#miavwrites

“I want to see them!  Put them on the screen!” A throaty, rough voice filled the room as Lu Ten set up his phone beneath a large flat screen.  He was fiddling with the touch screen, trying to get it connected.  

“How’s that?” he asked.  Behind him, Azula was sitting on the couch with Katara. On the floor before them were Zuko and Sokka.  “Can you see them now?”

A laugh came from the speakers.  “Not with you standing in front of the camera, my boy.”  

“Sorry, Dad.”  Lu Ten had a lopsided smile on his face as he stepped away.  On the flat screen, they saw a man with hair more gray than black and a neat beard.  He was seated in what looked like an office building, wearing a suit.  A rotund old man, but he looked happy and kind, just like his son.  “Can you see them now?”

“Ah!  Yes, I can.”  Iroh laughed once more.  “Hello, everyone.  I’m sorry I couldn’t join you tonight.”

“You’re in the Fire Nation, Uncle Iroh,” Sokka said.  “It’s okay.”

Katara raised her arm, as if to answer a question in class.  “Uncle Iroh, thank you for letting us stay at your family’s villa in Ember Island.  This year, we’re going to bring Azula and Zuko.  Is that okay?”

“Of course it is, Katara,” Iroh said.  “I would be very happy to have my niece and nephew visit.”  

“Un...Uncle Iroh,” Zuko said, blushing.  “I sorry I don’t remember you much, but I hope we can meet you soon.”

“Yes, Uncle!” Azula said.  “I left here when I was just a baby, so I don’t remember either.”

“I hope to meet you two in person soon, as well,” Iroh said, his voice softening.  “But looking at you two...ah...  Zuko, you look just like your father when he was your age and Azula...I can already tell you have that Souzin fire in you.”  

Both children seemed to sit up straighter with pride.

Out of view from the camera, outside, on a wooden deck with the other parents, Ursa sighed at the scene.  Part of her wanted to go in and greet Iroh, too, but a larger part of her was ashamed to show her face to him.  Iroh was such a good man and treated her like his own sister.  She didn’t want to face his disapproval for keeping her children away for so long.  

In addition, she divorced his precious younger brother and, if Lu Ten’s words were true, broke Ozai’s heart - which she still doubted.

“And you’ll be joining us then, right?” Kya seemed to prod at Ozai from where she leaned against the wooden railing.  

Ozai didn’t budge.  “I can’t.”

“You always say that.”  Hakoda sounded tired of excuses.  “Come on, Ozai.  This will be the first year Azula and Zuko will go since Zuko was born.  You have to be there.”  

“Besides, we always feel bad going.  It’s your family’s place,” Kya said.  Ozai gave her a dull look.

“My brother sent me photos of you all having a BBQ on the beach last year, having the time of your lives.  How badly can you feel?”

“Okay, somewhat guilty,” Kya said.

“It just gets really good waves on your family’s beach...,” Hakoda added.  “Anyway, that’s not the point.  The point is that this year, you’ll all be joining us.”

“Wait, not me, right?” Ursa said, lowering the her glass of white wine and placing it on the patio table.  She looked from her friends to her ex-husband with uncertainty.

“You’ll be there, too,” Kya said so confident that Ursa wondered if she already agreed to it and simply forgot.

She shook her head.  “Kya, I can’t.  I’m still looking for a place and then I have to move things in, not to mention start looking for a job.  My prenup will provide just the basics and I won’t get it until after the divorce is settled.”

Kya wrinkled her nose and Hakoda rubbed his chin; a sign that they were both mulling over her valid point.

“Don’t you think you should go with the children.  Won’t they feel uncomfortable with you present?” Ozai asked.

Ursa lowered her eyes.  She doubted they would.  “I’m afraid they may be used to it.  I was away more often that I would’ve liked.”

“All the more reason for you to go, don’t you think?” Hakoda asked.  “It’ll be good quality time with their mother.”  He gave a pointed look at Ozai.  “And father.”  

“Hakoda-”

“It’s just for a few days and it’s a few weeks away,” Kya said.  “At least think it over.  Seriously.  Ozai.”  She gave him a slight glare and he rolled his eyes.  She turned to Ursa with a more pleasant expectant look.

“I’ll give it a look, but in the off chance that I get a job-”

“If,” Kya stressed.  “Until then, we’ll count you as going.”

Ursa sighed and conceded.  “So stubborn.”

“I’m a determined woman,” Kya said, agreeing as she walked towards the open doors.  “Iroh!  Good news!”

“Kya!”  Ursa ran after her, leaving the two men alone on the deck overlooking a freshly cleaned and filled swimming pool illuminated in the dark.

Ozai scowled and turned his irritation to Hakoda seated on a hammock chair.  “I told you when you met her that she was trouble.”

Hakoda grinned and lifted his half empty scotch glass.  “And what an amazing ride it’s been, my friend.  You should get back on.”  

Ozai grumbled and snatched the glass from Hakoda’s hand as he stomped back into his house.  He paid no mind to his brother’s enlarged head on his flat screen on his way to the kitchen, but couldn’t ignore the humbled joy of Iroh’s voice.

“But Ursa, you must come,” Iroh said with clear insistence.  “It would be a good change of scenery for you.  I’m sure you’ve been so busy with getting re-settled.”

“Iroh, I’m still so busy.   I mean, there are a few drama department positions I’ve applied to for the fall and not to mention looking for a new apartment.”

“Wait, wait.” Lu Ten stood up straight from where he was leaning against the wall.  “Didn’t Uncle tell you that you can stay at my townhouse a few blocks from here.  It’s not too far from Yang Chen Academy and it’s mostly furnished.”  

Ozai looked up from the kitchen island where he was rinsing dishes.  Ursa looked cornered and he almost felt satisfied.  It would be difficult to reject such an offer now that it was out in the open.

“We can stay with cousin Lu Ten?” Zuko looked excited at the prospect.

“Well, at my place, yeah.  I’m usually at my girlfriend’s.”  

“You have a girlfriend!?” Zuko looked so impressed, Ozai was almost envious of the attention his nephew was getting.  

Lu Ten’s face reddened and his eyes darted away.  “Yeah...she’s from the southern Earth Kingdom and is finishing up her studies to be a wildlife veterinarian.”  

Sokka was looking up at him with awe.  “Is she pretty?”

“Sokka....” Kya frowned.  

“Sorry...I mean, does she have a good personality?”

Katara sighed and shook her head at her brother.  “See, this is why Suki doesn’t like you.”

He gave her a glare as Lu Ten laughed.  “Very pretty and with an even better personality.  We get along great, so the town house is yours.”

“That’s very kind of you, Lu Ten, but we still haven’t even discussed the rent-”

“Rent?” A confused look filled his face.  “Auntie, I can’t charge you rent.”

“You’ll have to pay for utilities on your own, but no rent is needed,” Ozai said as he wiped his hands on a dish towel.  “Besides, the town house has been paid off for years.  It’s just property tax that’s due.”

Ursa took a step back and shook her head.  “No, I won’t accept any such charity-”

“No one is saying anything of charity,” Iroh said, drawing everyone’s attention back to him.  “Zuko and Azula will live there.  They are my precious nephew and niece and you are their mother.”

“Didn’t I make it clear?” Ozai asked.  “I take care of my own.”  

The cornered look on her face fell as she paled and tore her eyes away.  She wrung her hands together as a feeling of guilt swept through her.  After vanishing from this family’s life, they would still offer her a home?  How could she accept it?  

Ursa could see the awaiting looks on Azula and Zuko, the concerned expression Lu Ten’s face, and Ozai’s look of calm expectation all fixed on her.  

Everyone wanted her to say yes to taking over Lu Ten’s town house.  Even Kya and Hakoda, who joined his wife at the doorway behind her, seemed to be waiting for her agreement.  

But she bring herself to couldn’t agree.  

She felt her eyes dampen.  She didn’t deserve their kindness.

“Give her time to think about it.”  Kya broke the silence and Ursa snapped her head back to her friend.  A serious look was in Kya’s blue eyes as she met Ursa’s.  “It’s close to the school, but there is still a work commute to take into consideration.  It may be better to wait until she finds a job before committing.”  

It was an excuse.  

Ursa never thought about her commute; only that her children remained close to their friends and now, Ozai.  However, it was a valid concern and while it didn’t matter to her, she was grateful to Kya for saving her once again.  Kya gave her a slight nod of her head, a subtle que to agree.

“I’d like to be able to spend as little time in traffic as possible,” Ursa said, turning back to Lu Ten.  She offered him a weak smile.  “Not to mention get home at a reasonable time.”  

“Well, at least come take a look,” Lu Ten said.  “Check out the area and see where it stands.  When you get a position, you can decide if the location works for you.”  

That was the best she was going to get.  At the very least, it bought her some time.

“That is a good idea, my boy,” Iroh said.  “But in the meantime, Ursa, where will you and the children stay?”

“They can stay with us as long as they need to, Iroh,” Hakoda said as he put an arm around Kya, who nodded in agreement.  

“But they can’t stay with you forever,” Ozai said.

“I don’t mind if they stay forever,” Katara said.  “I like having them around.”  Azula looked pleased by this and Zuko nodded.  

“Yes, Kat, but you can’t be greedy,” Ozai told her, his voice a bit softer as he addressed the little girl.  “I’d like to spend time with them, too.”

“Then we should move in with Dad as soon as possible!” Azula announced, as if it were the answer to all their problems.  Her eyes were lit up as she stood up on the couch.

Her words were a blow to Ursa.  “Azula, we can’t-”

“It’s perfect.” Azula continued on, her brows furrowing as they did when she was planning something.  “If we move here, we’ll see Dad without him having to come to your house.  And since he works a lot, we won’t miss him when he comes home because we’ll be here.”

Ursa ran her hand down her face.

“And we’ll be close by!” Now Zuko was voicing his approval and Ursa felt another blow.    “We can walk home from school.”  

Her children finally had their father in reach.  She knew why they wanted to stay at his house, but she couldn’t.  She could barely get through an afternoon with Ozai, how could she live with him day after day?

“And we can move in soon.  Uncle Iroh, did you know we’re going to go furniture shopping for our bedrooms this weekend?” Azula said, looking up at the screen.  “Zu-zu and I already picked our rooms.”

“We helped!” Katara added.  

“Well, that’s wonderful to hear!” Iroh laughed, smiling with eyes filled with mirth.  

“When can we move in?” Azula looked over the couch, to her father still in the kitchen.  She looked so excited.  

Ursa looked to Ozai, unsure of what he would say.  To her surprise, he looked just as unsure.  He lifted his eyes and met hers, as if asking what he should say.  

And of all the things he had said and done that evening, his uncertainty was what overwhelmed her.  Even then, after leaving him for another man and taking their children away, he would not make a decision on them without her approval.

“Ursa!”  She heard Kya’s voice behind her as she ran down the hall.  

“I forgot something at the house!” she said, shouting as she ran to the front door.  She fumbled with the locks, ignoring Kya yelling for her as she ran out of the house on unsteady feet.

“Ursa!”  A chill shot through her as she looked over her shoulder from the driveway.  That wasn’t Kya’s voice.  “Ursa, hold on!”

Every fiber of her being told her to do the opposite.  She looked straight ahead and continued her attempted run in wedges to Hakoda and Kya’s house as Ozai ran after her.  She could hear him catching up.  Longer legs and an athletic body closed the gap between them in a matter of moments.

“Ursa!”  She was nowhere near the other house when his hand grabbed her wrist.  “Wait a moment!  What is wrong with you, suddenly running out of the house?”  

She glared at his hand rather than meet his face, knowing it would show unfamiliar concern instead of a stoic expression she associated with him.  

“Nothing, I just remembered I forgot something at the house,” she said as she pulled back, trying to free her wrist.  

“And so you’re running there now?”

“It’s my phone!”

“What are you talking about?  It’s in your back pocket-”

“You know what I’m talking about!”  She lifted her head and watched him jerk his back.  His hand released her wrist and she stumbled backwards.  She rubbed her wrist as she looked away once more.

“I’m sorry to have pushed you.”  Ursa looked up once more.  “I know being around me bothers you; I was unaware of how much.  The children are of course welcomed at the house any time, but if you feel that uncomfortable-”

“How could I not feel uncomfortable?” Her voice was low and filled with unexpected anger.  “Hospitality from Kya and Hakoda is one thing, but from you...from you and your family?  After what I’ve done?” She shook her head.  “How can you be so welcoming to me after I left you?”

Ursa almost missed the look of pain on his face at the reminder.  Ozai took a deep breath, as if to collect himself before he answered.  

“I take care of my own, and Azula and Zuko are my own.”

She pursed her lips.  “And since I’m there mother, I just happen to be extended that care?”

Ozai said nothing as he seemed to study her.  His eyes narrowed into an irritated glare.  “Do you have a problem with that?”

“I’m not your wife any more.  There’s no reason for you to be so...so....”  She grit her teeth and her hands clenched.  “To be so kind!  I hardly know you.  Since we got here, you’ve been kind and attentive.  You’ve done nothing but show that if you were in their lives, you would’ve been a great father.”

“We don’t know that,” Ozai said.  “When they were in my life, I was hardly around.  I was a terrible one.”

Her eyes began to water.  “You would’ve been a better one than Ikem.”  

The words slipped from her mouth before she could stop them and Ozai’s face became unreadable.  

“This is my chance to be their father,” he said, his voice almost unheard.  “Agni knows Kya and Hakoda are drilling that into my head.  I want to be their father.  I want my daughter to call me to ask for souvenirs when I’m on business.  I want to have water gun fights with my son.  But I’m not going to ask you to come back to me and pretend we’re one happy family when you don’t want to be with me. If you’re worried that I’m going to make you live a life you don’t want, let me put your mind at ease.  I don’t want to.  I’m not going to, and I won’t use ‘trying to be a good father’ to make you.”

For a moment, Ursa felt the pit of her stomach drop.  Was she disappointed?  Was she angry at him?  

Ursa lifted her hand and wiped her eyes.  “I just don’t understand how you and your brother and Lu Ten can be so welcoming to me.  I left you.  I took our children away from you.  You should hate me.  Iroh and Lu Ten should, too.”

Ozai took another deep breath and gave her a small shake of her head.  “Have you ever stopped to consider that perhaps we are so welcoming because we don’t want you all to leave again?”

Ursa stiffened, her hand stopped wiping her eye.  “What?”

“It might not have changed anything, but perhaps if I had been more attentive and not so focused on work and my father’s approval....”  He trailed off and his lips tightened into a line.  “Mistakes were made on both our parts and I’d like to get over them so I can be the father they deserve.  Iroh and Lu Ten were saddened and disappointed when we divorced, but they harbor no ill will. You saw how happy they were to see the children.”  

“I wouldn’t deprive Zuko and Azula of there father now, or their uncle and cousin, so you don’t have to worry about us disappearing again,” she told him.  “You don’t need to give me a place to live and take me on vacation just so you won’t lose them.”

Ozai’s eyes narrowed.  “Is that what you think?  If you are adamant on refusing any assistance, fine, but don’t assume I’m only offering help because I’m afraid you’re going to leave with them again.  They’re my children and it’s my duty to care for them.”

Ursa inhaled a sharp breath, her wide gold eyes staring stunned at Ozai.  “Your duty?” She almost choked.  “Is that all?”

“Of course not-”

“Why can’t you just say you love them?”

“Why can’t you just accept that I do.”

She drew her head back.  A voice in her mind answered: because she wanted to hear him say it.  She just wanted to hear it...that maybe hearing him say he loved someone would confirm that he wasn’t an emotionless, single-minded man who valued work over family.  

“Fine,” she said.  “I would like you to remain in their lives; they can’t go back to how it was before.  But I want to be clear: I can take care of myself and our children without your help if I had to.”

The stern look on his face never faltered.  “I never said you couldn’t.”  

“Well...you’re making it appear like I can’t.”  His lips were still tight, but she could see a small flicker of surprise in his eyes.  

He swallowed.  “I’m sorry,” he said.  “I didn’t realize our pushing made you feel as if that were the case, especially in front of the children.  That was not our intention.”

Ursa forced herself to keep her eyes on his and not to waiver.  “I won’t stop you from being a father and supporting them, but you don’t need to provide for me, too.  That’s all, Ozai.”

Ozai nodded.  “I’ll speak to Lu Ten about the town house.  However, the trip to the villa...please seriously consider it.  I’m sure Azula and Zuko want you to go and besides, when was the last time you went home?”

Ember Island hadn’t been her home for years.  Her eyes crinkled up.  She couldn’t remember.  Did she ever go back with Ikem?  It was their home island and yet they never went back.  Her father died shortly after she and Ozai were married and her mother moved to Republic City to be try to be closer to them before she died.  

Ikem left the cremation early to shoot a film in the desert and her uncle flew her mother’s ashes back to the island.  She hadn’t visited.

Ursa closed her eyes.  “We didn’t go when I was with Ikem,” she said.  Her voice was oddly flat and she was cold, as if she were empty.  

Ozai cocked his head.  “What about when Rina died?” He always referred to her parents by their first name, as they insisted.  “Didn’t you take her back?”

“No, the cremation was in Republic City,” Ursa said.  “Uncle Ran brought her ashes back.”  

“I see.”  His voice was strained.  “I thought that since she was placed with your father, you had arranged it.”

“I did, but Uncle Ran brought her.”  She paused for a moment and stared at him.  “How did you know their ashes are together?”

“Someone mentioned it,” he said, nonchalant.  Ozai looked over his shoulder, back towards his house.  “What should I tell them?”

Ursa followed his gaze and saw the curtains in the front window move and the door close.  “Azula will be crushed when I tell her we’re not moving in.”

“You’re not moving in,” Ozai said.  “They will be, even if they’ll only stay here every so often.”  

“Fair enough.”  She took a deep breath and released it slowly.  She reached into her back pocket and found her phone.  She turned on the camera and used it to check her eyes.  “My eyes are red.”

“Just a little.”

“Let me stay out here a bit longer...until it clears.”  

Ozai nodded.  He took a step to return to the house, only to stop and look back at her with a quizzical expression.  

“By the way, what did you want to talk to me about?” “What?”

“Earlier, you said you wanted to talk to me.  Was it about the town house?” he asked, once more sounding as if it were business.

Ursa furrowed her brows, trying to remember.  At once, her face began to heat up.  Lu Ten’s voice echoed on her ears: ‘he loved you’.  She looked away, embarrassed, and shook her head.  

“It was nothing.  Don’t worry about it.”

He looked a bit sceptical, but nodded.  “All right.”  He began to walk back to his house.  He made it three steps before she opened her mouth.

“Wait, Ozai.” He looked over his shoulder and she cursed her curiosity.  “This is a ridiculous question, or rather thought, but earlier, when we arrived...Lu Ten mentioned that you were devastated when I left.  I think he got the wrong idea.  I know you were angry, but I don’t think you were devastated.”  

Ozai looked as if he were ready to lecture his nephew.  He turned to face her once more.  “If you must know, Lu Ten doesn’t have the wrong idea.  I was indeed devastated when you and the children left.”

Of course - because she took the children.  Seeing how he was around them now, it made sense.  Ursa nodded.  “I see.”

Ozai gave her a nod and turned back to the house. “No man wants to see the three people he loved most leave.”

She stood outside for a few moments longer, trying to dissect his words, but not coming up with any satisfying answer.  Ozai said the ‘L’ word.  The last time she heard him say it, it was during their wedding vows and she was sure he only said it because he thought he was supposed to.  

Days passed since she returned to Ozai’s house that night, assuring her children that she didn’t forget something as she thought.  Kya and Hakoda didn’t pry, but sooner or later, Ursa knew she’d crack and tell Kya.

After all she told Kya everything.  Everyone told Kya everything.  She probably knew things that people didn’t know about themselves, so that afternoon, a day before they were supposed to leave for Ember Island, Ursa recounted Ozai’s words and received and an unimpressed:

“I told you.”

“That’s not what he meant.”

“How else could he mean it?”

“I don’t know, Kya, but I’m sure he didn’t mean it that way!”  Ursa scowled as she folded laundry into three separate piles for her, Zuko, and Azula on her bed.  Kya was pulling out the children’s suitcases from the top of the closet in the spare bedroom Ursa was in.  

“Is it that hard to believe that he loves you?” Kya asked as she put Sokka’s blue spinner next to Katara’s, which bared some sea creature print.  

“As a friend, no.  I think after how long we have known each other, he had some affection for me, if only nostalgic.”

Kya snorted.  “Some affection...please....”

“He probably cared for me, but it wasn’t like he was in love with me.”

“I can’t believe we’re middle aged women who are mothers and we’re actually discussing whether or not a guy likes you,” Kya said with a roll of her eyes.

“Fine, let’s change the subject.  I’m more than happy to.”

“Okay, then.  When do you start the drama department gig at the Ba Sing Se University Extension?”

“My first official day is in exactly a month and a half.”

“Then why aren’t you coming with us to Ember Island if you’ll be back a good three weeks before it starts?” Kya gave her an expectant look and Ursa sat up straight on the bed.  

“I still have to go to some faculty meetings and talk to the other staff members.  They’re in and out in the coming weeks, so I need to stay here to be able to catch all of them.”

Kya didn’t look convinced.  “Uh-huh.”  

“The department head wants me to be as caught up as possible.”

“I thought you’re working with first year students.”

“I am, but there is a rigorous curriculum they need to follow and I need to know the ins and outs of it before we start.  I can’t go in there blind.  I’ll look like an idiot and none of the kids will respect me.  If they don’t, that’s it.  Authority gone.  No one will listen.  They won’t get the education they deserve,” Ursa said.  

“And you can’t do any of this at the villa?”

“I won’t get anything done.  You know I’ll focused on the kids.”

“Hakoda, Iroh, Lu Ten, and I will all be there to watch them, so you’ll have time to go over coursework,” Kya said.  

“With how awkward it will be staying at my ex-husband’s family’s beach villa?  Every red column and tile will scream the Sozin name.”

“Is that so bad?”

“Yes, because I divorced from it.”

Kya sighed.  “Your children are still legally Sozin.”

“I never got the chance to change it to Hiraa,” Ursa said,squirming in her seat on the bed.  “Anyway, they won’t miss me.  I’ll call in the evenings, Sokka and Katara are there for them to play with, and besides, Ozai will be there and I’m sure they’ll be clamouring for his attention.”

“Yes, but he’ll only be there the last week and a half.”

Ursa snapped her head up.  “What?  I thought he was going with you.”

Kya shook her head.  “They just won a bid they put in with a Western Nomad Territory transportation firm and Ozai has to go over the final details with their executive committee.  Their sales team just closed it last night.”

Ursa’s face fell.  “Azula and Zuko will be so disappointed.”

Kya glanced out the window, where screaming could be heard from the pool as another water gun assault was in the midst of taking place.  “Ozai is said he would break it to them himself when he comes for dinner this evening.”

“He did?”

“Yeah...I mean, Hakoda told him to, but he said he would.”  Kya looked back at Ursa.  “There is still a chance for you to come if you tag along with him.”

“Not going to happen,” Ursa said.  “Besides, he’ll be in in the Nomad Territories.”

“No, he won’t.  Their executive committee is coming here so they can tour the data center.”  

For a moment, Ursa panicked at the thought that she’d be alone with Ozai, but logic quickly quelled it.  “Still, it’s not like I’ll see him.  We’ll both be working.  I doubt he’ll drop by if you and the kids aren’t here.”  

Kya sighed, resigned.  “I suppose you’re right.  Anyway, did you make an appointment with Lu Ten to see his town house yet?”

“No, I didn’t get his info.  I was hoping you could call him?”

“So, you’re actually interested?”

“I just want to give it a chance.  He already thinks badly of me, I don’t want to make it worse.” “Ursa, he wouldn’t be offering his home if he thought badly of you.”

“I would think badly of me.”

“Okay, you have to stop.  No one here hates you,” Kya said, about to drag the luggage out of the room to have the children pack them under her supervision.  “Just accept some help from old friends.”  

Ursa watched her friend walk out of the room, two bags in tow, and let out a heavy sigh as Kya closed the door behind her.  “Easy for you to say...you didn’t take your kids away from their father.”

She fell back on the bed and released a heavy breath.  She still had to pack Azula and Zuko’s things for their trip, though Azula already had a packing list ready.  She had Ozai look over it for his approval and “in case she forgot anything”.  

Ursa knew that they wouldn’t want for anything at the villa.  Snorkel gear?  Done.  Life vests?  Check.  One word and Iroh would have a boat ready to set sail for his niece and nephew.  Lu Ten would arrive later along with his girlfriend, but he’d probably spoil the children, too.

A small knock sounded at the door and she remained laying on the bed, staring at the ceiling.  

“Come in.”

“Ursa, I apologize for bothering you.”  She shot up in bed at the sound of that deep, solemn voice that seemed to haunt her as of late.  Her wide eyes stared at the door as it opened enough for a person to peek through.  “May I have a moment of your time?”

Her first thought was there was no where for her to hide, but she quickly shook it out of her head.  She was a grown woman, such a thought was unbefitting.  Yet, her eyes still darted around the room or a place to dive into and avoid coming face to face with her ex-husband.

“Ursa?”  He called out again and she tensed, still seated on the side of the bed.  How long was she panicking?  

“Sorry, yes, can I help you, Ozai?” Good.  Her voice wasn’t shaking.  She could do this.  

The door creaked open a bit further and part of her died a little.  

He was still dressed in his business suit.  It was three pieces that time, most likely to deal with the the Western Nomad Territory transportation firm Kya mentioned.  Of course he wouldn’t wear it to impress her.  

“It doesn’t,” she muttered under her breath, despite knowing it was a weak lie.  She always thought men looked good in suits and Ozai in black with a slight hint of blood red and gold in his tie and pocket square was no exception.

“What?”

“Nothing.  Did you need something?” She forced herself to look attentive and ignore the blush on her face.  

“Yes, actually you can.  Did Kya tell you that I won’t be able to go with them on Friday?” he asked.  She nodded.  

“Congrats on landing the transport firm, but it looks like you’ll be stuck here for a while.”  

Ozai shifted uncomfortably as he gave a small nod.  “It’s a win for the company, but inconvenient.  I haven’t told the children I’ll be arriving later.”  

“They’re going to be very disappointed.”

“I know,” he said, frowning at the reminder.  He met her eyes with firm ones.  “I was hoping you’d help lessen the blow.”

She cocked her head to the side.  “How so?”

“I’d like you to go to Ember Island.”  

Ursa was already shaking her head.  She stood up and dusted off her pale gray cotton jogging pants.  “I’m sorry, but I have meetings and trainings to go during that time.”

“Surely you must have some time to spare.”

“I don’t.  And even if I did, I wouldn’t have time to get ready and arrange a flight.”

“Don’t worry about the flight.”

She almost wanted to scoff.  She shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest.  She was almost insulted.  Didn’t they just discuss this?  “You don’t have to pay for my flight, Ozai.”

He narrowed his eyes.  “Pay?  I offered no such thing.”  

Ursa had to check herself to make sure she didn’t jerk back in surprise.  Her proud stance faltered a bit.  “Then what are you saying?”

Ozai remained standing tall at the doorway.  “I’m saying you’ll fly there on the Sozin jet.”

“That’s even worse!” Ursa couldn’t hold it back, her face reddening with embarrassment.  “I can’t accept the jet coming just to pick me up!”

“Who said it’s picking you up?” The corner of Ozai’s lip curled upwards and her irritation flared.  Was he amused at her frustration?  “Iroh is sending it to pick me up,” he said in a matter-of-fact voice.  “You’ll just happen to be there with me when it does.”

“What does my dad like to eat?” Zuko asked as he sat on a stool next to the counter, peeling some root vegetable with Katara for her dad.  

“Ozai pretty much eats anything,” Hakoda said from the stove.  “He like spicy things.”

“Like me!” Azula piped.  She was seated at the kitchen table, drawing.  

“I hope they pick up that sauce....” Hakoda stirred some meat around a large wok.  “It’s so hard to find.”

“You just have to know where to find it.”  Ursa walked in balancing a reusable shopping bag on her hip as she placed her keys on the counter.  “Here’s your hot sauce, Hakoda.”

She dug into the bag and out a large red bottle with visible chilis inside.  Azula gasped.  “What is that?”

“Black lava pepper sauce,” Hakoda said.  “Your father always had this at his place back in college.  He’d put it on everything back then.”

“Is it hot?”

“Your father is the only one we know who could eat it,” Ursa said.  She shook her head at the memory.  “I don’t know how he could stomach it.”  

“I want to try!” Azula said.  

“Later, at dinner,” Hakoda said.  “They should be getting here soon.” Just as he said it, the garage door sounded.

“Mom’s home!” Katara said.  A minute later, the garage door was closing and Sokka burst in, still wearing his soccer gear.  

“How’d the game go?” Zuko asked, turning around in his stool.  

“2-1, ended in a shootout,” Sokka said as he trudged past.  He grinned. “But we won!”

“Did you score any of the points?” Katara asked.  

“I did an assist, but Suki scored all the points this time...again....”  He headed to the stairs to get ready for dinner.  

“Who’s Suki?” Zuko asked.  

“The girl he has a crush on but won’t admit,” Katara said, proud that she had figured it out.  “She goes to our school and is a year above him.  She’s pretty and really nice, so she’s popular.”

“My boy has a good eye,” Hakoda puffed out his chest.  “Just like me.”

“I wish I had a good eye,” Kya said as she walked in.  

“Hey....”  She laughed as Hakoda looked mocked insulted.  He saw someone behind her.  “There you are!  I thought you’d be here by now.  The meeting ended an hour ago.”

“One of the sales people caught me before I left the office.  You know how they are,” Ozai said as he walked in.  

“Dad!”  

“Hi, Uncle Ozai!”

“Hi, kids.”  He placed his laptop bag by the coffee table and walked to the kitchen, shrugging off his suit jacket.  “I was going to to home and change first, but Kya waved me down on the street.”

“I’m hungry and didn’t want to wait for you to drag your butt here,” Kya said as she stopped in the kitchen, behind her husband.  She wrapped her arms around Hakoda’s waist and over his shoulder.  “Ooh...looks good.”

“Thank you, it’s a new recipe.”  

“Okay, kids, set the table,” Ursa said.  “I’ll put my bag upstairs.”  

“Same,” Kya said, tugging off her pony tail.

Hakoda began to place the food on dishes.  “Want a beer?”

“No,” Ozai said, taking the stool Zuko vacated as he, Azula, and Katara went to set the table.  “Is it spicy?”

“No, but I had Ursa pick this up while she was out apartment hunting.”  Hakoda motioned to the bottle on the table and Ozai sat up straight.

“I’ve been looking all over for that.  They don’t sell it at the supermarket.”  

“She said it’s not hard to find if you know where to look.”  Hakoda put the wok down.  “You should ask her.”

Ozai picked up the bottle and studied it.  “I just might....”  He screwed off the top and removed the seal before taking a whiff.  “It burns...just like I remember it.”

“There is something seriously wrong with you.” Hakoda shook his head.  He turned around and saw Ozai squeezing the bottle.  “You can’t wait?”

“Just a taste.  It’s been so long.”

“Well, be careful or you’ll-”  A squirting noise came from the bottle and the two men watched in silence as a dollop of dark, red sauce spurted from the nozzle and landed on Ozai’s shirt.  “I knew it.”

Ozai swore.  He put the bottle down.  “I need to soak this.  The sauce stains if it’s not soaked immediately.”

“Go to the laundry room.  I have some clean shirts on the rack.  Dunk that thing in the sink.”  

“Thanks.”  Ozai was already halfway done unbuttoning his shirt.  Hakoda sighed and eyed the bottle.

“I should just put it in a bowl....”

   She tossed her bag on to her bed and turned around, briefly catching her reflection in the full body mirror as she tugged off her beige blazer.  She stopped as she caught the white streak against her black blouse.

“Oh no....”  Ursa walked closer to the mirror and narrowed her eyes.  She lifted her arm and tugged on the shirt.  Deodorant on her blouse.  She turned around and checked her other side.  Another chalky white strip greeted her  Wonderful.  

She shook her head, relieved that she hadn’t taken her blazer off until she returned so no one saw the streak, but at the same time growing frustrated.  She was in a rush when she left to go apartment hunting and her impatience got the best of her.  She tugged at her collar, unbuttoning it as she opened her closet door.  

Nothing was left on the hangers and she cursed her earlier lethargy.  The clean laundry was still downstairs in the laundry room.  She removed the pins from her hair and ran her hand through.  She’d carry the laundry up later, but needed to change first.

Grumbling, she walked to the door and opened it just enough to peek outside.  The hall was empty and from where she was standing, the stairs were clear as well.  She kept her arms at her side, hoping they hid the white streaks as she tip toed across the hall, past the bathroom, and to the stairs.  

She heard Hakoda telling the children to make some space for the food on the table and she quickened her pace to change before dinner or before anyone could see her.  

As soon as she reached the foyer, she bolted to the laundry room around the corner, hoping that no one saw her.  

She nearly threw open the laundry room door as she stormed in, walking straight to the back where her and her children’s laundry was folded in a plastic laundry basket near the ironing table.  As the door creaked closed behind her, she tugged off her blouse, tossing it into a nearby empty basket and began to pick through her clothes for a replacement.

“Ursa?”

She jumped and let out a gasp before she whirled around and dropped whatever pair of clothing she had her hand.  Across the room, a man in a white sleeveless undershirt had his hands in a sink.  He looked equally surprised to see her.  

“Ozai!?” Her hands flew to her chest.  Thank the gods she hadn’t removed her bra yet.  “What are you doing here?”

He turned his head away and shook his hands over the sink to get rid of water before facing the opposite wall in a clear action to give her privacy.  The sink was behind the door and he had jumped when it flew open, but didn’t see who came in until it closed.

“I got some sauce on my shirt,” he said.  “I needed to soak it before it stained and Hakoda said to just use a shirt from here.”

Her chest was rising and fall with heavy breaths as her heart beat almost painfully in her chest.  He saw her.  He saw her in her bra.  Logically, she knew he’d already seen it all, but it had been near a decade and she wasn’t even wearing a nice bra.  

“I didn’t see you.”  

“Sorry, I didn’t know it was you, either,” he said.  He hesitated, but remained looking at the wall, his back to her.  “Are you changed?”

Right!  She was there to change.  Ursa turned back around.  Her trembling hands went through the basket of clothes until she found a regular red t-shirt from a volunteer event she once did.  

“Almost!  Don’t turn around, yet,” she said as she pulled it over her head.  She tugged it past her stomach and waist before turning around.  “Done!  All done!”

“Once again, I’m sorry.  I had no idea you’d come down here,” Ozai said.  He waited a second or two longer before carefully looking over his shoulder.  Once he saw she was fully dressed, he turned around and went back to the sink.  

“No, it was an accident.  I didn’t know you’d be here either.”  Did that sound like she was trying to avoid him?  

He nodded, paying more attention to the splashing in the sink.  “Can you go out and ask Hakoda if he has anything to pretreat it?”

It struck her then that he was doing his laundry.  She remembered him usually taking care of his laundry, either at home or to the dry cleaner’s.  When she was pregnant, she never did it.  Ozai took care of it and when he was away, had a maid come.  

Why was she remembering that now?  

Ursa looked towards the shelf beside the washing machine.  She walked over and grabbed a bottle.  “Use this.”  

He lifted his head and she stopped beside him, extending the bottle.  He looked from her face and down to the bottle in her hand before slowly reaching up to take it.  

“Thank you.”  He tried to twist the top open and frowned.  His hands were too wet.

“I’ve got it.” She moved closer, standing beside him as she took the bottle from his hand and opened it.  She squeezed the middle and a clear liquid gathered at the top.  She reached into the sink and began to smear the liquid across the a discolored stain she recognized.  She sighed.  “You got the hot sauce on you.”

“I did.”

“You couldn’t wait?”

“It’s been a while.  It was just a taste.”  

“Honestly, Ozai....”  

“If you’re going to lecture me, I can do it myself.”

“I’m almost done....there.”  She looked pleased as she pushed the shirt back into the sink half filled with water.  She lifted her hand and wiped her brow, looking satisfied.  She turned around and realized just how small that corner of the laundry room was.  

Ozai jerked his head back to make some distance as she practically pinned him to a table.  The bottle dropped from her hand as she felt both mortified and hot.  It was one thing to have him catch her yesterday and be touching him.  

It was another to be touching him and looking him right in the eyes.  It was her fault and they both knew it.

Ursa didn’t know what to do.  Her mind went blank and all she could do was remain standing in front of him, his hips and stomach pressed against hers as she struggled to find an apology and strength to move away.

Nothing was coming and Ursa wasn’t sure if she should cry out in frustration or not.  

Ozai didn’t say a word, but as moments passed and she remained as frozen as a horrifed mannequin in front of him, he spoke.

“Why do you look so scared?” She watched the lines across his face deepen as he frowned.  His eyes searched hers and she felt her heart race when she couldn’t look away.  “I’m not going to hurt you.”  

She knew that.  Ozai never intentionally hurt her.  It was his own negligence, but it was never intentional.  He was strict and firm.  He was serious and restrained.  But he wouldn’t go out of his way to hurt her.  No biting criticism about how she raised her children or kept up her appearance.  No insults made to impress his friends.  No withholding attention when he was displeased for the slightest infraction.  

She felt her eyes water and choked back a muffled, pained cry.  At the very least, Ozai didn’t want her to suffer.  

Ursa spoke before she could stop herself.   “Why didn’t I fall in love with you ten years ago?”  

His eyes widened as she whispered and Ozai’s expression saddened.  A warm hand cupped her face and stroked her cheek.  “Ursa....”  

Her trembling hands clung on to his thin shirt and she tilted her head up to meet his.

HIs arms went around her and pulled her closer, tighter against him as she opened her mouth across his.  She could smell his cologne and the faint shampoo in his hair as his hot breath whispered her name against her neck.  

She tilted her head back as his mouth moved against her flushed skin and sucked at the base of her neck.  

He remembered, a small voice in the back of her head said.  She let out a gasp and squirmed against him as he nipped at her neck.  Did he remember all her erogenous zones?  

His hands pressed against her rib cage and she let out a pathetic whimper, nearly melting against him as he stroked skin beneath the shirt she had just put on.  He did remember.  

Her head felt light and she wasn’t sure if she was standing on her own power or being held up by Ozai.  It didn’t matter as long as she was against him and could flood her senses with him.  

As his lips caught hers once more, she felt his hands swept past the swell of her butt and down to her thighs.  Strong hands gripped her and suddenly, she was pulled up, her legs on either side of him as she pressed against his hips.  

His skin was so hot against her and she only wanted to get closer.

“Ozai,” Hakoda’s voice came from the hall.  “Dinner’s almost ready!”

Panting, Ozai broke his connection to her and fixed his eyes on hers as he answered.  “I’m almost done.”  His voice was low and steady, not showing any sign of embarrassment or urgency.  “Just soaking the shirt.”

Ursa felt her heart still pumping hard against her as she loosened her hold on his shirt and pulled away.  Ozai’s carefully lowered her back and moved his arms away once she was standing on her own.  

He looked away as she squeezed past, her own eyes diverted.    

“I’ll...um....”  She cringed at her shaken voice.  She could feel her hands trembling at her sides as she tried to comprehend what had just happened - what she had initiated.   “I’ll see you at dinner.”  

“Ursa.”  She stood up straight, but couldn’t bring herself to turn around.  

She tried to use the normal voice she could muster.  “Yes?”  

“Perhaps I should go out first,” Ozai said.  She heard cloth shifting behind her and glanced over her shoulder.  He was tugging on a navy polo that seemed a size too big for him.  “They can’t see you coming out from here from the dining room.  Just give me a minute to get there first.”

She felt a small pain in her heart as he spoke.  She wasn’t sure if she was sad and disappointed because he knew she her discomfort or because he, who had kissed her so fervently moments early, didn’t have much more of a reaction.  

“Good idea,” she said, shoving down her disappointment.  She stood across the room, arms crossed over her chest as she leaned back against the washing machine.  

Ozai wiped his hands on a spare towel and spared her a small glance, pausing by the door.

He lowered his eyes.  “I’m sorry about that.  I was carried away.  My apologies for making you uncomfortable.”

Her eyes crinkled up as he turned around and walked out.  As the door closed part way behind him, Ursa lifted her hand to her mouth and felt as if she had done something terrible.

She kissed him.  He kissed her back, didn’t he?  Did he regret it?  He must’ve.  But what was worse...she all be declared that she wanted to love him.  That she regretted her decision and wished she had stayed with him.  

Her face felt hot.  What was she thinking?

What was Ozai thinking?  

Her eyes went back to the door, staring at it with disbelief as if Ozai would return and state his thoughts on her sudden and confusing confession.  She almost willed him to return.  She didn’t want his apology.  If anyone crossed a line, it was her.

“Ursa!” she heard Kya’s voice call from the foyer.  “C’mon!  Dinner’s going to get devoured if you don’t get down here!”

Careful to stay out of view, Ursa looked out the gap between the door and frame just enough so she could see the top of Kya’s head bob out of sight as she returned to the dining room.  

She took a deep breath.  No need to cause a scene.  Even less need to let everyone know she was making out with her ex-husband like a couple of teenagers.  She just needed to act normal.

Ursa perked up.  Why would this even be a struggle for her to hide?  She studied theater for years and was surrounded by actors the last several year so of her life.  Her last few years with Ikem had been a complete act she had simply fallen into.

She forced her discomfort down, determined to make it through dinner without uncomfortable shifting and wary glances at Ozai.  She could speak to him later about what happened, if he brought it up again.

“Sorry about that,” she said as she walked into the dining room. Everyone had already taken their seats and she took hers next to Zuko and Kya.  

“Okay,” Kya said.  “Now you can start.”

Several hands began to go around the table, lifting dishes and scooping food into plates.  Ozai was putting a small dollop of his sauce on to Azula’s plate.  

“Try it with the potato first to see if it’s too much.  We can always dilute it if it’s too strong,” he told her.  

Azula had a look of determination on her small face.  She eyed the small dollop of dark red sauce as if it were an obstacle to be conquered.

“Can I try some, too?” Zuko asked from across the table.  

“Oh, but Zuko, it’s very spicy and you’re usually not too fond of spicy,” Ursa said.  Her son’s face fell and Ozai reached across the table with a spoonful.

“He won’t know until he tries.  Besides, it’s not exactly the same kind of spicy we’re used to,” Ozai said.  

“Yeah, you’ve tasted it,” Hakoda said with a smirk.  “There is spicy for normal people and then spicy for monsters.”

Ozai shot him a glare.  

“Okay, here I go!” Azula announced with pride as she brought a small piece of potato half covered in sauce to her mouth.  Everyone seemed to pause and watch, awaiting her reaction.  Her face began to turn red and her eyes crinkled up, tears appearing in the corners of her eyes.

“Azula!” Ursa gasped.

“I’ll get her some milk,” Kya said, shooting of her chair.  

“No....”  Azula kept her mouth shut tight, refusing to spit out the burning vegetable, but at the same time, not chewing it.  “I can....”  She managed to say behind gritted teeth.  

“Azula, it’s too hot for you.  Spit it out,” Ursa said with a frown, about to stand and round the table to get to her daughter.  She could see sweat collecting on Azula’s forehead.  “Azula-”

“Azula,” Ozai sounded stern.  “Spit it out.  If you don’t chew it and swallow, it’ll start to burn your sinuses-”

“Your nose is running!” Katara gasped.  She reached for a napkin and shoved it in her friend’s face.  “Azula, spit it out!”  

“There’s no shame in spitting it out.  We can dilute the flavor and work you up to the concentrated one,” Ozai said.

Finally, Azula grabbed the napkin Katara held up to her and spit out the vegetable.  She made a face, both disgusted and frustrated as she looked at the piece of potato coated in sauce and saliva.

“Here, drink this,” Kya said as she placed a small cup of milk by Azula.  The child seemed to guzzle it down, her face returning to normal.  

“I couldn’t do it,” she said, sounding angry.  She glared at the remaining dollop of sauce.  “Yet.”  

“You’re crazy,” Sokka said from across the table.

“Sokka....” Hakoda gave him a look.

Sokka smiled sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders.  He turned to Zuko.  “So are you going to try - huh?”

The red dollop on Zuko’s plate was smeared off, the last remaining bit of it on a piece of potato he brought to his mouth and began chewing at once.   He was a little flushed, but didn’t look as irritated by the heat as his sister.  

The table seemed to stare at him, both in amazement that he tried and confusion, as normally he wouldn’t have after seeing what it did to his sister.  

He swallowed and nodded with satisfaction.  “If you chew it, the potato mixes with the hot sauce and it doesn’t spread and and linger on your tongue.  As long as you don’t breath while it’s in your mouth, you don’t smell that burning spice.  It’s pretty good; the aftertaste is nice.”

“Well...,” Hakoda said.  “You’re braver than me, Zuko.”  

“There was only one other person I knew who could take it undiluted,” Ozai said.  “My late mother, Ilah.”  

Zuko nodded.  He seemed to understand that Azula was frustrated and seemed content with his father’s words without pressing for further compliments.

“Dad, I’ll be able to eat it, too,” Azula insisted.

“Of course you will,” Ozai said.  “But little by little.  Go about this strategically, Azula.”  

She seemed to understand and nod.  She looked at her mother.  “Mom, do you like the sauce.”

“It’s a bit too spicy for me, sweetheart.”

“Oh...well, you should work at it, too.”

Ursa took a deep breath.  Her daughter didn’t know half of what she had to work at in regards to Ozai.  

The rest of the dinner seemed to pass without incident, save Sokka trying some sauce on a dare and ended up choking.  Ursa kept a placid smile on her face, speaking only when spoken to or occasionally to her children and Kya.  The children were ushered to the kitchen for dessert to leave Ursa and Ozai some time to find a suitable date for a visit.

It seemed very professional: Ozai had his tablet out and was skimming through his calendar, reading out prospective dates and across from him, Ursa was going through her phone.

There really wasn’t a need for her to.  Aside from meetings with lawyers and realtors, she didn’t have much planned.  

“Azula brought up visiting nearly half a dozen times,” Ozai noted as he kept his eyes on the screen.  “Is it possible to simply bring them over tomorrow to look at the house?”

Tomorrow?  That was a little soon wasn’t it?  Her thoughts must’ve been written all over her face as Ozai glanced up and then back down.

“I can get dinner and finally pay back Hakoda and Kya for always having me over,” he said.  “Azula and Zuko can pick a room.  I’m sure Katara and Sokka might have opinions they want to voice.  We can schedule another time to go look at furniture.”

“You don’t need to order new furniture for them,” Ursa said.  “I’m sure whatever’s there is fine.”

He scrolled through his tablet.  “There isn’t any furniture in the rooms.”  

Ursa looked up from her phone.  “I thought you kept the house.”

“I did.”  

“What happened to the furniture?”

Ozai seemed to release a heavy breath and turned to look at her.  “One room used to be a nursery, the other was just transitioning to a toddler’s room.  There were cribs and diaper changing stations and mobiles, but not children.  What use did I have for that furniture?”

She could hear some bitterness in his voice and tore her eyes away.  “Well, what about the other rooms?”

“I gave the spare bedroom set to Lu Ten when he moved out of the dorms since it was new and never used,” Ozai said.  “We never did much with the last room.”

He once asked her if she wanted a home office, but pregnancy side tracked her plans to put one together.  Still, she had picked the room she thought would’ve been most convenient.  Ursa could only imagine that the others were just as vacant as it had been when she left.

“It worked out then,” she said, almost forcing herself to speak.  “Azula and Zuko can pick out what they like.”

“You might as well pick something you like for the third spare.  If they’re staying over and I’m not there, they should have a guardian with them,” Ozai said.  It was practical.  They did need to get another bed for her for such a reason.

It wasn’t like she could stay in their old bedroom.  

She fidgeted in her seat.  Did he keep their master bedroom the same?  That massive four poster bed with the matching bedside tables and dresser, and vanity table in her little well lit corner.  Ursa couldn’t bring herself to ask about what happened to it.

“Good point.  What about the kitchen?  If we need to cook.  I doubt it was efficient for you to cook with your schedule,” Ursa said.  

“The cooking sets and what not are in storage.  I’ll get them out,” Ozai said.  “This coming weekend, I’m free to go look at furniture with the children.  I should bring Hakoda...he’ll take measurements of everything.”

“That’s a good idea,” Ursa said.  “It’ll be good to know how much space we’re working with.”  And it was good that she wouldn’t be spending an entire day with him.  They’d look too much like a family and she didn’t want to have to correct people’s assumptions.  

How would that look?  Ozai probably wouldn’t care and ignore it, but it would bother her.  She also didn’t want the children to think there was something going on between them, which there wasn’t.  

She felt her face warm up and she fought it.  There wasn’t anything, regardless of what happened in the laundry room.

“Excellent.  I’ll book that day,” Ozai said.  “By the way, Hakoda said you went apartment hunting today.  How did it go?  Did you find anything?”

“I got to see some places, but nothing definite.  I’d like their school to be close, so that they could walk home.”

Ozai cocked his head.  “Are you taking them out of boarding school?”

Ursa shifted in her seat once more and diverted her eyes.  “There’s no reason for them to continue there.  I want them closer to home, where I can spend more time with them.”

Ozai took a deep breath and leaned back against his chair.  “I’m glad to hear it.  I was concerned that I’d only see them during school breaks and with my schedule, that could’ve caused issues.”  

She looked surprised to hear that, but nodded.  “Yes, well...Kya suggested enrolling them at Yang Chen Primary Academy, but...”

Ozai raised a brow.  “Is it the cost?”  He sat up straight and met her eyes.  “Ursa, you know I will spare no expense for my children’s sake.  Yang Chen is an excellent school and is a feeder into their preparatory secondary academy.  The children can even secure their spots early.  Both Sokka and Katara are on track to move on to secondary and have spots waiting for them.  It’s a good school”

“I know,” Ursa said.  “And it’s convenient.  The kids can carpool and if they need to walk home, they can do so together, especially in an off sporting season.”

“Yes, I would feel more comfortable with that.  Katara has to wait for Sokka in the hall and he has to wait for her in the spring, after their respective practices because Kya and Hakoda don’t want them walking home alone.”  Ozai rubbed his chin thoughtfully.  “Have Azula and Zuko tested in?”

Ursa shook her head.  “Kya helped me to arrange transfer papers and get acceptance spots based on their grades, behavior, and recommendations from their previous school.  She said she wanted to keep the option open.”

“And what about the children?  Would they consider it?”  

“Zuko hinted at it and Azula doesn’t seem to care.”  She smiled.  “If it’s by your house, I’m sure she’ll be all for it.”

She saw the corners of his lips move up in a small smile.  “Then it sounds like it’s the best course of action.  You can use my address if you wish, in case you move apartments if you find one better.”  

“Thank you.”

He dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand.  “Now, regarding the apartment.  I spoke to Lu Ten.”

“Ozai, no,” Ursa sat up straight and frowned.  “I can’t trouble him.”

“Let me finish.  He said he’s willing to rent it out on one condition,” Ozai said.  Ursa narrowed her eyes.  “He’d like to meet his cousins.  He hasn’t seen them since they were babies and said he wanted to see them again.”

“Oh...well, of course he can see them,” Ursa said.  “Even if he doesn’t want to rent.  I’d like the children to meet other family....”  She looked towards the kitchen. “Zuko!  Azula!  Can you come in for a moment.”

There was a small grumble about finishing their dessert, but the two walked in.  Azula still held on to her bowl of half finished ice cream.

“Yes, Mom?”

“Your father and I have made a schedule-”

“When are we going?” Azula’s face lit up.  

“We’ll be having dinner tomorrow at my house,” Ozai said.  “Hakoda, Kya!” he shouted over their heads.  “Did you hear that?”

“Free dinner at Uncle Ozai’s, kids!” Hakoda said loudly.  “Bring your appetites!”  

They heard Katara and Sokka, as well as Kya, let out a gleeful ‘yay’.  Ozai nodded in his head, satisfied.

“Tomorrow, while we’re waiting for dinner, you two can look at the rooms and pick the ones you want.  We’ll go look for furniture this weekend,” Ozai said.

“Yes!” Azula beamed.  

“I can’t wait to get my own bunk bed,” Zuko added.

“We also need to schedule one more date,” Ursa said in a calm voice.  “We’d like to schedule some time to meet with Lu Ten.  Do you know who that is?”

“Lu Ten!?” Katara came skidding out of the kitchen, a hopeful, eager look in her eyes.  “Is he coming?”

“Who’s Lu Ten?” Zuko asked.

“He’s Uncle Ozai’s nephew,” Katara said, her chubby brown cheeks heating up.  “He’s really nice and tall and can throw you in the air really high-”

“Wait, wait,” Zuko said.  He looked back at his parents.  “We have a cousin?”

“Yes,” Ozai said.  “Lu Ten is my older brother’s son.  He’s your cousin and would like to see you again.”

“We’ve met him before?” Azula asked, finishing off her ice cream.  “I don’t remember him.”

“You were a baby when he last saw you,” Ursa said.  “So, would that be okay?  I think it would be nice for you to meet your cousin.”

Zuko agreed, but Azula hesitated.  She looked at Katara, who urged her to agree, and finally nodded her head.  

“Then I’ll ask him when he’s free,” Ozai said.  He made a show of glancing at his watch.  “It seems it’s getting late and I have an early video conference tomorrow.  I should get going.”  

“Already?” Azula pouted.

“I’m afraid so.  We’ll see each other tomorrow,” he said.  He pushed his chair back and stood up.  

As he put his tablet into his bag, Kya came out of the kitchen with Hakoda.  “You wantus to bring your shirt tomorrow?” she asked.

“Yes, I’d appreciate it.”  He slung his bag over his shoulder and headed to the door.  The children bid him good-bye, with Azula reaching up for another hug.  

“You still need to work on it,” Hakoda said as he held the door open.  Ozai gave him another glare.  He walked to his car parked in the driveway.  

Azula and Zuko lingered by the door, waving, not willing to leave until his car backed out of the driveway.  Hakoda then herded the children back to finish their desserts and put their dishes away.  

Kya closed the door and looked towards Ursa.  She stood alone in the living room, looking out the window.  

“Are you okay?” Kya asked.  Ursa turned her head towards the doorway and nodded.  

“It was a very business like conversation.  And you were right; he’s all for Yang Chen.”  

“The kids will be excited to know Azula and Zuko will be going to the same school,” Kya said.  She reached her friend’s side and hooked her arm around Ursa’s.  “You did great, you know.  It was a normal conversation.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re still a great actress.”  

Ursa stiffened and turned sharply towards Kya.  “What are you talking about?” Her friend leaned forward and smirked.  “You know how your hand lotion smells like citrus?”  Ursa reddened.  She knew where this was going.  “Well right now, it smells like mens’ cologne.”  

Giggling to herself, Kya slipped away.  Ursa, flustered, reached out to her.  “Kya, wait!  It wasn’t anything serious!”

All her friend did was turn around and seemed to smile with sadistic pleasure.  “Remember what I said all those years ago, back when we were in college and I had just introduced you to Ozai?”

How could Ursa forget?  Kya’s quiet comment to her after she met Ozai for the first time made her hyper aware of him.  

Back then, Kya gave her knowing smile and winked.  “He’s single,” she whispered.  “Get it.”  

  “Is this it?” Azula sounded confused.  She stood in the half circle driveway of a large, brick house, and looked down the street.  “I can see your house from here.” The slate gray, white bordered house was clearly visible from the brick one.  Katara nodded, holding a tray of brownies she and Zuko made that day.  “Yeah...I don’t know why Uncle Ozai keeps driving.”

“Your Uncle Ozai’s weird, that’s why,” Hakoda said, passing the two girls to get to the front steps.  They all just walked, figuring that the weather was good and that the walk back at night would be refreshing.  

Ursa was bringing up the rear of the little group, with Kya at her side.  Zuko and Sokka were examining the front of the house, trying to figure out which window had the better bedroom.  

“Does my dad have a lot of cars?” Azula asked, noticing the black luxury sub SUV parked at the edge of the drive.  “University of The Republic...” She read the license plate frame.  “Law.  A...lu...m-nee?”

“Alumni,” Kya said.  “It means that the owner of the car graduated from that university’s law school.”

“Dad’s a lawyer?” Zuko asked, looking back at his mother.

“No,” Hakoda said as he waited for someone to respond to the doorbell.  “But Lu-”

“Uncle Hakoda!” The door was thrown open and a handsome, tall young man in a stylish gray sweater and dark jeans appeared.  “Good to see you again!”

“I thought that was your car,” Kya chuckled beside her husband.  

“Auntie Kya and...Katara!”  

A plate of brownies were shoved into Zuko’s hands as Katara darted forward and threw herself at him.  He caught her easily and picked her up, tossing her into the air just outside the door.  

“Hi, Lu Ten!”  

“That’s your cousin,” Sokka said, stating the obvious to Zuko.  “He’s great with video games, too.  He’ll play if you ask.”

Katara was placed back on the ground as he gave Hakoda a hug and ushered them in.  As each person passed the threshold, Lu Ten greeted them.  Sokka got a fist bump, making him feel somehow cooler.  Kya got a hug and a kiss on each cheek.  

Behind her, Azula and Zuko stopped and looked up at their new cousin.

Lu Ten’s gold eyes softened.  “Oh man...” he said as he looked at them.  “Look have big you guys have gotten.  Last time I saw you....”  He trailed off and bit his lip.  “Azi’s eyes were barely opening.  And Zuzu....”

“He calls you that, too,” Azula whispered, smug.

“Whatever, AZI,” Zuko said with a snort.  

Lu Ten chuckled.  “Well, let me introduce myself,” he said as he stood to the side and waved them in.  Ursa gave him a small nod as she walked through the door.  “My name is Lu Ten, son of Iroh.  He’s your dad’s older brother and current head of Souzin Enterprises.  I work in the legal department at one of its subsidiaries here.  I’m also your first cousin.”

“My name is Zuko-”

“He knows that already, dum-dum-”

“Azula...,” Ursa frowned.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Azula said, doing a little bow.

“Aw, a bow?  That’s it?” Lu Ten laughed.  “Can I get a hug?” He looked at Ursa, as if to ask if it was all right.  Ursa nodded.

Zuko stepped up as Lu Ten knelt down.  “Do you like brownies?  I made some with Katara.”

“I love brownies, cousin,” he said with a grin.  He leaned closer.  “And Uncle Ozai likes them, too, but he pretends he doesn’t.  He has a reputation to maintain.”  He winked.

“My turn!” Azula said.  She stepped back.  

“Azula?” Ursa asked.  Her daughter shot forward, raising her arms.  “Azula!”

“I got her, Auntie!” Lu Ten assured her as he caught his cousin and threw her in the air, just as he did Katara.  Azula yelled with delight.  

“Thank gods the foyer has a vaulted ceiling,” Ursa muttered to herself.  Azula seemed pleased with her cousin’s greeting and gave him a hug as he put her back down.  

“Your dad’s in the kitchen.  We were just working on an old family recipe he wanted to make for you guys,” Lu Ten said.  “Go on and greet him.”

Azula and Zuko followed Katara and her family down the hall.  Lu Ten watched as they disappeared into the kitchen, yelling at Ozai about something.  He turned around and gave Ursa a wry smile.

“Aunt Ursa,” he said, giving her a small bow of his head.  “It’s good to see you again.”

“You, too, Lu Ten,” Ursa said.  “You were just starting college the last time I saw you.”

“Yeah,” Lu Ten said.  He seemed cautious, as if unsure what to say.  “Aunt Ursa...I’m glad that Azula and Zuko are able to see their father again.  Thank you for that.”

“No.”  Ursa shook her head.  “It was a long time coming.  I should’ve brought them to him sooner.  He is their father and I made a mistake.”

Lu Ten didn’t voice his agreement, but she knew he did.  “Aunt Ursa, it isn’t any of my business - what happened between you and Uncle Ozai, but I just want you to know that it really hurt him when you left.  He had the house remodeled...he nearly sold it.  I know you probably don’t believe it considering your grounds for divorce, but he was devastated.”

Ursa wasn’t sure how to take the news.  “Lu Ten-”

He held up his hands.  “All I’m asking is that you don’t hurt my uncle again,” he said in a serious voice.  “Everyone knows how much he loved you.”  

She drew her head back.  Did Lu Ten even understand what he was saying?

“Lu Ten!” Ozai was calling for him.  They heard his footsteps against the tile floor approaching.  They looked towards the hall as Ozai, wearing casual clothing and a maroon apron.  “Can you set up your video game system for Zuko and Sokka?”  

“Sure, Uncle,” Lu Ten said.  He had a smile on his face once more and walked past, patting his uncle on the shoulder as he did.

Ursa watched the young man leave, his words still resonating in her head.   

Ozai loved her.  

It just didn’t sound...plausible?

“Ursa.”  She snapped back to attention as Ozai said her name.  “Are you coming?” he asked, heading towards the back of the house.  

She blinked and nodded slowly.  “I’m coming.” She wanted to ask him and spoke before she could stop herself. “Ozai.”  

“What?”

“Can I talk to you later?”

“Sure-”

“Alone.”  He paused just before stepping out into the large, open kitchen.  He looked over his shoulder, a frown on his face.

Ozai seemed to think it over for a moment longer before giving her a small nod.  “All right.”

Notes: