Disclaimer: I own about as much as you do. Yeah, I thought so.
AN: Hello everyone! Thank you so much for your support and your patience—after a long and grueling IB programme, and after an arduous effort to get married and settle into my new home, it is time for my triumphant return! So I dedicate this to my latest reviewer, Firechildfiredancerfireidiot13, who asks:
"What do you do when you really like someone... and you know they like you back, but your best friend is also in love with said person?"
Well, Fire, I think that this calls for
THE AVATAR'S GUIDE TO TRICKY ROMANCE
Iroh's Romantic Wisdom: For matters of the heart, you must look inside yourself—but for matters of friendship, you must also examine your surroundings. How much do you and your best friend respectively like this person, and what would it do to your relationship with your friend if you succeed in winning their affection? Love is a beautiful thing, but you must decide if this relationship is worth straining another relationship.
Zuko's Romantic Wisdom: …Well… that depends. On a couple of things. First of all, how many fan shippers want you to get together with this person? And how many psychotic shippers would hurl a harpoon through your gut if you actually did? Trust me, Fire—love triangles hurt. I'm not touching this one.
Aang: Please don't hurt me, fangirls. It was only a kiss—a couple of them, actually, but—EEK! I know you ship Zutara, but—OW! THAT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO GO THERE!
Mai's Romantic Wisdom: Shut up already. I really don't care about your problems. If you can't decide what to do on your own, then you obviously don't care enough about the guy to make it worth your while. Leave the moron alone.
Toph's Romantic Wisdom: Psh. Boys are stupid. Relationships can be fun and all, but they're definitely not worth all the trouble they cause. If it's gonna ruin your life with a bunch of drama, then can the loser. Because you seriously don't want to get all tangled up in all that weepy hurt feelings garbage—no fun. Believe me. Never get yourself into anything you can't smash your way out of.
Aunt Wu's Romantic Wisdom: Follow your heart, and take the scenic route on your way home tomorrow. You will find good things there.
Suki's Romantic Wisdom: Back off. He's mine. And I don't care if you're a contortionist, a poet, or the freakin' Moon, he's still mine. Got it?
Katara's Romantic Wisdom: I'd say… talk it out. I know from experience that just barging ahead and thinking you know what's best will get you into trouble. Try actually going to your friend and getting their permission to date this person. It sounds a bit weird, I know, but it will really help the two of you keep the trust and good feelings that have made your relationship what it is. And if it's not okay with them, just drop it. The world is full of cute people, and a surprising number of them will think you're even cuter. You'll get another chance.
Azula's Romantic Wisdom: Who cares what your friend thinks. If they're really your friend, they'll let you have whatever you want. And if they're not, get rid of them. Take what is yours by right.
Fire Lord Ozai's Romantic Wisdom: Love is meaningless. It makes you weak—malleable—easily manipulated. The only true abstract thing of value is power. If this relationship will give you the power necessary to rule the world, then by all means take it by any means necessary. But beware—it can be a crippling weakness if you are unguarded. Hurry and make your decision—I don't care what you choose. But when you are finished, you are to join me in the Capital to fight of the Zuko Fan Mob so that we may once again continue to take over the world!