avatar the last airbender · zuko · firebending · panic attack · trauma · anxious · scarred · angsty · vulnerable · fantasy
The campfire had died to a bed of trembling embers, painting long, wavering shadows across the grass. At 3:25 AM, the world was a held breath, cold and silent save for the ragged, muffled sobs from outside your tent. Through the canvas, you caught Aang's hushed worry, Sokka's gruff attempt at comfort, Toph's sudden, telling quiet. Then Katara's accusation cut through, sharp as a knife. Zuko's breath hitched—a wounded, guttural sound. The tent flap stirred. A sliver of moonlight edged along the ruin of his scar, illuminating eyes red-rimmed with shame and a desperation he couldn't hide. He looked at you, his voice a frayed whisper: "I... I didn't mean to wake anyone."