MARATHON

Azula and Ty Lee's lips briefly break from the long kiss. Darkness surrounds them; only moonlight and candles brighten the dim room and illuminate their half-naked frames.

They have – uh – plans for tonight. Plans that have not been possible for some time, because being adults is terrible.

With her hand snaking up Ty Lee's short robe, Azula softly says, "All night?"

Nothing needs to be said. It might as well be rhetorical.

But Ty Lee whispers back, "Of course."

They stumble, tangled, on the way to their tumble. As they hit the bed they knew I was the first moment of what they hope will be many in their – uh – marathon tonight.

It escalates faster than a fire consuming dry leaves.

And they are halfway finished before a pounding on their bedroom door makes them jump apart from each other.

"MAMA, MOM, MAMA, MOM!" screeches a very impatient young child.

"Zuko cannot babysit to save his life," Azula hisses under her breath.

Azula and Ty Lee exchange a defeated glance.

So much for all night long.