Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: the last Airbender.
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The fire in the hearth consumes the paper in a matter of moments; curling and crumbling, reduced to ashes by the time Azula arrives.
"I must extend my apologies for Zuzu's behavior." Azula's eyes flicker towards the fire and the sides of her lips twist in a smile. "It must hurt that he didn't say goodbye. Just like all those years ago."
"He was only a distraction." Her tone is bored, but the pain and hurt that lie just under it are real. Nothing less will satisfy the fire princess. Only a distraction.
"Poor Mai. Why don't I get rid of that for you?" Azula flicks a long nailed finger at the portrait of Zuko and Mai on the wall."I'm sure right now all you want to do is take your mind off him."
"There's no need." Azula's eyes narrow. Mai ignores them. "I'll take care of it."
The portrait is made of canvas instead of paper, and it takes a long moment for it to catch fire. Azula rests a hand on her shoulder. "Ty lee will make you tea when you're ready to come down."
Mai doesn't bother to turn her head as Azula leaves. She waits till the portrait is nothing more than ashes before letting the scroll hidden in her sleeve fall into her palm.
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