The Taste of Tea [6/6] + Sequels [3/3] + Podfic

In which Zhao is way creepier than in canon, Zuko suffers way more than in canon, & it's hard to keep some things secret.

Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Relationship(s): Zhao/Zuko, Iroh & Zuko, Jee & Zuko, Zuko & Zuko’s crew

Summary: Wherever Zuko goes, Zhao always seems to be there, smirking & offering him tea. He doesn’t want the tea-that-is-not-just-tea. But he can’t explain why to his uncle, or tell him that the very thought of tea makes him want to scream (in rage, not fear, because princes don’t feel fear).

Note on content: There is no actual sex in this story. The rape is only referenced. Smut is absolutely not in my wheelhouse & this sure as hell wasn't gonna be the fic I decided to challenge myself on over that.

Chapter 1: The first time it happens is on Zuko’s 14th birthday.

Chapter 2: The second time, he is nearly 15. He has managed to avoid Zhao for almost a year.

Chapter 3: The third time is only a few months later.

Chapter 4: The fourth time he drinks tea given to him by Zhao, he is 16, and Zhao is now an Admiral.

Chapter 5: The crew can’t actually murder Zhao, not without consequences. But they can make him wish he was dead.

Chapter 6: Iroh does not unleash his rage. He wants to, but his nephew will only misinterpret its target.

🎙️ NOW AVAILABLE AS A PODFIC! 🎙️

Extract:

He drinks the tea and tries not to look uncomfortable as Zhao moves closer and closer. He doesn’t know how, but somehow every time he blinks the man is closer. He should say something, but what? He’s not actually doing anything wrong. (He should move closer; Zuko is his prince, and he should be hanging on his every word. It was perfectly reasonable.)

If Uncle were here, objecting would earn a stern look and a proverb on the nature of politeness and being receptive to your conversation partners.

Zuko says nothing.

Zhao is next to him now. He rests a hand on Zuko’s thigh. He wants to say something, but his head feels like it’s stuffed with cotton and his tongue won’t work properly.

Reactions to Tea [3/3]

Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Relationship(s): Zhao/Zuko (past), Mai/Zuko, Zuko & Ozai, Zuko & the Gaang

Summary: Various characters finding out & reacting to what happened.

Reaction 1: Mai - Things were bound to be awkward, rekindling a relationship after being apart for three years, but Mai hadn't expected it to be this difficult.

Reaction 2: Ozai - Ozai wants to know why his brother chose to kill an Admiral with an exemplary military record. He does not like the answer he gets.

Reaction 3: The Gaang - Zuko is acting suspiciously. Detective Sokka is on the case!