headcanon that zuko trying to convince himself that azula always lies doesnt work and couldnt just go back to sleep not knowing if ozais going to murder him or not. He runs from his bedroom looking for ursa but bumps into no one other than azulan heading to bed. Zuko instantly freezes, apologizing profusely in a panicked matter dropping to his knees. And firelord azulan releases all the anger caused by his youngest sons treacherous want to become the next firelord like they didnt just lose a limb (because that is what family is, a part of you) and concerned with the fact that zuko is terrified and shaking and on the verge of a panic attack azulan calls his name and when zuko looks up eyes wide still visibly shaking because azula said firelord azulon his grandfather wants him dead and now the firelord is right in front of him so tall and mad and scary tears begin to fall and zuko begs for his life i am your loyal grandson i will love and fight and protect the fire nation with my honor and all of my being, firelord. Zuko! Dear child what in agnis name has you so shaken? .....yo...y.you said that father must lose his firstborn. That father must be punished for asking to become firelord. That father has to kill me. azulan brings his hand to zukos face trying to comfort him wiping the tears that still are falling and tells him, appalled by any notion of that he would have ozai kill his firstborn: i did not ask your father to sacrifice your life, never would i have you are my blood my lifeline. You are to become irohs son. Because even though zuko was a disaster at ozais presentation earlier he loves his grandchildren so and can not afford to lose another one (and thats why its his decision to give zuko to iroh in order to punish ozai for trying to gain power in light of lu tens death) And it just makes the way ozai brought his hand to zukos face during the agni kai a lil bit worse cuz he got forgiveness and love from his grandfather and a face full of fire from a man who is supposed to love him unconditionally
