If he had been a betting man, Aang would have known to fold before the odds were stacked against him. But he was not and Sokka knew it. Yet, Aang would not allow the councilman to get to him. He had chosen to go all in. He was going to do it.

With a deep breath, the nomad walked on the balls of his toes to greet the only woman in the room that mattered. He knew they were laughing and doubting him all about the fire lord's ballroom, but he did not stop until he was face to face with her.

The walk was shorter than his nerves, but there was no turning back, now. Azula spotted him with the precision of a well trained markswoman. She seemed impeccably calm, though likewise alert, despite the fact that this was a peaceful, joyous celebration.

The newly born heir to the throne was something to be excited about indeed. The fire lord and lady were definitely in higher spirits than normal, along with most every one else fortunate enough to attend the welcoming of the new, tiny princess.

"Are you lost, Avatar Aang?" Remarked Izumi's predecessor to the title.

Aang licked his lips, giving himself time to think of a well-suited answer, though nothing seemed to fit. Perhaps he was lost in some way. Perhaps it was Azula's golden gaze that had stirred him or trapped him.

"I think you owe me a dance, Princess," he finally said after catching his breath.

The princess's tamed eyebrow stretched higher than normal. Aang took pride in being able to rouse some emotion from her that did not seem like utter disgust and hate.

"Dancing is illegal here," she reminded him, with a roll of her eyes. "Besides, why would I want to move my feet like a fool? I will leave that you and my lord".

Instead of taking the comment offensively, Aang gave a chuckle at which Azula's frown deepened.

"There was nothing funny about what I said".

Aang swallowed the rest of his laughter, his face stilling to match her scowl.

"Better, now what do you want? Make it quick, Lord Zuzu has already stressed that I am on my best behavior tonight". Azula continued waving him away.

Aang nodded. "Of course, but a dance would not hurt".

Teeth bared, the princess hissed in a low tone. "You can barely keep your hands off me. The minute we dance, everyone will know".

Aang shrugged indifferently, noticing the interest in her eyes.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Azula probed in sincere uncertainty. "This would change things..."

Before she could say more, Aang had wrapped tattooed arms about her waist and pulled her close. Instinctively, as they had done numerous times in private for the past months, Azula's lips parted to lock with the air bender, her arms pulling his shoulders close.

Neither could take back what happened in front of all in attendance. The musicians' instruments silenced, along with everyone in the crowded ballroom at what they were witnessing.

Fire Lord Zuko was unsure whether to call his Imperial guards or continue standing in frozen awe. Katara's mouth dropped at the sight of her ex and nemesis, along with her brother's.

"Well," Sokka spoke, breaking the awkward silence, infecting all, but the two center stage. "That's what I call going all in!"

Not my best work, but I really wanted to update at least one of my stories. Hope you liked it for what it was. And Happy late Valentine's Day. Oh did I mention that Azulaang is my new OTP, though you probably know this.