ATLA | A Whole New World | G | AO3

Context: canon-compliant “Aladdin AU” of Zuko’s date with Jin in Ba Sing Se

“So, nephew, what will it be? Your wish is my command.”

“Wish I wasn’t going on this stupid date.”

The two of them are crammed into their apartment’s tiny bathroom, Zuko sitting at the sink and Uncle Iroh standing behind him. Uncle wields a comb as threateningly as a knife, and at the moment, Zuko’s not sure which of the two could do more damage.

“Your hair has grown in so handsomely,” Uncle continues as if he hasn’t heard him. “There is much more we can do with it now.”

Zuko studies his reflection in the bathroom mirror. It’s been so long since he had a full head of hair, he almost forgot what it looked like. It’s fluffier than he thought it would be, and the sun from their travels lightened his natural black to a dark brown. Still, it’s not quite long enough yet to cover much more than his forehead.

Not that there would be any hiding the scar, anyway. Subconsciously, Zuko traces the edges with his fingers, the ropy ridges and bumps he’s long since memorized. This whole thing has to be a trick, or a trap, because why else would the girl—Jin, he had to remind himself—want to go on a date with him? He can barely stand to look at it, and it’s his own face. And before, he thought girls might be able to tolerate it if he was the Prince of the Fire Nation, but now? Who could possibly want him—no looks, no power, just him?

Uncle Iroh clears his throat with a pointed look, and Zuko immediately drops his hand back into his lap.

“I suppose I cannot grant any wish,” Uncle amends. “I cannot make her fall in love with you. But,” he says with a wistful glint in his eye, “I do know a certain style women find irresistible. It made your aunt Ilah want to run her fingers through my hair the second she saw me!”

With one last, long-suffering sigh, Zuko allows Uncle to get to work.