Zuko + The GAang Friendship Headcanons
Aang
Aang and Zuko have lots of inside jokes about their trip to the Sun Warriors ruins that no one ever gets, and whenever someone asks for them to explain they exchange a panicky look because they know they told the Chief they would keep it all a secret.
As much as the inside jokes, Aang also uses the reference of “this is the golden egg all over again” whenever Zuko doesn’t listens to him.
Aang definitely makes hella lots of jokes about being Zuko’s great-grandfather, doting like a toddler every once in a while.
At the same time, he teases Zuko about getting old as they both grow up.
Aang’s favorite color is yellow, and Zuko’s not very good at birthday gifts, so whenever Aang’s birthday comes around he just gives him something yellow no matter what it is.
Long into their friendship, Zuko told Aang about his fever and the dream he had of him turning into Aang, and that he thought it meant they weren’t very different, not even back then. Aang was touched by this.
Aang is actually a very touchy-feely kind of friend, and it’s always hugging Zuko, much to the latter’s embarrassment.
Katara
Out of all the group, Katara’s the one that calls Zuko “her best friend” the most.
She’s also the one that looks after him the most, forcing him to get a rest whenever he becomes too stressed with his political duties and using some “tough love” whenever he needs it.
Zuko can get into some fights with his friends from time to time, but not with Katara. She’s the one that’s always on his side, even if it is only to tell him he’s the one that’s being a jerk.
Just like with Sokka, Katara just loves taking Zuko out of his comfort zone.
It’s no secret that Katara’s also a touchy-feely friend, having her close is what causes Zuko to slowly get used to hugs and physical contact.
Katara takes notice of Zuko’s mood changes very easily and whenever they come she serves as a mediator between him and the outside world.
They have lots of silent conversations. Sometimes they don’t even need to look at each other for having them. Sometimes, whenever Zuko’s feeling down, Katara will just remain by his side in silence until he feels better.
Once, Zuko suffered an attempt against his life and had to be rushed to the infirmary. The guards told the GAang that they couldn’t get in while he was treated. Katara had some words. Ever since then, the guards let her in to wherever the Fire Lord goes.
Sokka
Sokka makes sure his point is driven home when he’s talking with the Fire Nation politicians about how lucky they are to have Zuko as their Fire Lord.
The two of them begin most of their conversations with a “As your best friend…” “Katara’s my best friend.” “As your best friend…” exchange.
Sokka often asks Zuko his opinion on what weapon makes him look the most badass, the spear or the club? (The boomerang is just implicit.)
Zuko finds himself dragged into Sokka’s shop-therapies quite often.
There’s some bad blood between Sokka and the royal painters because he says they never capture Zuko’s essence in their portraits and always uses his own art as the example they should follow.
Just like whenever someone insults the Moon Spirit, Sokka just goes off like a gun whenever someone insults the Fire Lord. “You don’t know what you’re talking about! Fire Lord Zuko is a brave warrior and an honorable man who rules the Fire Nation with just and kind… uh… fireiness!”
Sokka often makes up words just to describe how awesome Zuko is (and how awesome Sokka is by extension for being his best friend.) Zuko only tells him those are not words.
Sokka sometimes wishes he was Zuko’s bodyguard so he could protect him to the fullest.
Toph
When Zuko got a bruise on his arm for how much affection Toph was showing him, she simply changed to show her affection on his other arm.
Toph once felt bad after Sokka told her the books at the palace’s library were really good, so Zuko read them to her since she couldn’t read them herself.
Everybody knows Toph is surprisingly good at consoling people and she gives great advices. To the ones Zuko sometimes responds with “You’re way too young to be so insightful.”
Zuko usually wonders if he can make Toph’s new nickname for him, Sparky Lord, a legal political title because she refuses to call him anything other than that.
Toph always has fun whisper-telling Zuko what politicians have the hots for him during the meetings. (They are a few.)
Toph’s feet are delicate instruments, she knows she has to rest them from time to time, and when those times come, she tells Zuko to give her a piggy-ride.
Is thanks to Toph that Zuko further overcame the trauma of his scar. It took her quite a while to find out Zuko had the whole left side of his face burned, but when she found out, she wanted to “see” it for herself, and the only way for this was touching it. Zuko at first reeled back but then acceded. Ever since, Toph touches Zuko’s scar when she wants to “see” him face to face, and thanks to that Zuko has gotten increasingly at ease with the contact.
Suki
The two of them exchange a lot of fed up looks when the rest of the GAang falls into anarchy.
The practice hand-to-hand combat together quite often as Zuko’s the only one from the rest of the group who can match Suki.
Suki maintains a refreshing share of professionalism when they are in front of other functionaries and while the rest of the team is way too casual.
Suki keeps herself more alert than usual when she’s functioning as Zuko’s bodyguard.
Zuko gives THE BEST reviews about the Kyoshi Warriors to the leaders of the other nations.
Whenever he needs to talk about work-related stuff to get a fresh perspective, Suki’s the first one he calls.
After they helped Appa get back to Aaang, Suki usually says protecting the Fire Lord has been the Kyoshi Warriors’ most important mission.
And because I love this concept:
Ty Lee
Ty Lee is also a hugger and she always greets Zuko with a hug even she’s in Kyoshi Warrior duty.
Ty Lee surprisingly is one of the people Zuko feels the most comfortable with for they have known each other for quite some time.
She’s always asking about Zuko’s love life and giving (uncalled) advices about what girls like in boys.
Ty Lee worries a lot about Zuko, especially when he’s visiting Azula at the mental institution, so she sometimes go with him despite her still being scared of Azula.
Ty Lee was over-the-moon when Zuko changed his hairstyle to the one of the comics.
She once admitted she actually had always preferred Zuko slightly over Azula, even when they were kids, for Zuko had always been kinder to everyone.
She never doubts in expressing how glad she is that she and Zuko are now real friends.
