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[ Being a part of Zuko's happiness is truly a strange thought, but she was confident in her answer and didn't think any amount of convincing by Gokudera would change that. He came here to reassure her, clearly aware of her brother's explosive tendencies, but his desire to invite himself into their relationship and smooth things over would always be unwanted-- he was in the dark. He knew nothing other than the out-of-context oversharing Zuko couldn't help himself to. Sure, she should probably welcome the chance to talk about him, to talk to someone that wasn't him, but she'd prefer to leave it alone. For the most part.

The princess is not big on sweets, so despite the gesture toward baked goods brought specifically for her, she pays it no mind for now. Instead, she allows herself to drink from the bottle, more curious for the taste than anything else. ]

There's a normal here he can still achieve that I am keeping him from, he's always desired to be free of his birthright. He wants to go to school and make friends and... date.

[ The last word comes out more scathing than she'd like, her attention more focused on the bottle than Gokudera now. Azula scoots it over to him, leaning against the countertop. ]

Pour me a glass.

[Gokudera isn't trying to invite himself in their relationship. He's just heard enough from Zuko that he can't sit by and let them both be miserable. What would be wrong with him helping them? He didn't think asking Azula if she would wants his help would be good... considering he's pretty sure she'd refuse no matter what and she hates him.

But he doesn't hate her. He's been through enough that he's pretty resilient, more kind, and more forgiving than he ever was before. Gokudera is still curious about what he could have done to upset her in the first place aside from attacking Zuko.

He watches her drink from the bottle, then stares expectantly as if awaiting a verdict on it.]

Maybe I can talk him out of that last one...

[He looks bothered... and for good reason.]

Yes Ma'am [Gokudera does as he's told and offers her the glass once he's filled it. As he holds it out, he tenses, trembles gently, and there's a visible flinch as his collar starts up on a low and slowly building pulsing pain. He's just going to do his best not to draw attention to it.]

[ His response forces her gaze upward, eyebrows raising at him as she watches him obediently shuffle about. What a strange thing to offer to do. That followed by his peculiar behavior leaves her feeling uncertain as she reaches over to take the glass from him, cradling it with both hands-- she didn't enjoy the flavor enough to inhale it immediately. ]

Why would you want to do a thing like that? Unless, of course, your current lack of a doofy idiot means you're trying to claim a different one. Again.

[ Weren't they friends? Or was he just so eager to please that he'd say anything to convince her to be friends with him? Either way, she quickly adds: ]

And don't call me ma'am. If you insist, princess or your highness will do.

[ Azula shakes her head at him before finally bringing the glass up to her lips, peering at him over it as she takes her first sip. ]

No. I'm betrothed to a different goofy idiot. But I think if he were going to pursue dating anyone in this world that is not from yours... it's heartache waiting to happen.

[He thinks on his many lovers he had before Takeshi and yeah... relationships hurt. He'd rather just be on good terms and leave it at that.]

Yes, your highness.

[Gokudera scratches idly at his neck, then grabs his own glass back up.]

Which one of you made the mess? Or was it the dragons? [He moves to set a few things straight in their living space, moving about as if he already had a plan to clean when he walked in.]

Wouldn't that be the point? Whenever he gets sucked back home, he won't remember any of it. It's cheating, getting to do whatever you want on these planets with no real consequence.

[ Besides, Zuko is friendly by nature. It doesn't surprise her he'd be swarming with friends when it became easier for him once he switched sides. Lunatia had forced it upon him, which made him less likely to actually do anything about it, but now that the choice was entirely his? It said a lot about Her if she insisted he not pursue anything romantic. What argument did she really have against it?

She watches him start to flit about her apartment, keeping to her spot against the counter in the kitchen as she swirls the liquid around in her glass. Surely Gokudera already knew who made the mess, he'd been around enough to realize it was more than her and Zuko's (and the dragons) usually uncleanliness. Admitting it, however, meant having to acknowledge how much Zuko had actually hurt her, which she'd prefer not to do outside of what Gokudera was seeing on her tired face. So she won't. ]

"Betrothed"?

[ She repeats back at him with humor in her tone, knowing this version of Gokudera had been tossed around his own set of weird worlds before landing here with them. Azula didn't think she actually cared, not really, but somehow she felt like going down this path would irritate him the most. ]

How is that working out for you?

Sounds like you want him to be dating. I'll use myself as an example. No time for anything like that at home. Just work. All day, every day. I go to a new world and I get interested in someone, then they leave. That sucks.

[He cleans and talks at the same time, more productive this way. He's shifting things about, actively cleaning and organizing things, as if he were a practiced housekeeper.]

So then I try another relationship and they're so much better and it's just... incredible, and then they leave too. But if it's someone from my own world, like the idiot, Even if nothing here changes anything in my world, I can take comfort in seeing him again. So, if I were Zuko, I would prioritize relationships with people from home.

[He brushes off his hands and looks about, as if searching for something else to clean. Maybe the kitchen. He could do some dishes or something. Messes stress him out, and he has no idea if Azula cares about her space being clean, but... he's helping, he hopes.]

Yeah. We're engaged and now I'm here, and the one I love is probably still back on that stupid fucking alien planet. It's not working out for me. Of course. I'm sure you can assume as much.

[He rolling up his sleeves and starting up some water and a sponge.]

And the idiot in this world has no idea and carries on as if I hate him. So... that's pretty normal... it's better I don't tell him anything, y'know? Ignorance is bliss and all that.

Besides, I'm not worth that much to anyone here anyways since none of it even matters.

[He can just cut her off right at the quick.]

[ All the talking he does makes the desire to drink escalate, vaguely wondering if she truly deserved this level of hell that was being forced upon her. This was not a fair trade of services, he could butler about without trying to give her... advice? Whatever this was? When the glass is finished, she pours herself another before climbing on the counter top, crossing one leg over the other as she tries to tune back into whatever it was Gokudera was blabbing on about. ]

I think it's an especially excruciating torture to prioritize "home" relationships, then. To know what could be, and to know what only exists when we're done being played with. At least these strangers never mattered in the first place.

[ She tips her glass to him with a roll of her eyes, he'd never know how transparent she was truly being in this moment, but there was a truth to it that extended even beyond Zuko. Azula slaps her free hand on the space beside her, groaning loudly. ]

Self-deprecation is boring. Either leave the insulting entirely to me or not at all.

[Well, he isn't going to just give her a dry simple answer. If she's gonna ask, he'll tell her the truth. But she doesn't seem especially interested. Why would she be? He glances at her, then continues with the dishes]

Right.

[Gokudera gives her a smirk at that loud groan and slap, but continues on with the chore.]

Alright. Go for it, then. Just thought I'd find some common ground or something.

[A shrug. He supposes it will benefit them both if he's honest. She knows he's only here because of Zuko. Gokudera is honestly just curious about how and if their interactions will change now that he's changed so much. Why is it comforting him to have her be rude to him? Oh well, not going to think too hard on it. That won't get the chores done faster.]

You are in no place for any of this, considering you are the intruder. If someone you disliked burst in and insisted you eat snacks and did all of your chores for you, I would imagine you'd be as thrilled as I am in this moment.

[ His arms were sudsy and it was a spectacle to behold, a housewife she never wanted. Luckily, there was enough wine in the cup to make her start to give up in fighting on why he was there, even if the urge to be physically violent remained. She'll let herself believe it was just the few days of loneliness that was getting to her, the company of Gokudera better than what was inside her own head.

Azula leans forward, watching him watch her like a challenge, not inviting him to the stare down she'd just initiated and secretly won. ]

And don't meddle in my brother's romantic affairs.

[ That's my job she wanted to joke, but it reeked far too much of jealousy and that wasn't a look she enjoyed on herself. At least with this he couldn't run back to Zuko and say that Azula wanted him to karate chop away all the girls he incessantly flirted with, because in the end that's not really what she wanted. ]

[Gokudera chuckles at that, and it even turns into an honest laugh because he has lived the scenario she describes. He won't go on and try to explain himself because he doesn't want to bore her, but yeah, he's laughing pretty hard at her telling him off for helping her.]

Yes, Your Highness.

[What if he meddles in someone else's and Zuko butts in? Oh well, he won't even try to clarify. There's a second bottle of wine and he's just glad that she's saying anything. Even if she were to punch him, it'd probably be a way better interaction than her giving him the silent treatment or whatever.]

See, isn't this much better? You being the perfect little pet while I--

[ He's busy and barely paying her any attention, but she shakes her now-empty wine vessel at his back before setting it beside her so she could pour herself a third glass. While she was busy doing whatever this was, knowing that he was offering himself up as a punching bag and she was choosing the non-violent option was a first for her-- but she'd been doing enough beating herself up the last few days. ]

Do Zuko and I need to fight every time I need our apartment cleaned or would you start doing it just because you love me bossing you around?

[ Azula uncrosses her legs so she doesn't fall off the counter, a little haphazardly trying to pour now that the alcohol was starting to settle in. ]

[Gokudera takes a minute in his quiet amusement before her words sink in and unfortunately for him, or maybe fortunately depending on how this goes. It registers as praise. He looks over at her suddenly and then visibly shudders before slapping a soapy hand at his collar as it runs a shock of pleasure through him.

It's embarrassing, to say the least but it's not like he moaned. He rubs and then rinses his hands, drying them off before he approaches and gently takes the bottle to refill her glass.]

Here, let me.

[He does his best not to look at her, not wanting anything other than some mild obedience to show. Maybe he can play it off like he's quiet because that's getting the best reaction out of her?]

I do not believe I asked for your assistance.

[ Azula squints at him as he approaches, almost too close, but her hands show no resistance as he shuffles the bottle from her. She'd noticed his strange spasm but doesn't think anything of it, for now, attributing it to a chill she can't feel-- firebenders always ran hotter than most. The fact that he was suddenly of few words only seemed to her that he was finally listening, although it was debatable how well silence truly suited her. ]

That wasn't a rhetorical question. You don't have anything better to do than clean our apartment, hm? You're doing a better job than myself or Zuko could, or want to, why not just make it a full-time job. You could consider it payment for my allowing you to keep company with my brother.

I know.

[He says gently and pours her drink for her regardless of whether or not she asked. Gokudera's used to... serving. This is not the first time he's poured a drink, but he's unusually cautious. She can take it however she'd like, and Gokudera is relieved to not hear more praise from her.]

Might as well, since I'm here. You expect to pay me by... allowing your brother to be friends with me?

[Gokudera tips the bottle back up so not a drop is spilled. He smiles.]

I'm flattered, but I already have two jobs.

Two?

[ Ugh. The noise that follows is entirely of disgust. She cradles her glass in her hands like it's holding the blood of someone Holy, no teetering from her will be the cause of any additional mess. ]

Quit both of them and do what I say instead. [ A beat. Her brow furrows, trying to chase the thought she had, but it's gone. He's still close enough that she can nudge his thigh with the side of her foot, less rough then she intended on account of the inebriation. ] Why tire yourself with whatever you're doing when you could be getting on your hands and knees cleaning the grime from my floors? It seems like the only desirable option.

[He glances at the foot nudging him and lifts an eyebrow at her. Well, he's already been cleaning, so it's not like he'll be objecting. Gokudera gets the feeling she wants him to agree with her. There's not much grime to clean up. Just clutter and then maybe he can sweep up some? It doesn't look like the kitchen gets much attention.]

You'd have to see me more often if I did that. Wouldn't you hate that?

[Since she likes to act like she despises him so? Gokudera takes her foot gently in his hand and moves around her, setting the bottle off to the side where it can't be knocked over. He then moves to set away the clean dishes, then clears the table, wiping that down with a towel.]

Not if you kept quiet.

[ He's such a peculiar person, even moreso now that he didn't seem to be ruled so much by his anger. On Lunatia, it felt like the pair of them could never have lived in a reality that would allow them to see eye-to-eye. Gokudera now seemed far more eager to be her punching bag, to allow his weaknesses to be front and center without fear. It must be all the heartbreak he's blabbed on about.

She has to stop herself from flinching when he touches her, surprised, knowing she didn't deserve any of the kindnesses he kept affording her. A part of her was still convinced he was in love with her, or at least obsessed, it was hard to rationalize any other reason why he'd be trying so hard. ]

Maybe you can learn how to cook, too, and save me from the over-salted snacks I'm barely surviving on. Silently.

Mnnn guess I can't do it, then. I'm not cut out for a job like that.

[He lifts his arms in a shrug, as if it's some pity and is being rather dramatic about it. Gokudera won't explain to her any of the reason why he's changed. He didn't know who he was on Lunatia. That was another Gokudera. He's got his own issues and has been through so many more different things. It has likely made him act differently in some regards.

Gokudera won't and can't convince Azula about whether or not he has a crush or is obsessed if she never brings it up. Maybe it's just the habit of living as a pet for so long. Maybe he's a glutton for punishment, or is harboring something he thinks that her anger or attitude will distract him from.

It's easier to focus in on taking care of anyone other than himself.

Always.

He wipes at the table even when he's done, considering her words before straightening up, back to her.]

Funny.

[He moves to clear the counters (aside from the one she's sitting on, of course, and wipe them down in turn.]

I can barely cook my own meals. It's always something pre-made.

[Some can of sauce he has to heat up. Gokudera is still trying to learn how to cook pasta. Every type is so different! What even is the best cook times?! Cooking is stressful for him.]

Well,

[ She starts, snapping, straightening herself up as she does it, the glass in her hand waving emphatically with her as she speaks, threatening to spill. ]

I tried. It looks like you're going to remain useless to me after all.

[ It really was a pity, this was as best as she could do-- try to convince him to be some sort of servant. Maybe it was the drunkenness that made it seem like the best idea, but with the diligent way he was moving around the apartment it seemed like the obvious solution to all their problems. ]

[Gokudera chuckles as an answer to that and shakes his head, moving things off the counters to better wipe it down.]

You couldn't afford me, anyways.

[Not that Zuko's friendship is worth any price that could be named. Gokudera cares a lot for him, but... he's not going to act like he can always be Zuko's friend. He can't care about anyone except the Tenth.

He's useless to them.

Gokudera finishes in the kitchen, then points a thumb over his shoulder. If there is no balcony for him, he'll stand out by the front door. She can take this opportunity to lock him out if she'd like, but he bets there is more of that apartment that needs to be cleaned, and he could do with the distraction.]

I'm going to smoke.

[And get fresh air, and try not to focus on how meddlesome he's being.]

[ She has no argument, because she's broke as hell-- hanging Zuko's relationship over him is literally all she has. And honestly, this was mostly a joke he didn't fall into, weirdly complacent with all the mostly nasty things that came out of her mouth. If she wanted to rile him up, she'd have to go an entirely different route and for now, she was too drunk to antagonize.

Azula waves him away, knowing it'll give herself time to slide off the counter with dignity as she stands alone in the kitchenette that hasn't looked better. It's a gross habit he has, but she has little to stand on now that she's consumed what seems like an entire bottle of wine by herself. Once he's out of sight, she moves over to the sink, running fingers through her hair before pulling it back from her face into a ponytail with an elastic she had around her wrist.

Whenever he decides to bless her with his presence again, she'll be getting a forkful of chocolate cake to stuff in her mouth. ]

[He might have fallen for her joke had he not literally been a pet. If serving Azula and Zuko would pay him, he would take her up on the offer, but to hold friendship over him... he doesn't want for something like that as payment. He'd rather... other more physical things, and not necessarily money. Unfortunately, he's already property to someone else, even when they don't realize it.

If she wants to rile him up, there is only a handful of ways to do so, but she likely won't go for them. If she can figure them out, it'll be a surprise to him.

The few minutes he practically inhales the entire stick down to the filter gives him too much time to think, and instead of thinking about what he can do when he goes back in, his mind wanders. Hating that, since it's dark and uncomfortable all the time in his head, he walks back in.

If he notices that she's cleaned herself up a bit, he says nothing and moves to pour himself a little wine that was in the other bottle.]

Where should I clean next?

[Might as well ask her for direction, since he's got a feeling she wants to be in control of the situation she didn't want.]

[ She glances toward the bedroom when he asks, hesitant, but decides against allowing him in the room despite it desperately needing tidying-- for reasons only obvious to her. The last thing she wants is Gokudera asking questions, just the thought makes her tense her shoulders up even through the inebriation. Azula licks her lips to make sure none of the icing is left on it, setting the fork down on the counter after confirming the cake is indeed too sweet for her liking. ]

You've done enough.

[ Azula pauses as she watches him pour more wine for himself, deciding against asking for more. ]

What will I have Zuko do as punishment if I have you finish up? You do too good of a job.

[It's rich, but Gokudera would prefer the bittersweet of cacao over fruity sweetness any day. Maybe it's just that he's grown accustomed to Japanese strawberry flavor being too sugary.]

Oh?

[He sets down the towel he'd been using to dry his hands, then turns to face her, offering the bottle to pour her more without asking or welcoming her to ask. She need only nod or shake her head, and if she does neither, it's getting set down.]

That's your business, your highness. Punish him however you see fit. Would you prefer I stop?

[He wonders if his company is completely unwelcome, honestly, or if Azula has simply been bothered because she would rather this have been private. It's not like Gokudera wanted to be told all of what Zuko shared with him. Him coming over was just to help Azula, not to assure Zuko of anything. Honestly, he feels they could get along and has no understanding of where he got off on the wrong foot. Wasn't that a different Gokudera?]

I would like you to leave so I can go drown myself.

[ What use is he to her not cleaning her apartment? She certainly doesn't want to talk to him, they'd tried that already when her ears went numb in their attempt to listen. Besides, she was bothered that he was privy to private information and she couldn't figure out how to unravel him, not when she was too consumed with her own issues to properly manipulate him. Or anyone, for that matter. Zuko was gone, wasn't he? ]

That is what I was planning on doing before you rudely interrupted me and I would enjoy getting back to it.

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