After The War When Zuko Tells Everyone Everything That Happened When He Went Back To The Fire Nation,

Just a silly little comic because I’ve gotten back into Avatar and the freedom fighters own my heart!

I just,, I love them! Anyways here’s a comic about Jets totally heterosexual obsession with tea boy Li aha

Do NOT repost anywhere else.

First time making a comic in clip studio paint, I think it went well?? I hope? I gave up on the backgrounds tho

The freedom fighters my beloved

I was just reading For Hearth and Home by Haicrecendo on a03 and I was thinking how amazing it would be for Firelord Zuko to offer a daycare within the palace so parents don’t have to worry about their young children and can pick them up after work. I just love Our Firelord.

I love this so much

Zuko likes to check in on them (re: procrastinate from paperwork) and inevitably ends up on the ground getting used as a jungle-gym

The kids aren't really young enough to remember Ozai, and the idea of a monarch is nebulous and far-off. To them, Zuko is just Some Guy in pretty robes and with a shiny headpiece, who they can easily bully into getting them more snacks and letting them go hang out in the royal gardens and see the turtle-ducks

The new staff are horrified. Everyone else just laughs and continues going about their business. Another day, another toddler drawing on their Fire Lord's face while he naps on the floor.

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.

Katara: I’m getting worried about how many nightmares you’ve been having.

Zuko: It’s okay. My nightmares are usually about losing you, but I’m okay once I realize you’re here.

a zooks doodle for my Spirit Blessed (Derogatory) fic where he gets bending swapped with waterbending 8^)

Hunter could use some therapy

First Jetkotara fanart ever and I'm really proud of it 💕

[ID: Looking at the image from left to right: Jet, Zuko and Katara are on a couch relaxing together. Zuko and Jet are sitting close, looking at a copy of Love Amongst the Dragons that Zuko is reading aloud. Katara is lying down looking up at Zuko, with her head on his legs. All of them are wearing a pair of dark trousers in different shades (burgundy, dark brown, dark purple) and a shirt. Katara and Zuko have long untied hair. Jet has his left arm around Zuko's shoulder, his hand on top of Katara's, that is holding Zuko's hand. End ID]

Ohmygods Jee in the cooler talking about how it’s nothing compared to the North Pole 😭

And then hearing Zuko get put in the one next to his and immediately thinking ‘must get him out of here’

I love this so much 💜💜💜

oh gosh, really glad you liked the drabble!

And yeah -- all of Zuko’s crew would probably go into “protect child mode”, mostly because they can all remember when zuko was ACTUALLY a child. hell, to lt jee zuko is STILL a child and still needs to be protected n

favorite atla fics are the ones where the gaang finds out roku is zukos great grandfather and aang’s immediate reaction is to start hollering “GREAT GRANDSON!!!” at zuko like. aang’s 12 but is canonically the embodiment of embarrassing grandpa it’s perfect

I want a scene, post Azula reconciliation, where there's a quiet moment between her and Zuko and Iroh on Lu Ten's birthday when she starts laughing. She looks at Zuko and is like 'do you remember when Uncle and Lu Ten came back from Lu Ten's military training and we decided to jump him to test him?"

Iroh, who has not heard this story, is curious and confused as Zuko digs for the memory.

'Oh yeah! It was so late and we'd stayed up for hours! Mom sent us to bed but we wanted to stay up because' he looks at Iroh 'you were in your gift-giving phase and we wanted to see what you were going to bring us'

Azula continues the explanation to Iroh. 'We snuck into Lu Ten's room, we waited for HOURS.'

Iroh, bewildered but intrigued, nods. 'We had been delayed on our way home'.

'Right,' Azula continues. 'So we're almost asleep hiding behind Lu Ten's curtains and he FINALLY gets there. So we wait and then...'

Azula's giggles are punctured with a snort as Zuko continues the memory, looking at his sister as though it had been her idea, but he had been far too eager to see his cousin and play again.

'You charged and grabbed him; he screamed so loud. Then I tried to follow, but I had been tying knots in the curtain cords and got caught up and tore the whole thing off of the wall. We were all covered and couldn't see anything and you were still trying to fight him under the curtain-'

'While you were both screaming!!' Azula howls in laughter.

Iroh listens happily; beaming and very happy to hear an unheard tale.

Azula continues. 'He picked us up by our collars like it was nothing. I was still trying to fight. He puts us on the floor and says 'So help me Agni if you do that again I'll make sure Dad never has to buy gifts while on tour ever again.'

Iroh laughs at Azula's spot-on imitation if his late son.

Zuko laughs as well. 'But then we hugged him.'

'Oh he MELTED,' Azula adds. 'He hugged us back so tight. I... I think that had been the first hug we'd had in a while. We dogpiled in his bed and he told us stories until we passed out.'

'Which wasn't long.' Zuko says.

Iroh looks at the siblings as they reminisce; he wipes a tear and hugs them, hoping to emulate Lu Ten's hug that had once given them comfort they didn't know they needed.

'Thank you.' He says. 'He never shared that with me.'

'It... might not have seemed important.' Azula says, still getting used to hugs from her uncle. She awkwardly pats his arm as they part.

Iroh laughs. 'Or maybe he didn't want to admit to his father that he had been ambushed by children. But... often the things that may not seem important, in time, become the most special.'