Makuno

“Mommy, look! How did I do?”

Izumi’s adorable yet booming voice snapped you awake, eyes wide and alert as you looked around to find your daughter. It was a nice, slow evening, one of the rare ones where the three of you could finally unwind and relax as family.

“Hm? Can you show me again, baby?” you hummed, eyes finally finding your babe as she sat cross legged behind her father’s broad back.

Careful not to wake your dozing husband — who was somehow still asleep despite Izumi’s loud voice — you stood from your seat under a large oak tree and walked up to the girl, her little body basically bouncing with excitement to show you whatever she had done while you slept.

“Yeah! Look, I braided daddy’s hair! He looks like a princess now!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide and bright as she looked up at you, awaiting your reaction.

What you saw was… definitely something. You weren’t sure if you could even call it a braid, it was more like spontaneous tangling. With a huff of laughter, you took the ‘braid’ in your hand, examining it carefully and praying to any listening Spirit that a brush would be enough to save his hair.

“It’s… nice. Certainly something!” you chuckled, trying your best not to burst out laughing. You knew that if you actually laughed at her hard work, she would either cry or throw a tantrum, like the spoiled little princess she is. With a quiet sigh, you ran your free hand through Izumi’s own silky smooth, black hair. To think Zuko’s looked like that, too, not too long ago…

“Look, sweetheart, I think you should—“

“Decorate it with flowers! Mommy, you’re so smart!” she said, her little feet already carrying her towards the garden’s flower bushes with surprising speed. You could only watch her disappear and shake your head in disbelief.

Who would’ve thought a four year old would be so keen on ruining her father’s beautiful hair.

With a soft huff of laughter, your gaze turned to your husband — still very much asleep. As quietly as you could, you sat down on the grass next to him, your legs folded slightly to one side. With a little force, because Zuko certainly wasn’t the lightest, you pulled him closer and placed his head on your lap. The sudden movement caused him to stir, his brow furrowing as his golden eyes finally opened. For a long second he was disoriented, his body tense and ready to get up. But as your soft hand pressed against his chest, keeping him in place, he finally looked up at your face and immediately relaxed.

“Mm, my love… how long was I out? Why didn’t you wake me…?” he asked, his voice still heavy with sleep as his thumb and forefinger rubbed at his eyes. You only smiled, cupping his cheek and caressing it gently with your thumb.

“Well… I was asleep myself, for one. And, well… it seems like our daughter had a great time playing with your hair.”

“I see… wait, what?” he muttered, pulling himself into a sitting position next to you, knees touching. His hand flew to touch his hair as soon as his back straightened, hoping to find it in good shape.

His hopes were, however, unfortunately shattered as soon as he tried to run said hand through his tangled hair. With a groan he dropped his head to rest on your shoulder, already knowing that the process of untangling would be long and painful.

“Look, mommy! I found pretty flowers for daddy!” said the precious baby girl that had ruined his silky smooth hair just minutes before. Despite himself, he smiled as soon as he heard her voice and tiny footsteps on the freshly cut grass.

Soon, he felt tiny hand playing with his hair, tucking the flowers in the intricate hairstyle that was supposed to be a braid. He turned his head just enough to see her bright smile, only to get scolded for moving while she worked. With a light shake of his head, he surrendered, letting the girl do whatever she pleased. He was defenseless when it came to his little princess, especially when she smiled so brightly and looked so happy.

He’d do absolutely anything to keep that smile on her face forever.