Standard disclaimer: I don't own this and am only writing it for fun not profit.
A/N: This was written for Renuki. The prompt was: Platonic Iroh/Ozai and "Why are you here brother?" and Forgiveness OR Harula and Son. I think I managed to fit them all in... lol!
Forgiveness
"Why are you here, Brother?"Ozai still looked regal even in chains. His hair was wild and dirty. His skin covered with burn scars from the battle he fought and lost with the Avatar. He was not the powerful Fire Lord any longer, yet there was a haughty tilt to his chin and a supercilious sneer on his lips that belied his appearance. Iroh had thought, hoped, that his brother's experiences had humbled him. Had made him more receptive to change, like they did with Zuko. It was clearly not the case.
"I bring news." There were no pleasantries between them. No need for a pretense of familial affection.
"Oh? Has my daughter returned?" Iroh wasn't surprised by the faint glimmer of hope he saw in Ozai's eyes. Azula was his pride and joy and he refused to believe she was happy ruling Ba Sing Se along with her earthbender consort and would not return in a blaze of righteous fury to rescue him.
Iroh sighed heavily. "The Queen is still in childbed with the new prince and will not be returning, Ozai… You know this. Azula has her own kingdom to rule now."
The light in his eyes dimmed but the deposed ruler only looked away asking bitterly, "What news, then? And why should I care?"
"The Fire Lord has an offer he would like you to consider." Ignoring the look of disgust and indignation in his brother's eyes, Iroh continued. "In celebration of the birth of the his first child, your son would like to offer you a pardon. There are certain stipulations, of course. You would have to leave the Fire Nation, but you would have your freedom. And more importantly… his forgiveness."
The proud man on the other side of the prison bars scoffed. "The boy is not only weak but a fool as well. Only the most pathetic of leaders offer forgiveness…" His lips twisted with derision and his voice dripped with scorn.
Iroh stood back and shook his head in sadness. Ozai would never change. He would never understand true strength. He was filled with regret that he would have to tell Zuko his father's reply. The young lord had been so full of hope.
"That is why you will never leave here, Brother. You fail to see that it is only the most pathetic of men who refuse it."
Fin