Behind his desk, the Fire Lord was pacing.
"I don't think you fully understand the gravity of the situation here, Sokka! Ever since Azula's return, Aang and I have had to watch her like hawks to ensure she doesn't cause havoc. Spirits! Don't you have any sense of self-preservation?"
The Water Tribesman ran his hand over his wolf's tail and grinned.
"Oh, so far she's been pretty friendly. Can't say I've had that much to complain about."
Zuko's eyes bulged. "I absolutely forbid you to go near her, Sokka! Hands off! I mean, that's my flesh and blood we're talking about. Now that she's recovered, I can't have her…"
"Consorting with peasants?" Sokka smiled pleasantly. "Why, the two of you are more alike than I thought. Except these five years have done Azula a world of good. She's lost her snobbery. Seems the reverse has happened to you, though."
The Fire Lord blushed. His fists tightened.
"What are your intentions here, Sokka? Our family can't take any more scandals. As long as I'm Fire Lord, there will be no Royal bastards."
A breezy smile. "Oh, there's contraceptive tea these days."
He winked. "Unless you'd like me as a brother-in-law, of course. I'm game."