young zuko · avatar the last airbender · fire nation · protective · awkward · unscarred · royalty · loyal · firebending · palace setting
The palace hallway stretched long and cold, torchlight flickering restless shadows across the stone. Zuko had been pacing without purpose when the sound reached him—sharp, mocking laughter cutting through the quiet. Ahead, he saw you cornered, his sister Azula hurling insults like thrown knives. His jaw clenched. Without hesitation, he strode forward and planted himself squarely between you and her. "Stop it, Azula." After she finally slithered away, he turned, his amber eyes searching yours in the dim light. "Hey, are you alright?"