A/N:
TheQuietReader23: A fair assessment, I will explain more regarding Zuko and Hakoda's history in Book 2 but you are on the right track. Though, I have to say you're reading too much into the whole "you should be happy for them" thing, there's nothing deep there. He just said "them" before "us" because that's how it came out, nothing else behind it. Still, you're on the right track regarding Hakoda. I'll drop more in hints in later chapters when Hakoda does show up but for now we'll keep it between the key players. Even though Aang growing hair seems like no big deal, there is a larger reason behind it, Katara mentions it here but Aang shoots her down. And yes, Katara is more clever in this story than others and she'll show that more later on, and yes, her assessment of Aang being Amon is substantial at best... but will it remain that way? I've always asked the question of whether there's a second Amon, or if its just one guy and whether that one guy is Aang or not... Katara's doubts regarding Aang being Amon is surely interesting as Azula's roles in his plan is yet to be determined. Though Azula is a part of Aang's plan, whose to say she even knows who Amon is? Is she working with Amon? Does she also think Aang is Amon? But, your theory about Azula being Amon is quite impressive, the timing of her arrival giving Aang an alibi exactly when he needed it was quite intriguing, try reading into that some more. Ty Lee's role in this story will not be as grand as other characters, she will be important regarding Aang and Katara, but not as impoortant as Azula or Zuko. Aang is quite unaware of Katara's doubts reagrding his faithfulness, why that is? That will be revealed in Book 2 sadly, you all will have to live in uncertainty for now. Also, Zuko's need to have Katara by his side will be revealed shortly, its deeper than just sexual attraction, even though that does play a part. Zuko is simply feeding his own anxiety by mistrusting Katara in the first place, though no one can really blame him as you said. Aang does rely on Zuko spying on them during these little moments in order for his plan to work, and this all will be explained later on in the end of Book 1 and beginning of Book 2. Strap in, we're just getting started.
phieillydinya: Zutara is only going downhill from here on out, Aang being Amon is a big question - it seems obvious yet doesn't at the same time. I know, its confusing :)
Ashley Barbossa: I was never gone in the first place lol, just took a short break, had some parties and weddings to attend :) I love dark Aang, always have, always will - and I'm glad you're liking him too. Yeah thanks, I love The Joker and Amon just seemed to work with him, though this Amon is different to the one in The Legend Of Korra, his background and origin is completely unknown and nothing like the Joker nor LOK Amon. You'll just have to wait to see.
jonners2314: Thanks, I'm loving both your High School AU book and the Crawling out book too - though, I wonder why you decided to call it "Crawling out", its interesting. Still, yeah, although I like stories where Kataang is just the perfect couple, I have a hard time writing it since its far from the reality I know. Normal relationships always have their ups and downs and I like bringing that to Kataang, even though my lows are way exaggerated compared to real life. I'll drop hints here and there regarding their past and the reasons for their breakup, but itll all be reveal entirely in Book 2. Yes, I am trying to determine how to write Aang and Toph scenes, she's a lie detector and Aang has many secrets, though I feel like Sokka and Katara will come in handy when dealing with Toph :) I don't know if Zutara will implode, it'll surely gradually decline and then implode, but not in a way everyone assumes.
Chapter 7: Tensions Rising
"I've only ever loved one girl Katara, and you know who that is…"
Katara pulls back to stare into his eyes. He helps her as he hooks his fingers around her chin and tilts it up to meet his grey orbs. She smiles, listening intently as he leans closer and whispers: "It's you, Katara."
"Aang…" Katara whispers back longingly as she stands on her tiptoes and closes the distance between them.
The kiss was soft yet passionate, neither of them conveying lust, yet at the same time pouring all unspoken emotions and thoughts into that one kiss. As their lips move slowly and passionately against the others, Katara reaches for his short locks of brown, chestnut hair and tugs at them slightly, moaning into his mouth when he slips his tongue through her lips and wraps his arms around her hips. Tugging their bodies flush together, Katara's other hand trails upwards, wrapping itself around his neck while battling with his tongue.
Zuko watches from a distance as they make out; his fiancé and his 'former' best friend devouring each other's lips in his war room.
Falling short on breath, Katara and Aang both pull away, panting heavily yet still intertwined as they stare into each other's eyes. "I love you, Aang…" Katara whispers as she leans in again. Aang however, grins as he picks her up and places her on the war table. She yelps and giggles in surprise before being silenced by another kiss. While one tattooed hand remains on the small of her back, the other begins trailing upwards her thigh, pushing the blue fabric of her dress away. While doing so, Katara rewraps her arms around his neck and her legs around his torso as he disengages and turns to kiss her neck, darting his tongue out to nip at her sensitive spots while she moans in delight. Her hands find the loose, short strands of his chestnut her again and he unbuttons the top of her Water Tribe robe and sucks on her collarbone admiringly.
"Aang…" Katara moans his name, the feeling of his hand brushing against her clothed womanhood while he pays homage to her chest leaving her in euphoria. That sensation, however, trails away as he groans and disengages.
"Zuko's coming."
Katara hurriedly buttons up her shirt and takes a seat while Aang does the same. Zuko watches as Katara attempts to catch her breath while fixing her robes, her face fully flushed and the haze of lust still lingering in her oceanic depths. Zuko watches as an equally flushed Aang shifts around in his pants, possibly trying to calm himself down before the other 'him' arrives. Zuko watches as Katara catches a glimpse of the tent in Aang's pants, and Aang's eyes widen as he glances at Katara's soaked centre. They both catch each other's eyes and break into a fit of laughter and giggles while still blushing madly. Zuko watches as another 'him' enters the throne room, followed shortly by his generals. Zuko watches as the 'other him' smiles at them, thinking the two 'best friends' were simply laughing and joking around – oblivious to the fact that they had been making out behind his back. Zuko watches as the 'other him' takes his seat, entirely unaware of Aang whispering into Katara's ear:
"We'll continue this later," but the Zuko, whose standing right behind them heard every syllable.
Zuko watches as his 'other self' addresses his Councilmen and Generals, completely oblivious to the sly smiles plastered on his fiancés and former best friend's face. Zuko watches as his 'other self', his Generals and Councilmen leave the meeting shortly after, completely unaware of the fact that the Avatar and Lady Katara had remained stationary. Zuko watches as Katara stands up and straddles the Avatar while he's still seated, a seductive smile plastered on her face as she leans down to suck on his neck.
"Now, where were we?" Aang grins and moans when Katara bites his ear lobe and begins sucking on a sensitive spot just below it – one only she knew of.
Zuko watches as the Avatar's once sealed eyes open once again. Zuko watches as Aang pans his head towards the Fire Lord. Zuko grimaces and allows a tear to escape as Aang smiles and winks at him, clearly taunting him before he then turns his attention back to the gorgeous Waterbender straddling his lap.
Again… he is awoken. His body puddled with streaks of sweat while his covers and the sheets below him are damped as well. Zuko ruffles his hair and closes his eyes again, trying to shake the memor- No! Nightmare. It was just a nightmare – he reminds himself. This was the third nightmare, and it seemed like the closer Aang and Katara got, the more distant he'd become, thus, the more frequent and frenzied these nightmares became. Though Katara did deny Zuko a kiss yesterday, which initially led him to believe that Aang's agenda truly was to steal her away from him, he came to his senses after a long session of mediation. Though they were close to it, Katara hadn't yet shown or committed any acts of cheating or unfaithfulness. She was growing ever closer to her ex-boyfriend, but that was expected; due to their history, and how similar the two were, Zuko predicted that it wouldn't take long for them to become reacquainted. Yet, it seemed almost… too quick. So, the doubt lingered.
It seems like, as every day passes, Zuko has more incentive to doubt both his fiancé and the Avatar. As every day, every hour, even every minute goes by, they grow closer… and closer… and closer. And Zuko's anxiety and fear begins to take over… slowly, yet surely.
Of course, he knew better than to question Katara's faithfulness and trust. Anyone could lie and deceive, but not Katara; it wasn't in her nature. She just wasn't a deceptive person, never had been and probably never will be. Probably. That was what bugged him most: probably. The doubt. Zuko, a few months back, would've thought 'indefinitely' a better word to describe her; she wouldn't change or cheat on him indefinitely. Now however, ever since Aang returned….
Aang.
'This all began when he returned' – Zuko thought. 'The doubt, the fear, Katara's weird behaviour, her growing distance from me, it's all because of that Avatar.'
The Fire Lord shook his head, cleansing his mind of such thoughts; though he understood that Aang had recently been acting quite suspect, he wasn't fundamentally deceptive and nor was he a traitor. He wasn't the type of person who'd stab his friends in the back – unlike others. Though, it is true that Aang and Katara's breakup was mostly due to distance, loneliness, feelings of abandonment and doubts of faithfulness, Zuko still couldn't help but feel somewhat guilty. Maybe… maybe if he hadn't –
He shook his head again as he pulled the sheets off himself and stood up. This was not the time to worry about the Avatar and his fiancé, Zuko had more pressing matters to handle; one of them being the criminal known as Amon. After abruptly leaving the meeting yesterday, Zuko thought it fair to warn the General's and the Councilmen that Amon's threats were true, and that he had every intention of following through with his promise of blood. Although Zuko hadn't yet come to decision regarding whether or not he'd adhere to the demands of the terrorist, he recognised that his War Council should be made aware of said affairs – even if they'd just berate and control him afterwards. After having a shower and freshening up, Zuko slipped on his Royal Fire Nation robes, donned his Royal pin and left for the meeting he had called for late last night. As he made his way to the war room, he knew he really shouldn't, but he couldn't help but wonder where his fiancé was at the moment.
"Why'd you decide to grow out your hair?"
Aang was about to answer honestly until he smirked and decided to tease her, "Don't you like it?"
Katara giggled at his horrible attempt to fake pout as she subconsciously reached for the few, curly, chestnut strands and ran her fingers through them. "What do you think Mr. Avatar?" She asked, smirking as Aang blushed a few shades of red until he cleared his throat and smirked back.
"I think you were surprised, of course, but pleasantly surprised."
At that, Katara's eyes widened, and she too felt her face begin to grow warmer, similar to Aang's – though her fingers subconsciously continued messing about with his short, curly locks.
"And I bet I know what you're thinking right now?"
Aang's smirk turned into a grin while she blushed deeper, though, she decided to meet his challenge warily despite knowing full well she shouldn't. "And what would that be?"
If it was possible, Aang's grin grew wider while Katara blushed deeper – his expression conveyed to her that she had lost the teasing battle well before it even began, and that she'd have been better off admitting defeating rather than meeting his challenge. And the Avatar's reply only confirmed that theory.
"I bet you're thinking about how it would've felt to run your hands through my hair while you were moaning and screaming beneath me all those years ago."
"Aang!" Katara yelled as her head transformed tomato red in embarrassment.
Eyes wide, mouth agape, and red faced – Katara tried to hide it all as she turned around on her chair and covered herself. Though it didn't help much, with her hands pressed firmly against her face, Katara was relieved to find that she could hide at least some of her embarrassment. However, that relief quickly transformed into irritation as Aang's cries of laughter echoed through the room and more importantly: her ears.
Clenching her hands and jaw to somewhat contain herself, Katara turned back to face that blasted Airbender so she could rip him a new one. However, her protests died in her throat when she saw the joyful and carefree expression he had donned as he continued laughing. Though her eyes were still wide, her lips decided to form a curl near the ends – the more she stared at the teenager beside her, the more those curls grew wider.
This was Aang. Not the abnormal, aggressive, and assertive man she had spent time with since his return. No… this was her Aang; laughing carelessly, with such joy and playfulness that she felt like her 'lost in love' 14-year-old self again. This was her Air Nomad… her Avatar… her Aang…. And boy had she missed him. Not to say he had completely disappeared. He had in fact showed face a few times; offering her that warm smile when she first saw him again, tickling her mercilessly and being tickled mercilessly by her that other day in the Gardens, comforting and embracing her in his arms yesterday afternoon. That was her Aang.
"Oh, you're definitely thinking about it now."
Katara was pulled away from her thoughts as Aang's comment and the laughter following it challenged her to tease back, and she wasn't going to lose this battle. Recovering from her flushed and embarrassed state, Katara crossed her arms and lifted her chin, acting high and mighty and somewhat smug as she responded.
"Oh please. You're acting like you've never thought about it at all." Katara waved her hand nonchalantly as she continued, though she knew this wasn't exactly the type of 'talk' regular 'friends' would have, she knew she wasn't really crossing any major lines either. As long as they remained playful and didn't act on their remarks it would be totally fine – right?
"In fact, if memory serves me right, you were the one who'd beg for it constantly, going as far as to Earthbend the Volcano holding Panda Lilies over to the South when I said I'd like our bed to be showered with them one night."
Aang halted his laughs and blushed deeply, darting his eyes away from hers as he thought of a reply. She had him there – though it was true he had offered that, he only did so because he knew she would never ask him to go that far… though, if he had to…
"I liked to indulge my girlfriend," Aang shrugged it off, leaning back on his chair as he continued nonchalantly, trying to mirror her expression, "Sue me for being a great boyfriend."
"Are you sure that's all it was?" Katara raised her eyebrow, her arms still crossed and her smirk still present as she challenged him further.
"Yeah, that's it. But I remember I did much more than just indulge you."
"Oh, please… feel free to elaborate." Katara challenged further, only to later learn that she would end up regretting it. Sometimes she just needed to know when to swallow her pride and shut her mouth – really.
"Really? You're telling me you don't remember all those times I would get under your skin and rile you up, and how those 'sessions' would always result in us falling back into bed together… naked."
Katara found herself blushing again, and her nervousness only grew further as she began tugging on her hair, a clear sign that she was flustered – Aang took notice and internally smiled, excited to know he still had that effect on her.
"I – I don't k-know what you're –"
"Well, I remember clearly." Aang cut her off, leaning forward slightly as she glanced into his eyes, "It was funny and endearing at the same time; knowing I could get you so riled up and shut you up the same exact way… and it worked like a charm, every single time. Plus, don't you know?" Aang leaned further forward, taking notice of Katara's darkened blush as her eyes widened due to their proximity, "You look really hot when you're feisty."
Aang smirked when Katara broke eye contact, once again covering her face to hide her reddened state. Though she understood they were just playing around, Katara also had to hide the fact that their 'teasing' had caused some memories to resurface; memories Katara had previously attempted to bury deep within her psyche. Even though they weren't horrible in any way, quite the opposite actually, she still couldn't look back to them in a time when she felt nothing but loneliness. Back then, all those years ago, she had to lock those memories away, and so they remained hidden to her for years. Now however… although she knew she shouldn't be thinking of them in that way anymore, seeing as how she was due to be married, the Master Waterbender still couldn't help it.
She felt her heartbeat quicken as she reminisced on how his warm, pale skin felt against hers, how his smooth and calloused hands created goosebumps as they mapped out her curves, admiring her erotic, hourglass-like figure. She felt her throat let out a low groan as she reminded herself of how it felt to have him under her, running his hands up her chest to grope her breasts magnificently, massaging and squeezing with such power she'd moan like a moose-cat in the alleyway while she rode him erratically. She felt her womanhood begin to pool with ecstasy as she remembered how gloriously his talented tongue worked against her lips – devouring her completely as he drank in the taste of her, against the nape of her neck – biting animalistically thus arousing her further, against her hardened nipples – sucking with such power she felt completely numb by the end of it, against her flat stomach – tickling and teasing her with his antics as he darted his tongue out to taste her sweet yet salty tanned skin, and inside her deep cavern – licking and lapping her juices like an animal famished, needing her and only her to survive on.
"We should s-stop…" Katara breathed out, attempting to subdue her pulse and desires as she glared at him, peaking through her fingers while they remained pressed against her face.
"Yeah, we should…" Aang leaned back, "If not for the fact that you look like you're about to pop like a balloon," Katara giggled slightly. "Then because… Zuko's coming."
Zuko was walking down the hallway, nearing the war room when he heard the laughter that belonged to his fiancé and the Avatar. Even though it was quite innocent, due to his recent nightmare and his growing anxiety, Zuko found his pace quickening as he rushed forward in a hurry. He heard a few more muffled giggles as he approached the door, though he could tell they were talking before, when he twisted the doorknob, he heard the words: "Zuko's coming".
Instantly, he was reminded of his nightmare; Aang and Katara making out, gigging to themselves as they declared their love for each other. He was reminded of how eagerly and passionately they kissed, of how they noticed he was arriving and pulled apart, and of how Aang spoke those same exact words he uttered in his nightmare: "Zuko's coming."
His pulse quickening, Zuko pushed open the door and witnessed a similar scene he had in his nightmare; Katara flushed, breathing heavy while giggling and Aang also blushing, somewhat out of breath as well, quite unnatural for an airbender, unless….
"You guys are here early… w-what were you d-doing?" Zuko asked hesitantly, already dreading the answer despite knowing they wouldn't admit it even if they were.
Regaining control of herself, Katara chuckled innocently as she smiled at her fiancé, completely unaware of the fact that his fears and nightmares were currently on the brink of becoming reality. "Oh, nothing much. Just talking, joking, messing around."
The Fire Lord gulped down the massive lump in his throat as he turned to the Avatar seated directly next to her. Though he hadn't acknowledged him yet, Zuko had to fight back a growl when the Avatar smirked and winked at him – clearly trying to goad him into making a scene in front of his short-tempered fiancé. However, since Zuko knew what Aang was attempting to accomplish, he clenched his fists and walked over to the head of the table, taking his seat while he and the others awaited his Generals and Councilmen. After their little debacle yesterday, Zuko was determined to remain on Katara's good side; and questioning her and her best friend with guilty and unfaithful intentions was not going to achieve that.
It didn't take long for the empty seats to be filled as the Generals and Councilmen arrived shortly after.
Zuko didn't know when everyone began talking, or what they were discussing, or if it even concerned him – it most likely did – but the Fire Lord didn't notice because he was already well occupied trying to ground his thoughts to prevent them from ravaging the skies of his mind along with his fear and anxiety. Though it could all entirely be a coincidence, Zuko couldn't help but let the doubt creep in again; his fiancé and the Avatar seemed as guilty as ever in his eyes in the current moment. Simply put, they were both laughing and giggling as they were in his nightmare, they were both together – alone – in the very same war room they were in his nightmare. Even though he couldn't recognise whether or not they were being intimate as the low resonating sounds were muffled due to the distance and the long walls and doors, Zuko did recognise how flustered the both of them were when he arrived – Katara more so than Aang. Zuko noticed how Katara used the same excuse his 'dream self' thought of: 'they were simply joking and messing around'.
Zuko especially recognised how Aang uttered the same exact words he had in his fear induced nightmare; "Zuko's coming". And how Aang had winked at him, just like he had in his nightmare.
All that cannot be a coincidence, could it? Zuko thought. I mean, Aang has been playfully winking at me a lot lately – that he had been – and they could've been talking about something embarrassing, hence why he said: 'Zuko's coming', before I entered. He may have just been trying to warn Katara to stop talking because he didn't want to be embarrassed further – Zuko was predominantly correct – But… why was Katara breathing so heavily? Why was she so flustered? Why did she use that same exact excuse? Were they really just playing around? Or were they –
"My Lord, what are your thoughts?"
Zuko was shoved away from his thoughts by General Fang, who was currently eyeing him curiously, intrigued by the lack of concentration the Fire Lord was showing, wondering if Amon was somewhat responsible - yet not caring either way.
"Uh – Could you repeat that?" Zuko asked, wiping the few beads of sweat off his forehead as another Councilman answered.
"The killings, Fire Lord. This… Amon character, there's been another killing – though, this one was announced citywide."
"How so?" Zuko asked, shaking his head before narrowing his eyes, attempting to shake off the haze of doubt and anxiety currently flooding his system.
"It was a mover, the killing was projected across the Capitol and various other cities this morning," the Avatar answered, eyeing Zuko curiously with his arms crossed – Zuko's loss of focus not going unnoticed by said Avatar.
"Do we have a copy?"
"We do…." A General stood up and pulled down the projector to play the mover, and soon, everyone's eyes and ears were glued to the projection.
"Tell them your name." Spoke a menacingly high-pitched, raspy voice whom everyone assumed was behind the camera.
Seated on the chair with his arms and legs tied, sat a notorious murderer and drug dealer, "L-Lazeurus Hei", came the man's low and trembling voice.
"What do you do?" Returned the terrifying voice behind the camera, closing in on the restrained criminal as he stepped forward.
"I'll… I'll kill y-you… I'll fucking k-"
The man halted as he was slapped across the face by the figure holding the camera, "How many women have you killed?"
When Lazeurus failed to answer, he was punched in the gut by the hooded figure, causing the criminal to spit out his blood onto the floor.
"How many?!" The unknown man ordered raising his voice slightly while Lazeurus growled.
"I don't know, 10 or 15…."
Zuko and everyone in the room took notice of how Katara lowly growled and seethed upon hearing that statement, and he couldn't really blame her. Turning his attention back to the mover, Zuko himself seethed as the unknown man continued with his line of questioning.
"Do you think the Fire Lord has made the Fire Nation a better… no wait, a safer place?"
When Lazeurus began whimpering slightly, cursing obscenities under his breath, the unknown man once again punched him in the gut, thus causing the restrained criminal to spill more blood while a high-pitched laugh echoed around the walls, "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA."
Zuko's eyes widened as he realised he had heard that laugh before – though from where and from whom he was currently unsure of.
"Look at me…" When the restrained man failed to follow through, the unknown assailant behind the camera growled deeper and louder, "LOOK AT ME!"
As soon as Lazeurus met the camera's gaze hesitantly, the device was panned around and the assailant behind this whole ordeal was revealed. Standing there was an individual, with scars showering his face –most noticeable and largest one gliding across his forehead. The man's lips were painted glossy red in a sickening wide smile, his eyes were surrounded by dark patches, his hair was coloured dark red and his face was painted ghost white. The man appeared to be wearing a hooded cloak – though they couldn't really be sure as only the man's face and neck were on display.
"You see this is how CRAZY the Fire Lord's made the Fire Nation. These low lives roam around your cities and your towns, killing whomever they want. These men have ben corrupting the soul of the Nation – you want order in the Capitol? Well, then… the Fire Lord must renounce the throne and all his merits and turn himself in…. Oh, and every day he doesn't, people will die… I'm a man of my word…. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA…"
The menacing laughter soon crossfaded with the blood curdling screams of the restrained man as the camera was dropped. When the mover ended, so did the man's cries as the sound of his throat being slit resonated through what appeared to be a basement of sorts.
Everyone remained silent, wondering exactly what kind of animal they were dealing with – Zuko sat grimacing, attempting to recognise exactly when and from whom he had heard that similar sinister laugh, until his eyes widened in shock as he glanced at the Avatar.
This component of the plan was immensely boring. Although she did not know the entire plan as Aang had never mentioned it, Azula never really needed to know, for she had a plan of her own. Even still, she had to admit, Aang's original plan was quite exciting and thrilling and would certainly be a great source of entertainment for her. Yet, even though this was improvised, sitting around and waiting with her mother and uncle was probably the dullest thing she had done so far… which spoke volumes considering the fact she had been locked up in the Boiling Rock and the Crystal Catacombs for several years.
"Would you like more tea, 'Zula?"
Azula sighed, as she pressed her forearm against her forehead. "No… mother."
Azula was laid out on the couch on her back, currently awaiting the arrival of her 'friends' while her mother and uncle were catching up.
"Well, let me know if you need anything." Just as she turned to return to Uncle Iroh, Ursa caught the sight of Mai, Ty lee and Toph approaching the house. "And it seems like your friends are here."
Finally, some fun – Azula immediately smiled and sat up, fixing her dress and donning her 'game face' as she recounted the steps of the plan. First and foremost, she had to deal with Toph, to be specific: her seismic sense. Though Azula was a great liar, it would be safe to say Azula was somewhat 'off' her game – though she would never admit it out loud of her own accord, she had accepted it as the truth – she would be stupid not to, and Azula was anything but stupid.
"Azula! Azula! Azula! We're here! Where are you!" Exclaimed Ty Lee as she cartwheeled into the house.
Azula once again sighed, knowing full well she had to play nice… and she hated every second of it. "In here Ty!" Came the Princesses' cheery reply.
Suddenly, as she neared the door, she was immediately pulled into a hug by the Kyoshi Warrior herself. "It's great to see you, 'Zula."
Azula awkwardly patted Ty Lee's back while Mai and Toph – both equally as bored – cooed from behind them, "Hey."
Before she even got the chance to respond, Ty Lee disengaged and immediately began firing questions, "How have you been? What was prison like? Are you feeling okay now? Do you want to go to the beach? I really miss the beach, don't you? Should we visit the Palace together? Have you seen Aang lately, apparently, he's here? Have you-"
Azula would've missed the slight blush on Ty Lee's cheeks if she hadn't been so close, but she simply smirked before gesturing behind her. "Let's go talk outside, it's quite stuffy in here."
Even though the windows were open and there was more than enough room, Ty Lee still followed cheerily while Mai and Toph both looked at each other and shrugged before also trailing behind them. Once outside, Azula took in a deep breath of fresh air which she called victory; though it seemed like no big deal, the veranda they stood on was completely made of wood, and Toph took notice of that as soon as she stepped onto it. Though she had learned that Azula was rehabilitated, Toph was still somewhat reluctant to believe it, thus, she couldn't help but feel like taking them all to the wooden veranda was a strategic move instead of one made specifically for comfort. However much sceptical she was, Toph decided to quietly observe Azula rather than make a scene – yet, she couldn't really commit to that due to the same Firebending Princess of her worries.
"So, what are you doing here Blind Bandit? How come you aren't at the Palace?"
Damn I miss that name - Toph simply scoffed as she 'glanced' at Azula, though, due to her loss of sight, in actuality she was really at a vase sitting on the table beside her while she spoke, "And why would I want to walk around the halls of a Palace surrounded by a bunch of prissy, smug, snobbish middle-aged men when I could come here and bother your sorry ass?"
"If you say so," Azula smirked, "Though, I thought it may have had something to do with a certain Water Tribe Peasant –"
"He's not a peasant!" Toph exclaimed, crossing her arms as her eyes finally landed on Azula. "And he has nothing to do with –"
"Whatever," Azula backed off happily, proud that she had successfully riled up Toph enough for Aang. Though she didn't know the complete history behind the Earth Bender and the Southern Water Tribe Warrior, she knew enough to know there was much friction and tension between the two – and Toph's reaction only further strengthened that knowledge and assumption. "I have to say, I am surprised to see you here Mai."
Mai simply shrugged as she glanced away, staring at the smooth waves crashing over the Ember Island beach as she replied, "I'm Fire Nation Royalty, I had to show up…" Soon, her head dipped slightly as she whispered, "Doesn't mean I intend to stay."
'Oh, I have a feeling you will' – Azula thought to herself as she smiled before Ty Lee cheerily interjected.
"Mai's just gonna stay till the party then leave! What about you Azula?! You're staying longer, aren't you?!"
"Agni Ty! Stop screaming!"
"S-sorry," Ty Lee blushed in embarrassment as she dipped her head and glanced away.
"Well, I will stay until the engagement party" – If it even reaches that point – Azula thought to herself. "I'm not entirely sure for how long I'll stay though."
"You will stay for the wedding, won't you?" Ty Lee asked.
"Sure, if it'll even get to that point…"
At that, all three women looked towards her with either raised eyebrows or narrowed eyes, neither of them following Azula's train of thought.
"What do you mean? Why wouldn't they follow through with their marriage?" This time Toph decided to speak up, wishing badly she hadn't stepped onto the wooden veranda.
"Oh, I'm just saying… something might happen to change their minds…"
"Like what?" Now Mai spoke up, sounding slightly intrigued as her voice was less monotone than usual.
"Oh, I don't know… the Avatar's here…"
"What about Aang?" Ty Lee spoke up, sounding cheerier than usual and blushing slightly as well.
At that, Azula unknowingly was offered an 'out' and she decided to stop toying with the three women – or at least with Mai and Toph, Ty Lee however….
"I see you're still infatuated with him," Azula smirked while Ty Lee's blush only darkened, becoming oddly apparently due to her fair skin tone.
"O-oh, w-well… I- "
"I have to say," Azula cut her off, deciding to show mercy for once as she caused the Kyoshi Warrior to both listen intently and blush harder, "The guy's quite handsome now. Have you seen him lately, all those muscles and that hair…" Azula didn't know it, but she had caught a red hue of her own while imagining the Avatar – and Mai had noticed – Toph couldn't tell and Ty Lee herself was too busy daydreaming about said Avatar.
"I don't believe it…" Mai shook her head as she snickered, "The great Firebending Prodigy, the Princess too proud for her own good… now gushing and gossiping over a boy. How times have changed."
At that, Toph snickered while Azula groaned in annoyance and embarrassment at being caught, "Shut up."
Ty Lee was still lost in her daydream regarding said Airbender….
It wasn't that Azula hadn't noticed the Airbender when he first came to her – she most certainly had – but she was rather too proud for her own good to admit it willingly. Though she found him quite attractive and charming, Azula still wasn't going to risk her plan just to get some… but that didn't mean she couldn't have some fun with him.
The Princess understood that a main component in Aang's plan was surrounding Katara, specifically, her feelings towards him. Azula's role was made quite clear to her, and she couldn't wait to enact it. Suddenly, she found herself urging the others to leave for the Palace tomorrow morning instead of the day after as originally planned; the thought of playing around with her brother and his fiancé with the handsome Avatar by her side was quite thrilling and entertaining – she was curling her toes in anticipation just thinking of it.
As she ushered everyone to sit down so they could talk some more, Azula couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring… and what the Avatar had planned next.