A/N: Due to the rules of this event, I decided to split this story in two parts. Otherwise the word count was twice as much. The sequel will be posted next week. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!=)

The moment she sat foot on the ship she wondered if she made a mistake. More so when she arrived at the gates to Ba Sing Se. She knew she needed to escape, but part of her was very aware that she was all alone. Without protecting guards or friends who guided her, even if she did what she wanted in the end. But a princess must do what a princess must do.

When she arrived in Ba Sing Se, she actually wanted to cry out of anger. The weather was different, the air smelled weird, and the clothing was nowhere near the level of quality she was used to. She was here years ago, when she conquered the city. But back then she didn't notice these things, busy with another goal in mind.

Her brother wouldn't find her that easily here. Fire Lord Zuko wouldn't think his sister would land here. Thanks to her lies and pretense and her connections, she made it into the gates. Her true identity is unknown to most of the people here in the middle ring.

She was given a small apartment. She needed to be careful not to spend her money on unnecessary luxuries. Even if they seemed necessary for her. But the money she brought from home was limited. She had to accept a job at a teashop unwillingly. But what choice did she have at the time? This was a start, and she would set a final goal step by step.

After her first day of work, she didn't make it far from the tea shop. Tears started to slip her eyes as she leaned at a nearby wall, hugging herself. She held back for too long. She cried and cried and cried.

"Hey, are you okay?" a concerned male voice reached her ears.

Azula immediately straightened, wiping away her tears with the back of her hands.

"Yes." she answered trying not to sound fragile, which was easier said than done with her puffed eyes. When her vision cleared, she saw the stranger.

"Azula?!"

Out of all the people on this earth, it was him who found her crying.

"Sokka?"

Time seemed to stand still for long minutes. They just kept watching each other. Confused. Surprised. Uncomfortably.

Azula couldn't let her guard down now around this man. She had to react, for Sokka was a friend of her brother. Could it be possible that the reason he was there was to capture her?

"Did you follow me?" Azula asked, taking a threatening step forward.

"No!" Sokka didn't mean to yell, but it came out like that. Yet Azula didn't stop her threatening steps.

Just minutes ago, she was crying bitterly. Now her sorrow seemed to be flown away, replaced by anger. Though, he needed to give her credit. Her eyes were still red from crying, and she was just protecting herself for whatever reason. He needed to convince her that she certainly didn't need to fear him.

"Then why are you here?" Azula was about to use her firebending, but Sokka was faster. He turned her around in a flash and pressed her chest to the wall, trapping her hands behind her back, his grip firm on her wrists. Yet he tried to be gentle, he tried not to hurt her. Experience told him he had to do this, because the woman in front of him wasn't to be taken lightly.

Azula didn't stop moving so he did what he had to do. Sokka pressed his chest to her back. No one talked. Only heavy breaths were heard.

Sokka was a strong man. A proud warrior. Azula struggled against him in the past. Even more than she did against the Avatar.

"Get your hands off me!" Azula said. But her voice came out gasping.

"I will, if you promise me not to attack." Sokka replied. His breath touched her ear.

Azula left out a breathy snicker, "Why would you trust my promise?"

"I would have thought you were a princess who'd keep her promises." Sokka replied.

"I promise." Azula said.

"You have to mean it Azula!" Sokka said.

"What's with you pinning me to walls every time?" she tried to tease.

Sokka turned back in time to the day of black sun. It was good to know she didn't forget about that moment either. The memory was buried inside of him clearly. Especially the moment when she flew over him. He was glad she couldn't see his light blush.

"I wouldn't have to if you didn't give me reasons." he replied, trying not to sound affected.

"Or you look for reasons to press me against walls."

"Hehe, maybe you are looking forward to it every time." Sokka smirked.

"Did Zuko send you to capture me?" Azula asked now, focusing on the present, for she had bigger problems now.

She actually didn't genuinely believe Sokka was here to capture her. But it wouldn't hurt to be sure, just in case.

"For what?" Sokka's confusion grew.

Azula didn't answer.

"I have been working at this teashop for two days. Except for today I needed a day off but came here to fetch my apron. I haven't heard anything from your brother for the last three months." Sokka said earnestly.

Azula believed him. It was true that he had been in the palace three months ago. Sokka let go. She didn't turn around immediately, still processing the latest happenings.

"Azula?" Sokka asked worried. This situation was beyond confusing.

He had questions. But she looked sad. Her eyes swollen from her crying and he wanted to make her feel better.

"Let's go somewhere else and talk. These streets are creepy." he said.

Azula complied. She didn't realize how much she needed a familiar face.