Luca Reminded Me Of The Camp Camp Trio So I Had To Draw This (also This Is My First Time Posting To Tumblr

Some autistic zuko headcanons

He uses firebending as a stim, often lighting small flames between his fingers while he taps them together. He also rocks back and forth while meditating by himself.

His family, especially Azula, picked up on his nuerodivergency pretty early on and that’s caused him to be even more of an outsider. (The Royal Family are all dicks)

He doesn’t understand jokes or sarcasm very well but he’s mean to his friends as a joke (they have a hard time getting it).

His hyper fixation is sword fighting and theater. He knows a surprising amount and is a little embarrassed about it. (The theater part at least.)

He tends to overexplain himself because he’s scared he isn’t being understood, so he comes off as a bit awkward.

Feel free to add on!

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.

like teacher, like student

a lil appreciation post for music teachers, including my own :”) featuring cellist zuko and teacher piandao

Thoughts on the idea of Zuko eventually learning to lightning bend post-series because he finally got to the point of being able to fully accept and move past all the awful shit that he went through?

Okay so once more disclaimer, i love how in the show Zuko did not have to learn lightning bending but instead was able to face his father by knowing how to redirect it. Anyhow, I love this idea and it put this scene in my head: 

It was a nice evening, and that despite the fact there was a great thunderstorm coming over Ba Sing Se. Or maybe especially because of that, since it was the reason that Zuko, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Suki and Toph had interrupted their tour through the town to seek refuge in the Jasmin Dragon together. Seeing his nephew surrounded by his friends, so  relaxed and always with a small smile on his face, never failed to make him happy as well. Iroh watched them from the door frame to the kitchen from where he had juts gotten new tea. Sokka was now pretending to bend the lightning that struck outside from time to time by snapping his fingers.

“You know, that is not how you actually lightning bend, right?” Zuko interrupted his little performance. 

“Well, my deepest apologies you highness if I put dishonor on your high art of beding lighting.” Sokka dramatically took a deep bow. “Would you care to enlighten us on the matter?”

Iroh smiled. Of course Sokka would ask that. That boy seemed to be curious about everything, and never seemed to stop until he fully understood how something worked. He would make a great member of the white Lotus one day, he thought.

“Well, I never said I could it myself. Uncle once tried to teach me but it literally just blew up in face because of my inner turmoil back then” For a moment, Zuko seemed lost in the memory of back then, and a trace of the old pain returned into his his eyes. It quickly vanished, however, as Katara softly put her hand on his shoulder, and he continued speaking new enthusiasm. “But in theory, if you were to do it, you would first have to divide the positive and negative energy to create an imbalance.”

“Like so?” Sokka made a motion that looked like his was slow clapping.

“No, more like this.” Zuko made the required circular motion with his arms “And then you would have to let them collide.” 

At first, Iroh could not believe his eyes. But suddenly, there it was, with no shadow of doubt. A small lightning, flickering around his nephews hands and dipping his surprised face in purple light. He closed his eyes for a moment as he felt tears in them. Yet, he could not prevent one from running down his cheek when he heard Zuko call him, proud like a little kid that had produced his first flame: “Uncle, uncle look! I can lightning bend!”

Bow before Chieftess Yue and her consort Chief-King Zuko.

Zukos rank is directly below Yue, which was decided by them. Arnook and the council didn't like the idea, since that goes against their culture, but Zuko was raised in a society where gender doesn't determine role. He loves his wonderful, intelligent, determined wife. She's a great leader and Zuko is a good support.

**Much time later**

Hunter, to Luz, lying facedown on the bed, regretting everything: And then I called him dad, oh Titan-

Darius, downstairs in the kitchen with Raine and Eber, holding back a tiny smile: And then he called me dad-

I made a bunch of these so you can expect that this is all I'm posting for the next few days

What if zuko has body dysmorphia. Like along with the hearing and sight loss he just hates the scar so much. He can stand to see it, cringes anytime his hand brushes against it. It triggers him when people mention it.

I want zuko clawing at his face, growing out his hair just to hide it at much as possible, immediately tenses when he hears 's', the gaang is super protective of him and defends his honour anytime someone goes for a low blow, uncle tries to help zuko accept that part of himself, and the scar is like the only thing azula avoids because she's never seen zuko react like that.

#luten<333

Atla Gen Week 2022.

Day 5: Childhood/children.

This is a glimpse of our AU “Fire Sage Lu Ten”.

[ID: Mini comic with two vignettes in monochrome magenta.

In the first vignette, a pre-teen Lu Ten confidently and excitedly says “I’m a prince!, how hard can it be?” he holds Zuko and Azula who are little children in each arm, Zuko in the right arm and Azula in the left arm, they are holding hands on the front of Lu Ten. In the background on the left side it reads “Babysitter for the first time” with emphasis lines on the edge of the vignette.

In the second vignette, in a darkened stillness, Zuko and Azula are floating, both with glowing eyes, mouths open as they hold hands. Lu Ten screams frightened. End ID].

@atla-gen-week