BLOOD
Azula's first moon cycle came at an absolutely inopportune time. But isn't that how it always happens? There is not exactly a convenient time to start bleeding from your lady parts.
She thought she could handle it herself. She was used to taking care of her own problems, after all. Her father was... sink or swim, in parenting style, to put it as lightly as possible.
She found her way to the bathroom and could not control herself before her spiraling thoughts made her cry. She hurried to bar the door as she swallowed her wretched sobs.
Someone with small hands knocked on the closed door. Azula ground her teeth and clenched her jaw and tried to silence her shuddering shoulders.
"Princess, princess is everything okay?" chirped Ty Lee.
The conversation was rough. Azula was cruel. Ty Lee was demure but subtly persistent. Finally, Azula let her inside after Ty Lee said she wanted to help Azula clean up and compose herself so no one would notice.
The princess did love being served by others.
As Ty Lee helped her clean up, she asked, "Were you crying-?"
"I wasn't crying."
"Yes, princess. I understand. Were you upset because you're embarrassed? I never knew you got embarrassed among peasants. Or anybody really." Ty Lee handed Azula her uniform, swapping them out so that she was wearing the bloody and dirty one.
"I don't want to get married."
"Why, if I can ask?"
"Because I'm not interested in men."
"Not yet or…"
"Not at all."
"Oh." Ty Lee smiled.
And maybe she smiled for more than a sweet assurance.
Maybe she smiled because hearing that was something she dreamed of without ever knowing.
