"You know, Azula's really changed," Aang said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he sat cross-legged on the floor of the small, cluttered room.
Sokka raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched into his features. "How so?" he asked, his tone blunt as he leaned against the doorframe.
Aang looked up from the scroll he was reading, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Well, she's been really open to discussing her feelings and her past. She's not the same cold, calculating person she used to be."
Sokka folded his arms, his skepticism unwavering. "And what's her deal with you, exactly?"
Aang's eyes remained on the scroll, avoiding Sokka's gaze. "We're... we're just friends."
Sokka's eyebrow shot up. "Friends?" he echoed, his voice thick with disbelief. "Since when?"
Aang paused, setting the scroll aside. "Since I started visiting her more often." He took a deep breath, his gaze drifting to the floor. "Look, I know she's not everyone's favorite person, but she's been through a lot. And she's... she's trying."
Sokka pushed off the doorframe, his boots thudding against the wooden floor as he approached Aang. He knew his friend's heart was in the right place, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. "Okay, okay," he said, his voice softer. "But you gotta be careful, Aang. You're too trusting sometimes. What if she's just playing you?"
Aang looked up, his eyes wide and earnest. "Why would she do that?"
Sokka sighed, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. "Because that's what she does, Aang. She's a master manipulator."
"But she's different now," Aang insisted, his voice filled with hope. "I've seen it."
Sokka's eyes searched Aang's, looking for any signs of doubt or uncertainty, but all he found was a fierce determination to believe in Azula's redemption. He knew Aang was stubborn when it came to seeing the good in people, but he also knew that his friend had an uncanny knack for reading situations. If Aang said she'd changed, then maybe there was some truth to it.
"Alright, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt," Sokka said, his arms still folded tightly across his chest. "But promise me you'll keep your guard up. And maybe, you know, check in with Katara? You guys haven't talked in a bit."
Aang's smile faltered a little at the mention of Katara. "Yeah, I know," he mumbled, his gaze drifting back to the scroll. "It's just... complicated."
Sokka nodded, his expression understanding. "Look, I get it. But you guys have been through a lot together. She's worried about you, you know?"
Aang sighed, his shoulders dropping slightly. "Yeah, I know," he repeated, his voice barely a whisper.
Sokka watched his friend for a moment before speaking up again. "Look, Aang, I know you guys had your issues, but she's been there for you through everything. And she's worried."
Aang nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the scroll. "I'll talk to her," he murmured, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.
With Sokka's words echoing in his mind, Aang gathered his things and set off for his next visit to the rehabilitation center where Azula was being held. The treetop path was quieter than usual, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for not confiding in his friends. But his connection with Azula was something he couldn't easily explain, a complex tapestry of understanding and compassion that had grown between them in the most unlikely of places.
Upon arriving at the center, he was greeted by the usual stern faces of the guards, who eyed him warily. They knew of his frequent visits and the controversy surrounding them. As he approached Azula's cell, he paused, taking a deep breath to collect himself. He knew that today's conversation would be critical. He had to find the balance between supporting her and keeping his friends' concerns in mind.
