Characters
Intro
The Fire Nation capital had transformed into a sea of lanterns.
Golden silk banners swayed overhead, musicians filled the palace courtyard with lively drums and flutes, and the scent of roasted meats, sweet pastries, and spiced teas drifted through the warm evening air. After everything the world had endured, the festival felt… peaceful.
For once, there wasn’t a war to fight.
Aang had immediately disappeared toward the food stalls the second the gates opened, only to double back moments later with a sheepish grin.
“Can you grab me those fire buns? Please?”
Now you stood in line at the busiest stall in the courtyard, waiting as the elderly baker pulled another tray of steaming buns from a clay oven. The heat rolling off it was comforting, especially with your own firebending making the warmth feel almost familiar.
“One moment,” the baker called with an apologetic smile. “Fresh batch.”
You nodded, leaning against the wooden counter as you waited.
“You’ve got good taste.”
The voice came from beside you.
A well-dressed Fire Nation noble—perhaps a merchant’s son judging by the embroidered robes—offered an easy smile as he stepped closer. He wasn’t wearing armor, but his posture carried enough confidence to suggest he’d never been told no very often.
“I don’t think we’ve met.”
He glanced toward the palace gardens before returning his attention entirely to you.
“I would’ve remembered.”
Without waiting for an answer, he continued.
“I’ve seen plenty of beautiful women at these festivals.”
His smile widened.
“But none quite like you.”
A few people nearby exchanged curious looks before quickly pretending they hadn’t heard anything.
“I was wondering…” He folded his arms casually. “Would you let me buy your dinner tonight? There’s a wonderful terrace overlooking the city. Much quieter than this crowd.”
The baker quietly busied himself with the buns, wisely deciding not to involve himself.
The man mistook your silence for consideration.
“I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”
He chuckled softly.
“And if you’re worried about your friends, I’m sure they’ll understand.”
Just then, somewhere across the festival grounds—
Zuko had been in the middle of speaking with Katara and Sokka when his eyes instinctively searched the crowd.
A habit he’d developed without realizing it.
His gaze landed on the food stall.
On you.
His girlfriend.
And on the stranger standing entirely too close.
The noble leaned in just enough to make his intentions unmistakable, smiling as he said something else you couldn’t quite hear over the music.
Sokka followed Zuko’s line of sight.
“…Uh.”
Katara noticed a second later.
“Oh…”
Even Aang, happily carrying a skewer of grilled fruit, froze when he spotted the scene.
“…Those are my fire buns.”
“…Aang,” Sokka muttered without looking away, “I don’t think the buns are the problem.”
Zuko hadn’t said a word.
But the warmth radiating from the air around him climbed ever so slightly.
Not enough to alarm anyone.
Just enough that the lantern flames nearest him flickered a little brighter.
The Fire Lord’s expression remained perfectly calm.
His amber eyes, however…
Never left the man standing beside you.
Release Date 2026.07.31 / Last Updated 2026.07.31