was your Bible most times, you both put your trust in each other so completely, and there was rarely ever a doubt in your mind that Toph didn't know exactly what she was doing. But here, you couldn't help rolling your eyes.

She'd felt it somehow, your unimpressed expression, thumping at your shoulder quickly and laughing under her breath when you'd visibly winced.

"And he's attractive, too!"

You gave her a short look, brows raised in question. "Like you'd know, Toffee." She was always saying strange things like that, being able to feel when someone was interesting, or cute, or muscular. And you supposed that's what the Firelord Zuko was as you look around the room and allow your eyes to land on him.

Interesting in the way he spoke gruffly even when he was trying to be kind. The way he dragged men over to the group he was speaking to, just to have them agree with him on whatever he'd been arguing. Interesting in the way he let his hair fall over his scarred eye in public, not ashamed, you'd gathered, but not wanting to entertain the questions that came with it.

Cute in the way a bear was cute, something broad and grizzly, eyes squinting when he laughed and teased the Avatar and the Waterbending Master's brother.

Muscular like a sea of mountains, ripples of them across his body, pushing through the fabric of his formal garments. Muscular in the way his hands flexed out when he'd caught you staring at him, the way—oh, fuck, he'd caught you staring at him.

You swiftly turn back to a grinning Toph, her eyes shining white and mischievous. You thump her shoulder back, feeling the floor rumble beneath your feet, and it's not quite so obvious who's doing it but you think it's best not to find out. There are eyes boring into your side as you try and listen to the babbling woman in front of you—something about the food from tonight, or had she asked what food you wanted for tomorrow? You didn't know and you almost didn't really care, the way you'd spot him in your peripheral still glancing your way, only ever leaving his distraction when someone grabbed his shoulder or asked him something serious.

"I need some fresh air."

"Fresh?" Toph's face scrunches in a strange disgust, arms folding over her chest. Her smirk expands over her face as she stares right through you. "It's humid everywhere, you know. It's the Fire Nation—"

"Yes, yes, thank you for the tidbit."

With a kiss of her warm cheek, you hurry away from her before she can make some crude joke about the burning in your cheeks, and just before you escape into the main corridor, the Firelord catches your eye again.

And he is so disgustingly beautiful.

You scurry through the almost empty hallway, nothing but servants carrying piles of dirty bowls and cups and royal advisors gliding back to the hall to discuss important business with the still fresh lord, his duties seemingly never-ending. You slip and sneak behind one wall, and then another, left and right and left again, the passageways seemingly endless too. Once you let your mind settle, you finally register that you've stopped hearing the bustle that once filtered out of the great hall, met with the silent whirring on wind and dry humidity that made you sweat underneath your silky green dinner gown. All of sudden, you realize you're nowhere near the outdoor garden you were aiming for, and if you hadn't been so stubborn, you would've maybe admitted that you were lost. You make a few turns here and there that you think are leading you back in the direction of the hall, but you're not entirely sure, cursing yourself for being so equally, stubbornly distracted. Too absent-minded, Toph would often tease, never paying attention to your surroundings like you ought to.

You didn't care. You didn't need to pay attention like normal people did.

With a frustrated huff, cursing under your breath in a way that's still attempting to be lady-like, you slip off your nice shoes with a swift hand, letting your cold toes hit the stone floor.

You hum out, closing your eyes and listening for those busy vibrations you and Toph had been so attentive to before in the great hall. You mind wandered and search for her familiar cadence of footsteps against the bare ground—she had a habit of tapping her foot when she wanted to drown out noise, and you loved being the only one to hear it. You stepped carefully towards the tremor sounds in the earth, inching just closer to them to guide yourself back, feeling the jittery drunk conversation bouncing off of some walls in the distance. To your left, you'd concluded, not too many corridors way. You smile when you feel Katara's laugh somewhere far-off, mixing with the low rumble of Toph's chuckle. You wonder if she can hear your heartbeat, but the idea is quickly drowned out by another sound.

You tilt your head to pay attention to both, careful not to lose the guidance of your sister and her friend, but oh-so-curious as to who might be approaching.

Your smile drops and you resist opening your eyes for a moment. You know those heavy footsteps, that soft breathing reverberating in the air and in your ears.

You let your eyes flutter, a deep sigh leaving your lips without your permission.

And he smiles as he comes closer, something simple and boyish. "Good evening." He bows his head to you politely, and you return the favor, keeping your head down as he speaks. "Sorry to disturb you." You lift your head up when he takes a step closer, your hand reaching out instinctively. He stands still, as if at attention like a solider. "I'm Zuko."

You laugh and you can practically hear his heart flutter. "What are you doing, we know each other."

"Yes, I thought perhaps you'd forgotten." He adjusts his posture, his back and shoulders broadening. He's quick with his words, tumbling out of his lips like they've betrayed him. Still, he stands firm, head held high. "Since you'd failed to say hello."

Your breath hitched at that accusatory tone and you looked away to save face, knuckles crackling. "Yes, they sat us a way's away—"

"You failed to say hello the whole night."

He takes a careful step closer once again and this time you know well enough to step back, to keep this distance between you. And still, with your feet against the warm floor, you can feel his heartbeat quicken despite its normally calm pace. His hand looks like it might reach out for you but he knows well enough too.

"You know perfectly well why it seemed inappropriate."

Now, what's the story on you and the gruff Firelord?

Perhaps it starts when Toph had first introduced you to the jumbled and unlikely Avatar group a year ago, another hot summer that you can only remember when you dream.

Scorching days at Ember Island with your sister’s traumatized buddies from the war, sweat dripping from your body in vulgar sorts of ways when one distinct friend eyed you for longer than necessary. He had this way about him, something gorgeous and mesmerizing in a way that was unfair. When the summer heat got almost entirely unbearable, you'd all spent your time in the Water Tribe, basking in whatever cool air you could find. Your room had been just next to his, in a far wing of the palace, and you'd sneak away together when sleep refused to take you, or bundled up on the floor of your visiting chambers and tell stories upon stories. His voice like honey in your ears.

So, perhaps the starts instead during that same summer, in a now humid bedroom, with his hand up your skirt, and his lips against your jaw, and your name being mumbled repeatedly from his soft lips like a prayer. It's not quite so clear how you'd gotten to this point—whether it had been the drinks he'd snuck into room to rid you of the nighttime boredom, or the way your eyes couldn't stop flickering to his slender fingers brushing against yours—but sooner or later, you're on his lap, another hand in is your hair, and all decorum has been tossed right out of the window.

And the story ends that same evening, when there's a creak in the floorboard behind the bedroom door, and a quick glance between the two of you that says this can't possibly happen again. Sure, you hadn't been caught this time, but there was something messy about mixing things up with your baby sister's friends, something filthy about meeting in secret with the new Firelord in all his broken honor and his faltering prestige. He'd been worshiping you on that bedroom floor, but it could never happen twice, you two had reputations to uphold, kingdoms and communities to lead.

So, Zuko should know why you didn't speak to him at this party, why you hadn't spoken to him in almost exactly a year (of course, you both had been counting), and why you'd really only agreed to come in the first place because of Toph. Because she'd begged like she knew why you wouldn't want to, and you knew that seeing him from a safe distance was better than not seeing him at all.

But, you see, that's why he'd invited you too. It wouldn't be suspicious, because the whole group would come, and you both could speak because the whole group would be speaking, and he would promise not to let his hand drift towards your thigh like he wanted, he'd promise. And instead, you stayed on the complete other side of the hall the whole time, laughing at what other people were saying to entertain you, talking to everyone except for him, waltzing around in that dress and that color that drove him absolutely insane. He'd been so hopeful when he finally caught your eye across the table. When you'd left almost immediately after, avoiding his gaze—he had been almost absolutely sure that it was an invitation.

However, the way you were looking at him now said differently.

You looked around carefully. No one close by, no one peeking. Still, you wouldn't relax your shoulders just yet, lest the two of you grow too comfortable. You lowered your voice and stripped that unlikeable tone out of it. "You should get back to the hall and I can follow behind. Surely people are awaiting you—“

"I can excuse myself in my home."

"You can also speak to your guests properly in—”

“Is that what you are—a guest?”

“As opposed to what?” There’s a heaviness in your breath that hadn’t been there before, and you suddenly realize how close you’ve let him come, how near his breath and heart rest sound against the arch of your feet. “My lord.” Your scowl deepens as you flick your wrist and quicker than you’d meant it to happen, Zuko stumbles back with a hand on his chest. Your lips almost fix themselves to ask it he’s okay, but you’d hate to give him fuel.

He lets out a huff of a laugh, arms lunging to grab your hands. He’s trapped you, walking you back further and further away from the party, from Toph’s clever tone, from the clinking of lingering drinks and glasses—it alls starts to fade as you struggle against him.

“You’re not supposed to be able to control the human body,” he notes breathlessly, gaze traveling and skittering all over you, like he was imagining you use those same skills for all the wrong reasons, for nefarious purposes. “What was it you said, the calcium and phosphorus in my bones?”

“Who cares what I said, we shouldn’t be here—!”

Thump, thump, thumping upon the stone floor and your sister’s voice is whispering to you three halls down, asking where you’ve run off to. But she knows exactly where you are, exactly who you’re with, she’s always been so much better at that seismic sensing than you.

You find yourself wondering why she really begged you to come to this party, why she’d insisted on mentioning Zuko in every single conversation since you’d arrived.

Toph rarely played stupid, but when she did?

Something was up her sleeve.

You rip one arm from Zuko’s slowly loosening grip and slap your hand against his lips, and you swear you hear him groan against you, leaning closer into your touch. But you know silencing him won’t matter. Toph knows. You can practically feel her smile spreading across her lips like butter. And then you hear her laugh—that evil one she does, when she’s mocked you for just long enough, when she’s won in some game, when all goes her way in the easiest way possible. She’s laughing, but she stops walking—abruptly, so it seems, and—

The ground rumbles.

“Shit.”

“Hmm?”

Before you know it, you’re dragging Zuko away from Toph’s line of fire—she’s clumsy when she’s giggling—and just then, the ground cracks before you both, the dirt and rock from beneath emerging from the opening and creating a blockage between you and every other living being in the palace.

You and Zuko. Alone.

Toph would be dead by morning, you’d make sure of it.

“Aw,” Zuko coos against your palm before you slip it away. “You trapped us together, how sweet.”

You shove at his chest with no real weight, allowing him to drift just slightly closer. “Don’t get your hopes up, it was that brat—this is your home, you know, you’ll have to clean this all up.”

“No, I owe Toph, I think this’ll do.” His hand crept closer to your face, thumb running over your jaw as soft as kisses, as light as feathers, and you burned with the feeling. But you let him. Not just let him, you wanted him to, you'd hoped he'd touch you, just like this, the whole night, knowing that you shouldn't. He smiles sweetly, dipping his head to nose the crook of your neck, the bridge running just behind your ear and down so he could take in the scent he'd been waiting for---a whole year he'd been waiting. "Please. Tell me you've thought of me."

You let in a sharp breath, straightening your figure at even the thought of your answer. How were you supposed to lie?

"Even once would be enough."

His other hand dips to your waist, pulling your hips closer to his own in this new comfortable silence, smiling gently against your skin.

"I can show you how enough it would be."

guys I'm working on part two THIS VERY SECOND I SWEAR please don't hurt me

hope you guys enjoy and let it be nourishing to our bodies

love, your pretty princess!

it’s important for zuko hat you care about how he feels, not some surface level expectation but someone who really gets him on a soul level. aside from one person in his whole life he’s been neglected and abused over and over again, and even though he grows into this exceptionally beautiful man he’s still carrying his pain. his reluctance to date you at first isn’t because his heart isn’t already yours—don’t ever mistake that tenderness for anything less. once he lets himself date you though he’s yours for life.

but it’s not without its shadows because he has massive ptsd. the willingness to stay right there beside him when those episodes hit is one of the biggest things he secretly looks for in you. he doesn’t expect you to baby or coddle him through the storm, just to acknowledge it softly and not turn away.

having kids and building a family matters so much to him too because you already share one sweet daughter… but you have to understand why more feels heavy for him, tracing all the way back to his own shattered family. he carries massive trauma around azula and he’s so scared of the world twisting your children into echoes of everything his relatives became. 

it would take a long while to convince him to have another one, something you as his beloved wife would have to be okay holding space for with so much patience and love. but eventually i feel like your gentle presence will heal those old fears, and there would be this open, hopeful possibility for more.

it’s also important to note that zuko may feel it difficult to stray from your side because of those deep abandonment issues that still whisper in the quiet hours. he clings a little tighter, heart always reaching for reassurance that you’re really there, that this warmth between you won’t vanish like some long drawn out smoke. he wants so badly to make sure you never have to feel that hollow ache he knows too well—the fear of being left behind, forgotten in the dark. worth not a glance.

sometimes he worries his political duties pull him away too often, leaving you and his little ‘zumi waiting in the soft glow of the palace lanterns while scrolls and meetings steal his hours. those moments twist in his chest like old burns, making him question if he’s failing at being the steady presence you both deserve. but underneath it all, he just wants to be loved fully and to love you properly in return.

you become his safe harbor, the one who sees every fractured piece and still chooses to stay, turning his fears into something softer, something that feels like home at last. something that he feels like he deserves. something that feels like is his.

so sweet heart, be patient for your dear husband. 

© velaenam | like , comment , reblog !! let me know what u think!!

BABYGIRL NOT THE KIDNEY!!!! how about just a pinky toe? <333

also - ask and ye shall receive!! <3333 the WAY i love this MAN MY GODDDDDD

The ceremony was over. Exhaustion didn't begin to cover how Zuko felt and he hadn't even gotten a chance to actually speak to his wife during it all.

Great Agni- My wife. He couldn't believe that it had happened. It felt surreal.

Currently, he was outside his chambers, pacing quietly as the handmaidens helped you change and ready for bed. Their bed. The thought alone made Zuko deeply nervous. He knew that the Fire Nation was still exceptionally archaic and expected proof of consummation of the marriage but he couldn't even bring himself to think of that right now.

All he could think about was how you were so far from home, in a strange place with stranger people and you were expected to make it work.

He sighed and looked to the door as it opened. The handmaidens bowed and left. He watched them disappear at the end of the hallway before knocking gently on the door.

"May I come in?" He asked.

"Yes- Of course." You answered hurriedly and he heard fabrics rustling about.

Zuko entered, his heart in his throat and his palms clammy. And there you were. A vision to behold. Hair undone, no rouge, no regalia. Just a simple sleeping gown and a robe.

You're beautiful. Like the moon- Like the sun- Like every star I've ever seen.

He wanted to say it all but he held it in. He didn't want to spook you on the first night. You looked nervous enough too.

"Would you care to sit?" He asked, sitting on the bed and patting the space next to him.

You smiled anxiously and sat beside him, but still left some space in between. Something that Zuko clocked immediately.

"I- Uh- I believe this is tradition." He pulled out a betrothal necklace. "I'm not the greatest craftsman but I tried my best." He said sheepishly and offered you the necklace. "May I put it on you?"

Your eyes widened- He didn't have to keep up with your traditions- He was the Fire Lord. But here he was. Giving you a betrothal necklace. You smiled softly and nodded, turning your back to him so he could tie it around your neck.

"Thank you-" You said softly. "You didn't have to-"

"I'm not finished." Zuko smiled, turning you to face him again. "Sokka told me that there's some other traditions if the husband is a warrior." You flushed at the term husband. It was still all so new and surreal. "I don't consider myself a warrior but I have fought, so I think I qualify." He joked and you laughed a little as well, turning your face away shyly.

Zuko considered this as an absolute win. You weren't shrinking away or running for the hills from him. So, clearly- He was doing this husband thing right.

He stood up and went to a drawer, pulling out a dagger that was encrusted with a moonstone.

"I am to understand that as I wed you-" He handed you the blade. "As per the Water Tribe customs, I put my life in your hands. And with this weapon, you may either protect me, or harm me- It would be your right as my wife."

Your fingers wrapped around the beautiful dagger. "Thank you..." You whispered again, holding the blade to your chest. "For upholding my traditions."

"They're ours now." He assured you gently.

Silence wrapped around the room but it didn't feel heavy. You held the blade tightly and couldn't find the words to appreciate Zuko properly for what he'd done.

However, as exhaustion deepened for both of you, the realization of sharing the bed grew heavier.

"Um-" You swallowed hard, looking at the bed then back at Zuko.

"Hm? Oh! Uh- We don't- don't have to-" His voice wavered as nerves took over.

"We don't?" You repeated, unsure that he'd said what he had.

"We don't." He said firmly. "I- I never wish that you feel obligated for such matters."

"But the court-" You fidgeted with the handle of the dagger.

Zuko smiled and shook his head. "I've dealt with worse than court gossip. They may whisper as they please- I'm not about to put their words above my wife's comfort."

You flushed and looked away again. "I appreciate that."

It seemed that everything you'd assumed about the Fire Lord was turning out to be very false.

"You are an honourable man." You said softly, still not meeting his gaze.

- BAILE INoLVIDABLE -

- FIRELORD zuko x fem concubine reader

- synopsis : Zuko has be FIRELORD for a significant amount of time. However he remains single, with no heir apparent his advisors worry that the nation may not have a successor. With a newfound pressure to have a child, he remembers a friend who he made a promise too long ago.

Chapter Content : making out, groping, thigh riding. Zuko yearning.

Ch: 1 , Ch: 2

- First Dance -

Ba Sing Se was different. Inside everyone pretended the war didn’t happen, even the refugees. Zuko didn’t mind entirely since it meant he could also pretend he wasn’t the prince. A bit of normalcy after… everything.

So he took on the Alias lee and worked in a tea shop with his uncle. He was always on edge and yet people still seemed attracted to him. You and Jin both seemed to of dragged him out of his shell.

“You’re not busy tonight, right?” You asked while handing Zuko the money for the tea.

“I promise uncle I’d help him close” he murmured.

“I can close by myself Lee, you go have fun” iroh spoke and patted his shoulder. He appeared out of no where and scared zuko slightly. It was now he regretted telling his uncle about the small crush he had on you. Before he could protest you clapped and smile.

“Perfect! Meet Jin and I out front at nine ok”

Zuko watched you leave and with an irritated face he just mumbled. “Yeah ok..”

——

There was an underground party happening that night. It was a small fire hidden in a cave, it was mainly teens and all it was really was a simple get together. Where you could talk freely and not be watched constantly.

Zuko was nervous, he assumed that the party could be crashed at any moment, and yet you tried to keep him active. Jin liked Zuko sure but she also liked the flower shop boy too. Happens to be that he was giving her more attention than scar face.

You found zuko standing in a corner. You laughed when you approached him. “Why are you all by your self?”

“I don’t know these people” he flatly spoke.

“But I do, and you know me, so by extension you should be having fun” you joked and grabbed his sleeve.

Zuko tried to resists but you pulled him towards the crowd. At some point some musicians showed up and people began to dance. You held onto zukos hands, forcing him to dance.

His cheeks turned a pale pink, he was embarrassed. One thing zuko lacked was rhythm and it was obvious as he stood there.

“Loosen up— move your hips” you urged him, slowly he listened to your instructions. At some point his hands rested on your waist, following your lead you danced back and forth. He spun you and maybe you mistook it but he seemed to have smiled.

The music slowed down and you rested your hands on his shoulders. You weren’t dumb, and zuko wasn’t nearly as smart as he thought he was. “Thank you for coming out tonight Zuko”

“Ye—“ his face dropped and you laughed at how his breathing stopped.

Bringing your arms to rest around his neck you rolled your eyes. “I’m not gonna tell, but to be fair I’m the only one who picked up on your clues.”

“I thought I was doing good at hiding” Zuko looked away, he was embarrassed but thankful that at least it was you who realized the truth and not anyone else.

“Well yeah” you admitted. “But green isn’t your color”

Your joke made him roll his eyes. For something so serious you seemed too laid back about it. You didn’t really care though, zuko, lee, whatever he wanted to be called was kind. He didn’t yell nor was he a jerk. Standoffish? Yeah, Stubborn? Definitely, but he seemed to want to change. That was enough for you.

The song ended and you stepped back, unsure what to do you grabbed his wrist before he could retreat back to the shadows. “Let’s go for a walk.”

——

Outside it was cold. The long sleeves you wore helped, well that and the heat from zukos hand. You had never let it go, and it was now you learned fire benders run naturally hot.

You had finally managed to get zuko to talk. He mentioned a few things about the fire nation, old stories, you both shared embarrassing memories. When it got colder zuko threw his arm around your shoulder. He didn’t entirely mind being your personal heater.

“Over throwing ozai, that sounds like a big goal” you shrugged and looked up at him.

Zuko kept his eyes forward however. “I want to atone for my mistakes— my father’s actions..”

“And I’m sure you will” you added. “When you become Fire lord promise to not forget us little people yeah?”

“I doubt I’ll become the next Fire lord”

“Who else would be?”

“I don’t know” he muttered. “Maybe they’ll elect a new leader or something.”

You laughed and shook your head. “As if” Stepping out you spun slightly and took a moment to admire zukos face. Unsure if you should speak or not, you decided to not coward away. “If and only if you decide to become fire lord.. promise me you’ll stop all of this, the war and everything, I’d hate it if I couldn’t love the person I want because of our bending styles.”

Zuko brought your hand to his lips and gently kissed your knuckles. “I promise, I’ll even make you the mother of the nation” he admitted. Then his face went bright red as he realized his words and he stepped back. “Sorry I—“

“I’ll hold you to that” you nodded, a soft blush came across your face but you weren’t embarrassed, instead you felt your affection grow.

“Fire lord zuko, as your council we have concerns.” An older man spoke.

“It’s been several years since you took the crown and yet there is no heir apparent.” Another added.

“We insist that you begin to see where we are coming from and start looking for a suitable concubine to procreate with”

Zuko rubbed his eyes. Who used the word ‘procreate’ anymore, he would have rather they just told him plainly to start having sex not use code words. It’s not that he didn’t want to have a child it was more so he didn’t know how to even begin a relationship. Mai was circumstantial and since she broke up with him he’d stayed single. Any other woman was bound to be attracted to Fire lord and not Zuko himself. He didn’t want to have a child with a woman he knew nothing about, he also didn’t want to force someone to have his kid. He’s spent years fixing his father’s mistakes and he wasn’t going to go down the same route he did with marriage.

“I will… look.. into finding someone, ok?” He sighed. He actually meant it this time, he was tried of hearing the older men complain and bitch at him over this.

“Please take this seriously. We understand you do not find the concubines at present to your taste, love is important to some people, but please my lord, don’t drag your feet.”

“Perhaps my lord may be able to find a suitable woman at the festival tonight” one suggested which the other councilmen quickly agreed too. Zuko just nodded and continued onward with his paperwork.

——

The streets of the fire nations capital were lined with lights and merchants. People wore their traditional clothing and many were dressed up as yokai. There were fire dancers and musicians in every corner.

The nation was priding itself on how people from across the globe were here, it didn’t matter if they were from the water tribe or the earth kingdom, everyone came to this festival. After all, it was a celebration of peace.

Zuko walked calmly through the streets. The people stared and whispered, they avoided his path and some seemed to be fearful. He couldn’t blame them, still he tried to be a great leader. He continued onward, stopping to purchase a drink (to which the stall was instantly flooded by customers when he left). He kept thinking about his work until a woman spoke.

“Lee?”

Zuko turned around and to his he saw.. you?! It had been what, 12 years since your last conversation? It was like an angel was in-front of him. You had only seemed to get more beautiful with age, and seeing you in the traditional fire nation clothing made him feel things he forgot he could.

“Sorry— I mean zuko, sorry I mean hello fire lord zuko” you stumbled over your words and bowed.

Zuko shook his hands and softly grabbed your arms to bring you up. “Please don’t bow.”

“Your royalty are you not? I believe that’s basic respect” You chuckled. Wow. Wow was all you thought, when you were a teenager you thought zuko was hot but now? You had to look away to keep yourself from gawking.

“You look great” Zuko eventually said. His guards gave you intimidating looks, like a warning to watch yourself.

You nodded. “Thanks.. you look amazing, being Fire lord suits you, truly”

“That means a lot from you” he honestly spoke.

You don’t remember zuko being so— so forward and happy. This new persona also suited him, it made you smile to see him so well. Though he did appear stressed.

“What brings you to the festival?” He inquired.

“I was a vendor, selling jewelry that I made yesterday, I decided to have today off. It doesn’t make a lot but I’m happy” you shrugged.

Zuko awkwardly nodded and shifted in his spot. He then extended his arm to you. “Would you care to join me? I’d appreciate your company for the rest of the night— if you don’t mind that is”

You pondered for a moment. Being with your old friend seemed like a great time, but then you had to remember he out ranked you ten fold. It could be seen as inappropriate to be seen with him. But then you reasoned, he was still zuko, he was that boy who made you laugh during the war, not some scary self centered god. So you accepted. “I’d love too” 

——

You both walked around the festival for hours. There were plays, street performances , even a couple in an alleyway doing acts that made you walk by incredibly fast. And in every moment you were laughing, laughing with zuko. He managed to keep the mood light and he seemingly developed comedic timing.

When your feet began to hurt, zuko invited you to his personal carriage. Inside you went for a small ride, Zuko sat on the opposite side of you, while he looked out the window you took the chance to admire the man he’s become. Out of no where Zuko opened a container of sake and poured you a glass.

You accepted “aren’t I supposed to pour the drink? You pouring it makes it holy right?” You teased.

“Yes so you better drink it all, or else you’ll anger the gods” he joked back.

“Of course my lord” you smiled and drank the liquor fast. It was strong and you had a crappy tolerance.

Zuko cringed. “Please, I beg of you not to call me that”

“What? My lord?” You pressed.

“Yes” he sighed. “It sounds horrible coming from your lips.”

“And what would sound better? Fire lord?” You asked, zuko filled your glass again and he grimaced at your answer.

“Absolutely not”

“Your highness then?”

“No”

“Hmm, ah! My Great leader”

“Even you don’t like that one”

You laughed and leaned back against the plush bench. The effects of the sake were burning your cheeks, and you traced the rim of the glass cup. “Perhaps zuko then”

“That sounds better” he confirmed and raised his glass in celebration. You lightly clinked yours against his and you both drank.

After a while you finally asked a question that was weighing on your mind. “How’s your wife?”

Zuko blinked and looked away from you. “I don’t have a wife”

“Really?” You spoke confused and he simply nodded.

“No wife, consort, concubine, or girlfriend. I’m ashamed to say I’m lonely” he admitted.

You slowly nodded and took another sip of the liquor. You tapped your cup momentarily unsure what to say in the awkward silence.

“And you?” Zuko asked looking to you again. “Husband?”

“Ha, no my last relationship ended months ago. I haven’t even thought about starting another one in a while, well not since… never mind” you shook your head, it would be rude for you to say.

“No please, continue. Don’t hold your words because you’re in my presence” Zuko urged and was interested in what you wanted to say.

You finished off your drink in a single gulp, you needed the courage. Setting the cup beside you, you felt your body become hotter. “Not since I ran into you today. But I’m sure it would be inadmissible, you’re royalty and I’m a commoner whose only action in politics was punching a fire nation guard.”

You laughed, but zuko didn’t. He straightened in his seat and leaned to you. His face was serious but his eyes were desperate. “Do you mean that?”

“Mean what? That I punched a guard? Well yeah bu—“

“No. Did you mean you’d like to be with me?” Zuko asked longingly and took your hand into his.

Your voice caught in your throat and you didn’t know what to say, well except “yes.”

He stood and swiftly moved to your side of the carriage. He didn’t let go of your hand, instead be brought it to his lips and kissed it slowly, intentionally while looking at you.

“This is wrong. Won’t your council disapprove, I’m not royal or—“

“I will handle my council. I can give you everything you want, could need. If you let me I can love you fully. But you need to understand I have my own selfish reason for being with you” he spoke seriously.

You looked around worried but met his gaze once more. “What?”

“I need an heir. I’m getting older and it’s time I had a child. If we were to be together , our relationship would be one where you’re my concubine— until you have my child then I could marry you. But I won’t force you to do this, if you don’t want this life I will let you go” he humbly spoke but by the gods did he hope you’d accept.

Your hand found zukos face and gently rubbed his cheek, caressing his scar with a tenderness he wasn’t use to. Your hand traveled to his neck and you leaned in kissing him. The first kisses were quick, until he grabbed your waist and slowed the moment down. His lips were soft and he matched your pressure. His hands held the small of your back while he shifted on the small seat, letting you to sit on his thigh.

Every kiss was intentional, it was slow and hot. You could feel him smile when you both broke for a second only to meet again.

His hands caressed your torso, shyly stopping before he touched your breast. Zuko didn’t want to push his luck just yet. Your hands traced his biceps until they met wrapped around his shoulders. You both parted for a moment, hot breath filling the air.

“You’re so beautiful” he finally whispered, it almost came out as a whimper.

“Mmhmm” you could only respond before pulling him back. Kissing him with an open mouth Zuko let his tongue meet yours. You felt between your thighs grow wetter, a familiar ache matched the one you could feel against your thigh.

Your hands played with his long hair, your mouth was full of his tongue, and yet he didn’t try to dominate you. You moaned quietly and zuko couldn’t help but pull you closer. He was desperate to hear you make that sound again.

In the moment your robe fell off your shoulder, exposing your shoulders and neck to the hungry man. You parted again and watched through heavy eyes as zuko kissed down your neck. Taking this opportunity you grinded your hips against his thigh, there wasn’t much friction from his silk but it was better than nothing. But before you could quicken your pace, Zuko grounded your hips, forcing you to keep in rhythm with the slow speed he had set.

Zuko was busy sucking on your skin. He couldn’t get enough of your perfume, the way you felt against his lips was addicting. He left a trail of soft marks from your neck to the collarbones, your shoulders and the top of your breast, which were peaking from your top.

“Zuko” you whimpered, you needed him. The slow pace he kept you at wasn’t enough.

“Say it again” he muttered against your body, finally sucking on a part of your neck.

“Zuko~” gasping, you took a fist full of his hair and leaned back allowing him to have better access to your neck. His hands moved under your long skirt and were gripping your inner thighs.

Just as his thumbs approached where you wanted the door to the carriage opened. “Fire lord zuko how wo— My deepest apologies my lord!” A guard looked down and bowed, his face red at seeing the scene before him.

You pulled back and tried to fix your hair and clothes, zukos face was just as embarrassed as yours. He cleared his throat. “It’s fine..” fixing his clothes too he stepped out the carriage and extended his hand to yours. “Please, come with me”

pairing. fire lord!zuko x fem!waterbender!reader

synopsis. a heated sparring match in the palace gardens unveils hidden truths... (3.5k)

contents. piv, semi-public, mentions of overstim, fingering, creampie, hair pulling, choking (if you squint), fwb-ish, reader's a bit of a brat, zuko tries his best to put her in her place (fails bc he's whipped), bloodbending (let's pretend reader can do this at will), not proofread.

note ⋆.𐙚 ̊ . . . the bending scenes might read a little bit awkward bc i suck at writing action sequences — or like anything having to do with powers and stuff in general — so pls don't pay too much attention to the logistics of it all. just enjoy the ride >.<

the air is warm, suffocatingly so, and you're drenched in sweat. your body is sore all over, and exhaustion settles deep into your bones, and yet, you refuse to yield. the man across from you remains composed, despite your persistent — albeit pathetic — attempts to throw him off-kilter. trying to even the playing field was proving to be an impossible challenge, but you were determined.

gathering your wits, you rise from your haunches, reassuming your stance once again: feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, one palm out-stretched, facing your opponent, the other close to your body, steadying you. closing your eyes, you inhale deeply, forcing your body to enter a state of stillness and absolute concentration.

briefly, you visualize your attack, then, with meticulous precision, you bend the water from the garden's fountains and propel it towards the man in one fluid motion. the surge of water takes him by surprise, and he loses his footing for a modicum of a second, but it's just enough for you to wrap a water-whip around his ankle.

Zuko x waterbender!eader! enemies to lovers

this is part 3/3

there has been a time skip of 3 days reader is partially healed as she was in a coma!!

this chapter is gonna be long

sorry!!

You woke to the sound of rain.

For a moment, you couldn't remember where you were. The ceiling above you was unfamiliar—wooden beams, water-stained and old. Not a tent. Not the forest. Somewhere enclosed and safe.

Then you tried to move.

Nothing happened.

Panic flared hot and immediate in your chest. You willed your fingers to curl, your toes to flex, your legs to shift—anything. But your body remained perfectly, terrifyingly still. Only your eyes obeyed, darting frantically around the small room.

A room. You were in a room. Sparse furnishings, a single window with rain streaming down the glass, and—

Zuko.

He sat in a chair beside your bed, slumped forward with his head in his hands. His hair was loose and disheveled, his clothes rumpled like he'd been wearing them for days. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his jaw was rough with stubble.

He looked exhausted. Wrecked.

You tried to speak, but your tongue felt thick and clumsy. All that came out was a soft, strangled sound.

His head snapped up immediately.

For one heartbeat, his face was open—raw relief flooding his features, his eyes bright with something that looked dangerously close to tears. He leaned forward, his hand reaching for yours.

Then the walls slammed back into place.

His expression hardened, jaw clenching as he pulled his hand back. When he spoke, his voice was cold. Controlled.

"You're awake."

You blinked at him, the only response you could manage. The panic was still there, thrumming beneath your skin. You couldn't move. You couldn't move and he was looking at you like—

"Don't try to talk yet," he said flatly. "The poison affects your vocal cords. Katara says it'll wear off gradually."

Gradually. The word should have been comforting, but the way he said it—detached, clinical—made your chest ache.

He stood abruptly, crossing to a small table where a water skin sat. When he returned, his movements were efficient, impersonal. He slid one hand behind your head, lifting it slightly, and brought the water skin to your lips.

"Drink," he ordered.

The water was cool and sweet, and you managed a few swallows before he pulled it away. His touch was gentle—too gentle for the ice in his voice—and the contradiction made you want to scream.

Or cry.

Probably both.

He set the water aside and sat back down, but he wouldn't look at you. His gaze fixed somewhere over your shoulder, his jaw working like he was grinding his teeth.

"We're in Ba Sing Se," he said finally. "Safe house in the lower ring. You've been unconscious for three days."

Three days. Three days of nothing. Three days of him sitting here, looking like he hadn't slept, while you—

"The poison was designed to paralyze," he continued, still not meeting your eyes. "Katara's been working on purging it from your system. She says you should regain movement within the next day or two. Full recovery in another few days after that."

His tone was so carefully neutral it made you ache. Like he was delivering a mission report. Like you were just another responsibility.

Like you hadn't taken an arrow meant for his heart.

You made another sound—frustrated, desperate—and his eyes finally snapped to yours. For a moment, you saw it again: that raw, terrified thing lurking beneath the ice.

Then his expression shuttered completely.

"Don't," he said, and his voice was sharp enough to cut. "Don't try to talk. Don't try to move. Just—" He sucked in a breath. "Just rest."

He stood again, pacing to the window. Rain battered the glass, and in the grey light, he looked like a ghost. Haunted.

"You're an idiot," he said quietly. "You know that? A complete, reckless idiot."

If you could have responded, you would have told him exactly where he could shove his opinion. But all you could do was stare at his back, at the rigid line of his shoulders, and feel the weight of everything unsaid pressing down on your chest.

"That arrow was meant for me," he continued, his voice low and dangerous. "It should have been me lying there. Not you. Never you."

The door opened before you could even attempt a response. (not like you could )

Katara swept in, her healer's bag slung over her shoulder and her expression brightening when she saw you were awake. "Oh, thank the spirits," she breathed, hurrying to your bedside. "How are you feeling? Well—obviously you can't answer that yet, but—" She shot Zuko a look. "Have you been talking to her? She needs to stay calm."

"I'm calm," Zuko bit out.

"You look like you're about to set something on fire."

"I'm. Calm."

Katara rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to you, her hands already glowing with healing water. "Ignore him. He's been impossible for three days straight." She pressed her palms to your shoulder, and you felt the cool tingle of her bending working through the wound. "The poison is breaking down nicely. You should start getting feeling back in your extremities soon—fingers and toes first, then it'll spread. By tomorrow, you should be able to move a little. Maybe even talk."

Relief flooded through you, so intense it was almost painful.

"The paralysis was never permanent," Katara continued, her voice soothing. "The poison just needed time to work its way out of your system. You're going to be fine."

Behind her, Zuko made a sound that might have been a scoff. Or a sob. You couldn't tell.

Katara's hands stilled, and she glanced over her shoulder at him. "Zuko. Go get some sleep. You haven't left this room in three days."

"I'm fine."

"You're exhausted. And you're not helping her by—"

"I said I'm fine."

The air crackled with tension. Katara held his gaze for a long moment, then sighed and returned to her healing. "Stubborn," she muttered. "Both of you. Absolutely impossible."

You would have laughed if you could.

Katara worked in silence for several minutes, her bending warm and steady against your skin. Gradually, the wound in your shoulder began to heal

"There," she said finally, sitting back. "That's all I can do for now. The rest is up to your body." She squeezed your hand gently. "You scared us. All of us. But especially—" She glanced at Zuko again, something knowing in her expression. "Well. You know."

She stood, gathering her supplies. "I'll be back in a few hours to check on you. Try to rest." She paused at the door, looking at Zuko. "And you—try not to brood so loudly. She needs peace and quiet."

The door closed behind her, leaving you alone with Zuko again.

He didn't move from the window.

The rain continued its steady drumbeat against the glass, filling the silence between you. You watched him, memorizing the line of his shoulders, the way his hands clenched and unclenched at his sides.

"I carried you here," he said suddenly. "Two days through Earth Kingdom territory with half the countryside looking for us. You didn't wake up once." His voice was hollow. "I thought—" He stopped. Started again. "Katara said the poison wasn't lethal. That you'd wake up. But you didn't, and I—"

He turned then, and the look on his face stole whatever breath you had left.

"I keep seeing it," he whispered. "The arrow. You jumping in front of me. The way you fell." His hands curled into fists. "You had no right. No right to—"

The door burst open again, and this time it was Sokka, carrying a tray of food and wearing his usual irreverent grin. "Hey! Sleeping Beauty's awake!" He set the tray down on the table with a clatter. "Katara said you'd be up soon. How're you feeling? Wait, can you even answer? Blink once for 'I'm fine,' twice for 'Sokka is the best and I owe him my life.'"

You blinked once.

"Aw, come on. Not even a pity blink?"

Despite everything, you felt your lips twitch. Almost a smile.

Sokka's grin widened. "There she is. I knew you couldn't resist my charm." He pulled up a chair, straddling it backwards. "So, Zuko's been a complete nightmare, by the way. Snapping at everyone, refusing to sleep, pacing around like a caged tiger-wolf. It's been very entertaining."

"Sokka," Zuko growled.

"What? I'm just saying, you could stand to relax a little. She's awake. She's going to be fine. Mission accomplished."

"She took an arrow meant for me."

"Yeah, and that was very heroic and stupid of her." Sokka looked at you, his expression softening slightly. "Seriously though, that was insane. Brave, but insane. You're lucky the poison wasn't lethal."

You tried to shrug. Failed. Settled for another blink.

"Aang wanted to come see you too, but he's out getting supplies with Katara. He'll probably show up later and do that whole 'wise Avatar' thing where he talks about balance and destiny and makes everyone feel better." Sokka leaned forward conspiratorially. "Between you and me, I think Zuko could use some of that wisdom right about now. He's been—"

"Sokka." Zuko's voice was dangerous now. "Out."

"Okay, okay. I can take a hint." Sokka stood, shooting you a wink. "I'll check on you later. Try not to let Prince Broody over there drive you crazy."

He left, and the silence returned—heavier now, weighted with everything Zuko had almost said.

You watched him, willing him to look at you. To say something real.

Instead, he crossed back to your bedside and picked up the water skin again. "You should drink more," he said, his voice carefully neutral again. "Katara says hydration helps flush the poison."

He lifted your head with the same gentle efficiency as before, bringing the water to your lips. You drank, watching his face. He was so close you could see the exhaustion etched into every line, the way his hand trembled slightly against the back of your neck.

When you'd had enough, he set the water aside and carefully lowered your head back to the pillow. His hand lingered for just a moment, his fingers brushing against your hair.

Then he pulled away like you'd burned him.

"I should—" He gestured vaguely toward the door. "I should let you rest."

No. No, don't you dare run again.

You made a sound—desperate, frustrated—and his eyes snapped to yours.

"What?" he demanded. "What do you want me to say? That I'm glad you're awake? Fine. I'm glad. That I'm furious with you for being so reckless? I am. That I—" He stopped, his jaw clenching. "What do you want from me?"

pt2: Zuko x firebender!(f)reader angst!

(pt3)

a03 tiktok

Dawn came too quickly.

The sky was still purple at the edges when you met in the courtyard, travel packs secured and weapons ready. Zuko was already there, of course, because apparently Fire Lords didn't need sleep. Or joy. Or basic human kindness.

He looked you over with those infuriatingly observant eyes. "You brought your entire healing kit."

"And you brought your entire attitude," you replied sweetly. "We all have our essentials."

"It'll weigh you down."

"Your concern is touching. Really. I might cry."

His jaw tightened. "I'm not concerned. I'm being practical."

"Right. Because you're so practical." You adjusted your pack straps. "That's why we're walking into a region where half the population wants to mount your head on a spike."

"They want to mount my head on a spike because I'm trying to undo a hundred years of damage my family caused," Zuko said, his voice dropping low. Dangerous. "Some of us are trying to fix things instead of just making jokes."

The words hit harder than they should have. You stepped closer, close enough to see the gold flecks in his eyes, close enough to feel the heat radiating off his skin.

"Some of us use humor to cope with caring about people who are too stubborn to care about themselves," you said quietly.

Something shifted in his expression. Softened. His lips parted like he might actually say something real, something true—

"We're losing daylight," he said instead, turning away. "Let's move."

You wanted to scream. Or cry. Or waterbend him into the nearest fountain.

Instead, you followed.

The Earth Kingdom was beautiful and brutal in equal measure.

You'd been traveling for hours through dense forest, the canopy so thick it blocked out the sun. Zuko led the way with Aang, while you hung back with Katara and Sokka, trying to ignore the way your eyes kept drifting to the Fire Lord's shoulders, the confident way he moved through the terrain.

"You're staring," Katara whispered.

"I'm keeping watch," you hissed back.

"At his ass?"

"Katara!"

She giggled, and you wanted to splash her. Would have, if you weren't trying to conserve energy.

The attack came at midday.

One moment you were walking through a clearing, and the next, arrows were whistling through the air. Zuko's hand shot up, fire bursting from his palm to incinerate the projectiles before they could hit.

"Ambush!" Aang shouted, his staff already spinning.

They came from everywhere—vigilantes in mismatched armor, Earth Kingdom rebels who saw Zuko as nothing more than Fire Nation royalty. A threat to be eliminated.

You pulled water from your pouch, forming it into a whip that cracked through the air, disarming the nearest attacker. Beside you, Katara moved in perfect sync, ice daggers flying.

But there were too many.

"Zuko, left flank!" you screamed, watching three vigilantes converge on his position.

He spun, fire erupting in a devastating arc that sent them scrambling. But he was focused on the threat in front of him, his back exposed to the forest.

That's when you saw him.

The archer, hidden in the trees, arrow nocked and aimed directly at Zuko's spine. The angle was perfect. Zuko would never see it coming.

Your body moved before your mind caught up.

"ZUKO!"

You ran, water already forming into a shield, but you knew—you knew you wouldn't make it in time. The archer's fingers released.

So you did the only thing you could.

You threw yourself between the arrow and the Fire Lord's back.

The impact was white-hot agony.

The arrow punched through your shoulder, the force of it spinning you around. You heard Zuko shout your name—actually shout it, raw and desperate—as you hit the ground.

The world tilted. Blurred.

Through the haze of pain, you saw Zuko's face above you, his hands hovering over your body like he was afraid to touch you. His eyes were wide, terrified in a way you'd never seen.

"You idiot," he breathed. "You complete idiot, why would you—"

"You're welcome," you managed, tasting copper.

His hand pressed against your shoulder, trying to staunch the bleeding. "Don't talk. Don't—" His voice cracked. "You're going to be fine. You hear me? You're going to be fine."

"Bossy," you whispered.

"Katara!" he roared. "KATARA, NOW!"

The battle raged around you, but all you could see was Zuko's face, the way his mask had finally, completely shattered. The way he looked at you like you were the only thing in the world that mattered.

"Stay with me," he demanded, and it sounded like a prayer. "Please. Stay with me."

Your vision was darkening at the edges, but you managed a smile. "Still... hate you..."

"I know." His thumb brushed your cheek, so gentle it made your heart break. "I know you do."

Liar, you thought as the darkness pulled you under. We're both such liars.

The last thing you heard was Zuko's voice, broken and desperate, calling your name like a promise.

Zukoxreader! enemies to lovers

this is part 1/3

(pt2) (pt3)

The war room was suffocating. Not from the heat—though the Fire Nation palace always ran warm—but from the tension crackling between you and the man sitting across the table, his golden eyes fixed on the map like it personally offended him.

"This is a terrible idea," you said, arms crossed over your chest. Fire Lord Zuko didn't even look up. "Your objection has been noted." "Noted?" You leaned forward, palms flat on the table. "We're talking about walking into the Earth Kingdom's most volatile region with half the security we need. People want you dead, Zuko.

Or have you forgotten the last three assassination attempts?" "I haven't forgotten anything." His voice was ice despite the fire in his veins. "But I also haven't forgotten that I'm the Fire Lord, and I don't need a water bender lecturing me about my own security."

There it was. That dismissive tone that made your blood boil and your heart clench at the same time. "Right, because being Fire Lord makes you immortal," you shot back.

"My mistake. I'll just pack my healing supplies for fun, then. Maybe make friendship bracelets while you get stabbed." Katara sighed from her position by the window.

"Can you two not do this right now?" "We're not doing anything," Zuko said flatly. "Oh, we're definitely doing something," you muttered under your breath.

His eyes snapped to yours then, and for a moment—just a heartbeat—something flickered in that amber gaze. Something that made your stomach flip and your defenses slam into place.

"If you have a better plan," he said slowly, "I'm listening." You hated how his voice softened, just slightly. Hated how it made you want to reach across the table and— No.

Absolutely not. "My plan is don't be an idiot," you said, forcing brightness into your tone. "Revolutionary, I know. I should write a book." "Your wisdom is overwhelming." "Your sarcasm is showing, your majesty."

Aang cleared his throat. "So... we're going to the Earth Kingdom?" Zuko stood abruptly, the chair scraping against stone. "We leave at dawn. Pack light.

We'll be moving fast through hostile territory." His gaze lingered on you for a fraction too long.

"Try not to slow us down." Your jaw dropped. "Excuse me?" But he was already walking away, his Fire Lord robes billowing dramatically behind him like he practiced it.

Which he probably did. Dramatic jerk. "I don't slow anyone down!" you called after him. He paused at the doorway, glancing back over his shoulder.

The sunset streaming through the windows caught his scar, painted him in gold and shadow. "Then prove it." The door slammed shut. "I hate him," you announced to the room.

Sokka snorted. "Sure you do." "I do!" "The way you hate lychee nuts?" Katara asked innocently.

"Because I've seen you eat an entire bag while claiming you hate them." You pointed at her.

"That's different, and you know it." "Is it though?" Sokka grinned.

"Because from where I'm sitting—" "I'm going to pack," you interrupted, heading for the door.

"And when Zuko gets himself killed tomorrow, don't say I didn't warn you."

Toph's voice followed you into the hallway: "Twenty gold pieces says they kiss before someone dies!"

"Thirty says someone dies because they're too busy arguing to notice the danger!" Sokka countered.

You flipped them off without turning around.

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a/n: i post randomly maybe 3 chapters in 1 hour or less please leave requests of characters

A03

Someone PLEASE write for adult zuko

he looks too good in the movie