Recovery: Modern Azulaang AU

Welcome to Republic City

Azula

It's hard to see everyone who's life you turned into a living hell for almost a year. Even harder when most of them are trying to accept and forgive you.

Zuko opens the door to his apartment, letting me in first. I give him a tight lipped smile as I shuffle into his apartment, awkwardly standing in the middle while he brings my bags in.

He shows me to my room, putting my bags inside before stopping at the doorway.

"So make yourself at home, my room's right across from you if you need anything."

Don't show weakness.

"Why thank you, Zuzu. I won't stay long. This city's repugnant. No place for a high class woman. More a place for peasants," I say casually, looking at my nails.

Zuko let's out a sigh, mumbling an 'if you say so' as he exits my room.

I organise my things neatly before doing anything else, and I'm absolutely tired when I finish. Today's been a long day.

Perhaps a bath would help...

I leave my room, seeing Zuko watching tv on his couch,

"Zuko. Where's the tub? I'm in desperate need of a bath."

Zuko looks at me before chuckling.

How dare he?!

"Does this look like the mansion you lived in with dad? Shower's straight down the hall." he replies, returning to his odd tv program where people just talk about sports.

"Fine. I really need to find a place more suitable for me. You'll help me look tomorrow." I say. Before I walk away Zuko speaks up, not looking away from the tv,

"And what money are you gonna use to get this 'place suitable for you'? Dad's in prison remember? All his assests, and yours have been frozen."

Dammit, I forgot about that. I never had the need to think of funds before.

I huff and walk away to the shower.

The next day, I awake with a start, breathing heavily and sweating like a disgusting peasant.

What the hell?? I vaguely remember having a nightmare but I don't know what about...

Checking the time, I see that it's only 6am. I decide to make myself a cup of tea, and I throw on a hoodie before heading to the kitchen. Upon exiting my room, I'm surprised to find Zuko dressed in a suit, drinking coffee and tapping away on his smartphone.

Dad never let me have one of those... gave me an old cellphone that could only be used for calling. Said that it would just distract me from out goal... tch. 'Our' goal. Yeah right.

"Morning, Zuzu. I didn't expect you to be up so early." I tell him, proceeding straight to the kitchen to heat some water for my tea.

"Morning, Azula. You sleep well? And yeah, old habits are hard to break."

That's right, our father never let us sleep in as children.

"Hm... and yes, I slept fine."

Once I made my tea, I take a seat next to him.

"Why are you dressed so fancy? Not quite the outfit deemed respectable for college is it?" I ask, eyeing him curiously.

"Dad's company reached out to me a couple months ago. I pretty much inherited the whole thing. I have a meeting with the board this morning to discuss further operations." he replies, not looking up from his smartphone.

The company I had worked my life to inherit. Yet, I feel nothing as I receive information about him inheriting all of it.

"Oh,"

He looks at me then,

"There's something else I wanted to discuss with you."

I stare blanky at him, signalling for him to continue.

"Me and the others discussed it, and we thought it would be good for you to talk to someone about everything you've been through. With dad and... you know...." he says awkwardly.

Ah yes, my mental breakdown....
Weakling.

"And who will I be talking to?" I ask him, crossing my arms over my chest.

I don't need anyone to save me.
You don't have anyone either.

"She's a friend of Katara's family,"

A therapist.

"A therapist?? Zuko, you can't be serious! I don't need a shrink, I'm fine!"

Liar.

"Azula, please just try it? I promise it'll help. And if it doesn't, you don't have to continue." Zuko says, looking at me with desperation in his eyes.

Perhaps it would help... I never even tried at that asylum... maybe talking to someone would help me...
Help is for the weak!

"Shut up!" I yell, making Zuko flinch, "I'm not some weak charity case! I don't need help!"

"Asking for help doesn't make you weak. Sometimes, it's the road to strength. I wouldn't have gotten where I am today without the help of Aang, or Katara and the others."

Friends. Which you don't have.
But maybe I could?

"Alright..." I say hesitantly, and I see his eyes light up with joy. My chest tightens as I see his face?

Is he.... relieved?
No, of course not. He doesn't care about you. No one does.

"Great, I have to go now, but Suki will be here to take you there later around 11am." he says, getting up and pulling me into a hug which I don't return.

"There's food in the fridge if you get hungry. Some frozen pizza or eggs or something. You didn't get the chance to eat last night. I'll be back in time for dinner." he says, starting to walk away when my eyes widen in realisation.

"Zuzu wait!" I yell, and he stops and looks back to me,

"I still... I can't cook..."

Servants did everything for you before. Pathetic little girl...

"I'm not pathetic!" I yell,

"I never said you were," Zuko says with a chuckle, making me seethe with rage,

"You find my helplessness amusing?!"

"No, of course not. Look, I'll text Suki to come by earlier so she can take you out for lunch. I have to go now, see ya." And with that, he's out the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Alone. That's all you'll ever be.
I know...