My dark Materials

It's crazy, but it's true There's nothing I won't do I'd risk it all for you...

just listened to the new illium snippet and got very inspired to work on a Helen design

BRIDGERTON (2020-)

#knowing that’s their own home #yeah #they fell so hard

“He kissed her, and because Zuko didn’t have the gift of using the right words at the right time, he put into the kiss everything he wished he was skilled enough to say.

I’m sorry for what I did. It’s one of my biggest regrets. I’ll never betray you again. I haven’t stopped thinking about the cave, and since I joined the group, I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Commissioned art by @addictofreading

What Was Left Unsaid by AutumnWeen

Chapter 2 - Zuko’s POV is now live on AO3

*takes a big breath*

Oh, my dears, where do I even begin?

I shall try to answer you both in one single rambling. Just bear with me, please….!

To start, the only thing inside this fandom that irks me more than Maiko, are those who think Zuko was an actual evil individual at any given time during the story. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: ZUKO. WAS. NEVER. EVIL! But that’s another rant for another day…

Now, onto the Mai part.

Although I’ve always thought Maiko was toxic af, it was completely necessary for Zuko to go through that relationship so that he could grow and evolve.  

So, onto your questions. What do I think is Zuko’s view of Mai?

I think his view of her changed as the story-and his circumstances-changed. As children, Mai was Azula’s friend, the girl Azula mercilessly teased him with just to be cruel. As he grew, I’m sure Zuko in his own way became part of Azula’s inner circle but, based on the flashbacks we saw during Zuko Alone, I have trouble believing it was a healthy association for the most part. But hey, it happens all the time when you’re a kid. There are people you’re just stuck with, but you care about them nonetheless.

Another thing, I think Zuko understood—or was taught from a very young age– that as royalty he was expected to keep only a certain type of company around. Especially when choosing a gf/ bride. I think Zuko knew he was expected to go out with someone of high social standing, preferably a girl coming from a family within the Fire Lord’s good graces. He knew what was expected of him, and Mai was always there, part of his inner world, fitting all the requirements. And I’m sure he did like her and cared (cares?) for her a great deal. I’m not trying to deny or erase that part of his story. Never will.

BUT!

Valentine & Jocelyn for now (Jocelyn got to know Valentine’s true face, that’s why the painful look)