Okay, another entry. And I think it answers a lot of your questions.

It Rethinks

"Good morning, sweet cousin," Lu Ten called, waving his cousin into the room. He had to admit, Azula wasn't as bad as he thought she was. He relished how she'd joyfully throw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly.

"Hello, cousin," she squealed as usual, her eyes shining with joy. "I've brought you flowers from the garden."

Lu Ten smiled indulgently. "Why don't you put them in you hair? It will make you look pretty." She was a beautiful little girl, and someday, he would make sure she had her choice of husbands.

"Thank you, I will. You are so smart," Azula giggled, pleating them into her bun. "Can I ask you for something?"

"Of course, Azula. Anything," Lu Ten said, patting her hand. He was doing better. He was being a good cousin.

"May I have a new doll? The doll that was sent to me got lost," the little princess said, pursing her lips sadly.

"You should be more careful, little cousin. But if it will make you happy, I'll have three dolls sent you. After all, I'd hate for your little friend to be all alone," Lu Ten said, glad his little cousin had finally become a proper child and not a monster. He supposed it was his uncle's influence.

"Like me. Zuko doesn't want to play with me," Azula said sadly, hanging her head. "He must hate me."

Lu Ten sighed. Zuko on the other hand was only getting worse. He seemed to shy away from Lu Ten's very touch and the fear in his eyes grew greater each day. He had begun eating again, but still refused to speak to anyone besides his pet-earthbender. "Zuko is still sad."

"I lost my parents too and I am okay. Why isn't he getting any better?" Azula asked innocently.

Out of the mouths of babies. Azula was right, Zuko's endless grieving was starting to get annoying. Azula had lost her parents too, but she had managed to move on! Lu Ten was trying his best with him and nothing seemed to get through with that boy! "I don't know."

"I think he just likes being sad. You are trying so hard to make us happy. I like being with you," Azula chirped, snuggling into his chest.

Lu Ten tried not to think about that. "Why don't we go riding together? We need to celebrate the victory at Omashu," he said softly. He needed to clear his head a bit.

"Sounds wonderful," Azula answered happily. "I love doing anything for you!"

Lu Ten nodded. "I know." Zuko wouldn't even smile for him. That bothered him.

AN-More to come!