Chapter 19
Yue was pleased to see Azula's prediction coming true, and the weather around Ba Sing Se staying nice and warm, making for a very summery start of September. The throuple had already spent a lovely week at Iroh's Serpent Lake estate, occasionally indulging Azula's uncle in lengthy conversations, but most of the time being left to their own devices. Yue and Katara had done plenty of sunbathing and swimming, while Azula had shuddered at the idea, declaring the 70°F temperature as far too chilly for sunbathing.
The lazy week of post-tournament relaxation was about to culminate in a festive weekend dedicated to Yue's birthday celebrations. Yue's only remaining blood relative, her father Arnook, was still living very comfortably back in Agna Qel'a, although his health at the age of sixty-eight was slowly starting to fail him. By now, Yue's relationship with her father had reached the stage of being almost warm, but still, because of his health issues, a flight to Ba Sing Se was not recommended. They had exchanged a cordial phone conversation early on Saturday morning, with Yue promising to stay at the family estate during the Agna Qel'a Pai Sho tournament in December. She felt a little bad for having made that promise without consulting Azula and Katara beforehand, but it seemed as if her wives didn't mind the idea, so there was no harm done.
Iroh still maintained a small household staff at his Serpent Lake estate, and extra hands had been called in to prepare for Yue's birthday party. Because the weather was expected to remain warm throughout the weekend, Yue had insisted that the party should be held outdoors. Extra tables had been dragged outside and canopies set up to offer some shade. All available patio furniture together with extra blankets and cushions had been spread throughout the garden grounds, creating an informal atmosphere and encouraging the guests to sit wherever they felt comfortable. With the kitchen staff hard at work preparing food and refreshments, everything looked set for an amazing garden party.
The first to arrive were Aang, Toph and Teo, with Aang the designated driver for their little group. Yue guessed that Aang's relationship with On Ji had not yet advanced to the stage of planning to move in together, but she knew that On Ji intended to spend a large part of October in Ba Sing Se, preparing for the Caldera City tournament at the end of that month.
Suki and Mai were the next to arrive and present Yue with her gift. Yue had already decided to open her presents later, but from the size of the package, she could tell that it was most likely something from Mai's upcoming collection, or perhaps a design idea that hadn't quite made the collection. In any case, receiving clothes from Mai was always exciting because she was a very talented designer. Even if neither Suki nor Mai had said anything themselves, by now the knowledge that they were living together was widespread, and by how they always showed up for all events together as a couple, the seriousness of their relationship had been firmly confirmed.
The next to arrive was Kiyi Noren. Yue had also invited Ursa and Ikem, because they were a part of what Yue considered her extended family, but unfortunately, Ursa and Ikem were busy with their theatre play this evening, leaving Kiyi to attend by herself. Kiyi had arrived on her brand-new Suzuki Katana motorcycle, an impressive looking vehicle that left Yue slightly intimidated and also worried when she thought about Kiyi handling this powerful beast on a busy highway. The motorcycle was a gift from her father, with Ursa pitching in. Ikem had decided that his daughter deserved such a generous reward for getting her life back on track. Kiyi absolutely loved her new toy, beaming as she stood before them, stunning in her tight leather pants and a matching leather vest. Yue didn't have to guess what Kiyi's gift for her was. Kiyi had lately gotten into tarot and she'd done a reading for Yue, an experience that had fascinated Yue and she'd expressed curiosity to learn more. Yue was now going to have a tarot deck of her own, which was very exciting.
Last to arrive was the packed car bringing the large family of Zuko, Sokka, Ty Lee and Jin. Yue was pleased to see that her suggestion to bring Kya and Lee along had been heeded. Iroh's estate was an absolute heaven for kids of their age, especially with its spacious gardens just begging to be explored. Indeed, as soon as Kya and Lee had been released from the mandatory greetings and presenting Yue with her birthday gift, they took less than a minute to disappear from sight, leaving their parents bewildered and spreading across the estate grounds to track down their illusive offspring.
With all the party guests finally present and Iroh also emerging to join them, the kitchen staff proceeded to treat them to an absolutely astounding gourmet feast, topped off by a fantastic ice cream cake that left Yue wishing she had Sokka's stomach, which was like a magical bag of holding without any limits to its capacity. The cake was sadly gone far too soon for Yue's liking, but the kitchen staff would continue to serve food throughout the evening. Yue already knew that she was going to feel rather ill the following morning, but she decided that it was an acceptable price to pay.
A couple of hours into the celebrations, the party guests had split up into smaller groups, giving Yue the perfect opportunity to wander around and mingle, making sure that everyone was having a good time on her birthday. Yue first sat down with Azula and Kiyi, deciding to join the step sisters as they were busy catching up.
"Yue, just the person I wanted to talk to," Kiyi beamed at her. "I have news for you. I stopped at the academy yesterday."
"You did?" Yue blinked, feeling surprised. "I thought that would be next week." Yue knew that Kiyi was always looking for more opportunities to earn money as she studied to become a music teacher. So, Yue had spoken with Madame Macmu-Ling about Five-Seven-Five Academy for girls possibly having an opening for a promising young teacher. Yue knew that she could trust Madame Macmu-Ling to have an eye for talent, and Kiyi certainly had it in spades.
"Well, when I dropped your name, they wanted to speak to me immediately," Kiyi smiled. "I have to say, your boss is one determined lady."
"Yes, she doesn't mess around," Yue chuckled. "Anyway, what did she say?"
"She agreed to give me a trial run," Kiyi said, looking happy. "Just a few lessons every week, but right now it's not about earning all the money. I simply want to get my foot in the door, you know?"
"I know, and I agree," Yue nodded. She made a mental note to call Madame Macmu-Ling later and thank her, even if she knew that Kiyi wouldn't have gotten the opportunity if she wasn't good enough, Yue's recommendation or not. "I'm very happy for you. And perhaps it means that you'll consider singing for us later tonight?"
"Ugh, I would really rather not sing," Kiyi groaned. "But you're the birthday girl, so you could probably talk me into it. Especially if you get me nice and sauced."
"Azula, get on that, please," Yue winked at her wife.
"Oh, she'll be singing alright," Azula nodded, winking back at her.
"Anyway, what were you talking about earlier?" Yue asked. "I realize I kind of interrupted you two."
"You didn't, not really," Azula shrugged. "Kiyi was just admiring my tattoo, that's all." Azula was wearing a lovely cropped red sweater that nicely showed off her phoenix tattoo.
"I wanted to know if Azula was going to get another one," Kiyi said. "I think she should. I have five. Or six. No, five." Kiyi's tattoos were a remnant of her wilder days, and she hadn't gotten any new ones after leaving rehab. None of them were on her face or anywhere obviously visible unless she made an effort to show them off. This was very fortunate, because Madame Macmu-Ling was a little too obsessed with respectability and probably would have taken a very dim view of any extravagant tattoos. Kiyi had also removed some of her facial piercings with the exception of ears and eyebrow. Yue didn't like that anyone would have to subject themselves to such conformism, but the demand to do so was the unfortunate reality. She knew that her own relationship status was a concern to some at the academy. Madame Macmu-Ling herself had respectfully asked her to publicize it as little as possible.
"I'll get one when I have another scar or gunshot wound to cover," Azula smirked.
"Hmm, tempting," Kiyi grinned evilly.
"That is so not funny, Kiyi," Yue sighed, shaking her head. She was still having nightmares about the assassination attempt. It was probably the guilt for having felt so useless in that situation. If Katara hadn't been there with them, Azula wouldn't be sitting here, laughing about that terrible incident. "But I would not mind Azula getting another tattoo," Yue said instead, trying to push both her thoughts and the conversation away from the incident.
"You can always get one yourself," Azula winked at her.
"Right, don't even go there," Yue laughed, shaking her head. Yue knew that she was too much of a coward to get a tattoo. The idea of needles anywhere near her skin made her feel a little nauseous. "Telling me to get a tattoo is a great way to make me bow out of this conversation," she added, getting up to continue with her mingling.
Yue smiled as she approached Sokka and Suki at the outdoor grill nearby, Suki helping Sokka to get the thing going, even if her assistance was probably unnecessary. A member of the kitchen staff had actually been assigned to work the grill, but of course Sokka had showed up and taken over the task, because it was just such a Sokka thing to do.
"Are you two having fun?" Yue asked, grinning as she walked up to the pair.
"Always," Sokka replied confidently. "I just can't decide whether I want to first grill the chicken breasts or the thighs."
"Maybe you should just wing it," Yue said, snickering at how Suki groaned at the pun.
"Yes, well done, my pun buddy," Sokka laughed, looking impressed as he offered Yue a fist bump. "Anyway, time to get this chicken on the grate. I'm going to grill it until it tells me why it crossed the road." Yue giggled, while Suki groaned yet again. "Hey, if you can't take the heat of our puns, maybe you need to get out of our grill, Suki," Sokka laughed.
"Stop it, please," Yue was starting to tear up from laughing too hard, admittedly more from Suki's pained reaction than the jokes themselves.
"For once we're in agreement," Suki said, shaking her head. "You two are just terrible and should never be allowed within twenty yards of each other."
"Let's agree to disagree on that one," Yue grinned. "Anyway, I can't wait to see the results, Sokka. Even if I'm already full and bursting at the seams."
"Maybe you need to join Jin and the kids in the garden," Sokka suggested. "I think they're busy playing hide-and-seek."
"That's not a bad idea," Yue nodded. She looked at Suki again. "And where did you misplace Mai?" she asked.
"I saw Ty Lee grabbing her and then they snuck off," Suki said. "It looked like Ty Lee had so much gossip to share that she was going to self-combust unless she blabbered to someone about it."
"I'm sure you're going to hear everything Ty Lee had to say later tonight," Yue smiled. "Assuming everything is well with Mai."
"Oh, it really is," Suki nodded, giving her a genuine smile. A moment earlier, Yue had noticed Suki looking at the guy in charge of mixing cocktails. Yue wondered if it had made Suki think of Jet. Suki had still been with Jet at Yue's previous birthday party, and at least outwardly nobody had observed any cracks in their relationship. "I'm just hanging out with Sokka until Mai is done getting caught up on the gossip," Suki added. "Mai and I were thinking about going down to the lake, later. I was thinking about maybe taking a dip."
"It's not a bad idea, but I advise you not to wait too long," Yue replied. "It may seem very warm right now, but September evenings can get chilly fast. Anyway, I'll leave you two for now, must keep mingling. Don't risk it with the brisket, Sokka."
"Good grief, you really are the wurst, Yue," Suki groaned again, making Sokka laugh so hard he almost dropped a chicken breast.
Yue walked away, still laughing as she headed towards another small group sitting by one of the garden fountains. Iroh appeared to have found himself the perfect listener in Teo, taking advantage of someone who couldn't very well escape the conversation. Teo didn't appear frustrated, however. His reaction was the exact opposite and he seemed pleased to indulge Azula's uncle. Katara had stopped by to join them, but she looked considerably less invested in the conversation than Iroh and Teo. Curiously, Toph was nowhere to be seen.
"Is everyone doing well here?" Yue asked as she joined the group. "Let me know if you want me to get you some drinks."
"I just came over to ask the same," Katara smiled. "Anyway, you shouldn't concern yourself with that, Yue. You're the birthday girl," she added chidingly.
"Yes, just sit with us and enjoy the story," Iroh beckoned her.
"What's the story about?" Yue asked politely.
"I was just reminiscing about the first Pai Sho camp I ever held on this property. I think it was exactly thirty years ago," Iroh sighed.
"I mentioned to Iroh that this gathering almost feels like one of our old Pai Sho summer camps," Teo explained.
"It really does," Yue agreed quickly. "Almost everyone from the old crew is here," she smiled. "Anyway, I'm sorry, I'm interrupting the story."
"Apparently, Iroh misplaced a part of his first ever group of kids to come here," Teo laughed.
"Yes, they ended up on the wrong ferry when we left Ba Sing Se," Iroh sighed, laughing as he shook his head. "I only realized hours later that half of the kids were on their way to the other end of the Serpent Lake. I had to call the coast guard and pull in some favors. There was even a dramatic chase as the coast guard boat chased after the ferry. We ended up back at the estate with the crack of dawn. Those were some friendly coast guards, though. Well, they were friendly after I allowed them to raid my wine cellar. Things seemed simpler back then, somehow."
"That is a wild story, Iroh," Yue said. "I guess it didn't stop those kids from coming back the next year, though."
"Oh, they loved the adventure," Iroh laughed. "They couldn't stop talking about it even a year later."
"I can imagine," Yue smiled. "Anyway, Teo, where is Toph? It's not like her to abandon you."
"She had something to discuss with Aang and Zuko, I think," Teo replied. He didn't look particularly happy.
"I understand," Yue nodded. She immediately felt very curious, wondering if it had anything to do with the On Ji issue. Yue noticed Katara looking at her, both urgency and excitement in her stare.
"Yue, if that offer to get us drinks is still on, could you maybe get us a couple of Margaritas?" Katara asked. Yue immediately realized that Katara was giving her the opportunity to retreat, but was Katara really suggesting that she find Toph, Aang and Zuko, and maybe do some spying on their friends? The insistence in Katara's stare seemed to imply just that.
"Sure, that sounds like a good idea," Yue nodded quickly, turning to leave. Despite feeling curious, she didn't feel good about the idea of spying on her friends. Still, if Toph, Aang and Zuko were strategizing against her, maybe she had the right to know that. Besides, she wanted to win the world title. Her friends had all sorts of technically legal but still dubious agreements that Yue felt entitled to know about. Perhaps it actually didn't make that much sense for her to feel guilty about spying.
Finding her friends and fierce Pai Sho rivals was not difficult. Toph, Zuko and Aang had gone back to the estate, but then they had decided to step out on the upper floor balcony, where their raised voices carried through the garden. Yue pretended to be on her way to enter the estate, but instead she quickly took a seat on the bench directly under the balcony where she couldn't be seen. Apparently, the argument between Aang, Toph and Zuko was threatening to escalate.
"Listen, no amount of begging will make me change my mind," Toph spoke irately. "I'm not going to contribute in creating another rival. You can forget about it."
"I don't like it either, Toph, but maybe we can find a compromise here," Zuko argued. Yue thought how weird the situation was when Zuko was the one being forced to play the peacekeeper.
"What compromise?" Toph fumed. "How about this for a compromise? Aang dumps that opportunist skank On Ji and instead finds himself a girl that doesn't play Pai Sho, how about that?"
"Hey!" Aang exclaimed, almost sounding properly angry. "You can't say that about On Ji!"
"There's no need to get so personal, Toph," Zuko sounded disapproving.
"Yes, none of this is On Ji's fault. Besides, I want her to be a part of the group," Aang insisted. "If she's not allowed to prep with us, then she'll feel excluded and I won't have that. If you're going to be so stubborn, then I'm going to quit our group and practice with On Ji. You and Zuko can be on your own."
"Does that mean you're also breaking our agreement?" Toph asked angrily. "We made promises to each other. Does that mean nothing to you, now that you have both the world title and a new squeeze?"
"Yes, preparing together is one thing, but breaking the agreement is something else," Zuko said, now seemingly taking Toph's side. "You can't just break the agreement, Aang. I'm not saying that you wouldn't have won the title without our help that year. You were certainly playing your best Pai Sho at the time. But it really helped you out that we didn't play our best against you, didn't it? I know there was nothing illegal about what was done, but we did game the system quite a bit for you."
"I know, and I appreciate that," Aang replied, sounding a touch defensive. "I wasn't planning to change the terms of our agreement. I'm still going to help you guys get your titles, stop worrying about that. And I'm not going to insist on making On Ji a part of our arrangement. I understand why you would think that it's unfair to change it now."
"No kidding," Toph snorted.
"But you could at least meet me half way on our practice sessions," Aang sighed. "Come on, this is what we've always done when someone new comes and joins the group. Think back of our junior years. When Azula became friends with Katara, we embraced her. Also, Toph, if Teo decided to return to tournament play, would you just tell him to prep on his own?"
"That's a brilliant point," Zuko said. "I think Toph would not forgive us if we told her that Teo can't join us."
"Ugh," Toph groaned in frustration. Yue grinned upon realizing that Toph was being forced into admitting defeat. "I hate you for making such a good argument," Toph said. "I don't think it's entirely comparable because Teo has been a part of the group since the very start, but fine, I guess you've made your point."
"Does that mean On Ji can prep with us?" Aang asked excitedly.
"Yeah, fine," Toph shrugged. "She can be a part of our sparring sessions, but not a part of our arrangement. Zuko and I are not helping her win the world title. You can do that yourself, Twinkletoes. After you've helped me and Zuko."
"I agree with this compromise," Zuko nodded.
"Then it is settled," Aang said, sounding much happier now. This new relationship with On Ji seemed to have restored his flagging interest in Pai Sho, so Yue was sure that going forward, Aang would be a bigger threat than he'd been so far. In a way, it was fortunate for her that this ridiculous arrangement between the group was going to stop Aang from seriously challenging for the title next year.
"Also, I'm not giving On Ji any free draws, just to make that clear," Toph added. "If you want to give her a pass, Aang, that's your choice."
"Agreed," Zuko echoed the sentiment. "Not that I was left with much choice back on Ember Island. She earned that fighting draw with me."
Yue had by now lost interest in the conversation, having learned all she needed to know. It seemed that the little Pai Sho alliance was destined to expand slightly, but Yue didn't feel like she had much to fear from that. On Ji's inclusion would certainly make her a better player, that was already happening, but Yue didn't believe that it would give similar benefits to Toph and Zuko. Besides, Yue was confident that her support team of Katara and Azula would always remain superior to this tension riddled prep group of friends. But despite having this amazing support structure provided by her wives, Yue was still left thinking just how depressingly isolated she would feel if she didn't have Azula and Katara, and yet her friends wouldn't invite her to prep with them just because they feared her and thought of her as a too dangerous rival.
With Toph, Zuko and Aang eventually leaving the balcony, Yue decided to make herself scarce, but as she got up from the bench to walk away, someone exiting the estate at the same time bumped into her with a surprised squeak. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't notice you there," Ty Lee was quick to apologize. Mai was with her, sporting a mildly amused look on her face, as if she somehow knew that Yue had been engaging in some spying… but then again, perhaps Yue was simply being a little paranoid.
"Are you two having fun?" Yue regrouped quickly, breaking into a smile. "Suki said that Ty Lee dragged you off to exchange the latest gossip, so I guess you're having fun," Yue added, looking at Mai.
"Oh, tremendous amounts of fun," Mai sighed. "I am now fully up to date with both the hospital drama and the pre-school drama with the kids. Riveting stuff."
"You know you love it," Ty Lee laughed.
"And I bet you somehow ended up telling Ty Lee all about your relationship with Suki, even if you hadn't planned on doing so," Yue remarked knowingly.
Mai glared at Yue, but her expression quickly softened and she actually broke into a soft laugh. "Well, obviously," she admitted. "Twenty years later, I still don't know how she does it."
"It's my superpower," Ty Lee grinned. "I smile and people tell me things. Works every time. Anyway, I'm parched. Let's go get something to drink."
"Well, I'm not bloody surprised, you just talked my ears off," Mai sighed. "You're joining us, Yue?"
"Of course, why not?" Yue agreed eagerly. It seemed like a good idea to walk off together with Mai and Ty Lee when Aang, Toph and Zuko were about to emerge from the estate and spot her.
The three women were crossing the lawn when they were surprised by Kya, bolting straight for them, with Yue being her main target. "Yue, Yue, Yue!" Kya squealed, almost tackling her beloved auntie. "Come play hide and seek with us!"
"Well, who else is playing?" Yue asked, smiling.
"Mommy Jin, Lee and Auntie Katara," Kya rattled off quickly. "They're already hiding, but you should join them! I'll do the count again!"
"And Mommy Ty isn't invited?" Ty Lee asked, looking a little bemused.
"No, because Mommy Ty always hides too well and then just gets bored," Kya explained seriously.
"Good point," Ty Lee laughed, turning back to Mai. "Let's just get our drinks, then. Kya has clearly figured me out."
"Sounds good," Mai nodded. "Yue, do you want us to get something for you?"
"I could go for a pina colada," Yue replied before turning her attention back to Kya. "Alright, let's play. Do the count again and I'll go and find a place where you'll never find me."
"Challenge accepted," Kya said with determination, closing her eyes and starting to count aloud. Yue quickly dashed off, disappearing into the garden and then using the cover of the bushes to make a semi-circle around the side of the estate. She was still pondering where to hide, when she noticed the little cluster of various utility sheds behind the estate. The firewood shed seemed like the perfect place to hide, largely because Kya might be afraid to enter the shed because it was dark. Yue squeezed herself into the tight space between rows of freshly cut birch firewood. She then let out a surprised yelp when she bumped into a warm body, someone apparently having the same idea about this being a great hiding spot.
"Well, hello there," Katara, for it was her, whispered huskily.
"Katara?" Yue blinked in surprise. "Well… this brings back memories, doesn't it?" she chuckled. This was the very same place where they'd enjoyed their first ever kiss some fifteen years earlier. It had been very much a forbidden kiss back in those days because Yue and Sokka were still dating, but the pull between her and Katara had always been very powerful and difficult to resist.
"It's so funny that fifteen years later we still have the same instincts to run and hide in here," Katara laughed. "Only we're not hiding from Zuko and Jin after you poured fish sauce all over them."
"That's a crazy memory," Yue chuckled. "Speaking of instincts, though. Remember what our instincts made us do when we got trapped here all those years ago."
"I remember it like it was yesterday," Katara spoke softly, suddenly appearing much closer, pressing against Yue. "And the same instincts seem to be kicking in again."
"I know exactly what you mean," Yue replied hungrily, allowing her hands to roam all over Katara's body, and Katara responded with eagerness that matched her own. "Kya's not going to come across us here, is she?"
"Don't worry," Katara whispered in-between the frantic kisses. "If Zuko and Jin failed to find us back then, a six-year-old isn't going to have better luck now."
"Okay, you've convinced me," Yue grinned as she resumed kissing Katara. Her hands slipped under Katara's sundress to slide her panties down to the ankles and Katara once again responded in turn as they began to touch one another in even more exciting ways. Yue was still a little worried about getting caught, but she couldn't deny that the idea of sneaking off during her own birthday party to have sex in the firewood shed felt incredibly intoxicating and she absolutely did not want to stop. Katara seemed to be sharing the same sentiments, if the desperation with which she ground against Yue's hand was anything to go by.
Yue had no idea how much time had passed before they were both satisfied. Katara was still panting hard when she bent down to pull her panties back on, helping Yue with hers. "Do you think they're still looking for us?" Yue whispered once she had gathered her breath.
"I'm sure Kya has given up by now," Katara said. "Let's just discreetly return to the party. And maybe let's not head back together. We're probably a little disheveled and someone will probably put the two and two together."
"Good idea," Yue said. She was trying to untangle her hair as best as she could, after Katara had messed it up quite a bit. They both had been pressing up against the rows of firewood, meaning that their sundresses were slightly rumpled up and dirtied, but in the dark shed, it was difficult to see anything, so they had to clean themselves up as best as they could without seeing what they were doing.
"Well, I think that's the best we're going to manage," Katara spoke up a while later. "Let's just go and hope for the best."
"Yes, let's do that," Yue agreed. The two of them squeezed their way out of the firewood shed… only to be confronted by two of their friends standing nearby. "Uh-oh," Yue groaned, seeing Ty Lee and Jin giving them amused stares.
"So, uh, what brings you two around here?" Katara asked, trying her best to sound nonchalant and failing spectacularly.
"Ghosts," Jin replied.
"Ghosts?" Yue asked, feeling confused.
"Yes, ghosts," Jin said. "You see, Kya ran back to us terrified, claiming that one of the sheds was haunted. So, Ty Lee and I came to investigate. Turns out it wasn't exactly haunted."
"Yes, well… about that," Katara managed awkwardly. "Maybe we could still stick with the story of it being haunted."
"Maybe," Ty Lee winked. "But you'd have to make it worth our while. I mean, if the truth were to come out, Zuko and Sokka might be a little upset that you almost traumatized their daughter."
"Blackmail, is it?" Yue laughed uneasily. "Well, it's not like we have many options here, you caught us as close to red handed as possible."
"Exactly," Ty Lee grinned broadly. "I'm sure Jin and I can think of some favors to extract from you two. Starting with babysitting the kids next weekend."
"That's hardly a chore," Katara smiled, relaxing slightly, as did Yue. They really didn't have to fear Ty Lee or Jin going further than just relentlessly teasing them about this little episode.
"Indeed," Yue agreed. "And we're really sorry, we were being very irresponsible."
"Eh, don't stress about it," Jin shrugged. "It's your birthday, you deserve to live a little. And I hope it was fun."
"Always is," Katara said, exchanging stares with Yue, both of them a little red in the face.
"I bet," Ty Lee chuckled. "Anyway, Jin, let's help these bitches clean up a little before we let them get back to the party, shall we?"
Some ten minutes later, the foursome made their way back to the party grounds. Fortunately, nobody seemed to be particularly focused on their arrival, because a slightly tipsy Kiyi had been convinced by Azula to share her vocal talents. One of the members of the kitchen staff was ready to pluck away on his guitar, while Iroh had retrieved his horn and Zuko looked excited to rock the triangle.
"Where did you two disappear to?" Azula asked once Katara and Yue had sat down with her, ready to hear Kiyi's performance.
"We were playing hide and seek with Kya," Yue explained. "Turns out, we're really good at hiding."
"Or perhaps not quite that good," Katara snorted. "It's a matter of perspective, I suppose."
"I literally have no idea what you two are talking about right now," Azula sighed.
"It's okay, love," Katara smiled. "We'll tell you the whole story later."
"I have an even better idea," Yue said, leaning in to kiss Azula on the cheek. "Instead of telling you what we were up to, we'll just show you…"
