i’m wide awake, i crave your taste all night long

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue across the icy expanse of the Northern Water Tribe.

The Gaang had made their way north to visit the tranquil village, eager to regroup with their allies and recharge after their last battle. Zuko, now a trusted member of the group, had been a part of their team for some time, his fiery temperament mellowing under the warmth of friendship.

As evening fell, Zuko found himself slipping away from the warm glow of the warriors’ gathering hall. His heart raced with excitement, but he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of guilt. He was on his way to meet Y/N, the stunning waterbending princess of the Northern Water Tribe. Their secret rendezvous had become a cherished escape from the weight of his past, a place where he could be just Zuko and not the exiled prince of the Fire Nation.

Zuko made his way through the glimmering streets, his mind focused on the evening ahead. Y/N was enchanting, with a spirit as free as the ocean waves. They often met by a secluded spot near the coast, a hidden alcove surrounded by rocks and softly illuminated by the moonlight. Their conversations flowed as freely as the water, and every moment spent with her felt like a breath of fresh air.

Meanwhile, back at the hall, Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph gathered around the fire, their chatter filled with laughter and stories from their travels. Sokka leaned back, eyeing Zuko’s empty seat across from him.

“Where do you think Zuko keeps disappearing to every night?” he asked, suspicion lacing his tone.

Aang shrugged, his curiosity piqued. “He’s been really dedicated to training lately. Maybe he’s just taking some time to himself.”

“Or maybe he’s off brooding about something,” Toph smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Katara crossed her arms, her brows furrowing. “I don’t know… It’s a little odd, don’t you think? He’s been leaving right after dinner every night.”

Sokka nodded, his expression serious. “We should follow him. If he’s up to something, I want to know what it is. It could be dangerous.”

Toph rolled her eyes, clearly amused. “Are you sure it’s not just a crush? You know how moody he gets. He probably just wants to be alone.”

“Yeah, well, I’d rather see it for myself,” Sokka said, determination in his voice. “We’ll follow him tonight.”

As night fell, Zuko met Y/N at their secret spot, the sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop to their soft laughter. They talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories and dreams as they watched the stars twinkle above.

“Do you think they’ll ever accept you?” Y/N asked gently, her eyes reflecting concern.

Zuko sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I hope so. But my past… it’s a heavy burden. Sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve happiness.”

Y/N reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. “You deserve it, Zuko. You’re not the same person you were. You’re trying to change, and that’s what matters.”

Just then, a rustling noise broke through their moment. Zuko’s heart raced, instinctively looking around. “Did you hear that?”

Before he could react, Sokka, Aang, and Katara emerged from the shadows, their expressions a mix of surprise and triumph. Toph followed behind, her trademark smirk plastered on her face.

“Zuko!” Sokka called, pointing an accusatory finger. “What’s going on here?”

Y/N quickly pulled her hand away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Zuko felt a surge of anger and embarrassment as he faced his friends.

“Guys, this isn’t what it looks like,” Zuko stammered, his usual composure slipping.

“Looks like a date to me,” Sokka teased, trying to mask his surprise with bravado.

Katara’s eyes widened as she turned to Y/N, who stood frozen, her expression a mix of surprise and apprehension. “You’re… you’re Princess Y/N?”

“I… uh…” Y/N stammered, unsure of how to respond.

“Zuko’s been keeping secrets!” Aang chimed in, grinning. “And here we thought he was just brooding alone!”

Zuko glared at his friends, a mixture of frustration and embarrassment coursing through him. “I didn’t want to hide this. I just wanted to keep it special.”

“Special?” Sokka raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin on his face. “This is epic!”

“Yeah, what’s the deal?” Toph chimed in, crossing her arms. “You two should’ve just told us. We would have supported you!”

Y/N finally found her voice, a hint of laughter breaking through her initial surprise. “I didn’t think it would be this complicated!”

Zuko took a deep breath, his heart racing as he turned to face Y/N. “I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t know how. You mean a lot to me, and I didn’t want to put pressure on us.”

Y/N smiled softly, her eyes shimmering under the moonlight. “I feel the same way, Zuko. I didn’t want to rush things either.”

“Okay, so are you guys dating or what?” Sokka interrupted, his curiosity piqued.

“Yes,” Zuko admitted, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. “We are.”

A cheer erupted from the group, laughter and teasing filling the air. Katara stepped forward, beaming at Y/N. “You’re perfect for him. Just know that if he hurts you, I’ll have to kick his butt!”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Zuko promised, his gaze steady on Y/N. “I care about her too much.”

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the battlefield as the sounds of clashing elements began to fade. Zuko stood at the edge of the clearing, his breath ragged and his muscles tense as he scanned the area for any lingering members of the Avatar’s group. The fight had been another stalemate, neither side truly gaining ground, but something felt different this time—something he couldn’t quite place.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, trying to shake off the strange feeling gnawing at him. But then, his eyes fell on her.

Y/N, the princess from the other Water Tribe.

She had joined the Avatar’s group only a few weeks prior, and though Zuko had fought them countless times before, her presence had thrown him off balance ever since. Her fluid movements as she bent water were as graceful as they were powerful, and there was a strength in her that intrigued him, though he would never admit it.

Zuko’s gaze followed her as she skillfully deflected a few firebending blasts with ease, her face calm and focused despite the chaos around her. But then, out of nowhere, a blast of fire—hotter and more dangerous than the rest—came hurtling toward her.

Before Zuko even had time to think, his body moved on instinct.

He lunged forward, his feet carrying him across the battlefield faster than he thought possible. With a sweeping motion of his arms, he redirected the fire away from her, sending it into the sky where it dissipated harmlessly.

Y/N stumbled back, her eyes wide in shock as she looked at him. “Zuko…?”

The surprise in her voice mirrored the confusion swirling in his mind. He stood there, frozen for a moment, realizing what he had just done. He had saved her—saved the enemy.

"Be careful," he muttered, his voice low and gruff, doing his best to hide the tremor in it. He turned quickly, not daring to meet her gaze again. “Next time, I won’t be there to save you.”

Without another word, Zuko retreated, disappearing into the forest as the fight slowly came to a close. His heart raced, his mind replaying the moment over and over again, each time making less sense.

Why had he saved her?

---

The Gaang stood dumbfounded as they watched Zuko disappear into the distance, the tension in the air thick with disbelief. Y/N still stood frozen, her mind trying to process what had just happened.

“Wait, did Zuko just save Y/N?” Sokka blurted out, his face twisted in confusion. He pointed toward the spot where Zuko had been moments before. “Zuko?”

“I think so,” Katara responded slowly, her brow furrowed as her eyes darted between Y/N and the distant forest where Zuko had vanished. “Why would he…?” Her voice trailed off, unable to comprehend Zuko’s actions.

“Because it was me or the fire,” Y/N replied, finally finding her voice. “But… yeah, I didn’t expect him to step in.”

Toph, leaning on her earthbending stance, raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Well, looks like Sparky’s got a soft spot.”

Sokka’s jaw dropped. “No way! He’s evil! There’s no way he’d help Y/N unless he’s planning something!”

Aang scratched the back of his head, still wide-eyed. “Maybe he’s not as bad as we thought? I mean, that was a pretty bold move for someone who supposedly hates us.”

Katara crossed her arms, her skepticism clear. “I don’t trust him. It could’ve been a trick.”

Y/N remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the direction Zuko had left. She could still feel the heat of his firebending, not as a weapon, but as a shield. His words echoed in her mind: "Be careful." It was more than just a warning. There was something else in his voice—something almost protective. But why?

Toph let out a snort. “You know, for someone who’s supposedly chasing us down, he sure seems to care about one of us not getting burned alive.”

Sokka groaned dramatically. “Oh, no. Don’t tell me Zuko has a thing for Y/N. The Fire Prince and the Water Princess? That sounds like something out of one of those awful love stories.”

Aang’s eyes lit up, and he grinned mischievously. “Actually, that’s kinda perfect! A firebender and a waterbender—a perfect balance!”

Y/N’s face flushed. “It’s not like that!”

“Sure,” Katara smirked. “But he sure risked a lot to keep you safe. Maybe he doesn’t even know how he feels.”

Sokka crossed his arms. “Oh great, now we have to deal with Fire Nation Romeo making goo-goo eyes at Y/N.”

“Please,” Y/N rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up her neck. “He probably just didn’t want to accidentally kill one of us and ruin his whole ‘capture the Avatar’ plan.”

Toph laughed. “Whatever you say, Princess.”

Y/N shot her a look, but deep down, even she couldn’t ignore the strange feeling twisting in her stomach. Why did Zuko save her? She wasn’t sure, but the memory of his voice, gruff but concerned, lingered in her mind longer than she wanted it to.

---

Later that night, Zuko sat beside a small fire in their camp, his eyes trained on the flickering flames as if they held the answers to his confusion. His mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts, none of which he wanted to face.

From across the fire, Uncle Iroh quietly observed him, sipping from a small cup of tea. The silence between them stretched on for several long minutes before Iroh finally spoke.

“You seem troubled, Prince Zuko.”

Zuko glanced up, startled, then quickly looked away. “I’m fine,” he muttered, though the tension in his voice betrayed him.

Iroh chuckled softly. “Ah, I see. So you often sit by the fire looking as though the world is weighing down on your shoulders when everything is ‘fine’?”

Zuko gritted his teeth, the heat of embarrassment rising to his face. His uncle always had a way of seeing right through him. “It’s nothing,” he said again, though his mind was still on Y/N—on the way she had looked at him when he saved her, the shock in her eyes.

Iroh sipped his tea again, his eyes twinkling with knowing amusement. “Was it nothing when you saved the Water Tribe princess today?”

Zuko’s heart skipped a beat, his gaze snapping to his uncle. “You saw that?”

“Of course,” Iroh said, his smile soft but all too wise. “It was quite the unexpected moment, I must say.”

Zuko’s jaw tightened. “It didn’t mean anything,” he said quickly, almost defensively. “I wasn’t thinking. It just… happened.”

“Ah, yes,” Iroh nodded sagely. “Sometimes, the heart acts before the mind can catch up. A natural instinct, wouldn’t you say?”

Zuko scowled, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t have feelings for her,” he snapped, his voice a little too sharp for his liking. “She’s the enemy. I was just… caught up in the moment.”

Iroh chuckled again, his eyes warm with understanding. “Perhaps, Zuko, your heart is beginning to change. Not everything is as black and white as it seems. Enemies today may not always be enemies tomorrow.”

“I’m not having a change of heart,” Zuko insisted, though doubt crept into his words. “I’m still going to capture the Avatar. I haven’t changed.”

“Maybe,” Iroh mused, “or maybe it’s something else entirely.” He gave Zuko a knowing smile. “Perhaps you have a fondness for the princess? A crush, perhaps?”

Zuko’s face immediately flushed, his heart stuttering in his chest. “What? No!” He shot up from where he was sitting, glaring down at his uncle. “I don’t—! That’s ridiculous!”

But even as he said it, the thought lingered, unwelcome but persistent. Why had he saved her? Why did it matter to him? His stomach twisted in knots as he paced, trying to shake the thought away.

Iroh, as always, remained calm and collected. “There’s no need to be embarrassed, Zuko,” he said softly. “Feelings are a natural part of life. Sometimes, they come when we least expect them.”

Zuko stopped pacing, his hands balling into fists at his sides. “Even if I did feel something—which I don’t—it doesn’t matter. She’s with the Avatar. She’s on the other side.”

Iroh nodded. “True. But remember, life has a way of surprising us. You may find that the people we think of as our enemies today are not so different from us after all.”

Zuko didn’t respond, his mind still racing. He refused to believe his uncle was right. He didn’t care about Y/N. He couldn’t.

But later that night, as he lay staring up at the stars, her face haunted his thoughts. The way she had looked at him with such surprise, the warmth of her voice when she said his name—it echoed in his mind like a melody he couldn’t forget.

And despite himself, Zuko couldn’t help but wonder.

Maybe, just maybe, his uncle was right.

Later that night, Y/N sat by the campfire with the rest of the Gaang. The air was unusually quiet as they all processed what had happened earlier. Katara was stirring a pot of soup, while Sokka was poking at the fire with a stick, his brow furrowed.

Aang was the first to break the silence. “I still can’t believe it. Zuko, of all people, saved you.”

“I know, right?” Sokka chimed in, his voice dripping with disbelief. “The guy has been chasing us across the whole world, and now suddenly he decides to play the hero? What’s his angle?”

Y/N shrugged, though she could still feel the heat of Zuko’s firebending shielding her from harm. “I don’t know,” she muttered, her gaze falling to the ground. “Maybe it was just instinct. He didn’t want things to get out of control.”

Katara snorted. “That’s one way to look at it. But Zuko doesn’t do anything without a reason. There has to be something more going on.”

Toph, who was sitting on a nearby rock with her arms crossed, smirked. “Or maybe it’s a lot simpler than that. Maybe Sparky has a soft spot for our Water Princess.”

Y/N felt her face heat up immediately. “What? No way!” she sputtered, waving her hands dismissively. “That’s ridiculous. He’s just… trying to capture the Avatar like always.”

Sokka leaned in with a mischievous grin. “Or maybe Toph’s right. Maybe it’s love.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, trying to keep her voice steady despite the embarrassment creeping up her neck. “He’s our enemy, Sokka. I doubt he’s going to fall in love with me in the middle of a battle.”

Aang, ever the optimist, grinned. “Well, you know, water and fire do make a good balance. Maybe there’s something to it!”

Y/N groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Can we not? This is getting ridiculous.”

Toph let out a snicker. “Hey, I’m just saying, I’ve got a pretty good sense of people. Zuko’s definitely got some weird feelings brewing.”

Katara chimed in, her tone a mix of amusement and skepticism. “He’s probably just confused. Saving you doesn’t mean he’s suddenly turned into a good guy. But…” She shot Y/N a teasing smile. “It was kind of sweet, don’t you think?”

Before Y/N could respond, Sokka leaned back, laughing. “Oh man, if Zuko did have a crush, that’d be hilarious. Fire Prince Zuko and Princess Y/N? What a pair!”

Y/N threw a small pebble at him, though her face was still flushed. “Enough, Sokka! It was just a fight. Nothing more.”

But despite her protests, she couldn’t stop thinking about the way Zuko had looked at her—like he had genuinely been worried for her. The confusion in his eyes as he warned her to be careful… it wasn’t something she could easily forget.

---

Meanwhile, far from their camp, Zuko lay awake under the stars, staring up at the sky with his hands behind his head. His thoughts were in turmoil, replaying the day’s events over and over again. Why had he saved Y/N? Why had he put himself in danger for her, of all people?

His uncle’s words echoed in his mind. ‘Perhaps you have a fondness for the princess? A crush, perhaps?’

Zuko scowled, pushing the thought away. A crush? On her? That was ridiculous. She was part of the Avatar’s group, the enemy. There was no way he had feelings for her. He barely even knew her.

But the more he tried to convince himself, the harder it was to shake the image of her standing in front of him, looking up at him with wide, surprised eyes. The warmth of his firebending had protected her, but there had been something else—a strange feeling he couldn’t explain.

He groaned in frustration, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. What was wrong with him? Why was this bothering him so much?

“Something on your mind, nephew?” Iroh’s gentle voice broke the silence as he approached, holding two cups of tea.

Zuko flinched but tried to mask his unease. “I’m fine, Uncle,” he muttered.

Iroh sat down beside him, offering him one of the cups. “Hmm. Fine, but still awake and troubled. Would you like to talk about it?”

Zuko hesitated, staring into the fire. He didn’t want to admit what was bothering him, not even to himself. But his uncle always had a way of knowing.

“I don’t know why I saved her,” Zuko finally admitted, his voice quiet. “It just… happened.”

Iroh nodded sagely. “Sometimes, our hearts guide us before our minds can understand why.”

Zuko clenched his fists. “But she’s the enemy. I shouldn’t care about what happens to her.”

“Perhaps,” Iroh said with a knowing smile. “But it seems your heart does care, whether you want it to or not.”

Zuko frowned, his mind still a whirlwind of confusion. He didn’t know what was happening to him, but the more he thought about Y/N, the more complicated everything became.

As the Gaang sat around the campfire, the teasing didn’t show any sign of stopping. Sokka, ever the instigator, leaned back with a mischievous grin, poking the fire with a stick.

“Y’know,” he said, feigning deep thought, “maybe we’ve been going about this all wrong. We’re out here fighting the Fire Nation day after day, but what if the answer’s been right in front of us all along?”

Y/N, already exasperated from the earlier teasing, shot him a skeptical look. “What are you talking about, Sokka?”

He smirked and gestured between her and the fire in the distance where Zuko had last been seen. “A Water Princess and a Fire Prince… Maybe we could bring peace to the world if the two of you just got together. No more fighting. No more chasing. Just a royal wedding to unite the nations.”

Y/N’s face turned a deeper shade of red, and she groaned loudly, covering her face with both hands. “Sokka, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

Aang’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Wait, that could totally work! Water and fire are opposites, but together they create balance, just like me mastering all four elements. Maybe Zuko and Y/N could be, like, the ultimate peace-bringers!”

Toph snorted, barely able to contain her laughter. “I can already see it now: Zuko and Y/N, sitting on the throne, holding hands, fighting evil together with love and unity.”

Katara giggled, clearly amused by the idea, though she tried to sound serious. “Honestly, it would be poetic. A Fire Prince and a Water Princess. Opposites attracting and all that.”

Y/N’s hands flew to her face in embarrassment. “Stop it! That is never going to happen!”

But Sokka, already sensing victory, pressed on. “Hey, you never know. Maybe Zuko’s already thinking about it. After all, he did save your life today.”

Y/N sputtered, glaring at him. “He saved me because… because… I don’t know! Maybe he didn’t want me to get hurt so he could keep chasing the Avatar!”

Sokka leaned in, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Or maybe he’s planning to chase you for another reason.”

Y/N stood up, hands on her hips, ready to retort, but she found herself at a loss for words. The others were laughing, and even she couldn’t help the small, flustered smile creeping onto her face. It was absurd—Zuko, the Fire Prince, and her? But somehow, the teasing was relentless, and a small, quiet part of her couldn’t stop replaying that moment in her head—the way Zuko had looked at her when he warned her to be careful.

As the night wore on and the campfire crackled, Y/N tried her best to ignore the teasing remarks, but the seed had been planted. The idea, ridiculous as it seemed, now lingered in her thoughts. And even though the Gaang continued to joke about the "Water Princess and Fire Prince," Y/N couldn’t help but wonder… was it really so impossible?

---

Far away, Zuko tossed and turned on his bedroll, unable to sleep. His uncle’s words about a potential crush swirled in his mind, mixing with memories of Y/N’s face—her surprised expression when he saved her, the way her waterbending flowed with such grace.

He scowled, sitting up abruptly. No, this was ridiculous. He couldn’t have feelings for her. She was the enemy. And yet…

The journey to the Northern Water Tribe had been long and arduous, but the group finally neared the icy shores of the grand city. Zuko stood at the edge of Appa’s saddle, his eyes locked on the towering walls coming into view. His mind raced—part nerves, part anticipation. Aang and Katara had spoken about meeting the Water Tribe’s princess, Y/N, but Zuko wasn’t sure what to expect.

As they landed, they were greeted by a group of Water Tribe warriors, though it was clear they were awaiting someone more important.

“The princess will meet you shortly,” one of the warriors said, bowing slightly. “She’s been preparing for your arrival.”

Sokka nudged Katara with a grin. “Princess, huh? Bet she’s like Yue. All noble and proper.”

Katara smiled fondly at the memory of Yue but shook her head. “Not everyone’s like Yue, Sokka.”

Toph scoffed, her arms crossed as she sat comfortably on Appa. “Great, another fancy royal type. She better not be all high and mighty.”

Zuko remained quiet, his gaze focused on the palace. The Northern Water Tribe’s city shimmered in the ice and snow, a place of incredible beauty and power, but he couldn’t shake the sense that something—or rather, someone—was about to unsettle him.

And then she arrived.

Y/N stepped out from the palace gates with a group of waterbenders trailing behind her. She wore the elegant, traditional attire of the tribe, but there was something casual about the way she held herself—graceful yet relaxed, confident but not boastful. Her eyes swept across the group, lingering on each of them until they finally landed on Zuko.

“Welcome,” Y/N said, her voice carrying easily across the frozen courtyard. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Aang was the first to move, practically leaping forward in his excitement. “Thank you for welcoming us, Princess Y/N! Your city is amazing!”

Y/N smiled, her lips curving gently. “Please, just Y/N. No need for titles here.”

Sokka grinned at her, giving a mock salute. “Well, you’re already cooler than most princesses.”

Katara elbowed him hard in the ribs, but Y/N just laughed, her eyes twinkling. "I'm glad you think so. But don't let the title fool you—I can hold my own."

Zuko hadn’t said a word, too busy studying her. She was powerful; that much was obvious. But there was a warmth to her that reminded him of Katara, though her energy felt more like the calmness of water flowing steadily.

Y/N turned her attention toward him, and Zuko stiffened under her gaze. "And you must be Zuko," she said, a hint of curiosity in her tone. "The prince who turned against his father."

Zuko straightened, nodding slightly. “I am.”

Her smile didn’t falter. "You made the right choice. Fighting for peace instead of fear is the path worth taking."

For a moment, Zuko didn’t know how to respond. He wasn’t used to receiving such acknowledgment without any bitterness attached. His silence didn’t go unnoticed by the rest of the group.

Toph grinned knowingly, sensing the vibrations in the ground from Zuko’s nervousness. “Oh yeah, he’s all tense. She’s totally got him wrapped around her little finger already.”

Sokka snickered. "Called it! Bet he’s already regretting wearing that broody look."

Zuko shot them a glare, but Y/N either didn’t hear or didn’t care, gesturing for the group to follow her. “Come, you must be tired from your journey. My people have prepared a feast for your arrival.”

As they walked through the grand halls of the palace, Zuko lagged behind, his mind swirling. He could feel the others’ eyes on him, especially Toph’s.

“I can feel how nervous you are, Sparky,” she said quietly as they walked. “She’s just a person, you know. No need to have your insides twisted up in knots.”

Zuko shot her a look, cheeks faintly reddening. “I’m not nervous.”

“Uh-huh.” Toph smirked. “Sure you’re not.”

When they reached the grand hall for dinner, Y/N took her place at the head of the table, her eyes occasionally flickering toward Zuko. He pretended not to notice, but everyone else certainly did.

“So, Princess Y/N,” Sokka began, leaning forward. “How do you spend your royal days? Training waterbenders? Organizing parties? Or, you know, defeating enemies like us.”

Y/N smiled, amused. "More like training waterbenders and making sure our warriors are prepared for anything. Parties aren’t exactly a priority these days."

Zuko remained quiet, watching her interact with the group. He could tell she was a capable leader, someone who was strong but kind, and it made his chest tighten in a way he hadn’t expected. There was something about her, the way she handled herself, that made him feel... off balance.

"You’ve been quiet, Hothead," Toph whispered, her voice dripping with amusement. “What, the princess got your tongue?”

Zuko stiffened, glaring at her. “Shut up, Toph.”

Toph smirked. “Relax, Sparky. Your heart’s pounding like a stampede.”

Sokka, overhearing, grinned from across the table. “Hey, Zuko, how’s it going over there? Enjoying the royal company?”

Zuko glared at him, his face flushing slightly. “I said shut up, Sokka.”

Toph snickered. “Too late. She’s already got you all flustered.”

The next morning, the group gathered at the training grounds to practice their bending. Y/N stood in the center of the field, demonstrating her mastery over water. Her movements were fluid and precise, the water responding effortlessly to her will. Zuko couldn’t help but watch, mesmerized by her control and grace.

“Are you just going to watch, or are you going to join me?” Y/N’s voice cut through his thoughts, and Zuko blinked, realizing she was looking directly at him.

“Uh, I—” Zuko hesitated, glancing at the others, who were grinning like idiots. “I’ll join.”

As he stepped forward, Toph elbowed Sokka. “He’s gonna embarrass himself, I can feel it.”

Sokka grinned. “Maybe he’ll manage to impress her. I doubt it, though.”

Y/N and Zuko faced off, her smile teasing yet focused. “Ready?”

Zuko nodded, trying to push aside the heat creeping up his neck. The spar began, water and fire clashing in a dazzling display of skill. Zuko fought to keep up with her fluid movements, but there was something disarming about the way Y/N moved—almost playful, like she was testing him more than challenging him.

From the sidelines, Toph grinned. “His heart’s pounding harder now. Looks like he’s a goner.”

Katara crossed her arms, smiling knowingly. “I think Y/N might be just what Zuko needs.”

As Zuko and Y/N sparred, it became clear that she was holding back. Her waterbending flowed like a river, never forceful but always controlled, while Zuko’s firebending was more aggressive—he couldn’t help it. The frustration building inside him made his flames larger, hotter, but none of it seemed to faze Y/N.

She deflected his flames with a single movement, sending the water back toward him in a spiraling wave. Zuko quickly dodged, skidding to the side, but as he turned back to counter, he found himself staring straight into Y/N’s teasing grin.

“What’s the matter, Prince Zuko?” she asked, her voice light, playful. “You seem distracted.”

Zuko clenched his fists, his brow furrowing. “I’m not distracted,” he muttered, trying to regain focus.

But it was no use. His mind kept replaying the soft, teasing lilt in her voice, the way her smile seemed to be aimed directly at him. And that only made him push harder, launching another stream of fire toward her. Y/N dodged with ease, stepping lightly across the icy ground as if she were dancing.

“Zuko, breathe,” Katara called from the sidelines, her arms crossed but her voice filled with concern. “You’re not going to win if you let her get under your skin.”

Toph chuckled, her grin widening as she shifted her feet, sensing the vibrations in the earth. “Oh, he’s definitely got more than fighting on his mind.”

Zuko shot a glare in Toph’s direction, but that second of distraction cost him. Y/N took the opportunity to send a jet of water straight toward him, knocking him off his feet. He landed with a thud, the breath knocked out of his lungs as he hit the ice.

For a moment, there was silence. Then Sokka burst out laughing. “Oh, man! She wiped the floor with you!”

Zuko groaned, pushing himself up, but before he could stand fully, a hand appeared in his vision. He looked up, seeing Y/N offering him a hand, her expression soft and amused.

“Good match,” she said with a slight smirk. “You put up a good fight.”

Zuko hesitated before taking her hand, feeling the warmth from her fingers despite the cold air around them. He rose to his feet, his eyes locking with hers, and for a brief moment, everything around them faded. There was something in her gaze, something playful but also… understanding. As if she saw something in him that no one else did.

But then the moment was broken by Toph’s snort. “Wow, Sparky, she knocked you down and now she’s got you all tongue-tied too?”

Zuko pulled his hand back quickly, his face flushing as he turned away. “I’m fine.”

Sokka came over, patting Zuko on the back with a grin. “Yeah, sure. Fine. Totally fine. Except for, you know, getting completely owned by a princess.”

“I didn’t get owned,” Zuko growled, shooting a glare at Sokka, who just laughed harder.

Y/N smiled, her eyes still lingering on Zuko for a moment longer before she turned back to the group. “You all must be hungry after watching the match. Come, let’s get something to eat.”

As they headed back to the palace, Toph fell into step beside Zuko, her smirk unmistakable. “You know, Sparky, for someone who claims not to be distracted, your heartbeat was going crazy the whole time. I could feel it all the way from the sidelines.”

Zuko groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Can you just… not, Toph?”

She grinned. “What? I’m just saying. She’s clearly into you too. You’re just too dense to notice.”

Zuko glared at her, but a part of him couldn’t help wondering if Toph was right. There was something about Y/N—something that pulled him in, no matter how hard he tried to fight it.

As they approached the dining hall, Y/N glanced over her shoulder, her eyes meeting Zuko’s again for a brief second. She gave him a small, knowing smile before turning back, and Zuko’s heart thudded in his chest.

Toph was right. He was definitely in trouble.

As they gathered in the grand dining hall, the group settled around the long, intricately carved table, the warmth of the firelight bouncing off the ice walls. Y/N took her place at the head, her calm demeanor only adding to the regal aura that surrounded her.

Zuko, sitting across from her, tried to focus on the food in front of him, but his eyes kept flickering back to Y/N. The way her fingers effortlessly twirled a strand of water from her cup, the smile that never seemed to fade, it was all too distracting. The others noticed—of course, they did—and it didn’t take long for the teasing to begin.

Sokka leaned forward, a grin already forming on his face. "You know," he started, glancing between Zuko and Y/N, "it’s kinda poetic, don’t you think? The Fire Prince and the Water Princess. It’s like something out of one of those old love stories."

Katara’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she chimed in. "Yeah, opposites attracting and all that. You two would balance each other perfectly."

Zuko’s face immediately flushed, his hands gripping his chopsticks a little tighter. "We’re not—" he started, but Sokka cut him off with a wave.

"Oh, come on, Zuko. Don’t pretend you haven’t thought about it." He leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Fire and water. It’s practically written in the stars."

Toph snorted from beside him. "I can feel your heart pounding from here, Sparky. You’ve been all jittery since we landed, and it’s definitely not because of the cold."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, her amused gaze flitting over to Zuko, who was desperately trying to keep his cool. She didn’t seem flustered at all by the teasing, instead taking it in stride.

"Well," Y/N said with a smirk, her voice light and teasing, "if we’re talking balance, I guess it would make sense. After all, fire needs water to keep it from getting out of control, right?"

The comment sent the group into a chorus of laughter, and Zuko could feel his face heat up even more. He glared at Sokka and Toph, though it did nothing to stop the teasing.

Aang, ever the peacekeeper, grinned as he nodded in agreement. "I think it makes sense! You both have this calm intensity about you. Like… you’re passionate in different ways, but it would complement each other."

"Exactly!" Sokka said, pointing his chopsticks at Zuko dramatically. "See? Even the Avatar agrees! The Fire Prince and the Water Princess, destined to—"

"That’s enough!" Zuko finally snapped, slamming his chopsticks down on the table, his face a deep shade of red. "We’re just… allies. That’s it."

But Y/N, ever calm and unbothered, leaned forward with a playful glint in her eyes. "Allies, huh?" She glanced at the group before meeting Zuko’s eyes again. "Well, I suppose we’ll see what happens, won’t we?"

Zuko nearly choked on his drink at the way she said it, the subtle teasing in her tone making his heart race even faster. He quickly looked away, his mind scrambling for something—anything—to say that wouldn’t make him sound like a complete idiot.

Toph grinned, clearly enjoying every second of Zuko’s discomfort. "You’re making this too easy, Zuko. I didn’t even need to bend to feel how hard you’re blushing."

Sokka leaned closer, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear, "I bet they’ll be exchanging love letters by the end of the week."

Zuko shot him a death glare. "Shut. Up."

But the teasing only continued, the group laughing and throwing playful jabs at the so-called "perfect match" of the Fire Prince and the Water Princess. Through it all, Y/N remained calm, an amused smile on her lips as she occasionally glanced at Zuko, clearly enjoying how flustered he was becoming.

And as the laughter died down and they returned to their meals, Zuko couldn’t help but steal one more glance at Y/N. She caught his eye, giving him a small, knowing smile that made his heart skip a beat.

Maybe, just maybe, there was something to the whole "Fire Prince and Water Princess" idea after all.

The air was crisp and cool as the group moved from the dining hall to the palace’s outer courtyard. The sun had just begun to set, casting shades of pink and orange across the sky, reflecting off the ice sculptures that lined the walkway. Y/N led the way, her steps graceful as she guided them to a peaceful overlook by the water.

Zuko trailed behind, still feeling the heat in his cheeks from the relentless teasing at dinner. Every time he tried to shake the embarrassment, Toph or Sokka would shoot him a look or make another comment under their breath, and it would start all over again.

Y/N, seemingly unbothered by the playful jabs, kept a small smile on her lips as they walked. Her posture was relaxed, her hands lightly trailing along the icy walls of the palace as if she had all the time in the world. Zuko couldn’t help but admire her ease. While the world was on the brink of war, and their futures felt uncertain, she moved through it all with a sense of calm that made everything around her seem less daunting.

It drove him mad—and fascinated him all at once.

As they reached the overlook, Y/N stopped, gazing out at the vast expanse of icy waters. The setting sun cast a golden glow on the waves, the calm surface reflecting the fire in the sky. She turned to face the group, her eyes bright with excitement.

“There’s something I want to show you,” she said softly, motioning for them to sit.

The group gathered around her, curiosity piqued. Aang, always eager to learn new bending techniques, practically bounced on his toes. Katara folded her arms, a smile tugging at her lips, while Sokka, now more relaxed after their earlier banter, sat with his chin propped in his hand.

Zuko, despite his best efforts to act indifferent, found himself leaning closer, his attention fully on Y/N.

With a graceful flick of her wrist, Y/N pulled water from the ocean, bringing it up into a sphere that hovered in the air. She stepped closer to the group, the water shifting and moving as if alive, responding to her every command. Zuko watched as the sphere shimmered, the light from the sunset refracting through it, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.

“I’ve been working on this for a while,” Y/N explained, her voice low and calm. “It’s a technique unique to our tribe, passed down through generations.”

She stepped back, giving the water a gentle push with her palm. It began to spiral, turning faster and faster until it formed a vortex, hovering just above their heads. The group looked up in awe as droplets of water began to fall, catching the light and sparkling like stars.

Even Toph, though unable to see, seemed to sense the beauty of it. “Whoa… that’s pretty cool, Princess.”

“Wait—” Sokka held up a hand. “Is this your way of showing off for Zuko? ‘Cause if it is, I gotta admit, it’s working.”

Y/N shot him a look, her expression soft but amused. “Sokka, not everything is about trying to impress someone.”

Zuko, once again the center of attention, immediately stiffened. “I wasn’t—”

But Sokka wasn’t finished. “I mean, come on, fire and water? It’s like destiny, right?” He leaned back with a smirk. “You two were literally made for each other.”

Y/N laughed lightly, shaking her head. “Is that so?”

Before Zuko could say anything, Aang chimed in, ever the optimist. “He’s kind of right. Fire and water balance each other, just like in nature. It’s all about harmony.”

Toph snorted, smirking in Zuko’s direction. “I dunno, Twinkletoes. I’m still sensing a lot of *tension* from Sparky over here.”

Katara, always the voice of reason, smiled gently at Y/N. “It’s amazing how you control the water so effortlessly. You and Zuko could probably teach each other a lot.”

Zuko, whose face was now burning brighter than the setting sun, couldn’t take it anymore. “Enough!” He stood abruptly, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “Can we just—” He paused, taking a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “Can we focus on the mission, not on… this.”

The teasing grins around him didn’t fade, but they did settle down for the moment. Y/N, however, remained calm, her gaze never leaving him.

“Alright,” she said gently, waving her hand and allowing the water vortex to collapse back into the ocean. “The mission it is, then.”

The group fell silent for a moment, watching the last remnants of the vortex disappear beneath the waves. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the water against the icy shore.

Zuko turned away, embarrassed by how easily the group had gotten under his skin. He was the Fire Prince, and yet, when it came to her, he couldn’t control his reactions. It frustrated him to no end.

But before he could spiral further into his thoughts, Y/N spoke again, her voice soft and steady. “Zuko.”

He hesitated, then turned to face her. She stepped closer, her eyes shining with warmth, not a trace of teasing in her expression.

“I know they’re just messing with you,” she said quietly, so only he could hear. “But if it helps, I’ve always admired your strength. Your fire isn’t something to hide from.”

Zuko blinked, her words sinking in deeper than he expected. She smiled at him, soft and sincere, and for the first time in a long while, Zuko felt like he wasn’t fighting alone.

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N nodded, stepping back to rejoin the group as they began discussing the next part of their journey. But Zuko couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between them—something subtle but undeniable.

As Zuko sat by the fire, lost in thought, Katara nudged Sokka, who was already smirking. It wasn’t hard to notice the way Zuko’s eyes always seemed to drift toward Y/N, the waterbender who had been traveling with them for weeks. Even when he was still their enemy, his gaze lingered a little too long, and now that he was part of their group, his crush was undeniable.

"Look at him," Sokka whispered, leaning closer to Katara. "He’s staring again."

Katara glanced over at Zuko, who quickly averted his eyes, pretending to be fascinated by the flames. She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "He’s so obvious."

Toph, who had been listening, chimed in. "You guys do realize I don't even need eyes to feel how red he's getting, right?" Her grin widened as she pointed directly at Zuko. "He's practically a volcano when Y/N’s around."

At that, Zuko turned crimson, glaring at the ground as he fiddled with his sword. "I don’t know what you’re talking about," he mumbled, trying to sound casual, though the crack in his voice betrayed him.

Y/N, completely oblivious, was busy practicing her waterbending near the river, creating intricate spirals and patterns in the air. Aang watched her in awe, but his attention shifted as he caught the conversation. "Zuko, why don’t you go help her? You know, maybe offer some firebending advice."

Zuko shot him a withering look. "Water and fire don’t mix, Aang."

"Neither did you and Y/N," Sokka quipped, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "But here we are."

Toph burst out laughing, and even Katara couldn’t hide her grin. "You’ve liked her since before you joined us," she teased. "I mean, it’s kind of sweet, if not completely obvious."

Zuko groaned, standing abruptly and trying to escape the teasing. "You guys are impossible."

"Hey, don’t go burning up from embarrassment!" Sokka called after him. "Just go talk to her! It's not like she bends steam!"

Zuko stomped off toward the edge of camp, his heart pounding as he approached Y/N. She didn’t notice him at first, too focused on the water that swirled effortlessly around her. When she finally looked up, a soft smile lit her face. "Hey, Zuko. What’s up?"

He swallowed hard, the teasing voices of the others ringing in his head. "Uh, nothing… just thought I’d… watch."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, amused. "Watch?"

"Your waterbending," he clarified quickly, cursing himself internally. "It’s… impressive."

Y/N’s smile widened as she stepped closer, the water following her movements before dissolving back into the river. "You think so? I always thought firebending was more, you know, dramatic."

Zuko’s mouth went dry as she stood close, too close. He could feel his face heating up again, and he desperately wished he could stop blushing. "Well… fire has its moments, but water’s… graceful."

There was a moment of silence before Y/N laughed softly, the sound like rippling water. "Thanks, Zuko. You’re not so bad yourself."

Behind them, from the safety of the camp, the group watched, still grinning from ear to ear.

"Ten silver pieces says he chickens out," Sokka whispered to Katara.

Katara shook her head. "Nah. I think he's finally going to make a move."

Zuko, meanwhile, was struggling to keep his cool. Y/N’s kindness, her ease with him, made his heart race. He opened his mouth to say something—anything—when suddenly, Sokka’s voice rang out again from the camp.

"Zuko! If you like her, just tell her already!"

Zuko froze, his eyes widening in horror as Y/N looked at him in surprise. For a moment, there was complete silence. Then, Y/N tilted her head, amusement sparkling in her eyes.

"Is that true?" she asked softly, stepping even closer.

Zuko could feel every muscle in his body tense. He could deny it. He could walk away. But something about the way Y/N was looking at him—the way she had always been kind, even when he didn’t deserve it—made him hesitate.

"Maybe," he finally muttered, unable to meet her gaze.

Y/N smiled, reaching out to gently touch his arm. "Well, I think it’s sweet."

Zuko blinked, looking up at her in surprise. "You do?"

She nodded, her expression warm. "Yeah. But next time, don’t let them tease you into admitting it."

As she walked back toward the river, Zuko stood there, feeling a strange mix of relief and embarrassment. Behind him, he could hear the group laughing, but for once, he didn’t care.