Bunny 💓

Hot fictional people are ruining my life 🖤 28 - multi-fandom girlie monster & robot lover

[bhaalschosenbunny]

🌸Mai Flowers Masterlist🌸

PLEASE MDNI WITH THIS BLOG UNLESS IT IS FOR THIS STORY. -thank you 🩷

Part 1 🌸

Part 2 🌸

Part 3 🌸

Part 4 🌸

Part 5 🌸

[bhaalschosenbunny]

ALERT ALERT

It’s a real bitch birthday today 🤪🤪🤪

[pusheen]

[sourdough-seal]

“how did you get into writing” girl nobody gets into writing. writing shows up one day at your door and gets into you

[orbitalmirror]

"how did you get into writing" girl i've been tormented by the visions since i was eight years old

[callsign-s0mbra]

“how did you get into writing“ girl one day i had another daydream and i wrote it

[bhaalschosenbunny]

Mai Flowers

Part 5 - Finale

Pairing: Zuko x Reader

Warnings: Angst, Hanahaki Disease, Cursing

Author’s Note: Please check out the masterlist for parts 1-4 if you haven’t read those already. And thankyou to everyone who has been reading and supporting 🩷

🔥

“It’s quiet today, hm?” A young guard, Junyi, says aloud. 

“Yeah.. Shits boring” Heng replies to his friend, “Can’t wait to go get a drink after changeover” He sighs, running a tired hand through his brown locks. 

“That’s if our relief shows up” Junyi reminds him. 

“Oh, they better. If Wu and Xiao think they can keep slacking off around here, I’m gonna kick their-“ 

“Ahem” The voice effectively cuts Heng’s rant short, his shoulders shooting up as he startles. When he turns to face the voice, his heart drops to his stomach. 

“Your highness!” Heng bows frantically, “A thousand sorries, my lady, I did not see you there” He apologizes, as Mai removes her hood. 

“Your highness” Junyi speaks up, black strands of hair frame his face as he bows for a moment. “We were not expecting your visit. What are you doing here?” His dark eyebrows furrow. 

“Are you questioning me?” Mai narrows her eyes. 

“No, my lady! I apologize” Junyi replies, “What can we do for you?” He adds quickly, hoping to smooth things over. 

Both guards stand anxiously as they await Mai’s response. Her face is pinched into her signature scowl, but they notice something’s off. 

Is she drunk? Heng thinks to himself. 

Carefully his eyes dart to the left, sending a look to his colleague. Junyi immediately catches the other man’s gaze, obviously thinking the same thing. Then, Mai’s scent begins to linger in the air, successfully confirming both their suspicions. 

She reeks of alcohol.  

“Where is she?” Mai inquires. Surprisingly, it’s the first sentence she’s slurred, and it’s only the tiniest bit, given how strong she smells. 

“She? Your highness?” Heng feigns confusion, to which Mai rolls her eyes. Her arms cross over her chest, as she taps a foot impatiently. 

“Who else would I be referring to?” Mai says, growing irritated.

“A-Are you sure that’s a good idea right now, my lady? In your current state-“ Junyi says, hoping his choice of words are respectful enough.

They aren’t. 

“In my current state?!” Mai all but growls the words, and his brown eyes widen as the irate woman steps up to him. Junyi’s heart beats loudly against his ribcage, and all Heng can do, is watch on as Mai presses a rough finger into his friend’s chest. 

“That’s the second time you’ve questioned me, peasant” She says darkly, and the young guard is speechless from fear. His mouth opens and closes, like a fish out of water, but no sound comes. 

Instilling such panic in the man seems to relax her rage for the moment. She decides to spare him, taking a few steps back, and smoothing out her attire with a deep breath.  

“You would do better to think less, and listen more” Junyi nods profusely at her words, before bowing. Mai then turns her attention to Heng, who stiffens at her glare. 

“Take me to her, now” Her voice is calm, but threatening, and it has the young man sputtering. 

“Y-Yes, your highness” Heng says with a quick bow, learning from Junyi’s error. “P-Please, follow me, my lady” 

As they walk through the massive corridors, Mai takes in her surroundings. Rusty cell doors, steaming pipes, and the occasional chitter of rats. It’s what she’d expect of a typical prison, although the lack of torturing devices is quite disappointing in her opinion. 

“Leave” Mai says curtly once she’s in front of the exact cell she wants. Heng gladly follows the order, ecstatic to get away from the madwoman. 

“Well well, my dear old friend. To what do I owe this visit?” Azula’s sweet smile almost looks genuine.. almost. But Mai knows behind that facade, is a cruel, depraved soul. 

Azula sits on a lone pillow in the middle of the large cell. Her legs are crossed, with her elbows on her thighs as if she’d been meditating. Mai also notices the shackle cuffed around her left ankle. There’s an extra long chain for mobility that trails from her leg, back to the far wall where it’s attached.

“You mean, old servant? We were never truly friends” Mai quips, folding her arms over her chest. Azula looks down at her fingernails, an unbothered look on her face. 

“Trust me, even back then, I was aware you were only around because of my mother’s wishes for me to have friends” She looks up to Mai now, a sinful look in her eyes, “But I kept you around because you were convenient.. pliable” Azula smirks as she reminisces on all the terrible things Mai had done for her. She stands from her pillow, holding her hands above her head and stretching a moment. 

“You talk like I’m some idiot you manipulated. I had to listen to you, you were the princess. No one would have listened if it wasn’t for that title” Mai tries to defend herself. 

“You listened to me because you liked my brother” Azula corrects, and the way Mai’s eyes widen doesn’t go unnoticed to her piercing gaze. 

“You wanted to be around him, and if you pissed me off, you’d have been kicked out of the palace. How frustrating it must have been, to be on your best behavior for me, and even still, his eyes were on someone else” She says, and then her eyebrows furrows as if in thought for a quick moment. 

“Y/N, was it?” Azula surprises even herself by remembering your mundane name. “It was clear Zuko liked her, and quite obvious that they were sneaking off together” She recalls, and Mai is glaring daggers at her as her teeth grit. “Yet, like the insecure, desperate thing you are, you stayed around. Even now, thats why you’re here, isn’t it? Desperation?” 

“What are you even talking about?” Mai’s eyebrows pinch in confusion at Azula’s words, and audacity. 

How, even in this mangy cell, could she be so condescending? Mai thinks to herself.

“The guards around here talk, Mai. And you of all people should know I have remarkable hearing” Azula smirks, “They speak of your hardships with my.. brother” She says the last word as if it disgusts her to be related to Zuko. 

“You know nothing. These people spout any gossip they hear, true or otherwise” Mai tries to fight back, although, not sounding as convincing as she’d like. 

“Then why are you here?” Azula fires back quickly. It’s a simple question, but it seems to catch Mai off guard. 

“If you were truly happy, and your marriage was worth the ground you stand on, you’d not be here. You said it yourself, you were never my friend. I’ve been down here for years with not so much as a letter, or morsel from you; so why are you here now?” The question floats in the air for a moment, before Azula answers it herself. 

“You’re desperate” Her mouth pulls into a devious smirk. 

Checkmate. 

“I-” Mai falters, mouth agape as she racks her brain of a response; but Azula is already pressing again. 

“Being with Zuzu not going as well as you’d hoped, hm? Doesn’t sound like it would, when the man will never actually love you” She criticizes as she walks towards the cell bars, the sound of her chain dragging on the floor. “So in a drunken stupor, you think you’ll waltz down here, and gloat your freedom in front of me” She continues to stalk closer. 

“I bet you thought you’d see me looking filthy, pathetic, and woebegone” Azula feigns a pout as she speaks, then exaggerates a quivering lip, as if on the verge of sobbing. The former princess finally closes the distance between herself and the door, leaning against the rusted surface. She sizes the other woman up like prey. Her stare is ruthless, as she continues her brutal onslaught. 

“You thought it’d make you feel better seeing me in a cell. A desperate, last ditch effort to try and forget how miserable your life is” 

“Shut up” Mai finally speaks up, squeezing her eyes shut. She shakes her head, as if to ward off Azula’s cruel words, but to no avail. They cut deeper than any blade, because she knows Azula is right. Mai can’t help but feel like a powerless teenager all over again. 

“Poor Mai, it doesn’t matter what you do. You’ll never be happy. Never have the perfect life, or perfect marriage you dreamt of. All because Zuko still loves the dead girl more than y-“

“I said, shut up!” Mai erupts this time, releasing a flurry of kunai. Azula, being the agile fighter she is, catapults herself upwards. Flipping backwards midair, she effectively dodges every blade flawlessly, except for one. It nicks her ear as she lands on her feet, before it accompanies the rest of the kunai that are stabbed into the back wall. Azula hisses slightly, her hand coming up to touch the cut. She scoffs after looking at the small amount of blood on her fingers. 

“Did I strike a nerve?” She’s amused by this, and it only enrages Mai more. But, having already heard the conversation escalating; Heng, Junyi, and a handful of other guards are on the scene quickly. 

“Evil bitch!” Mai bawls as she’s held back. 

“I’ll kill you! I’ll fucking kill you!” She continues to repeat hysterically, struggling against the several pairs of arms trying to restrain her.

“So angry, Mai” She continues to antagonize, tutting her tongue to feign disappointment. An anger fueled, frustrated scream rips from Mai’s throat, and the guards have no choice but to remove her like they would any disturbance. One of the larger guards, Asahi, easily hoists her body up from behind; arms locking around her in a bear hug. The action effectively pins Mai’s arm to her sides 

“Get off of me!” She shouts as she fights against the hold, and Heng is right there to grab her legs when she begins to flail them. All the while, having gotten this reaction out of someone like Mai, has Azula swelling with pride.

“Goodbye Mai, say hello to Zuzu for me” Her mocking laughter rings through the halls, even as they descend further, and further from her cell.

“Please, we mean no disrespect, your highness” Warden Aoi’s deep voice, breaks Mai out of her disassociation. “But we must ask you to leave” His authoritative tone is stern, but respectful. 

Mai takes a moment to look around at the other guards who have let her go, after hearing their superior speak. The men and women stare at her with a mixture of looks. Some have wide eyes because they’re unaware of what she’ll do next, while some look at her with pity from seeing her breakdown. But no matter what the look in their eyes, all of them are silently pleading with her to comply. 

———————————————————————————

“This looks familiar” Says a voice, and Zuko’s eyes widen at the sound.

He looks toward the door, furrowing his brow when he sees that it was in fact closed, and locked, like he’d left it. He wretches again, eyes blurring with tears, as he tries to focus on steadying his breathing. 

“There you go, take your time” He hears, then feels a hand soothingly rubbing his back. The fire lord breathes in and out for a moment, teardrops plopping to the floor when he closes his eyes. 

Theres a beat of silence before he finally looks up, and when does, he knows he must be dreaming. 

“Your highness” You’re sat on your knees next to him, your hand still on his back as you smile. Zuko’s heart beats wildly in his chest. He hadn’t been this close to you in so long, and the last time he was, it was while holding your lifeless corpse. 

“It really is you” He whispers, almost like he feels even breathing the wrong way, you’ll disappear. The same way you did in his dream. 

“You’ve been calling out to me, of course I had to come” You say, removing the hand from his back, and placing it gently on his cheek. 

“Calling out to you?” Zuko seems to be in a daze as he looks at you, melting into your light touch.

“Your dreams.. You’ve been calling my spirit to you” You explain, and Zuko immediately looks as if he’s embarrassed. 

“Oh” He looks away as a blush begins to covers his cheeks, “I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry” The apology makes you giggle, and the pink tint on his cheeks, soon becomes a deep red shade. 

“Don’t worry, it’s okay” You turn his face back, gently forcing him to look at you. “It’s definitely not something to be embarrassed about” You smile as you reassure him. The fire lord watches you in awe, as you begin to stand to your feet, before outstretching both hands toward him. He gratefully accepts your help, and once he’s on his feet, the two of you stare at eachother a moment. 

“I’m glad you’ve been calling me” You squeeze his hands, “I think it’s time we talked” 

“Y-Yeah” Zuko says breathlessly.

This can’t be real, he thinks to himself. 

“Ask me anything you want” You say, releasing his hands, before sitting gracefully in a chair behind you. 

Zuko’s mouth feels dry as he takes in the sight before him.

You look much happier than the day he lost you. There’s a peaceful look on your pretty face, as you sit with your hands folded in your lap. You don a floor length, flowing white gown, and your dainty feet are bare, toes poking from underneath the material of your dress. Your ethereal body seems to glow, even more so from the moonlight cascading in from the window, and a warm smile adorns your face. 

“Stop smiling so much” Zuko grumbles, and you’re immediately taken aback. 

“Excuse me?” You eyebrows furrow at his tone, as your smile falters. 

“How can you sit here, looking so happy? You’re dead!” He yells, exasperated, and throwing his arms into the air. 

“Zuko, I’ve come to terms with this” You sigh. “Just because I’m a spirit, I’m supposed to be sad all the time?” You ask, and Zuko looks at you incredulously.

“Yes!” Zuko exclaims. Your eyes widen at his volume, watching as he tugs harshly at his hair. 

“You died!” He yells, “It is sad! I know I’m sad.. I’m so fucking sad” He says, taking a moment to look at you seriously. It feels like he’s losing his mind. 

“I’m miserable, Y/N” Zuko sounds utterly defeated. “You left me here all alone. W-Why didn’t you just tell me you were sick?” His sorrowful demeanor, has a powerful wave of guilt settling in your stomach, as he stares at you awaiting a response. 

His eyes are full of anguish, but also frustration, as he tries to wrap his head around why you’d keep this from anyone at all. 

The pressure of his gaze must prove too much for you, because he watches as your gaze drops to your hands, nervously playing with your fingers. The same habit you had when you were living, you’d apparently brought to your after life as well. Unbeknownst to you, it seems to ease the fire lord a bit. 

“I was scared to lose you” You quietly admit before you finally look back up at him. 

“Why would you be scared to-” Realization sets in, and Zuko’s eyes widen. “Y-You.. were in love with me?” There’s a shy look on your face, that gives him his answer right away.

“Ever since that day Azula pushed me into you. When I looked into your eyes..” You trail off, before taking a deep breath. “Even though we were young, I knew right then and there, that you were the only person I ever wanted” Zuko stares at you in disbelief.

“You should’ve told me! I.. I could’ve saved you” Tears well in his eyes, and he turns his back to you, not wanting you to see him cry. 

“I don’t know what to do without you. It’s been years, and I still think about you everyday. My fiancée is leaving me, and I can’t even pretend to be sad about it, because I can’t get you out of my mind. Mai.. she knew, that even after all this time, she could never compare to you. No one ever will” Zuko’s shoulders slump at his last words, and you slowly stand up from your chair, walking over to him. 

“Zuko” You start, your hand lightly touching his shoulder. “You have to make peace with this, just like I did” Zuko shrugs away from your touch, turning back to face you, a mixture of anger, and hurt, in his eyes. 

“How do I make peace with this?! Huh?! Knowing I could have done something, and you didn’t tell anybody what was going on?!” He yells. 

“Fine, Zuko! No, I didn’t tell anyone anything! Neither did you! I would rather have died than to watch you be with Mai. I was being selfish okay?!” You yell back, which has the fire lord tucking his tail between his legs. 

“When you were banished, I missed you every single day you were gone. I worried about you so much, sometimes, I’d make myself sick. I told myself, if we ever met again, I’d tell you how I felt. But you came back and things were so different” You look up at him sadly. “I expected some changes after everything you’d been through, but you were so distance.. Then you started dating Mai and“ Your voice trails off, before releasing a deep sigh. 

“I thought you’d be happy with the woman you chose, and I refused to risk losing my memory of you completely. You made your choice, and I made mine” You explain. You both stand in silence for a moment, neither one looking at the other. 

“I’m sorry” Zuko finally says, making you look up at him. His head hangs sadly, and you can just barely make out the tears that drop to the floor at his feet. “I’m just upset with myself” His fists clench, and his eyes squeeze shut. “I convinced myself that settling for Mai, was better than just admitting how I truly felt. All because of my fear of being rejected, and losing you. I hoped my feelings for you would subside, but they didn’t, and still haven’t. I did what I thought was the best course of action not to lose you, but..” He sniffles,” I-I still lost you” His cheeks drip with tears, and he finally meets your gaze as he continues to speak. 

“That day, at the beach, I knew in my gut that something was wrong, and I still let you go by yourself. I should’ve been there for you, and I don’t think I can ever forgive myself for-“ Before he can finish his sentence, you’re pressing your lips to his, something you’d both wanted deeply for years. Zuko’s heart soars as he kisses you back. When you pull away, there’s a flustered blush covering his cheeks. 

“This wasn’t your fault, Zuko. There were so many times I wanted to tell you how I felt, but I could never find the courage. We were young, and terrified of losing someone we cared about. Please, don’t blame yourself for this anymore” No matter how many times Zuko had heard so many others say the same thing, it never affected him. But hearing it from you, feels different. He can quite literally feel a weight lifted from his shoulders. 

“I love you, Zuzu” He takes a deep breath, smiling weakly at the nickname. 

You’d started calling him it when you two were younger, and you were the only one he allowed to call him such a dorky name. It started out as a joke, but after a while it stuck, and soon became the way you always greeted him. One day, unfortunately, you accidentally said it, and Azula happened to be close by. After overhearing what she deemed, ‘such an embarrassing nickname’, she decided she’d use it too. She knew it’d bother him, and she thrived off seeing Zuko’s face pinch in anger when she’d say it. Typical Azula. 

You sit back down in the chair, and extend your arms out to him. 

“Come here” You say, and Zuko approaches you without a second thought. Slowly he drops to his knees in front of you, hugging your waist, and burying his cheek into your stomach. 

This was something you two would do a lot when you would sneak off to the library. 

Since Zuko was never really one to talk about his feelings, when he felt upset in anyway, this is what you two did. Whether it be from Azula’s constant poking, his father’s scrutiny, the strict life of loyalty, or all of the above, he would find you, and use you as his personal pillow. Sometimes you’d just sit in a comfortable silence. But often times you’d take the chance to read him something, all while your fingertips gently stroke his face and through his hair. 

There were so many times while he was banished, that he wanted nothing more, than to be with you like this. He had his uncle, of course, but he missed being held by you.

“I love you so much” Zuko says, tears escaping his eyes, as he begins to cry into your stomach. 

“I love you too” Your one hand squeezes his shoulder reassuringly, while the other rubs his upper back soothingly. 

“I just w-want to be with you, I-I can’t take it anymore” Zuko is sobbing at this point; hiccuping and sniffling when he tries to breathe. 

“I know, my love” You say, as he tries to hug your waist tighter, but it feels just like that dream he had before..

You’re fading. 

“Please don’t go, please..” Zuko says weakly.

“My lord?” The servant’s voice calls out from the other side of the door. “Your fiancee is back, and she wishes to speak with you” 

“Zuko! I know you’re in there!” Mai pounds at the door, after roughly pushing the guard out of her way. Her nostrils flare slightly when she gets no response, and she brings her fist up to beat on the door again “If you don’t open this damn door, I swear, I’ll open it myself! Do you hear me?!” Silence, still. 

“You want to be difficult? Fine!” Removing a blade from up her sleeve, Mai begins to carefully pick the lock. 

“Madam-“ The servant begins to speak, but is quickly cut off by multiple arrow-like stilettos pinning him to the wall. 

“Try anything else, and the next one’ll be going through your eye” Mai threatens, and the man frantically nods. She turns her attention back to the lock, skillfully picking at it until she hears the satisfying click of it unlocking. 

She bursts into the room, eyes scanning the room, and hellbent on giving the Fire Lord a piece of her mind. 

“Zuko! I-“ She immediately cuts herself off when she looks down. There he is, unconscious, and laying on his side.

“Zuko?!” Mai rushes over, quickly dropping to her knees next to him, and accessing his body. She pulls his wrist into her grasp, shaky fingers finding his weak pulse. He’s drenched in sweat, and bright blossoms are littered near his body. She even removes a few petals she notices peaking through his lips. 

“Shit, no, Zuko, c’mon” She lifts his upper body to hold him in her arms, patting his face gently to try and wake him. When he still doesn’t respond, she panics. 

“Somebody h-“ Zuko slowly lifts an arm, putting a weak finger up to shush her. 

“Don’t” Is all he says, and Mai looks down, eyes widening as big as saucers. 

“Don’t?!” She says in utter disbelief, ”W-What the hell do you mean don’t?!” She questions, her breathing uneven, as tears flow down her cheeks. 

“I’m sorry” Zuko says genuinely, “For the way I’ve treated you all these years. You didn’t deserve that.. to be treated like second best” His voice is quiet, and calm, the exact opposite of how Mai is feeling in this moment. 

“W-What? Why are you saying this?” Her eyebrows furrow as she looks down at him in disbelief. 

“We all deserve someone who loves us, and to be with someone we truly love” He explains, staring up at the ceiling with a weak smile. 

“And I’m finally going to be with her”

🌸

🔥

Thank you to everyone who read and showed some much love, especially to my babies in the tag list, I appreciate you all so much. It’s been so fun to see everyone’s reactions to this story, and I’m so happy it’s still enjoyable even after six whole years. And once again shout out to @celamoon for the original post that even sparked this story. -Bunny 🩷🩷🩷

Tag list: @celamoon @hhighkey @mosseetrees @noodlestheexplorer @mori3o @roxilliaana @liliessofvalleys @tetra-stark @jvngw0nlvr @marshmallowsforever @lipgloss05 @needsumcomfypillowstosleep @randomfan218-blog @fl3urence @ai-no-tegami @rue963 @minxybunnykook @sunnyteume @clairealeehelsing @mmrlf

[mmrlf]

Posting this here so I can send it to the people asking me for this edit since it’s gone on TikTok

[bhaalschosenbunny]

My man my man my man my baby my baby 🤪😩❤️

[bhaalschosenbunny]

Mai Flowers

Part 4

Pairing: Zuko x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is in love with Zuko, but sadly, he is “very much in love with Mai”

Warnings: Angst, Hanahaki Disease, Grief/Mourning

Author’s Note: Thank you to everyone reading and showing love 🩷 Please check out the masterlist for parts 1-3, if you haven’t read them already 🩷

🔥

Things had been tense between Mai and Zuko ever since their spat at the burial site, which had been almost two weeks ago. 

Luckily, the palace was large enough that they didn’t need to be around each other at all. Mai could send a servant to deliver messages to Zuko if anything needed to be said, and vice versa. They slept in separate rooms, ate their meals at different times, anything to avoid the other completely.

“My lord?” A servant’s voice calls out formally, after a brief knock. 

Zuko was currently on the balcony of the palace, staring out into the sunset, peacefully enjoying the view. He turns around at the sound of the voice. 

“A message for you” They say respectfully as they bow, holding out a tightly rolled scroll in their hands. Zuko accepts the scroll, and the servant scurries off quickly. 

I am moving back into my parent’s manor. I don’t care about rules, or prior engagements. I can’t live like this anymore. 

-Goodbye Zuko

The young fire lord reads over the message a few more times, before setting it ablaze in his fingertips. 

He should feel something right now, shouldn’t he? 

After an uneasy couple weeks, his fiancée was leaving him. But no, he wasn’t shocked by the decision, or even hurt by it. Something like this was bound to happen sooner or later. Either that, or living together all while being unhappy, much like his childhood. With a father who didn’t love him, and an evil younger sister who always seemed to surpass him in skill, he found himself gravitating mostly towards his mother. 

That was, until you came along.

Ursa had three young girls brought to the palace; wanting for Azula to be around some girls closer to her age. She’d hoped company would quell her daughter’s wicked spirit. 

That’s when Zuko saw you for the first time. 

The sun glowing off your skin. A bright smile on your face, as you cartwheeled with another girl he would later find out was named, Ty Lee. 

“Close your mouth Zuko, a bug might fly in” Ursa says, which catches the young prince off guard, making him jump slightly. He scowls up at his mother. 

“I’m sorry, honey, I’m only teasing” She says, with a lighthearted giggle. “She’s cute, isn’t she?” Ursa quips, nudging his side with her elbow gently. 

“Mom!” Zuko groans as he pushes her arm away, crossing his own arms over his chest. The last thing he wanted, was to be talking about something like this with his mother. 

“What? There’s nothing wrong with thinking a girl is pretty, dear” She continues to tease her son, and he groans in response. 

“Mommm” Zuko whines, “Can you not?” He begs, and Ursa smiles fondly in return. 

“Alright, alright. Let’s head inside then, yes?” She says, ushering him in the direction of the nearest palace entrance. 

As they walk, Zuko makes sure to keep his eyes off you, not wanting to be endure anymore of his mother’s teasing. His eyes are glued to the ground, which leaves him defenseless when something crashes into him.

A grunt escapes his lips, as he’s knocked down to the ground completely. 

“Azula!” It’s only when he hears a voice yell his sister’s name, that he realizes it wasn’t something, but someone, that had bumped into him. Zuko’s eyes widen when he sees you on the ground as well, his breath hitches in his throat from being so close to you. When you’re done pouting at Azula, you turn your head to look at him. 

“I-I’m sorry” You mumble shyly, and you turn your head away from him in embarrassment. 

She‘s even prettier up close, he thinks to himself. 

“I-It’s okay” Zuko says before rising to his feet, and holding his hand out for you. “Gimme your hand” There’s a light pink tint dusting his cheeks, as he looks down at you expectantly. You stare at his outstretched hand, only for a quick moment, before reaching out and grabbing it. Zuko pulls, while you push off the ground with your free hand, rising to your feet. You’re just a bit shorter than him, and your eyes seem to glitter as you look up at him. 

“Are you okay?” He asks, and you nod your head.

“Yes” The two of you don’t take your eyes off one another. In that moment, it almost felt like no one else was around.. Almost.

“Aw, you guys are soooo cute!” Azula teases. It makes Ty Lee giggle, while Mai pouts, and folds her arms over her chest. It was only then, that you two realized you were still holding hands.

Immediately you both pull away, and you run back over to the girls, standing next to Ty Lee. 

Leaving Ursa behind, Zuko begins to quickly walk toward the palace doors. His mind dead-set on hiding out in his room until you, and the other girls were gone. His mother soon catches up to him, a sly smile on her face. 

“You two did look very cute, dear” She says in a whisper so only he would hear. 

“Mom!” 

Not too long after, you and Zuko were almost inseparable. You still hung out with the other girls, but the two of you were always drawn to each other. 

Growing up in Azula’s shadow, Zuko expected you to leave him behind once you started perfecting your bending, but you didn’t. You helped teach him the things you’d learned, and he loved to watch how gracefully you moved. You were one of his first bending teachers in a way. Even though you’d always downplayed how good of a bender you were, Zuko had witnessed for himself just how amazing your skills were. 

Your technique, power, and form, were truly impressive. Every once in a while, your flames would even come out blue, just like Azula’s. You’d even pissed the princess off one day, by knocking her on her butt while sparring.

Even still, you weren’t one to brag, or act better than others because of your skills. That was something Zuko had really grown to admire. 

The more he thought about it, he realized Mai was right. 

He had always been obsessed with you. 

A cold breeze breaks him out of his thoughts, and Zuko decides to go back inside. He was planning on laying in bed for a while, that is, until he makes eye contact with another servant. 

“Fire Lord, sir? My apologies for not knocking” They say before quickly bowing, then standing upright. “The representatives from Ba Sing Se, are here to speak with you” The last thing Zuko wanted to do was conduct business at the moment, but he couldn’t refuse his responsibilities. Zuko sighs, nods to the servant and they begin to make their way toward his throne room. 

As they come upon the old library room, there’s a tight feeling in Zuko’s chest, but he ignores it. He was stressed out after all, of course his chest would ache.

Once he gets closer, Zuko notices the door is ajar, which immediately infuriates him. 

“No one is allowed in here! Why is this door even-“ He bursts inside, ready to chew out the guilty party, until he notices no one is there.

When you were alive, you loved this library. 

You both did. 

So many memories had been created in this room. And because of that fact, absolutely no one besides himself was allowed inside.

It’d all began after you, Ty Lee, and Mai began coming to the palace more often. Everything was fine, until Zuko started noticing your absence. 

You’d get to the palace, play with the other girls for a while, before completely disappearing. One second your laughter could be heard ringing through the courtyard, the next, you’d be gone. 

Curious, the young prince decided one day that he would follow you. 

Were you a thief? Maybe some sort of secret spy sent by your parents to find his family’s weaknesses? 

You walk innocently through the halls. Passing guards without a problem, before you happen upon the library’s large, wooden door. 

For a quick moment, you look left and right to check your surroundings. 

The action causes Zuko to jump behind a pillar to avoid being sighted. His heart beats wildly in his chest at almost being caught, unbeknownst to you. You push the door open, and your figure disappears into the room. 

Zuko stealthily makes it to the door, catching it before it closes completely. He watches you through the tiny sliver, as you inspect the spines of a row of books. Your head tilts up, and you must find the title you’re looking for, since your arm begins to reach for it. Your fingertips brush the object slightly, and he can hear your annoyed groan.

You’re too short. 

“C’mon” You whimper to yourself, stretching your arm, and getting on tipped toes. 

Zuko looks on as you struggle. A small smile spreads across his face when you frustratedly huff, putting your hands on your hips as you stare up at the book. 

Cute, he thinks to himself. 

Wait! 

He was letting you distract him! His mission was to get to the bottom of whatever you were doing! To defeat you, if you were evil, and protect his family’s honor! 

“Why are you sneaking around in here?” Zuko says sternly as he pushes open the door, and his voice, understandably, startles you. You nearly jump out of your skin as you turn around to face him. He sees your guilty expression for only a split second, before your head and upper body lower into a bow. 

“Your highness! I-I’m sorry, I didn’t-” You stammer before he cuts you off completely. 

“Are you stealing from us?” His arms are crossed over his chest as his eyes narrow at you. 

“What? No! I-“ You stand up, and the guilty look you had, seems to fade into something else.. shame.

“I’m happy to be in your family’s palace. I don’t have siblings, so I like coming here to play, but..” You take a deep breath, “The girls are a bit overwhelming sometimes. Azula is very competitive, and sometimes she’s mean. I like Ty Lee a lot, but she’s a bit too energetic at times. And honestly, I don’t think Mai even likes me at all” A pout settles on your face at those words. “I just like to come here to read. To.. breathe” You explain. 

Zuko hadn’t expected that answer, and he’s quiet for a moment as he looks you over. You stare down at your hands, playing with your fingers nervously, and Zuko can’t help but find your shy nature endearing. 

“I can go if you want me to, this is your home after all” It’s only then, he realizes he hasn’t responded, and that you’re waiting for him to say something. 

“No. You can stay” Zuko finally says as he walks closer. As someone who constantly had to be around Azula, and so many other people, he completely understands where you’re coming from. To just want to be alone for a while.

You watch him intently as he stands next to you, and reaches up. With his limbs being longer than yours, Zuko pulls the book down from the shelf with ease. 

“Was this the one you wanted?” He holds out the novel toward you, a light blush creeping up on his cheeks. 

“Yes” You bow gratefully, “Thank you” Much like your first meeting, the two of you seem to entrance each other. Like a staring contest neither of you are willing to lose. 

“I’ll uh, let you be alone” Zuko is the first to break the silence this time. 

“You can stay” The words leave your mouth before you even realize you’re speaking them. 

“I mean, of course you know you can stay. It’s your home, not mine.. I just meant-” You ramble. “I-I’d like it, if you stayed” You murmur, and your eyes bashfully trail down to the book in your hands, instead of looking at the young prince. 

If you had been looking, you would have noticed how hard he’s fighting the smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. Or how the red blush on his cheeks has reached the tips of his ears..

From then on, the library became a place for both you and Zuko to escape to. You would read scrolls, and folklores aloud, as Zuko’s head rested upon your lap. Sometimes your calming voice, and nimble fingers stroking his hair, would even lull him right to sleep.

“My lord?” The confused servant calls from behind, bringing Zuko back to reality. “Are you alright?” They ask genuinely, but the fire lord ignores them. His eyes are glued to the book laying on the table in front of him. 

The Legend Of Sakura

The name sounds so familiar.

Had you read it to him before?

You’d read so many things to him, he couldn’t remember most of the titles. His callous fingers run over the spine of the book, before picking it up to take a closer look at its cover. There’s a woman in a long, flowing gown, with a peaceful look on her face. Her eyes are closed, and there’s a gentle smile on her lips, as she leans up against a large cherry blossom tree. 

For Zuko, it was easier to come here, than it was to bow at a grave. So every once in a while, he came into this library, your library. He’d light candles, and enjoy memories of you. Some nights, he would even fill a chalice, and let his mind wander about how life would’ve been if you were still alive. But it had been many weeks since he’d done that. And he definitely hadn’t taken this book from its place on the shelf, let alone left it out on the table. 

“Who has been in here?!” Zuko yells at the poor man, and the servant’s eyes widen.

“I-I-I don’t know my Lord” They stammer, “E-Everyone knows not to even set foot in this room, your highness!” 

“You’d better not be lying. If I find this door open again, there will be consequences. Got it?” Zuko grits the last two words out angrily. 

“Y-Yes my Lord” The servant gulps, and nods quickly as he stands up. 

Just as they’re about to walk out of the library, something bright catches Zuko’s eye. Squinting slightly, he’s finally able to make out what it is.

A cherry blossom petal..

———————————————————————————-—

Zuko could barely pay attention to anything that was being said. His hand kept snaking down to his pocket, thumbing at the tiny flower petal he’d found.

He even lied to his counsel, blaming his odd behavior on exhaustion. He was the fire lord, so it made for a very valid excuse, but his duties were not the cause of his growing fatigue. Nor was it the reason for him acting so strangely. 

Zuko has gotten himself out of this meeting, and now all he wants to do, is get back to the library. He was desperate to read through the book he’d found on the table.

As he nears the library, an anxious thought rears it’s head. Was someone trying to trick him in his vulnerable state? 

Maybe Mai? Could this be her way of getting back at him one last time before she left? 

No.. Mai wouldn’t do something like that.. would she?

Zuko shakes the thought from his head as he sits down, opening the book to the first page. 

It was a relatively short folklore, the tale taking place hundreds of years ago in Japan. 

At that time, there were many wars. A world full of sadness and desolation. There were very few moments of peace, and often a new war would start just as one ended.

In spite of all this, there was a beautiful forest that even war was not able to touch; filled to the brim with beautiful plants, trees, and wildlife. However, there was one tree that never seemed to blossom. Although, full of life, it’s branches would never bloom any flowers. For that reason, the animals wouldn’t go near it, in fear they’d ‘catch’ it’s strange evil. Even the grass would not grow around it, making the tree’s only company, loneliness.

When a magical fairy happens upon the tree, she immediately wants to help; using her powers to cast a spell that would last twenty years. During this period, the tree would be able to feel what human hearts felt, and maybe that way it’d feel happiness, and blossom. The spell also allowed the tree the ability to change between its plant form, and a human form whenever it so pleased. However, if it wasn’t able to recover its vitality by the time those years were up, it would die immediately. 

At first the tree tries it’s hand at being human, which fails miserably. It was disappointed, seeing nothing but lies, war, and hatred. That is, until years later when it happens upon a clear stream. There, it saw a beautiful young lady. The tree was taken aback by the woman’s beauty, and decided to approach her in its human form, using the alias, Yohiro.

The woman was very kind to Yohiro, and reveals her name to be Sakura. Soon they were conversing like they’d known each other for years. They expressed their sadness of the wars that went on, and spoke of the many dreams they had for a brighter, more peaceful future.

The pair become very close, and the more the tree gets to know Sakura, the more it wants to be by her side. 

When Yohiro finally confesses it’s love for Sakura, it also tells her what it truly is. A tormented tree that was soon going to die because it couldn’t bloom. Sakura is shocked by this information, and parts ways with Yohiro, not returning the next few days like she usually would.

This sends Yohiro into a downward spiral of sadness, turning itself back into a tree, and deciding to wallow for its last few days of life.

One afternoon, when Yohiro least expected it, Sakura showed up beside it. She hugs the tree, and tells it that she feels the same way, and how she doesn’t want it to die. At that moment, the forest fairy appears, and proceeds to give Sakura a choice. 

If she wanted Yohiro to remain human, the fairy would grant that. Or, if she so chose, she could merge with Yohiro in tree form. Sakura ponders the decision for a moment, but then remembers the sadness, death, and depression the war had caused all around her. Sakura chooses peace, and happiness, merging with Yohiro. The two fuse together to become one, making an even bigger tree. Then finally, finally, the tree blooms with the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the entire forest. 

Zuko closes the book once he finishes the last page, a yawn escaping his lips. There he sat in the library, contemplating what this book could mean. As he looks over the cover, a cough erupts in his throat, a painful, almost dagger like feeling piercing his chest. Falling out of his chair, Zuko lands on the ground on hands and knees, coughing violently. His heart is pounding, and his ears are ringing, but he can still make out a light voice.

“This looks familiar”

🔥

Part 5/Finale

Tag list: @celamoon @hhighkey @mosseetrees @noodlestheexplorer @mori3o @roxilliaana @liliessofvalleys @tetra-stark @jvngw0nlvr @marshmallowsforever @lipgloss05 @needsumcomfypillowstosleep @randomfan218-blog @fl3urence @ai-no-tegami @rue963 @minxybunnykook @sunnyteume

[bhaalschosenbunny]

Mai Flowers

Part 3

Pairing: Zuko x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is in love with Zuko, but sadly, he is very much in love with Mai.

Warnings: Angst, Hanahaki Disease, Swearing, Grief/Mourning

Author’s Note: This parts a little shorter than the others but hope you all enjoy! Check out part one, and part two, if you haven’t already 🩷

🔥

It had been years since your passing. 

Zuko had long since, joined Team Avatar. Helped them defeat his malevolent sister, and father, and taken the throne as Fire Lord. He was engaged to be married to Mai, and the planners were putting together a big wedding, set for the fall.  

Now, at twenty years old, ruling in a new era of peace, and love, the young Fire Lord seeked something else; inner peace and understanding. He was starting to question a reccurring dream that he’d been having for years now. At first, it’d only happen once, maybe twice a month. Then it became once every week. As of late, it was happening almost every time he closed his eyes, he didn’t understand it. 

“Thanks for agreeing to tea, Uncle” Zuko says as he carefully pours the hot beverage into the cup closest to Iroh, then pouring one for himself. 

“Anytime, young Zuko. Are you alright? Have you been eating?” Iroh says, noticing his nephew’s slightly sunken cheeks.  

“I haven’t been in the mood to eat much lately” Zuko answers truthfully, looking down at the hot tea cup clasped between his hands. 

“You need your strength. You must take care of yourself. If not for yourself, then for your people” The older gentleman says, making his nephew sigh. 

“I know, Uncle. I just-“ Zuko takes a moment to try and find the right words. “I’ve been having these weird dreams, and they feel so real, but I don’t know what they mean” He explains, slightly relieved to finally tell someone about it, someone he knows won’t judge him. 

“Weird dreams, you say?” Iroh strokes his facial hair, a quizzical expression on his face. 

“Yes, I have the same dream almost every night. Sometimes, I even find myself daydreaming about it. It always starts out the same.. peacefully. I’m in a field, filled with beautiful cherry blossoms, and I can hear faint laughter. Then, those same flowers, end up catching on fire. But the flames are always too big for me to handle, so I catch on fire as well. The laughter quiets because I can only hear my own screaming, and then I wake up drenched in sweat” Iroh listens carefully, sipping his tea, as Zuko explains his strange dream. “Although, the last few times I’ve had the dream, instead of ending in a fiery blaze, a heavy rain puts everything out. What do you make of that?” Zuko asks, and puzzled look that mirrors his own, is etched on his uncle’s face. 

“Sometimes, reocurring dreams are born from something in your life you’ve not yet acknowledged. Usually something that is causing stress of some sort. The dream repeats because you have not yet corrected the problem at hand. Recurring dreams also surface, when there is some sort of trauma in your past you are trying to deal with, most times it is something you need to heal from” The Fire Lord sips his tea as he takes in this information, fore he knew exactly what would be causing him such strife.

“Y/N” Zuko puts his head in his hands, “It’s been four years since she’s been gone, and that day still haunts me.. I never even got to say goodbye” He immediately feels a lump in his throat, eyes stinging as they threaten to release a floodgate. 

“You are still holding onto that pain, young Zuko. You must learn to let go, or you will continue to have these dreams” Let you go? He couldn’t do that, he wouldn’t ever let himself forget about you. 

“I can’t let her go, I loved her!”

“Zuko-“

“I loved her, and I was too scared to tell her! I’m a coward! The least I can do, is never forget her!” Zuko exclaims. 

“I didn’t say you had to forget her, Zuko. But you must find a way to let go of such unresolved feelings, or it will drive you mad” Iroh says, trying to calm the younger man. 

“I already feel mad” Zuko says quietly, “I was supposed to be her best friend, and she didn’t even feel comfortable enough to tell me she was dying” He sniffles, “One of the last things she said to me, was that she didn’t even know if we were friends at all” He can still remember that sad look on your face. 

“Does our friendship mean nothing to you anymore?” 

Zuko’s heart ached to see you so dejected that day. He hadn’t meant to hurt you with his actions, truly. He just thought distancing himself from you, and dating Mai would help him forget his feelings for you. 

But it didn’t. 

It was true that Zuko loved you, but it wasn’t a love one would have for a family member.

He was in love with you, and had been ever since the two of you were young. 

He wanted you in every way. 

To kiss you, to hold you in his arms, to take you on romantic dates, and spoil you with his riches. He wanted to be the one you shared your innermost thoughts with, to wake up, and end the day with you. Although he felt this way, he could never bring himself to confess to you. 

Zuko’s mind would always wander, thinking of the worst case scenario; what if you didn’t feel the same way? He could only imagine the pure awkwardness between you two, if his love was not reciprocated. He couldn’t bear to lose you in his life, so he settled for Mai. Mai was pretty as well, although Zuko didn’t think she held a candle to you. But most importantly, he knew for a fact that she liked him. 

Mai was his safest bet. 

That way, he could still have you as his friend, and in his life. Even if he had to settle for loving you from afar, that sounded better than the risk of losing you. 

It seemed like a great plan, until Mai started becoming increasingly more jealous of you. “You don’t need a girl best friend, when you have me. It’s literally in the name, girl-friend”, Mai would tell him in her usual humdrum voice. She knew just how close the two of you were. Often times she would start spats with Zuko for even being near you, so he chose to distance himself. 

“Your friendship will always mean everything to me. I mean, honestly, you’ve always felt more like family to me than Azula, and she’s my sister” He’s still wants punch himself when he remembers that conversation. Like family? Why the hell did he say that?

And before he could say anything else, that’s when you’d started that damned coughing. Zuko definitely thought it was suspicious when you immediately pushed him out of the room right after. And he remembers how his balled up fist, was meres inches away from the door, but at the last moment he decided against knocking.

A decision he would come to realize, was a huge mistake. 

“There were so many signs that day. Signs that something was wrong. But still, every one of them, I ignored” Zuko grits his teeth as he speaks, trying not to cry. “I should’ve went back in there and got her to tell me what was wrong” The Fire Lord stares down into the teacup placed in front of him. The beverage has cooled down, but is still producing warm steam. He’s suddenly reminded of the way you blamed Li and Lo’s tea, for your odd behavior. 

“It sounds to me, like you are feeling guilt. Is it because you believe you could have prevented her death?” Iroh questions after carefully taking another sip of his beverage. 

“I could have!” Zuko’s on his feet now, palms pressed to the table as he screams his frustration to his uncle. The outburst makes Iroh’s eyes widen, but it only takes him a quick moment to realize Zuko needed this release. 

“I could have helped her! I-I should’ve walked with her back to the beach house! My gut told me I should, but I ignored it!” The young fire lord is hysterical by this point. Angry, hot tears stain his cheeks, and his throat feels like he’s swallowing gravel. All these years, all these feelings he’d not worked through, and now he felt like a pot boiling over. He felt like he was reliving that day all over again. 

“She died, scared and alone, because of me!” In the heat of his anguish, Zuko smacks his teacup into the wall. The cup loudly shatters on impact, the jagged pieces clatter, as the hot contents drip down the wall, and pool to the floor. 

Zuko drops back into his chair, his body buzzing as he sobs. 

Iroh gently rises to his feet, calmly circling the table to grab his nephew, pulling him into a much needed embrace. “I wasn’t there for her!” Zuko sobs into his chest. Iroh envelopes the younger man’s frame, holding him firm, as tears threaten his own eyes.

“I failed her, Uncle” Zuko’s voice says, muffled, and quiet. Iroh’s right hand rubs gentle circles into Zuko’s back as he speaks. 

“You cannot hold all of the blame for this, young Zuko” He says, voice as soothing as rain.

“How can I not?” The fire lord sniffles, “I wasn’t there for her when she needed me. She’s dead because of m-” The older gentleman shakes his head, as he cuts Zuko off. 

“She died because of an awful disease, one of which, she did not seek the treatment she needed. I am sure you never imagined something like that would happen to her” The words seem to comfort the young man, the tears flowing from his eyes slow down slightly, as he takes a deep breath. “Had you known something fatal was wrong, you would have done everything in your power to help, correct?” Zuko mumbles a small yes, and his uncle pulls away from the embrace a bit to look at him. 

“Then you cannot blame yourself for what you did not know” Iroh says, squeezing Zuko’s shoulders with his large hands. 

“Even if I try not to it, doesn’t work. I don’t know what to do anymore, Uncle” He admits, his voice sounding completely defeated. 

“Perhaps you could start by giving her a visit. Have you done that at all since her passing?” Iroh questions. 

“No” Zuko sounds ashamed as he responds. What a hypocrite he felt like to be mourning you, yet he’d not visited once in all these years. He just couldn’t bring himself to do it. He still didn’t even want to believe you were gone, let alone go visit your burial site.

“Try it, let some things off your chest” 

————————————————————————————

It had been four days, and Zuko still hadn’t made his way to your grave. As the Fire Lord, he was a very busy man, but a big part of him used those duties as an excuse not to see you. Although you were long gone, it still hurt him to think of your name being written on a tombstone; a hurt he did not wish to bear. 

Zuko’s reoccurring dream had not ceased, and it seemed like they were getting more intense each night. This caused him to skip out on sleeping entirely some nights. It was slowly taking its toll on him, and while writing a very important letter to the Northern Water Tribe, the young fire lord begins to doze off. 

In a field, surrounded by bright, and beautiful pink cherry blossoms, Zuko stands alone. The smell is heavenly, and the sight of such beautiful flowers, makes his heart feel warm. When the breeze sways, a lone blossom lands in his palm. And he swears he can hear, what sounds like your laugh, ringing through the field. A small, sad smile spreads across his face. 

Damn he missed your laugh. 

His eyes close, enjoying the moment of peace this always bring him. That is, until the moment tragically passes. 

When his eyes open again, it’s a stark contrast from before. The entire field is in bright flames, smoke filling his lungs and making him cough violently. The pink blossom around him, burn into black ash, as the bloom he held in his hand drips with crimson blood.

He sweats profusely as the flames prickle at his skin, a scream of agony leaving his lips. He drops to his knees after futile attempts at batting the flames off his clothing. Just as his body goes limp and hits the ground, and it feels like he will succumb to a fiery death, the storm comes. 

It’s a gentle rain at first, but it picks up faster, harder, after a moment; effectively quelling the wildfire. Zuko welcomes the feeling of the cooling water droplets on his hot skin, pushing himself up to be on his hands and knees. When he lifts his head, he can make out something in the distance.. or was it, someone? He squints as the steady raindrops blur his vision.

It’s looks like a woman, and it looks like.. you?

The figure’s back is to him, but Zuko watches as the feminine silhouette crouches down gracefully. They touch the ground with their palm, and soon the field begins to bloom back to life. The figure stands to their full height again, and Zuko can’t help but to call out to it. 

“Y/N?!” The figure stops in its tracks, as if startled by Zuko’s voice, before looking over its shoulder. He pushes himself to stand up with what little strength he has, before calling out again.

“Y/N? Is that you?” The rain has dwindled down to a calm misting, and he wipes his eyes finally able to see. The silhouette has turned to face him now, and his heart skips a beat at the realization. 

It is you!

“Please, wait-“ Zuko feels himself getting choked up, as he runs towards the silhouette. You don’t move, but it feels like the more he runs, the further away you seem to get. 

“I miss you so much, please stay!” Once Zuko is finally close enough, he reaches out. He wants to touch his dream goddess, wants to pull you into a hug and never let go. Yet, once his hand reaches out, you disappear completely; fading between his fingertips like smoke. 

Zuko jolts awake, face covered in salty sweat, just like every other time he’s had this dream. Although, this was the first time he had seen anyone else in the fantasy, let alone gotten close enough to almost touch them. 

Maybe this was a sign. 

He was going to see you tomorrow. 

———————————————————————————

After insisting he didn’t need a palanquin, and lying to Mai about where he would be going, Zuko makes his way to your burial site. 

Once there, he notices how neat the site is. He knows Ty lee, and your family come by constantly to talk to you, and make sure everything is tidy. It gives him a bit of relief to know he wasn’t the only one still mourning you after all this time. That he wasn’t the only one that adored, and missed you dearly.

Zuko hesitates for a moment, before getting on his knees in front of your grave. After taking a shaky breath, he bows his upper body in front of the tombstone for a long moment. It made him sick to his stomach to be here, but maybe his uncle was right. Maybe he needed to get a few things off his chest. 

“This wasn’t supposed to happen to you” The jagged rock like feeling in his throat hits him immediately. You had been gone for a while now, but you were still such a sensitive subject for him.

“I miss you.. so much” Zuko says, squeezing his eyes shut. “I keep dreaming about those damned cherry blossoms. A-And I could have sworn I saw you in that dream last night. I couldn’t see too clearly but it.. it felt like you” He takes a deep breath, remembering the figure in his dream.

“I’d give anything to be able to see your face again, to hear your voice, to tell you-” The fire lord is so swept up in his words, he doesn’t seem to notice the footsteps coming up behind him. 

“Zuko?” His breath hitches, heart almost beating out of his chest. He could recognize that voice anywhere. 

Mai. 

Zuko turns to the sound of her voice. She sits primly in a palanquin, held by four servants. Her arms cross over her chest, and annoyance is etched into her features. 

“What are you doing here?” Zuko asks, Mai was the last person he expected to see. 

“I could ask you the same thing” She says, rolling her eyes. 

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m paying my respects” Zuko’s harsh tone, and biting glare, leaves Mai taken aback. 

“After all these years you finally decide its sooo important to visit her? And to lie to me about it?” Mai scoffs, “Gosh Zuko, I thought you were obsessed with her when she was alive, but fuck, she’s dead! Don’t you think-” 

“I know she’s dead, Mai! I fucking know that!” Zuko’s voice booms throughout the quiet graveyard as he cuts his fiancée off. The servants nearly drop the entire palanquin from his sudden volume. “You’ve always been jealous of her” Mai’s shoulders slump, a look of defeat plastered on her face. 

“Because I knew you loved her” She says, her voice small, and barely audible. Zuko’s eyes widen, almost like he’s been caught red handed. 

“Why do you look so surprised? I’m not stupid Zuko! Anyone could see it! You say her goddamn name in your sleep!” Mai sighs. “I knew you loved her, and I knew you settled for me. I just-“ She turns her head from his gaze, not wanting him to see the tears threatening to escape her eyes. 

“I thought once we got together, you’d forget how you felt about her, and fall for me. Obviously I was wrong. Even in death she still torments me” Mai says the last part more to herself than aloud. 

“Mai, I-“ 

“Save it” And before Zuko can say another word, Mai is ordering the servants to carry her back to the castle. 

Zuko is left there in silence, his fiancée’s words ringing through his head. 

Mai was aware of the love he harbored for you. She knew she was the second option. She knew, yet, just like Zuko, she thought his feelings would subside after he settled. 

Oh how naive they had both been to believe that. 

Although he’d come here to speak to you, to get some type of closure; after this back and forth with Mai, his brain was muddled. He’d have to return to you some other time when his head was clearer. 

“I’ll come back to you” Zuko says to your tombstone, bowing one last time, “I promise” 

-

Tag list: @celamoon @hhighkey @mosseetrees @noodlestheexplorer @mori3o @roxilliaana @liliessofvalleys @tetra-stark @jvngw0nlvr @marshmallowsforever

Let me know if you’d like to join the tag list 🩷

[bhaalschosenbunny]

Once this gets to 100 likes, I’ll put out the next part 🩷

[pusheen]

[bhaalschosenbunny]

Mai Flowers

Part 3

Pairing: Zuko x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is in love with Zuko, but sadly, he is very much in love with Mai?

Warnings: Angst, Hanahaki Disease, Swearing, Grief/Mourning

Author’s Note: This parts a little shorter than the others but hope you all enjoy! Check out part one, and part two, if you haven’t already 🩷

🔥

It had been years since your passing. 

Zuko had long since, joined Team Avatar. Helped them defeat his malevolent sister, and father, and taken the throne as Fire Lord. He was engaged to be married to Mai, and the planners were putting together a big wedding, set for the fall.  

Now, at twenty years old, ruling in a new era of peace, and love, the young Fire Lord seeked something else; inner peace and understanding. He was starting to question a reccurring dream that he’d been having for years now. At first, it’d only happen once, maybe twice a month. Then it became once every week. As of late, it was happening almost every time he closed his eyes, he didn’t understand it. 

“Thanks for agreeing to tea, Uncle” Zuko says as he carefully pours the hot beverage into the cup closest to Iroh, then pouring one for himself. 

“Anytime, young Zuko. Are you alright? Have you been eating?” Iroh says, noticing his nephew’s slightly sunken cheeks.  

“I haven’t been in the mood to eat much lately” Zuko answers truthfully, looking down at the hot tea cup clasped between his hands. 

“You need your strength. You must take care of yourself. If not for yourself, then for your people” The older gentleman says, making his nephew sigh. 

“I know, Uncle. I just-“ Zuko takes a moment to try and find the right words. “I’ve been having these weird dreams, and they feel so real, but I don’t know what they mean” He explains, slightly relieved to finally tell someone about it, someone he knows won’t judge him. 

“Weird dreams, you say?” Iroh strokes his facial hair, a quizzical expression on his face. 

“Yes, I have the same dream almost every night. Sometimes, I even find myself daydreaming about it. It always starts out the same.. peacefully. I’m in a field, filled with beautiful cherry blossoms, and I can hear faint laughter. Then, those same flowers, end up catching on fire. But the flames are always too big for me to handle, so I catch on fire as well. The laughter quiets because I can only hear my own screaming, and then I wake up drenched in sweat” Iroh listens carefully, sipping his tea, as Zuko explains his strange dream. “Although, the last few times I’ve had the dream, instead of ending in a fiery blaze, a heavy rain puts everything out. What do you make of that?” Zuko asks, and puzzled look that mirrors his own, is etched on his uncle’s face. 

“Sometimes, reocurring dreams are born from something in your life you’ve not yet acknowledged. Usually something that is causing stress of some sort. The dream repeats because you have not yet corrected the problem at hand. Recurring dreams also surface, when there is some sort of trauma in your past you are trying to deal with, most times it is something you need to heal from” The Fire Lord sips his tea as he takes in this information, fore he knew exactly what would be causing him such strife.

“Y/N” Zuko puts his head in his hands, “It’s been four years since she’s been gone, and that day still haunts me.. I never even got to say goodbye” He immediately feels a lump in his throat, eyes stinging as they threaten to release a floodgate. 

“You are still holding onto that pain, young Zuko. You must learn to let go, or you will continue to have these dreams” Let you go? He couldn’t do that, he wouldn’t ever let himself forget about you. 

“I can’t let her go, I loved her!”

“Zuko-“

“I loved her, and I was too scared to tell her! I’m a coward! The least I can do, is never forget her!” Zuko exclaims. 

“I didn’t say you had to forget her, Zuko. But you must find a way to let go of such unresolved feelings, or it will drive you mad” Iroh says, trying to calm the younger man. 

“I already feel mad” Zuko says quietly, “I was supposed to be her best friend, and she didn’t even feel comfortable enough to tell me she was dying” He sniffles, “One of the last things she said to me, was that she didn’t even know if we were friends at all” He can still remember that sad look on your face. 

“Does our friendship mean nothing to you anymore?” 

Zuko’s heart ached to see you so dejected that day. He hadn’t meant to hurt you with his actions, truly. He just thought distancing himself from you, and dating Mai would help him forget his feelings for you. 

But it didn’t. 

It was true that Zuko loved you, but it wasn’t a love one would have for a family member.

He was in love with you, and had been ever since the two of you were young. 

He wanted you in every way. 

To kiss you, to hold you in his arms, to take you on romantic dates, and spoil you with his riches. He wanted to be the one you shared your innermost thoughts with, to wake up, and end the day with you. Although he felt this way, he could never bring himself to confess to you. 

Zuko’s mind would always wander, thinking of the worst case scenario; what if you didn’t feel the same way? He could only imagine the pure awkwardness between you two, if his love was not reciprocated. He couldn’t bear to lose you in his life, so he settled for Mai. Mai was pretty as well, although Zuko didn’t think she held a candle to you. But most importantly, he knew for a fact that she liked him. 

Mai was his safest bet. 

That way, he could still have you as his friend, and in his life. Even if he had to settle for loving you from afar, that sounded better than the risk of losing you. 

It seemed like a great plan, until Mai started becoming increasingly more jealous of you. “You don’t need a girl best friend, when you have me. It’s literally in the name, girl-friend”, Mai would tell him in her usual humdrum voice. She knew just how close the two of you were. Often times she would start spats with Zuko for even being near you, so he chose to distance himself. 

“Your friendship will always mean everything to me. I mean, honestly, you’ve always felt more like family to me than Azula, and she’s my sister” He’s still wants punch himself when he remembers that conversation. Like family? Why the hell did he say that?

And before he could say anything else, that’s when you’d started that damned coughing. Zuko definitely thought it was suspicious when you immediately pushed him out of the room right after. And he remembers how his balled up fist, was meres inches away from the door, but at the last moment he decided against knocking.

A decision he would come to realize, was a huge mistake. 

“There were so many signs that day. Signs that something was wrong. But still, every one of them, I ignored” Zuko grits his teeth as he speaks, trying not to cry. “I should’ve went back in there and got her to tell me what was wrong” The Fire Lord stares down into the teacup placed in front of him. The beverage has cooled down, but is still producing warm steam. He’s suddenly reminded of the way you blamed Li and Lo’s tea, for your odd behavior. 

“It sounds to me, like you are feeling guilt. Is it because you believe you could have prevented her death?” Iroh questions after carefully taking another sip of his beverage. 

“I could have!” Zuko’s on his feet now, palms pressed to the table as he screams his frustration to his uncle. The outburst makes Iroh’s eyes widen, but it only takes him a quick moment to realize Zuko needed this release. 

“I could have helped her! I-I should’ve walked with her back to the beach house! My gut told me I should, but I ignored it!” The young fire lord is hysterical by this point. Angry, hot tears stain his cheeks, and his throat feels like he’s swallowing gravel. All these years, all these feelings he’d not worked through, and now he felt like a pot boiling over. He felt like he was reliving that day all over again. 

“She died, scared and alone, because of me!” In the heat of his anguish, Zuko smacks his teacup into the wall. The cup loudly shatters on impact, the jagged pieces clatter, as the hot contents drip down the wall, and pool to the floor. 

Zuko drops back into his chair, his body buzzing as he sobs. 

Iroh gently rises to his feet, calmly circling the table to grab his nephew, pulling him into a much needed embrace. “I wasn’t there for her!” Zuko sobs into his chest. Iroh envelopes the younger man’s frame, holding him firm, as tears threaten his own eyes.

“I failed her, Uncle” Zuko’s voice says, muffled, and quiet. Iroh’s right hand rubs gentle circles into Zuko’s back as he speaks. 

“You cannot hold all of the blame for this, young Zuko” He says, voice as soothing as rain.

“How can I not?” The fire lord sniffles, “I wasn’t there for her when she needed me. She’s dead because of m-” The older gentleman shakes his head, as he cuts Zuko off. 

“She died because of an awful disease, one of which, she did not seek the treatment she needed. I am sure you never imagined something like that would happen to her” The words seem to comfort the young man, the tears flowing from his eyes slow down slightly, as he takes a deep breath. “Had you known something fatal was wrong, you would have done everything in your power to help, correct?” Zuko mumbles a small yes, and his uncle pulls away from the embrace a bit to look at him. 

“Then you cannot blame yourself for what you did not know” Iroh says, squeezing Zuko’s shoulders with his large hands. 

“Even if I try not to it, doesn’t work. I don’t know what to do anymore, Uncle” He admits, his voice sounding completely defeated. 

“Perhaps you could start by giving her a visit. Have you done that at all since her passing?” Iroh questions. 

“No” Zuko sounds ashamed as he responds. What a hypocrite he felt like to be mourning you, yet he’d not visited once in all these years. He just couldn’t bring himself to do it. He still didn’t even want to believe you were gone, let alone go visit your burial site.

“Try it, let some things off your chest” 

————————————————————————————

It had been four days, and Zuko still hadn’t made his way to your grave. As the Fire Lord, he was a very busy man, but a big part of him used those duties as an excuse not to see you. Although you were long gone, it still hurt him to think of your name being written on a tombstone; a hurt he did not wish to bear. 

Zuko’s reoccurring dream had not ceased, and it seemed like they were getting more intense each night. This caused him to skip out on sleeping entirely some nights. It was slowly taking its toll on him, and while writing a very important letter to the Northern Water Tribe, the young fire lord begins to doze off. 

In a field, surrounded by bright, and beautiful pink cherry blossoms, Zuko stands alone. The smell is heavenly, and the sight of such beautiful flowers, makes his heart feel warm. When the breeze sways, a lone blossom lands in his palm. And he swears he can hear, what sounds like your laugh, ringing through the field. A small, sad smile spreads across his face. 

Damn he missed your laugh. 

His eyes close, enjoying the moment of peace this always bring him. That is, until the moment tragically passes. 

When his eyes open again, it’s a stark contrast from before. The entire field is in bright flames, smoke filling his lungs and making him cough violently. The pink blossom around him, burn into black ash, as the bloom he held in his hand drips with crimson blood.

He sweats profusely as the flames prickle at his skin, a scream of agony leaving his lips. He drops to his knees after futile attempts at batting the flames off his clothing. Just as his body goes limp and hits the ground, and it feels like he will succumb to a fiery death, the storm comes. 

It’s a gentle rain at first, but it picks up faster, harder, after a moment; effectively quelling the wildfire. Zuko welcomes the feeling of the cooling water droplets on his hot skin, pushing himself up to be on his hands and knees. When he lifts his head, he can make out something in the distance.. or was it, someone? He squints as the steady raindrops blur his vision.

It’s looks like a woman, and it looks like.. you?

The figure’s back is to him, but Zuko watches as the feminine silhouette crouches down gracefully. They touch the ground with their palm, and soon the field begins to bloom back to life. The figure stands to their full height again, and Zuko can’t help but to call out to it. 

“Y/N?!” The figure stops in its tracks, as if startled by Zuko’s voice, before looking over its shoulder. He pushes himself to stand up with what little strength he has, before calling out again.

“Y/N? Is that you?” The rain has dwindled down to a calm misting, and he wipes his eyes finally able to see. The silhouette has turned to face him now, and his heart skips a beat at the realization. 

It is you!

“Please, wait-“ Zuko feels himself getting choked up, as he runs towards the silhouette. You don’t move, but it feels like the more he runs, the further away you seem to get. 

“I miss you so much, please stay!” Once Zuko is finally close enough, he reaches out. He wants to touch his dream goddess, wants to pull you into a hug and never let go. Yet, once his hand reaches out, you disappear completely; fading between his fingertips like smoke. 

Zuko jolts awake, face covered in salty sweat, just like every other time he’s had this dream. Although, this was the first time he had seen anyone else in the fantasy, let alone gotten close enough to almost touch them. 

Maybe this was a sign. 

He was going to see you tomorrow. 

———————————————————————————

After insisting he didn’t need a palanquin, and lying to Mai about where he would be going, Zuko makes his way to your burial site. 

Once there, he notices how neat the site is. He knows Ty lee, and your family come by constantly to talk to you, and make sure everything is tidy. It gives him a bit of relief to know he wasn’t the only one still mourning you after all this time. That he wasn’t the only one that adored, and missed you dearly.

Zuko hesitates for a moment, before getting on his knees in front of your grave. After taking a shaky breath, he bows his upper body in front of the tombstone for a long moment. It made him sick to his stomach to be here, but maybe his uncle was right. Maybe he needed to get a few things off his chest. 

“This wasn’t supposed to happen to you” The jagged rock like feeling in his throat hits him immediately. You had been gone for a while now, but you were still such a sensitive subject for him.

“I miss you.. so much” Zuko says, squeezing his eyes shut. “I keep dreaming about those damned cherry blossoms. A-And I could have sworn I saw you in that dream last night. I couldn’t see too clearly but it.. it felt like you” He takes a deep breath, remembering the figure in his dream.

“I’d give anything to be able to see your face again, to hear your voice, to tell you-” The fire lord is so swept up in his words, he doesn’t seem to notice the footsteps coming up behind him. 

“Zuko?” His breath hitches, heart almost beating out of his chest. He could recognize that voice anywhere. 

Mai. 

Zuko turns to the sound of her voice. She sits primly in a palanquin, held by four servants. Her arms cross over her chest, and annoyance is etched into her features. 

“What are you doing here?” Zuko asks, Mai was the last person he expected to see. 

“I could ask you the same thing” She says, rolling her eyes. 

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m paying my respects” Zuko’s harsh tone, and biting glare, leaves Mai taken aback. 

“After all these years you finally decide its sooo important to visit her? And to lie to me about it?” Mai scoffs, “Gosh Zuko, I thought you were obsessed with her when she was alive, but fuck, she’s dead! Don’t you think-” 

“I know she’s dead, Mai! I fucking know that!” Zuko’s voice booms throughout the quiet graveyard as he cuts his fiancée off. The servants nearly drop the entire palanquin from his sudden volume. “You’ve always been jealous of her” Mai’s shoulders slump, a look of defeat plastered on her face. 

“Because I knew you loved her” She says, her voice small, and barely audible. Zuko’s eyes widen, almost like he’s been caught red handed. 

“Why do you look so surprised? I’m not stupid Zuko! Anyone could see it! You say her goddamn name in your sleep!” Mai sighs. “I knew you loved her, and I knew you settled for me. I just-“ She turns her head from his gaze, not wanting him to see the tears threatening to escape her eyes. 

“I thought once we got together, you’d forget how you felt about her, and fall for me. Obviously I was wrong. Even in death she still torments me” Mai says the last part more to herself than aloud. 

“Mai, I-“ 

“Save it” And before Zuko can say another word, Mai is ordering the servants to carry her back to the castle. 

Zuko is left there in silence, his fiancée’s words ringing through his head. 

Mai was aware of the love he harbored for you. She knew she was the second option. She knew, yet, just like Zuko, she thought his feelings would subside after he settled. 

Oh how naive they had both been to believe that. 

Although he’d come here to speak to you, to get some type of closure; after this back and forth with Mai, his brain was muddled. He’d have to return to you some other time when his head was clearer. 

“I’ll come back to you” Zuko says to your tombstone, bowing one last time, “I promise” 

-

Part 4

Tag list: @celamoon @hhighkey @mosseetrees @noodlestheexplorer @mori3o @roxilliaana @liliessofvalleys @tetra-stark @jvngw0nlvr @marshmallowsforever

Let me know if you’d like to join the tag list 🩷

[bhaalschosenbunny]

Mai Flowers

Part Two

Pairing: Zuko x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is in love with Zuko, but sadly, he is very much in love with Mai.

Warnings: Angst, Hanahaki Disease, Mentions of blood

Author’s Note: Welcome to part two! If you haven’t already, check out part one to make sure you’re all caught up 🩷

🔥

“Pay attention, Zuko! You’ve cost us a damn point!” Azula screams at her older brother, her tone filled with annoyance, and anger. Zuko ignores her, watching your figure wander further and further from the beach.

Why had you hugged him like that? The crown prince felt himself worrying about you.

You seemed.. off.

Yes, you expressed your frustration with him, regarding your friendship, but there was something beyond that. These bouts of pain you seemed to always have as of late. He’s noticed it happen more often than just today, but you always found a way to wave it off. Zuko watches as you sway back and forth a bit, before sitting down on a large rock near you.

“Zuko!” Azula yells again, making her brother let out a loud groan of frustration.

“Would you shut up?! Just pass me the damn ball, I’ll serve!” Zuko says, Azula glaring at him, before she throws the ball at him harshly. Despite the speed, and strength of her throw, Zuko still catches it easily.

He takes one last glance in your direction.

You were no longer in sight, and he’d only looked away for a second. He internally scolds himself for letting Azula distract him.

Why am I so worried? She’ll be alright, the walk back to the beach house isn’t even that far.

Zuko was protective of you, and he knew sometimes, he could let his mind run rampant. You were an amazing fire bender, with impressive combat skills; you could handle yourself. But your sweet, and caring personality, always made him feel like you needed more protection.

Zuko shakes off the feeling, chalking it up to him just overthinking.

“She’ll be alright” He says to himself quietly, throwing the ball up into the air, and forcefully spiking it down.

————————————————————————————

“Yes! We’ve defeated you for all time! You will never rise from the ashes of your shame, and humiliation!” Azula declares. There’s a sinister look on her face, as blue flames emit from her palms, and anyone within a ten mile radius of the scene, is staring at her like she’s a madwoman. Zuko rolls his eyes, before walking off, Mai following close behind.

“Where are you going?” Mai asks, watching as Zuko grabs a beach bag, and starts heading in the direction you went.

“I’m gonna check on Y/N” He deadpans, not even turning back to look at her. Mai furrows her brows, as she watches her boyfriend walk further away.

Zuko’s mind was a mess, but he wasn’t sure why. Why did he have this looming feeling that something was wrong? You’d tell him if something was wrong, right? You said you would.

As he walks, a trail of something bright, and pink, catches his eye.

“Cherry blossoms?” He says to himself. That didn’t make sense, there weren’t even any cherry blossoms around Ember Island. Zuko crouches down to inspect them close up, his eyebrows knit together as he feels just how damp they are. “Is this what she’s been coughing up?” He shakes his head at the thought, “That’s impossible”

When he sees the red specks that cover some of the flowers, and that dark feeling grows more intense.

Something did not feel right.

Zuko stands up, breaking out into a sprint, going as fast as his legs would take him. The cherry blossoms acting almost as a breadcrumb trail, leading him straight to the beach house. The front door is ajar, and there’s still more flowers up ahead that lead into the house. Had you dropped them? Why?

“Y/N?” Zuko calls out, getting only silence in return. Hurriedly, he walks further, getting closer to your room. Now, instead of light specks, there’s a significant amount of red liquid on the ground, that he can only pray isn’t blood. His heart is beating through his chest, a nauseous feeling in his stomach, as he nears your room.

“Y/N?” When he gets to your doorway, his heart immediately sinks.

You’re on the ground, laid on your side, your back facing the doorway. Zuko runs towards you, dropping to his knees next to your frame. He turns your body towards him, noticing your mouth, full of.. cherry blossoms? When he feels for your pulse, and doesn’t find one, Zuko feels like he’s going to be sick. He cradles your upper body in his arms, burying his face into the side of your neck, as tears burn his eyes.

What happened to you? Why was your mouth filled with flowers? What did any of this mean?

“What’s going on here, Zuko?” Mai’s voice brings him out of his thoughts. His head lifts from the crook of your neck, staring down at you. His tears fall down unto your lifeless face as Ty Lee runs into the room, falling to her knees as well.

“Y/N?” She’s understandably frantic from seeing your limp body in the crown prince’s arms. “What happened?!” She questions him, grabbing at your hand; her heart dropping when she doesn’t feel you squeeze it back.

“I-I don’t know, when I got here, she was like this” Zuko’s voice cracks as he stares down at you, his vision blurry. Your eyes are the slightest bit parted, mouth agape, those damned pink blossoms peaking through your lips. He lightly drags his index, and middle finger down your eyes, shutting them completely.

“Kids! Time for dinner!” Two elderly voices say, simultaneously. They walk up to the door, and stand behind Azula, and Mai. Their eyes widen at the situation in front of them, and Lo gives her sister a knowing look.

“Li, Lo, is there anything you can do to help our friend?!” Ty Lee asks, tears streaming down her face. Not only were you Zuko’s best friend, but Ty Lee’s as well. You were one of the first people to be able to tell her apart from her sisters, to treat her like she had her own identity. You even made sure to remember her name, unlike a lot of people, and she would always appreciated you for seeing that she was special.

“Looks like a classic case of hanahaki disease” Li, and Lo say, after walking into the room, and inspecting the scene.

“Hanahaki? I thought that was folklore, made up bullshit” Azula says, obviously not as bothered by the situation.

“W-What’s hanahaki disease?” Ty Lee asks, sniffling.

“It’s a disease where the victim coughs up flower petals when they suffer from one-sided love. But it’s not supposed to be real” Mai explains.

“Oh, it’s real” Li says, “Very real” Lo adds.

“What can we do? There must be something we can do” Zuko says as he holds your body.

“Well-“ Lo starts to say something, but her sister smacks her arm, signaling her to be quiet.

“Well?! Well, what?!” Zuko yells. Although he’s upset, he sits your body back down to the floor gently, before standing to his feet. “If there is anything you know, anything you can do, I command you to do it! Now!”

“There is only one thing we can do, a ritual; Hana no jokyo” Li tells them.

“Hana no jokyo?” Zuko repeats with furrowed brows; everyone else looking confused as well.

“Yes, hana no jokyo, or, ‘flower removal’. The ritual can remove the blossoms, and bring her back. But she would lose her feelings for whomever she loved, maybe even her memory of them entirely” Lo explains.

“And it is not always guaranteed to work, Prince Zuko” Li adds.

“I don’t care about the side effects, just do whatever you can to bring her back, and that’s an order” Zuko says, glaring at both the elderly women, although it holds no real malice. He’s terrified, and the sisters know it. They nod quickly in response, and Lo exits the room to retrieve some materials.

“Then we’ll need the room, and to be alone with her” Li says.

———————————————————————————

It was quiet.

Eerily quiet, and for good reason.

Li, and Lo, had been in that room for almost forty five minutes now.

Zuko, and the others could see tiny flashes of light underneath the door, as well as hearing the murmurs of ritualistic spells, and chants. Zuko spent a majority of the time pacing, before finally sitting down; resting his elbows on his thighs, and his head in his hands.

How much longer would it be? Would this even work?

“Y/N is so stupid” Azula speaks up, sighing out loud as she inspects her nail beds.

“What did you say?” Zuko lifts his head to glare at his sister, a look of pure disgust covering his features.

“I said, Y/N is stupid” She repeats, “She knew something was wrong, yet, she decided to keep it to herself. Truly, an idiotic decision, if I do say so myself” The princess shrugs, still staring down at her manicured nails.

“How dare you!? How could you say something like that, at a time like this!?” He was out of his seat by now, filled to the brim with grief, and rage. “Didn’t you consider Y/N a friend?!”

“Zuko, relax” Mai reaches for his hand, touching it gently, but he snatches it away.

“No! I won’t relax! My best friend is in there! I’m closer to her than anyone else in my life, and I don’t even know if she’s coming out of that room alive!” Tears well in Zuko’s eyes, the realization settling in that you might not walk out of that room on your own two feet.

“More close than you and Mai?” Azula questions, obviously looking to start trouble. Zuko looks down toward Mai, who’s eyes seem to be asking the same question. He doesn’t say anything else, turning away from her gaze with a scowl on his face.

“Aw, it’s okay, Mai” The princess says, “You needn’t be jealous of a dead girl” She smirks.

“Azula!” Ty Lee gasps in disbelief, and something seems to snap inside Zuko. He sends a slew of flames hurtling towards his wicked sister.

“Zuko!” Mai yells. The explosive shot misses its target, instead, taking out the entire wall that stood behind Azula. Just as she’s about to send a blue flamed counter attack, the door opens, grabbing everyone’s attention.

“What happened? Is she okay? Is she awake?” Zuko bombards the twins with questions, as they emerge from the room. The melancholic silence that follows, makes an uneasy feeling settle in his stomach, and sends a chill down Ty Lee’s spine. There’s a somber look on Li, and Lo’s faces, as they close their eyes, and shake their head; the universal sign, that someone is no longer with the living.

It was in that moment, Zuko felt a sharp pain in his chest. You were really gone? You couldn’t be. You were so young, so much life left to live; you couldn’t be gone.

“No..” Zuko’s voice is small, as Li touches a hand to his shoulder. Both women step out of the way, clearing the path to the door, silently inviting him to go in the room. Slowly, he walks in, looking over your body. You’re laying on the bed, arms crossed over your abdomen, with the most peaceful look on your face.

“Why did you keep this from me?” He grits out, tears flowing down his face. He sits on the bed, before grabbing your lifeless body, hugging it to his frame.

“Why would you leave me here alone?” Your skin is starting to get cold; a sign that you were long gone, but he doesn’t let go.

He doesn’t want to.

Oh, how he wished you’d told him, Li and Lo could have done the ritual sooner.

You said you’d tell him if something was wrong.

If you had, you would still be here.. with him.

Tag list: @celamoon @

Part 3

Next part will be up within the next couple days 🩷 Let me know if you wanna join the tag list 🩷

[bhaalschosenbunny]

Mai Flowers

Pairing: Zuko x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is in love with Zuko, but sadly, he is very much in love with Mai.

Warnings: Angst, Hanahaki Disease, Mentions of blood

Author’s Note: This is based on an old blurb posted by @celamoon and I fell in love with it yearsss ago. Had it posted on my old account which is now deactivated. But with the new movie finally coming out, I remembered I had this in my notes and decided to reupload on this account. Things have been tweaked (as I wrote this in 2020, and it’s now six years later) so I’m kinda considering this like a remastered version. Hopefully anyone who read it years ago, will come across this and still think it’s as good as back then.

P.S. In the beginning of the story, reader is in her room in the beach house, I just realized I didn’t specify, oops. Ik it didn’t look that big in the actual show, but just imagine the lil beach house they went to, is super big with extra rooms. They are also all teens, since this is based around the beach episode ☺️

🔥

There are a lot of pains in this world, but the feeling of unrequited love, likely, trumps all. It starts as a dull pain, one that’s tolerable, almost like a sore muscle. Then, the longer you experience it, the more unbearable it becomes.

As you unpack, there’s a sharp pain in your chest, comparable to a blade piercing through your body. It immediately stops you in your tracks, a violent cough erupting in your throat. You double over, eyes squeezing shut, as you clutch your stomach in agony. It feels as if you’re throwing up, but what spills from your mouth doesn’t feel like vomit.

“Y/N?” You recognize Ty Lee’s voice call from the other side of the door. “Y/N, are you okay?” By now, she’s knocking on the door harder, obviously worried, since you sound like you’re choking to death. You let out a few more coughs, before finally being able to take a deep breath. Your eyes widen when you look down; in front of you, is a small pile of flowers, cherry blossoms to be exact. You brush the petals underneath a small rug, and quickly stand to your feet, rushing over quickly to open the door to a concerned looking Ty Lee.

“Hey!” You try to sound cheery, but Ty stares at you with an unsure look on her face.

“Are you okay?” She asks worriedly, “You sounded like you were dying!” Ty Lee looks at you with concern.

“I-I’m fine! My tea just went down the wrong pipe” You reassure her. A very convincing smile spreads across your face, and she returns it with an even bigger one.

“Oh, okay. Well be careful silly! You had me scared!” She throws her arms around your neck, hugging you for a quick moment, before letting you go.

“We’re heading down to the beach, you’re comin’ with, right?” She asks, and it’s only then that you notice her bikini clad figure. You had totally forgotten about the plans to go to the beach, but maybe that was what you needed. To lay out at the beach, breathe in some fresh air, and listen to waves crash against the shore.

“Yeah! Let me get dressed” You respond, and Ty Lee claps happily, telling you to, ‘Hurry up and get your butt in a swimsuit’, before skipping off. Once she’s gone, you walk back over to the small circular rug on the floor. Lifting it slightly, you inspect the pile of petals. They’re small, and, a beautiful shade of bright pink. This couldn’t possibly have come from inside you.. Could it?

You’d read about something like this before, but you didn’t think it was real.

It couldn’t be real.. Right?

A sharp knock at your door, tears you from your thoughts, and you quickly put the rug back down again.

“Sheesh, Ty, it’s only been like five seconds!” You laugh, yanking the door open.

“Oh, Zuko” The smile fades from your face, once you see him. “I’m sorry, I thought you were Ty Lee” You apologize, bowing slightly, making him scoff.

“You don’t have to bow like that, we’re friends” He says.

“Sorry” You scratch at the back of your neck nervously, “I just wasn’t sure if we still were or not” Zuko had been a bit more standoffish since he’d returned to the Fire Nation. That, you had expected, honestly. His father had scarred him permanently, mentally and physically. And to top that off, he’d banished him. You didn’t expect everything to just go back to normal.

But what you truly didn’t expect, was for him and Mai to end up together so quickly. Or for him to start distancing himself from you because of their relationship.

When he was gone, you always held out hope that one day, he’d come back to the kingdom, and you’d be able to admit to him your true feelings. That you wanted to be more than just a friend he counted on, you wanted to be the woman to marry him. But apparently he liked Mai more than you, and you had to accept that.

“What? Why wouldn’t we be?” Zuko’s voice sounds genuinely confused.

“I just.. I don’t know. It feels like we barely even speak anymore. I mean, I know you have princely duties or whatever, but, it just feels like we’ve grown apart” You nervously explain to him.

“I’ve been gone for a few years, of course it’s gonna feel like we grew apart” This time, you’re the one letting out a loud scoff, as you turn away from him. You begin to haphazardly throw things into your beach bag, wanting nothing more than to be done with this conversation.

“What’s with the attitude?” Zuko asks, followed by his signature scowl.

“I don’t have an attitude, Zuko” You roll your eyes.

“Yes, you do. You know I can always tell when you’re lying. Tell me what’s wrong” You let out an exasperated sigh, before turning to face him.

“We were best friends before you left” You explain, “You come back after all these years of being gone, and now you’re up Mai’s ass. You push me to the side like trash, even after everything. Does our friendship mean nothing to you anymore?” You question, and Zuko seems taken back by your outburst.

“Your friendship will always mean everything to me. I mean, honestly, you’ve always felt more like family to me than Azula, and she’s my sister” Zuko hoped those words have made you feel better, but they do the exact opposite. That piercing feeling in your chest overwhelms you again, and before you can respond to him, you’re coughing harshly into your forearm.

“Are you alright?” Zuko asks, putting a hand on your shoulder. You feel another petal on your tongue, but quickly swallow it back down.

“I’m good, just a little cough” You lie, “Look, I need to change into my bathing suit. I’ll see you in a bit” You say nervously, as you push him out of the room, slamming the door behind him. He mutters something along the lines of ‘oh, okay’, and you sigh heavily away, as you hear him walking away. Resting your back against the door, you let your body slide down until you’re sitting on the floor.

What the hell was going on with you?

———————————————————————————

The five of you finally made it to the beach about an half hour later. To keep attention off yourself, you sit under your umbrella quietly, holding a romance novel in front of your face. You can’t even focus on its contents, because you’re only able to get two sentences deep into a page before Mai and Zuko are arguing about something else.

“Why would I want that?” Mai asks, her monotone voice making you roll your eyes from behind your sunglasses.

“I thought it was pretty, so I thought I’d give it to you. Don’t girls like that kind of stuff?” Zuko defends himself.

“Yeah, stupid girls” She says, crossing her arms over her chest while turning her nose up in the air at his gesture.

“Fine! Forget it!” Zuko angrily tosses the seashell behind him, and it coincidentally lands near your foot. You stare at the object for a moment. It was a pretty shade of turquoise, and you thought it was a sweet gesture. Did that make you stupid?

As you continue to listen to the pair argue, you roll your eyes again. It seemed like all they did was disagree, but still they couldn’t get enough of each other. Why did he deal with her overwhelmingly somber attitude? Why was she so special, when all it seemed like they did was fight? Your thoughts are cut short by a harsh pain in your stomach. It catches you off guard, causing you to yelp out loud. Zuko immediately turns around after hearing the noise.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” He asks, looking back at you. You don’t trust your voice, not wanting it to come out weak, or strained. Instead giving him a thumbs up, and forcing a smile. Zuko’s eyebrows furrow as he opens his mouth say something-

“Alright beach bums” Azula says, capturing everyone’s attention, “We’re playing next. Ty Lee! Y/N! Get over here now!” Her eyes are locked on a game of volleyball, and you let out a deep breath, silently grateful for the perfectly timed interruption. Azula was always so competitive, of course she would want to play something when you’re all supposed to be relaxing. Although, you had to admit, playing volleyball sounded a lot more fun than listening to Mai and Zuko argue about the dumbest things. Not that you had much of a choice, Azula was the princess after all, and she had given you a command.

You try to stand, and immediately fall back to your knees, wincing, as you hold your stomach.

“Y/N!” Ty Lee rushes over to you, along with Zuko close behind. “Y/N, I’m getting really worried about you, you’ve been acting super weird all day” Ty Lee says, putting a hand on your forehead. “You’re burning up!” She exclaims, holding your cheeks in her hands.

“It’s like a thousand degrees out here, of course she’s burning up” Mai says, sounding bland as ever.

“Shut up, Mai! I think she’s sick! Here, Zuko, feel” Ty Lee says, and your eyes widen when you see Zuko reach his hand towards you.

“I’m fine, I’m fine!” You try to convince them, waving Ty Lee’s hands from your cheeks. “I think that tea Li, and Lo gave us just isn’t agreeing with my stomach. I’m just gonna head back to the beach house, and lay down for a bit” You smile at both of them.

“Oh yeah, you should definitely do that” Azula interjects. “After we wipe the floor with these losers” There’s an evil smile plastered on her face, as you hear Zuko scoff loudly.

“She’s obviously not feeling good, Azula. She’s not playing” She rolls her eyes, obviously not caring about your condition at all, typical Azula.

“Aww, c’mon, you’re fine. Right, Y/N?” Azula says, squatting down next to you, and slapping a palm to your back to ‘encourage you’ into agreeing. The sudden action catches you off guard, making you break out into another coughing fit.

“What the hell, Azula?!” Zuko yells, pushing her away from you.

“I didn’t mean to. Jeez, relax, Zuzu” Her brother glares at her, but Azula only laughs. His gaze softens when he looks back down at you, concern etched on his face.

Thankfully, this time the cough doesn’t last as long. Although, you do feel a few petals fall from your mouth into your hand. Immediately you clench them tight in your fist, not wanting anyone to see.

“Fine, we can be down one person, we’ll still crush them” She says, crossing her arms over her chest, before walking away. You hear her call for Mai, and Ty Lee. Ty looks troubled, she doesn’t want to disobey Azula, but she doesn’t want to leave you either.

“Just go” Zuko says to her, noticing the uncertainty on her face.

“Feel better, okay?” She says, kissing your forehead quickly, and shuffling to her feet. You can hear Azula yell for her again, as she runs away. Once she’s out of earshot, Zuko speaks up.

“What the heck’s going on with you?” He asks, furrowing his brows.

“What? A girl can’t just get sick?” Zuko hums in response. Mimicking Ty Lee’s actions earlier, he puts a hand on your forehead. Much like Ty, he feels just how hot your skin is and frowns.

“You need to get some rest” He says.

“Yes! Rest! That’s exactly what I need!” You say, standing to your feet, ignoring the pain you felt the best you could. Zuko helps you with your towel and umbrella, neatly putting them into your beach bag. He picks up your bag and looks at you expectantly.

“I don’t need an escort. I’ll be fine! I’m sure I just need to lay down” When you reach for the bag on his shoulder he takes a step back so you can’t grab it. Zuko narrows his eyes at you, obviously not believing the act you were putting on.

“What?”

“You’d tell me if there was something wrong, right? I know you asked earlier if our friendship meant anything. I.. I know I’ve been distant, but if something’s going on you can tell me. You know that right?” You can hear how genuine he is. It feels like old times, the way his hazel eyes bore into yours, and for a moment you forget about the world around you. Your body moves on its own as you throw your arms around him. His eyebrows furrow, but he immediately embraces you back, trying not to squeeze you too tight.

“I know, Zuko” You couldn’t ignore the feeling that this might be your last time seeing him. You breathe in his scent deeply, letting out a weak sigh before pulling away from him.

“Now, go have fun. I’ll see you guys later, okay?” You say, after pulling away from him. Zuko smiles lightly, and nods, before putting your bag on his towel.

“Just leave your bag, I’ll carry it back for you”

“Thank you” You say, and you watch him jog off towards his sister and the others. You look down at your hand, opening your fist to inspect the damage. This time, instead of only saliva, there’s blood covering the petals too.

This was not good.

———————————————————————————

The walk back to the beach house, was taking a lot longer than you’d anticipated. Every inch of your body, was in intense agony. You stumbled into trees, tripped over rocks, and a couple times you had to sit down because you felt so faint.

Bloodied cherry blossoms trail behind you. No longer were they tiny petals, but whole blossoms.

You knew your unrequited love for Zuko was tough on you mentally, but you had no idea that it could actually spark something like this. Li and Lo did mention the island being special. Maybe it had brought out these symptoms within you?

When you finally arrive to the beach house, you head straight for your room, but start to feel woozy. You make it to the door, pushing it open, and your legs give out underneath you. You land on your knees with a loud thud, your hands splayed out infront of you to catch yourself. Trying your best to make it to the bed, you begin to crawl weakly. With each movement, you brutally cough up more and more blossoms, until you’re gasping for air.

You collapse onto your side, wheezing, as the beautiful, yet fatal flowers, block your last bit of oxygen.

In that moment, your thoughts trail back to Zuko, and you start to realize.. maybe this was meant to happen.

You had loved Zuko since you were both very young. He was your best friend. Even before his banishment, you never thought about anyone else, always comparing them to him. He was your one true love, but he didn’t love you back, at least not in a romantic way. In this moment, you don’t even feel upset about him not returning your feelings. If he was happy with Mai, that’s all that mattered to you.

You finally felt at peace.

Your body is numb, and no longer in any pain, as darkness starts to cloud your vision.

Li and Lo were right..

Ember Island does give you a clean slate.

Part Two Right Here 🩷

[kaiist]

𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 ⋯ 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐈𝐒

𝐗𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐑

The soft melody from his expensive royal-looking piano had drawn you in. Xavier was elsewhere in the living room, probably asleep. You couldn’t resist pressing a few keys, trying to recreate the tune he’d played yesterday. As you leaned over to reach a higher note, your sleeve caught on several keys, and with a sickening crack, they snapped loose.

Your hands flew to your mouth. Three keys hung at awkward angles, completely broken from their moorings. The room suddenly felt too small, your heart pounding as tears welled in your eyes.

You heard his footsteps before you saw him in the doorway. His eyes widened slightly at your tears.

“I’m so sorry,” you blurted. “I was just—I didn’t mean to—” You couldn’t finish the sentence as your voice cracked.

“Why are you crying?” he asked. He walk towards you, then knelt beside you, hands gentle as he took the broken piano keys from your trembling fingers.

“The piano...” you managed. “I broke it... I’ll pay for repairs, I promise...” you stammered, wiping at your eyes.

Xavier glanced at the damaged instrument, then back to you. A small smile formed at the corners of his mouth as he sat beside you.

“It was an accident,” he said simply, brushing a tear from your cheek with his thumb, his warm palm cupping your face. His touch lingered there, gentle and reassuring.

“But it’s your piano,” you insisted.

“The keys were already weak,” he replied with a slight shrug. “It’s already old, and I’ve been meaning to replace it.”

When you still looked uncertain, he added, “I don’t want you to be upset. Things break, and it’s okay.”

The way he said it—so matter-of-fact yet somehow gentle—made you feel like the broken piano truly was insignificant to him. In Xavier’s quiet, straightforward way, he’d made it clear that your distress concerned him far more than any damaged items.

𝐙𝐀𝐘𝐍𝐄

The hospital had called Zayne in for emergency surgeries three nights in a row. When you woke up early on his rare day off and found him already at his desk in the home office, surrounded by patient reports, you decided breakfast was in order.

You pushed the door open with your hip, balancing a tray with coffee and toast, just as Zayne reached for a folder. Your foot caught on the edge of his rug, and before you could regain balance, hot coffee splashed across his desk—directly onto the stack of patient reports he’d brought home. Dark liquid seeped into what looked like hours of meticulous work.

“I’m so sorry!” Your voice pitched higher with panic, ignoring the stinging pain on your palms. “Zayne, I’m so sorry—I didn’t mean—” Your hands shook as you tried to salvage the papers, only smearing them further.

Zayne stood immediately, his chair rolling back. The stern lines of his face were there, but not directed at you.

“Stop,” he said firmly, holding your hands away, and taking the tray from your shaking hands and setting it aside before you dropped it too. “Leave the papers.”

Tears welled up despite your efforts. “Your reports, all your work... I just—I just ruined your day off... I’m really sorry…”

Zayne set the papers aside and surprised you by taking your warm hands in his, turning them over to examine your skin.

“Did you burn yourself?” he asked, his voice soft.

You shook your head.

“Good.” He guided you to sit in his chair. “These are just copies. I can print them again.”

“But—”

“No ‘but.’” His thumb stroked across your knuckles, a small gesture of affection that contrasted with his authoritative tone. “I keep digital backups of everything, so don’t worry. And don’t feel bad about an accident you couldn’t control.”

He leaned down, pressing a brief kiss to your forehead, then reached for his phone.

“The reports can wait. Let’s order some breakfast, and I’ll get us something to heal your palms.”

𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐋

The afternoon sunlight streamed through Rafayel’s studio windows, casting a golden glow across his workspace. You’d come to surprise him with lunch since he often forgot to eat when absorbed in his art.

As you walked between tables covered with half-finished projects, your bag caught on something. You turned to see a delicate sculpture teetering on its pedestal—a twisted form of glass and clay that Rafayel had spent weeks perfecting. Your heart stopped as it fell, shattering against the floor with a sound that seemed to echo forever.

“Oh…! No, no, no,” you whispered, dropping to your knees. Your fingers trembled as you tried to gather the larger pieces, tears blurring your vision.

“What happened? I heard—” Rafayel’s voice cut off as he entered the studio. You looked up, seeing his expression shift as he took in the scene.

“Rafayel, I’m so sorry,” your voice broke as you continued frantically collecting shards. “I can find someone who can repair it, or—”

“Hey, hey, stop!” He crossed the room quickly, kneeling beside you. “Leave it. You’ll cut yourself.”

When you continued reaching for a particularly sharp piece, he gently captured your hands.

“Your art…” you said, tears now falling freely. “I broke it...”

“It’s just clay and glass,” he said, pulling you away from the broken pieces and into his arms. “I can make another whenever I want.”

“But this one was special—”

“Not as special as you are to me.” Rafayel’s arms tightened around you as he rested his chin on top of your head. “You’re going to hurt yourself on these pieces,” he whispered. He rocked you gently until your breathing steadied, then pulled back to wipe your tears with his thumb.

“Besides,” he added casually, “now I have an excuse to try that new technique I’ve been thinking about. I’ve been wanting to replace that one with something new anyway. Do you wanna see, cutie?”

𝐒𝐘𝐋𝐔𝐒

The wind through your hair, the purr of the engine between your legs—there was nothing like late-night rides on Sylus’s custom motorcycle. He’d let you borrow it occasionally, knowing how much you loved the freedom it gave you.

The evening ride had been your idea. “Just around the perimeter,” you’d suggested, and Sylus had agreed because honestly—what wouldn’t he do for you?

You didn’t see the oil slick until the bike suddenly skidded, then tumbled, throwing you clear but scraping across the pavement with a horrible screech of metal on asphalt. Pain shot through your arm as you landed hard.

He swore he’d never been so scared before. He just ditched his motorcycle and was at your side in an instant, his typically composed face taut with an emotion you rarely saw—fear.

“Don’t move,” he ordered, kneeling beside you, hands hovering as if afraid to touch you. “Where does it hurt?”

“The motorcycle—” you managed, tears forming as you looked at the mangled vehicle. Half the custom bodywork was destroyed, the handlebars twisted beyond recognition. “I’m so sorry—I’ll pay—I’ll—”

“Forget the motorcycle,” he snapped, voice sharp but hands gentle as they examined your scraped arm. He was mad at himself for letting the situation even happen.

You’d never seen him this shaken—Sylus, who always had a plan, who always remained calm and controlled.

“I shouldn’t have—” he cut himself off with a sigh before carefully helping you sit up. His fingers brushed your face, wiping away tears and examining you for injuries with tenderness. “I’m just glad the feisty kitten is all okay.” Sylus’s expression shifted to relief, though concern still lined his eyes.

“I’m sorry it got wrecked…” you whispered again.

“I have others,” he said dismissively. “Stop thinking about it.”

When he helped you to your feet, he kept his arm firmly around you, as if afraid you might vanish if he let go. The destroyed motorcycle lay forgotten on the road behind you as he carried you away to his own.

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐁

The storage room in Caleb’s work room was cluttered with mementos from his piloting days. You were searching for an old photo album when your elbow knocked against something on a high shelf.

You turned just in time to see the model spacecraft—the intricate replica of Caleb’s first fighter that you’d given him last year—tumble and crash onto the floor. Pieces scattered everywhere, the delicate wings and engines breaking apart on impact.

Panic seized your chest as you dropped to your knees. Caleb had spent two days putting it together; you remembered how his face lit up with boyish excitement when you’d presented it to him. Now it lay in ruins.

Frantically, you gathered pieces, trying to fit them back together, but your shaking hands only made things worse. You were so focused on your desperate repair attempt that you didn’t hear the door open.

“Hey, what are you doing in—” Caleb’s voice cut off abruptly.

You looked up to see him staring at the broken model, he looked surprised but his gaze softened when your eyes met, and tears welled in yours as you held broken pieces in your trembling hands.

“I’m sorry…” you whispered, voice breaking. “I didn’t mean to—”

Before you could say more, he was on the floor beside you, pulling you on his lap, into a tight embrace. His arms were firm around you.

“Hey, hey, hey… it’s okay. It’s just a model,” he murmured against your hair, his voice steady and reassuring.

“But you worked so hard on it...”

He pulled back slightly, brushing tears from your face with a gentle thumb. His smile alone radiates comfort as he looks at you.

“Then we’ll build a new one together,” he said, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “And I bet we can make this one even better.” He looked down at the pieces scattered around you both. “Maybe add some modifications here and there, what do you think?”

His warm laughter finally broke through your guilt, and he held you close as if the broken model was the furthest thing from his mind.

Based on this request.

[bhaalschosenbunny]

This made my crybaby self feel so reassured 😩

[purrtoru]

♡ husband!satoru’s genes finally lose (ᵕ—ᴗ—)

part 1

time passes in a blur of waiting rooms, quiet nights, and satoru’s constant presence at your side.

and then— she’s here.

everything else fades the second they place her in your arms. the world narrows down to warmth, soft breaths, and the tiny weight pressed against your chest. your fingers tremble slightly as you adjust your hold, afraid to do anything wrong, even now.

you don’t think much about resemblance right now.

you’re exhausted, half-asleep, and still trying to process the fact that you had just spent hours bringing a human being into the world.

“…can i?” satoru asks quietly, who was by your side the entire time.

you nod, tilting her just enough so he can see.

he leans in, and then he goes still.

you notice it immediately. “…what?”

but he doesn’t answer right away.

instead, his expression softens— not in that playful, teasing way you’re used to, but something quieter.

his eyes flick between you and the baby, like he’s putting something together.

a smile breaks across his face.

“…you got your wish,” he murmurs.

your heart skips. “what?”

he looks at you, eyes softer than you’ve ever seen them.

“she looks like you.”

the words hit you like a breath you didn’t realize you were holding.

slowly— carefully, you look down again.

and this time, you see it.

the color of her eyes. the softness of her features. the tiny expressions already forming— familiar in a way that makes your chest ache.

your little mirror.

“oh…” your voice comes out barely above a whisper. “she does…”

satoru lets out a quiet, almost disbelieving laugh, shaking his head a little.

“finally,” he says, and there’s something like relief in it— but not for himself.

for you.

you glance up at him, eyes still glassy. “you’re not… upset?”

“upset?” he repeats, like the idea doesn’t even make sense.

his hand comes up gently, brushing a stray tear from your cheek before it can fall.

“why would i be?” he says softly. “you’ve been asking for this since before she was even born.”

he leans in closer, one hand resting lightly over yours where it cradles the baby.

“i’m happy, sweetheart,” he adds, quieter now. “really.”

your lips press together as your emotions catch up all at once.

“i just…” you sniff, looking down at her again. “i really wanted this.”

“i know,” he says.

he watches you for a moment longer, then smiles— soft, fond, completely gone over both of you.

“…she’s got your face,” he murmurs, almost to himself. “and if she ends up with your personality too…”

you huff weakly. “hopefully.”

“of course,” he says immediately, without hesitation. “the world could use more of you.”

that makes your breath hitch.

“…you mean that?”

“always.”

silence settles between you, warm and full.

your thumb brushes over the baby’s cheek, and she shifts slightly, settling closer into you like she already knows where she belongs.

satoru watches the two of you like it’s the easiest thing in the world to love.

“…she’s perfect,” you whisper.

“yeah,” he agrees softly. then, with the faintest smile— “took after the right parent this time.”

you let out a small laugh, nudging him weakly with your shoulder.

“don’t start.”

“i’m not,” he says, still looking at her. “i’m serious.”

his hand slides over yours, warm and steady.

“…you did good,” he adds quietly.

and somehow, that’s the thing that finally makes your eyes spill over.

you sit there for a while, just holding her, memorizing every little detail you’d been hoping for.

and then, softly—

“…next one can look like you again. this is all i need.”

he pauses.

“…dangerous information,” he smirks, leaning in to press a soft kiss to your temple. “y’know, i’m not one to back down from a challenge.”

the door creaks open not long after.

small footsteps. hesitant, but excited.

“can we come in?” one of your boys whispers way too loudly, already halfway through the door anyway.

satoru glances over his shoulder, a quiet huff of amusement leaving him. “c’mon, say hi to your sister.”

they shuffle in, both of them peeking up at the bed, blue eyes wide and bright in that familiar way that used to make your argument feel so unfair.

for a second, neither of them says anything.

“…she’s tiny,” the younger one breathes.

“that’s because she’s a baby,” the older mutters, though he’s just as awed, leaning closer.

you shift slightly so they can see her better, and the baby stirs, making a soft sound.

both boys freeze.

“…she looks like mama,” one of them says suddenly.

you blink.

satoru snorts quietly under his breath, ruffling the boys hair.

“she does,” the other insists, frowning a little like he’s studying her. “her eyes are like yours.”

you look down at her, then at your boys, then back at him.

and for once, everything feels completely, perfectly fair.

[bhaalschosenbunny]

STFU IM EMOTIONAL 😩

[purrtoru]

♡ husband!satoru’s genes are just too strong ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!

part 2

you’re sitting on the edge of the bed, one hand resting on your very obvious baby bump, the other clutching the newest ultrasound.

“i’m done,” you declare.

across the room, satoru pauses mid taking his shirt off. “done… with pregnancy? because i feel like that’s a little late.”

“with your genes,” you snap, glaring at the photo. “they’re ridiculous. actually unfair.”

he snorts, walking over. “nothing i can do about that, sweetheart.”

you shove the ultrasound toward him. “explain this.”

he looks at it, then at you. “…that is a baby.”

“that is you,” you correct immediately. “again. for the third time.”

he hums like he’s considering it. “we don’t know that.”

“we do,” you insist, growing more emotional by the second.

“we have two already, toru. two tiny versions of you running around with your face, your hair, your stupidly pretty eyes—what am i even contributing?!”

“everything?” he offers.

“no,” you shake your head, pouting. “i carried them for months. i’m carrying this one. i do all the work and your genes just— copy, paste, repeat!”

he tries— he really does— but a grin slips out anyway. “to be fair, it’s a very good face to copy—”

“satoru.”

“right. not the time.”

you huff, looking down at your stomach. the baby shifts faintly, and it only makes your emotional state worse. “i just… i want one that looks like me.”

that quiets him instantly.

he steps closer, slower this time, like approaching something fragile. kneeling in front of you, he gently takes your hand and places it more securely over your bump, covering it with his own.

“they are like you,” he says, softer now.

“they don’t look like me,” you mumble.

“they have your expressions. your attitude,” he replies. “the way they get emotional over the smallest things—”

“it’s not small!”

“—and the big things,” he corrects easily, a small smile tugging at his lips. “that’s all you.”

you hesitate, but your eyes are still shiny. “that’s not the same.”

“it is to me.” his thumb brushes under your eye, catching a tear before it falls. “and this one? might surprise us.”

“you said that last time.”

“okay, yeah,” he admits, “and i was wrong.. twice. but y’know— third time’s a charm.”

a reluctant laugh slips out of you.

“there she is,” he murmurs, leaning in until your foreheads touch. “besides… even if our baby comes out looking exactly like me—”

“she will.”

“—she’s still yours first,” he says gently. “you’re the one she hears, the one she feels. you’re home before she even opens her eyes.”

that makes your expression falter.

“…and,” he adds, grin returning just a little, “if we do end up with three mini me’s, i think that just proves you have excellent taste.”

you let out a shaky breath, then weakly smack his shoulder. “your genes are still stupid.”

“yeah,” satoru says easily, wrapping his arms around you and your bump, “but you married into the problem.”

you grumble, but melt into him anyway, his hand resting warm and steady over your stomach.

“…next one better look like me,” you mumble.

“personally, i do not mind if we keep trying.”

“and what— create a whole clan?” you huff.

“i mean—” you slap a hand on his mouth before he can continue.

[bhaalschosenbunny]

Usually not a fan of pregnancy stuff, but chile this made my eyes glassy

[bhaalschosenbunny]

I got one of each card, and I’m trying to at least R2 Caleb’s myth. First, Zayne cock blocked me, then Raf did. BOTH cards I already own. Im pissed. Imma keep fuckin pullin tho 😩

[reignpage]

How Husband!Nanami wins back your favour after upsetting you

‘Argument’ may actually be an inaccurate word to use; one-sided lashing is better.

Your husband doesn’t argue with you. Not really. He’s a firm believer in happy wife, happy life. It’s always, “whatever you say, honey,” and “forgive me, my love,” and “you’re always right, darling.”

Of course, if he needs to put his foot down, he’ll do it, and unhesitatingly. Like when you tried to adopt a homeless man you found wandering the streets, claiming to be a fourteen-year-old boy, or when you wanted to sell the house and backpack through the Amazon rainforest. So yes, when your safety and wellbeing are on the line, he’s not afraid at all to use his stern voice and give you that look that says, you cannot seduce me out of this decision.

Most ‘arguments,’ then, involve you freaking out at him over the littlest things — and sometimes for no reason at all: he painted the living room the wrong shade of white (not eggshell, not cream, not any of the ones he pointed out), he got you one too many packets of chocolate and you accused him of fattening you up, he got exactly the right number of chocolates and you accused him of not loving you enough, or for breathing too loudly when he sleeps.

What happens after you blow up at him, say, for rolling over in bed and not cuddling you?

He apologises. Naturally.

Nanami seeks you out, gathering you into his arms despite your squirming protests, and presses a kiss to the top of your head. “I was heartless, wasn’t I, my love? I hurt your feelings, didn’t I?”

You try to push him away by the chest, but he’s bigger and stronger than you. He doesn’t budge, not even a centimetre. Scowling, you say, “Piss off, Kento. Since you hate me so much.”

“Don’t say that, sweetheart,” he pleads, nosing at your face to get you to look at him. “You know I don’t. I could never hate my darling wife and her adorable pout.”

“Don’t baby me, you big blond dummy. Just turn away like you always do!”

Sighing, Nanami rolls the two of you over on the bed, cornering you between him and the wall, and drapes his heavy limbs over your body. You try to wriggle out of his hold. You can’t — he wouldn’t be a Grade 1 sorcerer if he were so easily moved, after all.

“It’d be wise if you didn’t get in the way of my quality slumbering time with my wife; I’m known to be grumpy in the morning if she’s not in my arms.”

Left with no choice but to resign since there’s no way you can shove his heavy ass off, you soften in his hold and petulantly mumble, “Don’t let go again, Ken. I was freezing last night without you cuddling me. Worst sleep of my life.”

“Oh, I know, sweetheart. And I’m ever so sorry,” he whispers, kissing your cheek again and again until you’re giggling. “Kento’s just a big, dumb blond idiot who doesn’t know better when he’s sleeping. I think he ought to be punished, say, with a taste of what’s between your legs?”

You snort. “Smooth.”