think..." she snarled, feeling furious "That you can just use Drake as a bribe and then I'll accept you as if nothing has happened?!"

"Um, yeah" he said, a small playful look coming across his face "It fits perfectly. I like you, you like me. Drake likes me and you and we both like him. Can it get any better than that? Please Hazel? At least do it for Drake, I know you want him that badly."

She couldn't believe this. He managed to hit her weakness so easily, and the way he put it worked so perfectly, like he said. It wasn't what she wanted to do, but it felt as if she had no choice. If she rejected him, then she would loose a chance with Drake and the two of them may eventually leave the territory. If she accepted him, then she would have Drake to look after and maybe a second chance with Zuko, like she used to fantasize about.

"Fine! I'll give you a second chance!" she howled

"You will? Really?" he said, a smile. She gave a grim nod "Oh, thank you!!! You wont regret it, I promise"

"I had better not"

"I'll go get Drake now. He'll be really happy"

He turned around and raced off to find his surrogate son, leaving Hazel alone in the den. she hoped the she had made the right decision. Was she really doing this more for herself. She looked around the empty den. She had plenty of room for Zuko and Dante, and she realized that the idea of having a noisy den with a new family made her feel a little happy on the inside. But could she do it? What if she became a terrible mother. What if he got angry and felt as if she were trying to replace his deceased mother?

"Hazel! Hazel!" she heard Drake yap and he came running into the den, barreling right into Hazel. She laughed as she fell backwards from his running start.

"Zuko says that you're gonna be my new mom. That true?"

"Oh, uh, well yes. But if-"

"YAY! Thats good, cus I really like you"

"Oh really?" she replied, feeling her heart swell happily.

Zuko then padded into the den, looking at the sight with full pleasure. It was the second time that she had seem him so happy. And she should too. Sure, things were a bit rocky before, but now things were changing...for the better she hoped.

She now had a family. At last.

All Characters (c) me

Authors Note:

This was hastily done, so I know its a bit choppy. Its really just a story, nothing big. Don't expect a sequel.