"It's nice," Ty Lee said happily, glancing around at the lovely city square in the Upper Ring. "I think I'm going to miss this place."
Azula cocked an eyebrow, far less impressed. She was leaning against the wall of a store, looking at the busy streets. Ty Lee was standing in front of her, clutching shopping bags.
The square was abuzz with live music and people everywhere, with a lovely fountain that had sculptures of what must be historical or mythological figures for the Earth Kingdom. The water pouring from it was cool and clear, and the people sitting on the edges seemed to be having a pleasant night.
Restaurants were open, filled to the brim. It was crowded. Even more crowded than Caldera. Azula was not very impressed.
She wanted to walk back to the palace above all else, but Ty Lee's response to Azula's splitting headache and borderline panic over the coup in three days time was to take her shopping. Shopping. Of course. Of course that would be her idea of a quick fix for anxiety.
"It's not terrible," Azula offered, the smell of Earth Kingdom street food wafting into her nose. It was so different from the Fire Nation. "I think I'll like it better once it belongs to me."
Ty Lee smirked, unable to suppress a small smile.
"Well, once you've conquered the world I'll always be around to take you shopping." Ty Lee blinked twice with a blissful grin.
"Yes, I'll be Fire Lord and you'll be the Queen of Buyer's Remorse," Azula said with a small, wicked twist of her ruby lips. Ty Lee giggled and Azula slowly shook her head.
Why she was interested in this girl was baffling to her. The crush that had slowly built up over the course of their journey to capture the Avatar was unusual, strange and Azula did not like it one bit. The two kisses they shared were a testament to the undeniable tension between them.
But really? What was there to see in Ty Lee?
Azula asked, trying to break the sexually tense silence, "What is it you like about Ba Sing Se? I find it disappointing."
"It's different. I always thought traveling was fun," Ty Lee said blithely, turning and leaning against the wall beside Azula. She looked out at the busy streets and thought about what would happen when the soldiers flooded the city.
Suddenly, in front of her was carnage and gore instead of blissful boutiques and chattering citizens. She sighed faintly and Azula studied her closely. The world snapped back and Ty Lee chewed on her lip.
"You're nervous too, aren't you?" Azula asked, her eyes with a nearly mocking glint.
Ty Lee shrugged feebly. "Well, we might die. Or something."
"I'll try not to let you die," Azula said casually and Ty Lee took Azula's hand in hers.
"I appreciate that, princess," Ty Lee replied softly and Azula leaned over, kissing Ty Lee with vivacity.
The warmth again. A security but also a panic of the heart.
Azula's hands were on Ty Lee's waist as their lips met in the orange lamplight of the busy square. Ty Lee pressed her body against Azula's. Without hesitation, their tongues intertwined. It was much more forceful and probably entirely inappropriate for the middle of the Upper Ring.
The kiss broke with the desperate need for both of them to catch their breath.
And the desperate need to do it again.