Zuko smiled the second he saw Kiyi opening the door to his office. He and Azula had been working and arguing all day, and they both needed someone to take their minds away from all the stress, even if just for a little while, and even if Azula herself would not admit that she liked their little sister's company as well.

"What are you two doing?" she asked with that curious tone Zuko had gotten used to hearing.

"Working" he and Azula answered at the same time, though his sister sounded annoyed.

The little girl nodded and walked in, closing the door behind and taking a seat next to Azula, staring at her older sister with those huge eyes "Why are you two always locked up in here? Why can't other people know what you two are talking about?"

"Kiyi, that's not a subject for children."

She frowned "But you always explain adult things to me, Lala! Like what's it like to be a princess or about your wedding to Zuko! Why is this different?

Because it's inconvenient for her this time, Zuko thought to himself, chuckling. Shouldn't have spoiled her, Zula.

Azula sighed and turned to her "Look, Zuzu and i discuss things with each other first because a Fire Lord should always be seen as clever and confident by his subjects, so it's best if the council doesn't question his decisions. And since those decisions have to be smart, he needs a trusted advisor to help him organize his ideas before he shares it with others. Got it?" she said in a bored tone, and Kiyi simply nodded after paying attention to her every word.

Zuko didn't think Azula realized just how much it meant to their little sister that she would answer her questions, especially in her usual blunt way instead of talking down to her (though she could be too blunt at times).

"You really should leave now, Kiyi. Zuzu and I still have work to do."

"But it's almost time for dinner! Can't it wait until tomorrow?"

"Unfortunately, it can't" he said "I promise we'll try to make it to dinner, but there's something really important we have to take care of as soon as possible. Sorry."

She looked a bit disappointed, then just walked away, making him feel guilty.

"Don't be so dramatic, Zuzu. She'll have plenty of opportunities to annoy us."

"Don't be mean. She just wants a little attention" he offered her a teasing smile "And besides, we both know you like her."

Azula scoffed "You like the kid. I tolerate her for your sake.

"And that's why you looked so happy when you noticed she was watching you practice your firebending and trying to copy all of your movements? I have to say, it was one of the most adorable things I've ever seen."

She blushed "I didn't care about her, i was just proud of myself."

"Yeah, you were proud because you realized your little sister looks up to you"

Azula simply rolled her eyes "If you say so.

Zuko just shook his head "Do you have to be so difficult all the time?"

"Yes"

He simply reached for her hand "Caring about other's is not a weakness."

He expected her to dismiss him or say he was starting to sound like her doctors, but for once she just quietly went back to what she was doing.

It's okay to care about your little sister.