Do you have any instances of the caretaker not actually liking the whumpee? Like they aren’t friends at all, not just them being strangers or people they kinda sorta know. Enemies works, or adversaries, or just people on opposite sides of a conflict. Thank you if you do! And thank you even if you don’t!
Oooooh love this. Let me think.
(Gif credit: whumpty-dumpty)
I feel like Katara&Zuko and Aang&Zuko works too. But much more in fanfics than in canon. Here's a good fic for that:
Not Your Enemy By: FireLordFrowny
After a battle gone wrong, Prince Zuko finds himself stranded, hideously and helplessly injured, and the only person around or willing to help him is the Avatar. This is a story of conflict, compassion, and understanding, as the two boys each learn to appreciate the other's motives.
Breathe by Gasmeros
When his ship explodes, Zuko isn't so lucky to get away unscathed. No amount of firebending can protect him from the solid steel the explosion launches everywhere. His ship is lodged in his chest, and he can't breathe. He must rely on the Avatar to do it for him.
The Hunger Games can be like that between the tributes.
Game of Thrones. Jaime and Brienne in Game of Thrones. Fuck I love them so much.
The Eagle of the Ninth is good for this too
Nina and Matthias in Shadow & Bone!!!
Perhaps Emma and Hook from Once Upon a Time
God I know I have more but I'm blanking!!