there’s not many instances where zuko will initiate physical contact. he’s firelord now ; there’s protocol, and he must act in a very stand - up manner. for much of his life, affection was labeled as weakness. it was a sign of vulnerability, which could lead to downfall. but he’s accepting it now. slowly but surely he is breaking from the words of ozai. the first few years as firelord were difficult. zuko had not yet fully found himself despite undergoing a metamorphosis and joining the avatar. there was much to learn and understand. but the crown weighs a bit lighter. he now knows that it’s a sign of strength to have a healthy support system. yet even still, zuko has not found a home. the fire palace is so large it swallows him sometimes. aang and toph have been around, but they have their own individual duties -- he does not blame them. and uncle iroh has been running the tea shop in ba sing se. all his uncle has wanted is a peaceful life. zuko will not rob that of him. so when he has been called to action by old friends, he answers.
of course, the firelord has kept in contact with sokka and katara, but not in person. not until now. they’ve been rebuilding just as he has. all places must blossom from the ashes of the fire nation, including the fire nation itself. it finally feels as if a sense of stability has fallen over them, a blanket of peace. and he’s tired. it’s taken a lot to do this. zuko has constantly questioned himself, his leadership, his strength. for a moment, zuko can breathe a sigh of relief here. it’s absolutely freezing, even COLDER than he remembers. he may have the dragon’s breath, but he is no longer entirely motivated by survival instincts. there’s a level of needed comfort now. and the fire nation does not typically fare well in either pole. but as he looks over the sky, he sees something beautiful. thousands of dancing lights shimmer in the sky. is it from the spirit world, he wonders ? it feels otherworldy. ethereal.
this isn’t his home. but it’s never really a place that has defined where he belongs. the nation that was supposed to live him shunned him, and he has traveled all around the world. BANISHED. it was always people who made him feel welcome. his eyes fall on katara. he should be staring at the natural vision in the sky, but it instead falls on someone who defined much of his inner journey. someone who is a natural vision. the fire lord is still in awe of her power. he should feel stupid wearing all of this, freezing, and out of his element ; but something warm settles in his heart.
❛ thank you for this, katara. ❜ what is meant to be a side - hug turns into a true embrace, deepening as he thinks just how tired he was before he came. this was much desired respite and re - connection with those who were integral in defeating his father. ❛ this is exactly what i needed. ❜
@mamittuk requested a hug.