Zuko with a reader who's stiff to hugs
A/N = It's based off on my experience I mean I'm stiff to hugs but only rare times where I opened my arms to others.
Content/warning = OOC! Gaang (I'm still stuck in Book 1 Water in my rewatch π I watched Atla when I was a kid), this sets in Book 3 Fire, reader with internal conflicts, the reader is non bender, GN! Reader, Sorta enemies to lovers idk??, mentions of nightmares and overthinking, Mai is mentioned, reader fearing to become a homewrecker
Edit (8/3/26) = Originally there was a timeskip like setting in AATLA but I removed it and I forgot to delete that part- I'm sorry ππ€
-When Zuko was welcomed by some of your friends well except you and Katara because of different reasons;
Your guts feeling act up at him
Katara was betrayed by Zuko
-You and Katara are last two people who ain't budge in
-Let's go with... Katara forgave him after they witch hunt the guy who killed her mom.
-You're not buying it because your gut feelings going like β¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈ
You definitely sure that he will backstab you behind your back just like how he did in Ba Sing Se after teaming up with Azula and "thanking" Iroh with a knife in his back.
Sure you've witnessed it with your own eyes, part of you is happy that he changed for the better but other part of you isn't buying it for his redemption.
You walk back and forth because you've consumed with overthinking like you lack something special like Toph, Aang and Katara. You and Sokka are only non benders to make it up for lack of Bending.
Until Zuko made an announcement of his presence towards you causing you to startled and whipped out your weapon only you realized it's just the traitor in your eyes.
He knew he messed up so bad that your guard's up at him. He opens his mouth at you that's where you squint your eyes.
"What can I make it up for you?"
"Sure you owe me bucks." You sarcastically replied to the Prince.
-Yeah, so he asked what can he make it up for you so you replied.
"I don't know maybe my gut feelings stop going upside down"
"Or should I say... Show me your worth so you won't backstab me"
Time passes by where Zuko showing that he won't backstab you in the back just like both Katara and Uncle Iroh.
Okay, you did challenged him when it comes to tea and makes sure he won't throw you in the cherry pit.
You tasted it and you widened your eyes like that's the improvement unlike his amateur level of tea. I mean, his uncle LOVES tea.
"I think I'm going to see Spirits" You're bout to chug the whole tea but Zuko warns you
"Careful, you don't want your tongue getting burnt"
After Zuko showing that he will not let you down as a Gaang member. You nudge his shoulder as a sign of acceptance and you've only seen when Toph nudges people.
Except yours is gentle nudge compared to Toph's nudge. He expected you will do the same nudge style as Toph. You declared that you forgive him only he hugged you only Zuko was confused why you didn't return only you awkwardly replied..
"Just let you know that I'm.. Stiff to physical affections"
"O-Oh I'm- I'm sorry" he unwrapped his arms around you and sheepishly scratching his head only you clarified.
"I'm okay with hugs- it's just I'm stiff like I'm not used being hugged as I grow older... Makes sense? Only rare times you see me to wrap your arms around you."
And he takes note of this.
When you're upset over certain things or overthinking too much to the point. You're panicking or having nightmares so you sheepishly ask Zuko to come here.
True to your words, you've wrapped your arms around him which he returns. You've slowly opening the physical affection to him, not to mention. He becomes one of your closest confidants whether you'd vent out your problems to him.
Which leads you growing feelings for him but at same time. You wanted to get this schoolgirl crush out of your system because there will be chance that Zuko will find a way to win Mai's trust again after in Mai's words; "Saving the jerk who dumped me".
Oh god, why did you catch up feelings for him...
You fear being a homewrecker for this guy ππ€