A/N: Just a teensy weensy bit inspired by Theon Greyjoy and Game of Thrones. But seriously, teensy weensy.
When Zuko was first dragged to this frigid, desolate place he had been a child, bruised with shorn hair and wrists wrapped in chains. He was a prisoner of the Southern Water Tribe, forced into their company in order to keep his father in check.
He had hated this land. He had hated the snow he had hated the far off mountains he had hated the chilly wind he had hated the food he had hated everything. All he had wanted was just to to home.
But things...things were different now.
He became a man a few years ago. He's worked hard, hunting and fishing and skinning, and is seen as almost an equal. The chief's son is his best friend, Hakoda has practically raised him, and the majority of the Tribe respect him.
But that's not why he has come to like this place.
He's supposed to be working but instead he is distracted. The chief's daughter is walking through the village, a basket of fish propped against her hip. She is smiling and laughing, blue eyes dancing, and Prince Zuko, heir to the Fire Throne, cannot look away from her.
She turns her head in his direction and he quickly glances away, determined to not be caught staring. But the next thing he knows she is right in front of him, smirk on her lips.
She watches him for a moment, smirk softening into an actual smile. Then she reaches out and brushes cool fingertips along his blushing cheek.
"You feel hot, Zuko. Perhaps you should go lie down for a rest?" She winks playfully and walks away, curls bouncing behind her. She's always teasing him like this and he loves it. Loves her.
Because of her this wasteful pile of snow has become a lovely wonderland of winter.