2/3: PARADISE
In Azula's opinion, dreaming about their relationship is pointless. She used to think predicting the future was simple; she used to have her life planned out for the next twenty years. That comet proved how absurd that was.
Life twists. Life turns. Life punches you in the gut over and over again.
Ty Lee does not seem to understand that concept. Perhaps nothing bad has ever happened to her before. That is always a feasible possibility when it comes to the girl standing in front of Azula.
"Okay, we get to go on a vacation," Ty Lee says brightly. She does not stop smiling as she speaks.
"I do not want to go on vacation, and I do not do things I do not want to do," Azula purrs.
Ty Lee cocks her head to the side.
"That was confusing," she says, expecting Azula to explain herself further. Or at least be happy about their vacation.
"No, it's actually very forward and easy to understand," Azula replies impatiently. She sips at the drink in her hand that Ty Lee so lovingly made. Well, and enabled, but if it makes Azula happy she wants to do it.
"Name your paradise," Ty Lee offers, her grin growing. That might work.
"Away from this conversation," Azula snaps.
Ty Lee sighs before she realizes how unkind that was.
"Oh, come on, be honest."
"That was honest," Azula retorts, frowning at the accusation of lying when she is, for once, telling the truth. "Do you mean a less immediate paradise?"
"Sure." Ty Lee shrugs.
Azula sighs.
"Away from this palace."
Ty Lee's eyes sparkle. She feels very hopeful now.
"Okay, that's the definition of vacation," she chirps.
"No, vacations are by definition, impermanent. I want to be permanently away from this palace." Azula cannot even summon the willpower to drink.
"Well, my paradise is wherever you are." Ty Lee bats her eyelashes.
That is the last straw. Azula sits up on her knees. "Firstly, if your paradise is right here, right now, with me, that's awfully depressing. Secondly, I think you have a severe problem that no one has ever pointed out."
"Yes?" Ty Lee leans back with her lips pursed.
"You say things you think people in love should say. Like I love you more than anyone has ever loved anything, or my paradise is wherever you are, or I want to help you because I love you. You believe our relationship should be how a child imagines relationships.
"You want to go on fancy dates, to buy each other sweet, socially appropriate gifts. For us to smile in each other's presence constantly. For us to never ever argue about anything, although that one could just be out of fear of my wrath so I will give you the benefit of the doubt.
"You want romance to be endless glamour, like some kind of unending paradise – which is probably why you think our alleged love is paradise – and that may be fun for you briefly, but if you ever want to have a real relationship with me that lasts, you should perhaps wake up to what love actually looks like."
And that makes her cry, of course. Azula often regrets it when she says things that make Ty Lee sob, but right now, Azula thinks Ty Lee needs it. She needs to burn herself on the fire to learn that fire is hot. She needs to get hurt and argue to learn that love isn't solely fun and games.
"You're mean," Ty Lee chokes.
Azula has zero sympathy.
"You ask me to be honest more often," she purrs.
"I don't ask you to be cruel and heartless," Ty Lee shrieks.
"If you haven't noticed after all of these years, I am cruel and heartless, and I always have been. You should notice that I do not have to be honest with you, and I could just play along with your fantasy until I was tired of sleeping with you. That is probably the kindest thing I have ever done."
Ty Lee doesn't say anything.
She sniffles, sobs and walks away.
Azula cannot believe this, but she just returns to the drink in her hand.