"How can you stand it?"
Zuko, who had been sprawled out on his back on the palace's manicured lawn, rolled over to face his sister. "Stand what?"
"Them," she said, lip curling in disgust as she gestured toward the Water Tribe siblings sitting by the pond. "They're so... barbaric."
"They aren't barbaric," he defended, propping himself up on his elbows with a frown, forehead creasing, "they just have a different culture."
She snorted. "Zuzu, they can't even read."
"Can so! I saw Katara writing her name in the dirt the other day."
"Then why can't she read those stupid stories you like so much?"
"They aren't stupid!"
"Who? The waterbender or the books?"
"Both!" he shouted, face reddening until it looked like he might burst.
Scoffing, she shifted from her side to her back, closing her eyes against the bright sun. "Really, Zuzu, I thought you'd handle this better than that. I guess uncle's actually right – love really is blind."
Sputtering, he sat upright, cheeks burning for a very different reason. "I-I don't like her! That's ridiculous! You're stupid!"
Azula only smirked. "Whatever you say, dumb-dumb."
Getting to his feet, he stomped away toward the house, muttering about crazy girls and crazier family.
Author's Notes: Yeah, even with Iroh's influence, Azula is still a bit manipulative and cruel. At least his time her teasing and manipulation is in favour of Zutara (for the most part).
Oh, I'm debating on possibly titling this "Foreign Affairs" or something like that. What do you think? Any other suggestions?
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Avatar' or any of its characters.