Zuko could never understand Aang fully. The fire lord watched his friend transform into an adult along with everyone else. His boyish behaviors were mostly gone due to fade of adolescence, replacing the goofy 12 year old with a much more serious 22 year old man who dedicated his life to saving the world and making up for lost time.
No one asked the avatar to put such weight on his shoulders and no one blamed him as much for being absent so long. Aang was just that type of person. He forgave all those around him more than once and was willing to give a hand to his enemies.
So why is he acting so strange? Zuko wondered.
Since his vacation to Ember Island, Aang had become more distant. Zuko had never known his friend to be this way. Did something happen? Zuko was determined to find out.
"You could have told me that we were expecting company".
Zuko rubbed the bridge of his nose. He would never understand Azula fully. There was so much bad between them that it left little for him to work with. He did understand that she was just as much a product of Ozai's rearing as he, yet she was always distant. That is until today.
Ten years had passed since the end of Sozin's War. Everyone had changed in some form, even the one person Zuko had not expected to. Azula had blossomed into the spitting image of their mother as expected and was constantly bombarded by suitors and their parents pining for a way into the royal family. The princess had rejected each and every offer for her hand, yet as pointed out by her old friends, there was definitely someone interesting in her life nowadays.
Though his sister had caused him great anguish in her pursuit of happiness, Zuko remained the ever protective brother. Whoever was the cause for Azula's new laughter and "glow" the fire lord was determined to meet.
"It's just Aang," he stated at which the princess gave a smirk.
"Without his waterbender, I assume?" She remarked.
"Careful, Katara's a sore point for him," reminded the fire lord.
Azula shrugged, carelessly. Zuko thought on sending her off on some random task to avoid any hostility between her and Aang. The princess still made the GAang nervous whenever she was present. Out of everyone, Azula only spoke to the avatar. He had obviously earned her hard-earned respect somehow.
Maybe it will be ok. The fire lord decided, plastering on his best smile when Aang soared into the room on his glider. The first thing Zuko noticed was the young man's physique.
"Are you still vegan, Aang? You look like you're half whale-dolphin," he commented after a handshake.
Aang smirked at him. Bowing to the princess, he spoke, "Figured I needed to tone up. You fire nation guys are pretty buff. Gotta look the part here".
The loudest laugh surprisingly came from his sister, making Zuko turn to give her a warning glare.
"What?" She asked. "I thought it was funny". Turning her eyes back to their guest, she added, "Looks like it's paying off, Avatar".
"I hope so, Princess," he answered, his grin wide.
Something burned in Zuko's stomach. Were they... No. Definitely not. He concluded, chuckling in his mind.
After the formal greetings, Azula excused herself, leaving Aang and Zuko to talk.
"It's great you two are getting along," commented Aang when she left.
"Yeah, I doubt it had little to do with me. According to Mai, my sister's love life has been pretty active lately".
Aang raised an eyebrow. "Really? How so? I mean, that has to be good right?"
Zuko shrugged. "Keeps her happy. Whatever that means for Azula. I feel bad for the guy though. If he is not high born, my sister can't marry him. He will just be another person she has used".
Aang gave a slow nod. "Well, maybe it's not what it seems. Anyway, I should freshen up for dinner tonight, right? Can't wait to eat with you guys again".
The fire lord nodded. "Of course, the servants have all of the oils you like stocked up. Azula took care of that actually after you came the last time".
Aang grinned. "Great, I should thank her. I will see you all tonight".
Zuko watched Aang leave for the washroom.
Aang made sure to put enough distance between himself and the fire lord before making a quick turn to find the princess. Of course, she waited for him in her room.
"Welcome, Avatar Aang. I wasn't expecting you," she said, her back to him.
Aang noted her sheer robe and smiled in his mind.
"Hmm, according to your brother, only a high born can grace your chambers. Perhaps I am intruding".
Stretching her limbs, Azula sighed when she felt his breath against her neck. "He's right. Though you are a more valuable catch". She managed to groan.
Aang kissed her shoulder. "I do my best to keep you happy".
Azula smiled wide with anticipation. "Then you know what to do".
When neither Aang or Azula arrived on time for dinner, Zuko took it upon himself to find out what happened.
I knew better than to let her roam around freely with him here. Thought the leader.
The first place he checked was the washroom, while his mother, Iroh and Mai with Izumi looked in other rooms about the palace. Ursa figured he would find Azula in her chambers so he ventured there next while the others looked in various other places.
Unsurprisingly, the door was locked. Zuko sighed deeply. Of course Azula would pick tonight to be stubborn. It was showing good favor to have the avatar eat with them on occasion, and Azula would decide tonight was perfect to catch an attitude.
With a bobbi pin from his hair, the former prince toyed with the lock on the door until it released. Entering the pitch dark room, he was about to leave, as it did not seem Azula was there, that is, until he heard a muffled groan, followed by the sound of a creaking bed.
"Azula?" He called, at which he heard an erotic gasp.
Zuko hurriedly lit his palm. "Azula! Why are you..." His voice trailed when the lighting illuminated half of the bed.
Though, thankfully he did not witness it all, he did not miss his sister's blissful face, nails and teeth clutching the silk sheets of her massive bed, a tattooed hand attached to her shoulder.The two did notice his intrusion and he left as silently as he entered.
"Did you find her Zuko?" Asked his mother, concerned. "Honey, you look like you saw a dead body. Are they ok?"
Zuko nodded slowly. What he witnessed would...should never happen in a million lifetimes. It was truly beyond his understanding.
Turning to a nearby servant he said, "Please, I need a strong glass. I don't want to think anymore".
