bakerstreet | He is my brother and the other half of me.

He is my brother and the other half of me.

The (possibly AU) Sibling Incest Meme

Incest is, despite its taboo nature in most societies, actually a pretty popular convention in both romantic fiction and works of a more erotic bent, in everything from period or fantasy pieces to series taking place in places like modern day Japan. Still, the most common configuration in these fictions are the pairing of siblings. Perhaps this is because of the usual lack of age difference and power dynamic that exists in child/adult relative pairings, though this is not always the case. Because of this, a sexual or romantic relationship between siblings can almost seem, well, romantic in the right light. Of course, more often than not, there's a dark side under the veneer of forbidden love.

This meme is for those who would like to play out that, either the darkness or the light - or both.

HOW TO PLAY

-Comment with your character and preferences. Be sure to mention any hard lines you have.
-Comment around to others. PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO FACILITATE CROSS-CANON TAGGING, THIS MEME WILL BE CONSIDERED AN AU FAIR GAME ZONE. Feel free to comment in with characters who do not canonically have siblings or comment to people from other fandoms.
-Be respectful of others.

PROMPTS

1. Feeling Strange: You've known this person your entire life, yet lately you've been feeling...different about them. These feelings aren't exactly familial, either.
2. Not as Normal Families: Whatever the specifics of the case may be, your childhood was not the norm, and thus the two of you have grown close that way.
3. Raised Apart: Scientists believe that when siblings are raised together under normal circumstances, they will not find each other sexually attractive; however, if they are reared apart, they may be highly attracted to each other when they meet as adults.
4. Only Kin by Name: Psuedo-incest between step siblings or adopted siblings is not quite as taboo, but you could still be looked down upon for harboring those desires for someone who is a member of your family by one way or another.
5. Defender: One of you is older and has always looked after the other, meaning that something has grown between you that is thicker than any blood.
6. Guilty: You feel terrible for these longings toward your own flesh and blood, and you do your best to stop them. But can you choose who you want to be with? And how disciplined are you when it's someone you care for in other ways?
7. Dysfunctional: You don't have a good relationship as siblings, yet your relationship as lovers is great.
8. There's Nothing Wrong Here: To you, incest is a casual affair and the "forbidden" aspect is lost. Sorry you were grounded, big brother. Here, since you can't go out, let me be your girlfriend for the night.
9. Like Looking in a Mirror: The two of you are closer than siblings: you're twins. You share everything, so why is your love any different?
10. Skirting the Line: Stolen glances. Lips only a breath away. You're walking a fine line here. You haven't become physical...yet.
11. Got a Secret, Better Keep It: Needless to say, an incestuous relationship is not one that can see the light of day. You'd better keep it behind closed doors.
12. Jealousy: You can't stand the idea of sharing your beloved sibling with someone else, yet it's hard to make this known without blowing your cover.
13. As One: The obligatory smut prompt, whether it be the first time or one of many the two of you steal away.
14. The Things I Do for Love: You'll do anything to protect your love affair with you sibling and make sure no one interferes. Anything.
15. And You'll Be My Queen: It may seem as though the light will never come, but you want to make promises to your most precious sibling that one day, you'll live as any normal couple.
16. Anyone Who Isn't Us is the Enemy: You're in a dangerous climate, and the only one you can depend on is your flesh and blood - bringing you closer together.
17. No Choice in the Matter: Your sibling is not a willing participant in your debauchery, but they endure your cruelty, grooming, and manipulation because you are their brother or sister.
18. No One Like You: There truly is no one who can love you like the person who is closest to being you, bone of your bone. You perfectly understand each other and your love is pure.
19. Where No One Knows Our Faces: You've decided to flee your current life and live as new people among those who don't know that you're related.
20. Out in the Light: A secret no more, the two of you have decided to bring your affair out into the open. You will face the world, no matter what it does.
21. Rejection: Someone - friends, family, etc - has found out what you two have done and are disgusted by it. Will you turn to each other for comfort?
22. The End: Being with someone so unattainable is tiring, and one day, you may grow weary of stowing everything away, locking your heart up, or feeling so shamed. This must cease. But can you go back to being just siblings?
23. Not Really Related After All: Perhaps the most cliche of tropes, though it's often used to "justify" incest. Turns out the two of you aren't really siblings! Now, you can pursue a relationship freely.
24. Part of the Same Whole: You're meant to be together, you firmly believe it.
25. Sick and Twisted: The fact that you two are siblings actually is a kink/fetish for you. You get off to all of this.
26. FREESTYLE

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[ Kira very wanted, or AUing siblings, half-siblings, step-siblings, twins or otherwise. ]

[ Let's be real: if we go with canon, then 7 is a given. ]

[If you're up for it, 5 and 12? Aqua could be older (not by much, maybe a year or two?) But also open to any other combination.]

[ I'd be absolutely down for that! I'm more than okay with any assumed CR or AU that you have in mind for the two of them. ]

[Aqua, the odd turtleduck of the family. The one who preferred to stay out of the spotlight, but was thrust into it because of the nature of her birth. It would be an honor to any child to be born into the Fire Nation's Imperial family. First born princess, the one to uphold the crown and set the standards for her siblings. She was certainly smart, managing to surpass her teacher's expectations...but that only made the Fire Lord put more pressure on her.

She had eyes made of cold-blooded fire. She had to be extraordinary, least she be punished. The young woman tried to hide it as much as she could from her siblings, though it appeared her efforts were in vain. Azula took Aqua's accomplishment's as a challenge and sought to overthrow her. Whereas Zuko...

In trying to gain the approval of their father, he lost his way. He was banished, and Aqua found herself mourning his presence everyday while he was away. Until he returned home a hero for killing the avatar and putting their beloved Uncle in jail...

It was a bitter pill to swallow. Part of her was happy to see Zuko was back, the other...was furious at the actions he took.

For the sake of keeping up appearances, she went to the banquet held in her siblings honor. A glorious feast to celebrate another victory for the Fire Nation. She was waiting for the right moment to speak with Zuko and she finally had her chance when Azula beckoned Mai to go to her side.

Aqua made her way to her brother, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.]

Happy to have you back. [Not home, the palace wasn't home anymore. Not since their mother left.] Your room should be the same as before. I made sure Azula didn't mess with it.

[ After their mother had disappeared, Zuko had very few good memories of the Fire Nation, or of his family in particular. Aside from his uncle, who had accompanied him into exile, Aqua was the only family member left that had shown him genuine kindness.

This entire situation — returning home with a hero's welcome, having been given credit for something that he hadn't even done, having betrayed his uncle's trust — it doesn't feel real to him. This is supposed to be everything he's ever wanted, and yet, it's hollow, almost meaningless.... especially since he knew, deep in his heart, that the Avatar wasn't really dead.

He's distracted by his own nagging doubts, lost in his own errant thoughts when Aqua first approaches him. But she's important enough to him that he pushes those to the back of his mind, returning her empty smile with one of his own. ]

Thank you. [ His smile wavers, and he lowers his gaze. ] It's nice to know you were still thinking about me even while I was gone.

[ He certainly thought a lot about her. Perhaps maybe a little too much. The cruelest thing about his exile was that he wasn't even able to contact her at all. ]

[They couldn't contact one another while he was in exile, leaving Aqua to take other actions. She had men of her own that she trusted. Good men who were able to smug notes and letters to their Uncle. A way for her to keep tabs on her family without arousing suspicion from their father, or Azula. There was only so much she could do without putting more lives at risk for her own selfish desires.

But that was in the past, now she had her brother within arm's reach...yet, it felt as though they were strangers. His smile mimicked hers. A worrisome sign, not one Aqua could discuss freely in the company they had around them.]

Of course, you are my favorite brother. [Because he was the only one she had. He was the only one who tried to heed her warnings. The only one she could really connect to. The one she held so tightly when the news of their mother reached them.]

And if I'm not your favorite sister, I won't take it to heart. [Hint of a joke there. As Azula would probably take offense to it...everything was always a contest.]

Anyway...I wanted to see you before I retired for the evening. Father has me meeting someone tomorrow. [Someone she wasn't interested in meeting, but if their Father wished it, they had to go along with it.

Though, it was hard to tell if Ozai was introducing men to Aqua because he felt it was time to have his empire grow further, or if he was looking to her to spot any weaknesses.]

[ "My favorite brother." Even knowing he's her only brother, it still feels nice to hear her say those words. They might be playful, but they don't have the same sort of patronizing bite that they would have coming from Azula. Aside from her appealing to Zuko when he was vacillating between helping the Avatar and regaining his father's approval, Azula had never been particularly sympathetic to him, but Aqua had been the one bright spot in his immediate family in the days leading up to his exile.

Often, he'd had the thought that if he was going to fall in love with someone one day, he hoped that they were a lot like her.

He manages somewhat of a more genuine smile at her joke, but that only lasts until she changes the subject. It takes him a second to realize what she means when she mentions that their father is having her meet "someone," but when the realization dawns on him, he feels something — something that doesn't sit well in his stomach. ]

I guess that means you're not looking forward to it. [ Or maybe that's just what he hopes she's feeling. It's dumb — she's his sister. If she finds someone, he should be happy for her, as long as it's someone who makes her happy.

But they won't appreciate her like she deserves to be appreciated. Such thoughts are unbecoming of the younger brother of the crown princess, and he knows it, but he still feels them all the same. ]

Look... we haven't really had time to catch up since I got back to the Fire Nation. At the very least, why don't you walk with me? It'll be nice to talk without... [ He looks over her shoulder at the dignitaries and guards still present in the area. ] ...interruptions.

It's an honor that Father wants me to meet with someone he deems...appropriate. [They were still within earshot of other dignitaries, and guards. Others who had complete loyalty to the Fire Lord, who wouldn't waste a moment to rush back to him to say his eldest was not behaving in an acceptable and respectable way. Or worse, believed she had disrespected him. Azula would practically jump at the chance.

But, by the way she hesitated on the right word and the use of 'honor,' it was clear she wasn't excited about it.]

Though, it would be nice if it wasn't taking tomorrow. Father has his reasons. [A small shrug, just in case it was clear to Zuko. Sometimes he could be a bit oblivious, but so could she. A family trait, Aqua supposed.

At Zuko's suggestion, Aqua blinked twice. Taken a back by his willingness to leave his own party, she thought he would want to stay.] Are you sure? I thought you were having fun. [She glanced over to Mai, Ty Lee and Azula who seemed to be talking--more like Azula regaling them with more tales of her own greatness. On second thought...]

Actually, I would love that. Come on. [Aqua tilted her head towards the door, trying to walk out of the party without drawing too much suspicion to either of them.]

[ Zuko knows his sister well enough to know when her words don't quite match her true feelings, and with that knowledge, it's obvious that she doesn't have any interest in whatever arrangement their father has in mind for her. It comes as a small relief, though. Even though she's the Crown Princess, next in line to inherit the position of Fire Lord, even she's subject to their father's whims, just as he is.

Which he doesn't imagine sits well with her, either. But just as he does — just as even Azula probably does — she keeps those feelings to herself. They all know the consequences of speaking out against their father, don't they?

He nods in agreement, then gives a brief look over his shoulder at Mai. Azula's commanding her attention right now, but even so, he's able to make eye contact. One look is all he needs to know that Mai understands — he's catching up with his sister. The one that he's actually close to. ]

Right. Let's go.

[ He turns to walk with her toward the door. At this hour, most of the guards will be outside the palace or attending to the Fire Lord himself, so they should be able to speak more or less freely, so long as they keep their voices down. There are still some things he doesn't dare say — such as that he believes the Avatar is still alive, or that he feels troubled about his actions and what happened to their uncle, or that he wasn't even the one to strike a blow against the Avatar in the first place.

But at least they can talk about other things. ]

You look good. I mean— I haven't seen you in a few years. Not that I forgot what you looked like or anything, but... [ He sighs, frustrated with himself. ] ...You know what I mean.

[The air is cooler outside and less stifling than the banquet hall. The fact that there are fewer guards also helps to lighten the atmosphere between the two of them. As they were leaving, she could've sworn Zuko had looked for Mai--and why wouldn't he? They had known each other since they were running around in diapers. They were friends? Or had something grown between them when they were in Ba Sing Se?

Then again, why would it be any of Aqua's business? As long as Zuko was happy that's all that should matter. He was finally having some semblance of it, but to the older sibling, it felt...hollow. There was a piece, or pieces of them missing--their mother, and their Uncle Iroh. Not that she would say any of it out loud. It would serve to bring the mood down. She should be happy he was back--something she should focus her mind on...and not what was weighing on her mind.]

Ahh, thank you? [Compliments about her beauty or her grace always left Aqua feeling a bit flustered. They felt foreign as beauty and grace had no actual standard. A punch, a form--they had standards to adhere to and could be judge. But something as abstract as beauty? Aqua didn't feel like it applied to her, crown princess or not.

But, he didn't forget about her--that was more important.] Well, I haven't forgotten what you looked like, though... [Aqua stopped in their walk just for a moment to compare their heights.] It appears you've grown slightly taller than me. Slightly.

[Because 'big' sister meant she had to be taller. At least that's what she used to tease Zuko with when they were much younger.]

You look good too, Zuko. I was hoping to see you again...either here or out in the world. [Be it because she was inspecting things for their Father, or because fate decided to intervene and place them both at the same place, at the same time.] I missed you a lot.

[ The fresh air is a welcome change from the stuffy atmosphere of the banquet hall. Or maybe it was all the praise that their father was heaping upon him that felt suffocating. Whatever the case, he feels more at ease now that it's just the two of them, and his posture becomes more relaxed as well. He hadn't realized how much tension he was holding in his body, and only now that he doesn't have to put on airs for anyone does he realize just how much he was holding in.

He has gotten taller than her, hasn't he? It only makes sense, but still, it goes to show just how much time has passed, just how long he'd been in exile. While Azula has also gotten older, the change is more pronounced in the two of them. He's grown taller, and Aqua... he really shouldn't be thinking about how attractive she's gotten. First of all, she never was one to really handle those kinds of compliments, and second, she's his older sister.

But no amount of not thinking about it won't make it not true. ]

I missed you too. I didn't know if I'd ever get to see you again. It got pretty lonely at times, and sometimes I wished that you were there, but... I wouldn't want you to get exiled like I did.

[ It's part of what Azula had promised him in order to get him to turn against Katara and the Avatar — that Aqua missed him, that he'd get to see her again if he just joined her and came home. It eats away at him that he had to choose between his uncle and the rest of his family like that, but at least he gets to see her again. ]

...It's all in the past now anyway. Father's accepted me back, and now we're together. That's what's important, right?

[ The unspoken part is that ever since their mother left, their family hasn't been whole. And it probably won't be whole again, but they still have each other.

That his hand lingers near hers goes unnoticed by him, but he can't help but want to be close to her right now. After everything he's endured, a comforting presence like hers... it's exactly what he needs, whether he realizes it or not. ]

I know... [Aqua murmured, bowing her head, wishing--yearning to tell him she had written to their Uncle to hear if he was okay. One sided communication as not to put his life in even more danger than it already was. The only things she could do were to keep Ozai's attention focused on her and not Azula. As powerful as their youngest sibling was, she wasn't fit for the crown.

Were any of them ready for the weight of that wretched thing? Aqua didn't know, but it would be on her head soon enough.] I know, Zuko. [She raised her head again, her blue eyes meeting his golden ones.]

Yes, but, we must also learn from the past. So we may not make the same mistakes again. [It was important that they were together again, that their 'family' was whole now, but they had to be more careful than ever. One little slip up and Ozai could banish Zuko--or worse, kill him. As much as Aqua could love a father like Ozai, she would stop him if he attempted to take his life.

Aqua pushed the thoughts away from her mind, moving forward to start walking again. Without thinking, she reached for Zuko's hand for him to follow her.] What's also important is telling me of your adventures. You've probably explored every inch of the world by now. Tell me what it's like.