#appa atla

IM SO HAPPY THE AVATAR FANDOM HAS BEEN REVIVED

Random ATLA screenshot ft. Best boy Aang and Appa💐☁️

Zuko x Fem!Waterbender

Word Count: 9.5k

A/N: Another Zuko fic because I just love him so muchhhh and luckily for you guys this one is way longer . My boyfriend and I are from different cultures so I thought this would just be a fun idea to explore :)

Summary: Zuko refuses to let you go, proving his love and worth to you.

Warnings: some smooching, nothing major. Bit sad and angsty at times but being a bad bitch u get over it.

Enjoy :)

---

“Please, don’t do this” Zuko looked up at you, fearful of the tears reaching his eyes as he remained on one knee. His fist, which was once open and clutching a small golden ring, now closed keeping the ring hidden from view, shame quickly rising from the pit of his stomach.

You stood before him, your cool hand placed over his as you allowed your own tears to fall freely. “I have to Zuko”

“No, I won’t let you, I don’t care what the council has to say!” He stood now, dropping the shining ring from his hands carelessly as he grabbed you and held you close to him, you were more precious than any simple piece of jewellery. You couldn’t stop yourself from wrapping your arms around him and sighing into the familiar warmth of his chest.

You wanted to stay and remain in his arms forever but good things never last. “It’s not the council, my love” you spoke softly as you pulled yourself from him, you moved to the open balcony staring out over the vast landscape of the Fire Nation Capital. You hoped the cool breeze of the evening would help to subdue your tears but the treacherous weather did nothing to help. “It’s different now, without Yue…” You trailed off as you gazed up to the sky, your sister had been gone for years but you could still feel her, watching over you, just as she had promised. 

Zuko joined you, he placed an arm over your waist as you turned to face him. His heart broke at the sight of you afraid of what was to come. He wanted to do everything in his power to stop you from feeling like this. Zuko slowly lifted his hand, grazing the skin of your face as he placed a loose strand of hair behind your ear before he rested his warm palm on your cheek while his thumb grazed at your tears. 

“This would unite our nations!” he spoke, "Chief Arnook-”

“Is old Zuko, My stubborn father has no place getting out of bed let alone be at a council meeting.” You cut him off as you  stepped back from his grip once again anger was rising in you at the situation and you needed to get it under control. Zuko felt the loss of your presence and it terrified him, he couldn’t lose you for good, quickly he reached out and grabbed your hands before dropping to both knees. 

“Please, I would leave it all Y/n.” He begged as you looked down at him once again, he met your eyes, “If I had to choose between you or the world my love…” He paused, “I would burn it all for you”. 

Your eyes welled once more as your legs felt weak. You dropped to your knees before Zuko as you pulled him into a tight embrace which he willingly held onto. 

“I could never ask that of you” You barely managed to whisper into his ear before you stood quickly and made your way out the door, leaving Zuko eyes red and on his knees as he mourned the loss of your touch. 

—

You let the sea breeze blow through your hair as you stood on the deck of your ship, heading into the Fire Nation. Never in all your years did you think a Water Tribe ship would be able to sail straight on through to the heart of the Fire Nation capital  but here you were without a lick of trouble to stop you. 

You breathed in the cool air with an attempt to keep your nerves under control, you hadn’t seen Zuko in 8 months, not since the day he proposed, or tried to. Since then not even a letter, you know you shouldn’t have been annoyed by that but you couldn’t help the sting of hurt that followed. You had half hoped Zuko had found some sort of miracle loophole and you could both be together, but nothing. Until about a week ago you had received a letter encased in the fire nation insignia. Your heart almost leaped out of your chest as you grabbed it off the mail serviceman. 

“A birthday invitation?!” You scoffed at the letter as you complained to your ladies maid, “8 months and all I get is a lousy birthday invitation!”

Kiri, your ladies maid, chuckled at your demeanour as she brushed through your hair, “You did leave him” she said and you shook your head. Kiri had been your personal maid for years. You had a strong bond with her which transcended the levels of royalty and service. This friendship was the reason why she was able to say things that would get most servants punished for speaking out of turn. She was your friend and one of your closest confidants, you trusted her with your life. “Read it again!” She urged as you signed and picked up the scroll.

“The Fire Lord is honoured to invite Y/n Y/l/n, Princess of the Northern Water Tribe to join him in celebrations of his 21st birthday.” you mumbled out in a monotonous tone. 

“Hmm, so no hidden message. Are you going to go?” Kiri questioned while she braided your hair, preparing you for the night. 

You slammed the invitation down onto your vanity, before standing abruptly. “Of course not Kirii!” You exclaimed, "I broke his heart, he probably hates me.” You spoke those words slightly softer as you made your way to your bed, ready to cry yourself to sleep as you had done so many nights before. The force at which you had slammed the parchment down had caused another smaller envelope to fly from it, floating down peacefully to land on the floor. As Kiri pushed your chair back under your vanity she noticed the small envelope peeking out, she picked it up, noticing your name handwritten on the front. 

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” You sat up immediately to look at her, confused. She held the letter out to you and you took it from her.”Goodnight m’lady” she gave you a small knowing smirk before exiting.

You sat up on your bed, staring at the letter. Your name was written in bold ink across the front. You had thousands of love letters from your early courting days to match the lettering to but you could recognise the penmanship all on your own. It was unmistakably Zuko’s handwriting. 

You let out a loud huff before you tossed the letter onto your bedside. “No I won’t do it” You spoke to yourself, as if speaking the instruction aloud would physically stop you. You turned over and pulled the sheets over your head, forcing your eyes closed in an attempt to will yourself to sleep and forget about the letter. 

When morning came, you didn’t awake peacefully and calmly, Kiri was in your room throwing the curtains open and allowing the harsh sun to enter. You groaned at the sudden intrusion. 

“You haven’t read it?!” She exclaimed when she noticed the unopened letter at your bedside. You shrugged before pulling the covers over your head once more, trying to gain a lie in. “Oh no you don’t!” She pulled your sheets clean off and bundled them up to stop you from ripping them back off her.

“Kiri!” You groaned while tossing a cushion at her.

“Read it! or I will” you huffed at her but made no attempt to grab the letter. You weren’t going to call her bluff, you of all people knew how serious Kiri could be. It was your own fear that was holding you back. Fear of opening up a letter from someone who you once believed to be the love of your life, and it contains nothing but horrible harsh language towards you, your fear of Zuko’s hatred has entirely consumed you.

“Fine” You grabbed the letter and sat with it, just as you had done last night, Kiri watched you expectantly and you felt a tad diminished under her gaze. “I think I’ll have a bath this morning”. You looked up at her, “Please?” .Kiri let out a defiant sigh but left to draw your bath, knowing to take her time, knowing that you wanted this moment to yourself. 

As soon as the door shut behind her you released a breath that you were unaware you had been holding and with slightly shaky fingers you reached up and opened the letter. 

“My love…” The pain in your chest eased slightly. 

“I’m not entirely sure if you’ll ever read this, if you’re too angry with my lack of communication until now to even give this letter the time of day. But if you are reading it I just want you to know that I have not stopped thinking about you, loving you, since the moment you left me. A deep, dark fear of mine came true that day, one I never thought I would experience, losing you.” 

You breathed out again, he knew you too well. 

“You are the rose in my garden, the north star in the empty sky, my guiding light. I guess fear was another reason I never wrote. I should have fought harder to keep you in my arms but I was too scared to hear of news of a betrothal of yours to some Water Tribe man who doesn’t deserve you.

We have fought hard for our love Y/n, and I hope you know that I will not be giving it up now, not as long as I live. I am sorry, I pushed you, forced my own nation's culture and ideals without stopping to think of yours. I wasn’t there for you when you lost Yue, and I saw the devastation you experienced from losing your mother. I never had a good relationship with my father but yours is all you have and I never want you to feel like I’m tearing you away from him.

All I have is one simple request, come to this party, let me see you and show me you still love me. I know you want nothing to do with me but I beg of you please Y/N, it would be the most honourable gift to simply look upon your face…

Yours always, 

Zuko.” 

You didn’t realise how much you had been crying until you saw the droplets hit the parchment below you. Your heart wrenched at the idea of leaving Zuko alone, reminding yourself of that night made you feel nauseous but you made a decision. You must get things in order for your trip to the Fire Nation. 

“Ah, my dear!” Your father boasted as you sat to join him for breakfast, “Brilliant news, your cousin, Riuk, has delivered us a healthy, happy baby girl! We must go visit as soon as they return from our sister tribe in the South. I can already imagine the strong warrior that child will become!” You gave your father a small smile.

“That is wonderful news father” Your smile didn’t quite reach your eyes and your father looked at you with concern. 

“Something troubling you my dear?” You considered saying nothing, just leaving but no matter how stubborn your father could be you loved him dearly. “You know, in light of the news from your cousin, you too coulding be thinking about betrothal…”

“Father please!” You sighed, tired of this constant nagging from him.

“I’m just saying, 19 is-” You cut him off quickly.

“I am to begin travelling to the Imperial City this evening” you said, “I have two upcoming council meetings to get affairs in order before my departure, you won’t be bothered by them while I am gone.”

You father remained stoic for a short time, you were worried about his reaction, you knew he never approved of Zuko but that was before, when you were kids messing around, before your mother-. 

“That boy…” You father began but you cut him short, letting it known you had no time for his stubbornness. 

“Fire Lord”

“Excuse me?”

“He is not a boy, father, he is the Fire Lord.” For the first time since you sat down you looked up to meet your father’s gaze, directly. 

Much to your surprise your father smiled, his grin was so wide he couldn’t help but let out a mighty laugh. You were wholly confused while looking around at the guards as if they were able to offer an explanation to your fathers sudden madness. 

“Ah…” He wiped a happy tear from his eye as his laughter dimmed, “Your mother had very much the same look in her eye when her father disapproved of me.”

Your head shot back to your father, he had never spoken about mother so openly until now. “You were in-line to be chief! How could he disapprove?” You asked, ensuring your voice remained calm to stop him from steering the conversation away, as if you were attempting to not startle a wild animal. 

“He thought me to be a big dumb brute and he much preferred my brother, your uncle, for her hand.” You chuckled at that, “But your mother, spirits, she loved me so much that she would have unleashed tidal waves a thousand feet high if it meant she were able to become my wife.” Your father looked down now, water welling in his eyes as he thought of your mother. “I see her in you, her will as well as her love.” 

You stood now, making your way down the table to squeeze your father in a tight embrace which he happily returned. “Go to the fire nation my dear, give that fire lord and his chamberlains a piece of your mind.” a wide smile spread across your face as you kissed your father atop his head, “Fight for your love.” 

You gave him one last squeeze goodbye before making your way out of the breakfast room, “I’ll return soon father.”

“We are people of the Water Tribe! We embrace change and to hell with their traditions!” he chanted out to you from across the room as you giggled at him, finally leaving. 

—

And here you were, in the middle of the ocean, with the fire nation in your sights. As you neared a large shadow covered your, blocking the sun. You welled some water up by your feet, ready for a quick attack. You turned sharply at the sky to assess the danger but before you attacked you recognised the shape of your attacker. 

“Appa!” You exclaimed, excited to see your old friend after so long. As soon as he landed you ran and slammed right into his head, causing him to groan but nuzzle back into you, he missed you too. 

“Er hey! We’re here too!” a familiar voice spoke from the size of the Bison. You walked around Appa’s large head to come into contact with your four friends. Sokka, Katara, Toph and Aang. The voice being Sokka’s of course. 

“Guys!” You exclaimed almost as excitedly as you ran into their arms, Momo also joining in on the hug as he nuzzled into the back of your head. .”What are you all doing here?” You reached up giving Momo a loving scratch on the head as he remained on your shoulder. 

“We were on our way to the city when we caught a glimpse of your ship.” Aang explained to you as you had finally released him from your hug. 

“We didn’t think you would be coming.” Katara explained, her eyes always saying more than her mouth. 

“Yeah! What Princess would mess with a lousy birthday party!” Toph snorted out, always trying to make you feel better with her humour which Katara nudged her side. 

“Well, maybe I just thought it would be good to see everyone again.” You shrugged your shoulders. You didn’t want to tell them that you had spent the past week trying not to pull your hair out from the stress of having to face Zuko again and that seeing them was very much a welcome distraction from the deceptive thoughts that swirled in your head.

“Me mostly, of course” Sokka pushed his chest out proudly as he swung an arm over your shoulders. 

“Of course Sokka,” You rolled your eyes. Shoving his arm off of you. 

It felt good to laugh, you can't remember the last time you had a proper chuckle. These last months had been a slew of meetings and you welcomed the time to just relax on the open water and be yourself. 

“Your Majesty.” The captain spoke up from behind the group, causing Aang and Toph to make way for him as he grabbed your attention. “There is something we must discuss.” 

You tried your hardest not to look disappointed as you gave your friends a short smile. “Duty calls”.

Katara watched you go before she quickly turned back to the group. “How do you think she’s doing?” She asked, more pointedly at Aang, who had essentially mastered the ability to read people by now. 

“Y/n has always been hard to read, but knowing her, not great.” He replied as he watched you speak to your captain, your brow furrowed in concern. 

“She’s always had to keep up that princess act though right? Except when she was travelling with us.” Toph spoke up. 

“Yeah…but this seems different, like she’s hiding behind it.” Aang replied

“Yeah! She definitely didn’t act like a princess when we were younger!” Sokka joked, chuckling slightly at the memories. 

“We’ll be there for her, no matter what, it can’t be easy for her to see Zuko after all this time.” Katara spoke.

“Yeah and I was there for Zuko’s breakdown after she left! Who knows how she felt all alone.” Aang replied.

“If they’re so miserable why don’t they just get back together?” Toph suggested shrugging her shoulders like the answer was so simple, the rest of the gang thought on this. No one really knew the reason why you left, both you and Zuko had kept that secret close just for the two of you, so Toph’s idea actually started to sound like a great plan, especially to Sokka.

It’s almost like a lightbulb went off in his head. “That is a great idea Toph!” He spread his arms out and crowded everyone around before formulating his plan. 

“What are we whispering about here?” You asked calmly but it had still caused the four of them to jump right up, guilty smiles adorning their faces. 

“Nothing!” Sokka spoke quickly and you narrowed your eyes at him, but before you could begin to question him your helmsman interrupted, running up to you quickly.

“We will be docking shortly, your majesty.” 

You gave him a short nod before turning back to your friends, “I’ll get it out of you.” They all laughed nervously.

—

You weren't sure how to feel as you walked down the halls of the Fire Nation palace. You didn’t know when you would return or if you were going to at all. You lightly traced the walls with your hand, and for a moment you stopped to press your palm flat on the cool stone. You closed your eyes and embraced the cold, if you focused hard enough you could feel the low hum of the city which surrounded the palace, the laughter of children as they played about with sparklers, the continuous calls of the market owners, here in the Fire Nation the Fire Lord’s birthday was a public holiday and the summer was rife. You slowly lifted your palm from the stone and looked toward your guide, wanting nothing more than to shed the layers of clothes which had followed you from the north. 

“This is your room” The guide spoke. You gave them a small smile, “Your luggage is already here.” You thanked them as they gave you a bow and left you to get settled. 

“Just 5 days Y/n” you prepped yourself before entering the room. It wasn’t a ginormous room, nothing like Zuko’s which you had recalled spending many nights in. But it was a room fit for a princess, it didn't bother you whether you had slept in a mansion or a broom cupboard, you just hoped Zuko hadn’t gone the extra mile in order to prepare this room for you.

“Woah! Your room is huge!” Sokka spoke from the open door way. You chuckled at him but it wasn’t the same kind of laughter, not as hearty as Sokka remembered it to be and your smile barely grazed your face. 

“I’m sure we can swap Sokka,” you offered, placing yourself on the lounge at the end of your bed as you began untying your boots. 

Sokka leaned on the doorway as he watched, “Nah, I’m sure this is perfect for our Princess”.

You rolled your eyes at his mockery, you knew what he was doing. You never wanted this role, you always thought it would be Yue to take the mantle, she was older, perfect, always knew what to say. After the war your people needed a leader, you wanted to have as much time with Zuko as you could but as his responsibilities increased and your father’s health declined, you didn’t see it viable to continue your relationship. You just wished you didn’t do it as he proposed.Yes, you knew what Sokka was doing, what he always did, made fun of your position to make you feel better, he let you know that who you were now didn’t change how he saw you, his best friend. It was the same for Zuko.

You rolled your eyes at him, “You wish you were a princess.” You joked back, spending time with Sokka always made you feel better and it always helped suppress that gnawing feeling of dread which had made its home in the pit of your stomach the minute you received that letter from Zuko. It terrified you more now knowing there was a higher chance to simply run into him. 

“Sure but only for the fancy clothes.” Sokka joked back as he made his way into your room, and lounged on your bed, always one to make himself comfortable. “Speaking of fancy clothes… what are you gonna wear to the party?” You had managed to free your feet and yank your boots off by now as you turned to look at him. 

“You never want to know what I’m going to wear” You spoke slowly, suspicious of his intentions. 

He shrugged, “Katara wants to know” 

“Why can’t Katara come and ask?”

“She’s sleeping”

“In the middle of the day?”

“It was a long flight.”

You narrowed your eyes at him once more, his story didn’t seem right but Sokka is weird so you had no choice but to acquiesce. You crossed the room and reached for your bag, bringing it back to him. You began to empty the contents as you attempted to find the dress you had brought for the occasion, the bed becoming a mess of various materials and colours.

Finally, you had found it, a floor length deep blue dress. You held it up to him, silently seeking approval. 

“Hmm” was all he said as he scratched his chin. 

“What?” You asked, dropping the dress. 

“Nothing… nothing… that just doesn’t scream Water Tribe Princess.” you rolled your eyes.

“Sokka it’s blue, plus I’m not here as Princess, I’m here as a friend.”

Sokka scoffed, “Sure looks that way”, he said as he gestured to the room around you. 

“Well what do you suggest I wear?”

He thought for a moment, before sifting through the clothes. Eventually he landed on a long burgundy gown with very long sleeves that kissed the floor,  cut at the shoulders to give the impression that they are simply draped from just above your elbows. 

“Now this is a showstopper!” Sokka said, excitement in his eyes, his plan was coming together. 

“That’s red” You crossed your arms over your chest.

“Well we are in the Fire Nation, for the Fire Lord’s birthday” he said simply, you snatched the dress from him, tossing it onto the pile with the others. 

“Fine, I will think about it!” You hesitantly agreed and he instantly jumped up.

“Sweet! See you later tonight!” He gave you a sly wink before exiting the room.

You sighed looking down at the dress, it stood out for sure, especially against all your other clothes which ranged in tones of blue. “Oh spirits help me”, you grabbed the red dress and hung it up, before leaving your room. You needed to think outside of the palace, you would have no trouble avoiding Zuko out there.

—

Of course the spirits were not to be forgiving towards you. You had scarcely left the residence area of the palace before you saw him. He stood tall, speaking to his chamberlain with intensity. He looked so regal, like a true Fire Lord. You hoped you could turn and slip out somewhere before he noticed you but as soon as you made to move he looked up. His eyes met yours directly. 

“Y/n” He breathed out, you looked as ethereal as the day you left, a casual dress adorned your body. Seeing you draped in your home colours felt like a knife to his heart, a deeper reminder of the reason behind your leaving.  

“My Lord.” The chamberlain spoke out as he turned from the entrance of the council hall. 

Zuko blinked a few times before turning to him, “Yes, on my way”. He simply turned and entered the hall leaving you alone.

You felt a weight leave you, as if Zuko’s gaze was pinning you in place. You hadn't realised it until now but your cheeks felt hot, there was no doubt that they were burning a deep crimson. You stood straighter now, brushing off your dress before continuing on your path, trying not to think about Zuko, how perfect he looked, how soft his eyes seemed as they met yours, no Y/n, we are not thinking about Zuko. 

You cleared your throat before leaving the palace, hoping the sunshine is able to do well to distract you as you tried your best to keep composure. 

You had barely made it two steps out the castle before you were stopped by a fire nation guard, “My lady!” he exclaimed quickly running over to you.

You wave him off, “No need for formalities, I’m not your lady here.”

He stood back straight in front of you, “Apologies my- y-your majesty.” He caught himself but you still saw no need for the title. “We were under strict instructions to keep a close guard to your majesty.” 

“What’s your name?” You stepped closer to him. 

“Aito, y-your majesty” he flustered. 

“Well, Aito, I’m Y/n, so no need for the formalities.” you spoke softly with a smile on your face, “Who gave you those orders?” 

“The Fire Lord, Princess Y/n.” You rolled your eyes at his stubbornness but Princess Y/N was as close as you would get to dropping the title. “If you are to leave the palace grounds then I  must inform the Fire Lord of your movements.” He explained, your breath caught. The very last thing you wanted was Zuko knowing your whereabouts, you were doing this to avoid him. 

“Well, Aito, I am off to buy him a birthday present, a top secret mission.”

“I understand Princess Y/n, but I must insist.” 

“How about you come with me?” You suggested, he was thrown by that but you continued, “Yeah! We’re buddies now Aito, if I had a guard with me the Fire Lord wouldn’t need to worry about my whereabouts and I will remain in safe hands.”

Aito seems to think this over but agrees, seeing no holes in the plan. “As you wish,  your majesty.” You sighed but smiled at him nonetheless before you turned and made your way down the palace steps, Aito remaining in close proximity behind. 

—

“Y/N!” Katara exclaimed, she was waiting by your room door as she watched you approach. You had actually had a lovely day with Aito and he was surprisingly informative of what to get and what stores to avoid entirely and had even gift wrapped the small antique, promising you he would get it to the Fire Lord. You had eventually settled on a small hairpin made from the most beautiful shade of Jade you had ever seen with a small pearl sat in the centre of the handle. It was a simple gift, it reminded you of your early days when you used to rake your fingers through his hair.

“You’ll need to start tying it up soon, I have so many hair pins to offer” You were sitting on the edge of your bed, Zuko was between your legs, his back facing you as you massaged his scalp with various oils. 

“Mhm” was all he replied, he was in absolute heaven, his head resting on your bare thigh as he traced lazy circles on your shin, his eyes closed. You chuckled at the state of him before you pulled some hair off his face leaning down to place a soft kiss on his forehead.

“Y/n?” Katara Prodded. You had looked up at her as she finally caught your attention.

“Hm?”

“I said, where have you been?” She crossed her arms over her chest as she impatiently awaited your answer. 

“Oh.. I was just…out” You replied in an attempt to spare her the details. Luckily for you Katara was in no mood to continue to jab at you with questions.

She grabbed your arm, dragging you to your room “Right, come on we need to get you ready.”

“We?” You questioned as she pushed open the door to your room to reveal Toph lazily tossing rocks around as she lounged on your bed.

Katara placed you down in front of a large vanity that was scaled with hues of red and glimmering gold. She began working on your hair, already placing small plaits where they needed to be. Sokka and Aang were on the other side of the palace enforcing a similar technique as Sokka attempted to rustle Zuko’s hair. 

“Aang you could give me a hand!” Sokka exclaimed, feeling a tad overwhelmed at the sheer amount of hair laid in front of him. Aang who was sitting by the balcony fiddling with a small airball, looked over at the two. 

“What do you want me to do? I’m bald.” he reasoned and Zuko huffed a laugh. 

“You guys know I have servants for this.”

“Yeah, yeah you’re the Fire Lord but this has to look special” Sokka explained. While creating a tangled mess. He clearly wasn’t as skilled in this as his sister. 

“Why?” Zuko questioned.

Sokka panicked slightly before remembering, “Cause it’s your birthday!”. Zuko rolled his eyes, it’s not like he wanted this anyway, it was his council that insisted ‘"The Fire Lord’s birthday is a nationwide celebration my lord, you mustn't break that tradition now!”’ they would say until Zuko eventually agreed. His actual birthday wasn’t until next week anyway so this was the best he could negotiate. 

Zuko quickly swatted Sokka away, “No, I’ll just do my hair as I always do, there is nothing special about today. 

He stood before shouting down the corridor, “Izi!”, a young man who Sokka assumed to be Izi appeared at the door. 

“Yes my lord?” he spoke calmly. 

“My hair please.” was all Zuko had to say, he took a seat once again. Izi nodded before getting to work forcing a helpless Sokka to join Aang at the balcony on the other side of the room.

“I think you forget he is the Fire Lord” Aang said as he dissipated the small airball. 

Sokka simply nodded, “Yeah, maybe I do.”

—

After the initial formal celebrations, Zuko’s birthday party was now in full swing. A small band played quietly in the corner as the Fire Lord finished up greeting other nobles. Finally, he was able to join his friends.

But there was a frown which had crossed his brow as he approached them, “Has anyone seen Y/n?” he questioned them, Sokka simply nodded in your direction and Zuko followed his line of sight. 

There you were, in a long, deep red dress, like a goddess. That colour was made for you, nothing could convince him overwise He couldn’t help the way his breathing stopped as he watched you, smiling and laughing with someone that was not him. Some nobleman he had never seen before, he felt a burning in his chest as he straightened up and confidently made his way over to you. 

“Y/n” he said softly, catching your attention. The man you were talking to also turned at the sound of his voice, his face was a picture of frustration until he turned to face the Fire Lord, forcing  himself down into a quick bow. That satisfied Zuko for some reason.

“My lord!” The stranger said, “This is a fine party!”Zuko almost wanted to roll his eyes at the unashamed flattery. 

“Thank you” Zuko said, his tone sharp. “Please excuse us” the nobleman nodded before leaving you both alone. 

You couldn’t keep your eyes off Zuko during the whole interaction, he was the picture of royalty, it froze you in place and stopped you from disagreeing with him while he slipped his hand into yours and whispered for you to come with him. You should have stopped him, pulled your hand from his, told him that this was wrong. But the felling of his hand in yours sated a deep hunger that you had been craving since the day you left. 

It wasn’t until you were shut into a small storage cupboard with him that your senses came back to you. Even if Zuko was trying his best to keep you senseless, he wrapped his arms around your waist slowly while he dipped his head down to place soft kisses along your exposed neck, remembering just the way you loved to be kissed there.

“Zuko.. wait” You managed to breathe out as you placed your hands on his shoulders. 

Zuko pulled back immediately, keeping his hands on your waist as he looked into your eyes. “My love?” He questioned and you almost melted at the way he spoke, the way his eyes peered into you.

You had placed your hands on his chest now, pushing him backwards, forcing him to release his grip on you. Much to both of your dismay. “We cannot.” you shook your head at him. 

Zuko chuckled at you, “We cannot? Why not? Are you betrothed? Was it that man you were talking to because Y/n I SWEAR I WILL-” His fist ignited, instantly heating the small room.

You quickly doused his fist with water from a bucket nearby in an attempt to sedate his spiraling. “No! No it’s nothing like that.” you explained. He signed, dropping his hand. Only you could get away with putting out his flames, especially when you managed to do it so casually. 

“Then why?” he stepped forward to hold you once again, his hand still warm on your waist. 

“You know why Zuko” You looked up at him and placed your hands on his chest once more but made no move to push him away. 

“You’re here, you read my letter… You still love me” he spoke in a low tone, glancing at your lips.

“It was never about not loving you Zuko” You replied, shaking your head. He moved a large hand from your waist to your cheek. You slowly closed your eyes and inhaled his scent, wishing to remain in this moment forever. 

“Then what was it about?” He whispered, his face was much closer to yours now while his lips ghosted over yours seeking permission to do something he has yearned for over the last 8 months. You opened your eyes to meet his amber ones.

“Really Zuko?” He stopped leaning in, a confused look on his face, you pushed him off you completely once more, this time with no intention of allowing him to pull you in once again. “I would have to leave my people, my home!” you explained with disbelief, 

“I never asked that of you!” His voice was rising, his temper bubbling. 

“You never had to!” you exclaimed, your volume matching his before you let out a breath, trying to calm yourself before going on, “‘Following the acceptance of the ring your Fire Lady duties begin immediately’, that is what your advisor told me.” 

Zuko watched you as you explained, remaining silent and observant. “I would have to give up travel and remain here in the situation that the Fire Lord is unavailable, I would have to be the saving face, I wouldn’t be able to-to see my father or help with missions that you are on, I would simply be a wife, a lady, made to produce heirs… that's not me Zuko!”

You were slightly out of breath from your rant, a bubble rising in your throat as you spoke. Zuko didn’t move toward you this time. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” 

You laughed bitterly at that, “Because I know you Zuko, you would have left the throne, your responsibilities, I couldn't, no I wouldn’t let you do that.” You looked down “Not for me.” You didn’t allow yourself to feel trapped by this, you said nothing more as you swiftly exited the cupboard. You weren’t going to let Zuko crawl in again and you were certainly not going to make him choose between his nation and you. 

—

Later in the evening Zuko was finally able to retire. He trudged to his room exhausted from socialising all day. During his walk he noticed that he passed by where you were staying and considered knocking on your door. He stopped in front of the door and raised his hand but before he could make contact with the large door he paused and dropped his hand back to his side before continuing onto his room now filled with an unknown sadness which tugged at his heart within his chest. 

“Fire Lord”  a guard bowed as he noticed Zuko nearing his room. Zuko waved him off tiredly before noticing the small box he held. 

“What’s that?” He questioned, the guard looked at him. 

“A birthday present sir, from Princess Y/n” Zuko’s heart leaped at hearing your name. “She gave strict instructions not to open this until next week sir” he explained. 

“Why?” Zuko knew the reason but he wanted to hear it out loud. 

“She wanted you to open it on the day of your actual birthday.”

Zuko took the small box from him before dismissing the guard for the night. He looked at it carefully, his name was written on the top in your delicate handwriting forcing a smile to creep its way onto his face. 

—

The rest of your stay seemed to pass by in a blur, You and Zuko said nothing more to each other but still remained on a level of civility in the professional, royal way you both always did. It frustrated your friends entirely, especially when Katara would catch Zuko with his eyes on you for a tad longer than was necessary, or when Toph would feel you slowly inching your hand closer and closer to Zuko’s during dinner together one night. Clearly the decision for your split wasn’t something either of you wanted and it was clear to everyone that you were made for one another. 

When it came to your departure you were overwhelmed with sadness. You didn’t know the next time you would all be together and even though you hadn’t entirely worked things through with Zuko, you still felt like you had a fun week.

Zuko approached the group, his hand placed calmly at his back as his royal advisor followed him, five paces behind. 

“Zuko!” You said, your voice practically melting into his ears forcing a wide grin onto his face as he watched you reach out to hug him, his own arms opening to embrace you. 

“I’m coming with you” He spoke quietly to you in your ear. You shot back from him, concern littered your features. 

“Wh-what?” You stuttered out, “What about your duties here?” His arms still remained around you, he wanted to hold you for as long as possible and you wanted that too but you quickly remembered where you were and released him. You quickly glanced over to your friends, each of them had a cheeky expression slapped onto their faces. 

“My chamberlains have been briefed to deal with the nation in my absence and the Avatar will be lengthening his stay should anything arise.” Zuko spoke professionally, “I have business with Chief Arnook specifically, my advisor will be joining.” he motioned to his advisor who stood behind him, he gave you a simple nod. Before you looked over at Aang who stood proudly with a comically large smile on his face, you were worried they all knew something you didn’t

“What business?” you narrowed your eyes at Zuko and he shook his head, the smile still gracing his face.

“That is between me and the chief.” he stated definitively, you simply had no choice but to comply, you turned from him swiftly.

“You have your own ship?” You spoke over your shoulder as you began to board. 

“Actually I was hoping to join you, my advisor will travel on one of our own ships.” You turned to look down at him from the ramp, his eyes looked so sweet, so hopeful, but you still didn’t like where this was going. 

“Fine” was all you said before you turned back around, with your back facing him Zuko shot his friends a quick thumbs up who all returned it, except Toph of course, before he followed you onto the ship. 

—

You stood, once again, on the top deck of your ship The wind grew sharper as you neared the North Pole. It was so different to the rest of the world, that became a blinding fact to you on your travels. No matter where you went, how far you only thought of returning to one place, somewhere that never left your mind.

“Cold up here huh?” Zuko interrupted your thoughts as he joined you on the deck. “I don't think I've been up here since-” he cut himself short as he remembered not wanting to bring up thoughts of your older sister. You simply gazed at the water, you never stopped thinking about her. 

“Since the Fire Nation invaded.” You finished for him and he looked up at you, resting back against the railing that you were facing. 

“Yeah”

You huffed, turning to meet his eye, Zuko had hardly given you a moment of peace since you both set off, his constant presence was beginning to get irritating and the fact that you didn’t know why he was here angered you more. 

“What are you doing here Zuko?” You asked, he casually lit a small flame in his palm, using it to heat his hands. 

“What do you mean? I’m talking to you” He shrugged, he was playing dumb and you had no time for it.

“No, Zuko, you know what I mean.” Even though there was such malice in your voice Zuko knew that he would never get sick of hearing his name fall from your lips, the way you said in such an angelic tone just set his heart aflutter, He would happily spend the rest of his life pretending to forget his own name just so he could hear you say it over and over again.

He put out the small flame and turned to face the ocean, just like you were. You didn’t miss how close he stood to you, how comfortable he seemed in your presence.”You know my uncle would teach me a lot, not just train me but how to accept the spiritual world, the world around us and how we all play a part in the great balance.” You listened intently, where was he going with this? “He also taught me about the people of the Water Tribes, how you change with the movements of the ocean, push and pull with the tides, at the time I believed it to be spiritual nonsense but then I saw it, in you.” He tore his eyes from the vast ocean to look at you, “The most stubborn person I know, changed, to trust me, to love me.” He grasped your hand and placed it against his chest.”NowI know, I must do the same.”

You looked up at him, making no effort to move your hand, what exactly was his business with your father? And why was he being so cryptic?

Zuko simply leaned forward to kiss your head, before he left you, alone with nothing but the warmth of his presence left behind.

The minute you had reentered the Northern Water Tribe you had half expected to be bombarded by your councilmen on everything you had missed and everything your father was unable to do but much to your surprise there was no one awaiting your arrival at the dock except for your cousin. 

“Riuk!” You exclaimed pulling her into a tight hug which she happily returned. 

“Y/n” her smile wide, "There's someone I would like you to meet, " she looked to her left as her husband walked over, clutching a small child wrapped in a delicate light blue shawl.

“She is beautiful!” You gasped as soon as you saw her, reaching forward to tickle the small baby’s cheek which provoked a small smile from her, “Do you have a name?”

Riuk shared a glance with her husband before speaking, “We have an idea, but I wanted to share it with you first.” You finally dragged your gaze from the baby and looked at your cousin, concerned by her tone but urged her to go on. “The birth was complicated and long and well we were unsure if I or the baby would survive but the night of her birth, during the full moon, we prayed to the spirits and-”

“The spirits save her.” You finished, a smile making its way to her face, 

“We would like to name her Yue” Ruik spoke and you pulled her into a tight hug once more, tears of joy threatening to spill. Once you pulled back from your cousin, overjoyed, you noticed her gaze drift, she quickly leaned into you whispering. “Who is that?” 

You turned to follow her gaze, landing upon the Fire Lord, standing on the deck as he watched your reunion. You had such a way with people, you lit up with every person you spoke to, always listened and never made anyone feel alone. This time was no different and it was a trait he used to see fit for a Fire Lady.

You turned back to your cousin before stepping aside as Zuko made his way down the ramp. 

“Riuk, may I introduce Fire Lord Zuko, Zuko, this is Princess Riuk, my cousin and 3rd in line for the throne.”

Zuko presented a deep bow toward your cousin. “ It is an honour, Princess.” He said, you were caught off guard by his formalities, he had abandoned them for you a long time ago. 

“The pleasure is all mine, my Lord” Riuk returned, giving him a small smile.

“And who is this?” Zuko asked, the whining baby beside her catching his attention.

Riuk slowly grasped her child from her husband, holding her out towards the Fire Lord, “May I present, for the first time in her life, Princess Yue.” Zuko’s eyes quickly flashed to you, you had a wide grin on your face as you watched the baby gurgle and laugh at Zuko. 

“What a beautiful name.” Zuko said softly and Riuk smiled at him. All of a sudden Baby Yue gazed upwards and burst into tears, causing Zuko to flinch back in panic. “I-i’m sorry, my scar-” He was well aware of how his scar looked to children and he often wondered if his own would fear it.

“No!” Riuk quickly reassured, “It must just be feeding time.” she gave Zuko a smile and bowed before turning to you. 

“Your father awaits your audience in the council hall” You nodded, giving her a small smile before she left.  You gulped hard out of fear of what waited for you in that hall, what Zuko would need to talk to your father about. Zuko reached forward, placing a light hand on your lower back. 

“Shall we?” You nodded even if you weren’t sure if you were ready, but from what you could feel from Zuko’s hand on your back was that he was positively giddy. 

—

“My dear! It is lovely to see your face. I trust there were no hardships on your journey?” Your father boomed as you entered the council hall. 

You bowed in greeting as he spoke. You glanced over your shoulder at the mention of hardships, at Zuko. But you decided to say nothing.

“Of course not father, smooth sailing.” You reassured him.

Your father grinned, before turning to the man behind you. “Fire Lord Zuko.”

He stepped forward and bowed, taking a place beside you  “Chief Arnook”. 

“From your letters you seemed to imply that this was a matter of urgency, no?” Your father sat high up, dripping with regality, it was the type of Aura you hoped to one day achieve but as someone who was thrown into this life, who wasn’t made for it you knew there was no way you would be able to command a room the way your father did. The way Yue did, at times you felt guilty for your position, this is where she should be, what she trained for, not you. 

Zuko nodded, “Yes, your highness.” He turned to one of his servants who stepped up the stairs to your father at a mind numbingly slow pace. He presented an intricate mahogany box, detailed with carvings of Fire Nation and Water Tribe symbols together. Your father reached forward and opened the box, examining its contents. You looked at Zuko, confused,  who was standing with a large smile adorning his face, he quickly looked at you before turning back to your father. 

“You father, stared down inside the box, thinking, contemplating and after what felt like an eternity he looked up from it and at you. Your gaze, however, was fixed on Zuko, which seemed to settle things in your father’s mind. He waved off the Fire Nation boy before turning to Zuko. 

“Let us speak in private”  He gestured to a small door off to your left and Zuko nodded as he turned to his advisor. Your father pushed out a small groan as he struggled pushed himself to stand, it took everything in you not to help him, knowing you would just get scolded as you did before but Zuko noticed. 

The chief held the door, allowing Zuko and his advisor to enter first. As you moved to join your father stopped you. “I’m sorry my dear, this must be done without you”

You scoffed at him, attempting to push past anyway “If it concerns the fate of my people then I must be involved. 

“Our people” your father corrected as he shook his head. “Now is not the time for your stubborness, this is final Y/n”

You huffed at him but ultimately listened, you knew better than to challenge him after something had been deemed final. So you turned, allowing them to close themselves in the small space and you moved to sit patiently, although you probably looked more like a defiant child, on the steps of the hall.  

After waiting for what seemed to be forever, you heard the click of a door handle. You stood up quickly, your vision going briefly fuzzy from the speed before you made your way over to the small office. Zuko alone exited the warm light from the room escaping from behind his silhouette. You watched your father and his advisor expectantly as they remained seated behind him. 

“Whats going on?” You asked as you looked up at Zuko, he simply smiled at you before he slipped his large, warm hand into your own. 

“Come with me.” He led you out the large hall, you should have swatted his hand away and demanded to know what they had discussed. What fate they decided for the future of your people, but there was something in Zuko, in his gaze, the way he held you felt so familiar you had no choice but to trust him.

Before you knew it you were both entering the spirit oasis of your home, your worries seemed to fade in the peaceful environment as you placed yourself down by the small pool. You mindlessly teased the water by the edge of the grass as you watched the two fish swim side by side. 

“They both need the other to keep the peace. They are equals in this life and will be in the next” Zuko spoke as he sat beside you, his eyes trained on the spirits before him.

You looked up at him, “Since when did you become so spiritual?”

He stared ahead, “I’ve had a lot of time to think.” You nudged him lightly, forcing a smile to creep onto his face as he looked at you, “alright, my uncle taught me a lot.” he said defensively. 

“Opposites that balance the other out.” you said as you glanced at the fish before looking back at Zuko, your worries were slowly creeping their way back in as you saw the nervous look on his face. 

“This is where we first met, when I was a beautiful young prince.” he joked, trying to ease the tension and you laughed. 

“Bald young prince you mean.”

“Hey! I rocked that look!” You rolled your eyes at him but still had a smile on your face. 

Your laughter faded and Zuko’s eyes became serious once more, “Y/n” he grasped your hand. “You mean so much to me, not only that but to our friends, your family, your people.” He sighed as he looked out to the spirits once more, your hand still in his while he thought deeply. “I’ve learnt a lot these past months, years even. You have taught me a lot. That's why I wanted to give you this.”

He released your hand to reveal the small detailed box from earlier. You watched him curiously as he opened the box, allowing you to look inside. You gasped as you saw the contents. Inside there lay a small necklace, it was woven with a mixed hue of the most beautiful red and blue satin you had ever seen, the charm in the centre was a striking sapphire blue with the emblem of your people carved into it and a few small rubies scattered across it to imitate stars. It was the most breathtaking piece of jewellery you had ever seen, but you couldn’t accept it. 

“Zuko, what is this?” You asked, your heart heavy.

As if he read your mind, Zuko lifted his hand to hold your cheek. “I know I have been pushing my culture on you, the pressures of being a future Fire Lady have not come easy but I understand now.” Tears welled in your eyes as he explained, “You are Princess of the Northern Water Tribe and my Fire Lady, two halves that keep the balance intact. My love, with this betrothal necklace I humbly ask you to be my wife, my other half and help me keep peace and love prospering in this world.”

Your tears were flowing freely now as you struggled to speak but Zuko worked to erase any thoughts of doubt within you. “If you are willing, my darling, I have the blessing of your father, with our discussion you are free to travel between nations however much you like, you’ll have your own space to run Water Tribe affairs and I will willingly be by your side to help you run your nation and I wish you to be at mine. We can do this together.”

There was nothing you could say, Zuko is willing to change the laws, the traditions that have been set in the Fire Nation for generations simply so he could love you for the rest of your lives. You leapt forward at him, wrapping your arms around him tightly as he immediately grasped your torso, slightly thrown back by the force at which you jumped at him.

“Yes! Zuko of course I will!” You spoke, still wrapped around him. You felt Zuko exhale a large sigh of relief as he pulled back from you. Slowly he pulled your hair to the side before clasping the necklace on for you. You touched the charm, cool on your neck as you turned back to him. 

Slowly you leaned forward and pressed your lips to his. He was warm and soft as he physically melted into the kiss, placing his hands on either side of your face as he savoured the feeling of your lips on his. He knows now that he will love you for eternity in every lifetime and he will never tire of kissing you.

When you eventually pulled back you both grinned wide, “I’ll be your man, yours only, forever”

—

I'm doing Mermay!!