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summary: A comment from a member of the council creates an insecurity to Izumi. Thankfully Zuko is more than ready to stop it.
Warning: Focused on Zuko's and Izumi's relationship but reader appears, mean Councilor, angst to fluff, typos, english not being my first language.
a/n: I am working on Clueless pt. 2 and When the past meets the future pt. 2. but I had this idea while boxing and couldn't stop thinking about it until I put it into words lol. Hope you all enjoy it.
Zuko could feel a headache was throbbing behind his eyes after hours of talking with the council about today’s things to do. It was already past midday, the sun adorning the enormous war room in peaceful golden lights that entered through the windows. At some point Zuko disassociate from the meeting, his mind drifted to you and Izumi, wondering what his family was doing, yearning to be with the two of you.
His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp cough. The Councilor was staring at him, waiting for Zuko’s attention.
Between Zuko and the line of elder council members sat a massive table cluttered with maps and scrolls creating a small distance between the men.
“Fire Lord there is one last thing we would like discuss” The man began, behind him, the rest of the council refused to look at Zuko, finding the carpet more interesting.
“What is it, Councilor Haruto” Zuko answered, his voice filled with relief to find out the meeting was almost over.
“We believe it is time you and the Fire Lady to have another child Fire Lord”
The bold audacity of the Councilor shocked Zuko.
“The number of children my wife and I choose to have is not of your concern Councilor Haruto” The frown on Zuko’s face was prominent, making the headache harder to ignore.
“Oh, but it is, my Lord” The Councilor in front of Zuko crossed his hands behind his back, his expression hardening. “Princess Izumi is eight years old and hasn’t shown any signs of fire bending. She is well past the age where kids show their bending”
Zuko’s palms began to glow with heat, a clear sign of anger. Either the Council didn’t see this or decided to ignore it.
“Princess Izumi is the sole heir to the throne of the Fire Nation in case something happens to you and the Fire Lady” the man in front of Zuko looked at the Fire Lord with cold eyes. “This great nation deserves a ruler who can fire bend so they can honor the royal name. As a non bender, the succession is—”
Zuko’s hands slammed onto the mahogany table, steam hissed from beneath his palms burning the wood under them creating a foul scent of smoke.
Izumi, who was listening to the meeting outside the heavy oak doors while waiting for her father, gasped, quickly leaving the corridor before any servant could catch her eavesdropping
“That’s enough” Zuko hissed. “Listen to me clearly Councilor Haruto” The Fire Lord’s voice dropped an octave. “Izumi might be a non bender, but she is still my daughter, a member of the royal family and future of this nation so I will not receive this type from insult towards my family, not now, not ever.”
The rest of the council took a step back while lowering their heads, Councilor Haruto staying on his ground.
“I do not care if you have been in your position longer than I have been Fire Lord. Any insult to my family is a direct insult to me”
Zuko took a deep breath.
“Thank you for your services Councilor Haruto, we will not need them anymore” Haruto's face flushed red. “Any other member of the council wants to accompany Haruto?”
No one spoke.
“That’s what I thought. You may leave now”
The sound of footsteps echoed as the council quickly left the war room. When the doors closed Zuko closed his eyes and exhaled, flames flickering faintly. Minutes later a soft knock was heard in the whole room before the sound of the doors opening and closing
“Zuko…”
Your voice made Zuko open his eyes, his heart beating fast at the sight of you dressed in the best silk robes, radiant even in concern.
“Are you alright, my love?” you asked after seeing the tension on his shoulders. As you went closer, you could see Zuko’s eyes filled with emotions, his hand raised towards you so you could take it.
“I am now” Zuko murmured while pressing a kiss to your knuckles. “Just nonsense coming from the council”
“Nonsense?” You echoed, a slight frown forming on your face.
Zuko exhaled through his nose, irritation still lingering in his voice.
“They suggest we should have another child in case Izumi is a non-bender so the Fire Nation could have a ‘proper’ heir” Your face flushed, both for the embarrassing request and the anger for your daughter’s behalf.
Before you could respond another person entered the room.
“Pardon me the interruption your royal highness” Himari, Izumi’s tutor, entered quickly, bowing before her Fire Lord and Fire Lady. “Izumi is not in the royal library for her lessons. I checked her chambers but she’s nowhere to be found”
You and Zuko exchanged a glance, worry flashing between you.
“Do you think she—” Zuko interrupted you with a kiss on your knuckles.
“Let’s look for her my love”
While you decided to check the east wing and Himari searched for the west wing, Zuko’s idea was to check the gardens, a place he would go as a child when he was angry.
The Fire Lord found his daughter throwing punches into the air, small grunts escaping her with each strike from her little fists, still empty of fire. Sweat adorned her forehead, catching the afternoon sunlight.
Zuko decided it was time to talk to her after seeing her threw a kick and nearly losing her balance.
“Izumi what are you doing here?” His gentle voice scared the young princess. “Himari and your mama have been looking everywhere for you”
Izumi looked down, her finger twisting together in a bashful gesture.
“I’m sorry papa… I was training” She mumbled.
“What are you training for?” Zuko approached slowly.
“I’m trying to firebend”
The little girl‘s voiced trembled, tears gathered in her golden eyes after remembering what that council man said. “Papa…” she whispered. “Are you and mama going to replace me?”
That question coming from her daughter surprised Zuko, his eyes widened.
“Princess… where did you get that?”
Izumi sniffed, thinking for a moment before answering.
“I heard what Councilor Haruto said” The princess admitted. “That you need to have another child who can bend so they can be the next Fire Lord”
Zuko’s jaw tightened, his anger was coming back at the thought of a mere Councilor creating such an insecurity to his little girl.
The Fire Lord knelt in front of her immediately
“Izumi if your mother and I decide to bring a little brother or sister is not because of what a dumb man said” Izumi gasped at his father words, after all she learned not to call people dumb. “If we decide to have another baby is because we love each other so much we would want to share that love to the world.
His daughter still looked insecure.
“Izumi bending does not define anything—”
“But they said I need to bend in order to become a Fire Lord!” The princess interrupted him.
Both father and daughter went quiet after Izumi’s outburst. Zuko reached up to her, brushing her sweaty hair back.
“Izumi” Zuko finally mumbled while caressing Izumi’s head. “Bending an element does not define anything” Izumi looked up at him with wide eyes, small tears sliding down her reddish cheeks. Zuko sat down on the grass not minding the wet leaves or stains on his royal clothes, just wishing to be close to his little girl pulling Izumi into his arms “A person who bends can be weak and a person who doesn’t bend can be strong. Look at your mother, do you think she’s weak because she doesn’t bend?”
Izumi gasped
“No! Mama is the strongest!” Izumi answered quickly making Zuko chuckle and nodding in agreement.
“When we were young” Zuko started looking at his daughter’s golden eyes. “Your uncles, aunties, mama and I traveled together—” Izumi interrupted him.
“To help uncle Aang defeat the old evil Fire Lord” She answered with a nod knowing the story of how the war ended.
“That’s right. But we couldn’t have done it without your mama. Or uncle Sokka. Or auntie Suki”
Izumi blinked, not knowing this piece of story.
“Uncle Sokka took down entire airship full of fire benders while saving auntie Toph. If it weren’t for auntie Suki we couldn’t have escaped from the Boiling rock”
Zuko pauses for a moment, happy to see his daughter’s eyes shining in wonder.
“And if it weren’t for mama, auntie Katara and me wouldn’t have made it to the palace to confront my sister”
Izumi’s looked down at Zuko’s hands, callous for all the training he does every day.
“Being a non bender is not a bad thing Izumi”
Izumi placed her hands over Zuko’s, seeing the size difference Zuko gently closed his hands engulfing hers.
“But I wanted to be a fire bender so I can honor the family” Izumi mumbled. “Just like the Councilor said.”
“Izumi” Zuko lifted her chin so she can look at him. “You honor us by following your heart” He put his hand on Izumi’s chest where her heart was strongly beating. “By being kind to all the creatures and people in the world, by choosing your own path. Not by bending an element.”
Her eyes shimmered.
“Do you really think I could be a good Fire Lord someday?” Izumi looked at him, eyes full of hope. “Like you papa?”
Zuko smiled at her little girl.
“You will be better than me Izumi, but for now you need to prepare for when the time comes”
Izumi thought for a moment.
“Will my husband be a Fire Lady like mama?”
Zuko laugh softly at his daughter reasoning.
“No, your husband would be a Fire consort. Unless you decide to be with a girl, then she would become a Fire Lady”
Izumi frowned.
“How will I know that papa?”
“You will figure it out all by yourself fire bun. When the time comes you will know” Zuko kissed her forehead before hugging her tightly. “But for now you are only mama and papa’s sweet fire bun”
Zuko hugged her tightly, Izumi’s small arms surrounding Zuko’s neck.
“And never forget this Izumi” She hummed at him. “No matter how big and strong Fire Lord you become, you can always rely on mama and me” Zuko rested his cheek onto Izumi’s hair. “We will always be with you in every step you take.”
Izumi pulled away from the hug, eyes shining with new tears, happy to be with her dad.
“I love you, papa”
“I love you too, Izumi”
Izumi’s fingers playing with the Fire Nation symbol on Zuko’s royal clothes.
“Papa, I know you’re busy, but can we visit grandpapa Iroh tomorrow?” Izumi asked, “I want to beat him at Pai Sho!”
“Of course, fire bun” Zuko grinned. “We can go to grandpapa’s tea shop tomorrow after you finish your lessons” Izumi groaned making Zuko laugh.
“Do not complain young lady” Zuko teased, tickling her until she was shirking in happiness. By the time Zuko stopped, Izumi was gasping for air.
“Papa?”
“What is it fire bun?”
“How does one make a baby?”
Zuko went completely still.
“Okay now that is a question for your mother”
From the window outside the Fire Lord chambers you watched them, laughing together. Relief softening your expression.
“Fire Lady I’ve asked the royal guards to help us find—”
“It’s alright Himari” You interrupted with gentle smile. “Zuko found her.”
Everything was perfect.
Until later that day when your curious daughter asked a very specific question.
summary: Idiots to lovers? More like idiots and lovers. Sokka and Katara are trying to set Zuko and you up. The problem? You two are already dating.
a/n: not one but three posts in two days? Damn I'm really enjoying my Zuko era (after years of having a crush on him he finally gets the amount of fics he deserves)
Warning: Typos, sugestive ending, english not being my first language.
The heat in the Earth Kingdom was stifling, with a dry wind urging the group to press on with their mission. Appa was lying under a rock, enjoying the small patch of shade it provided, while Momo lay on Appa’s back. Because of this, the team was stranded in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a few trees and too many rocks, making the place feel even more stifling than it already was.
Sokka and Katara exchanged a knowing glance that only foreshadowed trouble. The siblings already had their plan set.
“All right!” exclaimed Sokka, feigning seriousness. “We need food, water, and wood for when the temperature drops.”
Katara nodded, gripping Aang’s arm tightly, which startled him for a moment due to the strength of his girlfriend’s grip.
“Sokka is right,” Katara continued. “I’ll go with Aang to look for water; I think I saw a lake nearby while we were flying with Appa.”
“Great idea, Katara!” Sokka exclaimed enthusiastically. “I’ll go with Toph to find something to shield us from the sun.” He placed his hand on Toph’s shoulder, but she brushed him aside, causing him to lose his balance.
“And you two,” Sokka pointed toward where you and Zuko were, trying to shield your eyes from the sun. “You’ll go find wood—lots of wood. It doesn’t matter if it takes a while. Afterall we are not in a rush.”
“Actually-“ Katara interrupted Aang.
“And look for a cave to see if we can take shelter there,” Katara finished as she tugged on Aang so they could both start their search mumbling to each other. Aang turned to the two of you and mumbled a quiet ‘sorry’ before following Katara.
When you looked at Sokka, he was already pushing Toph to leave the two of you alone. Even from the distance you could hear Toph say ‘you guys are pretty dumb’ while Sokka kept shushing her.
Zuko raised an eyebrow, confused. You just sighed.
“They’re acting really weird… aren’t they?” Zuko asked. You just shrugged.
“They’re still acting like when we were kids,” you replied, downplaying your friends’ behavior. Then you turned to Zuko, offering him a smirk. “Well, oh mighty Fire Lord, shall we begin?”
Zuko smiled back at you and took off his cloak, holding it over the two of you to keep the sun from bothering you.
“Let’s go love.”
Once the mission was over—during which you had discovered ancient texts from the Air Nomads, which Aang had eagerly kept—You all decided to celebrate with a dinner inside the Fire Nation palace.
The group was relaxing in Zuko’s office; after a private dinner where you’d had a few drinks, you’d decided to head there to chat in peace without being interrupted by the servants. You were sitting on a kotatsu with Katara, Toph, and Suki, laughing at a story about the Kyoshi Warriors Suki was telling as you continued to drink. Across the room, sitting at his desk, Zuko was looking at Sokka’s drawings of his new inventions, with the latter explaining them excitedly.
“Hey…” Katara murmured, touching your arm to get your attention. “You should go over to the guys and ask Zuko where he gets this alcohol,” Katara whispered to you, causing the other girls to turn and look at her and nod, Toph letting out a mischievous little laugh. “Besides apparently Sokka has already worn him out with his drawings.”
You decided to take a sip before answering.
“It’s fine, Katara,” you replied as you looked at Zuko and shrugged, causing Katara and Suki to exchange glances. “Actually, I can tell he’s having fun, besides he’s not always with the guys; he deserves some time with them and to listen to something that doesn’t require his permission or can drastically change the future of the Fire Nation” you replied nonchalantly, returning to your conversation with Suki.
You really missed spending time with the girls; after all, everyone had their own responsibilities now, and there was little time left for you all to spend together.
Meanwhile, with the guys, Sokka was pestering Zuko.
“Dude, you should go up to (y/n) and tell her how great she looks in that dress, the red tones really suit her” Sokka said, giving Zuko a gentle nudge, who just looked at him puzzled.
“Sokka, she picked out that dress so I’d like to think she knows she looks good. Besides, if you really want her to know she looks good, why don’t you go?” Zuko replied with a frown. “Also, don’t you think Suki would get weird out if you tell her friend that?”
“That’s exactly why I shouldn’t go!” Sokka fell silent when he saw the girls turn to look at him in surprise, then mumbled quietly. “I just think she’d like the compliment if it came from you.”
Zuko sighed.
“Sokka, she hasn’t seen the girls in a long time, and I’m sure they have things to talk about that we shouldn’t know about” Zuko concluded, causing Aang to nod.
“Besides, we’re comfortable here,” Aang continued. “You should keep telling Zuko about your inventions. I’m sure it’s a nice change from what he usually sees.” Zuko nodded at Aang’s comment, grateful not to be dealing with matters related to the Fire Nation.
You and Zuko ignored each other all night, preferring to enjoy your friends’ company and listen to the adventures each had experienced while you weren’t together. In the distance, Sokka and Katara exchanged glances as they shook their heads, confirming that both had failed in their plans.
The next day, Suki, Katara, and you decided to take a stroll through the market in the capital’s main square. Toph decided to stay in bed, arguing that it wasn’t time to get up yet.
The sky was clear, making the Fire Nation’s characteristic colors stand out even more. The market was full of people from all nations, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, the smell of spices, and the silk decorations adorning the place.
As you were looking at the exotic fruits sold by the merchants of Ba Sing Se, Katara and Suki were exchanging glances, trying to decide who would start the conversation.
Suki being the brave one started.
“So…” Suki began with a mischievous smile as she approached you. “What are you doing this afternoon? We were thinking we could go to the hot springs.”
“Or…” Katara continued. “We could go out to dinner. I heard about this wonderful place that serves grilled meat. We could even invite the guys…”
As you paid the merchant for the fruit, you turned to look at them with an apologetic smile.
“Oh, I’d love to go with you guys but I have plans with my boyfriend,” you replied as you put your purchase into the basket slung over your arm.
The silence between them was so noticeable that you looked at them, confused.
“Y-your… what?” stammered the Waterbender.
“My boyfriend…” you replied slowly. “You know I have a boyfriend, right? You guys are friends with him and actually know him pretty well.”
Suki and Katara looked at each other in panic. Neither wanted to admit they had no idea who you were talking about, fearing they might hurt your feelings.
“Oh yes! Of course!” Suki exclaimed with a nervous laugh. “How silly of us—we forgot about him for a moment! He’s a really nice guy.”
Katara just nodded quickly with a nervous smile.
Their responses made you let out a sigh.
“Thank the spirits. Can you imagine if you didn’t know?” you remarked with a little laugh as you continued on your way through the market. “That would have been way too awkward.”
Suki and Katara exchanged a glance, both quickly shaking their heads to make it clear they had no idea who you were talking about.
“Well, sadly I’ll have to head out, but if you need anything, you can ask me or Zuko.”
The girls just nodded. As you said goodbye, they looked at each other nervously, trying to figure out who this mysterious guy was.
“Who is it?” Katara whispered desperately as they walked away from the market in search of Sokka.
“Is it Haru?” Suki wondered. “We haven’t seen him in a long time, but I’m sure they’re dating. After all, they were good friends when we were teens.”
“How did we miss this?” Katara asked worriedly. “Besides, she says we know him well, but I don’t remember seeing her with anyone other than us.”
“Do you think it’s that guard? The one who once helped us with the texts at the palace,” Suki continued.
“We have to find Sokka. If it’s the guard, Zuko must have told him something,” Katara suggested. Upon receiving Suki’s confirmation, they both ran off to look for him.
The doors to the Fire Lord’s private chamber were closed. In that brief moment of privacy, Zuko’s composure finally relaxed. Upon seeing you inside, the Fire Lord smiled and quickly stepped toward you, gripping your waist tightly and pulling you toward him urgently.
His lips pressed firmly against yours, and you responded quickly, parting your lips slightly to run your tongue over Zuko’s lips, causing him to let out a small moan of pleasure and granting you access. Your arms wrapping aroung his neck.
His warm hands slid slowly under your blouse, moving up your back, pulling you closer to him, feeling his erection gradually come to life as he thought about what the two of you were about to do.
You paused for a second, tilting your face slightly to expose your neck, gasping as you felt Zuko’s lips trail down your neck until they found that small spot that made your body shiver with pleasure. You knew that tomorrow you would have to hide the marks the Fire Lord left on your body.
“Zuko...” you murmured, tilting your head back. Zuko let out a small hum, letting you know he was listening but not planning on stopping. “The others already know we’re dating, right? I mentioned it to the girls today and… they acted really weird.” You closed your eyes as you felt Zuko’s kisses continue to trail downward, your low neck dress giving him the access to kiss your breasts, while his warm hands held you tightly against him.
Zuko paused for a moment, his nose brushing against your skin, to let out a small, hoarse laugh.
“If they don’t know yet,” he whispered against your chest, feeling the heat radiating from you. His hot breath made you arch your back and gasp, craving more. “Then they’re a lot more clueless than I thought.”
There was no room for questions. Zuko grabbed your waist to lift you up, causing your legs to wrap around his waist, guiding both of you to the royal bed, determined to make up for every second lost that day.
summary: Zuko and You are already planning a wedding but what happens when a former lover comes back?
a/n: Am I… back? Hell yeah, I am. It’s been years since I’ve posted a fic on Tumblr—so let’s see how this goes.
Warning: Mean Chamberlain, mentions of the Gaang and Uncle Iroh, Mai being Mai, arranged marriage but the fall in love. English being not my first language. If i miss something pls let me know. Gif not mine so all credits to them!
The flowers in the palace gardens swayed in a warm breeze, their petals dancing under a midday sun that turned the reddish silk of your garments into a blazing fire. Behind you, the steady rhythm of footsteps echoed off the ancient, thick wood walls, breaking the midday stillness.
“My lady, the guest list for the wedding still requires your review; Fire Lord Zuko is waiting for you,” murmured Zuumi, your maid, gently interrupting your thoughts.
When you turned, you found her with hands folded neatly before her, the elderly woman’s subtle smile radiating a maternal warmth.
“Of course,” you replied, offering a small smile in return. Still, your gaze lingered on the pond where turtleducks drifted peacefully, waiting with practiced patience for a servant to toss them breadcrumbs.
It had been two years since you first stepped into this palace. You remembered it vividly: the suffocating weight of duty, the feeling of being a bird in a gilded cage after agreeing to present yourself as a candidate for the Fire Lord’s consort. You hadn’t come out of desire, but out of obligation to your family.
Two years into that residency, you had been standing in this very garden, lost in thought, until a voice startled you. Thinking it was a servant, you had turned with a careless remark, only to find the Fire Lord himself watching you.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he had said. His voice was deeper than you expected, carrying a surprising warmth.
“My sincerest apologies, Fire Lord. I arrived with the group of consorts, but I seem to have lost my way,” you whispered, keeping your eyes fixed firmly on his boots. A soft, genuine chuckle escaped him, sending a flush to your cheeks.
“Please, there is no need for such deference here.” When you finally looked up, his smile was small and private. He extended an arm cordially. “Come. I am also headed to the royal hall, and I know better than anyone how confusing these corridors can be.”
From that day, the trajectory of your lives shifted. Friendship turned to courting, built on a foundation of shared jokes and hard-won trust. You had even been folded into his inner circle—the people who ended the Hundred Year War. You found a kindred spirit in Katara’s quiet strength, an outlet for mischief in Toph’s chaos, and a mentor in Suki’s discipline. Even Aang had taught you the fluid basics of airbending movements to supplement your firebending and Sokka had drawn you with the rest of their friends a sight that always brought a genuine, relaxed smile to Zuko’s face.
“My lady,” Zuumi insisted, her tone shifting to a soft, maternal warning. “The royal chamber.”
“Of course, Zuumi.” You smoothed the folds of your gown, blushing at your own distraction. “Forgive me.”
You gently adjusted the folds of your gown, making sure they wouldn’t hinder your steps as you moved forward.
Zuumi shook her head, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. Having served since the days of Ozai’s reign, she wasn't used to receiving apologies from the royal family and their friends. She had watched Zuko grow up in the shadow of fear—and she had watched Azula, too.
“There is nothing to apologize for, child,” she said firmly. “Let us just not keep the Fire Lord waiting any longer.”
The wing leading to the royal hall was uncharacteristically quiet. Since Zuko took the throne, the palace had breathed easier; servants moved without fear, and the oppressive tension of the old regime had evaporated. But today, the silence felt heavy.
As you turned the final corner, you saw a silhouette standing before the closed doors. The guards straightened immediately, but their eyes weren't on you—they were fixed on the woman standing between them.
She was tall and slender, her dark hair pulled into two clinical, perfect buns. Her posture was the picture of relaxed indifference. As you approached, she turned, her pale features and dark, bored eyes taking you in with a single, sweeping glance. Her expression remained a neutral line, betraying nothing.
A vague memory flashed in your mind, but it was Zuumi who gave the stranger a name.
“Lady Mai,” Zuumi remarked, stepping up behind you. “What a surprise. It has been a long time.”
Your heart skipped. You felt Mai’s gaze move over you, analyzing every stray strand of hair loosened by the garden breeze. You felt suddenly, acutely unkempt.
“I’m here to see Zuko,” Mai said, her voice a flat monotone. “It’s an important matter.”
She turned back to the doors, expecting them to open for her. The guards exchanged a brief, uncomfortable look.
“I am sorry, Lady Mai,” Zuumi intervened with practiced steel, “But the future consort has an appointment with the Fire Lord.”
Mai paused. She turned her head just enough to look at you over her shoulder. “Consort,” she repeated slowly, her brow twitching in a way that made you frown. “Interesting word, Zuumi.”
The fire in your veins, usually a flicker, surged.
“Zuumi is right, Lady Mai,” you said, your voice steady and firm. “Zuko is waiting for me. But if your matter is truly urgent, I will ensure he hears it immediately.”
The guards looked at you with newfound spark of surprise while Zuumi stood a little taller, pride beaming from her. Mai looked as though she might comment, but the doors creaked open with heavy rhythmic precision. The Chamberlain appeared, his stern face instantly softening into a deep, reverent bowed the moment his eyes landed on Mai – a gesture of respect he hadn’t yet deigned to offer you.
“Lady Mai” he murmured, his voice thick with a nostalgic warmth towards Mai that felt like a slap to your face. “The Fire Lord has been… expecting you. It is good to have back someone who belongs”
He stepped aside, holding the door with a flourish usually reserved for important visitors. Then, his gazed shifted to you, eyes raked over your wind-mussed hair, his expressions flattening into a mask of tolerance. He didn’t bow like the rest of the guards or servants, didn’t even acknowledge your title, he simply gave a nod before pulling the doors shut with a sharp click that echoed through the hall. Leaving you standing in the corridor.
The silence that followed was deafening. You could feel the stares from the guards and Zuumi, making you feel like an intruder in the same place you now live.
“Zuumi,” you murmured while looking at the closed door. “You have the afternoon off.”
“My lady—”
“Please,” you insisted, already turning away. As you hurried through the halls, the whispers of the palace staff began to bleed through the walls.
“Mai is back...”
“The Fire Lord’s past lover...”
“And months before the wedding...”
“Poor Lady (y/n)...”
Poor (y/n).
Your steps didn’t falter; you could feel everyone’s stares on you, sinking under your skin as your breath caught, but you couldn’t stop—not now.
The hallways seemed to stretch on longer than usual, while the whispers never ceased. The heat began to build in your chest; the fire wanted to break free, to explode and burn everything, so your mind ordered your legs to carry you to the only person you knew could be honest with you.
The training court was filled with the rhythmic thud of feet and the distinctive snap of fans. The Kyoshi Warriors moved in perfect synchronization, a dance of deadly precision. At the center was Suki.
She was so focused that for a moment you hesitated to call out to her, but the murmurs echoing through the palace were louder than your thoughts. You raised your hand slightly, catching Suki’s attention. She made a quick note to the more experienced Kyoshi Warriors to take her place and, without wasting a moment, walked toward you.
She noticed your labored breathing and the tiny, involuntary sparks dancing at your fingertips immediately.
“Suki…” You took a deep breath. “Help me.”
Without a word, Suki took your hand and led you to the dressing rooms. You stripped away the heavy silks of the Fire Nation and donned the light clothes of green and gold of the warriors.
When you emerged, hair tied back and eyes fierce, Suki handed you a pair of fans. “Move with me,” she commanded.
The training was grueling. Suki pushed you, sensing the roar of the fire in your chest. When a plume of flame accidentally scorched your fan, Suki didn't stop; she shifted to more aggressive maneuvers, giving your anger a target.
You channeled every whisper, every look of pity, the image of Mai’s cold eyes and the Chamberlain’s remarks into your strikes. By the time the sun set and the training hall was bathed in starlight, you were breathless. The fans were charred ruins of silk and bamboo.
“You should go to dinner,” you panted, sweat dripping from your brow. “I’m not done yet.” You threw a punch, a fireball dissolving into the air.
“I know,” Suki replied softly. “But you shouldn’t waste too much of your energy, especially if you’re not used to firebending for so long” Pause. “And I’m not leaving you alone.”
You turned to look at her, breathless.
“I need to get this out, Suki. Go...” Your lungs ached in a way you didn’t know was possible. “I don't want you skipping a meal for me.”
“We’re friends,” Suki shrugged with a grin. “I’d even skip a date with Sokka for you.”
You let out a genuine breathless laugh—the kind your parents would have called 'unladylike.'
“I don’t want to be on the receiving end of Sokka’s complaints,” You told her, making her smile. She just shrugged, but the feeling didn’t go away, so you simply walked over to her and hugged her, surprising her but prompting a quick response. “Thank you,” you whispered, pulling her into a quick hug.
As you pulled apart, Suki took you by the shoulders and looked at you intently.
“I’m leaving but I’m also writing to the others,” Suki said as she headed for the door. “Katara, Aang, and Toph are in Republic City. If they’re free they’ll be here tomorrow. We’re getting you out of this palace for a few hours.”
“Suki…”
“I won’t take a no for an answer,” she smiled. “You need to get out of here, get away from the palace and its people for a few hours.”
You just nodded. You shared another hug before Suki decided to leave the training room and leave you alone.
Once the doors closed, you returned to the center of the room, practicing the spins Suki had taught you. Spin, strike, breathe. Spin, strike, breathe.
Each strike reminded you of the comments you’d heard, using them as motivation to keep going. Every whisper, every glance, the Chamberlain.
Mai.
The only sound you could hear was your breathing and the flames coming out of your hands.
“Should I be worried about the colors of your clothing?” Zuko’s voice startled you, making you jump slightly and lower your guard. “Or is it just a new fashion trend I’m not aware of?”
Zuko was leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed. He looked tired, but his eyes softened the moment they landed on you.
“You know? I was waiting for my girl at dinner” he said, stepping into the room. “When she didn’t show, I checked the pond, then our chambers. I was starting to lose my mind until a little bird told me she was here”
Zuko walked toward you while effortlessly shed his heavy royal robes, leaving only his light undergarments. He pulled his hair into a practical bun and raised his palms. “Go ahead.”
You blinked.
“Go ahead... what?”
“Hit me,” he said, planting his feet.
“…What?...” You looked at him in surprise. “I’m not going to hit you, Zuko.”
“You’re holding onto too much tension. Use me as a focal point.” He explained as he took your wrists with both hands and positioned them, so you’d be in the right stance to throw a hit. “Hit me,” he insisted.
You looked at him hesitantly, closing your hands and positioning them in a defensive stance. Zuko just nodded.
The first punch was weak. Zuko raised an eyebrow. The second was better. The third had speed. For a long time, the only sound was the muffled thwack of your fists against his palms as he expertly blocked and absorbed your frustration.
You didn’t know how long the two of you stood there in silence, Zuko taking the blows you landed on his hands, and you focused on not hurting him, though that was impossible.
Every now and then, Zuko shifted his feet to adjust his balance and change his stance; you just followed him obediently.
“Why didn’t you come today?” Zuko asked suddenly.
“I didn’t go to dinner with you because I was here with Suki,” you replied, throwing another punch, which Zuko caught, his hand completely enveloping yours.
“I meant this afternoon—we decided to have time together to plan the wedding” Zuko continued, taking your other hand in his to stop you. You looked at him for a few seconds before pulling your hands away.
“You were too busy, Zuko. I didn’t want to get in the way of... important matters.”
“I am never ‘too busy’ for you,” he murmured, a small frown adorning his face.
You were silent for a minute.
You looked at him, your heart hammering against your ribs. “Zuko... why me? Out of all the people in the world... why did you choose me? You had Mai...”
Zuko interrupted you.
“Yes, Mai and I had something… a long time ago.” His gaze didn’t waver from yours. “And losing her hurt” he admitted. “Because she was part of my life for years, and when she left, I thought I’d never have something like that with anyone else again.” His hands moved carefully up to your face, holding you gently. “And I was right.”
Your breath caught in your throat. But he gave a small smile and moved a little closer.
“Because what I have with you is so much better than what I had with her.” His thumbs brushed your cheekbones. “You didn’t see me as Fire Lord Zuko; you saw me as Zuko, even when I sometimes didn’t know who I was.”
He let out a soft sigh.
“When we started spending time together, I began to feel something I hadn’t felt in a long time, and before I knew it, I started looking for you everywhere. In the hallways, at meetings, with the Gaang, I wanted to know your opinion, your thoughts—I wanted to hear you.”
Your hands trembled.
“When you met my friends, I could see your eyes light up and how free you looked with them. I want to see you always like that, happy.”
Small tears began to fall down your face, stopped by Zuko’s hands.
“Zuko…” you murmured.
“I want to marry you not because it’s a duty to the nation, but because with you everything feels clearer and peaceful and happier. I want you to always be here safe with me.”
Your lips formed a little pout as you tried to stop a sob from escaping.
“I also want this to be your decision—not because of some obligation you have to fulfill, but because you want to be here,” Zuko whispered.
Despite your tears and your raw emotions, you managed to reply,
“Always, Zuko.”
Zuko let out a small sigh.
“I went to look for you everywhere you could be and when I couldn’t find you…” he paused to look into your eyes; you noticed the love and insecurity flooding his own. “For a moment I thought you didn’t want to be with me anymore.” He kissed your forehead. “If you leave, I couldn’t…” he murmured against your forehead. “I don’t want to be in a place where you aren’t.”
You looked into his eyes and could see the sincerity.
“Mai asked the Chamberlain to leave us alone” he said. You tensed instinctively at the mention of her name and the thought of both being alone. “Once he was gone, she told me exactly what happened outside the royal chamber. She was angry, not at you but for you. She was appalled by how the Chamberlain treated you” He finished, his voice dropping an octave with his own simmering frustration.
“What happened today…” you murmured, still close to him.
“What happened today was an insult to you,” he replied firmly, his forehead resting gently against yours. “And I promise you it will never happen again. We’re a team, always you and me.”
Your hands moved up gently, covering his, which were still cupping your face.
“I love you, Zuko,” you confessed. Zuko smiled as his cheeks flushed slightly.
“I love you more, (y/n).”
You took his hands and gently moved them away from your cheeks, only to wrap your arms around his neck and pull him closer to you. Your lips met his just as Zuko responded immediately, leaning toward you, deepening the kiss with a desire he no longer tried to hide.
His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you against him, closing any space that existed between you.
You both pulled apart to catch your breath. His forehead returned to yours while his hands rested firmly on your waist.
“I owe Suki a new pair of fans” You mumbled, glancing toward the charred remains of the bamboo on the floor.
Zuko chuckled, his eyes following yours. “I don’t think she’ll mind”
“But I do” You insisted, though your eyes were beginning to flutter shut as the last of your adrenaline was leaving your body
Zuko caressed your face gently, his thumb brushing away the strays hairs plastered to your skin by sweat. “Then I’ll have a servant to go and get a new pair in the city tomorrow” he mumbled. “But right now my only priority is taking care of my future wife”
He pulled you into his arms, and you didn’t resist, letting your head fall heavily against his shoulder.
“Zuko…” You felt the low hum in his chest. “Do you think… you can help me train my firebending?” you wondered while crossing your arms around his neck.
“It would be my honor, love” he answered with a soft smile. “And if you’d like, I can ask Uncle Iroh to come and help, too. He’s been looking for an excuse to visit”
“That would be amazing Zu…” You whispered, your voice trailing off as you were falling asleep. “And I think…” You yawned. “Aang and the rest are coming tomorrow”
“Then I believe a trip to Ember Island is in order” Zuko decided, his voice dropping to a soothing low. “Spirits knows we all need a vacation”
You simply smiled and tucked your face into the crook of his neck. The steady rhythmic thrum of his heart against your ear became a lullaby. Zuko felt your arms slowly slide from his shoulders, a sign that you had finally drifted off.
He held you a little tighter, pressing a lingering kiss to your temple.
“You will always be my first choice (y/n),” Zuko confessed into the quiet hall. “I will always choose you.”
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Not to get emo on main but you ever think about how the troop sang about their dreams of finding “a girl worth fighting for”, and they think their girl worth fighting for is one of romance, but the song abruptly comes to a halt when they find a different girl worth fighting for.
A tiny girl that had been killed at the hands of the Huns. A child too weak, too small to have any chance of withstanding the murderous invaders. That is their girl worth fighting for.
It’s also worth noting that ‘A Girl Worth Fighting For’ is the last song in the movie. Up until here, it’s a fun movie, and the imminent invasion feels like it’s just there to keep the plot moving, and to provide a little bit of drama to spice things up. None of the soldier’s are quite taking this seriously yet; sure, Mulan wanted to save her father from the draft, and on some level she was aware that he would die if he went to war, but beyond that she’s interested in not being caught, and not shaming her family. Her motives are good, but they’re entirely self centered. All the other soldiers are more or less in the same boat - they want to get tougher, they want to impress girls, they want to be cool soldiers. Shang’s easily the most serious of the bunch at first, and even then it’s just because training bad soldiers will reflect poorly on him, and important people are paying attention.
The abrupt ending of ‘A Girl Worth Fighting For’ is the wake up call. The soldiers and the audience get slapped in the face with the realization of what’s really at stake here. China is being invaded. Villages are burning, civilians are dying, and this isn’t going to stop until the country is conquered or the invaders are defeated. This is not a fun musical, this is a major crisis.
Mulan is such a good movie for so many reasons, but the abrupt tone shift is such a major reason why. It’s an excellent commentary on the reality of war, and it being a kids movie just meant they had to make their point without showing any actual gore, which I’d honestly say makes it that much more poignant.
That moment, when they come over the rise and see the razed village is one of the best scenes in film. Period. Somehow, instead of giving me tonal whiplash, it took my breath away, and that’s one fuck of a balancing act.
me, a writer, at 3am: WHAT? I CANT FIND THE SPECIFIC FANFIC THAT I MADE UP IN MY MIND WITH A WHOLE PLOT AND ORIGINAL CHARACTERS??? WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE??? DO THEY EXPECT ME TO WRITE THE STORY I THOUGHT UP OF???
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