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Secrets	By : Himitsu Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female > Azula/Zuko Views: 24124 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar-The Last Airbender. I'm not making money from this.

Chapter List
- 1-Lies
- 2-Excuses
- 3-Friends
- 4-Adventure
- 5-Taste
- 6-Mean
- 7-Siblings
- 8-Sunrise
- 9-Choices
- 10-Night
- 11-Hurt
- 12-Plans
- 13-Slow
- 14-Time
- 15-Quarantine
- 16-Wife
- 17-Trip
- 18-Stay
- 19-Meeting
- 20-Family
- 21-Words
- 22-Love
- 23-Partners
- 24-Secrets
- 19
- 20
- 21
A/N: Warning: This chapter includes characters from The Search comics. The most important of these characters is Ursa. Info on these characters is on the Avatar Wikia.

Family
Families come in many forms.
Suigetsu became quite the informant. A rat, stool pigeon, Kira could call Suigetsu anything he wanted to as long as he kept Azula away and did not extradite Suigetsu to the Earth Kingdom. The career criminal wasn't as tough as he pretended. The middle aged man helped Kira solve one of the biggest cold cases in recent Fire Nation history. Unfortunately, the small amount of information he gave Zuko wasn't enough to find who was behind Azula’s poisoning. Rinja had disappeared without a trace. No one would even talk about Tousen's Mirage. People claimed it didn't exist.
Zuko had no other choice but to go to Ozai. Going to his father was the last thing he wanted to do, but it was for Azula. "It's for Azula", repeated Zuko as he walked down the hall to his father's cell.
Ozai greeted Zuko with a smug smile as soon as Zuko arrived. "A visit from the fire lord, don't tell me you're here to learn how to play" Ozai's expression changed to a serious one, "Pi Sho".
"I am not here about some silly game."
"Ha, don't let my brother hear you say that. He values it almost as much as he values tea."
"I came because I need, Sōsuke, to find the men who robbed Tousen's Mirage and a man named, Rinja. They’re the ones responsible for Azula being poisoned."
"You mean they were behind the plot to take out Azula and anyone she had tea with, right." Ozai stared at Zuko with accusatory eyes.
Zuko didn't flinch, but he knew Ozai was right the pot of tea was poisoned not Azula's cup. He was supposed to have tea with her. "If you care about finding the culprits as much as you claim you'll have him to find those involved."
"Don't worry, I'll handle it."
Zuko turned and walked away. He couldn't let his father see the pain he felt. The guilt of not being there when Azula was poisoned started to eat at him. His chest was burning by the time he met Azula in their garden. She was standing near the pond watching the turtle ducks swim away.
She turned to say something. Zuko pulled her into a big hug before she could speak. Holding her was enough to calm him down. After a couple of minutes Azula tried to pull away, which prompted Zuko to hold on tighter.
"What's going on Zuzu?"
"Nothing, I just want to hold you for a little while. How’d it go today?"
"The healing sessions have sped up my recovery. I am not at 100% yet. The royal family healer said we can restart marital activities this weekend, but I should rest up first. "
Zuko didn't know how to react to the news. On the inside he was doing the happy dance, but on the outside he wasn't sure the appropriate reaction. His mind was racing to come up with the right response. Then he found the answer. Scenes from their island fantasy played in his mind. All he could think about was getting Azula alone on the beach. "You and I need to get away. Tomorrow we'll set sail for the island designation of your choosing." He tilted her chin up. "This weekend will be perfect. I'll take care of everything." He leaned to kiss her.
Azula moved away. Zuko smooth facade was broken. "I'm sorry" Zuko released Azula. "We don't have to do anything. Anything that you don't want to do that is." Zuko waved his hands. "We can stay here or sail away. It's whatever you want to do."
"Zuko, you really have forgotten what this weekend is." She gently shook her head. "It's the Phoenix Festival on Ember Island."
Zuko's eyes grew wide. He'd completely forgotten. "It's this weekend"
"That's right. We'll spend four days and three nights with mom and her other family. From your reaction I am guessing you haven't informed her about our covenant. Don't be too disappointed Zuko, now you have that to look forward to this weekend." She smirked. "I've got a healing session. I’ll leave everything to you, Zuzu."
"Wait". Azula had walked away by the time Zuko spoke. "I’ve got to tell our mother I married Azula. How am I supposed to do that?” Zuko groaned. “ Hey mom you said Azula and I should work on our relationship. Guess what? We took it to a new level and got married." Zuko sighed, "Mom is understanding but no mom is that understanding. URRRGGHH, what am I going to do? Think Zuko." The fire lord pounded his palm against his forehead. "I don't know", he mumbled.
Iroh saw Zuko pacing along the pond. The old man walked over to his nephew. "Is something wrong Fire Lord Zuko?"
Zuko clutched his uncle's shoulders. "The Phoenix Festival is this weekend."
"Yes, I know. You must be very excited." Iroh laughed. "Not to worry, I'll make sure everything runs smoothly while you're gone. Just have a good time with your mother, half sister, and "
"Wife." Zuko watched as Iroh's happy expression change. "Azula is not just my sister anymore. Uncle, I don't know what to say or do. " Zuko touched his face. "We haven't even discussed how I got my scar. I've tried to keep things positive. Uncle what should I say."
"The truth, you have to tell Ursa before someone else does. Your mother's multination theater troupe has been on tour in the Earth Kingdom for the past six months it's doubtful she's heard the news. Ember Island is a vacation home to many Fire Nation nobles. The news of your marriage has reached Ember Island by now. There is a very good chance you all will run into someone who knows about you and Azula."
"I just don't want to lose mom after just getting her back in my life. What if she thinks I am some kind of big brother predator? Mom has been away for years."
"I don't believe Ursa will see you as a predator if you explain your situation."
Zuko grew slightly pale. His eyes shift from Iroh. "What, what if she wants me to leave Azula?"
Iroh raised an eyebrow. "Tell her the Hemethi Covenant is unbreakable for seven years."
"The Hemethi Covenant, that's it uncle. Thank you." Zuko patted Iroh on the back. "I have to make sure the Azuroh will be ready to set sail tomorrow."
//////////////////////
The next day Azula and Zuko would board the Azuroh. Ursa and her family were scheduled to arrive on Ember Island the same day as Azula and Zuko. It was the first time Zuko dreaded seeing his mother. The Hemethi Covenant was unbreakable. Ursa couldn't ask Zuko to break the covenant, but she could ask them not to live as husband and wife.
The thought of having to choose between staying with Azula or make Ursa happy kept Zuko up last night. Zuko yawned through most of their walk to the ship. He didn't stop yawning until he saw Miso.
"Good morning Fire Lord Zuko", Miso quickly turned his attention to Azula. He gave Azula a smile, "Good morning Princess Azula. Did you sleep well last night?"
"I did."
"I can tell you look even more wonderful than usual."
"Why is he here?" Zuko stepped between Azula and Miso.
"He's going to Ember Island."
"No".
"Yes, Miso is going."
"It's a family vacation." Zuko turned to Miso. "Family only."

"Fire Lord Zuko, I have no intentions on intruding on your family gathering. I have plans on the island. The Sun Sage Gin will be at the Phoenix Festival. I am just catching a ride."
"Fine", Zuko took Azula by the hand as they boarded the ship. "Let's go captain", said Zuko as he and Azula walked by the captain. The couple didn't stop until they reached the Zuko's quarters. Zuko paused at the door. This would be the first time Azula came to his cabin. Naughty memories from Azula related dreams streamed into his mind. "In a few days", he whispered. "I'm going to take you on a tour of the ship first."
The ship tour lasted almost two hours. The tour would have gone faster if Zuko didn't ask them to do a presentation on how the new technology on the ship worked. Eventually, they made it back to Zuko's quarters. "Last but not least", Zuko opened the door.
"It's certainly colorful, Zuzu." The room had red walls. Orange and yellow pillows gave the red bed a true fire theme. Zuko's old wooden desk had been painted like a map of the world with green for the Earth Kingdom, light blue for the water tribes, yellow and orange for the old air temples, and read for the Fire Nation.
"Don't try to look innocent. I know you had Ty Lee decorate. I've not gotten around to getting it turned back to normal."
"I expected it to be", Azula sat on the bed, "bigger".
"It's cozy." Zuko sat next to her. He yawned as he leaned in close.
"I'm going to see what Miso is up to while you take a nap." She stood. "Try not to be too jealous."
"I am not jealous of some wannabe romancer water bender. I don't like him."
"I see." She smirked. Azula walked out the room.
Zuko stood. "No, I won't go after her. She’ll think I’m doing it because I am jealous. I'll take a nap. My mind will have to be in top condition when we reach Ember Island tonight."

////
Zuko woke up alone. Azula had not returned to the room. Zuko was not happy about his missing wife. He walked on deck. Miso was on one knee holding Azula's hand. They were staring into each other’s eyes. Azula giggled. Anger blinded Zuko for a moment. The entire world seemed to be engulfed in flames. "GET AWAY FROM HER".
Miso and Azula turned. They could see the anger radiating from Zuko. The closer he got to them the angrier he became. Miso was still holding Azula's hand. "Move away now", snarled Zuko.
Miso dropped Azula's hand. "It's not what you think, Fire Lord Zuko," Miso backed up against the ship's rails. He held up his hands in surrender. "I'm trying to propose. I mean I'm practicing for when I propose."
"What?" The expression on Zuko's face changed from angry to menacing.
Azula smiled. "Well, Zuzu, our covenant is only for seven years. Miso likes to plan ahead."
Miso's eyes were as wide as the moon. "Azula, no."
Azula laughed. "It was a joke, Zuzu, " she placed her hand on Zuko's shoulder, "calm down. Miso was practicing proposing so he can propose to someone else. That's if he can get it right. In the last 10 minutes all he's been able to do is hold my hand and tell me I am beautiful and smart. He tells me that all time. I am waiting for him to say something impressive."
"Fire Lord Zuko, there is nothing to be jealous about." Miso smiled his perfect smile. "I think of Azula as my younger sister."
"I don't think that helps in Zuko's case. That was another joke. It's okay for you to laugh, Miso. Next time you propose to me you can tell me how funny I am."
Zuko's glare was still locked on to Miso. "I'm telling the truth, Fire Lord Zuko. That's why I'm really going to Ember Island. My true love, Hinata, is a student of the Sun Sage. The Phoenix Festival is, one of the few times of the year I get to see her. Let go of jealousy Fire Lord Zuko. I have no intentions to come between you and Princess Azula," Miso bowed, "at this time”, he whispered.
Azula grabbed Zuko by the arm. "Let's go Zuzu. Miso have something better to say when I get back." She walked with Zuko back to their quarters.
He'd calmed down by the time they entered the room. "Zuko, now that that's over I need you to focus. We'll reach Ember Island in a couple of hours."
"A couple of hours. How long was I asleep?"
"Over six hours, I challenged the engineering team to see if they could beat their previous record. You have about two hours to figure out what to tell mom. I'll leave you to it."
//////////
The crew worked hard to meet Azula's challenge. They were able to shave almost two hours off the old record. Zuko had no idea how to explain his covenant with Azula to their mother. The fire lord hoped their mom would not arrive until much later that evening. If he were lucky Ursa would not arrive until morning.
Luck was not on Zuko's side. Kiyi ran to greet them as soon as he and Azula arrived. The young girl gave her half siblings hugs. "I am so glad you two made it. We've been waiting for hours." She turned and screamed, "Azula and Zuko are here."
"I am so glad you made it here safely." Ursa hugged Azula first. It was awkward as usual. Then she gave a big hug to Zuko.
"It's good to see you both", said Ikem. Ursa's mate never knew how to greet Zuko and Azula. He waved at them from the doorway. "After you two get settle join us for supper."
"Momma and I set up your rooms. Azula’s room is next to mine. We figured you'd want to keep the same rooms as last time. "
"Did you hear that, Zuzu? We get to have the same rooms as last time. What do you think about that?"
Zuko could feel Azula's eyes on him. The question was a lead in. "I think" Zuko turned to Ursa. Ursa looked happy. "That's fine."
"Good. Kiyi come and help your father and I with supper."
Zuko turned to Azula. She did not look happy. "Now is not the time. I will tell her when the time is right."
////////////
If you could describe Ursa's blended family meals in one word it would be awkward. Kiyi was the only person not fazed by unresolved family issues. Her youth was an asset. Sheviewed the world as a child. Having her older half siblings eating at the same table was enough to make her happy. It didn't matter that Azula was pretty indifferent towards her or that Zuko seemed uncomfortable around her at times.
Kiyi talked all through supper telling Zuko and Azula all about the different sights and events she experienced while on tour with her parents. Ursa and Ikem kept quiet for the most part only adding comments here and there. Kiyi monopolized the conversation until dessert was served. The little girl was more interested in pie then talking, which led to an uneasy silence.
"What's new with you two?" Ursa smiled at her older children.
It was the perfect lead in to talk about the covenant. Zuko felt Azula's eyes on him. "Ugh". Everyone's eyes were on Zuko. His mouth became dry. He took a sip of water. It didn't help. "This pie looks tasty," he ate a big spoonful of pie. "Mom you've out done yourself."
"Thank you, Zuko,” she gave a warm smile. It was the opposite of the icy glare he received from Azula.
"Well it doesn't look like Zuko is going to say anything important, I'll go."
All the color washed from Zuko's face. It looked as if he was going to pass out. "Zuko are you OK?" Everyone heard the worry in Ursa’s voice.
"I'm fine." He lowered his head.
Azula sighed. A few months ago Azula would've been quick to out her and Zuko. Watching Zuko squirm would be entertaining. "I was poisoned and almost died, anyone else would have."
"What?" Ursa dropped her teacup as she was picking it up "How? When?"
"I was having tea at the palace. Uncle was having tea with me. I drank a couple of sips before; he smelled the poisonous herb, as he was about to take a sip. Then"
"I wasn't there", said Zuko in a strained voice. His head hung low. "I wasn't with her". He took Azula's hand. "I should've been there." His right hand crushed a napkin. He held his head up. "I won't let anything happen to Azula. I will always protect her."
Zuko's words held so much conviction it warmed everyone in the room's heart. Ursa was especially proud. Her smile grew. "I'm so proud to hear you talk that way, Zuko. It's does my heart good to see you two getting along so well."
It was time to tell his mom. Everyone in the room was feeling positive. "Mom, Azula and I are"
"Finally able to rebuild your sibling relationship. It's obvious that that tragedy brought you closer. I just hope that the bond you've built gets stronger."
Zuko held Azula's hand a little tighter. "I do too." He caressed Azula's hand with is thumb. It was a small act that meant a lot to both of them. The small act went unnoticed by Kiyi and Ursa, but Ikem noticed.
The bang and pop of fireworks captured everyone's attention. "The festival has started". The little girl danced around. "Oh can we go, Mama, Papa?"
"Very well", Ikem laughed as his daughter gave him a big hug.
///////////
The blended family made it to the heart of the Phoenix Festival. Everyone wore a mask. You could not tell friends from foes, and royalty could hide in plain sight. The colors and lanterns gave the island a fiery glow. The streets were filled with people and lined with games and venders. Entertainers were spread throughout the festival. Musicians played in the background. Jugglers and jesters entertained the crowds. Fire benders took center stage with their creative fire bending.
"We're going to stay here and listen to some music. You, three, should go and explore the festival." Ursa turned to Zuko. "Take care of your sisters."
"Great" Kiyi grabbed Zuko's hand, "let's go". The young girl wanted to see everything. She was so excited she could not stay in one place too long.
A mask couldn't hide Azula's annoyance. Zuko saw her mouth twist to the side. "Azula you promised," whispered Zuko.
"I haven't said or done anything, have I?"
"Cheer up, I'll win you a stuffed platypus bear." He smirked. "Kiyi let's play a game. I'll win you and Azula something."
"Really Zuko." Her smile reached from ear to ear. "Zuko win me that." She pointed to a stuffed hippo cow.
"Alright" Zuko placed his money on the counter.
"Sir, to win the hippo cow, you need to land three rings on the orange jugs or land three rings on the black jugs in the back. If you land three rings on the black row you can pick any prize you want."
The game looked easy but it was not. Zuko tried 10 times. He'd managed to land one ring every time. "One more time." Zuko only had one coin left. He needed five. "I should've brought more money".
"It's ok Zuko." Kiyi looked up at him with reassuring eyes.
"I want to play." Azula placed five coins on the counter, but she covered them with he hand. "First I want to see you do it."
"Certainly, the guy took the rings." He tossed them landing three on the orange bottles "See it can be done." He reached for the money.
Azula pulled it back. "I want to see you land them on the back row."
"OK." The man landed the rings. "Now do you want to play?"
"Yes" Azula tossed the rings on the same jugs the carnie did. The carnie and Kiyi stood with their mouths open. "Don't just stand there give her the hippo cow."
"Thanks Azula". Kiyi hugged Azula's hips.
Azula didn't hug her back but she didn't push her away. Zuko saw it as a plus. He gave Azula a smile.
"Again" Azula placed the coins on the counter.
"It's time for my break. If you come back later tonight, maybe"
"She says she wants to play, again" Zuko's mask did not cover his scar completely. He wore a hood as well. The combination gave him a more intimidating look.
"My break can wait a few more minutes". The man handed Azula the rings while looking at Zuko.
Azula won again. "I want that big platypus bear." The platypus bear was the biggest stuffed animal. It was half the size of Kiyi.
The man gritted his teeth as he gave Azula the bear. "I have to close now. Please let me close." The carnie looked like he was going to cry.
"Go a-" The man started closing before Zuko could finish. "Oh well let's go."
"Here Zuzu" Azula handed him the stuffed platypus bear.
"Oh that's so sweet, Zuko, Azula won you a prize, too."
"When he opens back up I'll win you"
"Don't bother Zuko there's nothing I want from that stand. That guy is a cheat. Those rings were made to fit easily on certain jugs. He's switching the jugs around as we speak."
"How'd you know?"
"I expected him to cheat. Those types of people always do. I needed him to show me how to win. Zuko you're too trusting. I've had enough excitement for the evening."
"Me too," added Kiyi. "There's mama and papa" Kiyi took off running with her hippo cow held high. "Look, look, what Azula won for me."
Kiyi told her parents the story of Azula's victory over the evil vender as they walked to the beach home. Zuko and Azula hung back a few steps behind them. They didn't say anything to each other.
///////////
Later that evening Azula received an expected visitor. "What do you want Zuzu?"
"I can't sleep." He crawled into her bed. "It's lonely in my room." He wrapped his arms around her.
"And if mom catches you in my room."
"I'll be gone before she gets up. I just need a good night's sleep."
"Or you could tell her the truth about us".
The truth about he and Azula was grey. They didn't have a storybook love story. Their relationship wasn't traditional or normal in many people's eyes. It could drive a wedge between them and their mother. Zuko knew he had to tell Ursa. He hated he couldn’t show Azula affection. They were hiding in a house he built.
"I'm going to tell her. I'm just waiting for the best time. I don't want us to have to hide our relationship. You mean too much to me."
His lips brushed against hers before kissing her softly. The kisses grew more passionate with each minute bringing them to heights of passion leaving them breathless. The last thing Zuko wanted to do was sleep.
"But what if" Zuko stopped her with a deep kiss. It wasn't time for ifs. He clouded her mind with kisses and nibbles. One hand slipped under her robe. An erotic filled sigh left her lips as Zuko played with her nipple. The lightning outside couldn’t compare to the electricity between them. The lightning enhanced their experience by adding visuals. A flash provided teasing lightning as Zuko spread opens the top of Azula's robe. The storm intensity seemed to mimic the couple's passion.
A loud clap of thunder awoke Kiyi in the next room. Azula's little sister ran to Azula’s door. "Azula", screamed Kiyi as she knocked on the door.
The young couple froze. Zuko first thought was run. However, there was no way for Zuko to walk by his little sister in his condition.
"Go away. I am sleeping", yelled Azula.
"We’re scared."
"It's just thunder go back to bed."
The booming sound of thunder returned. Kiyi disregarded everything Azula said. She opened Azula’s door. Zuko ducked under the covers. "Me and Mr. Piccolo are" she held her hippo cow tightly, "scared". There was another clap of thunder. The little girl ran and jumped in Azula’s bed after slamming the bedroom door. Kiyi landed on Zuko. "What's that?" She started hitting Zuko with her hippo cow.
"Wait Kiyi"
"Zuko, why are you in Azula's bed?"
His mind went blank. "I, I, I,"
"Zuko is afraid of lightning."
"Oh", Kiyi turned to her annoyed sister, "Azula you're not afraid of thunder and lightning?"
"You really have no idea what I am capable of, do you?" Azula couldn't see Kiyi's face but she knew the girl was confused. Zuko hoped Azula would not demonstrate. "I can create lighting. Why would I be afraid of it?"
"You can create lightning", Kiyi gasped. "That is a-maz-ing".
"I know."
"Well, I can redirect lightning."
"Zuko you can deflect lightning that's amazing, too." She lay between Azula and Zuko. "This is the safest room in the house." Kiyi didn’t flinch when another round of thunder and lightning passed.
///////
The next morning Kiyi found her father on the patio. "Good morning papa."
"Good morning sweet pea." He gave her a big hug. "I am proud of you. You didn't come to our room last night."
"I went to Azula's room."
"You did", Ikem tried not to sound surprised.
"I stayed in her room until the storm was over. I was really sleepy so Zuko carried me to my room before he went back to his room."
"Zuko"
"Yeah, he was in Azula's room when I got there. He's afraid of lightning. Papa, if Zuko can deflect lightning why was he afraid last night?"
"Maybe there was too much lightning for him to deflect at once." Ikem kneeled down. "Let's not tell mom about Zuko being in Azula's room, OK. It might embarrass him."

A/N: Thanks for reading this chapter :)

AN: Christopher thanks for the review. Zuko is still learning. Suigetsu was all talk and pretender. He's easily motivated by fear.
Aysha thanks for the review glad you enjoyed the last chapter.
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Secrets