Story Formatting Meanings:

∙ Words with no sign of a character thinking or speaking → general description

∙ Character's name followed by colon symbol + quotations → character is speaking

∙ (M) + italics→ character memory

∙ (F) + bold → flashback

∙ (CM/CF) +italics and or bold respectively→ canon memory/canon flashback

∙ Italics on words after character's name with colon symbol → character thinking

∙ Bold inside quotation marks → character putting loud/fast emphasis on something they're saying, sound made by a character

∙ Italics inside quotation marks → character putting harsh/slow emphasis on something they're saying

∙ Bold in/on italics → emphasis on a character's thoughts

∙ Bolded words without thoughts or speech → make the general description more noticeable

∙ Italicized words without obvious thought or speech → emphasis on a point, could also imply something about a character, titles (scrolls/books, etc.)

∙ Underline on any word → different form of emphasis

∙ (POVS) → Point-of-view shift meaning the focus switches over from the perspective of one character to another

∙ Horizontal line → scene switch, separation

∙ *Asterisks* around words → used when a character makes a sound, does an action or is embodying a concept or emotion—usually for exaggerated comedic effect

∙ -Hyphens- around words → different way to show when a character makes a sound

Note: I edited this for errors and clarity and to remove outdated information from the previous note. The story formatting guide should apply to all or almost all my fanfics. Thank you to anyone who reads this and I still hope it's (and hope it's still) an enjoyable read. Reviews and criticism also still accepted and appreciated here, and on all my other works too.

Canon-Compliant

Content Warning: This can be read as platonic or romantic.

(F + M)

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\."

" -Snarls- You're repulsive ! You walked around the palace, seeming perfectly fine, only to be plotting its structure's demise all along! Do you really think yourself a hero ? For the acts you've committed these last few days, weeks, months, years ?"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\."

"Oh really? Well, here's a newsflash for you: suddenly switching sides doesn't make you superior to anyone. You're no hero, you're not worthy of a single person's respect, and you don't have even a shred of honor in your whole entire body!"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\!"

"No, no. Father was right. At the least, about you. I now see my biggest mistake was actually convincing myself that you deserved even a crumb of my sympathy. You don't deserve anything. You prove as much every waking moment of your life. How long before you betray your 'new pals' too?"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\."

"Ha! And why not? If family and nation mean nothing to you, what's stopping you from treating them the same? Just a few weeks ago they were your enemies! Let's just hope the betrayal won't happen in the next ten minutes tops, as was the case with me."

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\?!"

"So what?! You tried to slay me too! Sometimes when I was of no direct threat to you! On our first reacquaintance after years passed, you actually tried to stab me in the back over a presumed lie! A lie that may or may not have been a cover to give you a chance to go into hiding!"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\."

"Who do you think you're fooling? Yourself, right? It was obvious what you were trying to do and why you were really trying to do it. You can say whatever it is you think will help you rest easier at night. We all can see, likely your allies included, that your loyalties shift like a flame. I actually do hope they watch their backs around you."

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\!"

"Accepting someone's help and or healing them is not evidence of complete trust. You of all people should understand that. I highly doubt they fully trust you. Especially after witnessing what you've done to the one person in your life that just wanted you to reach greatness!"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\!"

"Yeah, figures. But Where's Uncle Fatso now, when you actually need him?! I honestly don't mind if you hilariously think me lowering my position just to bring you home was a con. Clearly I was the one conned here. However, just know that there are no words in the world that can describe the depths of my hatred for people like you. You threw away everything we could have had, for a throne that I doubt you know what to do with, and your ego. Get away from me! No torture or murder in the world could compare to having to look at you for another moment!"

(F + M)

(F + M)

"You seem so stressed. Why don't we go take a break on the mountain side like we did before ?"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\."

"Busy? That's the fourth time in a row you've made that excuse ."

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\."

"It's literally been weeks since we did anything together, Zuko. You're not even giving me the bare minimum with a hug every now and then."

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\!"

"Since when does being Fire Lord mean you can't spend just a few minutes out of an hour with your girlfriend ?!"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\!"

"I don't need the title to know you're being distant for no reason!"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\?!"

" You already know what my childhood was like! That was no joke! You may be the hot-headed one in this relationship, but between the two of us you're way colder too! But I'm needy and bland !?"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\!"

"I risked everything for you Zuko, even my life! And for the record, Azula risked everything for you too! Your father was the Fire Lord before you, remember?"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\!"

"I know I didn't need to do that, but it was my choice and—"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\!"

"That's it! I'm over this !"

"/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\."

"Yes, you did! You always mean the things you angrily shout. Especially when you snarl. Just like her. If you really don't love or care about me and never have, then I don't have a reason to stick around and waste my time, patience and effort on you. I don't have the energy for it anymore. We're over, and for good this time."

(F + M)

Aang flew down with his glider to the front of the palace. The guards led him to Zuko, who was currently sitting in the throne room apparently trying to read as many confusing messages as he could in one day. The Fire Lord didn't stop to look, even when footsteps could be heard in front of him.

Aang: "Hey Zuko! Sorry to come uninvited, but I wanted to check up on you as soon as I had the time. So how have you been? Are you feeling—"

He looked closer at Zuko and was immediately put off.

Aang: better…?

The young man had so many bags under his glassy eyes that Aang was sure they were weighing his face down. His skin looked almost translucent and was now close to the color of snow, as though he hadn't gotten sunlight in a while or proper nutrition. Aang imagined he was probably thinner as well, under his intimidating robe.

Aang: "Zuko, you don't look so good..."

He appeared to be shocked out of his trance and focused his attention on Aang.

Zuko: "Oh. Aang. Hi there."

Aang: "Are you alright...?"

Zuko: "Yeah. I was just…lost in thought. That's all."

Aang: "Oh. Well, what were you thinking about?"

He looked down at his feet, appearing sad.

Zuko: "Nothing."

Aang: "You look worn out, and you didn't notice when I walked in here until about a minute after. There's something on your mind, and I bet it's huge. Let me know, I'm your friend."

Zuko: Sighs.

Zuko: "Aang, what's your overall opinion of me?"

Aang seemed dumbfounded by the question.

Aang: "My overall opinion of you?"

Zuko: "Yeah. Do you think I'm, I don't know, disgusting or something?"

Aang: "Well, hygiene-wise you usually seem—"

Zuko: "No! I mean...do I seem like a bad person to you? Like, someone who's untrustworthy?"

Now it was Aang's turn to sigh, though it was done quietly and politely.

Aang: "What happened recently to cause you to ask yourself these questions?"

Zuko: "Nothing happened! Recently anyway… Just, please, be honest with me."

Aang: "I think that as a general rule, we tend to trust the least in those who have harmed us. Likewise, others who we've harmed may be hesitant to ever put their faith in us again. But that doesn't mean it's not possible to regain it."

Zuko nodded in understanding.

Aang: "Who's on your mind? Is it who I think it is?"

Zuko: "...My sister…"

Aang: Thought as much.

Aang: "So how does she relate to this? Do you feel like you turned your back on her?"

Zuko: "She…she told me that…

He started to shake and his lower lip quivered.

Zuko: "She said she hates me and that she never wants to see me again!"

His tears burst out like overflowing water from the Gaipan dam, as he began sobbing loudly.

Aang was stunned. He'd never seen Zuko cry before. Though maybe it was because, for the last month and a half, he'd never had anything to cry over when Aang was around. That was Aang's guess anyway. He wasn't really sure how many people in his life, besides himself, that he'd known to do such a thing.

He wasn't sure what he should do. How should one comfort a person crying?

Oh that's right. Katara gave him words of encouragement or gave him physical contact.

Maybe Zuko would like either of those.

He walked right up to him and wrapped his arms around him while he still sat on his throne.

To his surprise, Zuko hugged him back. He rubbed his back for further comfort, this seemed to work for Zuko.

When his breathing sounded like it was almost back to normal, Aang slowly released him.

Aang: "How do you feel?"

Zuko: "I'm okay now. Sorry about—"

Aang: "Zuko. You don't need to apologize for feeling. For having emotions like everyone else does. It's unhealthy to do that."

Zuko looked surprised for a moment, but eventually it got through to him. He subtly nodded.

Aang: "Honestly, something tells me that's what you're thinking most about. Feelings. Your own, and maybe your sister's?

Zuko: "Yeah I...guess so."

Aang: "You said that in her own words she hates you now and doesn't want to see you anymore?"

For a moment he looked like he may weep again, but he controlled himself.

Zuko: "Yes, that's what she said."

Aang: "Maybe it would help you understand her better if you asked yourself why she said that?"

Zuko: "Because that's what she thinks?"

Aang: "How do you know that's what she really thinks? Sometimes we say things we don't really mean."

Zuko: "Why wouldn't she mean it? Unless you think she was lying to me. That's always a possibility..."

Aang: "Honestly Zuko, I don't think I actually know all that much about you, and I know even less about your sister due to not having much contact with her, if any, outside of battle. But I do know that in the war, there were generally two sides. Your nation—no offense—and its enemies. When you joined our group, you were technically leaving the "Fire Nation" side. This means you were technically...leaving your sister, and in effect, becoming her enemy and a target. Keeping up?"

Zuko: "Yeah. I think so."

Aang: "Good, good. So whenever she fought you after you left for our group, regardless of how she may have felt about it, she was doing her job. The Fire Lord at the time likely commanded it, right?"

Zuko frowned at the mention of his father. He'd cut all ties with him, sure, but there was still residual pain left in the place of where his partially blind devotion used to be.

Zuko: "Right, right."

Aang: "Right, so she probably was put in a rough position. And you leaving for us was probably kinda, sorta a huge reason why, probably."

Zuko: "So, do you think I shouldn't have left to join you?"

Was explaining this to him going to take a while?

Aang: "Zuko, I'm not saying whether or not you did the right or wrong thing. I'm only trying to give you what may have been your sister's point of view on the matter."

Zuko: "Oh, okay. Sorry."

Aang: "It's fine but, just try and listen closely. From her point of view probably, you rejected anything and everything that was meaningful to her. Your nation and its culture, what friends you may have had in the fire nation at the time, assuming they weren't against the war and their homeland's goal of course, and you rejected, in part, your family and by extension, her ."

He was starting to have his blinds pulled away.

Aang: "Katara at some point told me during those weeks you and I were training together, that when you two were trapped in the Crystal Catacombs, and after she'd offered to heal your facial scar—"

Zuko looked embarrassed for a moment.

Aang: "—that Azula—I think that's her name, isn't it?"

Zuko nodded.

Aang: "Right. So she said Azula popped in moments later and gave you an ultimatum. You could continue to be a hindrance to the Fire Nation war effort, which is likely how you were viewed by her and people of a similar status up to that point, or, you could fight alongside her and come home . Sounds simple enough to me. And that's what you did."

Zuko: "True…"

Aang: "So it seems she really wanted you to not be her enemy."

Zuko: "I think I get it now…"

Aang: "Do you really, Zuko? I feel like a part of you knew there would be huge consequences for all involved if and when you defected."

Zuko: "Yeah, you're right. I kinda did know."

Aang: "So then, why are you confused by her being hurt over it?"

Zuko: "Hurt?"

Aang: "Well, yeah. Didn't you consider that this could hurt her in some way? Having to fight against her brother that she just got back home?"

Zuko stared ahead blankly.

Zuko: "No…"

Aang: "Well, maybe now you can start considering her feelings? I'm sure she's part of everyone on Earth with feelings. I know you may still be angry about some things that happened between you two during the war and maybe even before you were...uh...banished. And I know that you're not sure if she's interested in considering yours or not, though she very well may have already, but it goes a long way to be a bigger person and, in the words of one wise air nomad monk, "allow yourself to look at the world as a whole, instead of focusing on specific parts". That means in this case, try not to only think about your thoughts, desires and needs and consider those of others as well. It helps keep the peace, ya know?"

Zuko: "So that's it then. I am an awful person."

Aang frowned.

Aang: "Uh, that's not quite what I was trying to say…"

Zuko: "Maybe not, but that's what this all must mean. I'm just a selfish, horrible—"

Aang: "Zuko! Please, it's okay. It'll be okay. I don't think it has to be one or the other with any of us. We're all capable of doing amazing, selfless things and cruel, self-centered things. Doing one or the other, even for a long period of time, doesn't mean you're not capable of switching...or even doing both at the same time. It's about the choices you make, why you make them and if you're willing to work towards fixing an issue you caused if your choice wasn't without bad consequences. So that being said, do you want to remedy things with Azula? She might be open to it under certain circumstances, like it being mutual."

Zuko: "She would never want to fix things with me after everything. When I checked up on her at the treatment center, she immediately became enraged and started breathing fire at me. Well, not literally, surprisingly. But yeah, she said exactly how she feels about me, so—

Aang: "Zuko, remember, we sometimes say things we don't mean. That includes when we're angry. Especially when angry, to be honest. We all have emotions and although they serve an important purpose, they can affect our judgement too, and make us say things we may later regret. You and your sister both have a right to feel the way you do, but those feelings can also keep you from being open and understanding each other if you don't control them a little. Try to just take it easy and go slowly."

Zuko: "I'll try to keep that in mind."

Aang: "And you know what else? The fact that you didn't try and send her straight to prison, The Boiling Rock, or worse, one of those isolation chambers I heard legends about, says a lot about your relationship, and in a good way, I think. There are some people who would throw even a family member off a cliff if it meant they'd get a gold piece from it, you know."

Zuko smiled brightly at him and chuckled.

This boy was so young and at first glance seemed like any other innocent child, but he was so wise, empathetic towards just about everyone around him—even past enemies—and a true gift to the world. He probably didn't even think himself perfect, or believe that such a concept existed.

Zuko: "Heh heh, yeah. But do you think she thinks I may have done that by leaving for you?"

Aang: "She might, or she may see it as being done for a far grander reason than that, but still be hurt. Either way, if you do want to fix your relationship, you may need to do a little reaching out. Based on what I know, and though I didn't agree with her views or what she was fighting for, it seems she already tried to reach out to you, in her own…I don't know, Azula way? A functioning relationship needs all involved to put effort forward. Everyone has to do this if they want theirs to work."

Zuko: "I guess so."

He frowned as he thought more on what Aang had just said.

Zuko: "Do you think I'm an okay boyfriend?"

Aang: "Umm, well I've never dated you, but Mai seems to be happy being with you."

Zuko: "Well she probably isn't anymore since we broke up."

Aang: "Oh. Sorry that happened..."

Zuko: "It's...my fault. I guess I shouldn't have yelled at her the way I did, and said things I didn't really mean. Anger took over."

Aang: "If you apologize, and let her know you made a huge mistake by saying what you did, she may forgive you. And you know, if you ever want some spiritual guidance, I'd gladly share my knowledge with you. Part of having a balanced spirit is being in touch with your emotions and accepting them, but not letting them rule your life. This can be tough to learn but I believe it's possible for anyone."

Zuko: "Thanks, Aang. I'm uh...sorry for mocking your culture, that one time."

Aang: "No grudge-holding for me. To be fair, Fire Nation culture kind of scares me."

Zuko: "That's fair."

Aang grinned.

Zuko: "Hey Aang?"

Aang: "Yes?"

Zuko: "Do you think Azula could ever...forgive me? I mean, all things considered, like if it turns out she doesn't hate me or the sight of me."

Aang: "Monk Gyatso, my airbending teacher who was the one I quoted earlier, once told me that if someone wants to despise you and live hatefully, they will. If someone wants to love you and live compassionately, they will. And if someone wants to forgive you and live graciously, they will. I think you and her are closer to finding common ground than you may think. Her saying she hates you...just means she cares. There are worse emotions to feel towards someone, in my opinion."

Aang: Like apathy.

Aang: "And again, you didn't try to send her to a terrible place, as far as I know. That counts for something. I still can't believe isolation chambers were apparently a thing."

Zuko: "Wait, what is an isolation chamber?"

Aang: "You've never heard of one? I thought they used to be common here. But then again, that was over a century ago…"

Zuko raised his eyebrows in mild astonishment.

It was still unbelievable that this boy was technically one-hundred and thirteen years old. It always would be.

Aang: "Basically, isolation chambers were said to be rooms inside this horrifying place, where prisoners of war, people accused of treason, criminals and people with spiritual ailments (mental illnesses) would be sent so that they would be of no harm to the general population and those who ruled them, and were often used as a form of punishment. The rooms themselves were supposedly very small, dry, hard to breathe in due to odd chemicals placed inside, made of metal and painted white with gypsum powder; all of which made it impossible for bender and non-bender alike to escape. If you were sent to this place, you of course would get three tasteless meals a day, but no right to visitors and they were never allowed outside of their rooms. The people sent to them would often go insane while inside, if they weren't already out of their minds, so-to-speak, when they were sent in. I don't believe people there tended to live long, either. So yeah, a really bad place to end up."

Zuko shuddered at the description. Just the thought of sending Azula to such a place made him feel queasy. No one could possibly deserve such a fate.

Zuko: "Wow, that sounds horrible...I wanna ask one more thing though. I'm still wondering...do you and the others really trust me?"

Aang: "I'm gonna guess "the others" here mean our friends. I can't speak for them, Zuko, but I myself trust that now you'll always try to do the right thing, even if it may take you a bit of time to figure out what exactly that is."

Aang: A long bit of time.

Aang: "And we're all here to give you the advice that we can. Just ask."

Zuko smiled at him once more.

Aang: "Zuko?"

Zuko: "Yes?"

Aang: "Does your sister being a more powerful bender than you upset you?"

His eyes slightly bulged a moment.

Aang: "It's okay if it does. Jealousy's a natural feeling."

Zuko: "I'm not jealous."

Aang: "Oh...then does she make you feel insecure in some way?"

Zuko: "No! Why are you suddenly asking?"

Aang: "Well, it seems to me after being in contact with her a little bit and you a lot more, that you two have a chaotic relationship. But I couldn't put my finger on why. You talked about her a lot when we trained and said less than nice things. You also seemed pretty bent on being the one to take her down during the final fights of the war, based on what I've heard. Did she treat you horribly when you both were growing up?"

Zuko: "I...Well…Things weren't always great between us when we were growing up, although they were better when we were much younger."

Aang: "I see. So what upsets you most about her? That she didn't switch sides with you?"

Zuko: "I...don't know?"

Aang: "You sure?"

Zuko: "Well, I guess it's annoying how perfect she is."

Aang: "You think she's perfect?"

Aang was intrigued.

Zuko: "I mean...she...she's never had to worry about being weak, or unskilled or short of a good plan."

Aang: "I see. So her losing battles at times isn't a sign to you that she's not perfect? Or the fact that she reacted so negatively to your visit and whatever you may have said to her? What is perfect to you anyway?"

Zuko: "Do those things even prove anything? I mean, I don't really know how to describe it but, she just is ."

Aang: Huh? Interesting...?

Aang: "Will you be honest with me when I ask you this next question? I won't judge, promise."

Zuko: "Um...okay. I will."

Aang: "I know you kinda denied it earlier, but think deeply on this. Does she make you feel inadequate?"

Zuko looked down again at his feet, in shame.

Zuko: "...Yes."

Aang: "I understand. I bet that must be a huge reason for why her previous words to you cut so deep."

Aang: I bet there's one more reason too.

Aang: "So Zuko? Do you...love your sister? Or at least care about her?"

Suddenly memories from his life which involved Azula, began rushing through his mind.

(M + CM)

"Believe it or not, I'm looking out for you . Be careful, dum-dum."

"Dad's gonna kill you. Really, he is."

"Fine, don't believe me, but I heard the whole thing."

"I could sit here and complain how our mom liked Zuko more than me , but I don't really care."

"My own mother thought I was a monster . She was right , of course, but it still hurt."

"My father, Fire Lord Azulon , had commanded me to do the unthinkable to you, my own son, and I was going to do it ."

"You know, Father blames Uncle for the loss of the North Pole. And he considers you a miserable failure for not finding the Avatar! Why would he want you back home, except to lock you up where you can no longer embarrass him?"

"Prince Zuko , you're a lot of things, but you're not a traitor , are you?"

"It's not too late for you, Zuko. You can still redeem yourself."

"The kind of redemption she offers is not for you."

"Why don't you let him decide, Uncle?"

"(...) the only way we win is together ."

"You will have everything you want ."

"We've done it , Zuko."

"Today, you restored your own honor."

"No, no. Father was right. At the least, about you. I now see my biggest mistake was actually convincing myself that you deserved even a crumb of my sympathy. You don't deserve anything."

"ZuZu, I'm scared. Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"How can you expect to ever become a praise-worthy Fire Lord one day while ignoring your studies and training?!"

"I know what you're going to say; she's my sister and I should be trying to get along with her."

"No, she's crazy , and she needs to go down."

"Uh...What about me and my brother? Aren't you going to invite us?

"Come down to the beach with me. Come on. This place is depressing."

"What are you staring at, my lips or my mouth? -Laughs-"

"Yes, you did! You always mean the things you angrily shout. Especially when you snarl. Just like her."

"And for the record, Azula risked everything for you too! Your father was the Fire Lord before you, remember?"

"I honestly don't mind if you hilariously think me lowering my position just to bring you home was a con. Clearly I was the one conned here. However, just know that there are no words in the world that can describe the depths of my hatred for people like you. You threw away everything we could have had, for a throne that I doubt you know what to do with, and your ego. Get away from me!"

"ZuZu."

"ZuZu?"

"ZuZu!"

"-Giggles- I'm gonna get ya, you just wait."

"Fine, you got me, here's your reward ."

"It's called a kiss on the cheek, dum-dum."

"'Cause I love you."

(M + CM)

Aang: "Zuko, you there?"

He'd forgotten he was in the room talking with Aang after zoning out again.

Zuko: "Uh, yeah, I'm listening."

Aang: "Sooo...do you?"

Zuko: "Yes. I do."

Aang: "Despite everything that's happened to you both, and between you?"

Zuko: "Yes, despite everything."

Aang: "Then your bond must be strong, and she probably loves you similarly. I doubt you're that different from each other."

Aang: There's hope for you both. I'm sure of it.

Their entire conversation had forced Zuko to think exceptionally hard on his views and behavior, and how they pertained to Azula in particular. It even coaxed him to ask himself how he truly felt about her.

Aang: "How much do you think you love her?"

Zuko: "...More than words can describe."

Zuko: And in ways you might not understand.