"I don't want you to go" he muttered against his sister hair, making her shift on the bed to look at him.
"Zuzu, we talked about this."
"You talked, and forced this entire situation. I was against it from day one".
"I'm leaving tomorrow. It's going to happen" she gave him a quick kiss "I'll find those traitors, lead them to a trap, and then I'll come home to you, safe and sound. Well, mostly sound. Now get up, we'll have a long day."
Zuko sighed. He knew he was fighting a losing battle and that there was no chance she would back down, especially not now, with everything and everyone ready, all eyes on her, waiting for her to either prove her worth or prove them right for believing she was unfit to help him. But he still had to try. Truth be told, he pretty sure he couldn't help but try to keep her safe.
"We can say I changed my mind and forced you to stay. Or we'll make up some excuse to change the plans so drastically. Just please don't go" he cupped her cheek, caressing it with his thumb "I just can't stand the thought of something happening to you."
"I'll be careful" she said, kissing the scar above his heart then resting her head on his chest, letting him wrap his arms around her, keeping her close "And I'm doing better than ever. You don't have to keep freaking out, Zuzu" she offered him a sweet smile "Though I'll admit, I like seeing playing the role of the protective big brother."
"I know" he smirked "You proved it to me yesterday."
She pulled away and slapped him in the face, grinning. Zuko grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him, trying to kiss her, but she kept trying to free herself from his grasp "Zuko, come on, we have work to do"
"Give me a kiss and I'll get you go" he entangled his legs with hers.
"No" she said, just as he managed to kiss her chin.
"Come on, Lala, just one kiss"
"Don't call me that!" She complained, making Zuko chuckle, and she couldn't help but smile at him. He took advantage of her momentary distraction, stealing a kiss before letting go of her. Azula stayed right where she was "I'm serious, don't call me that."
"Kiyi gets to. And I used to call you that all time."
"It's different, we were kids."
"You still call me Zuzu."
"Yeah" she pressed her lips to his "Because you are my Zuzu."
"That's not fair" he complained, but laughed despite himself "I don't get to call you Lala anymore, but I'm stuck with my stupid nickname?"
"I decide what's fair, Zuzu. And I'm already being pretty generous by letting you call me Zula every now and again" she gave him one last kiss and got up "Now come on, there's much to do."
Zuko sighed and got out of bed. He really didn't want to leave the room at all. He wanted to either be with Azula until she left, just enjoying her company, or to stay locked up with her until she gave up this plan. But he knew it was useless.
It didn't matter, he had a surprise planned for her later.