I just love the giffed cuts above, and the song + dialogue clips give me so many feels.
“Sorry” by Fandom.com
I’ve been listening to this one a lot while writing my longfic Lightning Sun. The song by Halsey dives into the psychology of someone who fundamentally believes they don’t deserve love and/or doesn’t understand or believe how other people could love them. I think with all her abandonment issues, Katara would probably vibe with this.
“Easier” by TeamHodgins
Another one for the longfic feels. At the beginning of Lightning Sun, Zuko is in prolonged recovery from Azula’s strike, thus the lyrics, “I’m stuck, I’m stuck, I’m stuck here in my skin.”
The story is told mostly through the pov of Katara, who’s on a journey of self-discovery to understand her own issues with abandonment and what they mean for her feelings towards Zuko; hence, “Tell me it gets easier, tell me it gets easier, tell me it gets easier, that I’ll figure it out.”
“I’d let you win” by quinn darley
Pretty self-explanatory for Zuko. “I’d let you in. I’d let you win my heart again.”
“killing me to love you” by exhalence
Not listening to it much recently. Real longfic vibes, especially with these lyrics:
I want to keep faith, but you're making it harder (but it’s killing me to love you)
I’m reaching out now, but you’re pulling me under (but it’s killing me to love you)
I give you my heart just to watch you waste it (but it’s killing me to love you)
And I can’t let go when you still need saving (but it’s killing me to love you)
In case you couldn’t tell, Lightning Sun is gonna be a slow-burn angst fic with a bittersweet ending. Sorry not sorry 😬👀
“you’re my home” by [17’s] kelly
Like previous entry, not listening to it as much recently but still lovely ❤️
“into you” by mavensinclair
Recent discovery. Makes me soft 🥺
Fanfics:
Before moving onto the fic recs, I just wanna make a quick note about my preferences. Most of the following will be rated M or above. I’ve been an honest-to-God adult for a few years now, so I like fics that deal with more mature themes and adult problems.
I’m also a slut for angst. You will find very little fluff ahead (though some of these have their moments). Proceed accordingly. And not to be a hipster about Zutara fic, but there are definitely some out there that don’t get enough love, namely my top three (listed in order).
What makes a fic really stand out for me? It’s pretty simple actually. It has to be something that’s a little different, a little off-the-wall, with vivid worldbuilding. But MOST importantly, it has to make me deeply feel something. If a scene sticks in my head even months afterwards due to a combination of vivid sensory detail and visceral emotional reactions, that fic will be on this list.
Two Worlds Collide by mangx3
My co-captain @antarcticasx and I welcome you aboard the TWC Supremacy. Fear not; though the voyage may at first prove daunting and ill-fated, rest assured that you’re in for an emotionally satisfying journey that promises to rip your heart out in all the best ways.
No, but seriously, this fic is so much better than it has any right to be. I will admit, the frame structure of the tale is not to my taste, and some plot points in the first act may seem contrived. But my god, do you go on a journey with this fic. Bc it was written over the course of four years, you actually get to witness mangx3 improve as a writer. By the end, the storytelling is 💋👌🏻 And if that’s not enough for you, at one point, Zuko refers to Katara—in her absence, mind—as both “my heart” and “my life.” I just... I die 💀
Each Other by jennibare
Aang is dead + the aftermath fic. The story is well balanced between both Zutara and the steambabies.
Love Thy Enemy by RedNovember
Kind of a soulmate au. Worldbuilding is top-notch. And the climax in the third act? My god, the imagery, the emotion, just... 😭
Rumour Has It by @fictionissocialinquiry
BluePaint bible. Constantly torn between wanting to read more Blue Spirit/Painted Lady fic and knowing that none will ever compare. (I say this as someone with a BluePaint outline in the works.) This is also like my go-to re-read, though I usually stop around chapter 73 bc of that scene *fans self* and also I can’t put myself through the partial heartbreak of the ending again. Waiting to start the sequel once it’s complete.
Strength by tini243
Fair warning: this fic is incomplete and abandoned. HOWEVER, it follows the story through most of the second act, so I still left feeling satisfied. It’s a soulmate au that ends with casually married Zutara revealing their relationship to the gaang, and there’s just something so delicious about that drama.
Hopeless by @zutaradreams
The structure of this story is so unique in the way it’s sandwiched between a prologue and epilogue told from a side character pov. Plus, it’s told out of order which makes it fun to put the pieces together. Zutara build a life in Ba Sing Se when all hell breaks loose. Also, steambaby! Another go-to re-read.
Gods & Monsters by wannabewonderbender (wannabend)
If you want BAMF Katara, this is the BAMF Katara fic. Ending is a little abrupt, but I enjoyed it all the same.
The Things We Hide by Lykegenia
The worldbuilding in this au is amazing. More BAMF Katara. And no spoilers, but the ending is exactly what I would want for Ursa.
The Fifth Column by chromeknickers
Be warned: this one is dark, with incredibly dubious consent. The final showdown kinda drags on a bit, but the worldbuilding is great. Ending sets up a sequel that’s never been started, so if that bothers you, probably avoid.
WIPs:
Our Desires series by @laadychat
With each update, Sab never fails to make me feel like I’mma spontaneously combustionbend. Absolutely adore ❤️
Smoke & Mirrors by @nellasera
Blutara that leads to capture!fic trope; or, everything I’m a slut for. Dying for the next update 😭😭😭
Those Who Do Not Learn... Are Doomed to Repeat by @homeagainrose
Time-travel established relationship/married Zutara in teenage bodies. Honestly, what more could you possibly want? Also dying for update.
Heyyy! Just wanted to tell you that you are the best person ever, I'm so excited to read your amazing fic and I love all of excerpts I get! You're an all around amazing and super sweet person and I'm so glad you have adopted me ❤️
Omg, Dee, STAHP. You’re gonna make me cry, how dare you??? And I hope you feel special bc this is my first ask since I opened my box 🥺
How long are these things supposed to be? Do I offer some elderly, 20-something wisdom? Impart a universal truth? Challenge you with an impossible riddle like a mythological sphinx?
