Zuko Orphanage Headcanon
I’m sorry for how long this turned out! I just feel some kind of way for the fact that Zuko would be an excellent stand in dad because he would never want to make the same mistakes his own dad did and hates child abusers. Please enjoy! Sorry if there’s any mistakes or weird formatting!
I think that sometimes to escape the parade of noblemen and politicians that comes with being Firelord, Zuko likes to dress in civilian clothes and stroll about. He gets so tired of all the useless bowing and pleasantries and just wants to be free sometimes. He likes to frequent the park and feed the turtle ducks under the shade trees and walk in the grass.
One day he’s passing food to the ducks when he gets hit smack in the back of the head with some ball (I guess he should have ducked). He picks it up while rubbing the back of his head a little. One little kid runs up and asks him for his ball back. Zuko, use to getting tossed around by literally every one of his now friends and then family, lightly teases him about how he shouldn’t be hitting strangers. The little one apologizes and Zuko is making some small talk with him about the turtle ducks when an older kid, most likely a teenager, approaches. He’s looking for the smaller boy. The teen pulls the younger boy aside while berating him about talking to strangers and not bringing the ball back.
Zuko turns to the teen and goes to speak when the teen recognizes him and in fear drops to the ground, pulling the child down with him, and apologizing profusely about disrespecting the firelord and begs his forgiveness. The teen is visibly shaking. Zuko tries his best to comfort this kid who now is terrified of him, something he has felt and experienced before. He tells him there’s no need to be afraid and asks him where his parents. The little boy explains that they live at an orphanage a bit away from the park and come here to play when they’re allowed.
Zuko, not wanting to deal with his own duties, decides the orphanage is a place he’s yet to see. It makes the teen nervous that the Firelord wants to walk them back, but he complies because Zuko asked if it was ok. (Zuko would have accepted no for an answer, but the teen didn’t want to disrespect him and Zuko didn’t know). When they get to the orphanage Zuko thanks the boys for their company when they enter building. He almost doesn’t notice the relief of the teens face when he doesn’t appear to say any cruel words.
Zuko is next met by the receptionist who bows and immediately asks what she can do for the Firelord. He asks her where the children come from. With sad eyes she smiles and gently explains that it’s a home for children from abusive homes or children without parents. She further explains that most of the children have a deep set fear of adults and struggle to function some days. Zuko suddenly understands the teens fear. After all, he was raised by an abuser and lost his mother. The rest of his family may as well be dead to him. He still wakes screaming from nightmares with tears streaking his face because he can feel his skin melting in his sleep. And nods lightly and asks her to show him around.
She complies and can’t really hide her surprise. They walk through the halls with kids working quietly on their studies. They walk outside where some are practicing their bending, others sparing, and some just enjoying the outdoors playing. He notices that the place is a bit run down, but the children seem to be growing. The lady conveys to him that they are working towards having the children be able to trust an adult and not be scared to express their opinion without being abused in return.
Zuko can’t help but wipe a stray tear from his eye. He was abused by his own family. All except for Iroh who was a pseudo father to him because his own father failed. When Zuko leaves, he makes it a point to help fund the place and returns there anytime he feels his memory ache.
He starts by offering to read to the younger children. He does funny voices for each character and learns which books are each child’s favorite. He tells some of the more inspired that they could write big adventures or go on their own some days if they wish. He plays with them with puppets and dolls he brings from the shops.
Older kids he starts with helping them on their studies. Helping with history and telling stories from his own adventures. Teaching them the importance of the spirit world and balance. He gifts some kids instruments—demonstrating that he cannot play the horn—some kids more artistic supplies, and some kids tools. He works with them on their bending but for a long time he never uses the fire himself in fear of scarring the children. Teaching them techniques Iroh taught him and making sure to tell them where each comes from.
As time progresses the place becomes less dreary and more full of laughs. After a year or so he has fully developed relationships with each kid. He knows their name, what their hobbies are, what their goals are, and what cafeteria item they hate. He’s greeted with hugs instead of bows (except by the staff). The children play fight with him when having a break from lessons. He spars with the benders and others learning defense they don’t hold back (he does sometimes but he wouldn’t admit it to them). He’ll raise his voice but they just argue right back about who their favorite avatar is.
Zuko helped the orphanage with its goal, helping children trust an adult. They tell him anything. When they’re upset. Who they have crushes on. They show him different projects they were working on. He’s become the adult that they love and trust. He spends a lot of his free time there (his own palace staff know where he is no, but on his orders they only disturb him for emergencies). A bit of his own soul starts to heal as well. His nightmares, while not completely gone, have lessened and he can calm himself down after an attack after he’s had to learn how to calm some of the children.
He’s become their pseudo father, giving great advice and understanding like Iroh did for him.
