I only recently watched AtLA, but one thing that got me is how much platonic tension Zuko has with the Gaang when he decides to join them. Like when Toph latches onto him in Ember Island he blushes furiously; when Aang compliments him in the Sun Warrior temple he grins so shyly etc. Basically I'm saying he'd melt at the slightest sign of someone wanting to be friends with him and it's beautiful
the gaang after Zuko risked his life to hold of Azula in order to protect them:Â âTo Zuko! Sure are glad heâs switched sides and is no longer trying to kill us!Â
Zuko: *makes this adorable face*Â
Zuko: âwhat is this??? appreciation??? nice? nice feeling! Is this friendship? Did I do the friendship right???!âÂ
Zuko: âoh no, sheâs going to fucking kill me. This is how I die. I knew I shouldnât have done the whole field trip thing. She still hates me. I still suck. Iâm beyond forgiveness despite what she saidâÂ
Zuko: oh wait, Iâm okay, I did it, this is friendship, Iâm okayÂ
Zuko: âIâm garbage. Iâm worthless. Iâm a human garbage dumpster and this play understands that. They have translated the Essence⢠of my terribleness through bad theater and I deserve itâ
Toph:Â âyour uncle talked nonstop about you when I met him because he loves you
Zuko, being used to his entire existence being actively rejected: âoh sorryâÂ
Toph, who vibed with this anxious, awkward mess of a human space heater the minute Appa started licking him: âListen here you little shit, you better pick that self esteem up or so help meâÂ
Toph: excuse me, this is MY emotional support firebenderÂ
Zuko, still not used to the idea that people genuinely want to be around him for his personality: â!?!?!?????âÂ
Zuko: *automatically assumes that group hugs are for People Who Arenât Him and doesnât even attempt to engage*
The gaang: âCome on Zuko, being part of the group means being part of group hugsâ *Suki and Toph open up their arms to him*
Zuko: *awkwardly trudges over and has no idea what to do* (was this his first ever group hug? in his life? am I sad now? the answer is yes.)Â