Ty Lee waited in the gardens outside of the small house where Azula lived. It had been nearly 3 years since she last saw her friend, but her feelings were still strong. It had taken her a long time to forgive Azula for her actions, and even longer to understand. But once she had, Ty Lee had done everything in her power to help Azula - using her talents as a chi-blocker to discover that Azula had tiny, barely noticeable blockages of chi in her brain. It took a lot of research, but with the help of the Avatar and some of the best healers in the Fire Nation, they were able to heal Azula's mind.
It came at the cost of her bending, and some of her memories, but they had done it. Azula was allowed to live somewhat freely, though under constant guard. And while Ty Lee had lead the effort, she still had not actually spoken to Azula. For some reason, she couldn't bring herself to face Azula until today.
Ty Lee stood up as she saw a thin, female figure slowly walking up the path. Two burly guards trailed behind her. Azula lifted her head, caught Ty Lee's eyes, and smiled. Ty Lee's heart rushed into her throat, and unable to contain herself, she ran to Azula. She gathered Azula up in her arms, hugging her tightly.
"Ty Lee! Put me down this instant!" Azula's voice was firm, but there was a hint of joy in her eyes as Ty Lee stepped back to look her in the face. Azula was older, thinner, more tired-looking, perhaps, but still Azula. The treatment had stripped the madness from her, but not her core personality.
"Azula, you look great!" Ty Lee exclaimed. Azula ignored the compliment.
"The told me what you did for me, Ty Lee." Azula's eyes were locked onto hers in an unbreakable stare. "You didn't have to."
"But, I did! And here we are!" Ty Lee grinned. Azula's gaze softened.
"Yes. Here we are." Azula agreed. "We both know why I'm here. I can't go anywhere else, at least not without my two friends, here." The guards did not respond. "But why are you here?"
Ty Lee giggled. "That's easy, Azula! I'm here to take you on a date, of course!"
Azula stared at her. "You're joking. You haven't seen me in years, and you want to date me?"
"Exactly!" Ty Lee's grin was wide. "Come on, you know I always liked you! And you got SO jealous at Ember Island, when all the boys were paying attention to me!"
"But I thought you'd be married by now. I'm sure Zuko could find you a suitable husband." Azula said.
"No thanks!" Ty Lee replied. "I don't want a husband! Now come on, say yes, you know you want to!"
Azula sighed. "I suppose there's no way I'm getting out of this, is there?"
Ty Lee threw her arms around Azula again. "Not a chance!"
"Fine, then. I'll go. But it's not because I like you or anything." Azula blushed. "It's...It's just to say thank you! Now get off me!"
Ty Lee squealed with delight. "I knew it! I knew you'd say yes!" She gave Azula a quick peck on the cheek and bounced back a few feet.
Slowly, reluctantly, Azula gave her a small smile in return.