Chapter Text
You are one of Azula's best friends. You work in the theater, you're also a singer, and you perform both at the palace and in various locations throughout the Fire Nation. You're not skilled in combat, nor do you have mastery of Firebending, but your voice and movements can captivate even the most ruthless.
That night, you were asked to welcome Azula, who was returning victorious after conquering Ba Sing Se, and Zuko, who after three years of exile had managed to end the Avatar's life cycle, returning as a hero.
You don't like how the Fire Nation governs, but it is your duty to obey orders.
When night fell and the guests settled in, it was time for your presentation.
You entered the stage in a delicate pink satin and tulle dress that shimmered under the lights, adorned with light green leaves and flowers. Your loose hair was crowned with blossoms. The light focused on you, and you could see Azula and Zuko sitting at a table in front, though you couldn't make out their faces, and there was no sign of Fire Lord Ozai.
Your fellow actors began to play their instruments as you started to sing, moving gracefully, following the rhythm and lyrics of the song:
•KaliUchis - Heaven is a Home•
"Hey, could you quiet down?
There's too many sounds
And the world could really use some rest
I prayed every night to take me far away
Now I've got way more than what I asked
Some days it's so hard to care about my fate
Til I remember just how far I came"
Your hands rest on your chest, and you extend one towards the sky.
"Shining through the clouds
See a smiling face
And it gives me faith
Yeah, it gives me hope
Cause heaven is a home
Wherever I'm with you
All I wanted was a home
And heaven knows
That every word is true
I'm at home wherever I'm with you"
You sing softly, like a spell that envelops the air.
"Tired of the world
They're on my last damn nerve
Could life be heaven on earth?
After the hell we been through?
Stay away from my baby
Stay away from my home
That's all I ask of the world
That's all I ask of you"
You turn around gently.
"Don't forget why they're so mad
Look at just how deeply we've been blessed
Shining through the clouds
See a smiling face
And it gives me faith
Yeah, it gives me hope"
You twirled gracefully and your dress billowed elegantly in the air.
"Cause heaven is a home
Wherever I'm with you
All I wanted was a home
And heaven knows
That every word is true
I'm at home wherever I'm with you"
You gently stop your dance, bringing it to an end.
"This is a story of a girl
Who was once imprisoned by her own mind
And freedom's never felt this good"
You end up putting your hands to your chest, feeling every word and every gaze fixed on you.
The song ended amidst soft applause. The stage lights dimmed, and it was time to leave. You walked calmly toward your dressing room.
You and the boys headed to your trailers; each had your own space with a bed and changing area, just what you needed for a night away from home. You had your faithful mare, Dixie, a white Percheron with brown spots and blue eyes. Her long, white mane made her both imposing and noble.
As you were feeding her in the palace stable, a noise behind you made you tense up. Before you could react…
—AHHH! —you lunged at the mysterious man, pushing him to the ground, holding his shoulders tightly.
—Reader…?— said a hooded young man, that voice…
—Who are you…?— you asked, taking a step back and kneeling in front of him.
—It's me... Zuko.— he said, removing his hood.
—Zuko… wow! —you exclaimed, hugging him joyfully.
—It's so good to see you! You completely knocked me down— he said sadly.
—You scared me, I thought you were a weird man!— you replied, laughing.
You quickly separated and Zuko sat up, offering you his hand to help you up.
For a second, as Dixie huffed peacefully beside you, the past, the present, and everything you had lived through seemed to converge in that silent instant, charged with something that went beyond friendship… Because you had liked Zuko before his exile, but you had never said anything.
—Haha, I hope you enjoyed the welcome... I was so excited to see you again. How are you feeling?— you asked softly, moving a little closer to him.
Zuko lowered his gaze; his expression always concealed more than it revealed.
—It's been more than three years since I was exiled... what has changed in me?— he whispered, as if speaking more to himself than to you.
You dared to reach out and gently caress her cheek. Her skin was warm, and you felt it tense at your touch.
—Well, whatever has changed in you... I like you the way you are now. The trip changed you, Zuko; you seem more mature. And... whatever has been bothering you, I'm sure you'll work it out— you said with a gentle smile, trying to make your voice a refuge for him.
He slowly raised her gaze, and your eyes met. That heavy silence, where words were unnecessary, took your breath away. Your eyes filled with a touch of sadness, and you stepped back slightly, turning your back to her.
—What? What's wrong?— Zuko said, worried.
—It's like you've come back from the dead... You don't know how much this means... to everyone... what it means to me— you whispered, turning to look at him.
—Hey, it's okay...—he said, approaching.
—I've missed you so much...— you said, hugging him tightly.
—I've missed you too...— he replied, closing his eyes and resting his face on your head.
—If you want to talk to someone... you can talk to me— you whispered, pulling away slightly as your hand brushed against her cheek.
Zuko didn't answer you with words. He simply kissed you. At first, it was shy, but within seconds the kiss intensified. It was as if everything he had kept silent for years was suddenly released. Your hands sought his face, while his hands awkwardly encircled your waist, with a repressed longing for affection.
When he finally moved away, just inches from you, he was breathing heavily.
—Thank you… for listening. Your presentation was perfect— he murmured, resting his forehead against yours.
You smiled, your cheeks still flushed, and hugged him tightly, as if you never wanted to let go. You felt the weight of his weariness in your arms, as if he were finally allowing himself to rest.
Dixie, now calm, was asleep in the barn. Hand in hand, you walked in silence toward your caravan. The night sky accompanied you, and each step seemed to bring you closer.
When you arrived, you opened the door to let him in.
—You can stay here tonight... if you want— you said almost in a whisper, with a knot of nerves in your throat.
He nodded without hesitation. Once inside, he took off his boots and sat on the small bed, his shoulders slumped with exhaustion. You couldn't remember ever seeing him so vulnerable, and it moved you deeply.
You approached and sat next to him.
—Didn't you sleep well?— you asked.
Zuko shook his head slightly.
—The nights in exile weren't easy… and they haven't been since I returned. I always feel that… that I don't deserve to be here
You hugged him from behind, wrapping your arms around his torso and resting your face on his back.
—Shhh… you deserve to rest, Zuko.
He turned slowly, looking at you, and hugged you so tightly you almost lost your breath. You ended up lying together in bed. His warmth, his breath close to yours, made you feel safe… and loved.
—Thank you for staying with me...— he whispered, closing his eyes as he held you in his arms.
You snuggled against his chest, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat. Outside, the night continued, and for the first time in a long time, Zuko slept soundly.
You too fell asleep, lulled by his warmth.
---
The next morning, you slowly opened your eyes. Golden sunlight streamed through the window, gently illuminating the small caravan. Zuko was still asleep, breathing normally, holding you close as if he feared losing you even in his dreams.
You smiled, stroking his messy hair. There was something so endearing about seeing him like this, relaxed, without the tough exterior he usually wore during the day.
—Good morning...— he murmured suddenly, with the hoarse voice of someone who has just woken up, without yet opening his eyes.
—Good morning, Zuko...— you replied, leaning in to touch his lips in a soft kiss, a new beginning enveloped in the warmth of that morning.