I do not own Avatar: The Last Air Bender.
Author's Note: Hello my wonderful readers! I am so sorry for the email alert some of you got stating I updated twice today. I accidentally posted this chapter without editing it and had to go back to fix it. Again, so sorry! So I keep getting requests for longer chapters, which I will be happy to do but it might interfere with my updating twice a week. I promise when I can update more I will but things are getting pretty busy in my life. I promise I won't abandon this story. Thanks again for all your wonderful reviews and support, enjoy!
Chapter 5 - Falling
The next morning Aang woke up early to meditate with Azula. As usual, she was in the clearing before him. Spring was just turning into summer. Azula had her eyes closed and Aang couldn't stop admiring how beautiful she looked. Despite the early hour, the sun was shining down on her and firelilies bloomed around her. She looked like a fairytale princess. Katara's words from last night rang in his head You're falling for her.
Azula opened her eyes. He was getting lost in her golden orbs. His heart was fluttering and at that moment he realized he was falling for her. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her ruby lips, run his hands down her curves…he shook his head. He was supposed to be healing her, not fantasizing about her.
Taking a seat in front of her, he closed his eyes and tried to meditate. All he could think about though was her. With a sigh he stood up and stretched. She opened her eyes again, "Something troubling you Avatar?"
"I guess I have some pent up energy. I think you're ready to try shooting lightning," he said trying to distract her.
She raised an eyebrow at him, "Really? You aren't afraid I'll shoot you?"
He laughed, "You wouldn't shoot me."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I trust you. Besides, if you wanted to hurt me you would have already." He took her hand and led her to the courtyard for practice.
"Be careful who you trust Avatar." She tied her loose hair up and began her warm ups.
She had waited a long time to shoot lightning again. Since the Avatar had cleared the fog in her mind, her firebending was stronger and the sapphire flames no longer eluded her. She could feel the lightning pulsating in her hands but when she aimed at a target, nothing came out. She tried again with the same results.
"It's okay. Clear your mind. Remember, to bend lightning you have to be in complete control of not only your physical movements but your emotions," the Avatar explained as he watched her.
She huffed at him, "Don't you think I know that?" It annoyed her how he could go from goofy grins to wise Airbending monk at a moment's notice. What annoyed her more was his optimism. She wondered how far she could push him before he got upset.
"Clear your mind Azula," he said in a commanding tone.
She took five deep breaths and let her emotions ago. She felt like the old Azula, her mind only focused on the lightning. A loud crack filled the air. She hit her target dead on. She gave the Avatar a deadly smile, "You were right."
He looked at her with a smile on his lips, "I knew you could do it."
Azula and Aang sat in his living area eating lunch. She was impressed at the rooms Zuko had given the Avatar. Every nation was present in his suite. She figured most of the artwork, rugs and knick-knacks were gifts. The only room she had not seen was his private bedroom. She was curious.
"I'm surprised you are still training with me, Avatar."
"You think you're ready to train alone?" he rubbed her hand across the table.
"Of course. But I'm surprised because your friends are here. I'd think you would want to spend time with them," she stood and led him to one of his love seats.
He pulled her onto his chest as he stroked her hair; "I'm training with them later. Besides we all usually hang out after dinner."
"What happened between you and the Waterbender?" She turned to look at him.
"We grew apart," he answered evasively.
"Tell me," she kept her golden eyes on him. It wasn't fair that he knew so much about her and she knew so little about him.
He looked at her for a long time before he began, "It was two years ago. We were both so busy trying to fix the damage the war had caused that we rarely saw each other. After a while it just felt like we were forcing something that wasn't there."
"Who broke it off?" she wasn't sure why she wanted to know but she did.
"It was kind of mutual. I need to focus on rebuilding the Air Nation and she is making progress with the South Pole. It was weird at first when we all got together but like I said, it's been two years."
She closed her eyes as he ran his hand up and down her thigh. She could feel his heart beating, a heart she alone once stopped. She wasn't sure what they were doing or why they were doing it. She was drawn to him. He was the Avatar, master of all four elements. He was the most powerful man on Earth. Although she was evolving into a new person, some of her old tendencies were not going to go away and one of them was the allure of power.
She slowly pushed herself up to face him, "I haven't seen your private room, Avatar."
He stiffened as he looked at her seriously, "Azula, I'm supposed to help you recover."
Her eyes were playfully alluring. She ran a manicured finger down his neck to his hard six-pack. He closed his eyes before taking a deep breathe and pushing her hand away, "Azula…"
She placed her fingers and his lips for silence. She leaned into his ear and whispered, "Honestly tell me you don't want to."
He placed both hands on her face and drew her closer, "It's not right."
"That's not what I asked." She was reluctant to give up. She wanted him and she always got what she wanted.
Airbenders by nature were evasive. But Azula was a force of nature not to be ignored. He moved his hands from her face to her back as he pulled her in for a passionate kiss. His kiss was returned with great earnest. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him.
Quickly they were inside his private room. The walls were bare except for a few scrolls. The sheets were the Air Nation's signature yellow and orange. She had little time to admire how big his bed was and how soft the sheets were. Their hands were making quick work of each other's robes. Neither one of them had felt passion burn like it did in that moment.
He teased her with his hands and lips. She let out a growl as she once again had her long legs around him. Not wanting to deny himself or her any longer, he broke into her most private area. Yes, Azula was a princess that always got what she wanted.
He watched her sleep. She looked peaceful, as if nothing troubled her anymore. He was surprised that he had crossed the line he did with Azula. He was surprised but not regretful. He knew his friends wouldn't take the news well, but he didn't care. He was certain about his feelings for Azula, he only hoped she returned them.
Azula slowly woke up, taking in her surroundings. She smirked as she remembered the events of a few hours earlier. The sun was beginning to set and her stomached rumbled. On cue, the Avatar walked into the bedroom, a tray of food in his hands.
"You're awake. Hungry?" he asked with a smile.
"Very much so," she grabbed for a bowl of noodles. "Are we not joining the Firelord and Lady for dinner?"
"I sent a note saying we were busy."
She laughed, "I like this side of you Avatar."
He watched her eat, "Avatar? You can't call me Aang even after what we did?"
She gave him a hard look, "Does it bother you?"
He shrugged, "Not really. Eventually you'll call me by my name."
"Always the optimist."
After dinner Azula decided she needed new clothes and a bath. "As much fun as this was. I need to go back to my rooms."
"So soon?" He drew her into his arms, lightly kissing her neck. She nodded her head but made no attempt to move. "Then I'll just have to come with you."
She smirked, "As you wish, Avatar."
The next few days were spent in a similar matter as before, except that after bending practice they were never out of each other's sight. They took turns staying in each other's rooms. When Azula commented how tedious it was to walk the two feet to her doors and past the guards, Aang earth bended an entry way from his living area into hers.
Zuko had been so busy dealing with newly proposed trade routes from the Earth Kingdom he didn't notice Azula and Aang's absence. The women in his life however did not. Mai decided to give them their privacy. Katara did not want to face what was happening behind their closed doors just yet. But after almost a week, Toph decided enough was enough. She could care less what Aang and Azula were doing but they couldn't hole themselves up in their rooms any more.
Toph metal bended the door open, grateful that she was blind just in case she was walking into something unpleasant. Luckily, she felt Azula in a different section of the suite and Aang was reading on a lounge chair. "Toph? What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too, Twinkletoes," She made herself comfortable on one of his chairs. She could hear Azula's quiet foot steps, "Princess, it's been a while."
Azula looked at their guest curiously and turned to Aang, "You didn't tell me we were having company."
"I invited myself. You two have been locked up in these rooms for 5 days now. Vacation time is over."
"How does it affect you how we decide to spend our time?" Azula asked in warning tone.
"Listen carefully, Princess. I'm not afraid of you. And honestly, I don't care how you spend your alone time. But Aang has responsibilities. Besides, you really want to waste your "talents"?"
"Toph.." Aang started but was interrupted by Azula as she held her hand up.
"What do you mean by waste my talents?"
"If I were you in your situation I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life inside these beautiful rooms," Toph waved her hand around the room sarcastically.
The earth bender was echoing thoughts Azula had, but she would never admit that out loud. Instead she gave Aang a slow kiss, "I'll be my room," and walked away.
Aang turned to look at Toph, "What responsibilities do I have? Don't tell me a war started in the few days I've been here?" he asked jokingly.
Toph blew at the bangs in her face, "Not exactly. Zuko's stressing himself out over the Earth Kingdom's demands for new trade routes. Mai and Katara are trying to set up everything for the World Peace Conference. It's only a few weeks away."
Aang sighed. He had pushed the World Peace Conference out of his mind. He knew he couldn't avoid it forever but it was nice to pretend. "I know. I was hoping to get some time to relax before the headaches start."
She laughed, "Vacation's over. Sparky could really use your help. I expect to see you and your girlfriend at dinner."
Aang watched her go before he went into Azula's room. Dinner was at 7:00pm, which meant they still had a couple of hours left on their vacation.
Mai wasn't surprised when Aang and Azula came to dinner holding hands. She looked at Katara and was surprised when Katara seemed calm. Zuko gave the couple dirty looks and asked, "What's going on?"
"Healing, big brother." Azula answered smartly. Zuko frowned and turned to Aang.
The Airbender shot him a smile, "We'll talk later."
"Yes, we will," Zuko growled.
"Now that that's out of the way, let's eat," Toph said as she pilled food on to her plate.
"Honestly Toph you're almost as bad as Sokka," Katara said mildly annoyed.
"Speaking of Sokka, when are he and Suki coming?" Aang asked to diffuse the tension.
"They sent a letter last night saying they will get here in a week or two. They need to make a pit stop to pick up Uncle." Zuko answered.
"Uncle is coming?" Azula asked curiously. She wasn't sure how she felt about seeing Iroh.
Zuko nodded, "Yes, for the World Peace Conference."
"World Peace Conference?" Azula was now really confused.
Everyone turned to look at Aang, "You didn't tell her?" Katara asked.
Aang kept his eyes on his food, "I was planning to tell you about it. After the war, all the nations decided to meet once a year to promote peace and avoid another war. We discuss trade routes, possible rebellions, rebuilding, and things of that nature."
Azula was quiet for a while. "Did you avoid this because you don't want me there?" Everyone was quiet. The situation was turning awkward.
"We can discuss this later," Aang stated firmly.
"I think right now is a perfect time," Azula answered with a pleasant tone.
"Well of course you can't attend the meetings Azula. You'd cause a riot," Zuko stated.
"We haven't discussed her presence there Zuko," Aang spat.
"I agree with Zuko. I don't think it's a good idea if Azula goes," Katara nodded at Zuko.
"Like I said, Katara, we haven't discussed this yet," Aang was growing frustrated.
"I don't care if she's there," Toph gave her two cents. Zuko and Katara shot her dirty looks.
"Well, it doesn't matter what Zuko and Katara think. The choice is up to Aang and I," Mai finally spoke.
"And why is that?" Katara asked.
"Zuko put her recovery in our hands. That means if Aang and I think she should be there during the whole event then she will be." Mai gave everyone a hard look daring them to challenge her.
Bravo, Mai, Azula thought to herself. It was one thing for the Avatar's friends to know they were involved but another for him to show her off to the world. Yes, it would be amusing for the leaders of the world to see her on the arm of the Avatar. She just had to make sure Mai and Aang saw it that way as well.
After dinner Azula sat in Mai's private rooms. They had once belonged to Azula's grandmother but it had been a very long time since anyone had lived in them. The living area was grand and luxurious, befitting a Firelady, Azula thought to herself. The only décor that stood out was the wall filled with various knives.
The two women stared at each other. Neither one knew what to say. Azula guessed she could apologize for almost killing the Firelady and imprisoning her, but they would both know it was insincere. In true Azula fashion she decided to get straight to the point, "Why am I here Mai?"
"To discuss the World Peace Conference and your role in it," Mai answered in her monotone voice.
"You know very well what I meant."
Mai betrayed no emotion, "What does it matter? You're free now."
"It doesn't matter. But I still want to know," Azula stated impatiently. She didn't care if this woman was the Firelady. She was a princess of the Fire Nation by birth.
"Everyone deserves a second chance," Mai stated with a smirk, knowing that it would irk the princess.
"When will you all stop saying that? I am not sorry for what I did and you of all people should know that." Azula spat.
"I know you aren't sorry. I didn't ask Zuko to release you to hear an apology."
"Then why did you ask?"
"You were my friend Azula. You saved me from a life of boredom with my parents, consider this as my turning the favor." For a brief moment both women looked into each other's eyes. An understanding passed between them. Although neither one would ever speak out loud what they truly wanted, they both knew it was their friendship. Azula did not need to apologize and Mai did not have to admit she was lonely.
Their moment was interrupted when Aang walked in. He took a seat next Azula and gave Mai a friendly smile. "Did you two start without me?"
"Not exactly. I'm still unclear about what this meeting will accomplish. Zuzu made it very clear how he feels about my presence." Azula answered.
"Like I said at dinner, it's not up to Zuko."
"Azula has a point Mai. The actual meetings are open only to the leaders and representatives of the world. Azula may be a Fire Nation princess but if Zuko doesn't appoint her as a representative then she will be barred," Aang pointed out.
"I am aware of that, Aang. Even if she is barred from the meetings there are plenty of other activities she can participate in," Mai reminded him.
As the two discussed Azula's position, said princess was contemplating their conundrum. She gazed at the Avatar and a plan quickly formed, "Only leaders and representatives can attend the actual meetings, correct?" Mai and Aang nodded. "Well, who represents the Air Nation, aside from the Avatar?"
Aang was surprised but Mai was quick to catch on. "No one does," Mai answered.
Azula smirked, "I thought so. Avatar, why not have an official ambassador for the Air Nation?"
"I've never really needed an ambassador. Only the Northern Air Temple is occupied," Aang replied.
"You did say you wanted to start rebuilding the Air Nation. Did your monks not have a council of elders? Did your people not have to build their relationships with the other nations?" Azula asked.
"She makes a good point, Aang. If you are serious about rebuilding the Air Nation then eventually you would have to think about the politics behind it. Azula does have an impressive background in this field," Mai said with humor.
Aang looked at both women. He wasn't sure about their idea. But if he wanted Azula at the meetings then he really didn't have another choice. "Ambassador Azula, we have a lot of work to do."