HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EPIC-CHAN!
An Epic Love Story
Characters: Zuko, Aang
Warnings: boys love, but nothing past kissing
Summary: A series of birthdays that all have one thing in common; Zuko is present for all of them.
Notes: This is a birthday present for xblood_rainx. Let’s all wish her an EPIC birthday!
Aang first met Zuko when he was twelve. It was on his twelfth birthday exactly.
He'd just been transferred two grades higher since, apparently, the lack of challenge on lower grades was the reason he was such a 'spirited' student. It was the principal's way of calling him a hyperactive monkey, which was his grandfather's teasing nickname for him.
Gyatso had been so proud of his prodigy grandson that Aang could never find the will to resist the transfer, even though he ended up being over a head shorter than most of his classmates (including half of the girls) who had actually already hit puberty. Also, people seemed to have an aversion to hanging out with the 'kid genius', although Aang suspected he wouldn't have had much in common with his classmates anyway.
It was a yet another typical chemistry class, with Aang being forced to work on his own due to the uneven number of students. No one really wanted a lab partner who hadn't watched last night's episode of something-or-other. It wasn't Aang's fault he still had a bedtime. Aang was just about finished setting up the work station when a bag dropped on top of the desk with a thump. Aang's eyes instantly jumped up to an angrily scowling face.
The teen was tall, taller than any other kid in Aang's class, and he had short black hair and pale gold eyes. Aang didn't recall seeing him before. He was also glaring at Aang like the shorter boy had personally offended him. Aang wondered if he was in the kid's seat or something.
"Uh, hi?" Aang braved a smile and the corners of the other boy's mouth loosened slightly. Gaining courage from that he pressed on: "I'm Aang."
"Zuko." The tall teen's tone was gruff, like he was mumbling on purpose. "The teacher said we're going to be lab partners." Zuko's gaze was shifting nervously and suddenly Aang understood; Zuko wasn't mad at him, he was just really, really, really defensive. Aang smiled brightly.
"Awesome."
Zuko looked taken aback, but Aang just kept smiling and eventually the taller boy relaxed. They started to work on the assignment in silence, but eventually Aang couldn't keep his curiosity at bay and piped up: "I don't think I've seen you in class before."
"I was on leave," Zuko grumbled, his posture and tone both evasive. "Family matters."
"Okay." Aang decided to leave it at that; family problems were a private matter. "I hope everything's solved now." That didn't mean Aang couldn't be sympathetic.
Zuko turned to look at Aang and Aang met the other's gaze with all his sincerity. Finally, Zuko's eyebrows quirked in a manner that made him look like he was smiling even when his lips stayed in that neutral line.
"Yeah, everything's okay now."
"I'm glad." Aang was all smiles and felt that some of that transferred to Zuko as well, even though the other showed no outward signs of an improved mood. Aang dared to hope he had made his first new friend. That would have been a great birthday present.
And that set an annual tradition that would be repeated for years to come.
2.
By the time of Aang's thirteenth birthday, Zuko was his best friend. Although Aang had made a few more friends since befriending Zuko, Zuko still held a special spot in Aang's heart, the spot given out to only the best of all best friends. And it really showed more often than not.
Zuko had really gone all out for Aang's birthday. There had been cake and a surprise party in the backroom of the tea house Zuko's uncle ran (and the reason behind Zuko living with his uncle was also a sign of their deep friendship, for Zuko had only ever opened up to Aang about his previously abusive homelife), complete with all of Aang's friends being invited.
There was Toph, who'd been Aang's closest friend before his transfer, Sokka, one of Aang's current classmates, and the school's entire mythology club (of which Aang was the chairman). Even Sokka's younger sister Katara had come (another super secretive for-best-friends-only secret: Aang had been crushing on Katara for months now).
Aang had tackled Zuko in his joy over the revelation of the party and Zuko had even hugged him back (even when Aang had actually sent them both tumbling to the floor in his excitement). It all proved to show just how much effort Zuko was willing to put into Aang's birthday party.
The teens celebrated with a wide variety of party games, some Aang hadn't known even existed (later on Zuko would confess to him that he had looked all the games up online, having little to no experience of such games himself) and for the finish they had all sat down to watch Aang's favorite short comedy.
After the guests had left, the two friends sat side-by-side on the railing of the teahouse veranda. The sun was low, but sunset was still a few hours away, and the late afternoon was silent and calm.
"Thanks Zuko, this was the best birthday party ever." Aang smiled widely at his friend. Zuko blushed at the praise and mumbled: "Only the best for my-" The older teen cut himself off as his blush spread all the way to his ears and he ducked his head down. "I mean, you're welcome."
Zuko still had such difficulties with affection, but Aang didn't really mind. Because, while Zuko was awkward about showing affection, he didn't really have a problem with receiving it. So when Aang leaned up against Zuko's side and the other's body yielded to make the fit more comfortable, all was right in the world.
3.
Aang spent his fourteenth birthday solely with Zuko. It was a weekday and there would be an actual party as soon as weekend rolled around. The two were lying down on the grass in Aang's back yard. Appa, Aang's Saint Bernard was serving as their pillow. Appa absolutely adored Zuko and was always happy when the teen was visiting. The big dog got so happy, in fact, that sometimes Aang wondered if he should be jealous his pet seemed to prefer his best friend to him.
"You know," Aang started off after they had run out of cloud-gazing-based jokes. "I think I might not really be into girls."
Zuko groaned, very audibly so. "Aang, that's not how you change the subject. That's just awkward."
"But I mean it," Aang whined, a bit put out that his best friend in the whole world wasn't taking him seriously. "I think I'm never going to want a girl again."
There was a moment of silence as Zuko mulled over his response, finally coming out with: "Is this about how Katara broke up with you? Trust me, a break up isn't the end of the world; plenty of people have survived it."
Honestly, Zuko was possible the most dense and oblivious person Aang had ever met. Aang was way over his break up with Katara, even though it had had him down in the dumps for a while after it had happened. No, what had Aang serious enough to reconsider his sexuality were some specific dreams he'd been having lately, all about one person.
"No, this isn't about that," Aang grumbled. "And she didn't break up with me; it was a decision we both came to in a mature manner." Yeah, if 'mature' was the same as 'avoid each other for weeks before finally gathering enough nerve to confront the matter that they'd grown apart'.
"Then why did you suddenly decide that girls weren't worth your attention anymore?" Zuko still didn't sound like he was taking Aang seriously and Aang decided he needed to do something about that first before he could explain himself to Zuko. The younger youth sat up and leaned over his friend, showing the other his best I-am-serious-and-so-should-you-be face.
"I didn't decide it suddenly," Aang started sternly. "I've been feeling like this for a while, but I only just recently figured out just what the problem with girls is."
Zuko was listening now, and Aang took a hold of all his courage before lowering his face to brush his lips against Zuko's. It was the briefest, shortest, sweetest kiss Aang had ever had, not even his most innocent ones with Katara could compare, but this was Zuko and Aang would never risk chasing Zuko off by being pushy.
Aang pulled away to look into Zuko's wide eyes. "The one fault with every girl in the world..." The younger teen took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "None of them are you."
A moment passed, one that seemed to stretch on forever. Then, finally, Zuko uttered a single syllable.
"Oh."
"And?" Aang pressed. "What's your answer?" Zuko still looked confused and Aang growled: "Will you be my boyfriend or not?"
"Ah, right, um..." Zuko looked hesitant and it broke Aang's heart to see it. What was there to hesitate about? Either Zuko felt the same or he didn't.
"Do you feel the same?" Aang asked. That relaxed Zuko's expression and the teen smiled ever-so-slightly.
"Yes. Of course."
"Great." Aang nodded. "Then let's make out." He leaned back down, only to be stopped by Zuko's hand on his mouth. "Mfft."
"Sorry, Aang, but I can't be your boyfriend." Zuko looked apologetic, but his tone was strangely amused and so it didn't come across all that sincere.
"The heck?" Aang pulled his face out of Zuko's grip. "Why not?"
Zuko lifted a brow at him, like he was stupid (only Zuko ever gave the child prodigy that look). "Because I promised Uncle Iroh to always be responsible when dating. I'm sure I've told you about it before. We'll go out after you've turned sixteen."
Aang stared at Zuko, at first not comprehending what nonsense his friend was spouting; it was like a foreign language.
"WHAT?"
Startled, Appa dashed off from underneath Zuko, sending the teens toppling to the ground. And that was the closest Aang got to jumping Zuko for years.
4.
Despite only having turned fifteen that very day, Aang felt very, very old. There was a very simple reason for this. Zuko had gotten glasses.
About a month ago Zuko had finally gone to see the optician because of his constant squinting during lessons and it had turned out that Zuko had developed nearsightedness. The older male had been fitted with glasses and was now wearing them almost constantly. And looking very hot while doing so.
Aang hadn't even suspected a possible glasses kink until he'd seen a pair on Zuko's face, or maybe anything about Zuko was Aang's kink, since ever since the day one year ago when he'd confessed his feelings for the older youth, Aang hadn't looked at another person with much interest.
"So..." Aang drawled as he scooted next to Zuko on the living room couch. The show they were watching had just gone on a commercial break so Aang thought it was as good a time as any to start talking. "I turned fifteen today."
"I know," Zuko replied deadpan. "I congratulated you as soon as I came over; I even got you a present." Said present had been a Benders band cap and Aang had wondered just how Zuko had managed to get Benders merchandise when said band was the favorite of every teenager in the city, possibly the country.
"And it was an awesome present," Aang said with a grin. "But, you know, fifteen isn't that far away from sixteen..."
"No."
"Really?" Aang's eyes widened in surprise; he'd been sure he'd have to pressure Zuko some more. "So you agree?"
"No." Zuko turned to give him a stern glare. "I mean 'no, I won't sleep with you'. Not until you're over the legal age of consent."
"Hrnh." Aang leaned back in his seat with a pout. "It's not like I wouldn't have been happy with just platonic dating, or even just a kiss..."
"Well, if it's just a kiss, and if you're not scared of Toph kicking your ass for touching me before I turn eighteen..." Zuko lifted a brow and it was so very attractive with those cute oval-shaped glasses and Aang let out a whine.
Zuko chuckled. "Well, I won't tell if you won't." And then Zuko had leaned over and kissed him.
Again, it wasn't much of a kiss, but it was certainly longer than their first one. And then they separated, Zuko was smirking. "Happy birthday."
Toph was scary, and protective of her 'big bro' Zuko, but Aang would risk her wrath for one more of those kisses. And so Aang fell against Zuko in another kiss, one that was returned ever-so-softly.
It was tradition; Zuko always gave Aang the best birthday presents. And Aang wasn't thinking about the cap.
Characters: Zuko, Aang
Warnings: boys love, but nothing past kissing
Summary: A series of birthdays that all have one thing in common; Zuko is present for all of them.
Notes: This is a birthday present for xblood_rainx. Let’s all wish her an EPIC birthday!
Aang first met Zuko when he was twelve. It was on his twelfth birthday exactly.
He'd just been transferred two grades higher since, apparently, the lack of challenge on lower grades was the reason he was such a 'spirited' student. It was the principal's way of calling him a hyperactive monkey, which was his grandfather's teasing nickname for him.
Gyatso had been so proud of his prodigy grandson that Aang could never find the will to resist the transfer, even though he ended up being over a head shorter than most of his classmates (including half of the girls) who had actually already hit puberty. Also, people seemed to have an aversion to hanging out with the 'kid genius', although Aang suspected he wouldn't have had much in common with his classmates anyway.
It was a yet another typical chemistry class, with Aang being forced to work on his own due to the uneven number of students. No one really wanted a lab partner who hadn't watched last night's episode of something-or-other. It wasn't Aang's fault he still had a bedtime. Aang was just about finished setting up the work station when a bag dropped on top of the desk with a thump. Aang's eyes instantly jumped up to an angrily scowling face.
The teen was tall, taller than any other kid in Aang's class, and he had short black hair and pale gold eyes. Aang didn't recall seeing him before. He was also glaring at Aang like the shorter boy had personally offended him. Aang wondered if he was in the kid's seat or something.
"Uh, hi?" Aang braved a smile and the corners of the other boy's mouth loosened slightly. Gaining courage from that he pressed on: "I'm Aang."
"Zuko." The tall teen's tone was gruff, like he was mumbling on purpose. "The teacher said we're going to be lab partners." Zuko's gaze was shifting nervously and suddenly Aang understood; Zuko wasn't mad at him, he was just really, really, really defensive. Aang smiled brightly.
"Awesome."
Zuko looked taken aback, but Aang just kept smiling and eventually the taller boy relaxed. They started to work on the assignment in silence, but eventually Aang couldn't keep his curiosity at bay and piped up: "I don't think I've seen you in class before."
"I was on leave," Zuko grumbled, his posture and tone both evasive. "Family matters."
"Okay." Aang decided to leave it at that; family problems were a private matter. "I hope everything's solved now." That didn't mean Aang couldn't be sympathetic.
Zuko turned to look at Aang and Aang met the other's gaze with all his sincerity. Finally, Zuko's eyebrows quirked in a manner that made him look like he was smiling even when his lips stayed in that neutral line.
"Yeah, everything's okay now."
"I'm glad." Aang was all smiles and felt that some of that transferred to Zuko as well, even though the other showed no outward signs of an improved mood. Aang dared to hope he had made his first new friend. That would have been a great birthday present.
And that set an annual tradition that would be repeated for years to come.
2.
By the time of Aang's thirteenth birthday, Zuko was his best friend. Although Aang had made a few more friends since befriending Zuko, Zuko still held a special spot in Aang's heart, the spot given out to only the best of all best friends. And it really showed more often than not.
Zuko had really gone all out for Aang's birthday. There had been cake and a surprise party in the backroom of the tea house Zuko's uncle ran (and the reason behind Zuko living with his uncle was also a sign of their deep friendship, for Zuko had only ever opened up to Aang about his previously abusive homelife), complete with all of Aang's friends being invited.
There was Toph, who'd been Aang's closest friend before his transfer, Sokka, one of Aang's current classmates, and the school's entire mythology club (of which Aang was the chairman). Even Sokka's younger sister Katara had come (another super secretive for-best-friends-only secret: Aang had been crushing on Katara for months now).
Aang had tackled Zuko in his joy over the revelation of the party and Zuko had even hugged him back (even when Aang had actually sent them both tumbling to the floor in his excitement). It all proved to show just how much effort Zuko was willing to put into Aang's birthday party.
The teens celebrated with a wide variety of party games, some Aang hadn't known even existed (later on Zuko would confess to him that he had looked all the games up online, having little to no experience of such games himself) and for the finish they had all sat down to watch Aang's favorite short comedy.
After the guests had left, the two friends sat side-by-side on the railing of the teahouse veranda. The sun was low, but sunset was still a few hours away, and the late afternoon was silent and calm.
"Thanks Zuko, this was the best birthday party ever." Aang smiled widely at his friend. Zuko blushed at the praise and mumbled: "Only the best for my-" The older teen cut himself off as his blush spread all the way to his ears and he ducked his head down. "I mean, you're welcome."
Zuko still had such difficulties with affection, but Aang didn't really mind. Because, while Zuko was awkward about showing affection, he didn't really have a problem with receiving it. So when Aang leaned up against Zuko's side and the other's body yielded to make the fit more comfortable, all was right in the world.
3.
Aang spent his fourteenth birthday solely with Zuko. It was a weekday and there would be an actual party as soon as weekend rolled around. The two were lying down on the grass in Aang's back yard. Appa, Aang's Saint Bernard was serving as their pillow. Appa absolutely adored Zuko and was always happy when the teen was visiting. The big dog got so happy, in fact, that sometimes Aang wondered if he should be jealous his pet seemed to prefer his best friend to him.
"You know," Aang started off after they had run out of cloud-gazing-based jokes. "I think I might not really be into girls."
Zuko groaned, very audibly so. "Aang, that's not how you change the subject. That's just awkward."
"But I mean it," Aang whined, a bit put out that his best friend in the whole world wasn't taking him seriously. "I think I'm never going to want a girl again."
There was a moment of silence as Zuko mulled over his response, finally coming out with: "Is this about how Katara broke up with you? Trust me, a break up isn't the end of the world; plenty of people have survived it."
Honestly, Zuko was possible the most dense and oblivious person Aang had ever met. Aang was way over his break up with Katara, even though it had had him down in the dumps for a while after it had happened. No, what had Aang serious enough to reconsider his sexuality were some specific dreams he'd been having lately, all about one person.
"No, this isn't about that," Aang grumbled. "And she didn't break up with me; it was a decision we both came to in a mature manner." Yeah, if 'mature' was the same as 'avoid each other for weeks before finally gathering enough nerve to confront the matter that they'd grown apart'.
"Then why did you suddenly decide that girls weren't worth your attention anymore?" Zuko still didn't sound like he was taking Aang seriously and Aang decided he needed to do something about that first before he could explain himself to Zuko. The younger youth sat up and leaned over his friend, showing the other his best I-am-serious-and-so-should-you-be face.
"I didn't decide it suddenly," Aang started sternly. "I've been feeling like this for a while, but I only just recently figured out just what the problem with girls is."
Zuko was listening now, and Aang took a hold of all his courage before lowering his face to brush his lips against Zuko's. It was the briefest, shortest, sweetest kiss Aang had ever had, not even his most innocent ones with Katara could compare, but this was Zuko and Aang would never risk chasing Zuko off by being pushy.
Aang pulled away to look into Zuko's wide eyes. "The one fault with every girl in the world..." The younger teen took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "None of them are you."
A moment passed, one that seemed to stretch on forever. Then, finally, Zuko uttered a single syllable.
"Oh."
"And?" Aang pressed. "What's your answer?" Zuko still looked confused and Aang growled: "Will you be my boyfriend or not?"
"Ah, right, um..." Zuko looked hesitant and it broke Aang's heart to see it. What was there to hesitate about? Either Zuko felt the same or he didn't.
"Do you feel the same?" Aang asked. That relaxed Zuko's expression and the teen smiled ever-so-slightly.
"Yes. Of course."
"Great." Aang nodded. "Then let's make out." He leaned back down, only to be stopped by Zuko's hand on his mouth. "Mfft."
"Sorry, Aang, but I can't be your boyfriend." Zuko looked apologetic, but his tone was strangely amused and so it didn't come across all that sincere.
"The heck?" Aang pulled his face out of Zuko's grip. "Why not?"
Zuko lifted a brow at him, like he was stupid (only Zuko ever gave the child prodigy that look). "Because I promised Uncle Iroh to always be responsible when dating. I'm sure I've told you about it before. We'll go out after you've turned sixteen."
Aang stared at Zuko, at first not comprehending what nonsense his friend was spouting; it was like a foreign language.
"WHAT?"
Startled, Appa dashed off from underneath Zuko, sending the teens toppling to the ground. And that was the closest Aang got to jumping Zuko for years.
4.
Despite only having turned fifteen that very day, Aang felt very, very old. There was a very simple reason for this. Zuko had gotten glasses.
About a month ago Zuko had finally gone to see the optician because of his constant squinting during lessons and it had turned out that Zuko had developed nearsightedness. The older male had been fitted with glasses and was now wearing them almost constantly. And looking very hot while doing so.
Aang hadn't even suspected a possible glasses kink until he'd seen a pair on Zuko's face, or maybe anything about Zuko was Aang's kink, since ever since the day one year ago when he'd confessed his feelings for the older youth, Aang hadn't looked at another person with much interest.
"So..." Aang drawled as he scooted next to Zuko on the living room couch. The show they were watching had just gone on a commercial break so Aang thought it was as good a time as any to start talking. "I turned fifteen today."
"I know," Zuko replied deadpan. "I congratulated you as soon as I came over; I even got you a present." Said present had been a Benders band cap and Aang had wondered just how Zuko had managed to get Benders merchandise when said band was the favorite of every teenager in the city, possibly the country.
"And it was an awesome present," Aang said with a grin. "But, you know, fifteen isn't that far away from sixteen..."
"No."
"Really?" Aang's eyes widened in surprise; he'd been sure he'd have to pressure Zuko some more. "So you agree?"
"No." Zuko turned to give him a stern glare. "I mean 'no, I won't sleep with you'. Not until you're over the legal age of consent."
"Hrnh." Aang leaned back in his seat with a pout. "It's not like I wouldn't have been happy with just platonic dating, or even just a kiss..."
"Well, if it's just a kiss, and if you're not scared of Toph kicking your ass for touching me before I turn eighteen..." Zuko lifted a brow and it was so very attractive with those cute oval-shaped glasses and Aang let out a whine.
Zuko chuckled. "Well, I won't tell if you won't." And then Zuko had leaned over and kissed him.
Again, it wasn't much of a kiss, but it was certainly longer than their first one. And then they separated, Zuko was smirking. "Happy birthday."
Toph was scary, and protective of her 'big bro' Zuko, but Aang would risk her wrath for one more of those kisses. And so Aang fell against Zuko in another kiss, one that was returned ever-so-softly.
It was tradition; Zuko always gave Aang the best birthday presents. And Aang wasn't thinking about the cap.