Day 2: Tea Time with Iroh

Pairings: Maiko (Zuko x Mai), Sukka (Suki x Sokka), and Tyzula (Azula x Ty Lee) (sort of)… and lots of secret ships – read to find out!

Genres: Humor/Romance

Rating: T

Setting: Fire Nation Royal Palace (after North & South)

Tea Time with Iroh

"This is gonna be awesome," Zuko muttered through a toothy grin, happily waving goodbye to his mother, Noren, and Kiyi as their palanquin took off.

"I know," Azula muttered back, smiling and waving. "Let the parent-free week of debauchery begin!"

"And little sister-free. Can't forget that." He started heading back into the palace after he could no longer see the palanquin.

Azula followed suit. "We need to get this palace into partying shape. When are your friends arriving?"

"Our friends," he corrected, smiling.

"Right… I still need to get used to that."

"Aang, Sokka, Katara, and Toph are expected to arrive in two days. And, speaking of Toph, I wrote to her asking for some party game suggestions, but, well…"

"She didn't write you back?"

"No, she did." Zuko handed her a piece of parchment that was just filled with a random assortment of lines and squiggles. "She can't read or write."

"Oh yeah," Azula laughed. "Why is it so easy to forget that?"

"I don't know! But it really – "

"It's so nice to see you two getting along," Ty Lee interrupted with a languid smile, seemingly more sluggish than usual.

"The more often you point that out, the less I want to get along with him," Azula teased.

"Yeah," Zuko laughed. "Hey, you look tired. Did you not sleep well or something?"

"Or something." A naughty grin crept across Ty Lee's cheeks.

"Uhhh…"

"Well what do you expect from your bodyguards, Zuzu?" Azula cut in, "Not staying vigil to protect you all night?"

"I guess that's a good – "

"Uh oh, you guys." Suki came running down the hall. "We have company."

"What do you mean?" Azula asked with an unamused tone.

"Who?!" Zuko demanded.

"I just saw one of the servants let Iroh in. Did anyone know he was visiting?"

"What?! No!" Azula threw her head back in defeat.

"Why'd he have to choose this week of all weeks?!" Zuko huffed melodramatically.

"Zuko? Azula?" a gruff voice called, "Where are my favorite niece and nephew?" Iroh found the group in the hall.

"Uncle!" the Fire siblings greeted, pretending to be excited about his unexpected visit. They gave Iroh a hug.

"What are you doing here?" Azula asked, trying her best to hide her annoyance.

Zuko shot his sister a warning look. "It's so good to see you!"

"Well, I heard Ursa and Noren took Kiyi on a vacation to Ember Island, so I thought it would be a good time to come over and catch up with all you young, hip folks." He bust out a lame dance move by connecting his hands and moving his arms up and down in a wave.

"Nice one, Iroh!" Ty Lee mimicked his move. "I have a few more to teach you too!"

"Excellent! But first, why don't you all relax and let me serve you some of my famous Jasmine Dragon tea?"

"Your teas are the best," Suki cheered. "But you've had a long trip. Why don't we serve you instead?"

"What hospitality," Iroh smiled, "Who could have known all you rowdy children would grow up to be such fine adults?"

Azula pulled her brother aside as Suki and Ty Lee escorted Iroh into the dining room. "Zuzu," she hissed under her breath, "He's going to ruin this whole week."

"No he won't, Azula. Iroh's cool. All our friends love him."

She let out a low growl.

"Everything'll be fine," he assured, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Don't you worry about a thing."

"So Mai had just finished telling us about her neighbor's bakery burning down, and Sokka says…" Suki lowered her voice to try to impersonate Sokka. "'Guess her business is toast!'"

Everyone burst out laughing.

"Oh yes, hilarious," Mai said dryly as she entered the dining room. "It wasn't wildly insensitive at all."

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" Ty Lee greeted.

"Good morning." She turned to the older man at the table. "Iroh! When did you get in?" Mai walked up to him and gave him a hug.

"Mai! I didn't realize you'd be here. What a pleasant surprise."

"Oh, Zuko didn't tell you? We got back together." She walked behind her boyfriend and kissed the top of his head before taking a seat next to him.

"No, he didn't tell me! But I always knew you two would find your way back to each other." Iroh chuckled. "I guess I should visit more often. Otherwise you'll never tell me anything! What else have I missed?"

"Uhhh." Everyone looked around at each other shrugging.

"Not too much here," Suki reported. "Sokka and I are still going strong. The distance is tough, but we're making it work."

Ty Lee released a nervous laugh.

"That is good news. You two are a formidable team." Iroh turned to the sleepy acrobat. "And Ty Lee, any romance in your life or are you still beating boys off with a stick?"

"Oh, you know me," she giggled uncomfortably, "I'm just playing the field. Keeping my options open."

"How I miss being young." Iroh sighed with nostalgia, smiling. "And how about my beautiful niece? Surely you have a boyfriend by now."

Zuko snickered from across the table.

Azula shot her brother a dirty look. "No, Uncle. Unlike everyone else here, I don't need anyone to live a fulfilling life. I'm not weak." She sneered.

"Oh really?" Mai questioned, crossing her arms smugly. "The bruise on your neck says otherwise."

"Wh-What?" she stammered, "What bruise? I don't have a bruise."

Suki leaned over Ty Lee to get a better look. "Oh yes you do! That's definitely a love bite."

"No!" she continued to deny. "It's probably just a scratch from training or something!"

"Ho-oh!" Iroh chortled. "Your face is turning as red as your robe."

"Yeah Azula, who gave that to you?" Zuko demanded.

"No one! It's – "

"I did."

Everyone turned to face Ty Lee, mouths agape.

"I gave it to her," the acrobat reiterated.

"I – well," Azula choked. "I guess the cat-owl's out of the bag now."

"Wait… really?" Zuko stared at the girls dumbfounded. "You two are a couple?"

"Indeed we are," the princess confirmed. "We were trying to keep it a secret, you know, since our relationship is forbidden and all, but – "

"I think it's wonderful!" Iroh celebrated. "You two make a lovely couple."

"Thank you." Ty Lee smiled graciously.

Mai stared at them with skepticism. "I don't buy it."

"Well you'd better believe it because it's true." Azula kept her eyes on Mai as she took a slow sip of her tea.

"I've traveled a ton with the both of you and I never saw any romantic chemistry there at all. But…" A crafty smile spread across her pale cheeks. "I think I could believe it if I saw you kiss."

"Oh, no." Azula dismissed the idea. "We don't do that sort of thing in public."

"Come on! It must feel like such a relief to have that weight off your shoulders. Now, let's see you kiss!" Mai smirked.

The princess narrowed her eyes at her. "Fine," she muttered before looking over at Ty Lee.

The acrobat smiled apprehensively.

Azula slowly leaned in and closed her eyes, kissing her alleged girlfriend softly on the lips.

Iroh looked happy for them, Mai looked self-satisfied, Suki looked disgusted, and Zuko looked utterly shocked.

"Well," Zuko snorted, "Now I've seen everything."

"You'd better not have liked it."

"Oh, don't be like that!" Ty Lee pouted. "You know why I had to do it."

"You didn't have to kiss her."

"But baby, I did it for us." She put her arm around her real significant other. "So that no one would ever figure out our secret. Besides… we owed her."

"Yeah… I guess you're right," Suki sighed.

"Azula could have outed us a long time ago."

"I know." She smiled halfheartedly. "Just… don't kiss her again, okay?"

"Deal." The acrobat grinned. "From now on, I'll save all my kisses for you." She wrapped her arms around Suki's waist.

"I like the sound of that," the Kyoshi warrior purred before giving Ty Lee a rough kiss on the lips.

"Mmm," she moaned, deepening the kiss.

Suki pushed the other girl's back against the kitchen wall, grinding her hips as she felt the acrobat wrap a leg around her lower back.

But just as soon as things really started heating up, the girls were interrupted by a surprised gasp.

"Girls!"

They jumped away from each other and started straightening out their clothes.

"Uh, Iroh!" Suki's cheeks flushed. "This isn't, uh, we were just – "

"How could you do this to Sokka?!" He abruptly turned to Ty Lee. "And you to Azula!"

The acrobat sighed. "Azula and I aren't really together. I'm sorry I lied. I was just trying to be a good friend and cover for her."

"And Sokka and I broke up a long time ago," Suki added. "The truth is, Ty Lee and I have been seeing each other for… how long has it been?"

"Almost three months now!"

"But why would you try to hide this?" Iroh asked. "Do you not think your friends would approve?"

"I think they would… it's just that this kind of relationship is prohibited in the Fire Nation." Ty Lee sulked.

Suki took her hand for support. "That and Zuko probably wouldn't like the idea of his bodyguards dating each other. He'd probably try to switch up our shifts or something."

"Which is why I covered for Azula earlier… she knew about our relationship and kept it a secret from everyone else."

"Ah, well that explains a lot." Iroh smiled warmly at the girls. "Well, don't you worry. Your secret is safe with me. And, for what it's worth, I wholly support your relationship."

"Aw, thanks Iroh." Suki smiled back at him.

"You're the best!" Ty Lee threw her arms around his big belly.

He patted her back.

"Hm," Suki hummed, placing a finger on her lip.

Ty Lee glanced at her. "What?"

"Nothing, it's just… I can't help but wonder, how did Azula get that hickey?"

Azula lay panting on her back with an arm draped across her forehead, dripping with sweat from a long training session, when a shadow came in between her and the dim rays of the setting sun. "Hello, Uncle."

"You've been training so hard, my niece. I brought you some water."

She sat up and accepted the drink. "That's kind." She chugged down the contents. "Thank you."

"Your forms have much improved since the last time I saw you," he smiled with pride, taking a seat next to her.

"Well, unlike the Lazy Lord, I haven't missed a single day of training," she laughed. "There's always something to improve."

"That is very wise. But don't be afraid to take some rest when you need it."

"I know, Uncle," she groaned with a know-it-all tone.

He chuckled. "So, it looks like the servants are preparing for some sort of party?"

"I suppose there's no use trying to hide it." She sighed. "Yes, we're expecting some company in two days. Don't tell Ursa."

"Of course not! I would never snitch on my own niece and nephew."

"I'm serious."

"And so am I! I can be trusted with any secret." He flashed her an angelic smile.

"What are you getting at?" She lowered her eyes at him. "You already know about Ty Lee, so – "

"I know you're not really dating Ty Lee."

"Yes I am – "

"Azula. It's okay. I know she was covering for you because you have been such a good friend to her, keeping her big secret and all…"

"What secret?" she asked, testing him to see if he really knew the truth.

"That she's dating Suki! What a beautiful couple."

"Hmph."

"So, is there anything else you'd like to tell me?" He grinned widely. "Maybe about your boyfriend? Or girlfriend?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," she assured. "If anyone has something to hide, it's Zuzu and Mai."

He waited for her to elaborate.

"Something is not right with them. I suspect they're not really together."

"And why is that?"

"Because they never fight anymore. When they were a couple, they fought constantly. Constantly.Something is definitely up."

"Azula," he laughed, "I think you're just upset with Mai because she pointed out that, well – " He smiled awkwardly.

She groaned and covered the bruise on her neck with her hand.

"And now you're just looking for something suspicious with her."

"If you say so." She stood up and stretched her arms above her head. "Well, it's been lovely chatting with you, Uncle, but now I think I need a shower and a massage."

"You certainly need a shower, my niece," he teased.

She scowled at him and headed back inside the palace.

The following morning…

"So I'm lying down on the ground, completely paralyzed, and I look over to my left…" Zuko took a quick sip of his tea. "And there's Uncle, lying blissfully on his back with the bounty hunter wrapped in his arm. He pretended to get hit with the shirshu tongue just so he could snuggle up to her."

The girls at the breakfast table broke out in hysterical giggles.

"My nephew is making me out to be some sort of pervert," Iroh laughed. "I merely cushioned her fall after she got struck. The rest was just an added bonus."

"Iroh, you sly fox," Ty Lee grinned.

"Oh, look who's finally up." Azula smirked at Mai as the pale-skinned girl waltzed into the dining room after a long night's rest. "I'm surprised Zuzu doesn't wake you in the morning when he gets out of bed."

"Well, you know Mai." Zuko smiled warmly at his girlfriend as she sat down next to him. "She loves her beauty rest."

"Plus, Zuko knows better than to wake me up."

"That's for sure," he laughed before giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Azula narrowed her eyes at them.

"Well, now that you're all here…" Ty Lee stood from the table. "Suki and I have an announcement to make. Isn't that right?"

Suki nodded and stood up. "Let's see… where to start? Well, after we had a little chat with Iroh yesterday…"

"He gave us the confidence to come clean about something," the acrobat continued. She took a deep breath. "Azula and I aren't really a couple." She grabbed the Kyoshi warrior's hand. "Suki and I are."

Mai and Zuko looked at each other, astonished. Azula rubbed her temples with her fingers.

"We've been together for months now," Suki added. "Sorry we kept this a secret from you for so long. We just… didn't know if you'd approve, and we didn't want to risk our jobs."

"I think it's great," Mai smiled. "Don't you, Zuko?"

"Uhhh, yeah, sure." He grinned awkwardly at them. "So, uh… does Sokka know about this?"

"Yes," Suki answered, "He's been very supportive."

He turned to his sister. "And you knew about this?"

"Of course, Zuzu," she sneered. "I know everything. Or at least… I will." She gave her brother and Mai a threatening look.

Zuko let out an uncomfortable laugh.

Mai sharply squeezed his hand.

"Well, let's hear it for the happy couple!" Iroh beamed, holding up his tea mug to toast the girls.

Azula continued to stare down Mai while everyone clinked mugs in the center of the table.

"Sunbathing would probably feel a lot better in the sunlight."

Mai laughed. "I prefer basking in the shade." She repositioned herself on the blanket, ensuring no part of her was touched by the sun.

Iroh kneeled down by the turtleduck pond and began ripping a loaf of bread into smaller pieces. "Why isn't Zuko with you? It's a beautiful day."

"He's trying to get some paperwork done before the party. I don't think he realized how much reading he'd have to do when he became Fire Lord."

"I see." He started to chuckle. "You know, Azula has some sort of crazy notion that you and Zuko aren't really back together. Where does she come up with these ideas?"

"Azula really said that?" she asked, eyebrows raised.

"I'm sure she was just blowing off some steam." He tossed a piece of bread into the pond.

"Did she… say this to anyone else?"

"I'm not sure. But I wouldn't worry about it." He smiled as he watched a turtleduck nibble on the bread. "No one would believe it anyway. You and Zuko are perfect for each other. He's always had a soft spot for you."

"Yeah, about that…" she sighed under her breath. "Iroh, I can't lie to you. Ever since my dad went to prison, you've been like a second father to me."

"Mai…" He looked at her with concern.

"Zuko and I aren't back together. I'm sorry to disappoint you."

"You're not disappointing me," he assured, moving over to sit next to her on the blanket in the shade. "But why would you pretend?"

"Well…" She shifted her eyes from side to side. "Zuko asked me to pretend to be his girlfriend because he's… gay."

"Hm." He cocked his head to the side. "That is not so surprising."

"Tell me about it," she scoffed. "Anyway, he has a boyfriend, but no one can know about it. He doesn't want to be known as the first gay Fire Lord."

"Well, he certainly wouldn't be the first," Iroh chortled. "But I can understand why he'd want to keep it a secret. You are a good friend for going along with this, but if I may ask, what are you getting out of it?"

"Ehhhh." A guilty smile crept across her cheeks. "I like living in the palace. I enjoy the amenities and privileges of dating the Fire Lord. Plus, Zuko said I could still see anyone I wanted as long as I was careful. I know that's horrible."

"No judgment here. I think you should get something out of it. Take advantage of this arrangement for as long as you can!"

"Thanks, Iroh."

"So… do you know who Zuko's boyfriend is?" He grinned craftily.

"I do. He actually works here. In the palace spa."

"What are you doing, baby?" Suki wrapped her arms around Ty Lee's waist. "You're not supposed to be on shift now. Let's 'nap' together."

The suggestive tone was not missed on the acrobat. She stuck out her bottom lip in a pout. "I wish I could, but… Azula asked me to stand guard for her for a bit."

Suki shifted her eyes from left to right. "Why?"

"She, uhhh, likes her privacy when she's getting a massage."

"She's been getting a lot of massages lately…"

"It's probably stress?" Ty Lee squeaked. "It can't be easy being the political adviser to the Fire Lord."

"I guess…" Suki moved such that her back was flush up against the wall. "Well, can I stand here with you?"

"You really don't have to – it's gonna be boring – "

"Hey." Mai approached the two girls. "Is, um, Zuko in there?"

Before Ty Lee could answer, the ladies were startled by some moaning sounds coming from behind the wall.

"I'll take that as a yes," Mai muttered. "I didn't realize you two knew about it."

"Knew about what?" Suki asked.

"Yes, exactly." Mai smirked. "You really are professional."

"Wait…" Ty Lee's face twisted with confusion. "You think Zuko's in there getting a massage from the hot new servant?"

"Well yeah…" Her brow furrowed. "Isn't he?"

"Hold on now. Zuko's gay?!" Ty Lee whispered, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"What are you two talking about?!" Suki cut in.

"If Zuko's not in there… then who is?!" Mai hissed.

"Azula… she's getting a massage from her boyfriend. Jet."

Mai's eyes doubled in size. "But Jet is Zuko's boyfriend!"

Ty Lee covered her mouth with her hands.

Suki looked at Ty Lee and then at Mai and then back at Ty Lee. "Will someone tell me what the fuck is going on?!"

"I think…" Mai lowered her voice to the softest whisper. "Zuko and Azula are dating the same guy."

Suki gasped.

"What should we do?!" Ty Lee panicked.

"I don't know…"

"Mai!" the acrobat scolded, "Why are you smiling?!"

"Sorry! It's a little funny!"

A faint giggle escaped Suki's lips.

"It's not funny! This is really serious!"

"Okay, okay." Suki placed her hand on her girlfriend's shoulder. "What do you think we should do about it? Do you want to tell them?"

"No! Yes! I don't know." She sighed. "I think we should at least tell Iroh though. He'll know what to do."

The girls rushed off to find him.

"Oh no." Iroh quickly shook his head. "Are you sure? Are you positive?!"

"Well, I know Zuko is dating Jet," Mai affirmed. "There's a reason why he hired the rebel despite him having no prior training."

"I do remember my nephew having a strange fixation with that boy during the war…"

"And I know Azula is dating Jet. I was the only one she told… I was supposed to keep it a secret, you know, since Azula's royalty and Jet's just a commoner." Ty Lee looked down at her feet.

"Do you think we should tell them?" Suki asked.

Iroh thought for a moment. "Normally, I would say that honesty is the best policy, but… these aren't normal conditions. Zuko and Azula have been getting along so well lately – this could easily ruin their relationship. We could have another Agni Kai on our hands!"

"That's a good point," the Kyoshi warrior agreed.

"So that settles it. We won't tell them."

"Mai, you're still smiling!" Ty Lee berated.

"It's still funny!"

The following morning…

"Oh, Mai, I was looking for you." Zuko entered the dining room and sat down next to his pretend girlfriend. "I didn't expect you to be up so early."

"I, um, couldn't sleep – "

"Yes, it's very odd indeed." Azula looked around the table at everyone suspiciously. "Before you, Zuzu, I was the last one here. And everyone stopped talking immediately upon my arrival."

"We weren't talking about anything of interest," Mai droned, rolling her eyes.

Some servants brought Zuko a piping hot cup of tea.

The Fire Lord blew on the steam before taking a sip. "Mmm. Uncle, your tea really hits the spot."

"Thank you, nephew." Iroh shifted uncomfortably. "So… how about that weather?"

Azula scrunched her face.

"It's beautiful out," Ty Lee laughed nervously. "Perfect day for… traveling."

"Yes," Suki blurted, "Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Aang should be here in no time…"

"What is wrong with everyone, today?!" Azula lowered her eyes.

"What do you mean?" Suki panicked, "N-Nothing's wrong!"

"Nothing at all." Ty Lee forced an innocent smile. "Nothing out of the ordinary…"

"Ugh." Mai dropped her head into her hands.

"Azula's right…" As Zuko glanced around the table, everyone avoided eye contact with him. "You guys are acting really strange."

"You're acting strange!" Ty Lee barked.

"Okay, that's it." Azula stood up and slammed her hands on the table, causing all the tea mugs to rattle. "Someone tell us what's going on right now!"

Suki started fidgeting with her hands, Mai took a slow, casual sip of her tea, Ty Lee played with her braid, and Iroh stared off to the side and began whistling.

"I'm not going to ask again!"

"Okay," Iroh conceded. "Someone tell them."

"Tell us what?" Zuko asked, annoyed.

Mai set down her mug, smirking. "We have reason to believe that you two are dating the same person."

Azula's and Zuko's eyes shot at each other.

"Who are you dating, Zuzu?" The princess spoke slowly, enunciating each syllable carefully.

"Errr, uhhh…"

"I knew you and Mai didn't get back together! Now tell me, brother dearest, who are you dating?!"

"Who are you dating?!"

"I asked you first." She folded her arms.

"I asked you second!"

"Is it the masseur you hired? Jet?!"

His cheeks flushed. "Maybe…"

"JET'S MY BOYFRIEND!" Azula flew at him from across the table.

"JET'S MINE!" Zuko roared back, trying to block his sister's pummeling fists.

"I'LL KILL YOU!"

"NOT IF I KILL YOU FIRST!"

"Stop it!" Ty Lee screamed, ready to chi-block them both. "Stop fighting!"

Iroh attempted to pull them apart, but to no avail.

Mai kept sipping her tea, leaning back and smirking.

"Azula, wait. Stop it, stop it," Zuko panted. "Don't you see what's happening?"

She hit him one last time before ceasing her assault, then she glared into his eyes.

"We shouldn't be fighting with each other. We should be fighting with Jet."

Nostrils flared, she took a deep breath. "I hate it when you're right." She turned to Ty Lee, an evil grin spreading across her reddened cheeks. "Go invite Jet to tea. It may just be the last thing he ever drinks."

"Good morning, everyone." Jet wore his signature disarming grin. "Iroh! It's, uh, it's been a while."

"Yes." He released a hearty chuckle. "I never thought I'd see you working in the Fire Nation royal palace of all places."

He shrugged. "The war's been over for a while now. Let bygones be bygones, right?" He laughed, trying hard not to show his discomfort.

"Those are wise words…" Iroh shifted his eyes toward his niece and nephew.

Jet looked over at the royal siblings. "Oh shit." He blanched. "You know."

"Have a seat, Jet," Azula ordered with a sadistic gleam in her eye.

"Why don't you have some tea?" Zuko slid a mug over from across the table.

"I think I'll pass on the tea," he squeaked.

"Fine." Smirking, the princess stood from the table and crossed to the other side. "Then we'll cut straight to the interrogation." She sparked a blue flame with her index finger as she sat down next to her soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend. "Just a warning, it may get a little hot in here."

Jet gulped.

Everyone else backed away from the dining room table.

"How could you do this to me?!" Zuko shouted.

Azula cleared her throat.

"I mean, to us!"

"Hey." Jet held up his hands defensively. "Before things get too crazy, we never defined our relationships to be exclusive."

The princess held the flame closer to the boy's neck.

"You said you came back for me!" Zuko pounded his fists on the table. "So we could be together!"

"I did come back for you, babe!"

Azula snarled.

"I just… I didn't anticipate how hot your sister would be! You're the one who hired me to be a masseur – I had to rub oil all over her naked body! I couldn't help myself!"

"Sweet talk will get you nowhere," the princess growled, though she was feeling a little smug.

"YOU BASTARD!" Zuko dove across the table and coiled his hand around Jet's neck.

"A-Aren't siblings supposed to share?" he choked, struggling for air.

Azula held his arms back behind him. "Get him, brother."

"Not gonna lie – this is kinda hot," Jet gasped.

"What the hell is going on in here?!"

Toph stepped into the dining room, followed by Katara, Aang, and Sokka.

Suki and Ty Lee ran up to them and gave them a big group hug. "We're so glad you're here!" they cried.

"Uhhh, what have we missed?" Aang asked. He looked over at Zuko, who was on Jet's lap strangling him, and Azula behind the chair restraining him.

"Only the best show ever," Mai answered, sneering.

Iroh walked over to the group and joined in on the group hug.

"Iroh!" Katara greeted. "Why are they fighting?"

"Well, as it turns out, Azula and Zuko have been sharing a boyfriend for some time. They just found out about it."

"HAH!" Toph cackled, "That's hilarious!"

"I know, right?!" Mai laughed.

"Wait… is that Jet?!" Sokka had a hard time deciphering the features of the boy getting strangled.

"So he is alive!" Aang cheered.

"I told you it was really unclear."

"I. Get. That. A lot," Jet managed.

"You know what?" Azula let go of Jet's arms. "I'm done with this."

Jet brought his hands to Zuko's wrists and tried to free himself.

"Zuzu, you can have him."

"Wait, really?" Zuko asked, letting Jet go.

"Mmhmm." She crossed over to the larger group and grabbed onto Sokka's hand. "You're coming with me to my room."

"Ummm, I don't know if that's such a good – "

"I'll let you do things to me I wouldn't let Jet do." She glared over at the former Freedom Fighter.

"Aw, come on Azula, kitten," Jet griped, "Don't be like that."

Sokka deliberated for a second. "Well, if you put it that way!" He lowered himself and gestured for the princess to hop onto his back. After he had her secured, he galloped merrily away from the dining room.

Suki blinked a few times. "This has been a weird day."

"And it's not even noon," Ty Lee laughed.

"It's been a weird several days," Mai corrected.

"Okay. You guys have stories." Toph took a seat at the table. "Let's hear 'em."

"Not without some special tea," Iroh smiled, standing up and walking toward the kitchen.

Katara raised an eyebrow. "What makes this tea special?"

"I think all your tea is special, Iroh!" Aang beamed.

"Well, this tea has a special ingredient… liquor!" Iroh winked. "Trust me. With everything that went down these past few days, you're going to need it."