Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or the ATLA universe because I'm a broke-ass college student. Sue me you won't get anything.
Previously:
Azula sprinted towards Percy as he turned towards her. She crashed into him in a breathless tangle of limbs as she hugged him tightly with her one arm. It didn't matter to her who was watching right now. The months on the road that led them to Ba Sing Se. The manipulation of the Dai Li and taking control of the city, it all meant nothing if Percy wasn't there beside her for it.
She felt his arms pull her into his chest as he traced patterns on her back before the cool touch of water was felt as he healed her dislocated arm. It popped back in painfully but Azula didn't care, bringing it up to wrap around Percy as she held him like he would disappear at any moment. After a long while, Azula leaned back and gazed into his beautiful sea-green eyes.
"Percy?" she asked.
"Yeah?" he responded.
"Let's go home."
( - )
Percy let out a groan of relief as the constricting shoulder pauldron fell to the ground with a loud clang, he quickly worked to unstrap the other one which fell to the ground loudly as well much to the displeasure of his roommate.
He rolled his shoulders before grabbing on the bedpost and twisting, moaning as his back popped and relief washed down his spine. He quickly turned the other way and repeated the process and a blissful look lasted on his face for all of two seconds before he got hit in the face with a pillow.
Percy grinned as he returned fire at his roommate, hitting him squarely in the face with a pillow in retaliation.
"Some roommate you are," Zuko grumbled loudly enough for him to hear across the room as he finished unbuckling his greaves and throwing them in the pile with the rest of his armor with a chuckle.
"Yeah well, you got to spend the entire day doing nothing with Mai. I'd like to see you spend a whole day standing around with the most uncomfortable armor in the four nations strapped to you. I need to find the blacksmith who made this junk and have a word with him, how anyone could fight in this shit is beyond me."
"And that's why I'm not Azula's bodyguard," Zuko shot back as he shifted in his bed, regarding his companion who was climbing into bed gingerly, "Besides you came in here making more noise than a wounded komodo rhino when I'm trying to get some beauty sleep."
"Agni knows you need a lot more of that with a face that resembles a pile of ostrich dung," Percy retorted with a smile, moving out of the way as another pillow was lobbed at him.
Zuko smiled as he lobbed another pillow at his friend, he'd forgotten how much he missed this banter and easy-going relationship with Percy he'd had taken away from him on his exile. It felt good to have a friend to mess around with.
Percy himself caught the incoming projectile as he rolled onto his back and pulled the covers up as he got comfortable. A moment of silence passed before Percy's voice was directed across the room, "Well?"
"Well, what?" Zuko asked.
"You're not gonna ask about my day?" Percy piped up.
Zuko withheld a groan as opened his eyes. It wasn't a lie that he had nearly been asleep before Percy came inside and now he couldn't get more than a moment of silence from his best friend, "How was your day Percy?" Zuko asked, sarcasm ringing throughout his tone.
"Utter elephant rat crap. I spent the whole day standing around beside Azula twiddling my thumbs as I suffocated in shoddy Earth Kingdom armor. Did you know there are seven different staircases leading to the throne level? It's ridiculous, who needs seven staircases for one throne?"
Zuko debated whether or not his friend was purposely messing with him now as he resisted the urge to lob a fireball instead of a pillow, "Anything actually important?"
"I don't know I kinda zoned out as Azula dealt with all the politics and whatnot of running the city today. She's not in the best mood and you should've seen her when she got the return letter from our most eastern outpost."
"What did it say?"
"Oh, Zuko you will not believe the balls on this commander. He had the audacity to ask if 'The Fire Nation crown princess was in fact completely sure that she had conquered the Earth Kingdom city of Ba Sing Se' before he moved his troops outward towards us.
Zuko began laughing as he pictured Azula's expression as she read the letter questioning if she was sure that she had conquered the city. After he finally stopped laughing he addressed Percy, "I can't imagine her return letter was very nice."
Percy chuckled as well as he remembered the incident earlier today, "Oh no. Her response contained something along the lines of 'How you were ever promoted to commander is baffling beyond all rational belief. You are to be demoted, stripped of all your titles, and beg Agni that I never see your face or you die painfully and slowly. Send the troops here immediately with a competent commander you blithering imbecile.'
Zuko snorted, "I'm surprised she didn't threaten to castrate him."
"She definitely threatened it aloud when she read the letter that's for sure."
"So how much longer until we can get out of here?" Zuko asked.
"As long as the former commander is in gear now, just five more nights counting today. Then it's a week-long trip back by ship and we're home. I can't wait, I don't know how many more days of this ridiculous guard duty I can pull. The Dai Li are with Azula everywhere and I just stand there as she runs this city."
"Ask her to take off then."
"What?"
"You said it yourself. The Dai Li are with Azula at all times. You're not doing anything by just standing there as she deals with all the political stuff and running the city. Besides then we can finally spar again, I haven't had anyone to spar with in years," Zuko said with a hint of regret tinging his voice that Percy picked up on.
Percy mulled it over for a long moment before responding, "I'll ask her and see what she says."
"Sounds good to me."
Percy and Zuko both settled down into a peaceful silence for a few minutes as they both relaxed as sleep began to tug at Zuko again as his eyes closed and his breathing evened out.
"Dude are you hungry?"
The fireballs lobbed in Percy's direction clearly delivered the message that no, Zuko was in fact, not hungry and that he wanted to go to sleep.
( - )
The sun shined down on Ba Sing Se as two people prepared for battle in one of the sparring rings inside the Earth King's former palace.
Percy and Zuko faced each other from opposite sides of a sparring ring. Percy, of course, held Riptide. Zuko was brandishing his two Dao swords, returned to him by Percy from where they had been stowed away when he'd been captured.
"Are you ready for this?" Percy asked, shooting a grin at Zuko.
Zuko rolled his eyes but returned with a smile and wave of his hand, "Bring it, Percy."
Percy shot a predatory grin at his friend, "You know, you can give up now, one practice session with me after slacking off for years and now you suddenly think you can spar the master," he spoke, gesturing to himself as he said the last part.
Zuko snorted, "The only thing you're a master at is getting in trouble."
Percy chuckled, "All right but if at any point you want to give up and admit I'm the greatest man to walk the face of the earth I won't stop you."
Zuko rolled his eyes before charging forward.
Percy met him in the middle. At first, the blows were superficial, flashy but easy to read and counter. Zuko soon moved onto more complicated attacks quickly as his blood was alight in excitement. He hadn't sparred Percy in a straight-up sword fight in years.
He faked a high lunge with his left while thrusting with his right at Percy's midsection. Percy read the faint easily, ducking slightly as he batted away Zuko's thrust. He responded in kind with a sweeping strike at Zuko's legs that forced him to move backward. He attacked again, trying to take advantage of Percy being without a shield, striking out with both blades that Percy was forced to parry away with just Riptide. Slowly yet methodically, Zuko began driving Percy back towards the boundary line of the ring.
Percy was only a few steps away from being out of the ring—which was an automatic loss—when he smiled and caught Zuko's wrist in an iron grip. Zuko swung his other sword at Percy which he deflected with Riptide before twisting his wrist, forcing Zuko to drop his blade with a pained cry. Percy gave him a shove backward and Zuko readied himself with just one blade now as Percy stepped forward.
Percy advanced and Zuko was forced on the defensive. He doubted he could take Percy with both blades, but with just one? He was screwed. Percy was ridiculously fast and strong, each strike sending a jolt up Zuko's arms as he retreated away from him. Percy feinted and then with ease, disarmed Zuko with a complicated maneuver. Zuko's other blade dropped by his feet. Zuko panted as he watched as Percy smiled at him before sticking Riptide into the ground, "So are we wrestling now?"
"Don't you dare—" Zuko started before Percy closed the distance as he brought him down to the ground. Using all of his strength Zuko freed himself from Percy's grip and dove at Percy's leg, taking his footing out from under him. They struggled, rolling around, neither using any recognizable moves as their spar descended into two teenage males messing around. Percy's superior strength won out as he pinned Zuko to the ground with his arms locking him in place. Zuko growled and fought to get out from under him but Percy only tightened his grip. After about 15 seconds of struggle, Zuko caved, "Alright I yield, now get off me, you oaf!"
Percy got off Zuko as he faced an imaginary crowd and began celebrating. He strutted back and forth like Connor McGregor, he executed deep bows, he waved to the fans, and he threw kisses to babies. In Zuko's opinion, he looked like a complete idiot.
Percy stopped his mock celebration as he extended a hand to Zuko, hauling him off the ground.
Zuko grunted as he stood to his feet and retrieved his blades while Percy pulled Riptide free, "You weren't really trying."
Percy shrugged, "You're better than most, but it's easy to read your moves and counter them. It's obvious you haven't put a ton of focus on improving your swordsmanship," he said gently, trying not to critique his friend too harshly, "Now let's hit the baths, someone smells like they just took a fat L."
Zuko grumbled something flattering about his friend as they made their way to the exquisite baths within the palace.
( - )
Both Percy and Zuko let out a relaxed sigh as they slipped into the steaming water of the bathhouse within the palace. They were both content to sit there for a few minutes in silence as the hot water soothed their sore muscles and aching joints. The silence wouldn't last long, however, it was Zuko, not Percy, who would break it.
"So you and my sister huh?"
"What?"
Zuko watched his friend carefully as he asked again, "I said, you and my sister huh?"
"What about Azula?"
Zuko wasn't sure if Percy had a great poker face or he just didn't get what he was insinuating. Probably the latter, "How long have you and Azula been hooking up?"
This certainly got a reaction as Percy choked and sat up straight like he'd been shocked and coughed loudly, "I'm not—we aren't—I am not hooking up with your sister."
A small smirk played as he pushed a little further, "Why not?"
Percy gaped at him like he'd grown a pair of antlers out of his head, "Are you concussed from our sparring session? Why would I?"
Zuko shrugged nonchalantly, "You two seem very… close. Besides she's the Fire Nation princess, she's not some ugly chick off the street."
"Well of course not, she's stunning—"
"So you think she's stunning?"
"Yes—no—stop it," Percy said with a narrowed gaze as Zuko couldn't hide his amusement any longer as he laughed aloud.
Zuko spread his hands placating, "I'm just trying to figure out when you're officially gonna become my brother-in-law."
"Azula and I haven't done anything."
"Yet."
"What?"
"You and Azula haven't done anything yet. I'm sure you will soon though."
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh really? Azula basically killed the Avatar for you. She ran up and hugged you immediately afterward and refused to let you leave her sight for hours after the battle was over. She kept you by her side the entire time yesterday even though there was no reason for you to be there with Dai Li. You've been beside her constantly for years now. And you don't see how she looks at you."
"How does she look at me?" Percy tried to ask nonchalantly, although judging by the expression on Zuko's face some of his interest must have slipped into it.
"Like you're the last piece of komodo chicken on the table and she's starving."
"That's—why are you coming after me like this? Why don't we talk about you and Mai?"
"Hey, I just want to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. Azula always gets what she wants, I'm worried for your safety."
"Shouldn't it be the other way around, you want to protect your sister from me?"
Zuko raised an eyebrow in amusement, "Have you met my sister?"
"Fair enough," he conceded, "Hypothetically though, say I was interested in… Azula. What would your advice be?"
Zuko sat up straight as he noted the serious expression on his friend's face, "Well I'd say—"
"Hypothetically."
"Right, hypothetically—I would say survive."
"That's not helpful," Percy grunted.
"Hey man, you know Azula and I never saw eye to eye on a lot of things. You've broken down more walls and gotten closer to her than anyone else I know. If anyone has a shot it'd be you."
"So you'd back me?"
"Of course I would, someone will have to help you out when you mess up and piss her off."
Percy grimaced as the image of Azula yelling and throwing fireballs at him popped into his head, "Hypothetically... how would it even work though. She's the crown jewel of the Fire Nation and I'm a foreign waterbender."
"You're selling yourself a bit short I think. You're Piandao's heir, you'll be a noble and have a good deal of influence and power whether anyone likes it or not, that's just politics. Physically you're one of the strongest benders I've ever met. You don't have to worry about anyone there. Of course, then there's my dad—"
"And he's not going to want a waterbender anywhere near his daughter," Percy finished with a grimace.
"Right," Zuko confirmed, "However I wouldn't be surprised if father promotes you in some way after the success you've accomplished with taking Ba Sing Se. So I mean maybe?" he said trying to sound upbeat for the sake of his friend. Personally, he didn't think Ozai would let that fly unless he was drunk on cactus juice.
There was a lull in the conversation before Percy spoke again, "But like—I don't know what to do man. I've never really had any romantic exploits before," Percy admitted.
"Oh really, what about that one noble girl Piandao introduced you to? What was her name, Kara?"
"Yeah Kara and I was also like 12 dude, that doesn't even count really," Percy protested.
Zuko shrugged, "Yeah well I'm probably not the best to talk about it either, I was locked away on a ship chasing the Avatar for years, didn't really give me a chance to have any romance."
"And in the city?"
"What?"
"You were in the city with Iroh longer than we were here, you didn't have any cute girls hit on you?"
"Well… there was this one girl."
Zuko looked up to see Percy with a wide smirk across his face at his admission and suddenly realized that he should have possibly kept his mouth shut.
"Good keep going," Percy said smiling at his friend's discomfort.
"Actually I think I've spent enough time in here, I should probably get out and—"
"Zuko, sit down and tell me everything or I'll tell Mai you were making out with Earth Kingdom girls," Percy said as he shrugged at Zuko's glare, "Sorry not sorry."
And that was how Zuko found himself retelling his awkward and yet pleasant date with Jin. Percy was a good listener and Zuko thought that perhaps it wasn't the worst idea to tell Percy. At least until he said, "So Iroh is the greatest wingman in history."
"He was not, I had everything under control," Zuko protested.
"Righttttt," Percy drawled in a voice that clearly showed he didn't believe him for a second.
"So how's Mai?" Percy asked.
"She's good I guess."
"You guess? You spent the whole day with her yesterday and you guess she's good?" Percy said skeptically.
"I don't know man. Mai is Mai, you know how she is. I think she was happy to see me and… I enjoyed spending time with her again."
"That's my boy," Percy said with a grin.
"Shut up," Zuko laughed as he flicked water at his friend.
They enjoyed a minute of companionable silence before Percy spoke up, "So are you nervous?"
"About going home? Absolutely."
"Yeah I figured you were, try not to worry about it too much. If you really have my back with Azula then I'll have you back against Ozai."
"You'd fight the Fire Lord for me?"
"I've wanted to fight the Fire Lord since he exiled you when we were kids, if things do go sideways I'll get you out of there."
"What about Azula?"
"I'd said that I'd fight Ozai, not her. I'm loyal to her, not your father, there's a difference."
"So you'd leave me at the mercy of my sister, great."
Percy laughed, "I've been at the mercy of her for years, welcome to the big leagues. Now, what are we bringing home from here as a souvenir?"
"From the palace?"
"Of course, we gotta have a trophy."
"What did you have in mind?" Zuko questioned suspiciously.
Percy leaned in to whisper in his ear, "Oh hell no! Azula will skin us alive!" Zuko squawked in protest.
Percy rolled his eyes, "Relax dude, I just need you to cause a distraction. I can nick it from the room easily, I just need two minutes. Maybe three tops."
"No way, I'm not getting thrown into the dungeons for this ridiculous plan."
"You seem to think you have a choice."
"Yeah, and my choice is no."
"Zuko buddy, if you don't help me out with this, then Mai's gonna find all about you smooching with Jin."
Zuko glared at his supposed best friend, "That's blackmail."
"Of course it is, what do you think I learned from Azula in all this time. Now here's the plan."
( - )
By the time Azula retired for the night, she was mentally exhausted. Who knew that ruling the Earth Kingdom could be so hard. Honestly it was a wonder they'd been able to resist the Fire Nation for so long, everything was such a mess.
She slipped into her room with a quiet sigh. Her armor came off easily and she let out a soft groan as she prodded her sore shoulder with a finger. The armor was probably unnecessary with the Dai Li around but they were in a foreign kingdom for Angi's sake. She'd rather be careful than stupid. It didn't help the fact that without Percy around she could never hope to feel any semblance of safety that his presence provided.
She hadn't wanted to let him off but rationally, she knew him standing around another day doing nothing would probably result in him blowing up something to get away from all the politics. It still didn't change the fact she would have rather had him around her than hanging out with Zuko all day. With the duo back together she'd bet her royal crown they'd gotten into some sort of trouble today. Percy's recklessness with Zuko's mind was not a good combo for her patience to deal with.
She laid down and tried to drift into sleep but it eluded her as she twisted and turned trying to get comfortable. A knock on her door rang out and Azula rose out of bed to get it, assuming it was just one of the Dai Li or a servant.
"Ty Lee?" Azula questioned as the girl walked inside her room and sat down at the foot of her bed, "What are you doing here?"
"Well, I came to talk to you obviously, now what's bothering you?"
"What?"
"You're breathing heavy and it's nearly midnight, I figured I'd have to break in here since you wouldn't hear me over your snoring. Usually, you rise and set with the sun."
"I do not snore," Azula exclaimed in protest as she sprawled out on her bed next to her friend.
"Did you see that maid flirting with Percy today?"
Azula shot up in bed, if she wasn't completely awake before, that had definitely gotten her attention, "Which one? I'll find her and burn her to ashes."
Ty Lee was pretty sure Azula was joking and laughed, "Azula you can't just incinerate somebody without a good reason."
"Watch me," she bit back.
Ty Lee sighed, "Azula I was just joking, nobody flirted with Percy today, not that I know of anyways."
Azula turned her laser glare towards her friend, "Then why would you say that?" she said in a low tone.
"Because if you don't make a move on Percy now, it's gonna be a hell of a lot harder when we get back home."
"I—what?"
"Azula, you more than anybody, know what it's gonna be like when we go back home. These past months we've been able to do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We won't have that option when we get back home, especially you. So you need to make a move on Percy now before we're back home and you can't do so."
Azula sat in silence for a minute as she processed her thoughts back into an orderly fashion even as it seemed like a pit had opened in her stomach at the thought of making a move on Percy.
"Azula?" Ty Lee asked with a hint of worry as her friend remained silent.
"What if he says yes because he doesn't want to hurt me?" Azula asked in a very subdued voice.
"Azula do you honestly believe that Percy would pity you?" Ty Lee asked in a surprised tone.
"No… it's just–I'm scared Ty Lee," Azula admitted to her friend as much as it was to herself.
"You're scared?" Ty Lee asked in confusion. Azula was one, if not the strongest, and most fearsome people she knew. She didn't think she was scared of anything.
"Yes Ty Lee, I'm scared. Life isn't just about bending or the crown or wealth. Memories are what make a life. It's why we have paintings of every member in the royal family—we want to preserve those memories, those people for as long as we can. A significant other shares all those memories and experiences with you. They're there through all the ups and downs alongside you, in a way that is more personal and more intimate than family. They're more than just a best friend or partner, they're your soulmate. They know how hard the journey was and why it's worth it all to get to the destination. When you get past all the silly emotional feelings, you'd better be with someone you like for who they are. They share your life and everything that comes with it. They are simply there and you can't imagine it without them. It's why losing someone like that is so hard. You don't just lose someone who understands you, you lose the future you imagined and in a lot of ways you lose the past too."
Ty Lee was speechless for a long moment, "Wow Azula, I've never given it that much thought."
Azula shrugged, "When Iroh lost Lu Ten he was a wreck. I sought him out a few times and he did his best to convey what he was going through, but I was young and I think a lot of it went over my head. I also don't think I'll ever know any of that for sure until I experience it, and that's why I'm so scared. All I've ever wanted is to be loved and cherished. My own mother couldn't love me and abandoned Zuko and me. I've always tried to be the perfect princess in order to be worthy of love. But nobody ever did, Iroh was a shadow of his former self during my childhood. Zuko and I never got along like siblings are supposed to. It took me a long time to realize it, but my father doesn't love me for who I am, he loves the idea of me. The strong, perfect daughter to crush his enemies and serve him. All he cares about is his own legacy I think… I don't know, it's still so hard for me to say no to him. Percy is the first person who cared for me without wanting anything in return. And I don't have to be perfect to be worthy of his affection, he cares for me regardless of how I am. And it's utterly terrifying because I want all of that, but I don't know that if I show him all my broken pieces that he'll still want me," Azula trailed off as unshed tears shone her eyes.
Ty Lee wrapped her friend in a tight hug for a long time, rocking her back and forth as Azula fought to control her whirlwind of emotions. "Azula," she started softly, "I know my brother like the back of my hand, probably better than anyone besides you. He would never abandon you," she said confidently.
"You know you're not actually related right," Azula pointed out.
"It's not blood that creates family, it's the choices we make and our determination to stand by them no matter what."
"I would have loved to have a sister like you," Azula revealed to her friend.
"Well if you marry Percy then you'd be my sister-in-law, but either way you're my best friend and I'm here for you regardless," Ty Lee rubbed Azula's shoulder gently, "Look Azula, I'm not trying to make you do anything. But you know Percy, he can be a tad oblivious and you're the princess of the Fire Nation, you always go after what you want. We're only here for three more days, if you want Percy go get him before we have to go home, and then there will be… complications."
Ty Lee hugged her friend tightly one last time before she rose and made her to the door so Azula could have some time by herself to process everything they'd talked about.
"Thank you," Azula's voice called out softly in the darkness.
Ty Lee smiled as she opened the door, "Goodnight Azula."
"Goodnight Ty Lee."
( - )
Percy had planned to sleep in until noon, get some breakfast, and then mess around with Zuko the rest of the day. So when Ty Lee kicked in their door at the crack of dawn and announced he was going to the spa with her he had simply rolled over in bed and pulled the blankets over his head. That had been the wrong move as Ty Lee had jabbed his shoulder and his arm became a limp noodle as Ty Lee dragged him out of bed and marched him out the door. All the while Zuko had laughed at Percy's predicament, wrapped up in a cocoon of blankets in his own bed, a complete traitor in Percy's eyes.
By the time he'd rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, Ty Lee was dragging him up the steps of a spa in the upper ring. Percy wasn't sure what he'd done to deserve such torture but he attempted to make a break for it. He'd gone about two steps before he felt a stinging sensation and he collapsed to the ground. Ty Lee sighed above him, "Would you stop being so difficult Percy?"
He replied with a grunt as his leg refused to move, completely numb. With surprising strength, Ty Lee hooked her arms underneath him and with a grunt, began fireman carrying him into the spa. The receptionist had seen some weird things in her life, but a teenage girl in pink carrying another teenager like a sack of bricks into the spa was up there on the list.
Despite the pleading looks sent to her by the teenage male, she did as the girl ordered and set the two up for a full session at the spa. It was hard to take the man seriously slung over the girl's shoulders like a bunch of groceries after all.
Percy whimpered as Ty Lee dropped him on the massage table with an evil cackle. He was a warrior, he relaxed with sword fights and waterbending. He didn't go to spas like a girl and get his nails done. He sent a silent prayer to his father for strength as he heard the clack of heels coming towards him.
( - )
Ty Lee laughed at the expression on Percy's face, it was somewhere between a pout, anger, and relief all at once, "See that wasn't so bad now was it?"
Percy grumbled something incoherently under his breath as he closed his eyes, trying to enjoy the heat of the sauna. His body, especially his muscles felt golden, not that he'd ever admit it to the witch beside him.
"So when are you gonna kiss Azula?"
Percy squawked and nearly bolted to his feet in surprise, "What?!"
Ty Lee shrugged nonchalantly, "We're going back to the Fire Nation soon, you need to make a move sooner rather than later."
"I'm making moves okay, I just—it's a process," Percy defended weakly.
"Listen, Percy, Azula's not gonna wait forever, if you wait till we get back home to make a move you might have missed the best shot you'll ever have."
"It's not that easy—"
"No Percy, it really is. Just tell her how you feel."
Percy was silent for a long moment and for a second Ty Lee was worried she'd pushed him into a decision too quickly before he spoke up.
"And how would I do that?"
Ty Lee tried to hide the giant smirk about to break out on her face, "I might have a few ideas."
( - )
Azula trudged to her room wearily for the second night in a row. She had been sorely tempted to burn every politician she had met with today and go find Percy to do something with. She entered her room to find it empty except for a green-eyed troublemaker sitting at the table in her room. Except now it was set for dinner and had two sweet-smelling candles alight on it.
Percy had been slouching in the chair playing with his Minotaur dagger before perking up as Azula entered the room and shot her a grin.
Azula fought down the butterflies in her stomach as she addressed him, "What is this?"
Percy shrugged, "I was waiting for you to finish so we could eat supper."
"Percy, it's nearly 10 o'clock, you didn't have to wait for me," Azula protested as she felt her cheeks warm at his words.
"Yeah but I wanted to, now I have the chef's bringing food here so why don't you take a hot shower, and then we'll eat."
Azula stared at him for a long moment before she realized that she was in fact not dreaming and Percy just happened to be the most remarkable person on the planet. She took in the exquisite tablecloth and the orderly set silverware, all in the right place too. "Well I'm glad you didn't forget all the time I took explaining royal table manners to you," she remarked with a raised brow.
Percy shrugged, "Well I still don't get why in the world we need nine different pieces of silverware for one meal but I do remember somebody saying 'I will not have my bodyguard living up to the nickname of savage by not knowing how to eat with nobility at the feasts you will attend with me' so I did do my best."
Azula tried to ignore the feeling of happiness that Percy had remembered all that for her but her expression must have given some of it away as Percy smiled broadly at her before he pointed to the bathroom, "Shower then food. I'm not going anywhere," he said slouching back down in his chair.
He could definitely still use some lessons on posture Azula thought to herself as she entered the bathroom with a smile.
( - )
Azula found herself in a great mood as she laid down opposite Percy outside in the courtyard. He was currently relaying the events of his day and rambling about him and Zuko exploring the palace. A hot shower and dinner with Percy had turned her entire day around. And of course, Percy had made sure the chefs from the kitchen made her favorite foods for them to eat too, honestly, she was pretty sure she wanted to pin him down and kiss him senseless, only her fear of being rejected held her in check with a simple thank you and smiles.
She came out of her thoughts as Percy wound down his recap and let out a loud groan as he stretched before sitting up. He gazed at her intently for a long minute like he was peering into her mind and reading its contents. She remained impassive before Percy let out a loud sigh and stared up at the night sky, running a hand through his messy locks and Azula placed his behavior, there was something he wanted to tell her but was nervous about.
She sat up straighter and was only reassured of her assessment when Percy's eyes would slide over to her before dancing away quickly as she met his gaze. This continued for a couple of awkward minutes before Azula lost her patience and put her foot down, "Percy."
He looked over at her for a brief moment before looking away again but Azula wouldn't allow it, "Percy look at me," she snapped with a bit of heat in her voice.
Percy obeyed, his posture shifting as he faced her more directly and met her eye contact.
"Now what do you want to tell me?"
His reaction would have been priceless if Azula wasn't so curious as to what was bothering him, Percy never had trouble speaking his mind, if anything it was his bluntness to say exactly what he was thinking that had gotten him trouble. Yet now he was gawking at her, "How—how did you know I wanted to tell you something?"
She flicked her hair back over her shoulder flippantly, "Please, you've been avoiding meeting my eyes the last few minutes, running your hands through your hair, and you keep bouncing your foot. You're nervous and you want to tell me something or you wouldn't have insisted on sticking around after dinner; now spill."
Percy swallowed as he stared into Azula's golden eyes before he started, "Azula remember on the drill how I said I had something to tell you that nobody else knew?"
"You said not even Piandao knew," Azula confirmed.
"Right well it's about what I found in the library in the desert. About who I am," he said, peering into her eyes.
Azula met his gaze, "Alright, I'm ready."
"Actually give me a second," he said before rushing back inside her room and coming back out into the courtyard with a book.
"What is that?" she asked in surprise. She knew that Percy didn't like to read, struggled with it too.
"It's a book I stole from the giant owl spirit thingy, you would've hated him, real arrogant prick. The stupid bird tried to tell me that—"
"Percy," she said, interrupting his rambling.
"Right well this book might be able to explain everything better than I can, so can you just like skim the pages I have marked?"
"You're big secret you want to tell me is in a book?" Azula said slowly.
Percy nodded in agreement, and Azula didn't see an ounce of mischief that this was all some elaborate prank he was trying to pull.
She huffed, "Fine, let me see this book."
Percy handed it to her and she was surprised by how light it felt for how large the book was. It was dark blue with a brown leather spine but it was the golden words engraved in the cover that caught her attention. 'The Guide to Understanding Demigods.' She opened it to the first page Percy had marked and began to read.
( - )
It took Percy all of 30 seconds to realize sitting still was impossible as Azula quite literally read what was a description of just how weird he was. He watched with bated breath as she read the passage about what demigods were, glancing up at him every couple minutes before she flipped to the next section he'd marked about Poseidon. He had a small smile on his face as he could see Azula's eyes widen and could nearly see her brain working to put everything together. It was another few minutes before she closed the book and looked up at him. It was hard to read her expression and he did his best to steel himself for what might come his way.
"You're the son of a god," she said. Not in a tone of question but a statement.
He swallowed a lump in his throat before speaking, "You believe me?"
"I trust you, Percy," she said before shaking the book in her hand, "And even if I didn't, I know about your dyslexia. There's no possible way you wrote this book, plus you wouldn't have bothered to add all the other details about these other gods and goddesses that didn't help explain your story. You also probably would have written that you and Poseidon were the most powerful of them all."
"Well I mean I probably am—" he stopped as Azula gazed at him and realized now wasn't the best time for a joke. "So… do you have any questions?"
Azula scoffed, "Do I have any questions? Percy we could spend all night here and I wouldn't get all the answers I'm looking for," she paused before asking her first one, "But I need to know, how did you come here then?"
Percy took a deep breath before answering, "I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. I know I was sent here by my dad, Poseidon. One minute I was in my world, and the next thing I know I'm waking up on a Fire Nation ship with Iroh."
Azula nodded but he could see questions swimming in her eyes but she surprised him when she muttered, "As crazy as this all sounds, it actually makes sense," she muttered softly.
"It does?" Percy asked, bewildered by her response.
"I knew there was something different about you, I just didn't know what. I thought maybe you were originally from a hidden society of waterbenders, maybe even the mythical lost capital city of Atlantis spoken about in their legends. I even considered that maybe you were a spirit-walker like the Avatar and you had crossed into the mortal plane but that wasn't it either. Another world entirely, even I didn't think of that one," she laughed aloud in realization.
Percy shifted uncomfortably, "I wanted to tell you, but there was so much I didn't understand about myself. At least not until I got that book," he said pointing at the book grasped in her hand, "I didn't want you to think I was crazy. You almost freaked out when I told you about ostrich-horses, remember?"
Azula nodded in remembrance and understanding, "I understand Percy I really do. If you didn't have this book, well... seeing and hearing are two different things," she said in an apologetic shrug.
"Fuggedaboutit, no harm done," he said with a shrug.
"And then there's that!" Azula exclaimed.
"Then there's what?" he asked in confusion.
"You saying all those weird things like that and stuff like 'Google it' and whatnot. Those weird phrases are all like actual things in your world."
Percy shrugged again, "Yeah kinda."
There was a pause before Azula decided on her next question, "And your dad?"
"He's a greek god or whatever. I only really know as much as you do from that book. I've only met him once and that was when I was sent here. My mom used to say he was lost at sea and that's why he was never around."
"You said you only saw him once? Did he abandon you?"
Percy winced and Azula immediately regretted her choice of words but he answered anyway, "Yeah he had me and then bailed. Like I said, I've only meant him once in my life and that's when he sent me here after watching my mom die."
Azula processed that for a bit before asking her next question as carefully as she could, "So.. you—you saw your mom die?" She knew that Percy's mom's name was Sally and he sometimes reflected on her fondly, but he usually shut down any questions about her pretty quickly.
"Yeah—or well she was. She's back now, she was just kidnapped by another dark god who was mad at my dad? I don't know but I think she's okay?"
Azula blinked as she tried to absorb that statement. So his mom had been kidnapped by another god who was mad at Percy's dad but she was back now except she wasn't because she was an entire world away. She decided to veer onto a different subject.
"So… your dad is an ancient all-powerful deity roaming around the world and he meets your mom, and then together they have you."
"Something like that."
"And since you're his son that makes you an—um—demigod?" she asked glancing down at the title of the book.
"Yeah just like you read. I've got a load of my dad's powers but wrapped in a regular mortal body."
"Yeah most normal bodies don't look that good," she muttered under her breath.
"What?"
She looked up at Percy's confused expression and covered herself quickly, "Nothing! Just… thinking aloud," she bit out before changing the subject again, "So that's why you're stronger than me, you're literally half-god."
Percy rubbed his neck, "Yeah as far as I can tell, the ability to control water, make storms, and talk with ostrich-horses and fish all comes from him. I think the swordplay is all me though? There's nothing in there about children of Poseidon being good with a sword, they usually use tridents."
Azula briefly wondered if her father would possibly be more open to accepting Percy given the opportunity to have divine blood flowing in his descendants' veins, before quickly dismissing it. Knowing her father he'd probably have Percy killed if it was revealed how great his power was. But it still didn't stop her from considering just how strong her and Percy's kids could be for a moment. She drew herself back to the conversation at hand, "So you cheated."
"What?" Percy asked in confusion.
"You cheated in all our sparring sessions. I'm a prodigy, the youngest and strongest firebender seen in over a century since the ancient Fire Lord Kai, but you always outstripped me with your bending, and that was without any formal training. You've been cheating all these years," she continued with a small smirk.
"Cheating?" Percy spluttered at her accusations, "I'm sorry to be the one to have to tell you Zula, that was just me being awesome. Besides, I can't shoot fire or lightning so let's not get all upset because you can't hang with me."
Azula rolled her eyes at that remark but let it go, "Yeah but have you ever tried to shoot lightning?" she asked.
"Um no?"
Azula pointed at the book, "It says that your dad is supposed to be the Stormbringer, last I checked lightning is a part of a storm."
"Oh... I'd never thought about it like that before. I mean I redirected a lightning bolt once when I fought Aang at the library," Percy reflected after a moment.
"You did what?" Azula asked with a pointed tone.
"Oh right, I must've forgotten to tell you about that," Percy said as suddenly the stars seemed much more interesting to look at than the death gaze Azula was shooting at him.
Azula continued to glare at Percy for a while before relenting as she tried to process everything that was going on. Her best friend/crush was a demigod from another world. His father was an ancient all-powerful god and his mom had been kidnapped but was actually fine now. And Percy had also conveniently left out battling the Avatar when speaking of his trip to the library. It was a lot—scratch that—an absolute shit ton of new information to try and digest. "Can I keep this book for now?"
"Yeah of course—I've already read it front to back a few times now. Take as long as you need with it."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Percy broke it, "I don't suppose there's anything you want to tell me?" he asked with a hint of amusement in his tone.
The thing was Azula did, she really did. Ty Lee's words echoed inside her head, "You won't have a better shot than right now… Percy would never say no to you." If Percy could bare his soul and pass to her, she could tell him how she felt, she was the damned princess of the Fire Nation, not a scared teenage girl.
"Actually… there is something," Azula trailed off.
Percy's head whipped up, his green eyes locking with her, "There is?"
Azula steeled herself, "I think I might be in love with you."
( - )
Time stops. It's cliche, but that's what it feels like. Percy's pretty sure he has to be dreaming or hallucinating or something because Azula, his best friend, and the crown princess, does not do love—she barely does liking somebody. And she thinks she's in love with him. Oh, gods, this cannot be happening, he knows his mouth is hanging open and he probably looks like an idiot right now.
"I wasn't going to tell you yet… or for a while… or ever, maybe. I don't know." He meets her eyes and it's almost too much. There's not a trace of anything but absolute seriousness and adoration, he couldn't look away even if he wanted to.
"I know now probably isn't a good time," Azula wistfully says, "Especially since you just dropped a major bombshell but—I've been wanting to tell you for around two years now," she states and her voice is powerful and confident now like she's been thinking about this a lot recently.
"And I don't want to hear you say anything in return right now, whether it's rejection or otherwise. Because I wasn't planning to put you on the spot. You're under no obligation to say anything or do anything of that sort."
Percy swallows a lump in his throat, the thought that she even thinks he'd reject her is absolutely ridiculous but he gets it, he knows her past better than anyone.
"I've been in love with you for a while now. Inappropriate when you're my bodyguard I know," she says shaking her head, a chuckle escaping her lips, "But it's true. I love it when you smile, as stupid and basic as it sounds, but I like it, even more, when I'm the one who caused it. It makes my stomach do flips like you wouldn't even know. And I love how stubborn you are, how you stand up and won't take any of my bullshit when I push you. I love your hair, how it's always messy but somehow looks good even when you're just rolling out of bed. I love your sarcastic remarks even if they drive me crazy sometimes."
She paused and glanced at Percy who was staring at her with an emotion she couldn't quite place, she continued before he could get a word in, "This is probably the most spontaneous thing I've ever done and you probably think I'm crazy because we're both so young but every moment feels right. It's just—I don't know, you've always understood me and we just fit together. It's you, Percy, it always has been and I'm pretty sure it always will be."
Azula came to a stop and she realized just how much her heart was hammering in her chest. Are her hands shaking? She tries to hold them still, they're definitely shaking.
"Are you done?" Percy asks gently as Azula comes to a pause.
"Agni, I hope so," she mumbles. She didn't think he heard it.
"Me too," he agrees. His voice is rich and pulls at her, "Now listen to me, princess."
Azula looks up as Percy steps close to her, his breath tickling her nose. His green eyes swirl and are filled with an emotion she can't quite place, "It just so happens, I'm in love with you too."
And then his hand slid her up her neck to her jawline and he leaned down to her level. And then he was kissing her and her mind went blank. She nearly collapsed into his arms as her knees went weak as she tasted him. He smelled like the ocean. It was indescribable, like fireworks exploding throughout her body. He pulled back and Azula had to keep herself from letting out a whimper.
"Do that again," she murmured.
Percy smirked down at her, "Gladly princess."
( - )
The next day flew by for Azula, even the boring meetings and logistics and numbers didn't seem to carry their usual weight. She felt like she was floating throughout the palace like an airbender. Percy hadn't been happy when she had told him she had to deal with Earth Kingdom politics all day, but he had promised to be with her when she finished. It was another long day for her like usual, although it didn't feel like it. She had to compose herself before entering her room, she swore that she could feel his presence behind the door.
She entered and didn't find Percy anywhere in her room. However the table was elegantly set once again, and there was a new bottle of unopened wine sitting on the table. She opened the doors to the courtyard and found the object of her affection. He was sprawled out on the grass but quickly scrambled to his feet when she stepped outside. He was barefoot, dressed casually in gray sweats and an open Earth Kingdom green shirt, revealing his washboard abs and it was a miracle that she was able to pull her eyes up to his face.
Percy approached her in the doorway and paused in front of her. Azula reached up, running her fingers through his messy hair before pulling him down in a hungry kiss. Angi, she didn't think she'd ever get tired of kissing him. After a long moment she pulled away, "So where did the wine come from?" she asked him.
Percy smiled down at her, "I borrowed it from the palace wine cellar Zuko and I found today, besides, we never did properly celebrate our victory with champagne. I figured it would go well with dinner tonight."
Azula traced a lazy pattern on his chest with her fingernail before kissing him again before striding towards the bathroom, "I'll be out in 15 for dinner," she called over her shoulder.
Percy grinned as he flopped down onto her bed, "I'll be waiting."
( - )
Azula wasn't sure if it was Percy or the wine that had her feeling like she was soaring above in the clouds, it was probably a bit of both if she was being honest. After dinner, she had rattled off question after question she had thought of throughout the day about Percy's homeworld. He had answered what he could, but trying to explain some concepts like a smartphone had been nearly impossible to convey to her and Azula understood his reluctance to answer other questions about his step-father Gabe. Although not explicitly stated, she got the idea that Percy hadn't had it easy being under the same roof as him. However, one thing she had learned more about was his mother Sally, and Azula could understand where many of Percy's better qualities came from. The woman sounded like an absolute angel and Percy clearly thought of her as such.
Before she knew it, the moon was high in the sky above them. If Azula was beginning to feel the effects of the wine, then Percy was feeling the effects of the full moon. It always called to him, like fire surging in his veins, making him restless and filled with energy. He'd talked with Piandao about it when it first occurred and his father had revealed this happened to all waterbenders, a special connection with the moon like firebenders had with the sun. Not only was his bending sharply increased, but it also seemed like his senses had been cranked up a notch. Everything seemed brighter, sounded clearer, and Azula—she looked like a goddess to him. Her hair tumbled down in waves. He had always thought her natural beauty shone through when it wasn't in her usual intricate topknot braid. Her golden eyes sparkled like the stars high above in the sky. It also didn't help that she had stepped out of the bathroom in a plush robe and nothing else after her shower. He wasn't sure if it was a blessing or a curse. It was taking every ounce of his self-control to keep his eyes wandering down the plunging neckline.
However, it seemed Azula didn't make that any easier when she moved closer to him, tracing his facial features and brushing away mess black bangs. There was a pause as her kiss became a caress and before Percy could form any rational thoughts she was kissing him fiercely.
( - )
It's an impulse and desire to kiss him and Azula is not one to usually give into such things. Almost everything she does is carefully and methodically planned to the last detail, but Percy has always been the one person who could throw any of it on its heel. He is a man of impulse and instinct and for once, Azula follows her own.
Percy's body acts on instinct as his mind scrambles to catch up with what's going on, however her eagerness is contagious and he slides a hand into her unbound hair as he deepens the kiss. Her hands slide inside his shirt, skirting over muscles honed by years of fighting and bending. With a small groan, Percy pulls back drawing in a shaky breath. He can't drown but he feels like he might be, he's lightheaded and can't make out up or down, the only thing he takes in is Azula.
"Azula—"
She cuts him off with another kiss as she impatiently pulls at his shirt. It slips off without a sound, and Azula takes the opportunity to move her hands over his broad chest and shoulders. It's only when she begins to move her hands downward in exploration does he catch them.
"Azula we—are you sure?"
She doesn't answer verbally, instead climbing onto his waist as she straddles him. On top and in charge, as she likes to be. She's always in command. She nips at his neck and it's nearly his undoing.
"Azula I don't know if now is the best—"
"I know what I'm doing Percy," Azula says confidently but her eyes are wide and wild.
"I don't think either of us knows exactly what we're doing Zula," he says softly, cupping her face in his hands.
Azula lets out a soft growl as she pushes her hips down onto him, feeling his body's response to her own. She is breathing heavily as she leans over him, pressing her ample bust against him, "Percy," she growls out in a heated tone, the desire in her voice luring him in.
Gods above, he's heard her say his name a thousand times before but he'll be damned if that's not the hottest thing he's ever heard. His name rolling off her tongue like it's all she can think about.
She smirks down at him, "I think I can figure it out," she says before she lowers her lips from his face to his throat. It's Percy's turn to let out a low growl as she suckles on a sensitive spot on his neck. Azula hums against his throat in enjoyment at his reaction.
He sits up with Azula still seated in his lap before standing to his feet, supporting Azula in his arms as she keeps her legs wrapped around him. He walks inside before setting her down on the bed hovering above her.
He gazes down, trying to ignore how her robe had opened up, revealing creamy skin and tempting curves below him. She looks ravishing. In the back of his mind, he realizes he's breathing heavily now too. He wants this badly, but he needs to make sure this isn't happening because of the full moon and wine.
"This–this will change things," he tries to convey how much of a jump she wants to take with those few words. No matter her response he'll accept it either way.
"Change is good," she responds in a low purr and Percy has the feeling of an animal being hunted by an apex predator as he sees the look in her eyes.
"And I'm tired of waiting for you. I've had nothing and now I want it all," she states simply. She has used up all her patience not revealing her feelings all this time and she won't wait any longer. It's like she's only been seeing with one eye her whole life and now they're both open.
Percy can't deny that he's waited and had one too many dreams like this about her. He just wanted to be sure. He stares down at her with dark, sea-green eyes before leaning down, kissing her passionately. He can feel the heat radiating from her body as her soft curves press against him. Her hands reach the waistband of his pants, and for a moment he hesitates, internally debating his next step.
Percy is a warrior and he has fought countless battles and every single one he has fought to win. But this one? This one he's fine with losing. Azula is a true force of nature, the fire that burns everything in its path. And he is the raging water that drowns everything around it. And so the two forces of nature collide, losing themselves in the moment.
( - )
The night's events combined with the full moon make it impossible for Percy to sleep at first. Azula is curled into his side after having finally exhausted them both. He didn't think laying with somebody would be more comfortable but he is surprised to find himself pleasantly mistaken. Azula fits into his side like a puzzle piece he didn't realize he was missing. Although he does envy her ability to sleep right now. Absently he ran his fingers over the arm wrapped around his chest down as he contemplated his actions. He thought that there might have been some feelings of guilt but all he found was contentment and a sort of soothing peace he didn't realize he was missing. He has questions, but there would be time for them to discuss them later. It's only a few more minutes before Percy slips into a deep slumber, unconsciously curling his arm around her.
( - )
The sun was streaming into the room and birdsong from the courtyard carried inside. He sighed before letting out a long stretch, panicking as he realized that the right side of the bed was conspicuously empty. He shot up but relaxed as he saw Azula sitting at the table having breakfast. Her hair was tousled and she shot him a smile between bites of bacon on her plate, "Good morning sleepyhead," she teased gently, eyeing him up and down as he slips out of bed forgoing a shirt as he pads over to the table.
Percy comes to a stop behind her and hesitates for a moment before draping his arms around her neck and pressing a kiss to the top of her head, "Good morning Zula," he murmurs, basking in the newfound chemistry between the two of them as she tilts her head back for a proper kiss. He can't deny that when her side of the bed was empty he'd feared the worst for just a moment. But now, kissing Azula to start his day? He can't imagine a much better start, especially when there's bacon on the table calling his name.
"How did you sleep?" he asks as he pulls out the seat next to her, piling his plate high with breakfast food.
"Better than I have in years," she says with a teasing tone in her voice.
Percy fights to keep the dark blush from rising across his face, but judging by the smirk on Azula's face, it was a losing battle.
"So what are we doing today?" he asks, changing the subject.
Azula takes a sip of water before responding, "Well I told the politicians that I wasn't doing any meetings today, it's our last day before we head back home anyways. They didn't take it well but I'm the flipping ruler of this city, I can do whatever I want."
Percy shot her a grin, "So what you're saying is you want to spend the whole day with me."
Azula hummed noncommittally, "Spending the day with my new boyfriend might have had something to do with it."
Percy raised an eyebrow, "I don't remember asking you to be my girlfriend last night."
Azula brushed his comment aside, "Well of course not, I wear the pants in this relationship, I asked you."
"And I agreed to this?"
"Are you saying no?" Azula asked with a pointed eyebrow raise.
"Of course not my lady," he replies teasingly as he crunches on a piece of bacon.
"You may be regretting agreeing to it in the long run. In case you didn't notice, I can be rather demanding Perseus," she warns him playfully.
Percy leans back in his chair, meeting her gaze, "I think I can handle you."
Azula once again raises her eyebrow at this, "That sounds like a challenge," she said as her lips curled into a smile, "What makes you think you can handle me?"
Percy answered with his own smile, "Demigod."
A smile crosses Azula's face before she stands and holds her hand out to him. Percy stood and looked at her questioningly as he took it.
Azula let out a predatory smile, "Let's test that," she said as she pulled him back over to the bed.
( - )
Author Note - Alright everyone so this is the end of chapter 16 of Percy Jackson & The Sapphire Flame and I hope y'all enjoyed it. Give it a review or follow if you'd like to stay up to date on this story. A few things I'd like to address.
- I don't really have any excuses for this chapter taking so long, I just got caught up in life :( Idk if I've mentioned it before but I bartend at a golf course and now that warmer weather is here my hours have been expanded and we've been crazy busy. Which is good obviously but between my hours there and my college classes I'm absolutely gassed by the end of the day. I wrote the first 10 pages about 3 weeks ago and until this weekend I hadn't gotten a large chunk of time to sit down and finish it.
- On a side note, a friend of mine recently recommended the new TV show Invincible to me on Amazon Prime and I've found myself genuinely interested and enjoying it. While I've never been a comic guy, I enjoy the superhero genre movies with the MCU, in particular, sticking out. I think I'd like to write a Percy Jackson superhero crossover fanfic next. Whether it's Marvel, DC, or the Invincible line remains to be seen, but I would like to hear some people's opinions on this topic.
- Ik so many of you have been begging for some more Perzula romance than the little teases I've been giving and this chapter is all about it. Legitimately all fluff. You're welcome ;)
- What are your general thoughts on this chapter? Admittedly it's a lot of filler in the overall plot development but it's the first chapter to really flush out Percy & Azula romance and I enjoyed the change-up.
- I know that this chapter really focuses on Percy & Azula in the back half especially, but I hope you enjoyed the beginning scenes too. I tried to flush out how happy Zuko is to be hanging with Percy and of course Percy is glad to have his friend back after being surrounded by females for months on the road. Also then there's our favorite gymnast. Ty Lee dragging Percy out of bed for a spa day forcefully was fun to write, but let's not forget how she helped guide Perzula along with her going out of the way to talk with Azula and Percy. Legit legendary wingman stuff right there XD
- My personal recommendation is the author JustBored21. He's just begun laying out a new story with Harry Potter & ATLA crossover. We've pmd a few times and I'm a huge fan of his stories, especially the Silver King. Give his stories a look, he's a great author.
- A recommendation coming from Gabe 12341 who pm'd me personally. His recommendation is the author stringdog, specifically his series revolving around Harry Potter & Avatar crossover. While I haven't had a chance to read it yet personally, Gabe has been one of my first reviews since I've started this story and I've seen his reviews on other fanfics I read as well so I know he has good taste.
- As usual, I want to say thank you for the support y'all give. If you have any questions just send me a PM, hopefully, I will be able to get back to quick responses like before.
- Finally, please leave a review, guys! A follow or favorite would mean a lot for me too. I'm always open to advice on being a better writer and I'm looking forward to more drama and fluff to come.
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