Azula never in her life would have guessed that she would be on a date in Ba Sin Se of all places. And to top it off she was going on a date with Ty Lee, one of her childhood friends and long time crushes.
She could feel everyone staring at her. Of course they were. She's the only person to ever conquer Ba Sing Se. Granted that was years ago but it's not like expected the people to welcome her with open arms. She would be vary too if she was them.
And she was very skeptical when Ty Lee first started hanging around her again. At first she thought it was Zuko's way of keeping an eye on her, keeping her in line. But it turned out Ty Lee genuinely wanted to be there for Azula. It was something that honestly scared her. Then out of nowhere Ty Lee asked her out on a date. A date!
It was a rare moment in which Azula was rendered speechless by someone.
A date... she'd never been on one before. But she was Azula. Princess of the Fire Nation. She wasn't gonna back down or be a coward and not show up just because she was nervous. Not that she would ever admit that to anyone.
Uncle Iroh insisted on helping Azula get ready but lucky for her Zuko was there to save her from that misery. He explained that he had to go trough that once and it was awkward and his hair turned out... not so good. So Azula dressed herself. And it was just Ty Lee after all. Just Ty Lee. Right. Nothing to be nervous about.
"Azula!" Azula was suddenly tackled from behind and wrapped up in a hug. If this was at the start of their relationship rekindling Azula would have exploded and probably burned her, but she'd gotten used to Ty Lee's sudden hugs by this point. Even if she couldn't always reciprocate, "Sorry I'm late. Did you wait long?" Ty Lee squeezed her once before letting go.
"It's quite alright. I only just..." Azula's next word momentarily died on her lips as she turned around and took in Ty Lee's appearance. She expected her to wear green and browns, like her Kyoshi uniform. Instead she wore red and pink, much like her outfit before her betrayal. No... before Azula lost herself. And Ty Lee was here right? She was here because she wanted to be by Azula's side. Right? "I... just arrived. You're fine." Azula crossed her arms and looked to the side, making it seem like she didn't particularly care about this.
Ty Lee just smiled brightly, "Alright then. I'm glad I didn't keep you waiting. Are you ready to go?"
"And where exactly are we going?" Azula raised a brow at her childhood friend.
"It's a surprise." Ty Lee wrapped both arms around Azula's, even though her's were still crossed, it made it a little difficult, so Azula eased her grip a little, allowing Ty Lee more room. The acrobat's eyes widened for a moment. She looked at her date.
"Wh-What? Stop staring at me like that." Azula could feel heat rushing to her face.
"Oh sorry. It's just that... you're being surprisingly agreeable." Ty Lee's voice was soft and low, not meant to tease or take a jab at her. Still Azula felt like it was, like she was weak for giving up control.
The Princess grit her teeth, "What do you want me to do? I don't exactly know this city as well as you. I'd rather not get lost in a mob of people that want me dead."
"They don't..."
"Don't try lying to me Ty Lee. You're not a good liar anyways. And I'm not blind. Look let's just... let's just go alright." She was looking forward to this date at first, nervous but looking forward to it. Now she just wanted it to be over.
Ty Lee looked at her with sad eyes, "Alright." She wasn't gonna argue, "Let's go. I think you'll like it, Zuko suggested it actually."
"Oh joy. Can't wait." Azula's voice was dripping with her usual sarcasm as they started walking.
The two were quiet as they walked. The previous, more friendly mood gone. Azula felt bad about that. She genuinely wanted to have a good time. Even though she still couldn't grasp why Ty Lee was going out of her way to do this for her. But as Ty Lee was Ty Lee it didn't take her long to break the awkward tension. She started pointing things out. Little details around the town. Telling Azula of all her favorite places. Places to eat good food, to dance, or sing, or read, or see cute animals. And Azula listened, only occasionally commenting on something. She was working on that. How to listen rather than always be listened to.
They stooped at a little food stall. Azula never thought she would eat street noodles and she briefly paused thinking that they might be poisoned. But Ty Lee just laughed and took a bite of them as well. She moaned at the taste so Azula got curious. Once she tried them she had to admit they were pretty good.
As they ate their food they walked around and just talked. Sure they were still getting some looks but for the moment Azula wanted to focus on Ty Lee. It seemed like she felt batter when she did that. Ty Lee always managed to cheer her up or calm her down when they were kids.
It was already getting dark by the time they reached the fountain. Most people were starting to leave, but some where still around, Azula still couldn't shake the feeling of their eyes on her.
"This is the spot." Ty Lee said as she took Azula's hand in her own, "What do you think?"
"It's a fountain Ty Lee." Azula tilted her head. Was there something she wasn't seeing? She looked around. The people around them also seemed to stick quite close to each other. Holding hands, laughing, whispering to each other. Oh. Couples. Azula looked at her hand, which was still in Ty Lee's. The warmth felt nice. Ty Lee had really soft hands. She didn't hate the feeling.
Azula decided to intertwine their fingers. She liked the feeling of that too. And the look on Ty Lee's face when she did so. The little blush on the acrobats face as she looked down at her feet, avoiding eye contact.
"Cute." Azula didn't realize she was saying it out loud. Ty Lee's head snapped back up at her, and now it was Azula's turn to blush, "I mean cute spot. It's nice." Azula turned away so she didn't see the big, dumb grin that spread across Ty Lee's face.
"Thank you." Ty Lee whispered.
The next thing Azula knew was the soft feeling of lips kissing her cheek. Her face heated up so quickly she thought she was on fire. Not even her blue fire felt this hot. Her heat was beating so quickly she thought it would burst out of her chest. And then those lips were gone just as fast.
When Azula turned to look back at her Ty Lee was just as red as the Princess's was.
Before Azula could say anything Ty Lee pulled her along. And she allowed it. They just walked in silence. It was a comfortable silence. Both still slightly blushing but pleased.
When they arrived at Uncle Iroh's tea shop Azula decided to take the initiative, "Thank you for this Ty Lee. It was pleasant." This was high praise coming from Azula. She took it a step further and reciprocated the kiss from earlier.
Ty Lee's breath hitched. Azula broke the kiss quickly, thinking she might have done something wrong. Wasn't this was people did? Did she read the situation wrong?
Ty Lee's was focused on their joined hands, swinging them back and forth, "So uhm... yeah that was nice. Do you maybe, want to do it again sometime?" Her voice was small and shy, but also hopeful. How could Azula say no to her? She couldn't. And it was scary.
"I would like that." Azula squeezed Ty Lee's hands in hers. Ty Lee smiled up at her. She liked seeing that smile. She wanted to see it again and again.
"Great! I'll see you tomorrow then? For sparing?" Ty Lee's voice was back to it's loud and joyful tone, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Of course. Have a good night Ty Lee." Azula offered her best soft smile.
"You too Zula." Now there was a nickname Azula hadn't heard in a while. As soon as Ty Lee let go of her hands Azula felt colder, which was odd since she was a firebender. Ty Lee waived at her as she skipped her way out of view.
The way her heart skipped a beat as Azula watched her go, she wanted more moments like that. It felt new, exciting and good. Things that didn't usually go together with her. She was more than looking forward to more dates in the future.
