Welcome to chapter ten! I'm you're host, Angelic Land. Since this chapter is a big one, number ten, I would actually like to throw a party and invite EverleafOwl, Logan1300, funni neko, and loveandallthat! And anyone else who has read this and is enjoying it! Since that isn't really going to happen, I'd like to take this time writing this note to thank everyone! I would not have been nearly as motivated to write this much in such a short period of time without your reviews and kind words. I really do appreciate it a lot! So, pull up a comfortable chair, get yourself a refreshing drink, and enjoy! I'm having a fruit punch to celebrate! :D
...
After all had gone quiet, and everyone had retired to their chambers, Aang and Zuko were left in their luxurious room by themselves.
"Zuko, I don't mean to spoil the mood, but I've been thinking about what's going on back at home. What do you think will happen?" Aang asked.
"I'm concerned about that too. Our parents are making a huge mistake. I want you to know that no matter what happens, we're going through this together. We can help each other get through it," Zuko reassured.
"You're right," Aang said, giving his boyfriend a hug.
"Lets get some rest," said Zuko.
"Okay," Aang replied, beginning to let out a yawn as he and Zuko cuddled up next to each other.
...
When morning came, the sunlight was piercing through the slits of the drapes, illuminating the room. Zuko got out of bed and opened the curtains.
"Aang, you've got to see this!"
"W-what?" Aang said sleepily as he rolled out of bed and walked towards the wide window.
"Look," Zuko said.
"Oh, wow! This is so beautiful!" Aang's eyes lit up as he took in the view of the glistening bay. There were steps going down to the water's edge where the beautiful white sand met the tide.
"You wanna go swimming today?" Zuko asked.
"Of course I would!" Aang responded in delight.
When Aang and Zuko got dressed and went downstairs, they met Azula who was sipping her coffee in the living room.
"Good morning," she said. "How did you two sleep?"
"We slept well," Zuko said.
"How would you guys like to go out for breakfast with me this morning?" Azula asked.
Aang and Zuko looked at each other and nodded.
"We'd love to, Azula. This is really nice of you," Aang said.
"Alright, let's get ready to go then!"
When they went out into the garage, Zuko saw something he hadn't seen in years; his mother's fancy old convertible.
"Azula, you still have mom's old car?" He asked in surprise.
"Yeah, I haven't been able to part with it; it holds a lot of memories from when we were kids... I know things are a little different now, though," Azula began. "Its a little dusty, but if you want, we can take it out to breakfast. Its been ages since I've driven it," she said, trying to lighten the subject.
Aang and Zuko got in the back as Azula opened the automatic garage door and started up the old engine. She put the top down too. They backed out of the garage, down the driveway, and out onto the open road.
Everyone could feel the wind in their face as Azula sped down the road. It was a free feeling; Zuko remembering when he and Azula were little when they used to ride around with their mother. It was painful that it couldn't be that way anymore.
Then, Aang moved closer to Zuko and held his hand, blushing.
"This is really fun," said Aang as he felt the breeze.
"It sure is," said Zuko, smiling.
Just seeing Aang smile made Zuko feel happy.
"Don't mean to interrupt you guys, but we're almost there!" Said Azula.
When they pulled into the parking lot of the diner, it was crowded with all the other people eating out. It was Saturday morning, after all. The three friends walked inside and got a table.
When the waitress came over to the table to take the order, she said,
"Good morning! Would you like to start out with something to drink?"
"Yes, I'd like an orange juice," said Azula. "What would you like, guys?"
"I'll have lemon tea," said Zuko.
"So will I!" Aang chirped, as he looked at his boyfriend and smiled.
...
When breakfast was over, Azula, Aang, and Zuko got back in the car and drove home. The sun was higher now, and it was much hotter.
"I'll bet you guys want to go swimming!" Suggested Azula.
"Actually, we were just talking about that this morning," said Aang.
"Its really hot now, so it'll feel good to cool off," added Zuko.
As they pulled into the garage, Azula put the top back up, and everyone got out.
"I'm going to go get changed into my bathing suit!" Azula said, running into the house.
"We'll see you down at the beach, then," Zuko said.
"Lets go get our swim shorts on, Zuko!"
Zuko and Aang went upstairs and put on their bathing suits. Aang was wearing tan shorts, and Zuko was wearing red, of course.
Zuko sure looks amazing with his shirt off, Aang thought.
When they got down to the beach, Azula was already there, setting up her lounge chair and umbrella. She had on a pink bikini and huge sunglasses.
"I'll race you to the water," Aang said, bolting towards the waves.
"You've got it," Zuko said following right behind him.
When they got in the crystal clear water, it was cool, and felt great, since it was so hot out.
Zuko and Aang swam out a little farther, to a little spot in the sand where it got shallow again. Zuko picked Aang up and held him bridal style. He kissed Aang right there, the two of them not breaking it off for at least a few minutes. Aang loved the feeling of being held by his love. Especially when he and Zuko were both shirtless.
Azula was still lounging under her beach umbrella at the shore. She was so happy that Zuko and Aang were in love. She truly was, but she was also very sad, deep down, that she had no one to love. Behind her sunglasses, she shed a silent tear, running down her face, hitting the hot sand beside her.
When the two boys swam closer to the beach, Azula decided to join them.
I guess I'm entitled to have some fun, too. It sure isn't fun sitting here moping, Azula thought.
"Here I come!" Azula said running towards them, splashing into the surf.
She splashed Zuko and Aang, the two of them beginning to splash back at her.
"Okay, okay, guys," Azula said, laughing.
It was good to see Azula in this new light. She was such a new person, an amazing person with such a big heart.
After swimming and hanging out at the beach all afternoon, the three friends went back up to the house and rinsed off in the outdoor shower next to the back deck.
"Ahh... That was the most fun I've had in ages," Azula said.
"This is a great spot, sis."
The sun was beginning to set while Zuko and Aang sat on the back steps together, holding hands.
"This is so nice, Zuko."
"I'm glad I'm sharing it with you, Aang. I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else."
R&R :D I can't believe its already been ten chapters!