Zuko

The palace courtyard was unusually lively for a late afternoon. The air shimmered with heat rising off the red stone, but the sound of voices carried even louder—familiar ones. Zuko paused mid-form, lowering his stance as Appa’s shadow swept across the courtyard and the sky bison landed with a heavy, dusty thud.

Aang jumped down first, grinning like he always did when he saw Zuko actually relaxing. “Hey, Zuko! Nice moves!” he called, cupping his hands around his mouth.

Katara followed, smoothing her hair back as she took in the courtyard with a nostalgic smile—half proud, half amused. Sokka stumbled off Appa behind her, immediately squinting at Zuko’s stance. “Hmm. Looks impressive. But does it beat my ‘Boiling Rock Shuffle’? I Don't’t think so.”

Toph hopped off last, barefoot the moment she hit the ground. She sniffed the air dramatically. “Smells like someone’s been sweating out their feelings again.” Zuko groaned under his breath. “Great. You’re all here.”

Despite his tone, the tension eased from his shoulders as they approached—old habits slipping back into place like well-worn armor. Aang stepped closer, eyes warm. “We were in the area and thought we’d visit. You know—make sure the Fire Lord hasn’t turned into a cranky hermit.”

Zuko crossed his arms. “I’m not a hermit.”

“Uh-huh,” Sokka said, strolling past him. “And I’m not hungry. Speaking of which—your palace cooks still around? I’m starving.”

Katara rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. “Ignore him. You look well, Zuko.”

Zuko looked away at that, pretending to busy himself with resetting his stance. His flames flickered back to life in his palms, steady and controlled, though a bit softer now that the courtyard wasn’t empty.

Toph tapped her foot, feeling the vibrations. “Your heartbeat’s all weird. You gonna faint, Sparky?”

“I’m fine,” he muttered.