Surprisingly this family dinner turned out pretty nice. Zuko found that he had an honestly good time talking to Noren and Ursa.

And of course Kiyi had stolen Zukos heart nearly on the spot.

Even Mai seemed to actually be enjoying herself and engaged in casual conversation. Mostly about pretty unimportant stuff. Different plays and what Noren much consider put up next. The stage show they had just watched.

Kiyi's most recent miss hap. And the funny things Zuko had been doing recently at his own tour.

It was pretty obvious that everyone at the table were just avoiding any heavier issues which was honestly for the better. This was all about Zuko getting to know Noren and Kiyi. And them to know him!

Zuko was very relieved that he actually liked Noren. Noren as it turned out was a very calm and easy going man. He was clearly very dedicated to Ursa and his daughter. As well was he the type to appreciate honest work, very proud of what he had managed to do with his little theater company. He was very happy to talk about how he had taken over after his parents death and made sure to keep the legacy going. How it had been a cultural hot spot for the island when they had their grand premier each year drawing lots of tourists in who would enrich the entire village. He was clearly very proud of how he managed to make their little home relevant and his family comfortable.

Looking at Kiyi it was also very clear she was a very loved child. She was incredible perceptive as far as Zuko was concerned. But also had a child's innocence and naivety. As well as way more energy than should be allowed in such a small body.

In the evening long after they had finished dinner Zuko approached Noren as the man was checking over costumes alone.

"Erhm." Zuko tried and Noren blinked as he turned around to face the young fire lord.

"Zuko?" Noren asked then shook his head. "Sorry. I think Ursa is in the wagon. She said she needed rest."

"That's okay. It was you I wanted to talk to." Zuko said.

"Oh." Noren blinked then turned around so he was fully facing towards Zuko. "How can I help you?" he asked as kindly as he could. Though clearly he still looked a little nervous.

"I just… Wanted to thank you." Zuko said and Noren blinked surprised. "For taking care of my mother. And my sister… Erhm the older one." he looked up. "Things could have turned really bad if you hadn't been there. I can gather that much."

Noren exhaled deeply. "There's no need to thank me." he assured. "Ursa is the love of my life. Of course I wasn't just going to leave her."

"Still…" Zuko hesitated. "When she came back to her village. She was now the mother of two children. That changes things doesn't it?" he asked.

Noren sighed deeply. "Zuko…" he tried. "It's hard to explain really." he admitted. "When we were young. Ursa was… a happy person. And very carefree." he admitted.

Zukos eyes widened as he heard that. He had to imagine... It was kind of hard to imagine Ursa as carefree.

"It's true. When she returned… She wasn't the same anymore." Noren admitted as he looked down on his hands. "And… She hasn't been since. Even the seven years we spend together… I knew I had to accept it. Ursa would never become that same person again. So young and so carefree." he sighed deeply. "But… Her heart was still the same. Kind… Sensitive." he smiled lightly. "Pure." he shook his head. "I often wonder how someone can go through so much… And still be so pure." he said then glanced up. "It really gives you hope I think. Some things wont be corrupted... She might be hurting herself but she would never hurt a single soul. You are a lot like her you know."

"Oh." Zuko blinked. "Thank you… I guess."

Noren smirked. "Finally after all this time. I am beginning the see the old Ursa again." he said. "I know.. She wont be the same. But she doesn't have to be. We both changed. We are older now, and have things other than ourselves to protect. She gave me such a beautiful daughter too." he said. "And… While I'm not Azulas father and never will be. At least I have to try. She's Ursas daughter too!"

"Trust me. You make a much better father than the real one." Zuko smirked. "And who knows. It took me until I was sixteen until I realized who my real father was. My uncle!" he smiled warmly. "Uncle Iroh is the one who raised me!"

Noren smiled amused .

"I was really afraid." Zuko then admitted. "That something had happened to them… That… either of them had killed themselves."

Noren looked sadly at Zuko then Zuko looked up as he smiled.

"I'm so glad they are doing well!" Zuko beamed. "And I have you to thank for it so… If you need anything!" he said. "Mom wont take any money. I guess she doesn't want to be a burden. I'm the fire lord though."

Noren smirked. "We don't need your money Zuko." he assured. "We just need you to come by ones in a while. And send letters to your mother. She's still your mother, she worries."

"Heh." Zuko blushed deeply. "If you ever need anything. You can say the word okay? If something happens to mom or Azula or Kiyi! Kiyi is my sister too!" He said. "I'm so glad she likes me! I want to come by often so Kiyi and I can be… You know. Actual siblings." he blushed. "Have a good relationship."

"You are welcome at any time." Noren smiled. "We will though be touring at summer you know." he winked.

"It's what mom wouldhave been doing if Azulon hadn't taken her away. Isn't that true?" Zuko asked.

"Yeah." Noren admitted.

"I'm glad she gets to do it now!" Zuko said. "Mom is so much prettier than any actress among the ember island players! She can keep doing this for years no problem."

Noren chuckled. "I agree." he stated. "And then there's Azula. She has really enjoyed it too."

"That's good." Zuko smiled. "Seriously thank you."

Noren shrugged. "Thank you for freeing the fire nation and make my life a lot safer." he replied evenly while stroking his mustache.

Zuko chuckled. "You're welcome." he smirked.

Zuko and his friends were supposed to go back to his yacht the next morning how-ever… Zuko hesitated. Couldn't they just fly to their next destination and meet up with the yacht there? It would give them an extra day.

Aang just agreed immediately and it gave Zuko time as he had found a separate theater and a separate version of love among dragons.

This time Zuko went alone. Covering his scar with his hair and wore a hood as he quietly tried to purchase a ticket. Only for a voice to make Zuko jump.

"You're here too Zuko?!"

Zuko stiffed and then twirled around to face a young girl wearing pink. "Sssh." Zuko hissed at Ty Lee. "Lee! I'm Lee!"

"Oooh. Okay." Ty Lee blinked.

"What are you doing here?" Zuko sighed deeply.

Ty Lee halted. "I guess… The same as you."

"Oh." Zuko halted.

Ty Lee swallowed. "I was worried about her too." she reminded Zuko.

Zuko softened. "Sorry." he whispered. "I guess… It's easy to forget. I know the others only sort of worry for Azula for my sake. Not for hers. I guess you're the only one."

Ty Lee smiled lightly. "Can I sit next to you?" she asked.

"I would like that." Zuko returned in a smile and Ty Lee grinned.

Even though Zuko had been told that Azula played the dragon emperor, it was still pretty shocking to see her right there on stage.

Her looks, voice and intonation was all the same. And she seemed to fit the character so well when he was all arrogant and threatening… But there was something different about her. It even showed in the softer scenes with the dragon empress.

Zhau-Li had been right that there was a lot more action in this version of the play than normally, but it was very well choreographed. Zuko could recognize so many real life fighting moves and could easily gather that Azula had taught the other actress's and Zuko found himself enjoying the play.

His eyes though lingered at Azula… She did seem happier. Zuko couldn't recall ever having seen her like that before. More at ease… relaxed. Allowed to have a little bit of fun.

It was almost like seeing a stranger who just happened to look like Azula… kind of weird.

Finally the play was over and both Ty Lee and Zuko clapped with the others both smiling and then as the rest of the audience left Zuko hesitated a bit…. But Ty Lee was already on her way jumping up on stage clearly on her way to the back room. "Come on." Ty Lee gestured.

Zuko hesitated but finally followed the younger girl and went into the back where four girls were chatting.

How-ever as Ty Lee and Zuko looked through the door, a girl looked up and by the sight of them her eyes widened as she screamed. "OH MY AGNI!"

The girl in the chair with her black her let loose sat straight, then finally she turned around to reveal amber eyes and porcelain skin. Her eyes landed on Zuko and she frowned. "Seriously?" Azula asked.

"Erhm." Zuko swallowed then raised his hand. "Hi."

"Oh no what do we do?!" Another girl squealed.

"Relax." Azula rolled her eyes. "It's just my dumb brother."

"Your brother who just so happens to be the fire lord!" The girl hissed.

"Oh please don't think about that." Zuko asked. "I'm not here as fire lord! I just… I really liked your play." he said as he looked down.

The three girls who weren't Azula all gaped and Zuko was looking down on his hands blushing deeply.

"I liked all the action!" Ty Lee exclaimed. "All the woosh! And the swords and the woooah!" she spread out her arms.

"What do you want?" Azula snapped making both quiet.

"Erh.." Zuko hesitated. "To… To see you."

"Don't lie to me Zuzu. You were always a horrible liar." Azula muttered. "As you can see though. I am not out to murder anyone and I haven't conspired against you. You can go now."

"I didn't think you were!" Zuko exclaimed. "I just… I really just wanted to see you. It's true."

Azula looked at Zuko. "Why?" she asked.

"Cause…" Zuko halted. "I was worried about you… I guess."

"You guess?" Azula asked.

"Why is that so weird?" Zuko asked frustrated. "I haven't seen for you for over half a year! And the last time I saw you. You weren't… erhm."

"Weren't what?" Azula asked as she stood up. "Sane? In my right mind?"

"ZARA!" The girl who had played the dark water spirit grabbed her shoulder. "You are going there." she whispered. "No one is out to get you… Remember." she said.

Azula hissed frustrated by closed her eyes as she took a deep breath.

"Sorry." Another girl whispered as she stepped closer. Whispering with as low a voice as possible. "Sometimes Zara has… these episodes." she tried to explain in her lowest whisper.

Ty Lee swallowed as she nodded then stepped forward. "Azula…." she tried. "I just… I'm really glad you're doing better." she said her eyes growing misty. "I… I was worried. Really worried." she swallowed. "It's not like you to loose control… I know that. You were sick… Very sick."

Azula hissed as she wrapped her arms around herself and turned her head away.

"But you're so much better now! That's amazing!" Ty Lee beamed. "I'm so happy for you! And I really meant it. I liked your play a lot."

Azula hesitated then glanced up at Ty Lee again

Then Ty Lee swallowed and she leaned over to hug Azula who's eyes widened in deep shock as Ty Lee cried and hugged her. "Thank Agni." Ty Lee whispered. "I was really scared… I'm so glad you're okay."

Azula swallowed, then her eyes softened. "I'm fine you dumdum." she assured then padded her on the head. "I'm a survivor you know."

"Heh… yeah." Ty Lee smiled as she sat back on her knees looking up at Azula.

Then Azula glanced up at Zuko. "Damn. I thought you left this morning."

Zuko shrugged. "I wanted to see your play."

Azula lifted an eyebrow.

"Really." Zuko said.

Azula sighed deeply. "So I am one of your dumb birds. I had a broken wing so you just had to make sure I was doing okay. As you can see I'm fine. You can go now." she waved a hand at Zuko.

Zuko just stood there. Chewing his lip.

Azula rolled her eyes. "What do I need to do to make you leave?" she asked as she finally stood up. "You talked to mother right? And you watched the play. What else do you need?" she asked annoyed as she stepped forward until she stood in front of Zuko.

Zuko hesitated. Then suddenly and out of nowhere Zuko offered Azula a hand.

Azula frowned as she looked up at Zuko then down at his out stretched hand before looking up at his face again. "What?" she asked.

"There's no reason for us to be enemies anymore." Zuko said. "I… wont be able to look after mother or Kiyi. That has to be you. But we can still work together when needed. Right?"

Azula frown deepened.

"It's really amazing what you have done." Zuko then said. "All of this… This is yours. You made this play right? No one gave it too you. You made a whole new life for yourself… A new future. I'm really happy for you." he said. Though Azulas eyes remained the same. "And… I guess you wont be needing any help. You can handle yourself… But if you do." He swallowed then his hand lowered and sadly Zuko looked at Azula.

"Look." Zuko tried. "I know I wasn't… The best brother." he said. "I didn't even try to reach out to you. Or realize things were really hard for you too… even if you were the perfect one."

"Hmm perfect?" Azula smirked. "I sort of realized lately. There's no such thing as perfect. It's a false promise. Impossible to archive." she halted. "There was no winning."

"For either of us." Zuko spoke sadly. "I… I'm sorry you had to go through so much pain. It must have been really lonely."

Azula was quiet as she looked down.

Then Zuko offered her his hand again. "You don't have to ever see me again if you don't want to." he said. "But let's at least… Part on as good terms as we can. Then we can both move on… For good."

Azula hesitated. But then finally she lifted her hand and then… She took Zukos hand in her own. And their hands firmly wrapped themselves around each other as the two siblings looked each other into the eyes and shook firmly. While both of them smirked in exactly the same way and let go.

And as they did. It somehow felt like the tension had been eased.

Azula smirked as she looked up at Zuko. "Always so sentimental. Aren't you Zuko?" she asked.

"Yeah I guess." Zuko shrugged. "You know if you ever need anything when looking after mom."

"I got it." Azula stated. "Yeah sometimes she's kind of over sensitive. But Noren and I have it handled." she stated in a slight shrug. "And now when she knows her precious baby son is all right. She ought to do better."

Zuko smirked amused.

"Agni it might be you who'll need some help in the future. You ever thought about that Zuko?" Azula asked.

"Oh?" Zuko.

"You're just so… Good. That it's honestly almost sickening." Azula commented. "That's going to get you in trouble. Especially as fire lord. Lots of people looking for power for selfish reasons and many of them awfully good at deception."

"Takes one to know one I suppose." Zuko commented.

"Oh I am over that." Azula said as she walked over to her chair. "It's quite frankly exhausting! You must fight with tooth and nail to archive the power. But then you must be on constant guard and fight even harder than that to keep it. No thank you. I'm good." she stated as she sat back down crossing her legs.

"Good observation." Zuko said. "You were always the smart one."

"Yes I know." Azula stated and Zuko smirked as there was quiet. "Well…. I guess I'm sorry too." she said. "For trying to kill you and all of that."

Zuko couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks."

"And when it was obvious Mai liked you more than she liked me. I guess I went kind of overboard." Azula pouted. "And I shouldn't have burned your pants….. Any of the times."

"Thank you for the apology. I honestly never thought I would hear that from you." Zuko admitted. "Well… I guess I should be going. It was nice seeing you Azula. I really mean that."

Azula was quiet.

"And you know I can lie to save my own life!" Zuko exclaimed. "So listen. I'm glad you're okay. And I'm glad you're with mom."

Azula swallowed.

"I guess I'll see you around." Zuko said then halted. "Well okay… Maybe not. I guess we'll see." he said and finally left.

"Heh." Ty Lee grinned. "I'm really glad too." she said. "Seriously Azula." she said. "Or do you prefer Zara now?"

"Yeah I go by Zara now." Azula said. "A lot less baggage."

"I understand." Ty Lee said then rushed forward to hug her again. "I'm so happy." she whispered and let go as she beamed. "You were great on stage!" she stated. "I loved it!"

Azula smirked lightly and Ty Lee beamed as she stood up.

"I need to catch up with Zuko. It was nice meeting you all!" Ty Lee beamed as she waved. "I hope I'll meet you again! And that we can hang out some more!" she shouted as she turned to head for the door.

"TY LEE WAIT!" Azula suddenly blurted and Ty Lee halted then turned to look questioning at Azula.

"Erhm." Azula halted. "You are a performer right?" she asked.

"Yeah." Ty Lee nodded.

"We'll be putting up another play after this one is done." Azula said. "An all original one. In the play there will be shadows dancing around. We could really use someone with your performance skills… If you are interested." she said.

Ty Lee blinked.

"You get to travel with a group instead of being alone." Azula informed. "And the pay is a little more consistent."

And then Ty Lees face widened in a grin. "I'D LOVE TOO!" she shouted. "I'll meet you in your village when you are done with your tour we'll talk then!"

"Great." Azula replied sounding stunned.

"I'll see you real soon! Looking forward to it!" Ty Lee waved both her hands. "Bye for now!" and she finally run.

Leaving Azula and her three friends.

"Huh." Makoto blinked. "So that's our fire lord."

"He seems nice." Mai-Lin commented. "But not very… Royal. Zara seems more royal."

"He's always been awkward as hell." Azula shrugged. "Let's just hope he doesn't get himself killed before he turns twenty." she rolled her eyes "Oh well. I guess that's why Mai sticks around, she'll keep him alive."

"I think it's good you two made up." Raiku commented. "It'll probably make you feel better too."

"I guess." Azula commented. "Let's just get changed so we can get something to eat. I'm starving."

"Uh your mom said she would make that kale salad again today." Raiku commented. "Served with duck."

"That's what she told us yes." Azula shook her head as she pulled the dragon emperor tunic off over her head. And was just secretly thankful that Zuko hadn't walked in on them while they were all half naked. Seriously that would have been just like him.

As Appa was flying back to get team Avatar back on track. Zuko was smiling as he leaning on the saddle looking towards the drifting ocean beneath him.

"You seem happy." Mai commented as placed herself next to him.

"You know… I think this all went as well as it possible could have." Zuko smiled back at her. "I'm not asking you to forgive Azula. You don't have too. But I'm glad she's doing okay."

"Of course you are. You're you. Such a big softie." Mai stated. "And that's why I love you. So what can you do?" she asked in a shrug.

Zuko smirked lightly.

"I'm just making sure you're not getting yourself killed." Mai simply stated.

"Thank you." Zuko whispered.

"What for?" Mai asked. "I haven't forgiven her. And I probably wont." she said. "But…. I'll behave around her if she shows up. Okay."

"Thank you." Zuko said again. "And the first thanks was for looking out for me." he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "I'm really lucky having you."

"Yes… You are." Mai said as she turned her face to Zukos. "But not lucky as I as am having you." she replied and Zuko smirked then she leaned over and they lightly kissed before falling back. Just relaxing the ease on quiet you could only get when flying on a ten ton flying bison.