Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender

A/N: This takes place 3 years post war. Zuko is Firelord, Mai is dating Zuko, Azula is in a mental hospital, and Ty Lee is still a Kyoshi Warrior.

Mai entered the Firelord's study one evening. Zuko was at his desk, holding his head in one hand, poring over a stack of paperwork. She approached him stealthily, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind. He jumped a bit at her sudden appearance.

"You're so cute when you're stressed." She said.

"Hey," Zuko replied. "What's up?"

"Messenger hawk brought this for you." She handed him a scroll. "It's from Azula's hospital." Zuko's shoulders hunched automatically, expecting the worst. He opened the scroll and read it, the tension in his shoulders releasing gradually as he read.

"What does it say?"

"It says she's doing better. They think she should be able to have visitors soon." A still silence fell after these words. Both wanted to break it, but didn't know what to say.

"I don't want to see her." Announced Mai finally.

"I understand. I don't really either, but she's my sister. I feel like I should…" Zuko trailed off. "Does Ty Lee know about this?" He asked.

"I doubt it. But she'll probably want to see Azula." Mai answered.

"Yeah, they always were very close. And she's probably the person Azula would be happiest to see. She pretty much hates everyone."

"Except your father."

"No. He is not going anywhere near her. He's the one that screwed her up in the first place. Seeing him could set her back really badly, and I won't let that happen."

"See, I knew you cared." Mai teased.

"You should go write to Ty Lee, tell her the news. I have more paperwork to do." He gestured hopelessly at the mess on his table. Mai leaned down and kissed the top of his head before gracefully taking her leave.

Later, on Kyoshi…

"Hey Ty Lee," Suki entered the young acrobat's hut carrying a scroll marked with the Firelord's seal. "A messenger hawk brought this for you. It's from Mai." The acrobat flipped over from her stretching position onto her feet, and took the scroll from Suki.

"Thank you!" She smiled brightly before breaking open the seal. As she read, her face became troubled and she bit her lip.

"What's wrong?" Suki asked, concerned.

"It's Azula. She's improved a lot, and now she can have visitors."

"Isn't that good news?"

"It is, but the last time I saw Azula, I betrayed her. She said she never wanted to see my face again. What if she still hates me?"

"You are one of Azula's only friends. I'm sure she'll forgive you eventually. But if you keep avoiding her, you'll never have a chance to make things right between you two. She probably needs a friend right now. You should go see her, I'll cover for you with the other warriors, I've been meaning to take extra time to work with our Katanas anyways."

"Thank you so much!" Ty Lee threw her arms around Suki's neck.

"No problem. There's a ship leaving tomorrow for the Fire Nation, so you should be able to ride with them."

"Okay! And thanks again for the advice."

"You're welcome."

Later, in the Fire Nation

"Mai!" Ty Lee ran at her morose friend and practically tackled her with a hug.

"Can't… breathe…" Mai choked out.

"Sorry." The acrobat grinned sheepishly. "Zuko!" She greeted as the Firelord entered the courtyard.

"Hey Ty Lee. How are you?" He inquired.

"Good. How are you?"

"Very busy. Who knew being Firelord meant dealing with so much paperwork?"

"I'll show you to your room." Mai offered, taking one of her friend's bags.