Hc That Zuko Is Autistic (he Just Like Me Fr) And Has A Firepit In His Bedroom That He Keeps Lit At Night,

I love how for most of The Boiling Rock Part 1 Zuko’s just going around like ‘you know who’s great? Uncle. I miss him a lot. He’s my favorite person and I will fight you for him” completely unprompted 

what a soft kid, I love him so much 

Some of my Atla headcanons nobody asked for part 2:

Iroh's wife died while giving birth to Lu Ten

Ozai punished Zuko after he failed at firebending practice by burning his hands and forbidding him to tell anyone including Ursa and forcing him to say ut was his own fault

Ty Lee has synesthesia, hence why she sees auras (people's feelings)

Sokka despised the months of not being able to walk with a broken leg so after Katara deemed him okay, he sprinted through the palace and overwhelmed his leg which put him back in the cast

Zuko secretly loves tea but refuses to give uncle the satisfaction

After Zuko's ship blew up, his crew aboard Zhao's ship heard about it, thought Zuko died (since Iroh joined Zhao) and dealt with it surprisingly badly (he might have been a brat, but he was their brat)

Pakku and Iroh don't like each other very much and tend to fight in this very peaceful manner of offhandedly thrown comments, said with sickeningly fake smiles

Zuko calls Iroh dad once, without even noticing it and Iroh's too stunned to speak for a moment, but he doesn't want his nephew to feel awkward for pointing that out so he just carries on the conversation

The whole Gaangs sleeps in a big cuddle pile even after the war

Sometimes Toph wakes up from the nightmare of Sokka letting go of her hand and when she does, she reaches for his hand and he subconsciously squeezes it

This is the beginnings of a Zue au where Zuko is banished to the North Pole/used as a pawn to keep the water savages under the Fire Nation thumb. If their prince marries Yue, he becomes the chief consort, so it's like the Fire Nation took over without having to actually do anything.

At first they are distrustful, since they've both been raised with stories of the other nation being evil. But Zuko is such a sweety and Yue is smart, they figure out that they are actually destined to be bffs!

Also, the person giving Zuko away here isn't Ozai. It's some diplomat.

Cut Fruit 🍎🍓🍈🍊🍑

-

In Asian cultures, one of the most common forms of affection by a parent is to carefully peel and cut fruit. My mom would typically cut apples, but parents will prepare any fruit that’s available. I am loathe to think Iroh wouldn’t do the same for Zuko.

(this is also a nice article that explains the feelings behind it more)

Universal Truth

In the past three years the Wani crew clung to the few constants in life. Lt. Jee’s armour failing to not creak. Cook Dekku taking the Princess’ side in an argument. General Iroh drinking questionable plants if it had the slightest possibility of being a good tea. Princess Usha making Bad Decisions regarding her safety if it had the slightest possibility of leading her towards the Avatar.

But the biggest constant was that Zhao was The Worst and they had to kill him.

They’re not kidding, well, not anymore.

In the beginning it was just an off handed comment. A response to seeing him push and push and push the buttons of their recently banished commander. A catopus toying with a mouseguppy.

Later, as Usha grew and developed, they became serious. Zhao’s gaze lingered, his smile grew sharper, and his words gained double meaning. And he touched, casual and fleeting, careful enough to seem innocent but with intent.

They never left Usha alone with him. Not after the Hair Incident. If General Iroh wasn’t available then it was Natsuo, who could earthbend, or Hanako, quick and precise with a knife, or Minh, large and stern faced.

...

So when they finally found the Avatar, they knew it was their chance at finally keeping Usha safe.

They pushed down the guilt of chasing after a child. A cackling, baby faced boy who was easily swayed by the smile of a pretty eye patch wearing girl and the promises of sweet cream and cakes.

They pushed further down the guilt of fighting a gangly limbed boy and a fierce faced girl struggling to control her bending.

Usha came first.

(Princess Usha already apologized for the whole ship to ice wall misunderstanding, so they were absolved.)

...

Lips were pressed tight and tongues were bitten when they docked at Zhao’s port. The Avatar was Usha’s to capture and not for the ladder climbing leech that was Zhao.

...

He still found out. You can’t accidentally set Kyoshi Island on Fire and not have the world find out why.

Nice going, Daishi.

...

What kind of asshole challenges a teenager to an Agni Kai?

The same one that gets beat by a teenager who’s still practicing her basics.

...

Normally one would discourage wearing jewelry found on the floor of a prison. But the Princess pulled it off quite well.

...

Natsuo really deserves a promotion or a raise or both. Cause it’s one thing to save General Iroh from a group of Earth Kingdom soldiers, but it’s a completely different thing to save a naked General.

Thank Agni none of them had any Fire Nation ancestry else they might’ve figured out Natsou’s little lava trick.

...

Fuck Zhao. And fuck Roku too, worst ancestor ever.

Who makes a volcano erupt on purpose!?

...

They really needed to talk about Usha’s habit of pinning people to flat surfaces. Poor Waterbender is getting redder than their uniforms.

It’s Minh’s fault to be honest. The moment he showed her how to wrestle larger opponents they had lost the battle.

They could’ve gone without the unexpected ambush by the pirates. But it did give them an excuse to punch people in the face.

They lost the avatar, again. But they did end with a boatload of treasure. So, win?

...

WHY IS THERE AN ARROW ON YOUR SHOULDER!?

...

They’re not getting a Shirshu. No matter how much Usha and Genji beg.

Sure they can afford one now. But they’ll need to train it. And Satomi isn’t very optimistic about General Iroh’s blood pressure if June continues to interact with the Princess.

...

Music night.

Music night was safe and relaxing. Where they could unwind and take a breather. Maybe even have a little drink or two. If they were lucky Usha might even sing.

Nothing can go wrong on music night.

...

Bad news, Zhao was Admiral now.

Worse news, he was commandeering them to be part of an invasion force against the Northern Water Tribe.

Good news, Zhao will now be too busy and too far away to make moves on your still very much underage commander.

Fun news, you get to watch the Princess blow holes in the logic of planning to attack a polar city full of waterbenders during winter.

Weird news, instead of blowing his lid like usual Zhao is instead inviting Usha to be part of the invasion.

Horrible news, she said yes.

Worst news, you later find out that her rooms are close to Zhao’s.

Good news, no one will ever suspect foul play if Zhao dies during the invasion. They just had to keep Usha way from Zhao until they reached the North Pole.

Nothing but smooth swimming from then on.

...

Was gonna write a Drabble but it basically turned into a mini outline. So, yay(?) structure.

Zutarians i lowkey wanna see some of your responses and debunks by this post 😭😭💀

AU in which Zuko is painfully aware that his dad is an asshole and decides to vibe on his ship rather than chasing Aang-

rewatching ALTA rn (cough quarantine really do be like that) and- I cant help but laugh when watching Zuko act like a spoiled brat with heavy daddy-issues throughout the first season, knowing how awkward he’ll become later on (”Zuko here” is all I’m gonna say rip-)

now, instead of waiting for uncle Iroh to spill the tea (no pun intended) about his scar and chasing the avatar without telling his crew a word about wHY he’s so hellbent on steering his ship all over the fucking world to chase a ghost… Zuko’s just aware of why exactly he was put on this ship and decides “well, might as well enjoy the ride”

One of the first things he does after boarding the ship (after waiting for his injury to heal rip) is ask Iroh or Lieutenant Jee to cut his hair for him, since,,,, well he’s a banished prince that was sent out to chase a ghost,,, no real reason to cling onto the illusion of royality any longer, is there? so off with the hair-knot

*cue tiny, 13 year old Zuko with a bandaged eye and freshly shorn head walking up to the ship-railing and chucking his hair overboard. he waves the severed hair-knot goodbye, Uncle Iroh just brews himself another cup of calming tea-*

He knows his dad’s not expecting him to come back, or… even wants him back, for that matter.

“Sir, where is our next course leading?”

“Idk, you decide.”

Either spends his time holed up in his private quarters or fucks around on the ports whenever the ship needs to stop for supplies. Instead of spending his ‘pocket money’ on anything that could help him find the avatar he just buys whatever crap would unnerve the crew the most. (last time they let him run off on his own he came back with 67 tiny, wooden sky-bison figurines and has hidden them all over the ship. It’s been 3 years and the crew is still finding bisons hidden in their belongings.)

If it weren’t for the nasty scar you’d just assume he’s the bastard-child of one of his crew-members they’re letting tag along, not, y’know, the crown-prince of the fire-nation.

He still trains a lot- just not to capture the avatar. Just because there’s literally nothing else to do on the ship-

Because he doesn’t have such a nasty temper, the crew doesn’t wanna throw him overboard all the fucking time. Instead they just all collectively decided that they’re adopting the brat- no one’s sure how Iroh feels about suddenly having to share his nephew with 20-something sailors, but no one caught him complaining so far.

Zuko can and will take advantage of that. Watch him yell “Uncle!” on the main bridge and grin like a demon as he sees 5 old sailors’ head snap around and give him a concerned look.

His dad may be an asshole but at the very least he got 20 new uncles-

People tend to recognoze him, because… uh. Well. When he was freshly banished he easily took offense when he was recognized as the banished prince of the firenation, even in the middle of bumfuck-nowhere…. as he grew older Zuko just came up with creative ways to change the topic.

“Nah, his scar’s on the other side.”

“Oh, no, I was just seeing a firenation-girl for a while and learned the hard way why you shouldn’t get them too excited in bed.”

“A scar? What scar- OH MY GOD UNCLE WHY CAN’T I SEE???”

When he eventually stumbles into team avatar, he *could* technically capture the avatar and bring him to the firelord to restore his honor and reclaim his throne… but he’d rather fuck with his old man for a bit.

Cue him inviting them onboard to play Pai sho with uncle. Zuko and Sokka going around, terrorizing the locals with Sokka’s terrible humor and Zuko’s scar. Toph and Zuko befriending each other, using the excuse “We only have one eye between the two of us.” whenever they end up in deadly situations together-

He sleeps in the rhino-pen. No real reason behind it, it just terrifies Lieutenant Jee and if anything brings Zuko joy, it’s terrorizing his crew by endangering himself in the most creative ways

Be Just As Sweet

Because @electronswrites and @muffinlance keep on breaking my heart with Dark!Lu Ten I needed fluff to balance it out.

….

Lu Ten was thirteen when Usha was born.

It was a surreal experience. He had gone to sleep with only four family members and woke up to five. His Father had already seen her, having been told the second she was born.

Having grown out of his desire for siblings Lu Ten didn’t feel jealousy at the news. He did feel annoyed that his plans for that afternoon were canceled to visit his aunt and new cousin. He especially didn’t want to have to exchange pleasantries with his uncle, the absolute frigid man.

Prince Ozai wasn’t in the room when they arrived. Instead it was just the midwife attending to his aunt and the Fire Sages saying rites over a crib.

“Oh, you’ve brought Lu Te-Prince Lu Ten,” his Aunt quickly corrected herself, switching from her coastal peasant accent to that of Caldera nobility, bowing her head quickly. Father gave her a friendly wave of his hand. There was no need for courtly manners right now.

“It’s good to see ya, Auntie,” he said, trying to imitate the slang she sometimes dropped when they were alone. It always cracked him up when she first arrived. The staff and servants were always careful to speak formally whenever he was in earshot.

Not sure what else to say Lu Ten glanced over at the crib. This was the first birth that he couldn’t just send a congratulatory letter and be done with it.

His aunt smiled sweetly in turn. “Would you like to like hold her?”

Lu Ten looked back at his Aunt in surprise. Why would she ask him first instead of Father? Why isn’t she waiting for the Fire Lord to arrive and grant him that privilege?

“If that’s okay,” he said, glazing at his Father in case a faux pas was taking place. Father just smiled and nodded at the mid wife.

Before he knew it a small bundle was carefully placed in his arms.

Lu Ten looked down at his cousin. A tiny face, almost impossibly so, greeted him. She was pink and a little wrinkly but with long lashes and a patch of black hair.

“Hey, baby, I’m Lu Ten,” he said. Her eyes blinked open sleepily. She yawned, tiny and precious like a kitten. Lu Ten couldn’t help but coo, gently stroking her soft cheek with his thumb. She wiggled her arms out of her blankets. A little hand grabbed his thumb, fingers barely able to wrap around it, gripping it with all her might.

Lu Ten felt his heart clench, forcing tears to well up in his eyes. “You’re the cutest little baby in the world, why are you so tiny?”

His Father chuckled, stroking his head. “There, there, it’s not uncommon to be moved by the love of one’s family. Come, let me see the little one.”

“No, I barely had her. It’s still my turn!” Lu Ten pulled away, angling his cousin away from his father’s greedy hands. His Aunt laughed freely behind him.

…

Today was Usha’s Hundred Day celebration. And everyone who was anyone was invited. Noble families, important merchants, and high ranking military personnel. The invitation list was almost as long as when Prince Ozai and Lady Ursa got married.

It made sense, Usha was the first Princess born to the royal family since before Fire Lord Azulon was crowned. Grandmother Ilah had suffered an assassination attempt that made it near impossible for her carry to term, both his father and uncle being the only survivors of a dozen pregnancies. His own mother died in childbirth trying to bring his brother to this world. Any new royal born was a blessing.

Even if they cared little about the festivities and were more interested in their own hands.

“No, darling, don’t do that,” cooed Lady Ursa, gently pulling Usha’s fist out of her mouth.

“Keep her still, her robes are going to get filthy,” warned Prince Ozai, smiling and nodding at the guests.

Lu Ten didn’t roll his eyes because that was unbecoming of a Prince. He did place a teething toy in Usha’s hand, smiling wide at his uncle when Usha immediately started gnawing on it.

It was something Prince Ozai hated, how Usha would chew on anything she could fit in her mouth. Fingers, toys, clothes, and sometimes hair. Her face and clothes would get all sticky and she was always drooling.

Still it was his own fault for wanting the celebration to start so soon in the day. If he had waited until after Usha’s feeding then she would’ve been sleeping and perfectly still for him to parade around like a doll. Then again the constant chatter would’ve woken her up.

None of the guests seemed to mind her less than perfect appearance. (Or at the very least kept it to themselves.)

“Look at that face,” cooed Lady Ji-Hye. “She’ll outshine the moon itself before long.”

Usha smiled around the toy, her legs kicking in excitement. She always knew when adults were talking about her.

“I would be honored if Your Highness would allow Princess Usha to be educated in The Royal Academy for Girls when she is of age,” continued Lady Ji-Hye, bowing at Prince Ozai.

“Of course,” he nodded, smile sharp and satisfied. “I can trust Lady Ji-Hye to keep a close eye on her once the time comes?”

“Gladly, Your Highness. Lady Ursa, Prince Lu Ten,” with a finally nod she sashayed away to mingle with the other nobles.

Another person soon took her place.

“Oh, what a truly lovely child you’ve been blessed with, Your Highness,” bowed Lord Wei. “My own girls are not to far in age, should the Princess desire a playmate I would be honored to volunteer them.”

“That’s a most generous offer, Lord Wei.”

It seemed to Lu Ten that the event was less to celebrate Usha and more as an excuse to network and politic. He couldn’t help but wonder how many of his old playmates were thrown at his parents during his own Hundred Day celebration.

At least none of the guests were so bold to try to cozy up to him in front of their hosts. And every heir gave up trying to coax him from Usha’s immediate vicinity.

Lu Ten was brought out of his thoughts by a sudden chill down his spine.

Prince Ozai immediately stood straighter and his smile lost its satisfaction. Lady Ursa herself subtly tried to smooth down her clothes. The background chatter of the guests became hushed and tense.

Walking towards them was an old regal woman. Her robes were of high quality silk layered with ceremonial armor and her white hair was bound up in elaborate style. She used a cane to walk but there was no weakness in her stride. Her eyes dark and sharper than any predator.

“Lady Lehua,” they greeted, bowing low to their higher ranking elder.

“Prince Ozai. Lady Ursa. Prince Lu Ten.” She bowed back. “I’d like to see my great niece now.”

It wasn’t a question.

Usha was promptly lifted from her cushions and placed in Lady Lehua’s arms. Lady Lehua traced a finger over the infant’s features while Usha stared wide eyed at her stoic expression.

However, the moment Lady Lehua’s finger touched her chin Usha grabbed it tight, gumming on it.

“Cutting your teeth already,” smiled Lady Lehua. “What ferocious little dragon.”

Usha smiled back.

“Oh, you have Ilah’s smile.” Lady Lehua pulled her hand back, tickling under Usha’s chin. Usha laughed, wiggling and kicking her feet happily.

“You should’ve named her Suzu at the very least, that was what Ilah had wanted to name a daughter.”

Prince Ozai’s smile grew stiff. “I’m afraid I don’t understand what Esteemed Aunt is trying to say.”

Lady Lehua gave him a bored look. “I highly doubt that, but I’ll be clearer. If you couldn’t be bothered to honor your mother by granting her only granddaughter her name, then a name beloved by Ilah would have sufficed. I’m sure Fire Lord Azulon would’ve been pleased as well.”

“I deeply apologize for the grave oversight,” Prince Ozai, bowed low.

Lu Ten could see his scowl from the corner of his eye. But whether it was from anger, humiliation, or regret at a missed opportunity to curry favor he didn’t know.

Lady Lehua just clucked her tongue. “Well now, I’ve seen what I’ve come for. May Agni’s light shine bright on the Royal Family and it’s newest princess.”

They bowed in turn and with a low bow she turned to leave.

It wasn’t until she was halfway across the room did they realize that Lady Lehua never gave them Usha back.

“Esteemed Aunt,” called Lady Ursa walking briskly, not running, after her. “Please wait, it seems you’re taking Usha with you. May This One have her back?”

Displeased, Lady Lehua clucked her tongue, making a show of handing the infant back to her mother. As if the request was some sort of personal inconvenience.

“We need to get a bell on her,” said Lu Ten the moment his aunt returned. “This is the third time that’s happened.”

…

“Come on, you can do it. Come on, baobei.”

Usha grunted, rocking back and forth on her arms and legs. Trying to see if the momentum will help her move. Lu Ten waved a toy drum, enticing Usha to cross those three feet between them.

Babbling Usha launched herself forward, barely keeping herself from overbalancing and tipping over. In a few short seconds she was at Lu Ten’s lap.

“You did it! Absolutely wonderful, baobei!” Lu Ten made a show of clapping. “Wasn’t that wonderful?”

The nannies instantly agreed, clapping and sharing their own praises. Usha ate it up, happy smile showing off her five little teeth.

“Tired of princely life that you’ve decided to become a wet nurse now?”

Lu Ten could barely keep his expression placid. Rising to his feet he passed Usha to the closest nanny. “Good afternoon, Prince Ozai. What brings you to this part of the palace?”

Ozai smirked at him. “Surely it’s not so strange for a father to visit his own daughter.”

‘It is when it’s you. Especially when this is technically the courtyard of the Crown Prince.’

Lu Ten just nodded, not trusting himself to keep his mouth in check.

Usha shrieked, reaching for her father, upset that he wasn’t paying attention to her. The moment she was given over Usha babbled and reached for his face, absolutely enamored.

Lu Ten tried to keep the bitterness that filled his stomach from showing on his face. It was only natural that Usha would prefer her father. Children are supposed to be loyal to their parents.

‘But she’s my baobei.’

With barely a nod to avoid obvious disrespect Ozai, strode out of the courtyard. Off to whatever parents did with their children on their spare time. Lu Ten barely noticed the nannies pick up all of Usha toys off the grass, making his own way back to his rooms ignoring the ghost of vinegar on his tongue.

…

Lu Ten was beginning to worry.

Usha’s first birthday had been over a season ago, but she still hadn’t said a single word. This wasn’t like when it took her months to go from crawling to walking, or how it took a year for her eyes to go from newborn grey to royal gold. Usha babbled constantly as a baby, but now she barely made a sound. Well to people, Lu Ten had seen her whisper at her toys when she thought no one was in the room.

Everyone said that Usha was just a late bloomer but what if it was worse than that?

“You have no one to blame but yourself,” said Fire Lord Azulon, when Lu Ten brought up his worries during a dinner with both him and his father.

Lu Ten hadn’t a moment to defend himself before his grandfather continued. “You spoil and coddle that child beyond reason, you and everyone else. She wants for nothing because everything is given to her. A single pout or teary eye is all she needs to have her way.”

Lu Ten looked down at his food. “I don’t coddle her.”

His father laughed. “Need we remind you of the turtleduck pond incident. And New Year’s dinner. Or that time with the mochi.”

Fire Lord Azulon gave Lu Ten a firm look. “You do her a great disservice if you continue to so do. A child who is given everything their heart’s desire without having earned it will only grow into an envious and scheming adult. Our nation is at war and the people look to us as a pillar of strength. Usha must be taught to be strong, for both her sake and our nation’s. Let the girl struggle and solve her problems herself.”

“But she’s so small, and she might not be a bender.”

“Both things apply to your Great Aunt Lehua. Do you question her strength?”

That shut down Lu Ten. There’s no way he could deny Lady Lehua’s fortitude.

“No, sir. You’re right, sir.”

Azulon took a long sip from his tea, watching his grandson try not to sulk. “Besides, Usha is perfectly capable of talking. Why not too long ago she said ‘Hello’ to me.”

Both Iroh and Lu Ten looked at him in surprise. “What!?”

“That girl has you both pegged as a soft touch. She knows if she says nothing you’ll keep all your attention on her in case she needs something. Like I said, it’s your own fault.”

…

“Lulu, my baby!” Pointed Usha at the bundle Aunt Ursa had in her arms.

“Yes, that’s your new garden baby.” He laughed setting her down next to his aunt on the bed.

“Please don’t call her that.”

“Auntie, she was born in the garden, she’s a garden baby. When she’s older we can say she was found in the flower beds.”

Aunt Ursa gave him a flat look.

Usha tugged at her mother’s sleeve. “Mama, mama. Give baby. My baby, please.”

“Alright, my love, just a moment.”

Carefully arranging the pillows around Usha to support both children, Ursa placed the newborn across her lap.

“Hello, baby,” cooed Usha. “Usha Jie. Lulu Ge. Baby xiao mei. Yes?”

Xiao mei could only gurgle in response. Usha nodded seriously. “Yes, good xiao mei.”

“What is her name? Or has Prince Ozai not decided yet?” Asked Lu Ten.

“Oh, he’s decided.” Shrugged Ursa. “Her name is Azula, I’m sure Fire Lord Azulon will be flattered.”

“La?” Usha seemed confused.

Ursa smiled gently, stroking Usha’s hair. “Yes, darling, we’re going to call her Azula.”

Usha pursed her lips looking between her mother and the newly dubbed Azula, contemplating the name. Finally, she nodded. “Baby Lala.”

…

“Hello, this Lala. My baobei,” Usha gestured to the infant sitting on her designated cushions.

Lu Ten bit his lip to keep from laughing. Judging from his aunt’s raised sleeve it seemed that she was barely holding it together too.

General Hatsuo barely even blinked. “And what a perfect baby the newest princess is.”

Usha nodded, slow and serious like her great aunt. “Yes, Lala best baby.”

Azula barely paid them any mind, too fascinated by her own fingers.

After the general left Lu Ten crouched down next to the toddler. “Usha, why don’t we go play with the other kids? Bet that’ll be more fun than standing around greeting guests.”

Usha gave him an annoyed look. “No, Usha stay. Lulu go play.”

She waved her little hand, shooing him off. This time Lady Ursa couldn’t contain herself, throwing her head back with a laugh.

…

Personal Headcanon that Ursa had a very quick labor with Azula. Which is sometimes something that happens to mothers when they have multiple children. Of course every birth is different but anecdotally all the mothers I’ve talked to always mentioned that their second births were extremely short compare to the first.

So yeah, in case it wasn’t obvious Ursa had gone into labor in the morning and thought she had several hours before informing anyone. She didn’t. The contractions progressed extremely rapidly until it was too late. Many guards and servants were traumatized.

Somebody asks zuko why ty Lee and she says “because I was the prettiest.”