(Said big sister has no idea. She's just doing her job.)

(Something she's remarkably good at.)

(There's got to be something.)

(The prohibition against insulting Azula's big sister still applies.)

(Oops.)

Zuko is perfect and Azula won't hear a word otherwise.

As Her Highness commands.

Is that sass?

It is appropriate deference to the Crown Princess.

"You're being sassy. Zuzu, I never thought you had it in you."

"It hasn't all been tea and futile pursuits."

"Aunt Iroh has taught you much."

"She has."

"I don't think I taught you to be a brat on purpose, niece."

"You taught me not to hide all the time."

"Fair enough."

Smile.

Zuko feels... a lot more relaxed, since Azula showed up and proved she didn't hate Zuko. Like things are finally going back to normal. Whatever normal means.

One good thing.

It is.

(Normal might include Zuko's Aunt 'casually' cornering her a bit later - after Azula's gone to write some letters - with the kind of smile on her face that promises some very awkward social interactions over the next few hours.)

Nngh.

"What now."

"Why the long face, niece?"

"You smiling like that never means anything good."

"I just want to have some tea and a little chat with one of my two favorite nieces..."

Yeah, this is going to be bad.