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Once again, Azula found herself sipping sake at the edge of a stuffy party. The occasion escaped her, but from the presence of all of ‘Team Avatar’, she assumed it was for one of them. If she wasn’t required to be here, she’d be in her room doing something productive- like Zuko’s paperwork. He was always behind, always relying on her to sift through his mail because he was busy galavanting across the world or chasing Mai trying helplessly to solve her latest complaint.
Her friend was standing by Zuko, looking more bored than ever. Catching Azula watching her, Mai raised an eyebrow subtly and darted her eyes towards Zuko and the noble he was talking to. Snorting to herself, Azula strutted over to save her.
“Excellent party.” Azula droned, cutting in almost rudely (she was the princess, nobody would dare mention it). Mai sighed heavily.
“You know I’d rather be in the yard or anywhere else.” She patted Zuko on the shoulder, saying something about getting drinks, before grabbing Azula’s sleeve and hauling them away. “He was horrible.” Shuddered Mai as she grabbed her own glass and gulped it down like water, which it wasn’t.
Azula laughed. “Whoah, slow down there.” She teased while offering Mai a second glass. “Everyone here is, really.” Mai nodded, her eyes settling on Zuko from afar. After eyeing Mai for a moment, Azula finished off her glass and pursed her lips. “I’m assuming there’s trouble in paradise?”
The scoff she got in return was surprising. “There is always trouble in paradise.” Mai scowled down at her drink. “He’s so stubborn and stupid.”
“Amen to that.” Azula raised her second glass. “But really, is there anything I can do? I know I can beat him up and I’m not afraid to do it here if you want.” She joked, but watched Mai shift uncomfortably, tugging at the robes that covered her dress.
“It’s not that. He’s…” Mai’s brows furrowed and she frowned, almost like she was going to cry which was not a common occurrence. Nearly panicking, Azula tried to hide her nervousness by scanning the crowd. “It’s not really him this time.”
Well. That was something. Azula turned to look at Mai again. “Oh?” Was the only thing she could think to say. The frown on Mai’s face tugged downwards more.
“You know I don’t like talking about my feelings,” Mai glanced at Azula, almost shy.
“It’s all the rage in therapy though. So many benefits.” Azula deadpanned, hoping for a smile or less of a frown, but she got neither. After a moment, she put a hand on Mai’s shoulder. “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” Azula murmured, letting her chi soothe Mai’s distress as much as she could. “My door is always open to you, if you want to talk later.”
From the grateful look Mai gave her, Azula figured that was the right thing to say. She was getting better at that, comforting that is. Mai really did trust her now and would probably come to her sooner rather than later. Thank Cho for all her advice, Azula always found a use for it.
“Is Ty Lee here?” Mai asked, the subject change startling Azula into coughing up her latest sip of sake. Mai chortled at that. Azula just glared.
“I assume so, though I haven’t seen her. She might be on duty.” Taking the napkin Mai offered her, Azula wiped her chin. “We haven’t exactly talked since… well, then.” Nodding, Mai smirked over her glass. She’d heard all about it and read Ty Lee’s letter while Azula overthought everything.
“I’m sure she’ll turn up. If there is one thing that girl likes, it's a party.” Snorting at Azula’s dramatic sigh, Mai patted her on the shoulder. “When she does turn up, you should take her out into the gardens. It’s lovely outside and the moon is supposed to be full. Perfect for romance.” Mai wiggled her eyebrows and Azula couldn’t help but giggle a bit at her.
“I will probably do that. The gardens are a good place to walk and talk.” She admitted, though her heart thumped a little harder at the thought of being alone with Ty Lee. “I don’t think we’ll kiss or anything, she said she wanted to be careful and the last thing I want is to force her into something.”
Mai swirled her glass, frowning thoughtfully. “She’s already chosen you, she did a long time ago. I don’t think there’s any forcing her into anything. At least relationship-wise.” At Azula’s sigh, Mai nudged her with her foot. “You’re going to have to work something out with Suki though. I do not want to be cleaning blood off the walls when you inevitably get into a fight with her.”
“I won’t fight with her!” Clenching her jaw, Azula scuffed her shoe against the ground. “I’m not a savage.”
“But you are an alpha,” Azula rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to interrupt, but Mai beat her to it. “You’ve certainly improved- and I don’t think you’re a savage- but sometimes you just have to solve things with your fists. Or fire. Hopefully fists in this case, for Suki’s sake.”
“I’m going to ignore that you just told me that fighting is okay and hope you aren’t encouraging my lesser nature.” Azula snipped, but the idea stayed in her head. Especially when she caught the mingling scents of the warriors entering the party and picked out the two most important of them.
Ty Lee’s excitement and Suki’s passive protection.
Mai’s eyes grew wide and she actually shoved Azula. “Stop that!”
Azula blinked. The party came back into focus and she stopped growling. Growling. Taking a deep breath, she calmed her chi. This was not the time. This was not the time to start a fight, or challenge Suki, or claim Ty Lee.
Control. She was in control.
“Sorry,” Azula turned to stare at the warriors, but couldn’t find the pink in the crowd. Where was she? “I-”
“Well don’t do that when you ask for another dance.” Mai reprimanded. “Unless you want to start a fight.”
“Just a second ago-” Azula argued.
“I meant the future! Not right now!” Facepalming, Mai sighed. “Agni, are all you alpha’s so daft?”
“No!” Azula was about to do something- she didn’t know what- but then a calming scent drifted over her. One that caused instantaneous relaxation and panic at the same time.
“Whatcha arguing about?” Ty Lee’s voice drowned out Azula’s every thought and she almost ran away, but her feet wouldn’t work.
Ty Lee’s dress left very little to the imagination and while Azula had seen her in a bathing suit before, the smooth, pale expenses of skin left her speechless. She was gawking. Probably drooling too. She needed to close her mouth. Say something. Ty Lee had asked a question right? Answer it. Say. Something.
Anything.
Maybe something funny?
What was even funny? Azula was never funny.
Cutting her gaze to Mai (away from Ty Lee’s cleavage), she saw her friend halfway to hysterics. There would be no salvation from that one. Honestly, Azula should know better. Mai was never any help.
Agni, what could she say?
The words left her mouth before she could filter them.
“Hey there, Sweet Sugar Cakes, how ya’ likin’ this party?” Azula drawled, her voice toned deeper than normal. Mai guffawed. Heat flooded Azula’s cheeks as she processed what she’d just said. Now would be a great time for a distraction. Anything. Or a hole to swallow her up. But then, Ty Lee giggled and the cloud that had descended over her vision faded so she could see that radiant smile.
“It’s kinda boring,” Ty Lee confessed, still giggling. “Though I just got here. The music is… kinda terrible though.” She was right. It droned in the background, just quiet enough that Azula could tune it out mostly. “But yeah. I’m glad you’re here though.” Her blush sent Azula’s thoughts reeling again.
“Where on earth did that come from?” Still laughing (actually laughing too), Mai stared incredulously at Azula who felt her cheeks heat up again.
“That party on Ember Island we went to… the one where you and Zuko broke up.” Azula clarified. At Mai’s raised eyebrow, Azula added: “During the war.”
“Ohhhh, that party. Yeah. I still don’t remember you ever saying anything like that.”
“Actually, I was the one who said it.” Ty Lee interjected, still laughing a little. “Azula wanted to know how to flirt, so I was acting like a guy.” Mai raised an eyebrow at that, but didn’t say anything. Honestly it wasn’t the strangest thing Ty Lee had done by far. The conversation faltered after that. Mai just kept drinking while Ty Lee shuffled in place. Someone should say something, Azula realized, and that someone would have to be her, but she couldn’t think of anything except how Ty Lee looked… and how good she smelled.
She must have been staring again because Mai elbowed her, shaking her from her stupor. “The garden is awfully nice at night…” She hinted, giving Azula a look.
Maybe Mai would be her salvation after all.
“Right! Yes, um…” Azula stumbled over herself as Ty Lee’s eyes lit up at the mention of the garden. “Would you like to get some air?” She barely recovered- barely.
“It is a little hot in here.” Ty Lee agreed, taking Azula’s arm when she offered it. Azula started walking away, but not before Mai could slide in one last comment.
“Safe sex is great sex- don’t be stupid.” She smirked as Azula turned to gape at her in abject horror and humiliation. Ty Lee tugged her away before she could retaliate, her face beet red as Azula fumed over Mai’s lack of discretion.
But as soon as they stepped into the cooler air of the garden, the embarrassment faded and left them both chuckling about it a bit as they walked. While Azula would favor the sun till the day she died, she thought the moonlight cast a surreal glow over the flowers and streams. They laughed and talked about anything and everything. Azula was drawn into Ty Lee, her playful chi inviting her to do something, but Azula kept her distance. They paused in the center of a bridge. Azula leaned her back on the railing and turned to see Ty Lee’s big gray eyes staring up at the stars. The reflection of those tiny pinpoints of light shimmered there, disturbed when she blinked like a pool of water.
The stream below them gurgled and rushed on. Ty Lee watched the stars. Azula watched Ty Lee.
“You know, this isn’t anything like I imagined it would be.” Ty Lee’s eyes focused on Azula. “You’ve changed a lot since... before.”
“I hope I have,” Azula turned around and let her arm brush Ty Lee’s. “I’ve been working hard to change. It’s great, actually, I don’t hate myself anymore, now it’s more tolerance.” She smirked and Ty Lee giggled.
“You definitely seem more comfortable in your skin now,” Ty Lee agreed. “You walk differently, more confidently. Though you were always confident. I don’t know the right word,” She smiled and leaned against Azula. “I’m so glad you asked me to come out here. I’ve missed being with you.” Azula blushed, thankful for the low light.
“I missed being with you too.” Azula responded, leaning back against her friend. “I do have something I need to say to you,” She stepped back, Ty Lee straightening to follow her.
“Oh?” Ty Lee offered a hesitant smile that faded quickly. Nervousness spiked in her chi and Azula reached out, her hand against Ty Lee’s bicep.
“I have to apologize. I was cruel back then and I didn’t treat you right.” Azula met Ty Lee’s gaze. “What you did at the Boiling Rock, it was so brave, and I thank you for it. I would not be the person I am today without your courage and loyalty. I’m sorry for putting you in prison and for hating you. I didn’t mean a thing I said, well, I did, but I don’t any more.” Azula swallowed, her nerves catching in her throat. Ty Lee’s brows furrowed and she looked down at her feet.
“I forgive you,” Her head snapped up. “I forgave you a long time ago.” Ty Lee opened her mouth to say more, but no words came out. Azula was looking at her with such tenderness and joy. Her golden eyes were soft, not sharp like they used to be. Ty Lee finished lamely, leaning back on the railing. The water rippled on below. Azula wrapped her arms around her friend from behind and laid her forehead on Ty Lee’s shoulder.
“Thank you.” Azula murmured against the smooth pink silk. Ty Lee leaned back against Azula and sighed. She felt safe in Azula’s arms, always had. It was peaceful and quiet, except for the rustling of the breeze through the garden. The moment was good, but Azula let it go and resumed her place at Ty Lee’s side. Ty Lee leaned against her again. Azula leaned back. Those gray eyes stared again at the stars, wide and wonderful. “Do you remember finding the constellations in the Earth Kingdom?” Azula asked.
“Yes,” Ty Lee answered, turning her attention to the alpha beside her. “You kissed me.”
“I did.” Azula wanted so badly to close the distance between them, but she held back. Ty Lee searched her face with those eyes of hers.
“I loved you,” She blurted. Azula flinched, shock seeping into her like knives. “What we did then, that night and after, I don’t regret.” Ty Lee let out a bitter laugh. “I did what I had to do to survive. I just wish it didn’t have to come at the expense of your sanity. So, I’m sorry for making you feel like I betrayed you.”
“Don’t worry,” Azula comforted, a sad smile appearing on her face. “It hurts a little less each time.” The words had hung in the air for only a second before Ty Lee flung herself at Azula. Her arms settled around Azula’s neck and her head rested on Azula’s shoulder.
“Don’t say things like that.” Ty Lee said, her voice muffled by Azula’s shoulder.
“Okay, I won’t.” Azula embraced her friend back. They fit together. Even their chi seemed made to be intertwined. “I forgive you, for what it’s worth.” Azula said and she stepped back.
“That is worth the world to me.” Ty Lee’s voice was soft and serious. Their eyes met. Azula felt the tug of Ty Lee’s inviting chi, of her sweet scent that clung to her clothes. Ty Lee licked her lips. Her eyes flicked to Azula’s and back up to her eyes. She cleared her throat and nervously wrung her hands. “You mean the world to me.” She said, her voice almost drowned out by the gurgle of the stream below them. That was it. Azula gave in.
One perfectly manicured hand caressed Ty Lee’s cheek, holding her steady. She leaned down, hovering for just a moment before brushing her lips lightly over Ty Lee’s. She waited. Ty Lee didn’t pull away. A second later, Ty Lee’s arms were around her neck again. The alpha and omega kissed sweetly, before breaking the contact. Ty Lee’s head dropped to Azula’s shoulder. Azula held Ty Lee tight.
“You are my world.” Azula told Ty Lee. She chuckled lightly when Ty Lee just held on tighter. “You are my reason to be better. I want to protect you and be the alpha you deserve.” Ty Lee looked up and pulled Azula in for another kiss, but Azula held back. “I don’t expect us to just jump right back in, and I probably shouldn’t have kissed you, but I just-” Ty Lee silenced her with her lips.
“Shh,” Ty Lee pulled back and smiled. “I understand. I want this.” Then she kissed Azula again, and again, and again. So much for going slow.
Their kisses were soft and sloppy. Hands tangled in hair and shirts. The sounds of their lips filled the space between them. The closeness Azula craved, she found here. She held Ty Lee tighter, pulling her hips flush against hers. She wanted to pull Ty Lee even closer, so close that she would never be able to leave again. Ty Lee moaned against Azula’s lips, licking them lightly, burying her fingers in Azula’s usually perfect hair that was now tumbling down her shoulders in soft waves.
Azula sighed as Ty Lee tugged, fisting her hands full of dark chocolate hair. Ty Lee’s lips tightened as she smiled, pulling again a little harder.
“Should we go?” Ty Lee asked, resting her forehead on Azula’s.
“Yes.” Azula said, still breathless. They made themselves as presentable as possible and walked quickly through the garden and back into the heat of the party. Azula led them through the crowd, keeping Ty Lee by her side with a hand on her back. The people around them were a blur, except for Mai, who smirked into her drink. Then they were out in the hall and mostly in the clear. Giggling, Ty Lee took Azula’s hand and they raced to Azula’s room, holding hands the whole way. The path seemed so much longer than normal, but finally the door appeared, was thrown open, and the two girls hurried in.
The door was barely shut before Ty Lee found herself pinned to it, Azula’s hands running up and down her bare sides. Azula kissed and kissed, over and over, drinking Ty Lee in like she was dying of thirst in the desert.
“I love you,” Azula whispered and kissed Ty Lee quickly again. “I love you,” Another kiss. “I love you.” Ty Lee choked a little as Azula said those three words over and over, each kiss breaking up the phrases. “I love you. I love you. I love you.” A kiss for each word. Three kisses more, a thumb rubbing over a particularly sensitive spot on Ty Lee’s side. “I.” Kiss. “Love.” Kiss. “You.” Azula said, firmly pressing her lips again to Ty Lee’s. She pulled back and examined her work.
Ty Lee looked utterly ravished. Her hair was mussed, half out of its braid. Her cheeks were flushed. Her eyes, bright. She smiled and kissed Azula.
“I love you too.” Ty Lee almost teared up when Azula smiled. The dark haired princess grinned from ear to ear and leaned in to kiss Ty Lee once again. This one long and soft. Her hands continued to wander over Ty Lee’s bare midriff, examining each line, each toned muscle twitching beneath her skin. Azula had longed to run her fingers over this soft skin for so long. She nibbled at Ty Lee’s lips. Oh how she wanted to show how much she loved this girl. She wanted Ty Lee to moan and writhe beneath her, to kiss her until there were no more kisses to give.
Azula kissed up, pecking Ty Lee’s nose, that lovely little nose, and nibbled on it too. Returning to her lips, Azula sucked Ty Lee’s bottom lip between her teeth and tenderly bit down. She would never hurt Ty Lee. This, Ty Lee knew. She trusted Azula with her whole being. This small, rough action didn't phase her. She moaned, her knees buckling in. Azula let go of her lips and caught her as her knees gave out. Ty Lee relaxed there, enjoying the long awaited closeness. Azula scooped Ty Lee into her arms and carried her, only stumbling a little, to the bed where she lay Ty Lee down like a prince does a princess. Azula clambered in next to her and lay down.
Contenting herself with touching, Azula traced the lines of Ty Lee’s face and neck. Her fingers wandered over the shirt which shielded much from her view, down to Ty Lee’s stomach again. She propped herself up and kissed Ty Lee’s belly button, looking up through her lashes at the flushed Ty Lee.
Ty Lee’s hands found Azula’s hair again and pulled Azula up. Azula grabbed at Ty Lee’s face and they pulled each other into the kiss. It was sloppy again. Wet kisses pecked everywhere they could reach. Slowly but surely, the passion between them curled and entwined, consuming them. Azula pulled back for just a moment to look at Ty Lee again. Ty Lee smiled up at her and Azula smiled back.
Then the world came crashing down. The feeling slammed into Azula, it took her breath away. Her heart swelled and stretched, writhing in her chest. Oh Agni, she loved Ty Lee so much. Her smile faded and she struggled to rein in her emotions. She closed her eyes and furrowed her brow. Now was not the time for sappiness. Now was the time for action! Yet, there Ty Lee lay, now looking concerned for her. Azula swallowed back the feelings, but they pushed up nonetheless. She gasped and suddenly tears were dripping down her cheeks.
“Azula! What’s the matter?” Ty Lee sat up as Azula scooched away. Azula buried her face in her hands and desperately tried to contain herself. Now was not a time for tears. Alphas don’t cry over kisses! She felt hands on her shoulders, sliding down her arms and onto her stomach. Ty Lee leaned her forehead against Azula’s shoulder. “Talk to me,” She said.
“I,” Azula choked back a sob. “I just love you so much!” Ty Lee giggled a little at the cheesiness. “Don’t laugh at me!” Azula snapped.
“I’m not laughing at you… well, I am, but I’m not making fun of you.” Ty Lee kissed her ear, brushing her hair away from it. “It’s okay to cry, Azula, I don’t mind.” Her head again rested on Azula’s shoulder and she embraced Azula, holding her close until the sobs subsided.
“I’m sorry,” Azula said when she could speak. “I just-” Ty Lee popped up.
“Don’t you dare apologize for having feelings!” She crawled around and sat in Azula’s lap. Her hand touched Azula’s wet cheek and drew it up. “It’s alright. I love you too.” Her lips brushed Azula’s forehead, and then she again rested against Azula’s shoulder.
“Ever since… ever since the comet, my emotions… I can’t control them anymore.” Azula tried explaining. “I kind of ruined the mood,” She gave a short laugh at the absurdity of the situation, but it faded quickly.
“It’s only ruined if you want it to be,” Ty Lee said, nibbling on Azula’s neck. Azula actually laughed in spite of herself.
“Ty! Stop! That tickles!” She pushed Ty Lee’s head away, but Ty Lee grinned and returned, sucking and nipping, roaming from Azula’s ear to her shoulder. The tickling sensation dissipated, only to shoot straight down, making her belly tingle. It made her shiver. “Ty…” Azula groaned, lifting her up again and kissing her to make her stop. It was supposed to be a quick ‘shut up’ kiss, but somehow, Azula ended up underneath Ty Lee. Again, Azula was overwhelmed by the feelings coursing through her and tears started to leak from her eyes once more. Frustrated, she kissed Ty Lee hard, wrapping her arms around her back, one hand tangled in her hair. Ty Lee smiled against her lips and wiped Azula’s tears away. She pulled back to breathe and curled up next to Azula, laying her head on her shoulder again. Azula pulled her closer and sighed, content for the moment. She kissed the top of Ty Lee’s head.
“I love you,” She murmured, turning on her side so she could look Ty Lee in the eye. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to get my act together.” Ty Lee smiled, her eyes softening as she looked up at her princess.
“I love you too. I’m just glad you’re better.” She said, cuddling close again.
Azula could feel Ty Lee falling asleep, her breath tickling the bare skin of her shoulders. The warmth of the body in her arms called her to sleep. Her eyes grew heavy. Her last thought she revealed though no one was there to hear it.
“I love you Ty,” Then she closed her eyes and allowed herself to rest.
Dear Ty Lee,
Is it too early for a love poem?
Too early to tell you where my love lies?
(Behind my smile, in my eyes).
Perhaps, but I will proceed
For how can I contain
Without a refrain?
Love is like the sky
Beyond knowledge and power
Simple, still, like a flower
Who knows the way of love?
There is no reason, no thought,
Just the joy you brought.
With love, Azula