"Lucifer dotes on you so much," Diavolo noted with a laugh. "It's actually making me a little jealous!"
"I do not," Lucifer rebutted. He sliced into a tender cut of steak with slightly more force than he had previously, just to drive home his point. The meat was overflowing with juices and the scent of herbs. It looked so soft, a knife wasn't even necessary. The thought of a single bite melting on your tongue made your mouth water.
"Lucifer, perhaps I could be of assistance? You should taste your meal before it gets cold," Barbatos offered. He had just replenished the wine in Diavolo's glass and ensured your cup was similarly topped up. Everything for dinner had been served. The butler was left with nothing to do.
"That won't be necessary. Here, I'm finished. You can enjoy now."
Lucifer turned the plate and passed it over to you. The fine porcelain made a soft thud as it landed on the tablecloth. Your whole steak was cut into perfect little bite-sized pieces.
Diavolo watched with amusement as Lucifer began cutting up his own steak into much larger bites. The corners of his lips were turned up as he chewed.
"Yeah, this doesn't count as doting at all," you commented. It got a chuckle from the palace duo.
Lucifer shot you a glare, warning you to stay quiet, that was in odd contrast to his actions. He had pulled your chair out before you sat down, and pushed you in after you took a seat. Short of actually feeding you himself, Lucifer was most definitely doting on you.
Was driving with my grandmother and in broken English she says “no eyes… no nose… no face. Don’t trust.” To which I looked around wildly in search of this omen of ill portend.
The funny thing about generational trauma is that it doesn't really look like trauma. It just looks like "that funny thing that everyone's mom does for no apparent reason."
Tonight, a royal banquet was being held at the FireLord’s palace in Azulon. The royal banquet was being held in honor of you, aka the Firelady. It was your birthday, and the banquet itself was held in one of the largest halls in the Palace, and about 500 people were currently sitting at tables and eating, talking, and dancing to music.
You and Zuko sat at the Lóng yî. A large, magnificent, gold-encrusted thing with very comfortable seating. You two were eating the delicious array of foods served for you by the servants from your shared Chabudai. Your friend, Lihua, also Zuko’s Chief Royal Advisor’s wife was sitting on your right, eating her own food delicately as her eyes scanned the bustling room. Next to her were your maids, all of them sitting comfortably and silently, flashing their practiced smiles at the crowd. You were not pleased when you discovered they were not permitted to eat during banquets, but the Head Chamberlain - a nuisance - strictly forbade you from exempting them from this rule, saying it was ‘a tradition and rule’. But that didn’t stop you from sneaking them delicacies that you had saved in a handkerchief after the banquet.
Zuko sat on your right, perfectly poised and perfectly royal. On his left was Zhang, Lihua’s husband - he was an intelligent man, but he was equally strange and funny. He was currently telling Zuko something, probably making fun of some official considering he had a strange glint in his dark eyes. Ever so often, a man or woman, or even an entire family would come and greet Zuko and you. Zuko would smile and nod, all you could do was hope they saw you smile through the thick silk screen that stood before you, covering your face.
You and Zuko had only been married for a month, and one of the oldest Fire Nation traditions was concealing the face of the Fire Lady for three months after marriage. According to this legend, the Fire Lady is prone to recieve jealousy or hatred from others during her first few months of marriage and a way to protect her from such negative energy was to conceal her face so that anyone with negative thoughts did not have a face to direct this hatred to. Which also meant that for the next three months, the only people who could see your face was Zuko, your maids and an exemption was made for Zhang and Lihua.
Almost everyone in the Fire Nation was curious, after your marriage to the Firelord, hundreds of rumours flew by the Palace and eventually made it out. It was rumored that the Fire Lady was extremely beautiful, as beautiful as a Fire Lily, the prettiest and most graceful woman in the whole Nation. It was rumoured she was kind and very captivating. When you had heard these rumours, you were flattered, definetely, but with such good rumours, there were definetely equally terrible ones. Ones that your maids wouldn’t care to bother you with.
You got lost in you train of thoughts that you hadn’t even noticed when General Xaito had now come past the royal guards and was now standing one step below you. He heaved a little, exerted from having to climb a million steps up. “ So guys, I figured out whats going on!” He said.
Xaito was Zhang’s step brother, unlike Zhang who was intelligent and restricted himself to paperwork and advisory. Xaito was a General in the Army, sure, he was very young, but he had a pure soul and a brave heart, not to mention he was a great strategist, he got along very well with Sokka. And he was also very into gossip. Maybe that’s why he didn’t have a wife - or a girlfriend, for that matter.
“ What do you mean?” Zuko asked him, furrowing his eyebrows.
“ Well, the chatter was extra loud today, and I knew something was up. I asked around and turns out after the Royal Council meeting yesterday, the court had seen a goddess !” Xaito said dramatically.
Zhang choked on his noodles cinematically. Punching his chest extra hard as he drank some wine from his goblet. “ You have to be kidding me, a goddess?”
“ I did not ask for your opinion in any of this, Zhang. Anyway, the court members think they say the Moon Goddess!” Xaito added. He was kneeling down ( obviously, he had to seem like he was showing respect to the Fire Lord in public, even though they were really good friends) but his hands were placed firmly on the Chabudai as emphasis. Now, even Lihua and the maids were listening in on the story eagerly.
“ The moon goddess? Who even is that?” Zhang questioned, and Zuko nodded, “ Ive never heard of such a goddess before.”
“ I believe he is referring to the Legend of Sayaka. The legend states that she was the Fire Lady of the Fire nation hundreds of years ago. She was the most beautiful woman in all of the land, as elegant and graceful as a swan, and very kind and compassionate. She was very loved by the people. However her sister, who was only a mere concubine to the Fire Lord, grew jealous of her over time. Lady Sayaka was known for loving the moon and the night, and one day her sister called her to come and see a lunar eclipse by the Grand Palace pond. Lady Sayaka was betrayed that night, just when the sun had fully covered the moon - her sister pushed her into the deep pond, where she drowned and died. It is rumoured that if you ever see a beautiful woman sitting by a pond while looking up at the moon at night, it is the spirit of Lady Sayaka, wanting to see the moon, because she died while the sun was up. People call her the ‘Moon Goddess’ because she was as beautiful as the moon at night.” You said, your voice silky. You swore you saw Xaito’s cheeks turn pink, but that was probably just the silk…right?
“That seems like a beautiful but also devastating story.” Lihua said from next to you.
“ It does, but you’re saying that the court members actually saw her? That’s a lie, it’s just a legend that mothers tell their children when putting them to sleep at night.” Zhang replied.
“ Oh of course, I’m sure that 50 people are entirely crazy and hallucinated seeing a beautiful woman by the Grand Palace pond. I mean you heard the Fire Lady! She said that according to the legend that’s where she died, it makes alot of sense if she appeared there.” Xaito hollered.
“ Well… what did they say about this woman?” Zuko questioned, Zuko liked folklore, myths and legends so it made sense he was interested.
“ Well apparently she was super gorgeous, they said that, and I quote - “ Her face was pale and clear, just like the moon, except for one mole just underneath her left eye, her lips were painted red and her hair was long and styled in a Gao Ji and beautiful, expensive Liusu and Buyao decorated her hair. She was wearing a long expensive silk Hanfu, it’s was red and gold. And she wore expensive pendants, rings and bangles on her neck and arms. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and many can agree with me.” ”
Xaito said this commentary while mimicking a deep voice. The maids all giggled while watching him.
“ This must be some woman, then” Lihua commented.
“ The love of my life, definetely.” Xaito replied, a dreamy look falling over his eyes.
“ You can’t fall in love with a spirit, Xaito. Even though you’re you…I’m sure you’ll find some poor girl with terrible taste in men.” Zhang commented. You and Lihua shared a glance before stifling your laughs.
“ First of all, you need to shut up. Second of all, even if she’s a spirit, she’s totally my type. I can still fantasize about her - maybe if I’m lucky she will appear in my dreams!” Xaito replied. Zuko shook his head as Xaito skipped away.
“ He needs to get in check. He acts like a teenager when he’s really 23!” Zhang sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“ He’s young, let him keep his whimsy and let’s hope he doesn’t turn out like you.” Lihua shot back, teasingly.
Zhang gave her an annoyed look back.
You got lost in a frantic train of thoughts until Zuko’s warm hand encasing yours brought you back to reality. Zuko looked over at you.
“ Are you alright? You seem a bit…off.” He said.
You should your head, “ I’m fine, don’t worry.”
——————————————————————————-
The banquet soon came to an end, and now you and Zuko were back in your shared bedroom together.
“ Are you sure you don’t have anything to say to me?” Zuko asked once again. He stood by the dresser, taking off his golden headpiece, letting his long strands of hair fall over onto his shoulders. You stood next to him, removing your Liusu and bunyao from your hair. Your hair was much longer than him, but it was usual tied up traditionally.
“ No, everything is alright. Don’t worry about it Zuko.”
——————————————————————————-
2 months later, another royal banquet, this time more ceremonial, was taking place. You and Zuko were dressed in heavy, red and golden traditional Fire Nation attire. The two of you sat at your thrown, so high up that you could see the mountains surrounding Azulon. Below, was the Council, and a large crowd of people, not only nobility but also the commoners. Today was the day the Fire Lady’s face was announced to the world, and the Fire Nation. The day everybody had been eagerly waiting for.
Lihua, who was your head advisor, stood next to you. Her job was to lower the silk screen and reveal your face. She gave you and encouraging thumbs up and smile. And Zhang stood with Xaito just a few feet away, on Zuko’s side. You were, obviously, extremely nervous. But not exactly for the reason anyone was expecting.
The Fire Sages finished their ceremonial chant.
“ You May Now Reveal The Fire Lady’s Face!” The head Fire sage screamed from below.
Lihua stretched out her arm, slowly removing the screen, you sucked in a breath before giving your best smile. For a moment, everything was silent, everyone just stared at you. Then everything turned into a fit of hollering.
“ Isn’t that the moon goddess from the Grand Palace Ponds!?” Some council members screeched from below.
“ She is so beautiful, no wonder she is the Fire Lady” someone else said loudly.
“ Wait, but how is our Fire lady also a goddess?” Someone questioned.
From next to Zhang, Xaito’s mouth now reached his ankles. He stuttered, trying to form an intelligible sentence.
“ Wait - you - goddess - hold on - you’re a goddess? Are you a spiritual being? Wait, are you even real? You are really pretty…” Zhang slapped a hand over Xaito’s mouth before he said something that would urge Zuko to declare a death penalty onto him.
“ What are they talking about?” Zuko asked you, seemingly trying to ignore what Xaito had just been rambling about.
“ So…the truth is, that night after the council meeting, me and Lihua had come to see the pond and hang out. But we didn’t realise the council meeting would be finishing so soon, and before I could get away, I assume some council members saw my face. I only got to know about it at my Birthday Banquet when Xaito mentioned it…I didn’t know how to tell you. I mean I myself was shocked about everything everyone was saying.” You said, not able to look Zuko in the eyes.
Zuko used his finger to push your chin up so that your eyes met his.
“ You should have just told me, especially because everyone is basically in love with my wife now, it seems.” He added the last part playfully, though Zhang and Xaito both gave a little help from behind him.
******
I depicted Fire Nation people and Fire Nation culture to be a mix of Japanese and Chinese. And I’m pretty sure the writers of the show also confirmed that the Fire Nation was inspired by and was written to resemble Imperial Japan. Which makes sense to me, because even all of the Fire Nation characters in the show all seem East Asian to me. That’s why I used a lot of words that are from Ancient Japanese and Chinese culture. So if your confused here’s a little log !
( disclaimer) NONE of the ‘Legends’ or ‘traditions’ regarding the Fire Lady is historically accurate or culturally accurate towards Ancient China or Japan that’s just stuff I made up.
Lòng Yî - Refers to the ‘Dragon Throne’ or Imperial Throne in Chinese Culture.
Chabudai - A traditional Japanese low-legged table. Generally used for dining, tea and daily activities.
Gao Ji- translates to ‘ High bun’ or ‘ Top knot’ it is a traditional Chinese hairstyle, often decorated with ornaments.
Liusu- Traditional Chinese jewelry and accessory. ( Can be Hairpin, book mark etc.)
Buyao - Traditional Chinese women’s hair ornament made with either silver or gold and decorated with gems, designed to sway or shake with every step the wearer took.
Obviously if there are any inaccuracies please mention it in the comment and I value everyone’s opinion.
Idk why I wanted to write this but I had this idea in my head for a while so that’s probably why. I low-key like Zhang, Lihua and Xaito as characters and I wanna keep on writing stories featuring them but anyway if u like this story and want more tell me in the commments. Or if you have any requests please tell me
drives me nuts when ppl act like its somehow feminist to be a huge asshole to people because 'men are allowed to behave that way,' or whatever. ok. well i dont think men should be treating people like that either. and if they talk to me like you are talking to me, i will judge and avoid them as well.
request: hi! may i request a frenemies to lovers zuko x waterbender!y/n where zuko joins the gaang and they come across the freedom fighters and zuko notices y/n getting too close to jet for his liking. zuko later realizes that jets only using y/n bc she can bloodbend and they get into a huge argument about it, leading zuko to confess his feelings in the spur of the moment (⺣â¡âº£)â¡*
Zuko who gets hit on every single time he and the gaang travel together. It happens enough that he's teased relentlessly for it and it drives him crazy.
Not the teasing; he's used to the teasing because with the friends he has, it's guaranteed. It also doesn't help that he's an awkward, easy target but he doesn't mind the playful jobs. If anything, it only further enforces that he's a part of a team that have become family to him.
No, what drives him crazy is the fact that people are shameless enough to approach him with very specific interests in mind. He's been prepositioned more times than he can count and he can't help but wonder if they're aware that he is the Fire Lord. Not because he wants to be feared—a part of him is really glad that people feel comfortable enough to interact with him—but because, usually, asking a person of royalty if they want to...bang is not advised.
Plus, though not public knowledge, he's already happily spoken for.
By you who owns his heart as well as his soul—honestly, you own all of him and he's forever happy about it. The amount of love and devotion he has for you would render 15-year-old Zuko shocked and speechless (and maybe a little angry).
But just like the rest of the gaang, you aren't above poking fun at him too.
"You're supposed to be consoling me." Zuko deadpans as he watches you stifle your laughter. Which you're failing to do horribly. "I've come to you in my time of need and you laugh in my face."
You shake your head. "I'm not laughing," you protest but it's weak and your lips are pursed from trying hard to hold it in. "It's just, it's just when you said she—" you stop for a second, eyes closing tightly as your hands go over your mouth. "—she said that she'll give you the ride of your life and do, mmm, do what?"
Zuko stares at you then at the ceiling with a roll of his eyes. The corners of his lips twitch without his permission, your joy infectious and dipping into his veins.
"Make me blow steam from my nose like a bull," he says blankly and you lose it, hands falling from your mouth as your laugh fills the air. It's a beautiful sound, boisterous and happy, and Zuko doesn't stop the smile that curves his lips.
"It's not that funny," he adds and you shake your head vehemently, tears streaming down your cheeks. "It's not."
"Katara's gonna hear about this one," you manage to say, wiping the tears away. "Oooh, I should really get you a collar with a name tag on it." You breathe in deeply, trying not to set yourself off again. "And it'll say already taken, he knows where home is."
"Oh ha ha," Zuko says sarcastically, though his mind does sit on that collar idea for a second too long. "This doesn't bother you, though?"
"It doesn't," you confess, grinning. "You're hot and people are gonna shoot their shot, it's cool. And I trust you, I know you'd never actually accept such offers."
"Of course I wouldn't," Zuko says, resolute. Your trust in him is the one thing he treasures dearly and he'd never do anything to betray it.
"Plus you're too awkward to even try," you tease, quickly throwing that in and Zuko sighs, smiling.
Uncle Iroh is incredibly fond of you and actively searches for you during the day so you can spend time together.
You don't mind this at all, you adore your uncle-in-law who's more like a father to you, just like he is to Zuko. So whenever Iroh invites you to do anything, you're already following him, both of you walking side by side as you talk happily.
Zuko loves this; he loves that his uncle has taken you as his own and treats you like a daughter. It was something he never really worried about—you and Iroh are easy to love with your sunshine-y personalities so you two being the best of friends is a surprise to no one.
But.
He does have one complaint which is that Iroh may be taking up too much of your time.
Zuko understands that he's busy with Fire Lord duties and often has to fight for free time. But when he does get that free time, you're not there to spend it with him. You're off into town with Iroh to see a play or visiting an animal sanctuary to see the platypus bears.
Which is fine, it's great!
He's happy that he's two most favourite people in the world are getting along so well!
But.
He misses you.
So in a ploy to win back some of your time, he uses his Fire Lord powers to grant himself a day off. Yes, his Grand Chamberlain throws a tantrum but Zuko believes he deserves to spend uninterrupted time with his wife.
The next morning rolls around and Zuko wakes up to you staring at him, puzzled, in the nestle of his arms. He smiles sleepily at you and you smile back, amused when he comes in to nuzzle at your sleep-warm cheek.
"You're still in bed," you point out.
"Yep," Zuko says, his lips softly dragging over your skin.
"And no one has knocked on our doors yet."
"I've noticed."
You don't say anything for a second.
"...You took the day off, didn't you?"
Zuko smiles. "I did."
You pull back a little, your hands coming up to cup his face. He leans into your touch, eyes slipping closed.
"Your Grand Chamberlain was furious, wasn't he?"
"Yep." He turns his head into your left hand so he can kiss your palm. "But it doesn't matter because I'm the Fire Lord so tough."
You snort and when he opens his eyes, he greeted by the beautiful sight of you grinning.
"The power's finally gone to your head," you tease and Zuko finds that he wouldn't mind if it did if it meant he got to spend more time with you.
Later in the day, when having tea with Iroh, you excuse yourself to the washrooms, leaving Zuko and Iroh to chat between themselves.
"It's good to see you finally take some time for yourself, Zuko," Iroh says, sipping at his tea and Zuko smiles.
"I needed it," he admits. "It was getting to a point where I wasn't able to spend enough time with her and I didn't like that." He then gives his uncle a look. "Plus with you occupying her attention every second, it was hard to get my wife for myself."
Iroh takes another sip of his tea. "Why do you think I took up most of her time, then?" He grins widely. "She was bored, you needed the rest and you missed each other immensely."
Zuko blinks, his brow furrowing before his eyes widen comically.
"You set this up!" He accuses loudly and Iroh hides his grin into his tea.
"And you're forever predictable, my nephew."
When you come back, you're greeted to the sight of a still shocked Zuko and a very amused Iroh.
Izumi’s fingers tightened around her brush. “Daddy.”
Still nothing.
You watched from your place nearby, already sensing the incoming disaster—and, very deliberately, not interfering.
“I’m serious about Uncle Iroh!” Izumi snapped, slamming her hands onto the table. Ink trembled in its dish. “You’re just sitting there with your book, and I’m trying to write to him and you know I don’t know how to spell!”
Zuko blinked, finally lowering the book just enough to look at her. “…You seemed busy.”
“I am busy!” she shot back immediately. “That’s why I need help!”
You pressed your lips together, shoulders shaking slightly.
Across the table, several scrolls were spread out in what Izumi clearly believed was a highly official system. Ink smudged her fingers.
One brush had been abandoned entirely—clearly defeated.
Zuko sighed quietly and closed his book, setting it aside. “…Alright,” he said. “What are you trying to write?”
Izumi huffed, dragging the scroll toward him with unnecessary force. “It says,” she began, pointing at the uneven ink, “Dear Uncle Iroh, Dad is not taking things seriously—”
“I am taking things seriously.”
“—and I think you should come back and fix it.”
You let out a quiet, traitorous laugh. Both of them looked at you. Zuko, mildly offended.
Izumi, deeply betrayed. “This is not funny,” she said.
“It’s a little funny,” you admitted.
“It is not,” she insisted, crossing her arms—an expression so identical to Zuko’s that it was almost unsettling.
Zuko noticed too. His mouth twitched despite himself. “…I’m taking things seriously,” he repeated, a little more defensively.
“Then help me spell,” Izumi said flatly.
A pause.
Zuko leaned forward slightly. “Alright. What word?”
Izumi straightened, all business again. “‘Important.’”
“…You almost had that one.”
“I did not,” she snapped. “That’s why I’m asking.”
You shifted closer, resting a hand lightly on her shoulder. “We can help you together,” you said gently.
Izumi hesitated—just for a second—before nodding once. “Fine,” she said. “But we have to do it properly.”
“Of course,” Zuko murmured.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Properly.”
“…Properly,” he echoed.
A beat passed as the three of you leaned over the scroll. Ink. Paper. Quiet concentration.
Izumi carefully rewrote the first line, tongue peeking out slightly in focus. "Dear Uncle Iroh" She paused, then glanced up.
“…How do you spell ‘miss’?”
“…M–I–S–S,” he said quietly.
Izumi nodded, writing it down with great care.
I miss you.
Izumi leaned over the scroll again, carefully adjusting her posture like she was drafting a royal decree. “I got my hair done,” she announced proudly.
You blinked. “Since when?”
Zuko also looked up slightly. “You did?”
Izumi froze. Then slowly turned her head toward him. “See?” she said flatly, pointing at him with the brush. “Daddy, that’s why you’re not in the moment.”
Zuko frowned. “I am in the moment.”
“No,” she said, completely certain. “I showed you my hair but you were too busy looking at mommy’s hair instead.”
Silence. You choked. Zuko slowly turned his head toward you. “…I was?”
“I noticed,” Izumi added helpfully, already writing again like the conversation was closed.
You raised both hands defensively. “In my defense, I didn’t do anything.”
Zuko looked unconvinced. Izumi, meanwhile, continued writing with intense focus, tongue poking out slightly. “Anyway,” she muttered, “Uncle Iroh needs to know important updates.”
Zuko leaned back slightly. “Such as… your hair appointments?”
“Yes,” she said immediately. “It is very important information.”
Zuko rubbed his temple lightly. “I’m sure it is.”
“It is,” she repeated, pressing harder onto the brush like emphasis alone would make it more official. “Because presentation matters.”
You glanced at Zuko. “She’s not wrong.”
He gave you a look.
Izumi lifted her hand suddenly, fingers spread wide. “And I got my nails done.” You smiled.
Zuko leaned forward, squinting slightly. “Since when did you—”
“I showed you,” she cut in immediately, offended.
Zuko paused. “…When?”
Izumi slowly lowered her hand. Then turned to him again with that same deeply unimpressed expression. “When you were not in the moment,” she said. You made a small, strangled sound, quickly turning your face away.
Zuko stared at her, clearly trying to recall something that absolutely did not happen.
“…I don’t remember that.”
“That’s the problem,” Izumi replied flatly. She went back to the scroll, muttering as she wrote.
I got my hair done and my nails done.
She paused. Looked at her own writing. Then added, very deliberately:
Daddy did not notice.
Zuko leaned in. “…You don’t have to include that.”
“Yes I do,” she said without hesitation. “Because it is part of the report.”
“The report..” you echoed weakly.
“Yes,” Izumi said, completely serious. “Uncle Iroh needs to know what is going on here.”
Zuko exhaled slowly, like he was trying very hard to remain composed. “I am aware of what is going on here.”
Izumi looked up at him. “Then why didn’t you notice my nails?”
Silence.
You turned away again, shoulders shaking.
Zuko opened his mouth. Closed it. Then, carefully, he reached out and took her hand, turning it slightly to look. “…They look nice,” he said.
Izumi narrowed her eyes. “You’re just saying that now.”
“…No, I mean it.”
She studied him for a moment—really studied him—before giving a small, accepting nod. “Okay,” she decided.
Then, immediately back to business: “I will still write it down.” Of course she would. Zuko let out the faintest huff of a laugh, shaking his head as she continued her very official, very serious correspondence.
Izumi dipped her brush back into the ink with renewed focus, posture straightening like she’d just resolved a major political dispute.
“Next,” she muttered, mostly to herself. "Fire.."
Zuko leaned back slightly, watching her now instead of pretending not to.
You stayed close, your shoulder brushing his, both of you quietly observing as she worked.
Izumi’s tongue peeked out again as she wrote, slow and deliberate:
I am
She paused. “…How do you spell ‘practicing’?
Zuko answered this time without hesitation. “P–R–A—”
“I know how to start it,” she interrupted, frowning. “I just don’t know how it ends.”
You smiled softly. “C–I–N–G.”
She repeated it under her breath, then carefully added it to the line, brows furrowed in deep concentration.
I am practicing my firebending and I am getting better.
She sat back slightly, considering. Then added, smaller:
But sometimes it goes too big.
Zuko’s gaze softened almost immediately at that.
Izumi didn’t seem to notice. She just nodded to herself, “Honest,” she said.
“Very,” you murmured.
She tapped the brush lightly against the edge of the ink dish, thinking hard. “…And also,” she added, almost as an afterthought. The brush moved again. Slower this time. Less rigid.
Mommy and Daddy are helping me.
You felt it before you even fully read it—that small shift in the room.
Zuko didn’t move.
Izumi kept going, quieter now, like she wasn’t entirely aware of how much she was saying.
They are very busy but they still stay with me.
Your chest tightened.
Zuko’s hand, resting beside yours, shifted slightly—just enough that his fingers brushed against yours.
Izumi frowned faintly, like she was trying to find the right words for something she didn’t fully understand.
Then, carefully:
They are good at helping even when I don’t know what I need.
She paused again, staring at what she’d written.
Then added one last line, a little messier than the rest:
I like when we are together.
This time, she didn’t say anything after. Just stared at the scroll for a moment… then nodded, like she’d decided it was acceptable.
Zuko let out a slow breath you hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “…That’s a good letter,” he said quietly.
Izumi glanced up at him. “Of course it is.”
She stared at the scroll for a long moment, as if checking it for errors only she could see.
Then she nodded once, decisively. “Okay,” she said.
Zuko tilted his head slightly. “Okay?”
“I’m done,” she declared. You glanced down.
“All of it?”
“Yes,” she said firmly. “It is complete.” She dipped the brush one last time, her movements slower now—less official, more careful. Like even she could tell this part mattered differently.
I hope to see you again soon.
She pressed her lips together, then added:
I miss you.
Her grip on the brush tightened slightly, but she kept going.
I love you.
No hesitation this time. Just certainty.
Izumi lifted her hand, studying the ink as if confirming it was strong enough to hold the feeling. Then she gave a small nod. As if satisfied. She set the brush down. “…Finished,” she announced.
Then Izumi pushed herself up from her chair. First she walked to you. She tugged lightly at your sleeve until you leaned closer. And without any ceremony at all, she pressed a small, quick kiss to your cheek.
“Thank you,” she said simply.
You blinked, smiling softly. “You’re welcome.”
Then she turned.
Walked to Zuko next. He didn’t even have time to straighten before she reached up, grabbed his sleeve like she owned it, and tugged him down slightly. A kiss to his cheek too.
“Thank you,” she repeated, just as seriously.
Zuko froze for half a second. Then, very quietly: “…Anytime.”
Izumi stepped back, satisfied, as if the matter was officially concluded. She looked at the scroll one last time. Then added, almost like an afterthought: “And I expect a response.”
You let out a soft laugh.
Zuko didn’t.
But the corner of his mouth lifted anyway as he reached over, gently steadying the scroll so it wouldn’t roll away.
Izumi was already standing there like she’d just concluded a royal summit.
“Alright,” you said, gently straightening up. “That’s enough excitement for today.”
Zuko nodded once, already half-reaching to gather the scattered brushes and scrolls. “Agreed,” he said. “It’s getting late.”
Izumi froze. Slowly turned her head. “…What?”
You blinked. “It’s bedtime.”
Zuko added, completely calm, “Yes. Time for bed.”
There was a beat of silence.
Then—
“NOOOOO—” Izumi’s entire soul left her body. She threw her arms up like she was personally betrayed by the universe itself, stepping back from the table in pure outrage.
You were unable to hide your smile. “Oh, the joys of parenting.”
Zuko didn’t even look back. “…The joys,” he echoed dryly.
summary: you take care of a drunken Zuko only for him to make a startling confession
You’re just about to apply a soothing mud mask to start off a relaxing evening alone when a harsh pounding at the door has you freezing in your tracks. You set the bowl aside with an annoyed huff at the disturbance as you quickly throw on your robe. You weren’t exactly expecting company, and you had been looking forward to a peaceful night to yourself after a long day at the beach.
You’re staying at Zuko’s beach house on Ember Island for a summer getaway with your friends, and you’ve enjoyed being able to catch up on each other’s lives and reminiscence on the days of your adolescence. Though you appreciate spending time with the group after being apart for so long you felt you needed space to recharge, so you declined their invitations to go out for the night and chose to stay home. Suki, Katara, and Aang were out enjoying a night swim while Sokka, Toph, and Zuko decided to explore the city. You didn’t expect anyone to be home for hours which is why you’re surprised to hear someone at the door.
Holding your robe closed with one hand as you open the door with the other, you prepare to scold the trespasser only to be met with the sight of a barely coherent Zuko propped upright between Sokka and Toph. The water tribe boy’s features are apologetic as he allows the Fire Lord to lean against him for balance, though Toph appears completely unbothered by the situation.
“Look, buddy, we’re back at the beach house,” Sokka tells him with a careful nudge, prompting Zuko to lift his head in confusion. Though clearly inebriated, he manages to make out your figure in the doorway and immediately lights up excitement.
“You found y/n!” He cheers, nearly toppling over as he tries to reach for you. Thankfully, Sokka and Toph manage to catch him before he falls flat on his face.
“Hi, Zuko,” you coo with a sympathetic smile that immediately fades as you turn your reproachful stare towards Sokka. “What did you do?”
“Nothing illegal,” Toph answers in their defense only to receive a glare from her accomplice.
“He had a bit too much to drink at the tavern, and he kept insisting on coming to see you.”
You don’t give an immediate reply, instead choosing to mull over his words as you look from him to Zuko. You realize then that you’ve never actually seen him drunk before. As Fire Lord he took great pride in keeping his composure and maintaining his image as a responsible leader, but being on vacation with your closest friends must have coaxed him into letting his guard down.
“Give him to me,” you finally respond with a resigned sigh, accepting the fact that your night of relaxation will have to be saved for another time. Sokka and Toph are careful as they maneuver Zuko into your hold, helping him drape his arm around your shoulders as you hold onto him by the waist.
“So uh, do you need any help? Because we were thinking of joining the rest of the group for that night swim—”
“Go,” you tell him with an amused roll of your eyes, “I’ve got it from here.”
You watch with a quiet laugh as he quickly bounds off towards the beach with Toph in tow, leaving you on your own to take care of Zuko. You manage to balance your combined weights on one foot as you use the other to shut the door. His head lulls to the side at your movements, his hot breath fanning against your neck as he struggles to keep his eyes open, and you try not to let this distract you from the task at hand.
“Alright, Zuko, I’m going to need your help getting you to your room,” you inform him softly, giving his waist a gentle squeeze to ensure he remains awake. “Can you do that for me?”
He hiccups, letting out a laugh before he responds, “I’d do anything for you, y/n— anything at all! You deserve nice things, and I-I can do those nice things. I’m really nice now.”
You try not to encourage his behavior, but you can’t help the giggle that escapes you at his change in demeanor. It’s certainly a stark contrast to his normally broody personality, and you enjoy getting to see the more playful side of him shine through. Compared to your days as teenagers he’s definitely learned to lighten up, but he still tends to convey his humorous nature more sparsely in comparison to the rest of the group. You like to think he’s most comfortable sharing that side of himself with you, but you try not to dwell on the fact in order to avoid setting yourself up for disappointment.
You don’t remember when exactly you first realized you had a crush on Zuko or how your feelings had transitioned from platonic to romantic, but for years you’ve harbored your affection for him under the guise of friendship. There hadn’t been time for romance during the war, and when he became Fire Lord he resumed his relationship with Mai, thus effectively destroying any chance of you ending up together. Even though they’d been broken up for years now, you’d long since accepted that it was never going to happen, and you wouldn’t jeopardize your friendship over a silly childhood infatuation that was clearly unrequited, so you told absolutely no one and swore yourself to secrecy.
You manage to get Zuko into bed, though not without difficulty, and assist him in removing his shoes so he can lay comfortably on the mattress. Though he’s now in the perfect condition to sleep off the alcohol, he simply sits propped against the pillows with his hands resting upon his stomach as he watches you move about the room. You open his window to allow fresh air to waft through and bring a bucket to his bedside in case he grows nauseous. You do everything in your power to make him content in his drunken state, and this doesn’t go without notice.
“I’m going to get you some water,” you inform him quietly only for his hand to immediately shoot out and grab onto your wrist, effectively keeping you in place.
“Don’t go,” he nearly begs, the emotion in his voice catching you off guard. “I want— I need you here.”
“It’ll only take a second—“
“Later,” he insists with a dramatic shake of his head. “That’s not impor-important… Need you. I only need you.”
His words hit your stomach like a gut punch, your heart lurching in your chest and your face heating from the drunken tenderness of his request. He has no idea how much of an effect he has on you, and even in his inebriated state you catch yourself yearning for him to return your affection. Things could be so much easier for you if you simply told him how you felt, but your fear held you back. You firmly remind yourself that you’re just friends, and he’s only seeking the comfort of a companion to help him deal with the intoxication.
“Okay,” you finally relent through a trembling breath, thankful he’s in no state to pick up on your nervous tells as you seat yourself beside him on the mattress. His head immediately falls to rest upon your shoulder, and you allow yourself the privilege of wrapping an arm around his shoulders as you’ve done so many times before.
“Thank you,” he sighs in relief, allowing his eyes to shut in hopes of stopping the spinning sensation he’s felt since returning to the beach house.
You sit in a comfortable silence for some time, neither of you daring to speak as you enjoy the quiet period of rest. Your fingers find their way towards the back of his head, and you absently begin to rake through his long strands of hair in the way you know he likes. These stolen moments are what allow you to ease the longing ache in your chest every time you’re around him, and you’re grateful he’s never seemed to mind your displays of affection. You let him believe they’re platonic for his sake and for your own sanity. It’s better this way, you think.
“You smell good,” Zuko blurts suddenly, effectively rupturing the silence. “Did you know you smell good?”
An amused huff escapes your nose as you glance over at him. “I didn’t know that, but thank you.”
“You’re just so good… you’re a good person, and I want you to know that you’re a good person. The best person!”
“I think that’s the alcohol talking,” you jest playfully, causing him to shake his head vehemently in protest.
“It’s the truth talking,” he argues passionately despite slurring his words in the process. “You’re so nice and funny and pretty. You’re like… you’re the prettiest girl.”
“Zuko,” you gently try to interrupt. Your heart is hammering in your chest and you can feel the blood rushing towards your ears as you try to stop his drunken rambling. You know he means well and can hardly comprehend what he’s saying right now, but you don’t think you can handle him spewing compliments at you when he doesn’t understand just how deeply it affects you.
“I wish you knew how much I like you,” he sighs, causing you to stiffen in place beside him. You don’t dare look at him or speak, simply holding your breath as you wait for him to continue. “You’re so good for me… I think about you even when you’re not around. I miss you all the time… do you know what that’s like?”
“Yeah,” you admit in quiet defeat, clearing your throat to ease the knot that had formed and pensively looking out towards the window. “Yeah, I do.”
You feel him relax against you, his steady breathing filling the air as he finally passes out from exhaustion. You let out a sigh as you carefully maneuver yourself out of bed and allow him to fall back against the mattress. You make sure to position him on his side and leave the bucket nearby before you set off to fetch him a pitcher of water.
You have no idea what to make of his drunken confession. He’d called you pretty, insisted that he needed you, even confessed to having feelings for you, but did it really mean anything? You don’t want to trust the words of an inebriated man, but you can’t deny the nervous fluttering in your stomach as you replay the moment over again in your mind. You so desperately want him to return your affection, but you know by morning he’ll have no recollection of your conversation and everything will return to normal. You can do nothing but settle into your own room and hope you can avoid ever having to talk about this night.
You manage to get some sleep in spite of your inability to quell your racing thoughts, and when morning arrives you make no mention of the conversation that had occurred when your friends ask about last night. They inform you they’re going to the local marketplace in search of groceries for breakfast, and you volunteer to stay behind to keep an eye on Zuko. You two have always been close, so no one suspects anything of your offer as they bid you goodbye and assure you of a quick return.
You enjoy the silence of the morning as you sip your tea and watch the waves crash on the shore from the window. A soft thud breaks you from your contemplative state, and you glance towards Zuko’s bedroom where a groan drifts through the sliding doors.
“Y/n…?” He calls hoarsely, and you wince at the sound of dry heaving that follows. Setting your cup aside, you quickly make your way into his room and find him hunched over the bucket you left behind. Rushing to his side, you help him pull the hair from his face and fashion it into a loose bun with your own hair tie.
“I’m here,” you assure him with a careful smile as you rub soothing circles into his back. You try not to pay too close attention to the feel of his muscles beneath your palm or the fact that he’d managed to remove his shirt in the night.
“I feel horrible,” he complains with a groan as he leans back against the bed frame. “Never let me go drinking with Toph ever again.”
“You found that out the hard way, huh?” You tease him with a gentle laugh as you reach for the pitcher of water and pass it into his grasp. “Drink water, you’ll feel better.”
You watch him begin to take greedy gulps from the pitcher, droplets of water dribbling past his chin and down the expanse of his chest. You look away flustered and silently curse the spirits for putting you in such a precarious situation. Every time you think you have your feelings under control Zuko unknowingly finds a way to push you over the edge.
“I hope I wasn’t too much trouble last night,” he apologizes after drinking the last of the water. “I made such a fool of myself.”
“Don’t beat yourself up too much. I mean, you definitely were nowhere near as bad as Sokka on cactus juice,” you humor him with a giggle, earning a wry smile from the Fire Lord in return.
“That makes me feel a little better,” he admits softly, carefully wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before allowing his head to fall against the edge of the mattress. “Spirits…”
“What is it?”
You tilt your head curiously when his features turn solemn. His eyes shut close as he releases a slow breath, and after a beat passes he allows them to open so he may turn to face you. His golden irises shine with an emotion you’ve never seen him convey before, and it has your breath catching in your throat as you struggle to maintain eye contact.
“I know what I said last night,” he professes timidly, causing your heart to nearly leap out of your chest with anguish. Your face starts to burn and you want nothing more than to find a way out of this conversation, but with the rest of the group gone you know there’s no chance at escape.
“Oh… right. That,” you breathe shakily. Your gaze trails to the floor as you prepare yourself for the inevitable rejection. If you can survive a lightning strike from Azula, then you can survive Zuko taking back everything he’d side while drunk. At least, that’s what you try to tell yourself. “Listen, it’s not a big deal-“
“It is to me,” he interrupts you with a faint frown. You startle when his fingertips touch the skin of your cheek and gently guide your face back towards him. You hope he can’t feel how warm to the touch you are or hear the rapid beating of your heart. “I’d never want to put our friendship in jeopardy or make you uncomfortable.”
“Zuko, it’s fine-“ you try to interrupt only for him to grow frustrated.
“No, y/n, you need to hear what I have to say,” he demands firmly, and finally you fall quiet. He sighs, not meaning to snap at you but desperate to get the words out. “I… I meant what I said.”
“What?”
A faint blush dusts his face as he nervously grasps the back of his neck and offers you a meek smile. “I know I wasn’t exactly myself last night, and though I wish I could have conveyed my thoughts when I was in a better state of mind, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t telling the truth.”
“So you…. You do like me?” you murmur softly, your stomach fluttering with nerves as you try to process his confession. You can’t believe what you’re hearing, and a part of you thinks you must be dreaming, but the feel of his hand reaching for your own proves otherwise.
“I have for a while now,” he assures you sheepishly, “I guess I just needed some liquid courage to tell you. This doesn’t have to change anything between us if you don’t want it to, and I understand if you don’t feel the same-“
“I like you too,” you interrupt, wincing with embarrassment at your abruptness. He lets out a quiet laugh, but it’s the reassurance you need to continue. “I never wanted to tell you in case you didn’t feel the same, but then you called me pretty and I kind of lost any sense of rational thinking…”
“You are pretty,” he affirms with a tender smile, taking your hand in his own and lifting your knuckles to his lips for a kiss. “If you’ll have me, I’d like to take you to dinner tonight so I may ask to court you the right way.”
“I’d love nothing more,” you nearly swoon, enjoying the feel of his lips against your skin and the satisfaction that comes from knowing the boy you’ve loved since childhood returns your affections.
