Sokkla Secret Santa 2023
Written for Sokkla Secret Santa 2023.
Credits for Hana Ni Natte to Ryokuoushoku Shakai, 'tis a banger.
陰にそっと隠れようがいいんじゃない？
I guess it's okay to hide in the shadows
蕾のような花だってあんじゃない
There's flowers that look like buds
秘密にして守るのがいいんじゃない
Better to keep it a secret to be protected
誰にも邪魔されず華麗に咲いてる
So it can bloom in all its glory, undisturbed by anyone
Present day
Office
Inner Palace
"Most of the attendants here would step over one another for a chance at this." Sokka remarked between breaths, as he and Azula launched into another intense makeout session, their hands running amok under the other's clothes. It had been another long day for the both of them and both of them were more than eager to find rest and relief in each other.
"Most of them are also certified airheads who fall for pretty faces." Azula replied in between kisses.
"That is mean."
"I'm just calling it like it is."
"Isn't an apothecary supposed to have good people skills in addition to, y'know, being knowledgeable on various herbs and stuff?" he asked, as they moved from the desk to his recliner, their arms surrounding the other like a clingy octopus.
"I certainly didn't get the memo."
"You were also probably too preoccupied with trying to poison yourself to get the memo."
"Excuse me? I like living, thank you very much. How else can I test poisons if I'm dead? Also, knowing the effects of the different types of poison is my job as a taster."
"Remember that soup incident?"
"...A momentary lapse in judgement."she replied, feeling the tips of her ears grow hot at the memory as a slight blush crept across her face.
"The way I remember it, you were begging for that soup. You should have seen what did to Minister Qin, it's a minor miracle he didn't die there."
"..." she pouted, folding her arms across her chest in displeasure, as a memory of being carried away unceremoniously like a sack of potatoes by him rose to mind.
"I still haven't gotten you back for that honey incident."
"That was a joke, I swear!"
"The way it looked, if it wasn't for Lady Yue you would have shoved your fingers into my mouth and gotten away with it."
"I uh…got carried away?"
"Oh ho, did you now?" she smirked, leaning in closer as she felt him stiffen under her from their close proximity. Suddenly, an idea sprung to mind as she nibbled gently on his earlobe and neck, whilst her hands deftly tunnelled into his pants, cupping and stroking his member as Sokka panted and gasped, struggling to keep it in lest some wandering official catch wind of their dalliance.
"Whoops…guess I got carried away too huh.." Azula smirked, basking in the feeling of having Sokka at her mercy.
"Azu-I'm gonna-" he panted, feeling himself inch ever closer to the brink, even as his hands kneaded and massaged her breasts.
"Going to what, exactly?" she smiled as she stopped her ministrations right before Sokka peaked and got off his lap, before blowing him a kiss as she went to wash her hands and made sure there weren't any visible signs that Sokka accidentally left as the last thing she wanted was to be grilled by the other ladies when she got back.
"You didn't just-"
"Consider it payback for the honey incident. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be off." With that, she left his office, leaving him to wonder if she really intended on turning him into a mess or it was a spur of the moment thought. Looking down at the tent that was now pitched in his pants before turning to the pile of scrolls still laying on his desk, he deeply sighed as he knew he wouldn't be able to concentrate on his work. Not when his mind was now preoccupied with thoughts of Azula wearing naught but her birthday suit boucing on him.
"Damn you Azula…." he muttered to himself.
Over in her quarters, Azula suddenly sneezed for no apparent reason. Must be some draft that got in.
甘い苦いにハマんない
Don't get caught in sweet or bitter
その判断がくだんない
The decision itself is not important
気に病んで下を向かないでいて
Don't let it worry you and keep you down
愛に慣れちゃいない 無駄に飾らない
Not used to being in love, no need to show off
綺麗にされた花瓶も肥やしも何もいらない
その姿が美しい
No need for pretty vases or fertiliser, you're beautiful just the way you are
花になって ほらニヒルに笑って
Smile and be a flower
その顔にぞくぞくして目が離せない
The look on your face excites me and I can't look away
味見して 君の毒は私の薬って
Let me taste it; your poison is my medicine
包んであげるから 笑って
I will wrap you with love, so smile
Six years ago….
Sighing as she carried another stack of neatly folded laundry from the washhouse to the imperial consort's apartments, Azula shook her head as she recalled the events that led her to this moment.
It was just like any other day. First, she got up and tended to the herbal gardens that her mother grew, checking on their growth before heading to the Flower Palace located in the pleasure district to work on the medical needs of the day. Naturally, her presence did not go unnoticed, as her adoptive sisters converged on her location and generally got all up in her business as they killed time while waiting for clients with enough money.
Still, she appreciated the tips and tricks that they imparted on her with regards to street smarts, given their status as the most sought after queens of the entertainment district, going so far as to disguise herself with freckles to avoid any unwanted attention. After all, with her mother being a stage actress in a former time, it was only logical that her beauty would be passed on to her.
Once down with her duties for the day, she walked back down a familiar trail where she spotted some medicinal plants growing on the side of the road. Her interest piqued, she lowered herself to pick said plants when she suddenly noticed the presence of people behind her. Swallowing a gulp, she turned around to find three burly men, one of which held a length of rope in his hand while the other carried a small burlap sack.
A short while later, she heard the sounds of money being exchanged and snatches of conversation before being unceremoniously dumped in front of the overseer's office, where eunuchs shoved a bag containing their clothes and hustled them along to their quarters, where she would begin a new life as a servant girl until her debts were paid.
At least I wasn't sold to be someone else's toy, she thought to herself, shuddering slightly at alternatives. Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when a servant girl tugged at her sleeve, a panicked expression written in her eyes as she asked which way was so and so's imperial apartments. Pointing her in the right direction, she shook her head and sighed once more as she headed off to her own designated apartment, her mind now focusing on how much of her paycheck went to her kidnappers as well as if her mother was doing alright.
As these thoughts swirled in her mind, she accidentally bumped into Sokka, who coincidentally, was looking for her.
"Ah, there you are. I was looking for you." he beamed, though by now she knew it meant anything but good news for her.
Here he goes again, asking the impossible. What a menace. If only they knew what type of a man child he really is, Azula internally grumbled as snippets of whispers and swoons were heard around her, as attendants and servant girls looked on in equal measures of jealousy and admiration.
"Meet me at my office, there's something I'd like to discuss in private with you." Sokka informed, tapping her on her shoulder. In response, she felt a cold shiver down her spine and shuddered, much to the amusement of those around her.
Five weeks later…..
Garden Pavillion
"Hello there, Lady Yue." Sokka greeted, striding up to meet her and her entourage. As his eyes scanned her attendants, he failed to notice her amongst their number.
"Oh, where is Azula? Could she not make it to the party?"
"I'm here y'know." she called out, standing beside one of the more chattier lady in waiting.
"Is that really you? You look…different."
"Do I now? Well, guess my disguise actually works."
"Disguise? But why would someone as pretty as you disguise yourself as someone plain?"
"Well…when you hang around certain areas of town, you tend to pick up a thing or two. There's a reason I got sold off to the inner palace instead of some perverted official's household or a brothel. It's because I make sure I don't look pretty enough to make it worth their time. Not that someone born with a silver spoon should know or care." she waved, not really eager to continue this conversation.
"I…I'm sorry." he apologized.
"I suppose that's as good as any apology. In any case, the person in charge of hires probably doesn't have the time of day to check each and every case to see if this was a kidnapping or a legitimate sale."
"Doesn't that make you feel some kind of way?"
"Obviously, but it's not like you're there to vet every single one of them and still get your stuff done on time."
"There's gotta be a way, I know it."
"Well, if that is all, have a good day then Master Sokka."
"Wait."
"What do you-wait, what did you stick in my hair? Didn't your parents teach you not to mess with people's hair? They spent hours doing it up just for this party!"
"Consider this a token of my apology."
"A hairpin? Explain, what-" she asked, but he merely nodded and turned away.
"Oh my, it seems like we're in a tug of war now?" Yue giggled, covering her face with her robes.
"She doesn't know the full implications, does she?" Suki asked.
"No, I don't think so. That said, she's a smart girl, she'll figure it out eventually. In the meantime, let's see how many other hairpins she collects."
"You just want to see him all worked up and flustered don't you?"
"What can I say except that we need some entertainment around here, it's getting a little too stuffy and boring. Besides, it's always a great time to see him go ass over teakettle over her, even if she doesn't know it." she beamed while cradling the princess.
"Whatever you say, master…whatever you say…" Suki sighed.
ねえ 会いたい逢いたい
I want to see you, meet you
その笑顔に会いたい逢いたい
I want to see that smile of yours
って言えば笑ってくれるかな
Will what I say make you smile?
陰から支えるくらいはいいんじゃない？
I can support you from the shadows
欲を言えばこの手で咲かせてみせたい
But if I could, I want to be the one who makes you bloom
病のように心を喰らう花
Your a flower that consumes the heart like a disease
枯らしたくないのさ
I don't want to see it wither
光が届かずとも
Even if the light doesn't reach you
水をあげ続けるから
I'll still water you
Three weeks ago…..
Office
It had been an eventful and long day for the crew of the inner palace. First, they had to deal with the sudden death of an official which at first glance, seemed like a case of alcohol poisoning. That is, until Sokka mentioned, the deceased official developed a sweet tooth out of the blue, in addition to a penchant for drink. Immediately, a lightbulb lit up in her mind and she asked for the flask he was drinking out of.
"What good would the shards do? Any trace of potential poison would have evaporated along with the alcohol when he dropped it." he remarked, as they stared at the broken shards when she requested them.
"Well, take a closer look at the inside." Azula responded, continuing to help herself from said flask.
"That's strange, what is that white stuff?"
"You said there were some salts available at the party, right?"
"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"Considering that this particular brand of rice wine is both sweet and salty, it wouldn't have registered in his mind. I mean, if you chuck a couple of handfuls of salt into it, the man was so buzzed he probably couldn't tell one way or another. Too much salt will dehydrate the body as it stands. Throw alcohol into the mix, plus a heavy drinker and you can put the puzzle pieces together."
"So you're saying someone or some people intentionally did this?"
"Who knows, that's not my job to figure out intent. That sounds more like your job." she replied, the light buzz she was getting unintentionally loosening her tongue a little.
"Uh huh….sounds like someone's had a little too much to drink. In any case, I'll be needing " Sokka admonished as he took the flask away from her, only to find it empty.
"You didn't…."
"Whoops? Guess I wasn't supposed to drink it all?" she snickered. "Besides, I'm doing you a favour you know, drinking is bad for you."
"Why are you the way that you are?" Sokka sighed.
Later that afternoon, Azula found herself hastily summoned over by Sokka's aide, who requested her immediate presence. Pulling on a coat, she rushed alongside him to where a small crowd had gathered along a section of the wall. Pushing past the crowd, she saw a body of an attendant laying on the ground.
"Is she-"
"No, she's dead. Guards noticed her body moments ago."
"I see. Cause of death is probably hypothermia, followed by drowning. Look at her hands and skin, it's pale as snow."
"Would you be able to-"
"Nope, no can do."
"But-"
"Well you see…mom told me that the one thing I was not allowed to do was to touch bodies. She was concerned that I might start engaging in grave robbing."
"What?"
"There are certain…treatments that involve using body parts. You already know what I do with poisons, it's not that big of a leap to engage in grave robbing."
"I uh..see. Guess we'll have to call in the physician then." Sokka replied, before standing up and turning away, leaving her with the body and her thoughts as the crowd slowly began to disperse before finally, she too left.
Back in the office, Sokka noticed that she was unusually quiet as they digested the autopsy from the physician. Not that it would have told them anything they didn't already know right off the bat, but that both of them knew Azula would have been the right person for the grisly task at hand had she not brought up the one restriction imposed on her early on in her days as an apprentice under her mother.
Placing the scroll on the table, he turned his attention to her and asked "You're awfully quiet. Is there something wrong?"
"You're talking to me?"
"Who else I'd rather talk to?"
"Oh I don't know, some random attendant or lady-in-waiting who's ready to throw themselves at your feet."
"Please, I'm not that desperate. Besides, it's not like I have the time to deal with that sort of drama."
"Sure, whatever you say." she dismissed, before picking up where she left off.
"Do you think it's a murder? Or a suicide? From the reports, she didn't exhibit any unusual signs."
"I don't know and like I said this morning, that's not my job. If you need someone to determine a cause of death sure, but things like motive is above my paygrade. That's your job, not mine. That being said…I suppose if I had to choose how to go out, it'd be poison."
"Where did that come from?"
"Just a thought I had."
"Normal people don't go around having thoughts like that Azula."
"I'm just putting it out there. I mean, at the end of the day you're the one in charge of the rear palace, not me. I'm just an apothecary, nothing more."
"No you're not, you're more than-"
"I don't get why you're so insistent on bridging this gap between us. I'm a commoner, and you're some high official at the very least. Tell me why." she questioned, even though in the back of her mind she had a sneaking suspicion as to where he was coming from.
"I ... .because I care about you. Really." he replied, hoping that it sounded more from a place of concern than an indirect confession that he was well and truly head over heels for her.
"I see." she replied. "If I told you to stop caring could you?"
"We both know the answer to that." Sokka answered, receiving only a long pause in response.
"I…need some time to think. Permission to be excused."
"Permission granted."
Later….
Consort apartments
"You seem to be spending an awful lot of time with Master Sokka these days." Yue remarked as Azula stepped back into the complex.
"I suppose so. I mean, it's not like I can refuse his summons."
"You do have a point. That said, it does seem from the outside looking in that you and him are awfully close."
"We aren't a thing. That's not going to happen."
"Why close yourself off to the possibilities?"
"Because…he and I are from two different worlds. Commoners marrying some high prince or official only happens in fairytales."
"You are right, that only does happen in fairytales. But that doesn't mean you need to completely dismiss the possibility entirely. I remember how devastated he looked when I told him you had someone else escort you back home. He was so eager to see you. I mean, you do have his hairpin and all."
"No wonder he looked mad when I got back."
"He is a jealous one. Look, at the end of the day, it's your choice to make. Between you and me, I think you're on the right track with being cautious, but don't dismiss the possibility that both of you just might be falling for each other. In any case, you can always come to me for help."
"Thanks…I'll keep that in mind."
いい加減に気付いて 君は素敵って
You should realize how wonderful you are
自惚れてもっとお大事に
Take more care of yourself
無自覚なまんま 愛を蓄えて
You accumulated love without even realizing it
綺麗にされた花瓶も肥やしも何もいらない
No need for decorated vases, fertilisers or anything
その姿で咲き誇れ
Just let yourself bloom
花になって ほらニヒルに笑って
Smile and be a flower
その顔にぞくぞくして目が離せない
I can't look away from your face
味見して 君の毒は私の薬って
I want to taste it; your poison is my medicine
包んであげるから
I'll surround you with my arms
楽にして 君の闇は私の光って
Take it easy, your darkness is my light
愛してあげるから 笑って
I will love you, so smile
Two months later…
Office
"You might want to take a look at this." Sokka's aide intoned in a serious voice as he handed over a sheet with a list of names. In the wake of the attempted poisoning of one of the imperial consorts and the unravelling of the mastermind, who turned out to be one of the imperial consort's own head lady-in-waiting.
Giving this a brief glance, Sokka immediately spotted Azula's name on the list of associated peoples. Granted, he knew that to not be the case given his conversation with her in the pavilion but on the other hand, he knew he could not show favouritism.
"Are you completely sure about this?"
"Based on our records logged at the time, the people who sold her to the rear palace were associated with her family. It's up to you whether or not to bury this information."
Taking a deep breath, he contemplated the options in front of him.
"Oh, were you waiting for me?" Sokka asked when he saw her pacing in front of his office.
"Yes, there's something I want to talk to you about. In private, if possible."
"I suppose that could be arranged." Beckoning her inside, he shut the door behind him and went to take his seat behind his desk.
"If I had to guess, this is about the recent wave of layoffs, correct?"
"How did you-"
"It's my job to know."
"So…."
"Your name came up on the list of associated persons."
"I'm getting let go aren't I?"
No no no don't say that Azula, don't force me to do this please! Sokka thought to himself. Just say some throwaway line and I'll make sure you get to stay here, please Azula.
On the other hand, Azula's own internal mindscape was in full panic mode as Sokka did not offer her any alternative positions for her to take on for her to stay on in her current role in the palace.
Why isn't he saying anything…no this was not part of the plan! C'mon Sokka say something, anything!
"If ... .that is what you want, then I will coordinate with the paymaster to ensure that you are compensated appropriately."
"I will carry out any decision you choose."
"I guess we're going to have to pay a visit to the paymaster then."
And there goes my one way out to not working in the Flower Palace…grandma is going to have a field day… Azula sighed internally.
Several days later
Sokka didn't know why he was being dragged to some flower viewing show, but he supposed it was better than moping around in his office every chance he got. After all, he consoled himself, there were many other women out there. But try as he might, he could never shake her out of his mind.
In fact, he found himself replaying that conversation over and over in his head and cursed himself for not prodding her enough to tell him what she really wanted. Putting on a face, he picked and sipped at the food and drink offered, though most of the courtesans could tell that he really wanted to be left alone and thus, gave him a wide berth. If the three queens of the Flower Palace could not stir him, then nothing short of a literal goddess on earth would catch his gaze.
***
Noticing a man sitting by his lonesome with his head buried in his arms, Azula moved over to sit beside him. After all, she had a mountain of debt to pay for introducing Haru to one of the three queens, as despite his rank there was still a hefty chunk still left on her tab when all was said and done. Taking a deep breath, she crossed over to where he was sitting and took a seat beside the man.
"Go away." Sokka mumbled, waving a hand lazily.
Wait a minute…I know that voice
"Sulking does not look good on you, Master Sokka." she observed.
"A-Azula?"
"Yes?"
Immediately, Sokka sat up and turned to her, his arms about to wrap her in an embrace when she reminded him "Please no touching."
"C'mon, not even a -"
"That's the rules Sokka, quit your whining. Did no one ever tell you you kind of act like a kid sometimes?"
"Maybe…a few times?"
"Uh huh…."
"Anyways, do you know you look like a completely different person with makeup?"
"Perhaps…a few times…from certain people."
"About that dress?"
"Well you see….after I got let go by you I went to work for grandma down at the Flower Palace. I mean, it's only a part time gig as a courtesan since-"
"Wait, you're working as a courtesan?! Does that mean-"
"Tonight is my first gig so the answer is no, if that's what you're asking about. Seriously though, is that really the first thing that comes to mind?"
"Moving on..what if I bought you out?"
"Don't be ridiculous, anyone knows that Flower Palace girls ain't cheap…that said it's not like she'll ask for the royal treasury."
"So you're saying it's possible."
"I mean…working in the rear palace isn't that bad of an option compared to the alternative."
"Then why didn't you say so in the first place?!"
"Because I-I didn't think that you'd actually say yes to keep me on."
"You could have asked regardless."
"And potentially find myself having to do something stupid like…like licking honey off your fingers? I'll pass on that one."
"You're never going to let me live that one down aren't you."
"Nope. Not at all."
"I suppose I do owe you an apology for that one."
"You can apologize by buying out my contract for starters."
"Wow, so demanding."
"I never said I didn't have high standards Sokka." Azula replied, dropping the formalities.
"Oh I'm sure you do." he replied, reaching out to caress her cheek.
"Why are you flinching?"
"Because there are rules, Sokka."
"I don't make the rules Sokka, but I sure as hell intend to enforce them on you."
"C'mon, just this once? It's not like it's the end of the world."
"It's ending my will to continue this conversation with you the longer it goes on."
"Fine, what about just the fingertips?"
"I suppose I could live with-" she finally mumbled, only to be silenced when her lips met his fingertips, which he then brought to his lips, before giving her a smile and a wink. At this, Azula felt her entire face grow hot as she blushed, unused to such displays of affection.
"Guess I finally got you to kiss me huh." he smirked.
"Why are you the way that you are?" she sighed, burying her face in her hands as her head chastised her heart for choosing someone like Sokka to fall in love with despite her best efforts.
The day after….
Carriage
"Sokka?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"For?"
"Offering me a second chance to come back to the rear palace and not having to work as a courtesan."
"You're welcome."
"One question."
"Go ahead."
"How long have you had feelings for me?"
"That information is classified."
"Then I suppose my thoughts on you are also classified."
"But you do have thoughts about me."
"Perhaps…, but only if you're willing to spill the beans first."
"So you do have feelings for me!"
"Less and less every time I have to witness your antics."
"But you do, and that is enough for me." he replied, brushing a strand of stray hair from her face.
"So you're not even going to ask about my side of the story?"
"In due time, I will. But for now, this will do just fine." In response, Azula stood up and balanced herself inside the carriage and leaned forward to plant a kiss on his forehead.
"Consider this a makeup for last night." Naturally, Sokka pulled her onto his lap and kissed her soundly on her lips.
"If you're going give a kiss, do it properly." he smirked.
"Oh wow, since when did you become the master of kisses?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"One thing at a time Sokka, one thing at a time."
"Agreed. One thing at a time. So…would you be my girlfriend Azula?"
"Mmm.. I guess so."
"We'll figure it out together, I promise."
"I'm in your care then, Sokka." she murmured, letting herself rest in his embrace.