As the day of Zuko's coronation dawned, he struggled to put on his Fire Lord robes, wincing slightly from the lingering pain of Azula's lightning strike. Kira entered the room, her expression a mix of concern and determination.
"You need some help with that?" she asked softly, moving to Zuko's side to assist him with his robes. As she helped him, her gaze fell on her reflection in the mirror, adorned in traditional and festive Fire Nation attire.
The clothing was a stark contrast to the earthy tones she was accustomed to, and Kira couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at the unfamiliar attire. The robes were richly embroidered with gold and crimson, reflecting the grandeur of the occasion.
Despite her initial unease, Kira couldn't deny the way the vibrant red hues accentuated her features, casting a flattering glow upon her skin. She hesitated for a moment before meeting Zuko's gaze in the mirror.
"I'm not used to wearing Fire Nation clothing," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I suppose red suits me almost as well as green."
Zuko smiled warmly at her reflection, his eyes filled with adoration. "You look beautiful in any color," he reassured her, his voice sincere.
In the warmth of the morning light filtering through the windows, Kira gently adjusted Zuko's heavy Fire Lord robes, smoothing out the creases with a careful touch. Her hands then moved to his hair, preparing to style it into the traditional top knot of the Fire Lord. As she gathered his hair, she couldn't help but comment, her voice light with a teasing tone. "Your hair has gotten pretty long, you know. It looks good pulled back like this."
Zuko watched her through the reflection in the mirror, a smile playing on his lips. "Thanks," he responded, then added, "In the Fire Nation, hair holds a lot of symbolic meaning. It represents one's honor."
Kira nodded, her fingers deftly twisting his hair. "I remember when you told me about having to shave your head after the lost Agni Kai, leaving only the top knot." Her hands paused for a moment as she secured the knot, ensuring it was fit for the coronation.
"Yeah, it was a painful reminder of my disgrace," Zuko admitted, catching her eyes in the mirror. "But growing it back... it was like reclaiming a part of myself I thought I’d lost."
"That's powerful," Kira mused, finishing off the top knot and admiring her handiwork. "Hair is sacred in the Earth Kingdom too. It's a mark of identity and strength. I hope mine grows out long again like it used to be."
Zuko reached up, touching the knot lightly before turning to face her, his expression soft. "It will. And you'll look even more amazing, not that it’s possible for you to look any better."
Kira blushed slightly, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Flatterer," she quipped, nudging him gently with her elbow. "You're not too bad yourself, Fire Lord."
Their laughter filled the room, easing the tension of the upcoming ceremony. Zuko took her hands in his, his thumbs brushing over her knuckles. "No matter what happens today, I'm glad you're here with me, Kira. You make everything feel just... right."
Kira squeezed his hands, her smile tender. "I wouldn't be anywhere else. Now, let's go make you officially the Fire Lord."
Together, they walked towards the door, their steps in sync. As they left the room, Kira gave his arm a reassuring squeeze, ready to face the crowds and the responsibility that awaited them, her heart full knowing they would face it all together.
In the Fire Nation Coronation Plaza, a diverse crowd had gathered from all corners of the world, eager to witness the historic coronation of the new Fire Lord. Among the sea of faces, familiar figures stood out, their presence a testament to the unity and camaraderie forged in the wake of war.
