1. Reader is an earthbender who struggles with normal earthbending but accidentally discovers they can lavabend. Bolin offers to help them train, but neither of them really knows what they're doing, so every session ends in complete chaos.
2. A fake dating fic where a mover studio wants to boost Bolin's popularity, so they pair him and Reader together for publicity. They both think it's stupid at first, but then they start catching feelings.
3. Reader joins the Fire Ferrets as a new player and Bolin immediately adopts them as his best friend. Lots of pro-bending, team bonding, and Bolin being Bolin.
4. Opposites attract!! Reader is super serious, responsible, and constantly stressed while Bolin is energetic and carefree. Everyone expects them to hate each other but they end up getting along surprisingly well.
5. Reader is literally the only person who laughs at Bolin's jokes. He becomes obsessed with making them laugh and starts finding any excuse to spend time with them.
6. During Kuvira's campaign, Reader goes missing and Bolin refuses to leave them behind. Cue rescue mission, angst, and Bolin realizing just how much they mean to him.
7. Childhood friends!! Reader knew Mako and Bolin back when they were surviving on the streets. Years later they reunite and Bolin is so happy he can barely function.
8. Reader is a huge Nuktuk fan and constantly embarrasses Bolin by knowing every little detail about the movies. Bonus points if they genuinely admire him as a person too.
9. Reader starts dating someone else and Bolin keeps insisting he's happy for them while being painfully jealous the entire time until he finally realizes why.
10. Sunshine x sunshine!! Reader is just as chaotic and energetic as Bolin, so together they're basically a public menace and Team Avatar has to deal with them.
11. Through some Earth Kingdom cultural misunderstanding, everyone thinks Bolin and Reader are married. They spend the whole fic trying to clear things up while accidentally falling for each other.
12. Reader can suddenly see spirits after Harmonic Convergence. Nobody believes them except Bolin, and the two end up getting dragged into a Spirit World mystery together.
NO PRESSURE OFC !! I just thought these would be really cute and wanted to share them !! ♡
I’ll do a combo of 5, 7, 10. I want you to know it might be a lil minute until I get this done there are other request ahead of yours plus I’m suuuperr busy. I promise I will get it tho!
Suffocating Nights || Prince!Damian x Princess!Reader
You’re being married off to what the people have named Heartless Prince. Rumor has it he has no emotions but what happens when you’re in a crisis at your betrothal ball and he extends a helping hand.
a/n: this is inspired by the Pirates Of The Caribbean scene between Jack and Elizabeth where she fainted from her corset and he cut her out of it.
You felt like you were suffocating from the inside out. Fake smiles plastered across every face in the ballroom, glittering gowns sweeping over the marble floors as if they screamed look at me. Every congratulation felt rehearsed, every compliment laced with jealousy. Young noblewomen clung to their mothers’ arms, barely hiding the bitterness twisting behind their smiles because your family had secured the one thing they all wanted most, a permanent place beside Prince Damian Wayne.
For all you cared, they could have him.
He was rude, pompous, painfully blunt, and carried himself as though everyone around him existed several steps beneath him. Being around him was exhausting.
As the orchestra swelled and conversations blended together, your breathing grew uneven. The lights above smeared into streaks of gold. Everything felt too loud, too bright, too close.
“Congratulations, dear. I wish you a long and prosperous marriage.”
“Princess Y/N, you look absolutely beautiful tonight. Have you thought about—”
“Oh, you look ravishing. Prince Damian must be thrilled.”
“Where is your fiancé, dear? I’d love to congratulate the two of you together.”
You pasted on a smile, trying to fight your way through this long, endless night. But that last question caught your attention it’s a way out, a way to a small escape of freedom, even if it is for five minutes.
“He must be greeting the other guests,” you said smoothly. “I’d love to go find him for you.”
Before anyone could stop you, you slipped from the ballroom. Your heels clicked sharply against the marble floors, the sound echoing through the empty corridor behind you.
Your head spun violently. Your body felt as if it wasn’t as your lungs burned. At this point you were gasping for air.
Every breath came shorter than the last.
By the time you heard footsteps somewhere down the hall, panic had already clawed its way into your chest. You shoved open the nearest door and hurried inside, slamming it shut behind you.
The room was dark but you could make out little bit by bit as your eyes adjusted, it’s a library.
Moonlight spilled through towering balcony doors, casting silver across rows of bookshelves. You stumbled toward the light with one hand pressed against your ribs.
Perfect, you needed air.
You burst onto the balcony with a broken gasp, inhaling deeply, but no matter how much air you pulled in, it still wasn’t enough. You felt trapped inside your own body.
Your vision blurred as tears pricked your eyes, you gripped the stone railing needing stability. The lights below smeared together while your trembling fingers searched frantically around your chest and waist wondering why nothing was helping—the corset!
It was too tight, far too tight...but it was too late.
A choked sound escaped your throat as you collapsed to your knees, clawing desperately at the jeweled fabric digging into your ribs. You silently prayed begging for a divine intervention, someone or something to help you out of this.
Panic consumed every coherent thought in your mind. Four maids had dressed you tonight. There was no way to remove it yourself, without assistance you were doomed. Your vision darkened at the edges as you felt your body sway. You were prepared to hit the ground but it never came…
Your fading mind barely registered movement as someone lifted you effortlessly and laid you against something soft, likely one of the library couches. You felt your body being tossed and heard fabric tearing. Cool air finally touched reached your skin through your loose undergarments. The crushing pressure around your waist loosened.
Your lungs expanded sharply.
You felt a hand steadied against your shoulder.
“Breathe.”
That voice…it was low and vaguely familiar. You dragged in a shaky breath, then another, your body jolting violently as air finally filled your lungs properly again.
When your vision cleared, a face emerged from the moonlight above you.
His features focused and you realized it was your finance…
• Damian’s pov •
Damian was trained to be observant. To be a leader you had to be quick on your feet. You had notice things faster than the average citizen. He had detected your discomfort long before anyone else did, he just believed you were being dramatic.
While the nobles drowned themselves in music and expensive wine, he watched from the edge of the ballroom with narrowed eyes. You smiled when spoken to. You laughed when expected. You curtsied gracefully beneath the weight of diamonds and expectations alike.
Damian found the entire event insufferable. The music was too loud, the conversations meaningless, and the people orbiting the two of you like vultures made his skin crawl. Half the women in attendance stared at him like he was some kind of prize to be won, while the other half stared at you with poorly concealed envy.
Down right pathetic. Still, he tolerated it only because he had no choice. His father threatened him if he didn’t behave himself.
His eyes swept the room but he kept an eye on you the entire time. That’s when he noticed a change.
Your shoulders stiffened, your fingers twitched against your gown, your breathing became uneven as your chest rose and fell in an unnatural way.
At first, Damian assumed you were simply overwhelmed by the attention. Most royals were weak-minded when it came to pressure. He expected you to excuse yourself eventually and compose yourself like everyone else did.
Instead, you looked terrified. Your face was flustered and your skin had a soft sheen of sweat. The realization made his brows furrow.
He watched another noblewoman corner you near the center of the ballroom, speaking endlessly while you nodded absently. Your eyes darted around the room as if searching for an exit.
Then suddenly before he could blink again you fled. Damian’s gaze followed your retreating figure as you disappeared through the ballroom doors.
Nobody else seemed to notice, but of course they didn’t they were too busy talking about themselves. Damian exhaled sharply through his nose, irritation prickling beneath his skin. He should have ignored it if you wanted a moment alone, it was none of his concern.
Yet his feet moved before his mind fully caught up. He downed the rest of his drink sitting the empty glass on a servants tray.
The distant sound of your heels echoed through the halls, uneven and rushed. By the time Damian turned the corner, he caught sight of you stumbling into one of the west wing rooms before slamming the door shut behind you.
He speculated before but now he knew something was wrong. He approached quietly, gloved hand resting near the dagger concealed beneath his coat.
Then he heard it. Gasping followed by wheezing, it sounded like someone drowning.
The breaths were sharp broken and desperate.
Damian’s expression darkened instantly without hesitation, he shoved the door open.
The library was dimly lit, silver moonlight pouring through the balcony doors left slightly ajar. For a brief moment, he couldn’t find you. Then he saw your silhouette crumpled near the balcony railing. Your body shook violently as you clawed at your waist, struggling for air.
Damian froze. He took a split second analyzing your body, his eyes landed on your waist. Your hands clawed at your waist. He thought for moment—your corset.
It was restricting your breathing.
“fool,” he muttered under his breath, though the insult lacked any real bite.
You didn’t even seem aware he was there. Your vision had already begun to unfocus, Damian noticed your body began to waver.
Damian crossed the room in seconds. Just as your body tipped sideways, unconscious, he caught you effortlessly against his chest.
You weighed almost nothing. Carefully, he lowered you onto one of the library couches. Your breaths came shallow and weak, each one worse than the last he was running out of time. Damian pulled the dagger from beneath his coat. With precise movements, he sliced through the front of your dress reaching down to your corset, careful not to cut you. He cut through the expensive fabric without hesitation. The moment the pressure loosened, your body jerked sharply beneath his hands.
“Breathe,” he ordered firmly, supporting your shoulders. “Slowly.”
But you barely hear him. Your eyes had rolled shut completely, for the first time that evening, genuine alarm struck him.
“Y/N!” No response.
Damian gritted his teeth and tilted your chin upward, forcing your airway open. One hand remained steady against your back while the other loosened the remaining fabric around your ribs. Then finally a sharp inhale tore through your lungs. Your body jolted violently as air rushed back into your chest.
“There you are,” Damian murmured quietly.
Your eyes fluttered open slowly. You look disoriented and dazed, but he can see you slowly coming back. Then your big glossy eyes landed on him, moonlight illuminated the sharp angles of his face.
“…Damian?” Your voice came out so weak it stirred something in his chest.
“You nearly suffocated.”
His voice was harsher now, irritation masking something deeper. His hands remained on you anyway, steadying you when another shaky breath rattled through your chest.
You stared at him in stunned silence.
Because Prince Damian Wayne—the rude, arrogant man who could barely tolerate anyone was now looking at you like you had just scared years off his life and that scared you.
Meeting + Marriage || Toph x fem!reader (realistic)
When you two first met, she was a PAIN IN THE ASS.
She stayed picking arguments with you, and you fell for it every single time like an idiot. The whole time, she just wanted you to yell at her. She found it attractive, and honestly… it turned her on.
Toph is not an easy person to get along with. She closes herself off from the people who love her the most. If something is bothering her, she won’t tell you right away you have to claw it out of her, and that usually leads to an argument.
When you two argue, it’s like a drag-out, knock-out fight. Yelling, cursing, you throwing stuff at her that she effortlessly dodges, which only pisses you off even more.
When you told everyone you were getting married, silence took over. People didn’t really see either of you as the marrying type. They only ever saw the bad and ugly parts of your relationship, always calling you two toxic. Which was partially true…
But there was good, too. You and Toph loved each other very much. She would go to hell and back for you. Her love was strong—sometimes even overwhelming. But you were her girl, and nobody could change that.
Toph had to adjust to being married. She loved you, but you could be a little overbearing sometimes…
She’s an extremely independent woman. She hates being told what to do—but then there’s you making her meals, forcing her to go to bed at a reasonable hour, washing her hair, reminding her to take her vitamins and drink ginger tea… it became too much for her.
Eventually, she got triggered and snapped at you, causing you to close yourself off and pull back. The problem was, she’d gotten so used to you always being there that she hated when you stopped.
She explained that her parents always treated her like she was helpless, and she hated it. You never meant to make her feel that way. More than anyone, you knew Toph was capable of anything—you were just trying to take care of her because you loved her and cared about her well-being. she felt guilty for yelling at you afterwards
Eventually, you two came to a compromise. you could take care of her, but when she said no, it meant no. (You listened… sometimes.)
Later in your marriage, the two of you calmed down significantly, though you still remained a very spicy, spontaneous couple.
Toph eventually became chief of police, and together you adopted two beautiful baby girls. Toph wasn’t exactly the best parent, but you picked up where she slacked off. Weirdly enough, it worked for the two of you.
Everyone was surprised you two actually worked out. They were happy for you, of course, but still… surprised.
Sokka was a virgin. No matter what he said or how hard he tried to come off as a playboy, he had never even seen a fully naked woman, nor had he ever touched one.
Yes, he’d had girlfriends before you, but they’d never taken things this far. So, on your wedding night, you expected him to take control, rip you out of your clothes, and sweep you away in the moment. Instead, he sat on the edge of the bed like a scared puppy.
“…Sokka?”
He flinched at the sound of his name.
“Hm? Y-yes? What’s the matter?”
You sat there with your robe hanging dangerously low, your cleavage on display as you awkwardly looked around the room.
“I thought you said we were gonna… um, do it.”
Sokka’s heart pounded so hard against his chest you swore you could hear it. You huffed, smacking the covers in frustration. Fine. If he was too cowardly to do anything, then you’d have to.
You crawled to the edge of the bed and straddled his lap, immediately feeling him harden beneath you. His face turned completely red as he looked up at you, taking all of you in.
“We can take it slow, okay? This is my first time too.”
That seemed to calm him somewhat, though he was still a stuttering, blushing mess.
You did exactly as you promised. You took things slow, his hands carefully caressing and learning your body while you learned his. The first time Sokka slipped inside you, he came after only a few thrusts. The two of you froze as you felt him spill down your thigh. He looked utterly mortified.
“It’s okay,” you whispered. “We can keep going.”
Sokka was a smart man. Once he took the time to learn you—watching your reactions, figuring out what made you whimper and moan it was over. He wasn’t exactly a pro, but he still managed to get both of you to the finish line three times that night… though he reached it a little earlier than you did.
You rested against his bare chest, his arm wrapped loosely around you. Your breathing synced together as you absentmindedly traced random shapes against his skin.
You pressed a small kiss to his chest and smiled. “I enjoyed our wedding night.”
He smiled too, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.
Epilogue to Breaking The Cycle. A peek into life after Zuko had changed his ways for the better.
A/n: a few of you guys asked for an epilogue so here’s a lil something, hope you like it <3
It had been ten years since Zuko vowed to you that he was willing to change his ways. At first, you didn’t believe him. You couldn’t imagine that someone who once ruled with an iron fist could truly change overnight.
You watched him with heavy skepticism. Though you encouraged his efforts, you still kept your walls up, just in case.
Over the years, you watched him work tirelessly to repair the bridges he had burned. The world wanted nothing to do with him. The trust was gone.
Until he reached out to the Avatar. Aang was willing to reconcile with him. His friends… not so much. A woman named Toph Beifong cursed him out so horribly his ancestors blushed (he deserved it). It made you giggle because you had never seen the great and terrifying Zuko look so flustered.
As time passed, and with the help of the Avatar and his friends, the world slowly began trusting the Fire Nation again. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it was worth it.
Watching him dedicate himself to rebuilding relationships between the nations, helping establish Republic City, and aiding displaced citizens slowly softened your heart. You realized his promise hadn’t been empty words after all.
Which brought you to today.
It was your twins’ seventeenth birthday, and chaos had erupted throughout the palace. You could hear them arguing about decorations all the way down the hall.
You groaned and pulled the covers over your head. A deep chuckle rumbled from behind you.
“Should we do something?” you asked.
He hummed thoughtfully as he peppered kisses along your bare shoulder.
“Let them figure it out.” He snaked an arm around your waist, pulling you closer.
To think you once hated this man’s guts and had contemplated killing him. Now you were deeply in love with him— so much so that the two of you ended up having another daughter, Izara, who was now four years old and made it her personal mission to terrorize the palace.
Speaking of that little menace, you could already hear the rapid pitter-patter of her feet racing down the hallway. You knew exactly where she was headed.
Before you could prepare yourself, the chamber doors slid open. Giggles filled the room as she ran toward the bed and climbed onto it.
You hid your smile beneath the covers.
“Mama! Mama! Wake up! Mama—ah! Papa, put me down!”
Zuko shot upright, grabbing her and trapping her in a bear hug. He peppered kisses all over her face while she squealed and laughed, squirming desperately in his grasp.
“Papa!!”
He shushed her playfully with a grin. “You’re loud, baby.”
She huffed, chaotically slapping messy strands of hair from her forehead.
“Uncle Aang and aunt Katara are here. They’re looking for you!”
She truly did not know how to be quiet.
“Okay, baby. Mama and I will get ready right now. Go let them know we’ll be there soon.”
She nodded eagerly before hopping off the bed and sprinting back out the door, her tiny crown lopsided from playing too hard. Sometimes you wondered why the two of you had decided to start over with another child when you could barely keep up with her.
Then you felt Zuko trailing kisses down your neck and shoulder, nibbling lightly at your sweet spot.
Oh, right…that’s why you had another one.
“Zuko, stop,” you giggled. “We can’t waste any more time. The kids are already ready.”
He ignored you completely, continuing to kiss along your skin. You flinched when his breath tickled your neck, snorting as you tried to push him away, but he caught both your wrists and pinned you gently against the bed.
He paused for a moment just to look at you before diving back in, his soft lips crashing against yours. Every now and then his teeth grazed your bottom lip, drawing pathetic little whimpers from you.
When he finally pulled away, a soft grin rested on his lips, his eyes still dazed with affection.
There was a time his gaze made you want to cower and run. Now it only made your heart race and warmth creep across your cheeks.
He looked at you with pure adoration before quietly saying, “Thank you.”
You tilted your head in confusion. “What are you thanking me for?”
“Thank you for believing in me. For believing I was capable of change. For standing beside me after all the horrid things I’ve done and said to you. Thank you for having hope in me when no one else did. Thank you for bringing such beautiful souls into this world and raising them with kindness instead of letting toxic ideals consume them.”
You didn’t realize you were crying until his hand rose to wipe away a tear slipping down your temple. Sitting up fully, you blinked the rest away.
“I wasn’t a good father...or a good husband,” he admitted softly. “But I’m willing to spend the rest of my life making up for it… if you’ll let me.”
Your chest ached as your heart swelled. This was the life you had once only dreamed about. You were proud of his growth, proud of everything he had become. Proud to stand beside him as Fire Lady, as his wife, and as the mother of his children.
Tears trickled down your cheeks as you stared into his golden eyes. You knew he meant every word. You knew he would lay his life down for you and your children without hesitation.
People would call you crazy for staying beside him. For trusting a man who once threatened you into marriage, who waged war against nations, who imprisoned people for something as small as breathing the wrong way.
You knew apologies could only go so far. They could never erase old trauma. But you had watched him dedicate himself to earning back the trust of the world— through sleepless nights in his study, months spent traveling to meet world leaders, rebuilding villages and cities.
Most importantly, he had worked tirelessly to earn back your trust.
And somehow… he did.
“Zuko,” you whispered, “I forgive you.”
Shock spread across his face. After a decade, you had finally spoken the words he had longed to hear.
A smile broke across his lips as he rested his forehead against yours.
“I love you so much,” he murmured, his voice smooth as warm honey.
Warning: angst!! talks about PPD, heavy themes of shame and self hatred.
After your third child with Sokka, some things start to shift. Your other births seem to gone fine but this one has taken a toll on you and this time it’s very difficult to snap back.
It had been a month since you gave birth. Your baby lay asleep in her bassinet while you remained in bed beside her. You had no energy to move whatsoever, your entire body felt drained and weak, like your organs had been ripped out and shoved back in.
You felt awful. No matter how hard you tried to convince yourself to get up, you couldn’t. Your mind wanted to, but your body said no.
Your body wasn’t your own anymore. It belonged to someone else.
You stared at the woven bassinet watching your baby begin to squirm. She was waking up.
The thought of hearing her cries sickened you, but it also filled you with guilt. You wanted to be a good mother and care for her, but you just couldn’t bring yourself to do it.
Her soft cries quickly became screams. Your eyes began to water as you pulled the covers over your head.
You felt immense guilt, but more than anything you wanted her to just be quiet.
Soft footsteps padded against the floor, followed by quiet coos echoing through the room.
“Shh, baby girl. Mama needs her rest.”
It was Sokka.
No matter what he tried, she wouldn’t stop crying. You knew she was hungry, you could hear it in her cries, but you couldn’t produce anything.
For the past week you had been bone dry, leaving her to survive off watered-down goat’s milk provided by your mother.
Every cry from the baby felt like a reminder of your failure.
You squeezed your eyes shut beneath the blanket hearing Sokka continue to pace the room, softly bouncing the screaming infant in his arms.
“C’mon sweetheart,” he whispered tiredly. “Please don’t wake your brother and sister up too.”
Guilt twisted violently in your stomach. You should be the one holding her. Feeding her, comforting her, Instead you laid there rotting in bed while your husband cared for a child your body failed to provide for.
Your fingers curled tightly into the blankets. You hated yourself for it. The room suddenly felt too hot. Her cries too loud.
Your breathing began to shorten as flashes of blood stained your mind.
It was a blurry mess. Katara’s voice, your mother crying, someone yelling for more towels.
You remembered how cold your body felt despite sweating through your clothes. The terrifying weightlessness that came after.
“Stay awake!”Your eyes snapped open.
The bedroom came back slowly, the lantern light dim and warm instead of blinding white. No blood. No screaming healers. Just Sokka standing near the bassinet with dark circles beneath his eyes.
You swallowed hard. Sokka looked exhausted that felt like another thing that was your fault.
He gently laid the baby against his shoulder, rubbing small circles against her back before glancing toward the bed. When your eyes met his you quickly looked away pretending to focus on the wall.
You couldn’t stand the concern on his face anymore It felt too humiliating.
At first everyone had been understanding. Childbirth was hard, especially after nearly dying during it. But now a month had passed and you still could barely force yourself out of bed.
You hadn’t brushed your hair in days.
Sometimes you stared at the bath water until it went cold because the idea of undressing made you sick. Your body no longer felt like yours. It felt ruined. Foreign. Used.
Sokka quietly approached the bed rocking the baby gently in his arms.
“She’s hungry again,” he said softly. Anger and shame burned through you instantly.
You already knew. Your chest ached painfully, empty and useless all at once.
“I tried,” you whispered weakly, voice cracking. “I tried to feed her earlier.”Sokka’s expression immediately softened. “Hey,” he murmured carefully. “I know you did.
But you barely heard him.
All you could think was that he deserved someone better. Someone stronger. A woman who could actually be a mother instead of this hollow exhausted thing curled beneath blankets avoiding her own baby’s cries.
•••
It was a new day and somehow the same unbearable feeling sat heavy in your chest.
Your mother entered quietly carrying a steaming bowl of cabbage soup, the scent filling the room. You weren’t hungry but she still placed it carefully into your hands anyway, watching you with that worried look everyone seemed to wear around you now.
“Just a few bites,” she urged gently.
You nodded weakly.
The spoon trembled slightly in your hand as you forced yourself to eat enough to keep something on your stomach. The soup was warm but it settled heavily like stones.
Your mother smiled when you finished half the bowl.
“There you go,” she said softly as if you’d accomplished something great. The praise only made shame curl tighter around your ribs.
Later that afternoon Katara visited for another healing session.
Cool water swirled around her fingers glowing softly blue as she pressed her hands carefully against your abdomen. The ache in your body eased slightly beneath her bending, the soreness in your hips and back dulling enough for you to breathe easier.
“You’re recovering well,” Katara assured gently. “Your body’s much stronger than it was last week.”
You stared blankly at the floorboards. Your body, maybe. Your mind still felt trapped somewhere in that room a month ago surrounded by blood and screaming and fear.
Katara’s voice softened. “Healing takes time.”
You wondered if she knew you weren’t talking about the physical pain anymore.
Once she left, Sokka crouched beside the bed resting his forearms against his knees. His eyes looked exhausted lately, purple shadows lingering beneath them no matter how much he tried to hide it.
“You should get some air,” he suggested carefully, his eyes pleading. “Just for a little while.”
“I’m tired Sokka.”
“I know.” His voice stayed gentle. “But you’ve been inside for days.”
The thought alone sounded exhausting. Still, after several minutes of quiet convincing, you finally let him help you up from the bed.
Your legs felt weak as he guided you outside, one hand steady against your back like he was afraid you’d collapse.
The sunlight hit your skin warmly. It clamor brought a smile to your face, for the first time in weeks the fresh air felt nice.
Children’s laughter echoed through the village while snow crunched softly beneath passing footsteps. Somewhere nearby someone was cooking fish over a fire. Life continued so normally around you it almost felt cruel.
You sat quietly beside Sokka wrapped tightly in furs while he bounced the baby gently in his arms.
Then you saw them.
Village mothers gathered not far away smiling softly as they spoke amongst themselves, babies bundled securely against their chests. One woman laughed while adjusting her infant tied to her back, another pressed a kiss against her baby’s forehead while swaying gently side to side.
It looked so easy for them, so… natural. Your chest tightened painfully, your arms suddenly felt empty.
A horrible thought slithered into your mind. They probably talked about you when you weren’t around.
“Poor thing. Three children and she still can’t handle motherhood”
“She can barely feed the baby.”
“Can barely leave her bed.”
Heat flooded your face as your breathing began to shake. You quickly looked away but it was too late, tears already burned down your cheeks.
“I can’t do this,” you whispered brokenly.
Sokka turned immediately. “Hey, hey—”
“I wanna go back inside.” Your voice cracked sharply. “Please.”
Concern overtook his face instantly. He didn’t ask questions, didn’t push. He simply stood and carefully helped you to your feet.
Your body trembled the entire walk back home. The second the door shut behind you the pressure in your chest exploded. You collapsed to your knees covering your mouth trying to muffle the sob that escaped you.
Sokka quickly reached for you but you stepped away first.
“Don’t,” you choked out.
His face fell.
“You saw them,” you cried quietly. “They make it look so easy.”
“Aang and Katara had three kids and she still smiled after all of them. My mother did it. Every woman here does it except me.”
Your breathing hitched painfully.
“There’s… something wrong with me.”
The words barely left your mouth before another sob ripped its way out of you. You quickly covered your face in humiliation, shoulders shaking violently.
Sokka stood frozen for a moment watching you crumble in front of him. There was no enemy to fight. No battle strategy. No clever joke to fix this.
Just you in pain and he had no idea how to save you. Carefully he stepped closer, like approaching a wounded animal frightened of being touched.
“Hey,” he whispered softly. “Look at me.”
You just couldn’t. Your nails dug harshly into your skin as your breathing became more uneven. Everything inside you felt raw and unbearable.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” you choked out. “I had the others and I was fine. I was happy.”
Sokka’s face tightened at the pain in your voice.
“When she cries I just…” Your throat burned. “I— I try so hard but sometimes I hear her and I just want it to stop.”
The confession hung heavily in the room. You finally looked at him then, terrified. Waiting for disgust waiting for him to shame you for being a bad mom.
“For everything to stop,” you whispered brokenly.
Sokka’s expression faltered. Not because he was horrified but because he finally understood how deep the pain truly went.
Your hands covered your face again as shame crashed over you. “What kind of mother thinks that?”
“Baby a hurting one,” Sokka answered immediately.
The gentleness in his voice only made you cry harder. You felt his arms carefully wrap around you but even then you struggled to relax against him, guilt clawing through your chest.
“I can’t even feed her.”
“You’re trying.”
You scoff “I can barely hold her.”
“You almost died!” His voice cracked unexpectedly, fills with so much pent up hurt and pain. “Do you think that just…doesn’t leave scars?”
That made you pause, you knew this was also affecting Sokka but you didn’t realize how much hurt and pain he was going from almost losing you. Sokka swallowed hard before continuing quieter this time.
“I almost lost you” Silence filled the room except for your uneven breathing and the distant soft fussing of the baby from her bassinet nearby.
Your eyes instinctively darted toward the sound. Instantly guilt flooded you again.
“She deserves better,” you whispered.
Sokka pulled back just enough to look at you fully. “No,” he said firmly. “She deserves you.” As if hearing his voice, the baby’s cries began growing louder again from across the room.
Your body tensed immediately, part of you wanted to run to her and hold her snd the other part told you no, you’d find a way to mess up.
Sokka noticed.
Without a word he stood and carefully lifted the baby from the bassinet, gently rocking her against his shoulder before walking back over.
Your stomach twisted anxiously the second he lowered her toward you.
“I can’t,” you said quickly, panic rising.
“Yes, you can.” His voice stayed calm. “You don’t have to do everything today. Just…just hold her.”
Your arms hesitated before slowly lifting. The baby settled uncertainly against your chest still fussing softly. You stiffened waiting for panic to take over again. Instead the infant gave a small whine before nestling closer to your warmth.
Then slowly…quietly she settled. Your breath hitched and a fresh wave of tears filled your eyes but this time something else mixed within them.
Not happiness not yet but something gentler. Everything wasn’t magically fixed yet but this felt like progress.
“See she knows you,” Sokka whispered.
Your breath trembled softly as you looked down at her curled against your chest. She was finally quiet. Tiny fingers loosely curled against the fabric of your shirt while soft sleepy breaths warmed your skin.
For weeks you had convinced yourself she didn’t need you that you becoming her mother was a mistake. Yet here she was comfortably sleeping against you.
Resting peacefully in your arms like she belonged there. Another tear slipped down your cheek.
“I’m scared,” you admitted quietly. “What if I never get better?”
Sokka’s hand gently covered yours rubbing his thumb against it.
“You will,” he said softly. “Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not all at once. But you will.”
You shook your head weakly. “I don’t even recognize myself anymore.”
“I know.” His voice cracked slightly. “But that doesn’t mean you’re gone.”Silence settled between you both, soft and heavy but no longer suffocating.
Outside the wind howled faintly against the walls of the house while the fire crackled nearby. Somewhere down the hall your older children laughed at something your mother said. Life still moved forward even through the pain.
Sokka carefully brushed damp hair away from your face.
“You don’t have to survive this alone,” he whispered. “Katara’s here. Your mother’s here. I’m here.”
Fresh tears welled in your eyes again not because the pain was gone, It wasn’t.
Your body still ached. Your mind still felt bruised and exhausted and afraid. Tomorrow could still be difficult. There would still be bad days.
But for the first time in weeks the darkness no longer felt endless.You looked back down at your daughter sleeping quietly against your chest and slowly allowed yourself to hold her a little closer.
Omgggg i just read "Breaking the Cycle" and it is sooo good! I haven't read something like it since I started browsing through zuko tags here, and it was so sooo great, I enjoyed reading each word istg! Will there be a part 3 for it maybe in the future, to like see how zuko changed for the better and how we would treat his family now? 🥹
Ahhhh thank you so muuch!!! I try to change up some of my themes, it gets repetitive scrolling the tags sometimes. I’m glad you enjoyed it, and I might do a little quick epilogue showing his growth 🥰🥰
Zuko x reader || you and Zuko unable to sleep after watching a horror play, but neither of you will admit that the play scared you.
The carriage ride home was silent, the only sounds were the creaking wheels beneath you and the whipping wind outside. You and Zuko sat stiff-bodied side by side, your hand entangled with his.
You slid open the small wooden window to peek outside but saw nothing. It was a dark, moonless night. A strange feeling crept over you, as if you were being watched. You squinted into the darkness, but the only thing you heard was a distant howl. A small gasp escaped your lips and you quickly shut the window.
When you arrived home, Zuko helped you out of the carriage and walked you into the palace with his hand resting comfortably against your lower back.
“So,” he started, “that play was something, huh?”
You swallowed thickly, nodding. “Yeah… it was very realistic.”
All of a sudden you noticed how dark and quiet the palace could be at night. Sure, fire lamps lined the walls, but it felt eerie nonetheless. You found yourself unconsciously shifting closer to Zuko as you walked. He noticed immediately, glancing down at you with a slight smile.
“What? You scared of the dark?”
You scoffed, rolling your eyes. “What— no! I’m just… a little cold.”
“Hn. Sure.”
The two of you fell back into silence. You were almost to your bed chambers when a shadow suddenly rounded the corner. Zuko jumped back, squeezing your hand tightly.
It was just a guard.
“Fire Lord Zuko, is everything alright?” the guard asked with genuine concern.
Zuko cleared his throat, quickly straightening his stance. “Yes, everything is fine… I just didn’t see you there. As you were.”
The guard saluted before resuming his shift. You muffled a snort behind your sleeve.
“Who’s the scared one now?” Zuko screwed his face up in annoyance before snatching your wrist and pulling you down the hallway.
“Ugh, let’s just get to bed.”
After the two of you bathed and settled into bed, silence filled the room once more. You lay on your back with the covers pulled to your chin, your eyes darting around the dark room. You assumed Zuko was already asleep, so you didn’t bother trying to wake him.
“Y/n… are you still awake?” Your body tensed at the sudden sound of his voice.
“Yes. I thought you were asleep.”
“No… I can’t sleep. Can you?”
You paused for a moment. “No.”
“The play…” he began, “it was pretty realistic, huh? With the spirits and all that.”
“Mhm. Yeah… very.” Another silence settled between you two.
Then— Tap. You both freeze.
Zuko slowly lifted his head from the pillow. “Did you hear that?” You immediately shook your head too fast.
“Nope.”
“…You answered very quickly to not hear anything.”
“Because there’s nothing to hear.” You pulled the blanket higher over yourself. “It’s probably just the wind.”
Tap…then a scratch. This time it came from the balcony doors. Zuko sat upright instantly, eyes narrowed toward the dark outline of the curtains shifting softly in the breeze.
“…The balcony was locked right?” he asked.
You stared at him in absolute disbelief. “Why are you asking me? You locked it!”
“I think?”
“You think?!” You whisper yelled. Another scratch sounded against the wood, both of you flinched violently. Zuko cleared his throat and straightened his posture. “It’s fine. It’s probably a branch.”
“We don’t have trees near the balcony.”
“…Right.”
Silence, neither of you moved. Finally Zuko nudged your shoulder.
“Go check.”
You slowly turn your head to look at him like he’d lost his mind. “Why the fuck would I check?”
“Because you said you weren’t scared.”
“And?! so did you!” Before he could answer, a loud THUD slammed against the balcony doors.
You both yelped. In one fluid motion Zuko grabbed you while you latched onto him, nearly knocking both of you off the bed. Your arms wrapped tightly around each other, his face buried near your neck while your fingers clutched desperately at his sleep robes.
For a solid five seconds neither of you spoke.
Then— “…You’re squeezing me really hard,” Zuko muttered.
“You almost crushed my ribs first!” He scoffed.
“You- what? You jumped on me!”
“You screamed!”
“I did not scream.”
“Oh please that was absolutely a scream.”
He puffed out his chest straightening his shoulders, “It was a tactical yell.”
You pulled back just enough to look at him and immediately burst out laughing. Zuko tried to hold his serious expression but it cracked almost instantly, a reluctant laugh escaping him too.
Another soft thump came from the balcony. This time Zuko sighed dramatically before getting up, still keeping one hand around your wrist as if he wasn’t.
He slid the door open carefully only to reveal—A very fat turtleduck sitting on the balcony with a flower pot knocked over beside it.
The two of you stared at it….The turtleduck stared back. Immense embarrassment flooded your body, you cleared your throat looking away.
“…We almost died over a turtleduck,” you whispered.
Zuko dragged a hand down his face in embarrassment. “Don’t tell anyone about this.”
You grinned crossing your arms. “You were literally trembling.”
“Oh really? You were clinging to me like a koala.”
“tuh that never happened.”
“Hm.”
You snorted as he pulled the balcony doors shut again. The second he climbed back into bed, though, he settled unusually close beside you but neither of you pointed it out.
“…Just so we’re clear,” Zuko murmured into the darkness, “I wasn’t scared.”
You smiled against the pillow. “Of course not.”
A beat passed.
“…Can you keep holding my hand anyway?” Your fingers immediately intertwined with his beneath the blankets. Yeah,” you whispered. “Me too.”
!! tw: arguing/swearing, adult conversations, mentions of drug use, mentions of familial issues, aggressive behavior
3253 words
You and Rafe have been having your usual ups and downs but he suggests that you two have a little getaway, his way of apologizing. He promises that he's changed and is sober but you find out otherwise.
The truck shook gently as we passed over a pot hole, awakening me from a light slumber in the passenger seat as Rafe drove in silence. I glanced over at him before turning my eyes back to the road ahead before he got the chance to make eye contact. We had been fighting lately, more than usual, and it was really getting to me. It saddened me because I loved Rafe with my entire being and I know he felt the same but I couldn't keep putting myself through the madness of being with him if it cost me my sanity. He needed help and I told him that I’d be there for him every step of the way but he refused to see it. I knew it was extremely hard for him and I wanted him to be able to do it at his own pace but if I was going to be with him I couldn't just continue enabling him.
I had threatened to leave and that broke him, I had never said anything like that before and he didn't know how to handle that emotionally. We agreed to take a short break which ended up not lasting very long as we couldn’t stand being apart from one another. Toxic, I know, but I need him and he needs me.
He came up with the idea that we needed a getaway, something different from our daily routine to sort of reset and allow us to have a break from real life for a minute, and I agreed. I hadn’t gone on vacation in awhile so maybe this was perfect timing, and maybe he’d finally see that it was time for him to get the help he needs to really allow our relationship to flourish.
After a bit more driving, we finally arrived at our destination, a lovely estate owned by the Cameron’s. An heirloom, I assumed, that had been in the family for generations and occasionally used as a vacation home. This was my first time ever seeing or hearing about it. I mentally thanked Ward for allowing us to use it for a few days. I liked that it wasn’t too far from home but far enough that I didn’t recognize the nearby area. It would be a nice, cozy getaway and I really hoped Rafe would enjoy it too. I hopped out of the front seat and walked around back to grab my bags but Rafe beat me to it, handing me only my little makeup bag that matched my luggage that contained my various toiletries and other things I used in the mornings. I didn’t even think to protest as he would only tell me no and that he was fine with carrying it. Even when we were seemingly fighting, he still took care of me, it made me feel like an asshole for even being upset with him in the first place but I had to remind myself that I had a reason to be upset. I pushed the thought back and closed the trunk before following him inside.
It was very warm and homey which sort of surprised me. The Cameron’s were very wealthy and that usually warranted more modern decor that felt cold but thinking about how their home looked, this fit. Their house had the perfect mix of wealth and comfort so this definitely spoke volumes to that. A smile made its way onto my face as I continued to look around before walking towards the back, staring out the sliding glass door to see the pool and bar setup. This was definitely a place where lots of gatherings took place. I pushed the lock to the sliding door up and opened the door, the sound of it sliding along the track was quiet and the sound of the outside environment seeped in. I breathed in the fresh air before stepping out onto the brick that paved the entirety of the backyard. The pool was a decent size and ahead of it was a set of stairs that went down towards the dock where a boat would usually go and just before that was a fireplace with chairs surrounding it. Maybe we could start our evening out here, there was a light chill in the air lately. I turned to make my way back in and Rafe was coming back from the bedroom after putting our stuff down, I subconsciously looked away briefly before going to check the room out, to which he spun around to stay back and, I assume, get my reaction. I relaxed at the comfortability the bed presented before tensing up at the thought of sharing it with him if we were still at odds. I felt like I was getting in my own head at this point. Rafe and I shared a bed plenty of times before after arguing but for some reason this felt different. It wasn’t like being back home where I could just leave for a bit and then come back or he could do so. We were stuck together for four days and I was going to have to be a big girl and deal with it.
An exhale escaped my lips as I was able to calm down again, turning back again as I could practically feel his presence behind me, waiting. The silence between us was beginning to feel deafening. I allowed my eyes to finally meet his as I spoke, “This is a really nice place, can’t say I’m surprised though.. You Cameron’s have classy taste so…” I tiptoed over to him and leaned in the doorway in front of him, his head moving down so as to not break eye contact. “I’m glad you like it, I want you to enjoy yourself here.. And I want this to work out, believe me.” I nearly melted at his words paired with the look that went along with it. He spoke again before I could “I love you.. I- I know I don’t say it enough but that’s going to change, I promise you,” and with that he laid a light peck to my lips which I reciprocated.
I reached forward to grab his hand, tangling our fingers together and swinging our hands to acknowledge him, “I love you too Rafe, this will be good for us.. Don’t worry.” I wish I could believe that myself, not to worry, but the truth is that I was worried. I was worried for our relationship and I was worried for him, I wanted him to be healthy and happy but he needed to want that for himself too. Hopefully he would see that this weekend. That he was everything to me and more. He was it.
__
He was busy lighting the fire after I had suggested we sit down by the fire pit. The weather was perfect for it. I had changed into some cotton pajama shorts and a long sleeve paired with my comfy bedroom slippers that I occasionally wore outside. I figured I’d bring a blanket as well to combat the cool breeze as I stepped back out onto the bricked pavement. He still wore his clothes from earlier that day, I assumed he was comfortable in that as I watched him move the fire wood around to generate a bigger, longer lasting flame. He looked so calm down there and I relished the sight. I loved it when Rafe was at peace, not at battle with himself, I wished it was like this more often. I caught myself biting my inner cheek at the thought of having to go back home and our real lives coming back crashing down on us. I wished we could just stay like this forever. Eventually, I made my way down to where the fire pit and Rafe was, the sound of crackling filled my ears as the light from the flame bounced off of his face as he turned to him. He looked so sweet. I nuzzled into his side, gripping his shirt to pull him close into the blanket I had wrapped around my shoulders. He quickly put his arms around me and pulled me down into the chair with him, sitting me up on his lap. We both watched the fire grow as the heat crept up our legs and I rested my head on his shoulder.
“I’d give anything to stay right here in this spot for the rest of my life, what about you?” I asked, cringing slightly at myself for such a cliche question but it was honest. He spoke almost instantly, “I’d do the same, as long as you're involved..” I smiled again, he really did know how to lay the charm on. “Do you have those witty little comments written down somewhere?” I asked with a quiet chuckle and that got the same laugh out of him “What- You don't think I'm smart enough to come up with that on my own?”
I sat up to look at him “No, it's just that you always know what to say to make me melt into a giant puddle everytime,” Rafe found humor in that as he couldn’t stop the small laugh that escaped his lips and he shook his head before speaking “Well it’s easy when a beautiful girl is in front of me..” He looked me up and down with those eyes he always used when he wanted to get his way, and it worked every time. I was a little ashamed of how well though. I rolled my eyes and looked back into the fire. Rafe spoke up again, his eyes not leaving me, “I am going to be better for you… I’m going to try to get clean, baby.. I swear to you” He shook his head in desperation as if he really needed me to believe him and I was really trying to, but I just didn’t want to be let down after getting my hopes up. I looked back to him again finally and pulled the blanket from my shoulders as the fire was doing a lot of the work of keeping me warm now. “Okay Rafe.. you know I will always be there for you but I have to see some real commitment from you this time, you are it for me and if we are ever going to be anything more than you need to seriously admit it to yourself that you will get help” I held back tears as I spoke, the somber expression on his face always got to me. He just nodded “You’re it for me too, and like I said.. I swear it, I swear to you I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure I don’t let you down” He leaned closer to me and I closed the gap between us as I pressed my lips into his lovingly, as if he’d disappear right from under me. After a minute, I pulled away and gently stroked his cheek with my thumb, just wanting to be as close to him as possible. The moment didn’t last very long before his pocket vibrated, his phone. I moved to let him up and he answered it, from his words, it sounded like it could've been his dad. I sat in silence to allow him to finish the call as I knew things with Ward were always tense. Rafe was always trying to appease him and I didn’t like seeing him when he was that way, it was the driving force of his substance abuse, but I just sat back and refrained from interfering.
Rafe sat his phone, face up on the brink ledge beside the fireplace and made his way inside again, telling me he’d be right back. I just nodded understandably and sat back in the chair while I waited. Silence fell over me again except for the sound of the fire crackling again. That was, until another sound occupied the atmosphere, Rafe’s phone. He began to get text messages back to back, it made me skeptical but he and I had had plenty of conversations about trust and I was really trying to do my best to be better about trusting him. Though I couldn't shake this gut feeling I had inside of me. The text messages kept coming as if they were egging me on, forcing me to pick up his phone and check it. I sighed deeply and mentally shot myself in the head before I reached forward and grabbed Rafe’s phone. Thankfully I knew his password, I clicked on the messages and it led me right into the den of my worst fears. Angry texts from Barry about getting paid for drugs Rafe was getting from him. My heart sank as the wave of realization washed over me. Rafe was lying this whole time. He was never planning to get clean and he was planning to hide it from the context of these messages. I felt sick. I couldn’t believe he would sit here and lie to me like this. Was this little trip a way to get back in my good graces so I wouldn’t question any further? I was almost fuming as I shakily sat the phone back down on the brick just how Rafe left it. As if right on cue, he came back outside with a bit of pep in his step which I instantly assumed was from doing a few lines just now without thinking I’d have any suspicion due to his heartfelt words and puppy dog eyes.
He went to speak but I didn’t allow it. “So you just sat here and lied to my face..” Rafe’s face immediately changed to one of knowing and a bit of anger, but he tried his best to hide it “Lied about what?” I scoffed and stood, tossing the blanket aside “The audacity you have to stand in front of me and ask that.. Looks like Barry doesn’t know time and place that well, why is he asking you for money? You owe him for some coke??” The anger was practically spilling out of me at this point and I honestly didn’t know what I’d say until the words came out. Didn’t matter though, I needed Rafe to know every single bit of what I was thinking right now. He shook his head and stepped back before clenching his fists, something he did often when backed into a corner. “You- You went through my phone.. Wow, I thought we had a little trust- What happened to that? That don’t mean shit to you?!” Rafe was quick to raise his voice, one of the many things I told him he needed help with which he thought wasn’t true. I scoffed again, he really had some nerve trying to lecture me about trust “You have to earn trust Rafe, and clearly you don’t deserve it because you’re fucking sitting here lying to me and charming me up so I don’t question you, hell- you probably are on drugs right now, aren’t you??”
That really began to set him off but I knew the truth, I could see it in his face, in his demeanor, not to mention his pupils were blown wide open. God, he could be so stupid sometimes. He rushed toward me and got in my face “Don’t act.. like you know everything okay? You don’t even know the full story, you don’t know shit! You know this is why I should've just taken this little trip by myself because you don’t even trust me enough to take care of my own shit– You got your little perfect little life and everyone has to abide by your rules, well unfortunately its not like that for all of us, okay sweetheart” My jaw dropped slightly at his words, he had never said anything so hurtful. He began to pace and fidget, opening and closing his fists but I was never afraid of that, he had his problems but he’d never hit me. “Why haven’t you left yet, I’m just some charity case to you for you to fix huh..” He looked at me with a slight squint of suspicion and I spoke up to defend myself but he got in my face again, pointing a finger harshly “Don’t think I don't hear your petty little group of friends talking about how you’re doing me such a huge favor by being with me.. ‘Oh he's so broken, he needs to be fixed, he needs you,’ and you agree.. I know you do” He rolled his eyes with a shake of his head before stepping back which finally allowed me to speak for myself, “I can’t believe you’d ever say anything like that, you have your dumb moments but this definitely tops it off.. How could you ever believe that shit about me? And you don't think you need help?? Give me a break- Do you even remember half of our relationship seeing as you're coked up all the time?” I didn’t like what I was saying but he needed to hear it and I wasn't going to hold back just for his sake. He needed his feelings hurt. It was the only way he’d be able to see that he wasn’t okay. Rafe looked at me with disbelief that I would ever say those words to him and it was only because I always held back, but not this time. “Well.. maybe I’ll do you a favor and give you that break” He stormed off, roughly pushing the chair over and letting it crash loudly to the ground. Now, that got a slight flinch out of me. My knees buckled and I forcibly squatted down with them in front of me and began to cry. I hated crying but it was something I found myself doing more often, the more Rafe and I fought. I couldn’t argue with him when he was coked out, it never ended well and it seemed to hurt me more than it hurt him. God, I wished I knew how bad it hurt him. I stayed in that position for a long while, that I only knew because by the time I was able to bring myself back to my feet, the fire was out and it was dark. I was alone and Rafe hadn’t returned like he usually would, I listened for the sound of his footsteps but there was nothing. I listened for any sound in the house but there was nothing. I really hoped he didn’t just leave. I didn’t like where we were right now, an unresolved fight, ended before it even really began. It almost felt like it didn’t happen. Rafe usually was the one to keep it going with yelling or excuses but he just.. left. I wanted desperately to turn back the clock or to grab him as he stormed off and tell him to stay but I knew part of me was right in how I was feeling. I couldn’t deny myself of that anymore but as ironic as it was, he was the one I needed at that moment. I couldn’t believe I was going through this with him over and over, just a neverending cycle and drugs and fighting that lead to extremely unhealthy solutions like makeup sex or pushing our feelings aside to stay in each other's arms. He was the love of my life and I didn’t even know how to help him or even myself anymore.
I LOVED the Sokka fanfic! I really loved how you wrote him and I wanted to make a request if it's okay...
This is just an idea… But maybe we could have a part 2 with a bit of angst where they have another baby and the reader goes through so many difficulties during childbirth that they need to call Katara And what about other healers to help, since the lives of the mother and baby were in danger? And Sokka finally understands that he never did the hard part of bringing a life into the world. A personal note from me: the reader ends up having severe postpartum depression and has her uterus removed to prevent future risks; she can barely move in bed without feeling pain and she can't even find the strength to comb her own hair because of her depressive state.
You can simply ignore this; it was just an idea that came to me when I realized there's almost no representation for these sensitive issues like fatherhood and postpartum depression ...and the pressure women face to have multiple children, especially if that's their husband's dream...
English is not my native language, so I used a translator for this; it might be a little confusing!
Nope i understand it just fine hun and sure i can write something like that ❤️
Breaking The Cycle Pt2 || Tyrant! Zuko x Wife! Reader
Warning : reader & Zuko get into a heated argument, Zuko is born a new person
Will Zuko be a monstrous father like his own, or will he break the cycle? pt1 here , epilogue
Is it your own destiny, or is it a destiny someone else tried has tried to force on you?
— Iroh
Something in you told you to stay with him. All night, Zuko tossed and turned in his sleep, shedding almost all his clothes because he had sweated through them.
It got so bad you went against his wishes and called for the royal physician.
“Hm.” The physician had given him herbal tea, acupuncture, even tried a foreign medicine, but nothing seemed to be working.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s like…” He frowned. “He’s making himself sick.”
Your head tilted in confusion at his diagnosis.
“Making himself sick? How is that possible?” The physician sighed, removing the cold cloth from Zuko’s forehead.
“I’m ashamed to admit it… I do not know. His body is healthy as a rhino, yet he seems terribly ill.” He paused, looking at Zuko’s pale body lying pitifully across the bed. “I will return shortly. I need to check my books. In the meantime, stay here with him and call for me if anything happens.”
He bowed before turning to leave Zuko’s chambers.
You turned back to Zuko, silently analyzing him. He had never fallen ill before. Could it be poison? Something self-inflicted to make you feel guilty?
If he died, your son would have to take the throne. He was far too young, only seven years old. The council would surely walk all over him, and you would have little say in stopping them.
You were pulled from your thoughts when Zuko’s body suddenly jerked and a rough, dry cough tore from his throat.
You rushed to his side with more herbal tea. “Here, drink this.”
He sat up, taking a few sips before stopping abruptly. Without warning, he snatched the cup from your hands and hurled it across the room. You watched it shatter into tiny pieces that danced across the hardwood floor.
You jumped back, brows furrowing.
“What is the matter with you? You’re sick you needed that.”
He groaned as he sat up further, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. You could tell he was dizzy, but he fought through it, forcing himself to stand at his full height.
“I told you not to bring the physician, yet you disobeyed me anyway!”He staggered toward you, but you stood your ground.
“You looked like you were dying! I didn’t know what else to do!”
He continued advancing, his eyes burning with anger.
Roughly, he grabbed you by the shoulders and yanked you toward him. You hissed in pain, struggling against his iron grip.
“You’ve always been disobedient,” he seethed through gritted teeth, “just like your low life peasant father. I should have rid the world of you both when I had the chance.”
Anger burned within you. You opened your mouth to respond when a small voice suddenly spoke.
“Mommy? Is father okay?” It was Azael.
Zuko’s grip loosened slightly around you, though he still did not let go.
“Zarina, Azael baby go back to your rooms now. Your father isn’t feeling well at the moment.”
Azael stood frozen near the doorway, but Zarina marched forward and kicked her father hard in the leg.
“Let go of my mommy right now!” Her tiny voice carried so much anger that it hurt you. They should not have been seeing this.
Zuko’s grip slowly fell away, finally freeing you. His gaze lowered to his daughter, and yours followed. She stood there with her arms crossed, refusing to move an inch.
“Zarina—”
Zuko tried to speak, but suddenly his stance wavered. Not even a second later, he collapsed hard onto the floor.
Panic shot through you instantly.
“Guards! get the physician now!”
•••
It has been four days since Zuko fell unconscious, he hasn’t waken since. His body burned with a fever the physician struggled to keep tame.
The physician could no longer hide the worry in his face. Every few hours Zuko’s fever climbed higher no matter what remedies were used. The servants whispered outside the chambers now, rumors already beginning to spread through the palace halls like wildfire.
The Fire Lord was dying.
You sat beside his bed exhausted, your fingers brushing damp strands of hair from his forehead as you dabbed a cold cloth across it. Even unconscious he looked troubled. His face twisted every so often as though fighting something unseen.
Azael had fallen asleep curled beside the fireplace while Zarina refused to leave your side entirely. The girl sat silently on the floor sharpening her tiny practice dagger against a stone with an expression far too serious for a child her age.
“He should’ve woken by now,” you murmured quietly.
The physician avoided your gaze. “Yes…he should have.” The room fell silent again no one daring to speak until suddenly Zuko’s breathing changed, sharp and uneven.
You immediately leaned forward. “Zuko?”
His brows furrowed deeply. His hands twitched against the sheets before suddenly grabbing at them hard enough to nearly tear the fabric. A low sound left his throat almost like pain.
Then— “No.” The word was weak, barely audible.
You froze waiting for him to speak again.
“No?” the physician repeated carefully. “Fire Lord Zuko are you awake?”
Zuko’s face twisted harder. “Don’t—” his breathing hitched violently. “Don’t leave me again.”
Your heart tightened unexpectedly.
The physician slowly stood. “He may be delirious.” But something about the words didn’t sound random. They sounded wounded like he was hurting and not just physically.
Another strained breath escaped him.
“I tried…I’m sorry.”
The anger you had carried toward him these past few days faltered slightly. This wasn’t the terrifying Fire Lord standing over generals and striking fear into servants. This was someone crumbling apart from the inside out.
Zarina lowered the dagger into her lap. “Mother…” she whispered nervously. “Why does father sound that way?”
You didn’t answer her right away, you didn’t know how. Because you had never heard Zuko sound so terrified before.
“I- I don’t know baby.”
•••
The fifth night was the quietest yet.
The kids were in their rooms asleep. No violent coughing, no tossing and turning, no strained breaths that made your chest tighten in dread.
It was too quiet, could he be gone?…
You carefully pushed open the doors to Zuko’s chambers expecting to find him still unconscious beneath layers of blankets.
Instead the bed was empty?? Your panicked eyes darting back and forth scanning his room for any sign of him. The balcony doors stood partially open letting cool night air drift through the room. Curtains swayed gently beside a tall figure standing near the railing.
Zuko.
Your heart slammed against your ribs, you mentally prepared yourself for any trouble you brought upon yourself.
You noticed he looked thinner somehow. His hair was loose around his shoulders cascading down his back and he wore only simple robes instead of his usual royal attire. For a moment you thought he might collapse again, one hand bracing himself against the stone railing.
Then he turned toward you, and immediately something felt…wrong or perhaps not wrong?
Just different.
His eyes lacked that constant sharpness you had grown used to. There was no simmering anger waiting beneath the surface. No cold superiority he simply looked tired.
“You’re…awake,” you said carefully.
“I am.” His voice was quieter than usual.
You remained near the doorway unsure what to do next. “The physician should be called.”
“No.” He shook his head softly. “I’m alright now.”
Suspicion curled in your stomach immediately. After days of unconsciousness suddenly he was standing? Calm? Speaking gently? This isn’t the man you married, something’s up.
Your body remained tense. “What kind of game is this? Are you trying to get back at me for teaching our children kindness and sympathy?”
His expression tightened with guilt rather than anger. That alone unsettled you.
“It isn’t a game.” You blinked feeling almost dumbfounded.
Silence stretched between you. Finally Zuko looked away from you entirely, shame written across his face. “I owe you an apology.”
Your face contorted with confusion, you almost laughed. A real apology had never once left his lips in all your years together.
“You are ill,” you said cautiously. “Clearly the fever has not broken completely, I’m calling the physician.”
“No, don’t I mean it.” His voice cracked slightly. “The way I’ve treated you…our children…” His jaw tightened painfully. “I became someone cruel, someone unrecognizable.”
Your eyes narrowed instantly. “Someone?”
“I spent so long trying to become my father, trying to please him that I stopped being myself.”
The words stunned you silent.
His eyes met yours for a split second then he looked away, “You remind somewhat of my mother ya’ know... The way you protect Zarina and Azael is the same way she protected me and Azula, she’d be ashamed of who I’d become.”
Zuko slowly sat down against the edge of the balcony bench as though exhausted merely speaking about it.
“When I was sick…” he began quietly, “it felt like there were two people fighting inside of me. One wanted power, fear, and control.” He swallowed hard. “The other remembered who I used to be before all of this, who my mother wanted me to be.”
You listened intently, your skepticism remained firm but your curiosity began slipping through the cracks.
“My uncle once told me something similar happened to me long ago,” he continued. “He said my inner struggle became physical. I didn’t understand him then.” A humorless smile crossed his face. “I do now.”
The room fell silent except for the distant crackling of the fireplace inside. You studied him carefully waiting for the anger to return— waiting for an outburst. For him to mock you for believing this ridiculous act. For him to tell you that it was all a lie and you’re a foolish woman for even thinking of believing him.
But it never came. Instead he looked at you with genuine remorse.
“When Zarina stood in front of you…” his voice lowered painfully, “she looked terrified of me.”
That made your chest tighten.
“She should be,” you answered honestly. “They’re both petrified of you Zuko.”
Zuko nodded slowly as though he deserved the words. “I know.”
For once he did not argue, he didn’t yell. He just listened taking in the words. You cautiously stepped closer though still kept distance between you. You looked up at him, eyebrows knitted together feeling a typhoon of emotions, “And now suddenly you’ve changed? I don’t believe it for damn second.”
You wanted to scream at him. Hit him, tell him how he made your life a living hell for the past ten years. Now he wants to cry about change? You refused to believe it, and even if it’s true you wanted him to feel your pain and suffering.
“No,” he admitted. “Not suddenly.” His eyes met yours, softer than normal. “Changing will likely take the rest of my life.”
Your eyebrows shot up in shock. The honesty in that answer struck you harder than excuses would have. You were speechless.
“I don’t expect forgiveness immediately,” he continued. “But I want to do better. For them. For you. For this nation... For us.”
You stared at him for a long moment searching desperately for deception and finding none. You stared at him in disbelief, something deep in you believed him but your mind was telling you you’d be a fool to.
Your eyes shifted back and forth trying to read into him and the only thing you saw was guilt and exhaustion. Only a man who finally seemed horrified by what he had become.
“And how exactly does the Fire Lord plan to change?” you asked sternly.
A small breath left him. “I— I don’t know yet.”
That answer was not what you expected but you weren’t mad at it. Slowly, cautiously, you crossed the remaining distance between you both. Zuko looked genuinely surprised when your hand rested carefully over his.
“You hurt a lot of people Zuko,” you whispered.
His fingers tightened slightly beneath yours. “I know.”
“And if this is another lie—”
“It isn’t.” You studied his face one last time before giving a slow nod.
“Then we’ll figure it out.”
For the first time in years, Zuko looked at peace. The look of relief washed over him. This wasn’t going to be easy but if he was being honest you were willingly to stand beside him and help him grow.
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