AN: - Sorry guys. Been waiting for the new laptop to get started for this story. Anyway, let's get started.
"Are you sure this is what you want to do?" Asked Zuko to Azula, while they were on their way to the Fire Nation.
"Yes"
"Very well then."
Aang's been silently listening in on their conversation. All three of them were returning from the Sun Warriors tribe. The outskirts of the Fire Nation became visible.
"We're nearing the palace guys."
"You think you are ready for this, Azula?"
"Not really, but this is something I have go to do."
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Mai has been reading peacefully in the flower shop. Ever since the kemurikage incident, her mind had little to no peace. All the while, her once best friend Azula has also been staying in the palace. Things became really awkward when they came in contact with each other. On one hand, she's the reason her father went to jail, on the other hand, Zuko pardoned him on account of forgiving Azula. Both the good and the bad were her doing. She really was confused about the whole incident leading her to bury her head in books, which is so not like her. Suddenly, the door began to creak. Mai couldn't believe her eyes, for her once friend turned enemy turned someone was entering the room.
"Hi Mai, how have you been?"
"As well as one could be"
"I see"
"Want to sit?"
"Thank you" Azula sat down on a chair near the window.
"Is there something you want?" Mai was being surprisingly patient with Azula. All things considered, maybe the fact that they were once friends was still on her mind.
"Yes, there's something I want to talk about" Mai just nodded her head in agreement.
"I'm not so good at this, but I'm sorry" Azula said, with as much honesty as she could muster up.
Mai was dumbfounded, but she should've seen this coming since Azula seemed different from the moment she entered the shop. A myriad of emotions ran through her.
"You're sorry? For what exactly?"
"For everything. If I began to list out everything that I'm sorry for, the day will end"
"Well you got that right. What are you up to now?"
"I swear on Agni Mai, this time, I'm not scheming anything. I'm sincerely here to apologize"
"And what exactly brought this on?"
"Well, it's just that I, ahem, I sort of, hmm, went on a trip with Zuko"
"A trip?"
"Well, I'm not sure that I have the liberty to speak about the details of said trip"
"It's ok Azula, you can tell her" Zuko suddenly came out of nowhere and was just at the front door.
"Eavesdropping on people Zuko? That's not very Fire Lord-like, you know"
"Cut it out, I just came to get some flowers"
"Flower for whom, Zuko?" Mai asked him suspiciously.
"Not for whom, for what. I need some floral decorations for uncle's National Tea Appreciation Day. It is its third-year anniversary after all"
"What with the what day again? Nobody told me anything about this National Teal Appreciation Day"
"Well I guess you have been out of touch with reality for a while"
"You're really going to continue with this goofy festivity Zuko?" Asked Mai.
"Yeah, you've become more like uncle than I thought" Mai and Azula looked at each other and then smiled.
"Argh, you two are incorrigible, I'll come back when it's not crowded"
"Wait Zuko, no need to get worked up now, I'll take your order now"
"No, seriously, you two finish up your conversation. I'll come back later." Zuko left, leaving the both of them alone.
"Does this mean you forgive me?"
"I'm not sure why, but this time, I'm feeling inclined to believe you. After a long time, I'm sensing no lies or deception from you. I guess I'll forgive you"
They both then proceeded to hug each other rather awkwardly.
"That felt weird"
"Yep, we are never doing this again" They both laughed and talked about how they have been in the time since they last saw each other. The sun began to set.
"I guess it's about time that I take my leave"
"Good luck on your journey, Azula. I hope your redemption goes as well as it did with me"
"Thank you, and if everyone felt the same way you did, it will. If only it was that easy"
"I'm sure they do. See you soon"
"See you around too. Goodbye" Azula then went on her way to the palace. Her companions for this journey are waiting for her.
