Atla Gen Week 2022.

///discourse ///

my pet peeve is azula fanart that draws her sexy af. short schoolgirl skirts and cleavage out and bold lipstick 24/7. and like. i get it. her color is red. she’s intimidating to u. she’s #meangirl #darkacademia #trustfundkid to u. she’s an east asian girl and you’re having some trouble w metacognition right now, to say the least.

but this is a 14yo girl who is TERRIFIED of displeasing her father in any way or any amount. ozai is tyrannical, prone to violence, w black-and-white vision where you’re loyally in or you’re permanently out of his in-group, and prone to taking any actions of his children as personal attacks, statements, embarrassments, and injuries. he is a narcissist who nearly killed her older brother in front of her, then tossed him out to sea for an entirely age-appropriate social mis-step, who inhabited a world of domination and violence, likely displayed some level of domestic and spousal violence in front of and possibly against azula when she was younger. ozai regularly treats and respects azula as a possession of his.

all that and you think 14yo azula is dressing sexy?? azula is wearing dad-approved jeans and plain solid-color t shirts. azula is begging to get her ears pierced. canon azula is dressed, advised, served, and socialized by adults. she has no comprehension of how to do makeup or her own hair. she lives in a massively, toxically radically masculine world of logic, violence, dominated/dominator duality, career-focused, emotionless, loveless lives, and u think that this girl, raised by her violent and possessive father, without a mother or single older woman around, can do anything for her hair besides a ponytail?

azula uses st. ives apricot facial scrub and neutrogena grandma lotion her elderly housekeepers buy for her, she wears ponytails and buns she learned exclusively from youtube tutorials that she watched in secret, she wears practical polo shirts and dark wash jeans that ozai approves of his daughter wearing outside, and for occasions she has a stylist that puts her into designer blazers and adult black dresses. on those occasions she looks so 14 trying to be a real adult, like the soulless and joyless ones that surround her. she’s intimidating in spite of/with her non-sexiness. not because of it.

and i do see azula going high femme as an adult. and i do think when she wants to rebel against ozai, in scenarios where she’s taken in by iroh as well, she goes for daring teenage tiktok looks (“one positive side to my first guardian being put in jail is that apparently my new guardian is willing to let me download social medias, so I have a tiktok now. he even fired the intern in charge of my official instagram and let me be the one to delete it.”)

but like. cmon guys. azula, as we know her in canon, will not rebel an inch. she is safely, terrifiedly sitting in her approved corner, and that’s not where sexy is. where’s that post abt how zuko is an iroh-advised grandpa sweater polo shirt prep kid. real after-school kumon/mathnasium core. that’s azula too. she’s wearing lots of gold jewelry and a halter top in the beach episode but don’t let that fool you. that’s her first time dressing up “to be a normal teen” and she coats herself in the equivalent of head-to-toe gucci because that’s how other #teenz dress, right??

and like. how come the nerdy dorky sheltered traumatized brother is often acknowledged as the grandpa sweater polo shirt prep he is, w thirst traps, as is his human right, but some ppl view azula, who shares most of those traits, as constantly seductive? how come it’s this character, an east asian teen girl, who wears the miniskirt and the red lipstick of the gaang to some of u? let’s think abt it for 2 seconds

okay rant done i have a capri sun now :)

cant stop thinking about this

Happy tlou hbo day :-)

Jet thinks Zuko has been kidnapped Au

The ferry ride and train station scene happen like in canon. Jet sees Iroh heat his tea and assumes he’s a fire bender.

But unlike canon, he thinks Li is either a non-bender or an earth bender who is being coerced/kidnapped. Instead of going to the authorities, he tries to help Li personally. He wants to be there for him. Be supportive. Help him get away. So he keeps up a pleasant relationship and often stops by the tea shop. Occasionally, he and Zuko even go to friendly outings together.

Today is such a day.

Jet has already tested the waters a bit, but made no outright accusations. Zuko knows that Jet is suspicious, be he doesn’t know anything more than that.

But slowly, Jet is starting to loose his patience. He has shown Li that he can be trusted. He has shown Li that he can get him safely away from his abuser. Why does he keep evading his questions? Why won’t he admit the truth?

Finally, he snaps.

“Your uncle is hurting you! You don’t need to lie to me.”

Keep reading

Mai: What are you two doing out in the rain?

Ty Lee: I'm splashing in the puddles, it's so much fun!

Zuko: I'm trying to get hit by lightning

zukka week 2019 day 5: touch

nothin like a good ol avatar zuko au to soothe the soul

now i cant turn down a happy moment,, remember when pai sho didn’t get in the way of avatar hunting?

“whatcha doing?”

“strategizing, zu.” 

[i.d. a digital drawing of zuko, lu ten, and iroh from atla. lu ten sits on one side of a pai sho board with one hand thoughtfully on his chin, across from a smiling iroh. a tiny zuko is peeking over the edge of the table. the characters on the pink background translate to “what are you doing?” “strategizing, zu.” end i.d.]

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.

Zutara Week 2022 Day 6: Closeness

Katara doesn't like losing to Sokka, now she needs some reinforcement.

.

.

.

Woops! Don't worry, Katara. Get some little payback >:3

----

This will be my last entry for the zk week. Thank you everyone! 😊 I'm so glad to celebrate the event with you guys! And thank you for Zutara Week mod for organizing this event, for 15 years this ship is staying strong 💜

My entries look mostly a bit rushed on the lineart and bg haha, it had been a bit of a juggle between irl stuff 😅 but I wouldn't miss celebrating this ship. Happy 15th Zutara Week, everyone! 💜

*crashes through ur ceiling* can we have dad joel n ellie caring for the horses and/or going on a horseride,,,,maybe ellie challenges him to a race n zooms off,,,

* you crash right onto my work table * ah ! right on time . here's a funny ! i accidentally spilled a dash of panic attack into it btw my bad !

ps : i watched that spaceship museum scene 18 TIMES while writing both this and the larger fic abt joel n ellie OOHMHJGOD pls tell me if i got their characters right IM SO BAD . IMSO BAD AT THEM . also rip callus my beloved but dw ellie gets a new horse :-] ! (* said horse dies later as well * we can't have SHIT in seattle)

...........................................................................

There’s only three things that Joel had told her when it comes to horses; one, she never, at any given time or situation, should stand behind a horse. Two, that one charged kick from its hind legs is enough power to kill a grown man, especially a tiny teensy girl like she is (much to her dismay). And three, don’t kiss the horse, Ellie, it’s dirty.

Now that they’re in Jackson, though?

“They’re not dirty anymore, Joel,” she snipes, tongue stuck at him while the man rolled his eyes from across the stable—and then she resumed her cooing, stroking the fur of one of the horses unlucky enough to find herself at her hands. “You’re all clean and pretty, aren’t you, big girl?”

Somewhere behind the other stables, Joel lets out a laugh. “I thought you came along to help me clean up.”

“I did!” Ellie says in defense, holding a hand up, “I just really like this horse!”

“Any particular reason why?” He teased.

“Nah,” Ellie frowns lightly with a shrug, “I don’t—”

She felt something stuck at the back of her throat.

The cannibals closing in. Her thoughts going Joel Joel Joel, grabbing on the reins and leaping on, bullets flying everywhere, a ledge, a sharp gasp, a fistful of brown fur—

Her chest tightened.

“Ellie?”

There’s a large hand pressing on her shoulders, her back. “Hey, hey—what happened?”

“I,” Ellie tries to breathe, but it came out all gasped and shaky and pathetic, “I’m—”

“Hey, hey. S’ okay. C’mon,” Joel shushes, low and reassuring, guiding her to slide down against the wall and sit on the dirt floor of the stables. “Breathe. You’ve got this. You’re okay.”

She lets out a dry sob, and Joel rubs on her back, gentle and grounding and her fist tightens on his jeans instead, trying to shake the feeling of fur from her hands. “I’m—M’sorry.”

“Hush,” he says, “I don’t need apologies, El. I need you to breathe.”

“Okay,” she nods, barely a whisper, inhaling shaky breaths one after the other. And then, like it was supposed to make sense to Joel, “he—Callus.”

“Oh,” he exhales softly.

“They—they shot him.”

Joel reaches out round his arms over her shoulders, pulling her closer. “I know.”

“I didn’t even get to bury him.”

“I know, baby girl,” he murmurs, calloused fingers stroking on her baby hair, “I know. I’m sorry.”

Ellie finally gives up, leaning against his side with another shaky breath. Joel feels strong and sturdy on her side, like an anchor—the crying comes slowly, this time; the thick pain in her throat, rising up and up until it forms a choked-out sob, and she stares into the distance, letting the tears burn its way down her cheeks. And Joel didn’t wipe them away. Not this time.

Her lungs ached, hands grabbing on Joel’s jeans tighter, and he lets out another soft shush before he holds her hand for her, squeezing it back just as tight. As his other hand rubs her arm up and down, the feeling in her ribs begin to lighten. Another sob lightens it, and then another, and there’s a small smile on her face when she looks up at Joel again.

“Okay?” He whispers, and she nods at him.

“Okay.” It hurts, but it’s okay to hurt. She’ll let it hurt. And then, maybe, one faithful day when her hair is as gray as Maria's—she'll finally learn how to grow around it, like wild vines that grows all over the remnants and ruins.

“I’m sorry,” there’s guilt in Joel’s voice when he spoke up again, patting on her shoulder gently, “I didn’t mean to make you remember things like that. When I asked “any particular reason why”, I meant as in that girl Dina you’re—”

“Oh my god, Joel,” Ellie groans with a laugh, throwing her head back before pushing him away. “I told you we didn’t break up, we’re just friends!”

“Well, she’s been scowling whenever she sees you and Cat around, and I’m sensing there’s some kind of triangle between—”

“—Joel!”

“Alright, alright,” Joel laughs gruffly, raising both hands in defeat, “although, Dina’s got a particular liking to horses too, don’t you think?”

“Fuck you,” Ellie laughs, returning to stroking the horse’s fur gently. This time, the feeling calms her again. It doesn’t hurt as much anymore.

“So,” Joel says, gently again, nudging his head towards the horse, “you naming her Callus junior?”

“Nah,” she shrugs lightly. “I was thinking… Shimmer would be nice.”

He gave her a look. “You’ve got a horrible taste at naming horses.”

Ellie smirks at him. “She still likes me a lot, though, so suck it.”

Joel huffs out another laugh at that, leaning back against the wall with crossed arms. “You look like the kind of gal horses would like.”

“The fuck’s that supposed to mean?”