"I missed you, Lala."

More hug!

Hugs!

"So... Why now?"

"I finally have enough freedom of movement. And - "

"Zhao's planning an all out - and rather stupid - assault on the North Pole. He's also planning to commandeer your ship. It'd be too easy for him to let... Accidents happen, after that."

"Ah. Yes."

"I won't allow him to hurt you."

"Do you have a plan?"

"I need to build up my ability to maneuver against Father as well, if I want to take the Fire Nation intact after killing him - discrediting Zhao will go a long way towards that. And this war threatens to overstretch us dramatically. I'm still exploring options for how to discredit Zhao and redirect our military power to something useful," like overthrowing her father, "Without damaging our fleet."

"I'm not sure I can help with that, really..."

"Don't insult my sister." 

Tiny blush.

Soft smile. "You're useful to me, Zuko. You've already done a lot to discredit Zhao... And that's something I can build on - that we can build on. Together."

"If you say so."

"Do you doubt me?"

"I don't."

"Good."

"Then - we'll work together."

Smile.

"What about Aunt?"

"Do you think she'll work against Father?"

"I think-" How to phrase this?

"She'll work for me. And against the way the Fire Nation is right now."

"Then she'll be a useful ally."

"She has been- helpful."

"I'm glad you had someone."

Hug.

Hug!

"She'll help you too, if you ask."