The Unpredictable Fire Queen [Fire Lord Zuko x Reader]{ATLA}

... and the change

Fire Lord Zuko's eyes were hollow, his expression vacant as people attempted to speak to him. There were all sorts of people from around the world, littering the palace's halls. They might all have different affiliations, but they had one thing in common: to honor the deceased Iroh.

It was only a few days ago when you saw the man as jolly as can be. Due to his old age, his health was declining to the point where he had to close up his tea shop and move back into the palace. He wasn't one to enjoy the nostalgic and frivolous ambiance, but he wanted his last moments to be in good company.

However, age had gotten hold of him not a moment too late, snatching up Zuko's pillar of support. That man had been the one to uncover the good in him, show him life's beauty and what it meant to be himself. He was the one who showed him that he had a second chance to correct his wrongdoings.

And because of Uncle Iroh, Zuko became the man he is today. Everything he possessed was all thanks to him. He just hoped that Uncle Iroh knew how much he appreciated him.

You stood next to your husband as you held his hand. Beside you were your daughter and four-year-old son. All four of you stood together while people continued to deliver their condolences one by one. It was evident that the loss of his uncle greatly affected Zuko due to his demeanor and swollen eyes.

"Zuko," Aang greeted him with a pained smile. He bowed his head slightly while his children imitated his movements. "I'm am deeply sorry for your loss."

Zuko just stared at the ground as he clenched his teeth. "Thank you, Aang."

Aang noticed the edge in his voice and spoke up. "Your uncle was truly a gift to this world. None of us could have done anything to stop age overcoming him, but I'm glad he wasn't alone when he passed. I'm sure he slipped away from this world with a smile on his face."

"Do you truly think that was enough?" Zuko's voice cracked as he held back his tears.

You remained silent, only grabbing his hand tighter.

Aang smiled softly. "Out of all the things you could have given your uncle, having his family with him during his final moments was truly the best. Now he is with his son. We should be happy for your uncle."

As you felt Zuko's body quake, you tightly embraced him as he collapsed into your arms. You sent Aang a thankful nod since you didn't know how to ease Zuko's pain.

Aang motioned you to join in though, signaling you to add your own thoughtful words into the mix. Taking his advice, you spouted out the first thing you could think of.

"At least he gave you his dragon," you whispered into Zuko's ear while rubbing his back.

Zuko glanced up at your face, his expression slowly changing from depressed to shock. "Is that the best thing you could come up with to someone in mourning?"

"It was the only thing I could think of," you muttered. "I'm not as poetic as Aang."

As the both of you spoke in harsh whispers, Aang couldn't help but laugh to himself. The loss of Uncle Iroh was great, that much was certain. But it was clear that you had become Zuko's new pillar of support the minute you came back into his life. And although you weren't proficient with your words, you were what Zuko needed most during times like these.