Chapter Four: Elite
"This is going to be the single worst mistake of my life," Ty Lee whispered to herself.
It was. No doubt about that.
"She can't be that bad," Jin said.
"You have no idea," Ty Lee says, and then she stops in the middle of the street. A pedestrian curses under his breath, but both women ignore it. "Okay, I haven't really said enough about it and her, because you know that I've had some exes who are…"
"I met them. They're good people, and I don't mind it at all."
"Well, they are all nice people. She is not a nice person. She is a p… princess."
"Mhm."
"And she's really critical of people who aren't royalty or close to royalty," Ty Lee explained. It was the understatement of the century, but she hoped Azula would understand the situation. That hope was as feeble as her hope that they would last through thick and thin.
"Don't worry. I can take it," Jin said. Ty Lee did not know if she was right or not.
They arrived at the Jasmine Dragon before they could further discuss Azula.
Jin looked slightly surprised by Azula, but there were not exactly many princesses in this world. Ty Lee figured she did not have to explain that Azula was the princess who tore apart Jin's family and Ty Lee really thought maybe she could wriggle out of the situation.
"Azula and I reunited after the war. I hadn't seen her in a really long time since I was in the circus," Ty Lee said as they walked up the stairs. Ty Lee's eyes were fixated on the silent and smirking princess. "We underwent some hardships that brought us together and then later we broke up because that kind of love wasn't… real, or… something like that. I don't really remember."
Jin's eyebrows shot up and Ty Lee did not know why.
"Iroh!" said Ty Lee's fiancée and their hug gave Ty Lee a sparse few moments with her ex.
Ty Lee turned to Azula. "I've backed you up in every lie you have ever told. Please return the favor just once."
"I don't honestly return favors," Azula said, but she sighed. "For you, I will pretend you have never been my accomplice."
"Thank you," Ty Lee gratefully whispered. Azula smirked at her.
Ty Lee had no idea what all of these expressions meant. Girls were super confusing. That was why Ty Lee switched to boys for a couple of years. Unfortunately, the one… ones for her were female.
They sat down at the table and Iroh described the food he made for the dinner.
"That's so sweet. Thank you," Jin said and Azula looked slightly sick.
Ty Lee begged every spirit in the world to let this dinner work out.
"So, Jin, you are a waitress here?" Azula asked and Ty Lee shoved as much food into her mouth as would fit.
"Yes. It's a great job," Jin said, grinning.
"A waitress. That sounds more like a one night stand than a wife, but that's just my opinion. Ty Lee, don't you usually date people who are…" Azula paused. "Who are special or outstanding in some way. What is it about her that elevates your social status?"
Ty Lee swallowed and said, "She elevates my happiness status."
"That's not a thing," Azula retorted carelessly.
"Yes it is," Ty Lee said loudly.
Iroh cleared his throat. Jin tried to smile.
"Why don't we talk about other things?" Iroh suggested.
Azula knew she had done enough, and playing along with Ty Lee would serve her well.
Jin stood outside of Ty Lee's house and did not come in. Ty Lee turned around.
No, no, no. This couldn't have been ruined.
"I know she's awful. Everybody does. I don't even think she's legally allowed in this city. I could probably get her kicked out."
"That's not you."
"I know," Ty Lee admitted, shrinking. "I like you because you're not some kind of deity. You're a person who I love, and you're normal. I always thought I wanted to be exceptional, but being normal is so much better."
"It's not what she said. Everybody has a weird romantic past. It's that you're kind of clearly still in love with her," Jin said.
"What?" Ty Lee screeched.
This was even worse than she thought.