exfirelordozai:

When she took his arm on her own a second time, it made him feel a lot better about himself. Perhaps he was capable of the change that the Avatar had hoped for him. Perhaps it was finally showing through and Mai was one of the first to wittiness it. The walked a little ways in silence as Ozai watched where he stepped because the volcanic rock was rather dangerous for bare feet.

“How do you like your mother-in-law?” He finally asked after twirling possible answers in his mind.

If only Ozai had known the truth, then their conversation
likely wouldn’t be going as smoothy as it was. Mai didn’t
have any real interest in him and she wasn’t sure if the
previous Fire Lord would ever be capable of redeeming
himself. She was being kind to him out of her own guilt of
the negative feelings for her father. Then again… perhaps
a part of her did see some glimpse of hope in Ozai, because
if Ozai could be redeemed then there was no excuse her
own father couldn’t be.

His question surprised her, at first. But,
then again, why wouldn’t he be curious
about affairs involving Ursa?

           ❝ I admit, I was surprised Zuko was able to find her so quickly. It had been so long, I wasn’t sure if she’d even recognize who I was when I saw her again. She’s as lovely as I remember, and still very kind.“