"Strange behavior, signs of confusion, and moments of kindness." Zuko read the letter out loud to Mai.
"Well that is good news." Mai said as she continued arranging the flowers Tom Tom had picked for her in a vase.
"Like I care." Zuko said with a sneer. "I told Beng Fong only to inform me if there was something different in her behavior."
"And he did." Mai replied as she cut the stem off a fire rose. "Have you ever known Azula to show kindness before?"
Zuko growled deep in the back of his throat.
"I heard that." Mai replied as she lifted the pitcher of water and poured it into the vase.
Zuko threw a glare at Mai.
"I saw that." Mai said calmly as she arranged the roses in the vase.
"Wow Mai what do you have, eyes behind your back?" Zuko asked in awe.
"I am just practicing for when we have our child." Mai said with a smile as she turned to face Zuko. "Now what is troubling you?"
"I was hoping now that our guests had left I would have some time alone with you."
"You do remember what we talked about last night?" Mai asked.
Zuko's eye softened as he recalled their night of love making, soft whispers, and the wonderful news of a child on the way.
"I do." Zuko whispered as he held his arms out for Mai, who readily entered his warm embrace.
"Then you remember agreeing to heal the rift between your sister and yourself." Mai said as she interlaced her fingers together behind his back and tipped her head back to smile up at him.
"You can hardly expect me to remember any promises I made last night. I was in the throes of passion I would have promised you the moon on a silver platter." Zuko said with a sexy smirk as he dipped his head down to kiss Mai.
"Stop right there." Mai said firmly her fingertips pressed against Zuko's firm lips.
Zuko groaned against her fingertips. "What?" Zuko mumbled.
"Think of our child Zuko. I refuse to have your sister grow more and more resentful toward us and take it out on our children."
Zuko's eyebrows drew down. "I won't let that happen." Zuko growled as he squeezed Mai closer to him burying his face in the side of her neck. "Don't even say such a thing.'
"Then stop being stubborn and let's fix this." Mai protested.
"Fine." Zuko grumbled against her neck, his breathe tickling her bare skin. "We need to see my Mother anyway, and tell her she will be a grandmother soon."
"I think she'll like that." Mai sighed contently in Zuko's arms. "I could stay like this forever."
"Me too." Zuko said as he finally loosened his arms letting Mai go.
"I'll send a letter to Beng Fong announcing our intent to visit." Mai said as she headed out to write the letter.
………………….
"What is taking them so long?" Azula complained as she paced in front of her mother.
"Just relax." Ursa said calmly as she continued running her paint brush across the canvas.
"How can you be so calm?" Azula said pacing once more across the floor to the window.
"Zuko's letter said they have good news." Ursa said with a smile as she tapped the handle of the brush against her chin pondering what color to choose next.
"That doesn't mean anything to me; good news to you means bad news to me." Azula said pacing once more.
"How are the most beautiful women in my life doing?" Beng Fong's voice rang.
"You incorrigible flirt." Ursa lectured as she dipped her paint brush and continued to paint ignoring Beng Fongs sexy smile.
"That painting is really coming along, you really did a wonderful job on the colors of the morning sun rise." Beng Fong praised as he glanced over Ursa's shoulder.
"Oh sure complement my Mothers painting skills and make fun of mine." Azula snapped in anger.
Beng Fong laughed softly at Azula's anger.
"This isn't a laughing matter." Azula growled. "In a few minutes I could be facing a death sentence."
"I thought we were talking about painting?."
"This is about how my fate lies in the hands of my Brother, who we all know hates me." Azula explained, her voice raising with passion and fear.
"The letter said good news." Beng Fong said with a smile as he walked over to Azula.
"Good news to Zuko is a death sentence for me." Azula whined than her eyes widened. "Oh gods, do you hear me Beng Fong, I'm whining like a helpless little girl."
Beng Fong's head fell back and he let his deep rich laughter fill the room before he swept Azula into his arms and kissed her soundly. He pulled his head back and stared into her golden eyes and smiled down at her.
"You are anything but a helpless little girl." Beng Fong whispered his lips a mere inch from hers. "You are a girl I can attest to that, but helpless you have never been, and never will be."
Azula felt her lips pull into a smile as she swept her fingers across his jaw to rest on the side of his neck. "You will be here besides me when they arrive?"
"I won't leave your side." Beng Fong whispered back.
"Their here." Ursa announced as she set her paint brush down and walked out onto the porch.
"Oh no." Azula whispered her eyes widened.
"Come this isn't going to be as bad as you think." Beng Fong whispered as he took Azula's hand and led her to the porch.
Azula's eyes landed on the small party that was approaching. The sound of Zuko's deep voice sent chills of fear down her spine, and the sweat laughter of Mai sent apprehension through Azula's chest. They looked extremely happy and content as they walked up to the house hand in hand.
"Zuko." Ursa's said as she came down the stairs and enveloped her son in a big hug, than swept an arm out for Mai.
"Mother you're looking well." Zuko said kissing the side of her face.
"I have always been fine, but I am very happy to see that Mai is on her feet again." Ursa said as she lead the small group up to the porch.
Azula felt her knees tremble as Zuko stood tall in front of her with Mai looking every bit like a Fire Lady. Dipping her head down she sank into a curtsey small.
"Zuko, it is good to see you." Azula said softly.
Zuko looked a little shocked as he gazed at his sister. "You look well I trust you have recovered."
"I have, thanks to Mai who sent a healer." Azula ventured to say.
Zuko's brows went down as he turned to look at Mai. "I heard what she did, against my wishes."
"Oh Zuko." Mai said placing her hand in his her voice made a clucking sound. "This is a happy occasion do not make it bitter with the past."
Azula watched her brothers face, and let out a breathe of relief when his face broke into a smile as he gazed at Mai and then ushered everyone to sit down.
"I want to share something with…my family." Zuko said as he turned his gaze on Azula.
Azula bit her bottom lip in worry, did he mean he wanted her to leave and just tell their mother, standing up Azula stood there drawing attention from everyone. "Umm I can leave."
"You are family, are you not?" Zuko asked his eyes holding hers until she sat back down, he than continued. "We can not stay long as we have other arrangements but we have some news." Zuko said with excitement breaking through his voice as he looked at Mai with a smile. "Mai and myself… we are going to have.."
"A baby." Mai finished her excitement evident on her face.
Ursa let out a cry of excitement as she rushed to hug Mai a second time than her son. Azula sat stunned, a slow feeling of relief ran through her, Mai and Zuko were going to have a child, an heir to the thrown pushing Azula further back from every ruling. Zuko had come to share this news with family and by his that simple statement he had said she was his family as well.
"Azula?" Beng Fong gently nudged her from her thoughts. "They asked you a question."
"Sorry what?" Azula asked as she noticed Mai and Zuko looking at her.
"We asked if you would like to be part of this family, Azula." Mai said gently.
"This is a new beginning." Zuko stated his eyes never leaving Azulas face. "This child will be a new start for the Fire Nation and I would hope a new start for us."
Azula felt the tears burning against her eyes, at Zuko's words; he was giving her a second chance. "I would be honored to be part of your child's life."
Mai smiled with pleasure, Ursa's eyes were sparkling with unshed tears, and Zuko's mannerism relaxed visibly. The rest of the visit was spent in pleasant conversation of which Azula thoroughly found herself enjoying. As it grew late Zuko and Mai announced they would leave. Ursa and Azula quickly announced they would walk with Mai back to the ship Beng Fong walked beside Zuko lagging behind Ursa and Mai.
"I have a request for you Beng Fong." Zuko said softly.
"Anything Fire Lord." Beng Fong said quickly.
"When the time comes I would like for you to deliver the child." Zuko said.
"I will be there." Beng Fong replied easily.
"Let us also speak on the matter of Azula." Zuko said quickly. "Although I still do not trust her, my wife wants this rift to be healed. At this point in time she is still not allowed at the Palace. In time I might lift this banishment but at the moment I need time."
Beng Fong was silent as he pondered Zuko's words.
"I see that it is unfair to sentence you, when she appears to be doing well." Zuko continued. "You are here by released from your duty toward her."
"I am grateful for your kindness Fire Lord, especially when my behavior the last time we spoke was disrespectful."
"As I recall I was pretty distraught myself, and if my memory recalls you spoke of love for my sister."
"I still love her, and that brings me to my request of you Fire Lord."
"You are most daring to request something from the Fire Lord."
"I believe there are moments in life when it is worth risking everything for a chance at happiness." Beng Fong said with feeling.
"I know the feeling." Zuko said as his eyes landed on his wife's form in front of them. "Continue."
"I request your permission to court your sister." Beng Fong finally said.
Zuko's lips twitched into a smile. "Permission granted, I believe you might be the only man in this Nation that does not fear her, and can handle her passionate personality."
"Thank you." Beng Fong said with much gratitude.
They finally reached the ship of which Mai had boarded waiting patiently for Zuko to follow. Zuko hugged his mother one last time and dismissed Beng Fong and his mother with a wave of his hand.
"I would like a moment to talk with Azula." Zuko said firmly.
Azula shifted from one foot to the next.
"Do not look so anxious, do you fear my wrath?" Zuko asked a smirk on his face.
Azula glared at Zuko. "I have never feared you."
Zuko laughed. "You lie I can see it in your eyes that your scared. By right you should be, I have much power over your life, as you finally realized."
"I know." Azula said her voice dropping low. "I also realized something Zuko."
"And what would that be?"
"That I love my life, that I want to be part of this family, and that I love…" Azula couldn't finish her sentence.
"Beng Fong." Zuko finished.
Azula thrust her chin out and nodded her head. "I do, I love him, and I want to try to be a good person one that deserves his love in return."
"I admire you for that Azula, I have always admired your determination, your skill, and your passion." Zuko commented. "I do not hate you, I hate those who have pushed you into what you have become."
Azula felt her shoulders sag. "I am just as much to blame as our Father."
Zuko's eyes narrowed. "He is not my Father, and never will I call him that again. However, I still call you my sister, and I give you this second chance at a normal life. Please don't make me regret my decision."
Azula lifted her head to look at Zuko. "Thank you." she whispered as she took a step toward him, trying to decide if she should hug him or not, if it was too soon, but he surprised her by opening his arms. Azula rushed into his embrace hugging her brother back in relief.
"I love you Azula." Zuko said softly against her hair.
"I love you too Zuko." Azula said pulling back.
Zuko smiled as he let her go and walked onto his ship. Azula stood there watching the ship leave the dock, two strong arms wrapped around her and she leaned against Beng Fongs strong body.
"I think Zuko will forgive me in time." Azula said softly.
"I love you." Beng Fong whispered against her neck.
"I love you too." Azula said with a smile as she turned in his arms and kissed his cheek. "You do realize life with me won't be easy."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Beng Fong said as they walked back to the summer house hand in hand.
…………………………
"Thank you." Mai said as she wrapped her arms around Zuko.
"Your welcome." Zuko said softly as they watched Ember Island fade away.
"Now we can truly begin anew." Mai said with a smile.
"I love you." Zuko said as he kissed Mai.
"I love you too." Mai said easily.
"You know life with me isn't going to be easy." Zuko said.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Mai replied confidently.
"Raising children isn't easily either." Zuko replied with a grin.
"Our parents survived and I am confident we will too. Besides if we get irritated with the kids we can send them to Azula."
Zuko's face turned white.
"I'm kidding." Mai said with a gentle laugh.
"I love you." Zuko said again.
"You already said that." Mai laughed.
"I did?" Zuko said with a silly smile. "Than let me show you."
Zuko swept Mai into his arms and carried her below deck, the sound of their laughter floated in the still evening breeze.