Non-binary Zuko headcanons
(+ bonus Genderfluid Sokka)
Accidentally became a modern AU sorry
Enby Zuko is very quiet about their identity. There’s a bit of internalised transphobia/enbyphobia and a lot of fear about how others could react to it. They haven’t been raised in the greatest environment.
He/him is bothering, but they deal with it anyway. They like comfortable clothes and short hair, so people always see them as a boy and they never have the guts to correct them. They wish they were braver.
(They’re aromantic, too. It isn’t easy to talk about either, but they’re glad they don’t have to worry about finding a partner who would like them for what they are, more than for what they show the world.)
One day, they indulge a little bit and buy something -a keychain or a phone case or a bag- with the non-binary flag colors on it. It’s not exactly the flag, more of an illustration using the colors; still, when it comes in a little brown package, they feel a rush of excitement.
Sokka sees it and says « hey, looks like the non-binary flag haha » and Zuko just doesn’t know what to say. They’re shocked that Sokka knows the flag and super, super scared. Before they have time to stutter through some form of « what is that I don’t know that » Sokka talks.
« You don’t have a problem with that, do you ? »
Zuko stays silent for a few seconds, too confused to answer. Sokka starts to look uncomfortable so they push through it.
« Oh. Cool. That would’ve... that would’ve sucked. »
A few more minutes pass in silence, before Sokka speaks up.
« I’m- I’m non-binary. Genderfluid, actually. Do you, uh, know what it is ? »
Zuko has no idea what to say. Of course he does but- Sokka ? Really ? Wait- stupid thought, anyone can be non-binary and that doesn’t have anything to do with looks. (They forget it sometimes, falling into a spiral of I must be a boy if I dress and act like one despite knowing it doesn’t mean anything.)
« Nice. Actually I... I’ve only told Katara about that. So I’m glad you’re taking it well. »
Hey- another confusing thing. Why would Sokka trust him with that ? They aren’t that close. They’re friends (or so Zuko hopes) but coming out is a big deal isn’t it ? Isn’t it ?
Zuko doesn’t tell him yet. He keeps quiet a little longer, let Sokka talk about she/her days and help her zip Katara’s dress when she struggles. They wait a month or two, until they stop wanting to throw up everytime they think about telling him.
They do it by text, send a stupid picture of a cat waving a non-binary flag saying « suprise ! It’s a person ! ». Sokka sends back three laughing emojis and call before Zuko has time to think about what they mean.
Sokka says « I knew » and Zuko asks « how ? » and he says « I don’t know. Just a vibe. » which doesn’t make sense at all, but they talk a bit about pronouns after this, and Zuko feels a little lighter.
They move in together at some point, and hang a flag in the living room. They take it down when they have people over because Zuko isn’t ready yet for questions, and putting it back up always makes Zuko’s heart beat a little faster. It makes them smile.
