summary: A comment from a member of the council creates an insecurity to Izumi. Thankfully Zuko is more than ready to stop it.
Warning: Focused on Zuko's and Izumi's relationship but reader appears, mean Councilor, angst to fluff, typos, english not being my first language.
a/n: I am working on Clueless pt. 2 and When the past meets the future pt. 2. but I had this idea while boxing and couldn't stop thinking about it until I put it into words lol. Hope you all enjoy it.
Zuko could feel a headache was throbbing behind his eyes after hours of talking with the council about todayâs things to do. It was already past midday, the sun adorning the enormous war room in peaceful golden lights that entered through the windows. At some point Zuko disassociate from the meeting, his mind drifted to you and Izumi, wondering what his family was doing, yearning to be with the two of you.
His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp cough. The Councilor was staring at him, waiting for Zukoâs attention.
Between Zuko and the line of elder council members sat a massive table cluttered with maps and scrolls creating a small distance between the men.
âFire Lord there is one last thing we would like discussâ The man began, behind him, the rest of the council refused to look at Zuko, finding the carpet more interesting.
âWhat is it, Councilor Harutoâ Zuko answered, his voice filled with relief to find out the meeting was almost over.
âWe believe it is time you and the Fire Lady to have another child Fire Lordâ
The bold audacity of the Councilor shocked Zuko.
âThe number of children my wife and I choose to have is not of your concern Councilor Harutoâ The frown on Zukoâs face was prominent, making the headache harder to ignore.
âOh, but it is, my Lordâ The Councilor in front of Zuko crossed his hands behind his back, his expression hardening. âPrincess Izumi is eight years old and hasnât shown any signs of fire bending. She is well past the age where kids show their bendingâ
Zukoâs palms began to glow with heat, a clear sign of anger. Either the Council didnât see this or decided to ignore it.
âPrincess Izumi is the sole heir to the throne of the Fire Nation in case something happens to you and the Fire Ladyâ the man in front of Zuko looked at the Fire Lord with cold eyes. âThis great nation deserves a ruler who can fire bend so they can honor the royal name. As a non bender, the succession isââ
Zukoâs hands slammed onto the mahogany table, steam hissed from beneath his palms burning the wood under them creating a foul scent of smoke.
Izumi, who was listening to the meeting outside the heavy oak doors while waiting for her father, gasped, quickly leaving the corridor before any servant could catch her eavesdropping
âThatâs enoughâ Zuko hissed. âListen to me clearly Councilor Harutoâ The Fire Lordâs voice dropped an octave. âIzumi might be a non bender, but she is still my daughter, a member of the royal family and future of this nation so I will not receive this type from insult towards my family, not now, not ever.â
The rest of the council took a step back while lowering their heads, Councilor Haruto staying on his ground.
âI do not care if you have been in your position longer than I have been Fire Lord. Any insult to my family is a direct insult to meâ
Zuko took a deep breath.
âThank you for your services Councilor Haruto, we will not need them anymoreâ Haruto's face flushed red. âAny other member of the council wants to accompany Haruto?â
No one spoke.
âThatâs what I thought. You may leave nowâ
The sound of footsteps echoed as the council quickly left the war room. When the doors closed Zuko closed his eyes and exhaled, flames flickering faintly. Minutes later a soft knock was heard in the whole room before the sound of the doors opening and closing
âZukoâŠâ
Your voice made Zuko open his eyes, his heart beating fast at the sight of you dressed in the best silk robes, radiant even in concern.
âAre you alright, my love?â you asked after seeing the tension on his shoulders. As you went closer, you could see Zukoâs eyes filled with emotions, his hand raised towards you so you could take it.
âI am nowâ Zuko murmured while pressing a kiss to your knuckles. âJust nonsense coming from the councilâ
âNonsense?â You echoed, a slight frown forming on your face.
Zuko exhaled through his nose, irritation still lingering in his voice.
âThey suggest we should have another child in case Izumi is a non-bender so the Fire Nation could have a âproperâ heirâ Your face flushed, both for the embarrassing request and the anger for your daughterâs behalf.
Before you could respond another person entered the room.
âPardon me the interruption your royal highnessâ Himari, Izumiâs tutor, entered quickly, bowing before her Fire Lord and Fire Lady. âIzumi is not in the royal library for her lessons. I checked her chambers but sheâs nowhere to be foundâ
You and Zuko exchanged a glance, worry flashing between you.
âDo you think sheââ Zuko interrupted you with a kiss on your knuckles.
âLetâs look for her my loveâ
While you decided to check the east wing and Himari searched for the west wing, Zukoâs idea was to check the gardens, a place he would go as a child when he was angry.
The Fire Lord found his daughter throwing punches into the air, small grunts escaping her with each strike from her little fists, still empty of fire. Sweat adorned her forehead, catching the afternoon sunlight.
Zuko decided it was time to talk to her after seeing her threw a kick and nearly losing her balance.
âIzumi what are you doing here?â His gentle voice scared the young princess. âHimari and your mama have been looking everywhere for youâ
Izumi looked down, her finger twisting together in a bashful gesture.
âIâm sorry papa⊠I was trainingâ She mumbled.
âWhat are you training for?â Zuko approached slowly.
âIâm trying to firebendâ
The little girlâs voiced trembled, tears gathered in her golden eyes after remembering what that council man said. âPapaâŠâ she whispered. âAre you and mama going to replace me?â
That question coming from her daughter surprised Zuko, his eyes widened.
âPrincess⊠where did you get that?â
Izumi sniffed, thinking for a moment before answering.
âI heard what Councilor Haruto saidâ The princess admitted. âThat you need to have another child who can bend so they can be the next Fire Lordâ
Zukoâs jaw tightened, his anger was coming back at the thought of a mere Councilor creating such an insecurity to his little girl.
The Fire Lord knelt in front of her immediately
âIzumi if your mother and I decide to bring a little brother or sister is not because of what a dumb man saidâ Izumi gasped at his father words, after all she learned not to call people dumb. âIf we decide to have another baby is because we love each other so much we would want to share that love to the world.
His daughter still looked insecure.
âIzumi bending does not define anythingââ
âBut they said I need to bend in order to become a Fire Lord!â The princess interrupted him.
Both father and daughter went quiet after Izumiâs outburst. Zuko reached up to her, brushing her sweaty hair back.
âIzumiâ Zuko finally mumbled while caressing Izumiâs head. âBending an element does not define anythingâ Izumi looked up at him with wide eyes, small tears sliding down her reddish cheeks. Zuko sat down on the grass not minding the wet leaves or stains on his royal clothes, just wishing to be close to his little girl pulling Izumi into his arms âA person who bends can be weak and a person who doesnât bend can be strong. Look at your mother, do you think sheâs weak because she doesnât bend?â
Izumi gasped
âNo! Mama is the strongest!â Izumi answered quickly making Zuko chuckle and nodding in agreement.
âWhen we were youngâ Zuko started looking at his daughterâs golden eyes. âYour uncles, aunties, mama and I traveled togetherââ Izumi interrupted him.
âTo help uncle Aang defeat the old evil Fire Lordâ She answered with a nod knowing the story of how the war ended.
âThatâs right. But we couldnât have done it without your mama. Or uncle Sokka. Or auntie Sukiâ
Izumi blinked, not knowing this piece of story.
âUncle Sokka took down entire airship full of fire benders while saving auntie Toph. If it werenât for auntie Suki we couldnât have escaped from the Boiling rockâ
Zuko pauses for a moment, happy to see his daughterâs eyes shining in wonder.
âAnd if it werenât for mama, auntie Katara and me wouldnât have made it to the palace to confront my sisterâ
Izumiâs looked down at Zukoâs hands, callous for all the training he does every day.
âBeing a non bender is not a bad thing Izumiâ
Izumi placed her hands over Zukoâs, seeing the size difference Zuko gently closed his hands engulfing hers.
âBut I wanted to be a fire bender so I can honor the familyâ Izumi mumbled. âJust like the Councilor said.â
âIzumiâ Zuko lifted her chin so she can look at him. âYou honor us by following your heartâ He put his hand on Izumiâs chest where her heart was strongly beating. âBy being kind to all the creatures and people in the world, by choosing your own path. Not by bending an element.â
Her eyes shimmered.
âDo you really think I could be a good Fire Lord someday?â Izumi looked at him, eyes full of hope. âLike you papa?â
Zuko smiled at her little girl.
âYou will be better than me Izumi, but for now you need to prepare for when the time comesâ
Izumi thought for a moment.
âWill my husband be a Fire Lady like mama?â
Zuko laugh softly at his daughter reasoning.
âNo, your husband would be a Fire consort. Unless you decide to be with a girl, then she would become a Fire Ladyâ
Izumi frowned.
âHow will I know that papa?â
âYou will figure it out all by yourself fire bun. When the time comes you will knowâ Zuko kissed her forehead before hugging her tightly. âBut for now you are only mama and papaâs sweet fire bunâ
Zuko hugged her tightly, Izumiâs small arms surrounding Zukoâs neck.
âAnd never forget this Izumiâ She hummed at him. âNo matter how big and strong Fire Lord you become, you can always rely on mama and meâ Zuko rested his cheek onto Izumiâs hair. âWe will always be with you in every step you take.â
Izumi pulled away from the hug, eyes shining with new tears, happy to be with her dad.
âI love you, papaâ
âI love you too, Izumiâ
Izumiâs fingers playing with the Fire Nation symbol on Zukoâs royal clothes.
âPapa, I know youâre busy, but can we visit grandpapa Iroh tomorrow?â Izumi asked, âI want to beat him at Pai Sho!â
âOf course, fire bunâ Zuko grinned. âWe can go to grandpapaâs tea shop tomorrow after you finish your lessonsâ Izumi groaned making Zuko laugh.
âDo not complain young ladyâ Zuko teased, tickling her until she was shirking in happiness. By the time Zuko stopped, Izumi was gasping for air.
âPapa?â
âWhat is it fire bun?â
âHow does one make a baby?â
Zuko went completely still.
âOkay now that is a question for your motherâ
From the window outside the Fire Lord chambers you watched them, laughing together. Relief softening your expression.
âFire Lady Iâve asked the royal guards to help us findââ
âItâs alright Himariâ You interrupted with gentle smile. âZuko found her.â
Everything was perfect.
Until later that day when your curious daughter asked a very specific question.
summary: Idiots to lovers? More like idiots and lovers. Sokka and Katara are trying to set Zuko and you up. The problem? You two are already dating.
a/n: not one but three posts in two days? Damn I'm really enjoying my Zuko era (after years of having a crush on him he finally gets the amount of fics he deserves)
Warning: Typos, sugestive ending, english not being my first language.
The heat in the Earth Kingdom was stifling, with a dry wind urging the group to press on with their mission. Appa was lying under a rock, enjoying the small patch of shade it provided, while Momo lay on Appaâs back. Because of this, the team was stranded in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a few trees and too many rocks, making the place feel even more stifling than it already was.
Sokka and Katara exchanged a knowing glance that only foreshadowed trouble. The siblings already had their plan set.
âAll right!â exclaimed Sokka, feigning seriousness. âWe need food, water, and wood for when the temperature drops.â
Katara nodded, gripping Aangâs arm tightly, which startled him for a moment due to the strength of his girlfriendâs grip.
âSokka is right,â Katara continued. âIâll go with Aang to look for water; I think I saw a lake nearby while we were flying with Appa.â
âGreat idea, Katara!â Sokka exclaimed enthusiastically. âIâll go with Toph to find something to shield us from the sun.â He placed his hand on Tophâs shoulder, but she brushed him aside, causing him to lose his balance.
âAnd you two,â Sokka pointed toward where you and Zuko were, trying to shield your eyes from the sun. âYouâll go find woodâlots of wood. It doesnât matter if it takes a while. Afterall we are not in a rush.â
âActually-â Katara interrupted Aang.
âAnd look for a cave to see if we can take shelter there,â Katara finished as she tugged on Aang so they could both start their search mumbling to each other. Aang turned to the two of you and mumbled a quiet âsorryâ before following Katara.
When you looked at Sokka, he was already pushing Toph to leave the two of you alone. Even from the distance you could hear Toph say âyou guys are pretty dumbâ while Sokka kept shushing her.
Zuko raised an eyebrow, confused. You just sighed.
âTheyâre acting really weird⊠arenât they?â Zuko asked. You just shrugged.
âTheyâre still acting like when we were kids,â you replied, downplaying your friendsâ behavior. Then you turned to Zuko, offering him a smirk. âWell, oh mighty Fire Lord, shall we begin?â
Zuko smiled back at you and took off his cloak, holding it over the two of you to keep the sun from bothering you.
âLetâs go love.â
Once the mission was overâduring which you had discovered ancient texts from the Air Nomads, which Aang had eagerly keptâYou all decided to celebrate with a dinner inside the Fire Nation palace.
The group was relaxing in Zukoâs office; after a private dinner where youâd had a few drinks, youâd decided to head there to chat in peace without being interrupted by the servants. You were sitting on a kotatsu with Katara, Toph, and Suki, laughing at a story about the Kyoshi Warriors Suki was telling as you continued to drink. Across the room, sitting at his desk, Zuko was looking at Sokkaâs drawings of his new inventions, with the latter explaining them excitedly.
âHeyâŠâ Katara murmured, touching your arm to get your attention. âYou should go over to the guys and ask Zuko where he gets this alcohol,â Katara whispered to you, causing the other girls to turn and look at her and nod, Toph letting out a mischievous little laugh. âBesides apparently Sokka has already worn him out with his drawings.â
You decided to take a sip before answering.
âItâs fine, Katara,â you replied as you looked at Zuko and shrugged, causing Katara and Suki to exchange glances. âActually, I can tell heâs having fun, besides heâs not always with the guys; he deserves some time with them and to listen to something that doesnât require his permission or can drastically change the future of the Fire Nationâ you replied nonchalantly, returning to your conversation with Suki.
You really missed spending time with the girls; after all, everyone had their own responsibilities now, and there was little time left for you all to spend together.
Meanwhile, with the guys, Sokka was pestering Zuko.
âDude, you should go up to (y/n) and tell her how great she looks in that dress, the red tones really suit herâ Sokka said, giving Zuko a gentle nudge, who just looked at him puzzled.
âSokka, she picked out that dress so Iâd like to think she knows she looks good. Besides, if you really want her to know she looks good, why donât you go?â Zuko replied with a frown. âAlso, donât you think Suki would get weird out if you tell her friend that?â
âThatâs exactly why I shouldnât go!â Sokka fell silent when he saw the girls turn to look at him in surprise, then mumbled quietly. âI just think sheâd like the compliment if it came from you.â
Zuko sighed.
âSokka, she hasnât seen the girls in a long time, and Iâm sure they have things to talk about that we shouldnât know aboutâ Zuko concluded, causing Aang to nod.
âBesides, weâre comfortable here,â Aang continued. âYou should keep telling Zuko about your inventions. Iâm sure itâs a nice change from what he usually sees.â Zuko nodded at Aangâs comment, grateful not to be dealing with matters related to the Fire Nation.
You and Zuko ignored each other all night, preferring to enjoy your friendsâ company and listen to the adventures each had experienced while you werenât together. In the distance, Sokka and Katara exchanged glances as they shook their heads, confirming that both had failed in their plans.
The next day, Suki, Katara, and you decided to take a stroll through the market in the capitalâs main square. Toph decided to stay in bed, arguing that it wasnât time to get up yet.
The sky was clear, making the Fire Nationâs characteristic colors stand out even more. The market was full of people from all nations, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, the smell of spices, and the silk decorations adorning the place.
As you were looking at the exotic fruits sold by the merchants of Ba Sing Se, Katara and Suki were exchanging glances, trying to decide who would start the conversation.
Suki being the brave one started.
âSoâŠâ Suki began with a mischievous smile as she approached you. âWhat are you doing this afternoon? We were thinking we could go to the hot springs.â
âOrâŠâ Katara continued. âWe could go out to dinner. I heard about this wonderful place that serves grilled meat. We could even invite the guysâŠâ
As you paid the merchant for the fruit, you turned to look at them with an apologetic smile.
âOh, Iâd love to go with you guys but I have plans with my boyfriend,â you replied as you put your purchase into the basket slung over your arm.
The silence between them was so noticeable that you looked at them, confused.
âY-your⊠what?â stammered the Waterbender.
âMy boyfriendâŠâ you replied slowly. âYou know I have a boyfriend, right? You guys are friends with him and actually know him pretty well.â
Suki and Katara looked at each other in panic. Neither wanted to admit they had no idea who you were talking about, fearing they might hurt your feelings.
âOh yes! Of course!â Suki exclaimed with a nervous laugh. âHow silly of usâwe forgot about him for a moment! Heâs a really nice guy.â
Katara just nodded quickly with a nervous smile.
Their responses made you let out a sigh.
âThank the spirits. Can you imagine if you didnât know?â you remarked with a little laugh as you continued on your way through the market. âThat would have been way too awkward.â
Suki and Katara exchanged a glance, both quickly shaking their heads to make it clear they had no idea who you were talking about.
âWell, sadly Iâll have to head out, but if you need anything, you can ask me or Zuko.â
The girls just nodded. As you said goodbye, they looked at each other nervously, trying to figure out who this mysterious guy was.
âWho is it?â Katara whispered desperately as they walked away from the market in search of Sokka.
âIs it Haru?â Suki wondered. âWe havenât seen him in a long time, but Iâm sure theyâre dating. After all, they were good friends when we were teens.â
âHow did we miss this?â Katara asked worriedly. âBesides, she says we know him well, but I donât remember seeing her with anyone other than us.â
âDo you think itâs that guard? The one who once helped us with the texts at the palace,â Suki continued.
âWe have to find Sokka. If itâs the guard, Zuko must have told him something,â Katara suggested. Upon receiving Sukiâs confirmation, they both ran off to look for him.
The doors to the Fire Lordâs private chamber were closed. In that brief moment of privacy, Zukoâs composure finally relaxed. Upon seeing you inside, the Fire Lord smiled and quickly stepped toward you, gripping your waist tightly and pulling you toward him urgently.
His lips pressed firmly against yours, and you responded quickly, parting your lips slightly to run your tongue over Zukoâs lips, causing him to let out a small moan of pleasure and granting you access. Your arms wrapping aroung his neck.
His warm hands slid slowly under your blouse, moving up your back, pulling you closer to him, feeling his erection gradually come to life as he thought about what the two of you were about to do.
You paused for a second, tilting your face slightly to expose your neck, gasping as you felt Zukoâs lips trail down your neck until they found that small spot that made your body shiver with pleasure. You knew that tomorrow you would have to hide the marks the Fire Lord left on your body.
âZuko...â you murmured, tilting your head back. Zuko let out a small hum, letting you know he was listening but not planning on stopping. âThe others already know weâre dating, right? I mentioned it to the girls today and⊠they acted really weird.â You closed your eyes as you felt Zukoâs kisses continue to trail downward, your low neck dress giving him the access to kiss your breasts, while his warm hands held you tightly against him.
Zuko paused for a moment, his nose brushing against your skin, to let out a small, hoarse laugh.
âIf they donât know yet,â he whispered against your chest, feeling the heat radiating from you. His hot breath made you arch your back and gasp, craving more. âThen theyâre a lot more clueless than I thought.â
There was no room for questions. Zuko grabbed your waist to lift you up, causing your legs to wrap around his waist, guiding both of you to the royal bed, determined to make up for every second lost that day.
summary: Zuko and You are already planning a wedding but what happens when a former lover comes back?
a/n: Am I⊠back? Hell yeah, I am. Itâs been years since Iâve posted a fic on Tumblrâso letâs see how this goes.
Warning: Mean Chamberlain, mentions of the Gaang and Uncle Iroh, Mai being Mai, arranged marriage but the fall in love. English being not my first language. If i miss something pls let me know. Gif not mine so all credits to them!
The flowers in the palace gardens swayed in a warm breeze, their petals dancing under a midday sun that turned the reddish silk of your garments into a blazing fire. Behind you, the steady rhythm of footsteps echoed off the ancient, thick wood walls, breaking the midday stillness.
âMy lady, the guest list for the wedding still requires your review; Fire Lord Zuko is waiting for you,â murmured Zuumi, your maid, gently interrupting your thoughts.
When you turned, you found her with hands folded neatly before her, the elderly womanâs subtle smile radiating a maternal warmth.
âOf course,â you replied, offering a small smile in return. Still, your gaze lingered on the pond where turtleducks drifted peacefully, waiting with practiced patience for a servant to toss them breadcrumbs.
It had been two years since you first stepped into this palace. You remembered it vividly: the suffocating weight of duty, the feeling of being a bird in a gilded cage after agreeing to present yourself as a candidate for the Fire Lordâs consort. You hadnât come out of desire, but out of obligation to your family.
Two years into that residency, you had been standing in this very garden, lost in thought, until a voice startled you. Thinking it was a servant, you had turned with a careless remark, only to find the Fire Lord himself watching you.
âYou shouldnât be here,â he had said. His voice was deeper than you expected, carrying a surprising warmth.
âMy sincerest apologies, Fire Lord. I arrived with the group of consorts, but I seem to have lost my way,â you whispered, keeping your eyes fixed firmly on his boots. A soft, genuine chuckle escaped him, sending a flush to your cheeks.
âPlease, there is no need for such deference here.â When you finally looked up, his smile was small and private. He extended an arm cordially. âCome. I am also headed to the royal hall, and I know better than anyone how confusing these corridors can be.â
From that day, the trajectory of your lives shifted. Friendship turned to courting, built on a foundation of shared jokes and hard-won trust. You had even been folded into his inner circleâthe people who ended the Hundred Year War. You found a kindred spirit in Kataraâs quiet strength, an outlet for mischief in Tophâs chaos, and a mentor in Sukiâs discipline. Even Aang had taught you the fluid basics of airbending movements to supplement your firebending and Sokka had drawn you with the rest of their friends a sight that always brought a genuine, relaxed smile to Zukoâs face.
 âMy lady,â Zuumi insisted, her tone shifting to a soft, maternal warning. âThe royal chamber.â
âOf course, Zuumi.â You smoothed the folds of your gown, blushing at your own distraction. âForgive me.â
You gently adjusted the folds of your gown, making sure they wouldnât hinder your steps as you moved forward.
Zuumi shook her head, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. Having served since the days of Ozaiâs reign, she wasn't used to receiving apologies from the royal family and their friends. She had watched Zuko grow up in the shadow of fearâand she had watched Azula, too.
âThere is nothing to apologize for, child,â she said firmly. âLet us just not keep the Fire Lord waiting any longer.â
The wing leading to the royal hall was uncharacteristically quiet. Since Zuko took the throne, the palace had breathed easier; servants moved without fear, and the oppressive tension of the old regime had evaporated. But today, the silence felt heavy.
As you turned the final corner, you saw a silhouette standing before the closed doors. The guards straightened immediately, but their eyes weren't on youâthey were fixed on the woman standing between them.
She was tall and slender, her dark hair pulled into two clinical, perfect buns. Her posture was the picture of relaxed indifference. As you approached, she turned, her pale features and dark, bored eyes taking you in with a single, sweeping glance. Her expression remained a neutral line, betraying nothing.
A vague memory flashed in your mind, but it was Zuumi who gave the stranger a name.
âLady Mai,â Zuumi remarked, stepping up behind you. âWhat a surprise. It has been a long time.â
Your heart skipped. You felt Maiâs gaze move over you, analyzing every stray strand of hair loosened by the garden breeze. You felt suddenly, acutely unkempt.
âIâm here to see Zuko,â Mai said, her voice a flat monotone. âItâs an important matter.â
She turned back to the doors, expecting them to open for her. The guards exchanged a brief, uncomfortable look.
âI am sorry, Lady Mai,â Zuumi intervened with practiced steel, âBut the future consort has an appointment with the Fire Lord.â
Mai paused. She turned her head just enough to look at you over her shoulder. âConsort,â she repeated slowly, her brow twitching in a way that made you frown. âInteresting word, Zuumi.â
The fire in your veins, usually a flicker, surged.
âZuumi is right, Lady Mai,â you said, your voice steady and firm. âZuko is waiting for me. But if your matter is truly urgent, I will ensure he hears it immediately.â
The guards looked at you with newfound spark of surprise while Zuumi stood a little taller, pride beaming from her. Mai looked as though she might comment, but the doors creaked open with heavy rhythmic precision. The Chamberlain appeared, his stern face instantly softening into a deep, reverent bowed the moment his eyes landed on Mai â a gesture of respect he hadnât yet deigned to offer you.
âLady Maiâ he murmured, his voice thick with a nostalgic warmth towards Mai that felt like a slap to your face. âThe Fire Lord has been⊠expecting you. It is good to have back someone who belongsâ
He stepped aside, holding the door with a flourish usually reserved for important visitors. Then, his gazed shifted to you, eyes raked over your wind-mussed hair, his expressions flattening into a mask of tolerance. He didnât bow like the rest of the guards or servants, didnât even acknowledge your title, he simply gave a nod before pulling the doors shut with a sharp click that echoed through the hall. Leaving you standing in the corridor.
The silence that followed was deafening. You could feel the stares from the guards and Zuumi, making you feel like an intruder in the same place you now live.
âZuumi,â you murmured while looking at the closed door. âYou have the afternoon off.â
âMy ladyââ
âPlease,â you insisted, already turning away. As you hurried through the halls, the whispers of the palace staff began to bleed through the walls.
âMai is back...â
âThe Fire Lordâs past lover...â
âAnd months before the wedding...â
âPoor Lady (y/n)...â
Poor (y/n).
Your steps didnât falter; you could feel everyoneâs stares on you, sinking under your skin as your breath caught, but you couldnât stopânot now.
The hallways seemed to stretch on longer than usual, while the whispers never ceased. The heat began to build in your chest; the fire wanted to break free, to explode and burn everything, so your mind ordered your legs to carry you to the only person you knew could be honest with you.
The training court was filled with the rhythmic thud of feet and the distinctive snap of fans. The Kyoshi Warriors moved in perfect synchronization, a dance of deadly precision. At the center was Suki.
She was so focused that for a moment you hesitated to call out to her, but the murmurs echoing through the palace were louder than your thoughts. You raised your hand slightly, catching Sukiâs attention. She made a quick note to the more experienced Kyoshi Warriors to take her place and, without wasting a moment, walked toward you.
She noticed your labored breathing and the tiny, involuntary sparks dancing at your fingertips immediately.
âSukiâŠâ You took a deep breath. âHelp me.â
Without a word, Suki took your hand and led you to the dressing rooms. You stripped away the heavy silks of the Fire Nation and donned the light clothes of green and gold of the warriors.
When you emerged, hair tied back and eyes fierce, Suki handed you a pair of fans. âMove with me,â she commanded.
The training was grueling. Suki pushed you, sensing the roar of the fire in your chest. When a plume of flame accidentally scorched your fan, Suki didn't stop; she shifted to more aggressive maneuvers, giving your anger a target.
You channeled every whisper, every look of pity, the image of Maiâs cold eyes and the Chamberlainâs remarks into your strikes. By the time the sun set and the training hall was bathed in starlight, you were breathless. The fans were charred ruins of silk and bamboo.
âYou should go to dinner,â you panted, sweat dripping from your brow. âIâm not done yet.â You threw a punch, a fireball dissolving into the air.
âI know,â Suki replied softly. âBut you shouldnât waste too much of your energy, especially if youâre not used to firebending for so longâ Pause. âAnd Iâm not leaving you alone.â
You turned to look at her, breathless.
âI need to get this out, Suki. Go...â Your lungs ached in a way you didnât know was possible. âI don't want you skipping a meal for me.â
âWeâre friends,â Suki shrugged with a grin. âIâd even skip a date with Sokka for you.â
You let out a genuine breathless laughâthe kind your parents would have called 'unladylike.'
âI donât want to be on the receiving end of Sokkaâs complaints,â You told her, making her smile. She just shrugged, but the feeling didnât go away, so you simply walked over to her and hugged her, surprising her but prompting a quick response. âThank you,â you whispered, pulling her into a quick hug.
As you pulled apart, Suki took you by the shoulders and looked at you intently.
âIâm leaving but Iâm also writing to the others,â Suki said as she headed for the door. âKatara, Aang, and Toph are in Republic City. If theyâre free theyâll be here tomorrow. Weâre getting you out of this palace for a few hours.â
âSukiâŠâ
âI wonât take a no for an answer,â she smiled. âYou need to get out of here, get away from the palace and its people for a few hours.â
You just nodded. You shared another hug before Suki decided to leave the training room and leave you alone.
Once the doors closed, you returned to the center of the room, practicing the spins Suki had taught you. Spin, strike, breathe. Spin, strike, breathe.
Each strike reminded you of the comments youâd heard, using them as motivation to keep going. Every whisper, every glance, the Chamberlain.
Mai.
The only sound you could hear was your breathing and the flames coming out of your hands.
âShould I be worried about the colors of your clothing?â Zukoâs voice startled you, making you jump slightly and lower your guard. âOr is it just a new fashion trend Iâm not aware of?â
Zuko was leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed. He looked tired, but his eyes softened the moment they landed on you.
âYou know? I was waiting for my girl at dinnerâ he said, stepping into the room. âWhen she didnât show, I checked the pond, then our chambers. I was starting to lose my mind until a little bird told me she was hereâ
Zuko walked toward you while effortlessly shed his heavy royal robes, leaving only his light undergarments. He pulled his hair into a practical bun and raised his palms. âGo ahead.â
You blinked.
âGo ahead... what?â
âHit me,â he said, planting his feet.
ââŠWhat?...â You looked at him in surprise. âIâm not going to hit you, Zuko.â
âYouâre holding onto too much tension. Use me as a focal point.â He explained as he took your wrists with both hands and positioned them, so youâd be in the right stance to throw a hit. âHit me,â he insisted.
You looked at him hesitantly, closing your hands and positioning them in a defensive stance. Zuko just nodded.
The first punch was weak. Zuko raised an eyebrow. The second was better. The third had speed. For a long time, the only sound was the muffled thwack of your fists against his palms as he expertly blocked and absorbed your frustration.
You didnât know how long the two of you stood there in silence, Zuko taking the blows you landed on his hands, and you focused on not hurting him, though that was impossible.
Every now and then, Zuko shifted his feet to adjust his balance and change his stance; you just followed him obediently.
âWhy didnât you come today?â Zuko asked suddenly.
âI didnât go to dinner with you because I was here with Suki,â you replied, throwing another punch, which Zuko caught, his hand completely enveloping yours.
âI meant this afternoonâwe decided to have time together to plan the weddingâ Zuko continued, taking your other hand in his to stop you. You looked at him for a few seconds before pulling your hands away.
âYou were too busy, Zuko. I didnât want to get in the way of... important matters.â
âI am never âtoo busyâ for you,â he murmured, a small frown adorning his face.
You were silent for a minute.
You looked at him, your heart hammering against your ribs. âZuko... why me? Out of all the people in the world... why did you choose me? You had Mai...â
Zuko interrupted you.
âYes, Mai and I had something⊠a long time ago.â His gaze didnât waver from yours. âAnd losing her hurtâ he admitted. âBecause she was part of my life for years, and when she left, I thought Iâd never have something like that with anyone else again.â His hands moved carefully up to your face, holding you gently. âAnd I was right.â
Your breath caught in your throat. But he gave a small smile and moved a little closer.
âBecause what I have with you is so much better than what I had with her.â His thumbs brushed your cheekbones. âYou didnât see me as Fire Lord Zuko; you saw me as Zuko, even when I sometimes didnât know who I was.â
He let out a soft sigh.
âWhen we started spending time together, I began to feel something I hadnât felt in a long time, and before I knew it, I started looking for you everywhere. In the hallways, at meetings, with the Gaang, I wanted to know your opinion, your thoughtsâI wanted to hear you.â
Your hands trembled.
âWhen you met my friends, I could see your eyes light up and how free you looked with them. I want to see you always like that, happy.â
Small tears began to fall down your face, stopped by Zukoâs hands.
âZukoâŠâ you murmured.
âI want to marry you not because itâs a duty to the nation, but because with you everything feels clearer and peaceful and happier. I want you to always be here safe with me.â
Your lips formed a little pout as you tried to stop a sob from escaping.
âI also want this to be your decisionânot because of some obligation you have to fulfill, but because you want to be here,â Zuko whispered.
Despite your tears and your raw emotions, you managed to reply,
âAlways, Zuko.â
Zuko let out a small sigh.
âI went to look for you everywhere you could be and when I couldnât find youâŠâ he paused to look into your eyes; you noticed the love and insecurity flooding his own. âFor a moment I thought you didnât want to be with me anymore.â He kissed your forehead. âIf you leave, I couldnâtâŠâ he murmured against your forehead. âI donât want to be in a place where you arenât.â
You looked into his eyes and could see the sincerity.
âMai asked the Chamberlain to leave us aloneâ he said. You tensed instinctively at the mention of her name and the thought of both being alone. âOnce he was gone, she told me exactly what happened outside the royal chamber. She was angry, not at you but for you. She was appalled by how the Chamberlain treated youâ He finished, his voice dropping an octave with his own simmering frustration.
âWhat happened todayâŠâ you murmured, still close to him.
âWhat happened today was an insult to you,â he replied firmly, his forehead resting gently against yours. âAnd I promise you it will never happen again. Weâre a team, always you and me.â
Your hands moved up gently, covering his, which were still cupping your face.
âI love you, Zuko,â you confessed. Zuko smiled as his cheeks flushed slightly.
âI love you more, (y/n).â
You took his hands and gently moved them away from your cheeks, only to wrap your arms around his neck and pull him closer to you. Your lips met his just as Zuko responded immediately, leaning toward you, deepening the kiss with a desire he no longer tried to hide.
His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you against him, closing any space that existed between you.
You both pulled apart to catch your breath. His forehead returned to yours while his hands rested firmly on your waist.
âI owe Suki a new pair of fansâ You mumbled, glancing toward the charred remains of the bamboo on the floor.
Zuko chuckled, his eyes following yours. âI donât think sheâll mindâ
âBut I doâ You insisted, though your eyes were beginning to flutter shut as the last of your adrenaline was leaving your body
Zuko caressed your face gently, his thumb brushing away the strays hairs plastered to your skin by sweat. âThen Iâll have a servant to go and get a new pair in the city tomorrowâ he mumbled. âBut right now my only priority is taking care of my future wifeâ
He pulled you into his arms, and you didnât resist, letting your head fall heavily against his shoulder.
âZukoâŠâ You felt the low hum in his chest. âDo you think⊠you can help me train my firebending?â you wondered while crossing your arms around his neck.
âIt would be my honor, loveâ he answered with a soft smile. âAnd if youâd like, I can ask Uncle Iroh to come and help, too. Heâs been looking for an excuse to visitâ
âThat would be amazing ZuâŠâ You whispered, your voice trailing off as you were falling asleep. âAnd I thinkâŠâ You yawned. âAang and the rest are coming tomorrowâ
âThen I believe a trip to Ember Island is in orderâ Zuko decided, his voice dropping to a soothing low. âSpirits knows we all need a vacationâ
You simply smiled and tucked your face into the crook of his neck. The steady rhythmic thrum of his heart against your ear became a lullaby. Zuko felt your arms slowly slide from his shoulders, a sign that you had finally drifted off.
He held you a little tighter, pressing a lingering kiss to your temple.
âYou will always be my first choice (y/n),â Zuko confessed into the quiet hall. âI will always choose you.â
Not to get emo on main but you ever think about how the troop sang about their dreams of finding âa girl worth fighting forâ, and they think their girl worth fighting for is one of romance, but the song abruptly comes to a halt when they find a different girl worth fighting for.
A tiny girl that had been killed at the hands of the Huns. A child too weak, too small to have any chance of withstanding the murderous invaders. That is their girl worth fighting for.
Itâs also worth noting that âA Girl Worth Fighting Forâ is the last song in the movie. Up until here, itâs a fun movie, and the imminent invasion feels like itâs just there to keep the plot moving, and to provide a little bit of drama to spice things up. None of the soldierâs are quite taking this seriously yet; sure, Mulan wanted to save her father from the draft, and on some level she was aware that he would die if he went to war, but beyond that sheâs interested in not being caught, and not shaming her family. Her motives are good, but theyâre entirely self centered. All the other soldiers are more or less in the same boat - they want to get tougher, they want to impress girls, they want to be cool soldiers. Shangâs easily the most serious of the bunch at first, and even then itâs just because training bad soldiers will reflect poorly on him, and important people are paying attention.
The abrupt ending of âA Girl Worth Fighting Forâ is the wake up call. The soldiers and the audience get slapped in the face with the realization of whatâs really at stake here. China is being invaded. Villages are burning, civilians are dying, and this isnât going to stop until the country is conquered or the invaders are defeated. This is not a fun musical, this is a major crisis.
Mulan is such a good movie for so many reasons, but the abrupt tone shift is such a major reason why. Itâs an excellent commentary on the reality of war, and it being a kids movie just meant they had to make their point without showing any actual gore, which Iâd honestly say makes it that much more poignant.
That moment, when they come over the rise and see the razed village is one of the best scenes in film. Period. Somehow, instead of giving me tonal whiplash, it took my breath away, and thatâs one fuck of a balancing act.
me, a writer, at 3am: WHAT? I CANT FIND THE SPECIFIC FANFIC THAT I MADE UP IN MY MIND WITH A WHOLE PLOT AND ORIGINAL CHARACTERS??? WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE??? DO THEY EXPECT ME TO WRITE THE STORY I THOUGHT UP OF???
