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Their Firelord Zuko is a man that, after many years of leading their nation into a new (peaceful, loving, respectful) era, the people had accepted. He was strong, stood tall over the heads of those his disagreed with his pacifist ideals and shot them down without using violence. He was certainly not a bender as powerful as their lost leader Ozai, or even Princess Azula, but he was fierce and brave. Among the heads of generals and warriors, both from his own country and the other two nations, he debated his visions and brought them to life.
In many ways, he resembled his much hated father; he was rarely seen out of his royal garbs unless caught in an unfortunate time of the morning, wasn't ever seen with so much as a laugh or a smile, but despite that, despite everything really, he was kind.
So the first time (of many to come) Aang suddenly bombards the royal palace with an unexpected arrival, Zuko's guards and workers are shocked by four things.
The first is that Zuko doesn't appear to be phased at all; these days he doesn't burst into dangerous, firey fits of rage, instead showing minimal frustration through biting words and clenched teeth. He is not a fan of improper timing, especially with unplanned arrivals and important meetings; but this is the Avatar they're talking about, he's always welcome wherever he goes.
The second is that he calmly reaches out a hand when Momo flies ahead, wings spreading forth as he glides down the palace hallway, the creature perching on the offered appendage and rubbing his cheek on Zuko's smooth, untouched one with a delighted screech. Zuko's hand reaches up to scratch behind Momo's ears and- alright, unheard of for their lord, but he travelled with Aang and his two animal companions for many months, it makes sense.
Third is the way Aang flies over with a laugh; he has no qualms of filling Zuko's arms with his taller yet still lean body, no doubt letting most his weight fall onto the Firelord, who obviously holds him up in stride. "Oh Firelord Zuko, it has been quite some time- and you didn't write me any letters, how rude of you!"
Many of the guards watching don't know what to do; Zuko is nothing but a well respected man, who has never displayed such an informal interaction in front of onlookers, especially with an audience of this celebre.
But what shocks everyone the most, is the booming and absolutely heartfelt laugh that sounds from Zuko himself; he takes Aang's cheeks between his hands, kisses him square on the lips for a solid few seconds, and pulls back with a wide and delighted smile. "If you would stick around in one place for long enough, maybe you would get my letters; otherwise they'd be sent to the void, you absolute monkey."
He turns to the newly appointed head guard. "Could you please make sure Aang's Sky Bison is looked after? He eats hay and a wide assortment of vegetables, and he's great with kids, I promise. Oh, and if someone could bring Aang's luggage from Appa's saddle to my room."
"Um... did I hear correctly, Firelord? Your room?"
Zuko is nothing but kind, and the guard is momentarily ashamed to have briefly compared him to someone like Ozai. "Yes, my room, thank you. I will escort Aang and Momo around the grounds before we'll depart for an early dinner."
"Oh but Firelord Zuko sir, surely you'll want someone else to escort-"
"I will be quite alright, thank you," Zuko declines patiently, and before he can address his men again, Aang is weaving an arm through Zuko's and leading him away.
Zuko audibly babbles in protest, looking almost flustered by his juniors actions, but if you looked close enough...
He was obviously so enamoured by the young airbender that he couldn't do anything but let himself get pulled along with racing feet and a fluttering, nervous smile.