Aang watched the firebender from a safe distance. He was still barely recovered from taking down her father, the most powerful man on earth. Yet, it was the princess who made him shiver most. Perhaps it was the hollow glare in her golden eyes or the smirk that arises when she is in the midst of battle.

Perhaps it was just the summer sun scorching the droplets streaming from the small of her back as if attempting to claim a space in her pale skin before evaporating forever.

"Hmm?" He asked, expecting the pursed lips and glinting eye she always sent when she caught him daydreaming.

"Focus," she said with the firm voice she used to train her personal army of fire nation soldiers. "This is of the utmost importance. Why are you sitting there staring like you want to eat me? Wait don't answer that," she said at Aang's sly smirk.

"Anyway, we are going to the market today". She announced in her regal way.

Aang nodded allowing the princess to lead him out of the private beach house towards the overpopulated public beach. With his hair outgrown and a red cap, he was mostly unrecognisable. However, it was difficult to not notice his tattooed arms and bare chest.

Thankfully, Azula's classic Pai Sho face kept drooling groupies at bay as they walked over the burning sands of the island together. Aang resisted the temptation to grasp the woman's hand whenever she grasped the attentions of men also. Azula was not fond of public affection, though their private life was never boring.

"Here," she directed, pointing to a shop adjacent to the island's arcade.

Aang allowed her to enter first, holding the door open before following her inside a quaint tourist shop holding numerous bathing suits of all sizes. Most were red, not surprising for a nation known for its self isolation.

Checking out the price tag of the first bathing suit to catch his eye, Aang shook his head in disbelief.

"People really pay this much for beach clothing?" He asked, mostly to himself.

Azula turned to see what he was referring to. "What is too much?" She asked very seriously.

Before he could explain that the two articles of clothing were ridiculously overpriced for lacking any benefits, they were greeted by the shopkeeper, a pleasant middle-aged man who obviously came from a military background by his stance and instant recognition of the princess.

Dropping to his knees immediately, his forehead kissing the floor he looked up with glassy eyes.

"Princess Azula, what an--it is an honor to have you in our humble shop!"

Aang sucked in air through his teeth. "Humble?" He groaned.

Azula gave the man a grin, obviously enjoying the moment. "Yes, it is," she replied haughtily. Hearing Aang's further groaning, she cleared her throat. "Ahem, of course, my presence on the island will remain discreet, correct?"

"Oh yes, Princess, of course! Please, take anything you want, free of charge".

Azula beamed at this. "I expected as much--"

"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" The three looked to the back of the shop where an angry, gray haired woman was heading towards them. "Ryu, get up! When will you stop being such a fool?" She asked the still bowing man, kicking him in the ribcage hard enough to make Aang wince and the man cough.

"You must be the real owner of this lovely establishment?" Suggested the princess, ignoring the hurting man.

The woman scowled at her. "What do you think?" She snapped. "Thanks to you wayward women, I have had a hard enough time keeping this place open!"

Naturally, the princess did not appreciate her tone and when the two were close enough to nearly touch noses, Aang could smell her smoking fingertips.

"Wait, um, there seems to be a misunderstanding," he quickly intervened, grasping Azula's waist in time to stop her.

As if just noticing him, the woman raised an eyebrow. "Hmph! Well, you are quite convincing," she said with a huff. "But my husband has been befuddled by three Princess Azulas and two Fire Lord Zukos in a week's time. We can't afford to give away another free bathing suit".

"Excuse me?" Azula reeled. "What do you mean three Princess Azulas? Someone is masquerading as me?"

The woman sneered. "Nice try, girl. I am sure you have quite the pay grade with your Avatar Aang look alike here, but our establishment does not approve of your business. Besides, unlike my husband, I know the real Princess Azula is wallowing in the bowels of the nuthouse at this very moment.If you want a bathing suit, you will have to pay like everyone else".

Aang caught the meaning behind the woman's words, though Azula was baffled.

"Well, we will take our business elsewhere, come on Azu--um, Sweetie".

"No! I want that bathing suit!" She whined. "You are going to give it to me," she added, pointing a finger at the woman's nose. "Else you will see my nuthouse side".

"Pay first!" Demanded the woman.

Aang took action as Azula's fingers lit. The woman's eyes turned into saucers as he bent the air, tossing the princess onto his shoulder and hurrying away.

"No!" Cried Azula, sending a bolt over his back igniting the outfit. "I wanted that bathing suit!"

The avatar opened his glider while the princess ranted, sailing over the public beach as the crowd pointed fingers with 'oohs and aahs'.

The ride proved nearly impossible with Azula pounding his back in anger. Coming to a clumsy landing on the sand Azula rolled out of his grasp and stood, hands on her hips and eyes livid.

"What was she talking about, Aang? How can there be more Princess Azulas?" Spewed the woman. "How dare she mistake me for a common wh--" GASP. Azula's hands came to her face as she realized what the shopkeeper had been implying.

Aang had finally caught his breath, leaning back on his hands. "If it makes you feel better, we don't have to go to the public beach again," he suggested softly.

Azula's hands slowly slid from her face.

"Are you ok?" Aang probed further. "What that woman said was--"

"Flattering," interrupted Azula, a grin appearing on her face. "So...my face is a... marketing strategy? And I outnumber Zuko?"

Aang slowly nodded, standing with the help of his staff. "You are beautiful, you know. It doesn't matter what bathing suit you wear".

Azula said nothing, making Aang wonder what she was thinking. He grasped her waist with both arms, giving her a kiss for reassurance.

Finally, after several moments she spoke. "We will return to the public beach tonight to meet these Princess Azulas" she said. "They may need some...pointers".

Inspired by a small part of sable falls' A Double Edged Sword. One of the best Azulaang epics on this site. I encourage you to read it. QTZ.