Ember Island
Chapter 6
A/N: Sorry for the late update. I was totally into Gargoyles, still am actually. But anyways, this chapter was hard for me write and I actually think Azula is OOC towards the end. Regardless, here's the update.
"Like waves washing away the footprints on the sand…"
The fires dimmed, casting the large room into darkness. Azula set placidly in the red cushioned chair, dressed to the nines in her royal attire. Ty Lee set to her right, also dressed to the 'T' in royal formal attire (that she borrowed from Mai's closet). Une set to her left, dressed in her normal blue tunic with a glass of some type of alcohol in her hand. The acrobat seemed to be the only one who was actually excited about what they were about to see. Silently, Azula wondered how on earth she managed to get herself in this situation. She had hoped that once her mother left she would never ever be forced to see the Ember Island Players again.
No such luck apparently. It had been a rainy day when Ty Lee skipped into the living room where Une and Azula were minding their own business doing their own thing. "Guess what?" The acrobat said happily as she flopped down in Azula's lap, completely ignoring the fact that Azula was doing something.
The princess frowned. "What?" Azula asked, keeping the frown even when Ty Lee pecked her lips, though it was hard to maintain.
"If Une agrees to accompany us, Zuko said that we could…wait for it…" she paused dramatically as Une began to pay attention. "Go see the Ember Island Players. Yay! Isn't that exciting?"
Azula groaned, "Not really."
"Ember Island Players?" Une asked, interrupting the acrobat before she could start pouting.
"Yes." Azula answered. "My Mother use to make us see them every summer. They butchered Love Amongst Dragons every year."
"So they're performers." The water bender stated.
"Loosely." Azula intoned dryly.
"Yep. But this year they've come out with a new play called 'The Tale of Two lovers.' My guess is that it's that Earth Kingdom legend. You know that one that concerns those two people and the caves or something. Anyways, there were a lot of rocks on the poster."
Une nodded. "It could be interesting."
"Don't say that." Azula scolded and almost tossed her book at the water bender. "That's the last thing I want to do."
The water bender smirked. "I don't know, Azula. It could be good for you to get out into the real world for a change."
"Besides I've never been." Ty Lee noted and it was settled.
Azula sighed, damn Ty Lee and her never seeing these damned performers. Golden eyes glanced over to the acrobat, who was sitting on the end of her seat, unable to stay still to save her life. At least it wasn't as bad as when that bastard Sokka thought it was a good idea to give Ty Lee cactus juice, she was literally bouncing off the wall. Everyone thought it was hilarious until Azula happened to walk by. Of course when grey eyes caught sight of the princess nothing else mattered. Not where they were, not the mood Azula was in, and definitely not the fact that there were other people in the room. Had Ty Lee not been trying to take Azula's clothing off the princess would have been flattered and smug. But, as they were, Azula grabbed her acrobat's nimble hands, effectively stopping them, and kissed the woman till her legs could no longer sustain her weight – much to the surprise of everyone in the room – before storming off to her bed room.
Again the convalescent sighed as two performers came onto the stage, oddly enough wearing blue and red. "Long ago." The female performer wearing blue started.
"When the world was a much different place." The male performer wearing red finished.
They held hands. "There was a love forbidden by time."
~x~
"That was the dumbest, most ridiculous play I have ever seen." Une raved, amusing Azula at how fierce her attitude towards the play was as they walked their way back to the mansion, donning normal attire in order to blend in.
"I don't know." Azula started. "It wasn't as bad as Love Amongst the Dragons. I found the story original, the acting wasn't half bad, and the graphics were pretty good."
"I thought it was romantic." Ty Lee intoned, looping her arm with Azula's and smiling – which was reciprocated. "The way the Water Tribe warrior and the Fire Nation warrior would meet even though their entire people disapproved."
Une scoffed and rolled her eyes. "You're only saying that because you don't know the real story."
"I just don't understand why the Fire Lord got involved." Ty Lee admitted, ignoring what Une said completely.
"The Fire warrior was the best in the Fire Lord's army." Azula explained. "The Fire Lord didn't want to give him up."
Ty Lee smiled, leaning her head on Azula's shoulder. "Oh. You're so smart Azula."
The simple compliment made the princess smile. "That's not how it really happened." Une moaned, smacking her head with the palm of her hand.
"Well enlighten us." Azula challenged.
The water bender sighed and slowed her stride to match the couple. "The actual tale is based a very long time ago. And it doesn't concern just any Fire Warrior and Water Warrior. It concerned Agni the god of fire and Undine the goddess of water back when they actually involved themselves in the affairs of their people. In the beginning they hated each other, absolutely loathed each other. Then the war of the gods started and everyone fought. Agni and Undine fought against each other the hardest."
A brown eyebrow lifted. "But then how did they fall in love?"
Une sighed. "The god of the Earth thought it would be hilarious to cage them in a mountain together. They were stuck in there for seven days and one thing lead to another." A soft smile played on her lips as she fingered the red gem on her choker. "And when they escaped that affair didn't stop. Agni handed over the status of Fire Lord to his son and Undine did the same with hers. So they could be together. Of course when the new Fire Lord found out he wasn't too happy."
The couple nodded. "What did Undine's son say about it?"
Une shrugged. "He didn't care. He just wanted her to be happy."
"I suppose with the Fire Nation being more military based than the Water Tribe the Fire Lord, new or not, would not be happy."
"Oh, he wasn't." Une smiled. "He got into many fights with his father over it but nothing like the exaggerated fight in that play. The boy knew his place, he would not start a physical altercation with his father."
Azula chuckled. "That would have been stupid."
Ty Lee nodded in agreement. "But did they end up together?"
"Of course." Une answered automatically. "What kind of story would it be if they didn't?"
Ty Lee chuckled. "A bad one," she squeezed Azula's arm. "But if you think about it the play wasn't that far off from the truth."
Une rolled her eyes, "It couldn't have more far off."
Azula chuckled and pointed out. "You're offended as if it concerns you."
"That's ridiculous." Une stated with a wave her hand. "But more importantly, how do you feel Azula. This is your first time out in public in a long time."
Azula scowled at the convenient way Une segued the focus of the subject to her. "I'm alright I suppose. There wasn't much interaction with people, though. We were in a secluded booth and didn't talk to anyone. I don't know how that was supposed to help me." She said as the mansion came into view. "If you wanted to see how I do around people then we should have probably gone somewhere else, like a public beach or…"
"That's a great idea!" Ty Lee interrupted excitedly, "I didn't think you'd want to go so I didn't ask." She let go of Azula's arm and as she was running to the mansion she called back. "I'll send a messenger bird right away."
The princess only stood dumbfounded, mouth slightly opened, as she watched her acrobat race towards the building. "Fuck." She cursed lightly, which made Une laugh. "Why did I have to say that?"
The water bender shook her head and continued to laugh. "Looks like we'll be going to the public beach."
"I hate you." Azula replied as she continued her path to the house – fully aware that Une was going to back the acrobat and not come up with some reasonable, if not completely true, reason why Azula couldn't go to a public beach.
~x~
Azula lay on her towel, soaking in the rays of the sun and trying her hardest to ignore the sounds of everyone else on the beach. Honestly, she was not as annoyed as she thought she would be. Ignoring the people on the beach was much easier than she imagined. But ignoring Ty Lee was another thing completely. The public beach was not in walking distance from the mansion so they took a carriage, considering a palanquin was simply out of the question – thank you Zuko. Azula had thought nothing of the large bag that rested beside the water bender or the white gauzy dress that Ty Lee donned. Well, that's not true, the dress Ty Lee was wearing was tight around her supple form and almost transparent. It was all Azula could do not to take her the instant she saw her.
Those thoughts were amplified when Ty Lee set her bag next to Azula's towel and began unpacking her own things, after fending off about three potential suitors. Ty Lee set up her umbrella – which Azula had no idea how she managed to fit in her bag – and took her dress off, revealing a white two-piece suit that barely covered their intended areas. The princess noticed that more than half the male population and some of the female population on the beach turned their attention to the acrobat as her lean built form stretched out on her towel. Azula knew – she was one of them.
Azula grumbled and forced her attention away from the woman beside her and on the chuckle that came from the water bender on the other side of her. "Someone's got a crush." Une sing songed in a whisper so only Azula could hear her.
"Fuck you." Azula answered back, glancing back at Ty Lee's revealed form before her view was blocked by some bulky guy. "Don't you have an ocean to explore?" she asked, turning her attention back to Une when Ty Lee told the guy to 'take a hike' in a much nicer way than Azula would have.
"What? And leave you here with all of these potential victims. I think not." Une said.
"You're in a mood today." Azula pointed out.
Une looked at the fire bender through the dark glasses that covered her eyes – an item she had to explain to Azula. "I suppose I am. I'll be meeting up with my spouse later tonight."
The princess nodded. "I see. When was the last time…."
Her question was interrupted when a round ball hit the sand between her and the waterbender and sending sand flying at them. Azula grabbed the ball angrily with every intention of bursting it. Une placed her hand over Azula's and shook her head. "It was an accident. Be nice."
A little boy ran up to her smiling like an idiot in her opinion. "Can we have our ball back?" he asked, gesturing mildly to his three friends. "We're real sorry, we didn't mean to let it land here." He added when Azula made no moved to give him the ball.
Azula scoffed, "Fine. Just don't let it happen again. You won't get it back if it does."
The little boy bowed when the ball was in his hands, saying a quick thank you, and ran off back to his friends. "See was that so hard?"
"It nearly killed me." Azula scowled as that same ball drew her attention as if flew over a net – ignoring the fact that yet another guy was talking to her Ty Lee.
Standing, the princess made her way over to the fire volley game that was going on. Surprisingly she recognized the people who were playing, the same girl with the weak left foot that they had dominated a long time ago. "I don't understand." Azula admitted when Une stepped up beside her.
"I don't either, Fire Volley was never one of my strong points." Une answered, knowing full well that was not what Azula talking about. "In fact I think the game is somewhat pointless."
Azula scowled, "Not that. I understand how to play the game perfectly." Une chuckled as she nodded. "What I don't understand is why they still play. Those are the same exact people we played against the last time I came here. We dominated them, it was humiliating. But they still play."
"It's not about winning, Azula." Une answered, the scowl deepening on the princess' young face. "It's true. They do not play because they want to win. They play because they love the game. They play to have fun."
"To have fun?" Azula repeated, that was an interesting concept.
Une placed a cold hand on Azula's bare shoulder, causing the princess to shiver at how cold it was against her hot skin. "I understand that that is a foreign concept to you. To do something because you enjoy it seems pointless and weak, but it is not. It can be very relaxing."
Azula chuckled, her body getting use to the cold hand on her shoulder. "It's not that foreign to me. I know for a fact that my father would not approve of what I do with Ty Lee and I do quite enjoy my time with her." she admitted.
The water bender was surprised that Azula was not blushing with what she was saying. The first time they discussed Azula's private time with Ty Lee the princess was completely red and had actually stammered for the first time her life. "Very true." Une agreed. "Speaking of which." They turned in unison to where the acrobat was still sitting, trying her hardest to fend off one guy in-particular that simply would not leave her alone while still being polite about it. "I think she's trying to impress you."
"What?" Azula said incredulous.
"I'm assuming she's never had a problem attracting men and she's trying to impress you by telling them to go away instead of using them at her whim." Une explained. "I'm actually surprised that you're not jealous."
"Ty Lee knows where her loyalties lie." Azula replied and rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms and watched as the man would not go away, grinding her teeth together in annoyance.
Une noticed of course, recognized the signs of anger as the convalescent's temperature rose. "Are you going to let him harass her like that?" The water bender pushed verbally, getting the effect she desired as Azula nearly stormed over to her lover and the man.
She debated, as she slowed her pace slightly, if she should just sit down beside Ty Lee and wrap an arm around her waist. Her scowl deepened when the man handed Ty Lee a ridiculous shell and decided that her first option was out of the question. A devious smile formed on her lips briefly before she hid it behind a neutral mask. "Excuse me." She said with the most sickenly sweet voice she could muster as she tapped him on the shoulder.
He turned to her, eyeing her thin toned body and smiled at the princess. She had to force herself not to throw up. "Can I help you?" He asked, his voice deep and swoon worthy.
"Azula." Ty Lee whispered, wondering what her princess was up to and worried that she might actually fall for this guy.
He was, after all, a grand example of the male gender. Had the situation been different like it was a long time ago when Ty Lee believed that she would have no chance with her princess she may have taken him up on his offer for a date. But as things were she couldn't be happier and had only gotten annoyed with his persistent pestering. She had been relieved when Azula finally intervened. "You are in my way, please move." Azula intoned politely, the slight scowl she allowed to form on her lips the only sign that she was annoyed.
"Oh, sorry." He said, his white teeth gleaming in the light.
The last thing Azula was, was impressed. His bulky form moved slowly as he stood and the instant he was close enough to out of her way Azula slipped quickly between him, taking his place beside Ty Lee. "Hey there sweet sugar-cakes," She drawled with a smirk, though her tone was completely serious and that caused to Ty Lee laugh.
Azula smiled at the sound of Ty Lee's girlish laugh. The fact that the man wasn't to please by the laugh at the lame pick-up line also fueled her smile. Without any form of hesitation Azula pulled Ty Lee closer to her, their skin touching lightly. The princess tightened her hold on her acrobat's slim waist as she lifted the shorter girl's chin and initiated a passionate, soul searing kiss. Ty Lee was so shocked by the sudden public display of affection that for the first half of the kiss she only set there. Azula chuckled, pulled back very slightly and commanded, "Kiss me."
Ty Lee did not need to be told twice as she moved against the taller woman, her nimble hands gliding over Azula's already hot skin till they intertwined behind Azula's neck. The kiss deepened when a hot tongue ran across smooth lips. It was Ty Lee who eventually broke the kiss, laying her head on Azula's shoulders in an attempt to stop herself from going a step further and making love to the princess on a very public beach. Azula only chuckled. Her smile however, faded quickly when she looked up and saw the gawking face of the man. "You're still here because…?" she asked, the irritation clearly heard in her tone.
"I…I um…" he stammered and that wasn't good enough for Azula.
"Leave. Now." She demanded as she threw a blue ball of fire at his feet. The heat on his feet was enough to get his bulky body moving. "Idiot." She whispered, hearing Ty Lee's laugh vibrate against her neck. "Ty Lee." Azula called, once again lifting Ty Lee's chin so that grey met gold. She kissed her once to get her point across. "You are mine, don't you forget that." She whispered, her hot breath sending tingles down the acrobat's spine.
"Never." Ty Lee answered back.
"Aw, isn't that cute." Une's smooth voice mocked lightly as she set down on her towel.
Azula frowned but shot back quickly. "You're just jealous."
Une sighed, "I am." The doctor admitted easily, flipping her hand slightly. "You two are so lucky, getting to see each other every day."
Ty Lee scowled slightly at the admission, though Azula was willing to leave well enough alone as she lay down on the towel. "What do you mean? How often do you get to see your husband?"
A sleek brown eyebrow lifted. "Not nearly enough." A deep smooth female voice answered before Une could, drawing the attention of the three women sun bathing.
A pale hand ran through wild black locks, tied at the nape of her neck in a mock semblance of control, as the woman knelt beside the slack-jawed doctor. A slight smirk crossed her thin lips as her brick-red eyes softened. The woman took one of Une's paler hands in her own perfectly manicured grip, flipping the pale webbed hand over to lay chaste kisses on smooth knuckles. Azula examined the woman sitting beside her still stunned doctor, wondering why her face looked vaguely familiar. Hooded brown-red eyes lifted to wink at the princess, revealing the thick blue collar circling a slender neck, a precious dark sapphire hanging from the collar to rest perfectly in the shallow dip of her collar – the symbol for water engraved on its surface. "My lady." The woman whispered, her hot breathe ghosting over Une's cool knuckles and making the doctor blush.
Une snatched her hand back in a feign attempt at annoyance, which only accomplished to make the woman smirk. "What are you doing here?" Une's cross voice asked, the couple next to her watching in rapt amusement.
A sly hand whispered over Une's pale shoulder, down her arm causing the woman to shiver against her will. "Why, my dear." The woman purred, her hooded eyes smoldering, sending a chill down the spines of all three women. "I couldn't bear to be apart from you a minute more."
"You're in a poetic mood today, love." Une intoned, clearly unimpressed.
The woman sighed, a swift light puff of smoke emitting from her lips. "Well, I thought I'd delve into my romantic side. Clearly I'm not doing a very a good job."
Une chuckled, patting the woman's cheek. "You were doing an okay job. But you're romantic just by being you."
"That's so sweet." The woman smiled as she stood and offered her hand to Une. "Come, my love. Let's make a date out of the rest of the day, shall we."
Une almost said yes but glanced over to her charge. "Go. We don't want you here." Azula said with a wave of her hand.
"Azula…" Une started.
Golden eyes rolled, "I promise I won't kill anyone."
"I'll make sure she's good." Ty Lee promised, patting Azula's thigh
"See, she'll make sure the princess is a good girl. Spend the day with me; we don't even have to leave the room I have."
Une sighed but smiled as she took the offered hand. "Don't tell Zuko." She warned as she simply left her things on the beach and walked off towards the inland with the woman.
Ty Lee and Azula watched as the unnamed woman wrapped her arm around Une's slim waist, fingering the thin fabric that covered her legs. "Wow, who would have thought?" The acrobat smiled. "Your doctor is married to a woman. Did you know that?"
"I had an idea." Azula admitted, leaning back on the towel, dragging Ty Lee with her.
Ty Lee sighed happily as her skin rubbed against Azula's. "How did you know?"
Azula chuckled as her pale hand snaked down Ty Lee's stomach, tracing the toned muscles of her abdomen and delighting in the slight moan the acrobat muffled against her neck in anticipation. "She gave me a few pointers." Azula whispered, slipping her hand past the fabric of bottoms. "Like this one."
Ty Lee nipped at Azula's neck to stop herself from moaning as thin long fingers caressed soft brown curls to tease at lower lips. "Azula." Ty Lee managed as those fingers delved deeper; pushing past moist walls in a slow, even rhythm. "We're…in public." She stated even as she rocked against the hand.
Azula smirked, her golden eyes glazed with the power that rushed through her as she controlled the acrobat beside her. "Now, now." She teased, resting a hand on the acrobat's hips to still them. "We wouldn't want anyone to notice."
"You're evil." Ty Lee managed through rugged breathes.
"I know." Azula agreed huskily.
~x~
Ty Lee set up on the towel at the sound of familiar voices, confused for only second at her surroundings. "Ty Lee?" Azula questioned lightly, having been woken from her light doze – not that it was a hard thing to do, she rarely dozed peacefully with so many people around.
The acrobat blushed as she looked down at Azula's hands and what those hands had done not more than two hours ago. "I just thought I heard familiar voices." She answered, trying to hide her blush.
"Oh? Did Une decide to come back?" Azula questioned as she set up, stretching slightly and noticing with dismay that her pale skin was red and taunt with premature sunburn.
"No, I don't think so." Ty Lee replied, looking around and not seeing the pale woman anywhere. "I don't see her."
"Then who…?" Azula asked as her question was answered a second later by a male voice not far from them.
Both princess and acrobat turned towards the man and his friend who were talking to two girls not far from them. "Is that…it can't be." Ty Lee whispered. "Do you think they'll remember us?" She turned to her princess who only shrugged.
"Seeing as they're coming this way, I'm guessing no."
"Hi." The familiar male voice began, his white teeth sparkling in the sun.
He was older than she remembered but still just as good looking. His black hair was done up in a traditional top knot and seemed to be a bit longer than before, and now he was sporting a mustache. "Can I help you?" Ty Lee asked, acting as demurely as possible.
"I'm Chan." He introduced himself with a seductive smile. "This is Roun-Jian." Again he smiled. "There's a party at my place later tonight to celebrate my promotion to general." He said smugly, missing Azula's golden eyes roll. "If you two beautiful ladies would be so nice to grace us with your presence I'm sure the party would be spectacular."
Ty Lee glanced over to Azula, who seemed to have found the sand very interesting. "We'll think about it." she answered distractedly, worrying at Azula's lack of emotion and fearing that she might still have some sort of feelings toward the man that stood in front of them.
Chan's smile widened. "I hope to see you there." He eyed Azula as he and his friend waved and went to the next pair of beach goers.
"Azula?" Ty Lee questioned. The princess looked up at her acrobat. "Are you okay?"
A dark eyebrow lifted as a slow smile lit up her face. "I'm fine. Do you want to go to this party?"
Ty Lee shrugged. "We should ask Une if it's okay."
"So you want to go?" Azula repeated.
The acrobat hesitated, she hadn't been to a party or celebration for a long time. Not since the end of the war. Bashfully, she shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "It could be fun."
~x~
So far, Ty Lee was not having as much fun at this little social gathering as she would have in the past. Standing in the corner as she was, sipping on whatever was handed to her and listening to the endless chatter of the people around her. In her short life she had strived to be the center of attention at all times. She no longer felt the need to be the center of attention but being alienated like she was, was not pleasant. Causally she looked to her right where Une and her lover were engaged in, well, each other. Mostly they ignored everyone else but every once in a while Une's blue eyes would cast a glance over to Azula.
They had arrived by carriage just after the sun had set. Ty Lee had stood beside the tall form of Une's lover silently as the doctor counseled her charge. The older Fire bender was not thrilled about going to the party of someone she didn't know but relented when Une casually mentioned that it could be fun. They didn't talk to each other, both eavesdropping on the conversation in the carriage. From the little pieces of the conversation she could catch, Une seemed to be giving Azula tips on how to act in polite society. What to say and things to do and even how to laugh in a way that seemed like she was actually listening were the few things Ty Lee caught. And that's what Azula had done. The instant she had entered the house all attention was turned to her. Whatever regal magic Une had preformed worked fully and even though Ty Lee was one-hundred percent sure that no one knew exactly who Azula was they flocked to her like sheep.
Chan was propped against the pillar Azula was near, his smile sparkling as Azula laughed at something he said, the metals he received for this service (which weren't many) donned his red vest and sparkled in the light. The knot in Ty Lee's stomach tightened as she watched. The acrobat knew where her loyalties lied; she would stay with Azula until the world ended. Azula wasn't bound in such a way. The princess could have anyone that she wanted. Ty Lee reasoned that Azula hadn't been around a lot of people in a while and before that not many people would be around her. Now that she was out in society anyone could take Ty Lee's place as her lover and she had been interested in Chan in the past.
So wound up in her turmoil Ty Lee didn't notice Une walk up to Azula, whisper something in her ear and tilt her head toward Ty Lee. Ty Lee also didn't notice the look on Chan's face when Azula causally brushed him off and headed to her lover. Or the smirk on Une's face as she watched the princess before turning back to her mate. "Ty Lee." Azula's warm voice said as her hand landed on the acrobat's arm.
She jumped at the sudden appearance of her princess. "Azula." The Acrobat replied.
Azula smirked, taking Ty Lee's hand in her own. "Come on." Obediently, Ty Lee followed Azula out of the house to the balcony facing the ocean. Azula turned when the sounds of the party eased and the sound of the waves of the ocean crashing on the sand took over, placing her hands on Ty Lee's shoulders. "Une pointed out that you don't seem to be having any fun." The princess admitted.
Ty Lee sighed and looked down slightly, debating if she should bring up her feelings or not. Finally she forced a smile and looked up, making sure not to look into deep golden eyes. "I'm okay." She answered. Azula only continued to look at the shorter woman, her expression disbelieving and demanding the truth. Ty Lee exhaled deeply, her grey eyes casting to the ground again, unable to look in the direction of that stare. Though looking away didn't stop the over bearing aura of the stare. "It's…it's nothing." She glanced up slightly and remained silent.
The silent awkward moment continued for what felt like forever but was probably only a couple of minutes. Uncharacteristically, Azula released her lover and moved to lean against the railing of the balcony, seemingly letting the subject go. "You know this is the same house we were in last time." she noted, touching the wood under her arms and frowning slightly.
Ty Lee didn't see it though. "I noticed." She replied weakly as she leaned against the balcony beside her princess – looking out into the dark ocean though she didn't see any of it. "They rebuilt the place pretty well."
Azula smirked at the comment and nodded. "Yes, they did."
Again a silent moment followed. "Is this the same place where Chan took you last time?" the acrobat hesitantly asked, her tone low half hoping Azula wouldn't hear her.
She remember all too well when the princess had informed her of her kiss with the then general's son and the tight hard ball that formed in her gut that she down played. It had hurt more than she wanted to admit, especially since she was the one who set the princess up in the first place. "It was." Azula answered, aware of Ty Lee tensing beside her.
"You...you know." Ty Lee started hesitantly, making very sure not to look at Azula. "I know that you're a princess and I'm, well, I'm…if you want to be with…with someone else who has more status…or…."
"You don't want to be with me?" Azula asked forcing a frown, knowing that that was not what Ty Lee was saying.
"No!" Ty Lee denied quickly, her braid snapping as she turned to her princess. She laid her hands on Azula's arms and moving closer till their bodies brushed. "I want nothing more than to be with you."
Azula nodded slightly, smiling only a little as she placed her long hands around Ty Lee's waist. "Is that what's been bothering you? Were you afraid I'd choose him over you?"
"You were interested in him before." Ty Lee answered meekly, moving her hands to Azula's shoulders.
The princess chuckled, kissing her temple lightly. "That was a long time ago."
"Not that long ago." Ty Lee reminded. "I'm just saying…"
A slender finger pressed against Ty Lee's lips, stopping Ty Lee from finishing that sentence. "You will tell no one what I'm about to say." Ty Lee nodded. "You are the only one I want to be with. I love you and only you." Ty Lee opened her mouth to respond and was quickly silenced as warm lips were pressed almost roughly against hers. The princess pulled away, though the acrobat was still firmly pressed against her. "Besides." She whispered wickedly against Ty Lee's lips with a smile to match. "You're a much better kisser."
TBC.