WATER DAY
DAY 6
"Your people are crazy!" the Princess claimed sat in the railing, looking to the Royal Gardens.
"It's tradition!" said Sokka, snickering at the grin Azula made when he explained the festival. "It's like a huge water fight, where everyone is obligated to participate."
She was astounded, "It's tradition, but is still madness!" she said moving her hands, "I mean, if you are a water bender, yeah... It must be wonderful but... H-How can you... Do you... What do you..." she made a pause, "Don't you people get sick?" she asked, really intrigued.
"Sometimes," he admitted shrugging while remembering a horrible fever he got once when he was younger due to the Festival. He spent three days with a horrible fever. "But hey... Everyone gets sick, from time to time," he said leaning on the railing right next to her. "It's not that bad."
"Is not that bad?" she said flabbergasted, "Your people jump into the freezing water, with the only purpose to….What was again?."
Sokka rolled his eyes, "Improve our body resistance and get better health and endurance." he repeated.
"Ridiculous. That's ridiculous," Azula said, "There are a hundred, better ways to get all that." she stated, "The only thing you might get from jumping into glaciers waters is pneumonia or bad fever, at least!" she crossed her arms over her chest when pointing out the last word.
"Hush..." Sokka smirked, "You are incredibly whiny today." he mocked.
"I'm not whining," she retorted, "I'm stating a fact. Dolt."
"All I heard was whine, whine, whine." he teased her making a grin with his hand.
"Tch!" she rolled her eyes before punching him in the arm.
"Ouch…" he whined, startled while rubbing his arm.
Azula quirked an eyebrow, "How is the whiner now, huh?" The Princess smirked.
Sokka sighed and raised his hands in defeat, "Fine. I had that one coming, I admit it. I deserved it," Azula snickered, "Anyways, come on." he offered a hand, "It's going to be fun. At least the water here is warmer."
Azula sighed, "Fine." she said, taking his hand, jumping out of the balustrade and heading towards the city.
"Hopefully," he muttered.
"What?!"
"Nothing."
...
From the other side of the gardens the Fire Lady, who had been observing at her daughter for a moment, smiled warmly, as the Princess walked next to Kya's son. None of them have noticed her presence.
Those two have been spending a lot of time together in the last couple of days. Could it be possible that….? she thought.
Looking at them brought her back some memories from her younger years with Ozai.
She remembered her childhood and teenage years, spending each summer in the Ember Island with that brat, spoiled Prince who loved to mock at her, but who slowly, and without realizing completely stole her heart.
Destiny was a funny thing.
They hated each other guts, making tantrums whenever they were forced to spend time together while growing up, but as time passed by, they grew into each other, until the point of now, not being available to live without each other.
Ursa looked at the smile on her daughter's face when Sokka appeared to have said something funny, and she smiled too.
She confirmed her suspicions.
But how long will it take for her daughter to realize?... Ursa sighed, Only time will tell.
…
"I bet this was your sister's favorite celebration, huh?" Azula asked when they were walking through the streets.
"It was her favorite, indeed. She used to torture me all day, getting me soaked with the excuse of the festival," said Sokka, "Katara loved to soak me, and the freeze me in my underwear. It was like... her revenge towards me." he explained.
The Princess laughed at his misfortune but; it didn't bother him he found that he really liked the sound of her laugh and smiled too.
"I used to do the same with Zuko. But instead of freezing his underwear, I will set him on fire, whenever he pissed me off," explained The Princess, "One time, he even jumped to the turtle duck pond trying to extinguish the flames."
Sokka laughed, "Isn't he a fire bender? Couldn't he extinguish them himself?" he asked prying.
Azula sighed, "His mind works in interesting ways." they had been looking at one stall that it was full of Water Tribe antiques. "After that, the turtle ducks bit him for scaring them. He was so pissed, he didn't talk to me for a week," she said looking uninterested at some things.
"He is a little of a drama-queen isn't he?" Sokka mocked looking also at the stall.
"A little? You are being too kind," she smirked, glancing at him, before returning her attention to the antiques. "Huh... These are pretty," she muttered, looking at some necklaces with a stone in the middle in different shades of blue.
Sokka looked over, and suddenly he got all blushed. "A-Azula..."
The old man in charge of the stall smiled towards them. "These are traditional in the Northern Water Tribe, Princess." he explained, "and they are not just pretty. They are also betrothal necklaces."
The Princess's eyes widened, and she choked, "O-Ohh… T-That's...That's nice, I guess." she said nervously and awkwardly walking away from the stall.
Sokka, who had been glancing away, gave the man a slight smile and followed her. He giggled once he was again next to her, now more calmed and without blushing.
She gave him a disgruntled look for laughing at her expenses, after rolling her eyes. "Stop it." grunted Azula after elbowing him, "It's your fault." she pouted.
"How come?" he asked, intrigued, and snickering again.
"You just stood there and…" said The Princess before crashing with someone.
"My apologies." The man rushed to say.
Azula looked astounded when she realized who it was. "Master Piandao."
The man with tan skin and black hair looked at her warily before saying. "Oh. Princess Azula… and…" he looked over to The Princess companion.
"Sokka," he said introducing himself with a little nod.
The Master returned the gesture, "Pleasure, young boy…" he narrowed his eyes, "Water Tribe, right?" he asked, and Sokka nodded, "I assumed," Then he glanced to Azula. "Princess, it's always an honor. How have your parents been? And your brother, Prince Zuko? Is he back in the Capitol?" he asked politely.
"He is... And they are all healthy," said Azula.
"I'm glad to hear that," said Piandao. "Does Prince Zuko still practice with the dao swords?" he asked prying, "I hope he still does, he was quite talented."
Azula shrugged, "Well, he tries," she said, "Sokka, this Piandao. The best swordmaster in the Fire Nation. He trained Zuko and other members of the royal family in the sword fighting arts." she explained.
His eyes widened, "Awesome! I always wanted to play sword fighting when I was younger" he confessed.
"And, if I may I inquire, why you didn't?" Piandao asked, intrigued, looking at him.
Sokka shrugged, "Back in the Southern tribe, mostly all the warriors are water benders and the non-benders are hunters," he stated, "There aren't many sword fighters. None, actually."
"How long are you planning to stay in the Capital?" Piandao narrowed his eyes inquisitively.
"Officially, until the end of the month," said Sokka, "But, I might stay longer." he looks from the corner of his eyes towards the Princess, something that Piandao doesn't miss.
Azula turned to look at him, surprised by his revelation. "Really? Why you didn't tell me?" she asked him.
He shrugged, "It's still a possibility..."
"Oh…" she said, not sure of why she sounded a little disappointed. She reproached herself for forgetting that he wasn't going to stay forever. She glanced towards the old man. "Master Piandao, how long are you staying? I'm sure Zuko would be pleased to see you again."
"And I will be pleased to see him to…" Piandao affirmed, "I'm staying also during the festivities."
Master Piandao was an excellent swordmaster, the best of the best. No wonder he had been the master of many Royal members for generations. It was believed he could even teach a flying lemur to fight, but only if he found you worthy of his teachings.
"Master Piandao," Azula said when an idea popped to her mind.
"Yes, Princess."
"Would you -it's just a thought- but... Would you train him?" she asked, pointing at Sokka.
Sokka was gaping, "M-Me? Like... Me?." he was stunned.
"Yeah... Why not?" The Princess shrugged, hoping that Piandao would accept. So like that, they will be forced to reduce their time around each other.
"Azula, I'm… I-I don't think I-I deserve to…" he stammered.
But Piandao intervened, "I will be the one judging that…" he said sternly, "Now, tell me Sokka, why would I choose to teach you?"
Azula tried to repress a smile. If Piandao asked you, why would he teach you? It was because he thought of you as worthy of his teachings, but your answer will affirm if you were indeed worthy.
Sokka looked to the Princess and then back to Piandao nervously. "I-I'm… I... I don't," he sighed and took a deep breath, "I don't know if I'm worth it of your teachings Master… But, if you do choose to teach me…" he gulped, "All I know is... That there is a lot I have to learn." he lowered his head.
"In that case, young man," Piandao smirked, making a pause. "I will be seeing you tomorrow before dawn at the Palace Gates, get well-rested… Pupil." he smiled, "I will see you both around. Enjoy the festivities."
And like that, Piandao vanished in the Capitol's streets.
Sokka blinked a few times, trying to get out of his astonishment. "What did just happen? That's…"
"You just got a swordmaster. Wimp." the Princess smiled, pleased.
He glanced towards her with the biggest silly smile that she had ever seen on him. "I'm so happy that I'm going to ignore your insult." he holds her by the shoulders, thrilled. "Azula... Thank you. Thank you. Thank you… Do you know what this means to me? I always wanted to learn to sword fighting." he was overjoyed.
The Princess smiled at his excitement, "Well, now you are going to learn. Congratulations. But hey, make your best effort, huh? If you embarrass yourself, I will kill you." she said menacingly. "It was my idea so…"
"No. I'm not going to let you down…" he said firmly still smiling, he felt like hugging her, like even... "Gods, I could kiss you right now!" he said those words without thinking.
They both look at each other.
For a moment, she even thought that a hug wouldn't be a bad idea, but his last word really got her off balance. Completely unexpected. Her heart started racing like crazy.
Azula huffed, glancing away trying not to blush. "Please don't kiss me," she said teasing him.
"I won't. I won't… I just..." But before she could stop him, Sokka leaned over and kissed her in the cheek. Her eyes widened. "Did it anyways!" he said walking ahead so she could punch him or scolded him.
A blush appeared in her face as she saw him walk ahead, still with a goofy smile. She rolls her eyes and bites her lower lips before starting to stride again. Still feeling his lips on her cheek.
For the Water Tribes, Water day consisted back in the Tribes, of all men and women, elders and children diving into the frozen water of the arctic. For them, diving into such extreme temperatures guaranteed good health, endurance, and no sickness all year.
Of course in the Fire Nation, there were no glaciers or arctic temperatures.
So, the water benders from both tribes had recreated the tradition in the Capital of the Fire Nation, by bending some clouds of rain over the city. The point was for the citizens to stay under the rain during the afternoon, or at least as long as they could. It wasn't like diving in freezing water, but it was the best they could do, considering the tropical weather of the Capital.
"Agrr…" she complained, "It's cold," she said shivering a little, the water drops of rain were strangely cold.
"That's the point, Princess, to prove our endurance," said Sokka soaked without even flinching a little.
"I hate it. It's way too cold for my liking." Azula said, sulking. As a fire bender, she wasn't used to extreme frosty weather or freezing water. "Can we go back now? I think I had enough, now. And also, I want to change in to dry clothes, I don't want to get sick."
"Fine." Sokka agreed to go back, not wanting her to keep complaining.
They both rushed under the fake rain as fast as they could, try not to trip. They had walked so much around the city, that it was easier to surround the Capitol, than walking all the way going back.
"Are you sure we are going in the right way?" Sokka asked when he saw unfamiliar places.
"Yes. It's a short cut," said Azula, "We are going all the way around, that's why it seems unfamiliar." she explained.
It wasn't a surprise that he didn't recognize the path. It was the first time they had changed their way back to the Palace. Whenever they would go into the streets, they will walk the same way.
Azula stopped walking when she saw something that brought her some memories.
"Careful, little mochi."
"Higher, Lu. Higher!" she repeated with a smile, as her cousin Lu Ten pushed her on the swing. She must have had not more than eight years old. They were on their "secret spot."
"Fine. But don't you dare to jump again Mochi!" he scolded her, "If you get hurt, your mother is going to kill me." He said trying to sound menacing, but he knew that still, it wasn't going to work with his little cousin.
"Chicken." The little Princess mocked at her cousin.
Her cousin had always been her favorite person in the world, and when he left to leave in the Earth Kingdom, she was heartbroken.
"What is it?" Sokka asked her when he realized the Princess had suddenly stopped. She didn't answer, she had her mind somewhere else.
He looked towards the same direction; she was looking at a huge three in a hill and on one of the branches a little swing.
Sokka took the Princess by the wrist. "Come on…" he said with a soft smile, as he directed to the hill.
"What?" said Azula who was back in reality, pulling him a little bit to make him stop walking.
"Come on… You look like you want to." Sokka insisted.
"No," she said, "It's a children's game, and it's childish." she pretended indifference.
He frowned, "So? You look like you want to," he said, "Plus. The rain, it's finally stopping."
"Yeah… And we should hurry back to the Palace, I don't want to get sick." Azula stated.
"Sheesh, you are so boring..." Sokka said pouting, "Come on, let's got to the swing. I will even push you." he insisted.
The Princess rolled her eyes. "I said, I don't want to."
"Agrr…" Sokka snarled, "Stop that." he beckoned in the air of frustration.
"What?"
"Saying you don't want to do something when you obviously want to." he gasped, elated.
"Who said I wanted to? What I want right now is to get dry," Azula roared, "You are just assuming." She pointed out, "Plus, what people will think of seeing their Princess doing something so immature, huh?"
"Who cares about what they will think?"
"I do. I'm a Princess… I don't get to do always what I want, remember?" she said bitterly, "Now, let's go.."
"You said the same about traveling… When are you going to do something you truly want?" he uttered.
She frowned, "Well, even in nobility we have limits, which…" she stopped middle sentence and then sighed. "Never mind..."
"What?" Sokka asked, irked, "Say it! That a peasant like me wouldn't understand…? That's what you wanted to say?"
"No," Azula lowered her glance, "I-I wasn't going to say that…"
"Huh?" he quirked a brow, "Then what?" The rain had almost fully stopped.
"Which…. It makes you very lucky of being just a regular guy…" she said.
"Oh…" All his bad humor vanished away. "Thanks, I guess…" he scratched the back of his head. "Because it was a compliment, right? Calling me a regular guy?"
Azula rolled her eyes, "Yes, cretin…" They snickered, "Come on. l need to get dry." she said.
Sokka stood up in front of her firmly, with his arms extended at each side. "Na ha."
The Princess sighed. "What are you doing, now?"
"I want you to do it," he pointed with his head towards the swing, "Come on."
"Sokka... No," she said, but the more he insisted, the more she was tempted to do it.
"Come on...Do whatever you want to do, you are a Princess!" said Sokka, "Do it without caring about what others might say..." he smiled softly, "Just because you do it, doesn't mean the world is going to stop."
"I don't…" she made a grin, he was actually starting to convince her.
"Okay…" he said before bending and raising her in his shoulder.
"What are you doing?" Azula squealed, "Put me down!" she punched him in the back.
"You can kick and even burn me all you want Princess," he said walking up the hill.
"Get me down, you prick!" she commanded.
He lowers down as he sits her on the swing. "There… Now, hold on" she doesn't move.
Sokka pushed her on the swing. Azula said nothing. There was no use complaining anymore.
"Promise me you aren't going to take any boy to our little secret spot?" Lu Ten raised his pinky finger towards her.
"Promise." she held his fingers with hers.
"Well, you can take one, but only if you really like him, okay?" he muttered winking an eye and his little cousin stuck her tongue to him. "Take care, okay? See you soon." he patted her in the head once last time.
The cold she felt, and her wet clothes stopped bothering her. She didn't main them anymore.
The hill gave her a good view of the city. The last time she had been sat there, was more than ten years ago, with her cousin pushing her, and now she was back there in their little spot with some other guy, that slowly and without her realizing it started to mean also something to her.
That Water Tribe idiot had managed so much in just a matter of days. He had managed to know her better than anyone, for her too long for his presence and company, which only served to confuse her and make a mess of her mind.
Sokka was the first guy outside of her family, who had known her for who she was, Azula, and not as the Princess of the Fire Nation.
He is leaving. He is not going to stay. Don't be a fool. She had to keep reminding her. As soon as the month is up, Sokka will leave and keep going with his life, and you should too...But what if...? What if maybe?
EARTH DAY.
DAY 7
She groaned again; it was past midnight, and she couldn't sleep, her body felt horrible. Azula had been rolling in bed all night. She felt sick.
Her head was pounding and the fever keeps her making shiver, even though she was under the covers of her bed. She whined again in frustration.
"I told him I was going to get sick," she muttered, "I'm going to kill him," she buried her face again in her pillows. "I will."
...
Master Piandao, had indeed arrived at the Palace early in the morning.
Sokka had been so excited about his sword training, that he even woke up an hour earlier to be on time at the Gates waiting for his new master.
He had to admit Piandao had a very peculiar way of teaching, but who he was to question? The best swordmaster of the Fire Nation, it wasn't a title everyone could get.
They had trained all morning non-stop.
Piandao had made him practice calligraphy and painting, and in the second half of the morning, he had finally taught him the first basic moves of sword fighting.
They had started training early -which made him miss breakfast- and kept going after midday. Piandao had dismissed him just right on time for lunch, hungrier than he expected. But he was -surprisingly- more eager to see Azula and tell her everything about his first training.
Sokka looked for her in the library, but he was surprised to find it empty. He looked for her also in the gardens, at the meeting room, at the Coronation Plaza, but she was nowhere to be found.
And then he realized that she should probably be in the dining room.
Sokka walked into the dining room, finding the people he usually had breakfast with, having lunch. Except for one.
He thought about asking about The Princess's absence to her brother Zuko, but he was also, nowhere to be seen, as neither the Fire Lord or the Fire Lady.
Something wasn't right.
"Has anyone seen Azula?" he asked, taking still in his usual place. Looking at the empty spot in front of him a little concerned.
"No," Katara denied, "she didn't show up at breakfast, neither."
"Why?" he asked, intrigued. He was getting more and more worried. It was really odd of her losing breakfast and even odder that no one of the Royal Family was nowhere to be seen.
His sister shrugged, "I don't know."
"Also, the Fire Lord and Lady Ursa are missing too," Aang said, "Pstt... Suki." The Avatar called for the girl across the table. "Suki..." she glanced at him, "Where is Zuko?"
"He is with Azula," she informed them.
"What? Why?"
"It seems, that yesterday festival caused her a fever," Suki said, "Which, according to want Zuko told me, it's very uncommon for fire benders to get fevers," she explained, "So, I'm assuming, that's also where the Fire Lord and Lady Ursa are too. They were waiting for the Royal physician to arrive. And…"
Sokka stood up and started walking.
"Sokka? Where are you going?" Katara asked him, but he was already out of the dining room. Leaving his food untouched.
…
"For the tenth time, I'm fine," The Princess said, "You two are acting way too paranoids," she complained at her parents. "It's just a little fever."
"Honey," her mother, who was sat in the bed next to her, grabbed her hand between hers. Her fever had practically disappeared by now, but her mother's hands still feel a little cold against hers. "You know why we are worried," Ursa said softly, "It's not normal for fire benders to have a fever."
"Yeah, Azula," said Zuko standing at the end of her bed. "Not even "little ones." So, stop complaining and just let the physician do his job."
"Tsk!" The Princess drooped her head back into the pillows.
"You should have told us earlier," her father reproached disgruntled, "I would have sent for the physician, sooner."
"Well, he is here now, isn't it?" Azula restored, "You are all overreacting."
"Overreacting?" The Fire Lord repeated, "Young lady, when you make us worry like this, I age ten years..." he pouted.
"Oh... Don't blame on me the fact that you are getting old dad." The Princess smirked mocking.
Her mother and brother snickered at her father's reaction.
"Hush...Child." her mother scolded her after chuckling.
Azula sighed, "Anyways, I feel fine."
"The physician will be the one to be decided that." her mother said sternly, which caused her to roll her eyes.
The physician was writing some notes while listening to the to the Royal family discuss. When he was done, he cleared his throat. Everyone looked at him.
"The Princess is perfect. It's just a regular fever, nothing to worry about," he explained glancing at both of her parents, "Most likely caused for the cold rain from yesterday festival, she must have remained a long time under it, right?" he looked at the Princess who nodded slowly, "As long as she gets plenty rest today and drinks a lot of fluids, she will be as good as new, by tomorrow," he affirmed, "Her strong body has almost eradicated the sickness completely. So, nothing to worry about."
"See? Nothing to worry about." Azula repeated.
"Better safe than sorry, honey." her mother with a soft smile.
"Thank you, again." Fire Lord Ozai thanked him, "For your service."
"It is my pleasure and duty to serve to the Royal Family," The physician vowed, "If her fever rises again, which seems unlikely, please let me know as soon as possible and I will be here in no time." said the man taking his leave, after bowing to them one more time.
"So,... I'm guessing it's a no for today's festival, right?" assumed the Princess.
"If you want to participate in tomorrow's one, then yes," Lady Ursa said, "Health comes first..."
Azula huffed, and then looked at the three people in front of her, "Shouldn't you all be going now?" she asked, "The festival is starting soon, isn't it?"
"Is it?"
Then she remembered, she needed it to inform of her state to someone else.
"Also, could you... tell Sokka, that I won't be available to…." A knock on the door interrupted her. "Come in."
The door opened to reveal none other than the aforementioned.
Sokka.
All four pairs of golden eyes landed on him. He wasn't surprised to find all the Royal Family together, but he got a little intimidated at being before all of them, at the same time.
"Hey," he said shyly, with his hand in his pockets, standing by the door.
"Hey." The Princess smiled softly, poking her head behind her brother. "Zuko," she called him, and when he looked towards her, she made a grin, to make him move aside. "You make a better wall than a window." she insulted him.
"And I was worried for you." her brother huffed before moving aside.
"I-I heard you were sick," Sokka said nervously scratching the back of his neck, "Are you okay?" He asked sounding a little more worried than he would have wished.
"Yeah. I only need plenty of rest," said Azula.
"T-That's good," he smiled almost imperceptibly, "I can come back later if you are all busy…." he said pointing to the door, he didn't want to interrupt whatever they were talking about.
"Oh no, no, no. Come on in, darling. We were leaving." Ursa said standing up, encouraging him to get closer
"We were?"
"We were?" Zuko and Ozai looked at her a little confused.
"Yes, we were," she said sternly, in between teeth.
Fire Lord eyes widened, "Oh, yes, yes." he said, "We should get going."
Zuko was the last one to leave, but before he could close the door he turned around with a smirk and said. "Just remember, the physician said plenty of rest."
Azula rolled her eyes, "Yes, father," she grunted annoyed, "Get out."
"So, just sleeping in the bed today, okay?" he mocked, "No other activ..."
"OUT!" The Princess shouted throwing a pillow at him, but he dodged closing the door before it could hit him.
Sokka walked slowly towards her, looking all over the place, admiring her room. It was his first time in it.
It was huge. Three times bigger than his room in the Palace, it was all red and burgundy, her sheets were satin and the bed was enormous.
What was he expecting? he thought She is the good damn Princess.
"So, are you really okay?" he asked again, sitting where Lady Ursa had been sitting a moment before.
She was still wearing her nightgown and her hair was fully down and a little messy. It was the most tousled he had ever seen her, but still, he thought how pretty can she actually be that even all messy and sick, she still manages to look beautiful?
"Yeah, nothing to worry about," said the Princess, "According to the physician, he and his colleagues have been all day attending fire benders with fever all over the city," she frowned, "Which reminds me of…" Azula punched him hard in the arm.
Sokka made a grin of surprise and pain. "What was that for?!" he squealed, rubbing his punched arm.
"You know why," she said scowling and pouting, "This is your fault," she snarled, "Come on Azula, do it. Azula, who cares about what anyone thinks, just do it Azula…." she imitated him, repeating the word he had told her a day before, while making a grin.
"If you didn't want to do it, you could have refused."
Her mouth widened, "I did!" she pointed out, "And now thanks to you, I'm sick. Happy?" she crossed her arms, still pouting.
"I do not agree with that accusation," Sokka said, "But if it makes you feel better, I will take half of the guilt…." she raised her fist to hit him again. He raised his hands in defense, "Fine, fine. Eighty percent." he teased.
Azula rolled her eyes and dropped back into the mattress. "You idiot…." she snickered, "I spend the worst night."
"You did?"
"Yeah, I didn't sleep at all," she complained "Anyways, should you also be going?" she inquired.
"What about you?"
She shrugged and shook her head, "I have to rest, so for the rest of the day I'm confined here. I guess you will have to find someone else to annoy to the dead." she mocked.
"Oh…"
"What?" she quirked an eyebrow looking at him, "Disappointed you will not get to annoy me?" Azula teased him.
Sokka shook his head, "It's just…. I actually." he played with his fingers nervously, glancing around the floor.
"What?"
"I just... I just don't want to find anyone else," he muttered.
Her heart started to beat really fast.
"What do you mean?" Azula frowned.
He scratched the back of his neck and gulped, "Why... don't I stay here, with you... and still annoy... you?" he proposed, Truth was, he didn't want to spend the festival with any other one, who was not Azula.
Lately, he had been wanting to see her more and more every passing day, and when he was not with her, all he could think about was when he will see her again?
"Are you serious?" she asked stirred and the same time curious.
He shrugged, "Why wouldn't I? I mean, what other options do I have? My sister na ha…. Zuko?. Pass…" said Sokka.
Azula smirked, "So, are you saying that you will prefer to stay here, watching me being miserable, for at least the next six hours than being by yourself today?" she said quizzically.
"Yeah…." he admitted, "And, that way we could be miserable with each other."
The Princess frowned, "Are you sure you want to miss the festival?" she insisted again. It was not that his company was going to bother her or anything slightly like it, in fact, it was the total opposite. But she still couldn't help to ask.
"Nope…." he shook his head, "And there are still many festivals to come." he smiled at her, "But, another chance to bother you while being sick and you can't do much about it? It's a life chance opportunity." he teased her.
"You…. Tsk!" she huffed, crossing her arms, "In that case, it's nice to know that at least you have some decency and decided to spend the day here, after all, me being sick, it's your fault." she accused him.
He rolled his eyes to annoy her. "Yes, yes, whiny..." he mocked, "Anything else?"
Then she remembered, she hadn't actually eaten anything yet that day due to her lack of appetite. "Actually, yes… " she said nervously, "C-Can you get me something to eat? I haven't eaten since last night, and I haven't had got appetite until now…." Azula made a grin.
And then remembered he hadn't eaten anything, either. "Now that you mentioned, I'm hungry too…" Sokka said remembering he left his food untouched in the dining table, when he rushed to find her, "I will be right back in a second." he said standing up to take his leave.
"Sokka…" she called him when he was by the door.
"Huh?"
She smiled softly, "Thank you…"
His heart stirred at her smile, "F-For what?"
Azula shrugged, "Just… for being here."
"It's my pleasure," he said before leaving the room and leaving the Princess alone in her room.
It took her a moment to realize that she was still smiling like a silly teenager, but she could help it. Sokka has beaten every expectation. He had decided to stay in her room, with her, while being sick than going to the festival, and that had made her heart stir. It was stupid, but the fact that he had chosen to stay with her, made her heart race.
Every action he did, every single gesture he had been having towards her lately, had made her realize that it was going to be harder and harder to let him go. She longed for his company more than anyone, and she had found herself thinking of him more than she should. Was she... possibly?
It didn't matter what she felt; she had to remember to not fondle him; he was meant to leave, he was meant to be free. Unlike her.
Sokka came back with a tray full of food when she was actually starving.
"Sorry, it took so long," he said setting the tray in front of her, "But I ask them to make something for you, so you will feel better."
"What?" she asked.
"They said you would like it... " he showed her the plate in the middle.
Her widened, "Gulab Jamun!" she said, taking one and biting it. She left out a moan. "Oh my god, I love you," she said smiling, enjoying the taste.
Sokka smirked, "You said it to me or to the food?" he joked.
"It will break your heart to know," Azula mocked, "They only make this on special occasions, for feasts or when someone important is coming to the Palace," she explained as Sokka arranged the plates, for the both of them to eat.
"How much do you like them?" he asked.
"They are probably tied with mochi," she said before taking a bite of her food.
"So, a lot huh?" he raised an eyebrow, "Your father must have asked the kitchen staff to do them, for you, to make you feel better."
Azula shrugged, "Probably."
They both continued to eat.
"How did you know where to find me?" The Princess asked him when they were almost done eating.
He glanced at her smiling softly, "I will always find you." said Sokka in a way that made her heart race. She hid her blushed face with the help of her loose strands of hair. "I was looking for you." he admitted, "I searched everywhere, but it was until Suki told me that you were sick, that I…"
"Why were you looking for me?" Azula asked him.
"Well, I wanted to tell you about my training with Piandao." he scratched his neck.
The Princess's eyes widened. She had totally forgotten that he had his first lesson with him that morning. "Right! How did it go?" she asked curiously.
"Well…" he made a grin.
"You didn't maid a fool of yourself, did you?" Azula looked at him sternly.
"I…"
"Oh my god, you did."
"Will you let me finish?" he said a little affronted, but a little joyful too. "It was… to the lack of a better word, interesting."
"Well…" she shrugged, "Piandao always had a quirky way to teach. Even with Zuko, as I can remember, he was… very unusual." she explained.
"What do you mean?" Sokka asked while moving the tray out of the way when all the plates were empty.
"For instance, he used to make him paint and practice calligraphy -which was much need it for him- but…" she frowned remembering, "... also made him do other weird stuff, which, he said that it will help him improve his sword-fighting skills. Did he make you do something like that?"
"Yeah," he said, "Most of our training today was doing calligraphy. But at least, by the end of it, he taught me the basics with the sword."
She side smiled, "Well, the Fire Nation wasn't built in a day, so… You will have to keep training."
"Yeah…" he leaned back supporting with his hands before asking, "Why did Zuko learn sword fighting? I mean he is a fire bender so I don't see the point to it." Sokka asked curiously.
"While growing up, Zuko was a fearful child, he was even afraid of his own fire," Azula explained, "So, my parents thought, that if he didn't want to fire bend, he could at least learn to master something else. And he learned to master the dao swords. Eventually, he overcomes his fear to fire bend and started to mix it with his sword fighting skills."
"Oh… So he was a weeping brat while growing up?" Sokka mocked.
Azula nodded snickering, "But in all fairness, I might have had something to do with his traumatizing childhood. Between my bending, and me using him as a target whenever I felt too."
"You used him as a target?" he asked perplex, "Of what?"
"While he was training with Piandao, my father thought it would be wise that I also learned another discipline," said Azula, "So he got me a master, the captain of the Yu-Yan. The Yu-Yan are elite archers, the best of the best." she explained, "He was a magnificent archer who taught me all I know in bow and arrow." she said cockily, "And, I don't intend to brag..."
"Yeah, sure..." he mocked, rolling his eyes.
"But my aim, it's perfect."
"Of course it is... But wait..." Sokka narrowed his eyes and tilted his head. "So, you used Zuko as a target for your aim practice?"
"In my defense, they were pointless arrows," she uttered, "He was never in real danger, -my parents would have killed me otherwise- and also, he was always such a drama queen," said Azula moving her hand carelessly. Sokka chuckled. "Do you think I might have traumatized him…?"
"Yes," he said laughing, "But probably like, every other younger sister to her older brother."
"Yeah, well, I beat Katara never burned your eyebrows, right?"
He leaned bemused, "Oh my god, you didn't!"
"I was three, I think," Azula confessed, "The first time," she muttered.
"The first time?" he raised an eyebrow quizzically.
The Princess rolled her eyes also playfully, "I was learning to control my bending, okay?" she stuck out her tongue, which caused him to laugh more. "What about you? Any particular childhood trauma? Like, why did you want to learn sword fighting?"
"If you could count the amount of time, Katara froze me accidentally or buried me in the snow, while practicing, you could say I'm pretty traumatized," Sokka said, which caused her to chuckle. He took a moment to look at her beautiful smile. He forced himself to lower his gaze, to ease his heartbeat. "I guess, there is no particular reason. Sword fighting is something I always wanted to learn since… since I can remember, really, but I never got the chance to do it, till…"
"Till now." Azula smiled.
"Till now," he repeated also smiling, "Thank you again, Azula."
"Hush..." she waved her hand carelessly, "I might have asked Piandao to do it, but it was all on you the fact he accepted. You earned it," she said, "But, don't you dare to do something shameful, huh?" she gave him a menacing look, "I will kill you."
"Don't worry. I won't," he promised.
After a while chatting, they started to play a card game that Sokka took borrowed, from someone. He didn't say who, and Azula didn't bother to ask.
"I won," Sokka said proudly, showing her his cards.
"Yeah… by cheating," she said, Azula was very sure he was cheating somehow.
"Sore loser." he mocked.
"Sore loser?" she huffed, "Fine. You can have this one, so that will be one to twenty?" she said smirking.
"Haha…" Sokka pouted, and when he leaned to take her cards and shuffle them again.
The Princess got the look of something.
She pointed at it. "What is that?"
"Nothing," he said, glancing away, trying to ignore her.
"Move, I want to…" Azula tried to make him move to see what it was.
"Azula, no... It's just.."
"What is it?" she asked again, pushing him, "Let me see, Sokka."
"Let it go, will you?" he said stretching as far as he could so she wouldn't reach it.
"Yes, when I know what is it," Somehow, she had managed to get on top of him, pinning him into the mattress. "So you were cheating and still managed loose?" Azula said mockingly, looking at the card he had been hiding.
"I-I just…" she looked down at him. He was incredibly still and blushed, "Is it normal I find this extremely sexy, and I am actually feeling a little turned on?" he said, which in made her widened her eyes by surprise. Sokka also widened his eyes, "Did I say that out loud?"
A/N:
Gulab-yamum: Popular dish in India and Pakistan, it's made with a dough of maida (flour) and evaporated condensate milk which is fried in shape of small balls, with different fillings.
Water day: Based on Songkran from Thailand. It's the celebration of new year in Thailand, people go on the street and have water fights all over the city.
Earth day: Mixture of a few holidays around the world, where people go and plant trees and thanks to the earth for everything that give us.