The weeks pass by in a blur.

On one Saturday morning, Azula wakes up well before her alarm clock. She switches it off before it disrupts the comfortable peace she has awoken to. Her eyes blearily open, unsurprised that her room is dark as night due to the thick blinds blocking out the outside world.

Dressing and preparing take no time at all, and she's soon out the door in running clothes. The elevators open to the lobby that's only manned by a singular doorman. He straightens up upon seeing her and bids her a good run. She pulls down her cap slightly, nodding at him.

The run first starts with a walk through the park under the dim sky, the sun nowhere to be seen yet. She picks up pace until she cuts through the park to the city docks, her feet pounding on the pavement, the music in her ears providing motivation in the tranquility of her surroundings.

She loses herself in the routine activity.

Close to an hour later, she's clammy and hot under the light rays of the sun. Satisfied that her feet and legs are quite sore, she walks home, thinking of her plans for today. There's more work to be done, and she'll make sure to finish at least half of it until she meets Zuko for lunch—

"Azula!"

She stops the song playing in her ears, putting a hand up in greeting as Katara waits at the door of the vegan bakeshop, waving her over. What odd timing. She stops a few feet away, aware of the perspiration on her skin.

Katara's wearing a simple light brown short-sleeved shirt tucked into jean shorts, her hair pulled into its usual braid. This time though, her clothes are pristine, yet to be exposed to a day of working in a bakeshop.

"Hey," Katara greets, one hand on the door. "I didn't know you ran. Have you been running all this time by the shop, and we've just never seen you?"

Azula shakes her head, running her fingers through the somewhat damp hair above her left ear. "I usually run back to my apartment through the park. I didn't even realize I was on this street."

"You must have missed the shop," Katara says with a teasing lilt, her eyes bright.

She replies, "Not possible. I come here every week."

Katara just laughs.

Azula still is sometimes thoroughly bewildered when Katara reacts opposite to what she expected. "Why are you laughing?"

Katara giggles further. "I don't know why. You want to guess why?"

Azula adopts an elaborate thinking post with her hand under her chin. "You've let all the sugar go to your head. Should I bring you to the hospital?" Katara's mouth twitches into a smile, a pleasant one. "Have you just arrived?" She tilts her head to the key stuck in the doorknob.

Katara moves until she's leaning on the door. "Yeah, Sokka will be here soon; he spent the night at a friend's place."

Azula hums in response, looking at her friend. In the weeks that passed, she and Katara have regularly corresponded, often about the most inane things. It's a friendship that still surprises her; she never pictured they'd be as close as they are. It's also a friendship that's different from the one she shares with Mai and Ty Lee. She doesn't know how or why or even how to put it into words, but it just is.

Absent-mindedly, she flexes her feet, and the action coaxes Katara's eyes to sweep down her body, finally reminding Azula once again of her current state. She shifts in discomfort. "I'll come by later in the afternoon. I haven't had breakfast, and I need to shower."

Katara's eyes widen, and she abruptly opens the door, disappearing behind it.

Azula raises a brow at the action. Is she supposed to go now? Just when she's about to start making her way home, it opens again, and Katara comes nearer, holding a sizable bag in hand.

"Here, you really need to eat on time," Katara says, her cheeks darker than usual—from the exertion, Azula thinks.

She opens the bag to reveal bread and savory pastries. "Oh."

Katara smiles almost sheepishly at her. "Sorry, I didn't have time to reheat it. I know you probably already want to go home, and you could do that at your place. Just make sure you use a toaster or an oven to preserve the crispness."

Azula hands back the bag. "That's very nice of you, Katara, but I don't have money on me right now."

Katara pushes back against her knuckles. "No, keep it."

Azula does so, frowning at the other woman. "Perhaps I can pay you later?"

Katara lets out a long-suffering sigh. "I'm giving it to you for free, dummy."

Azula's eyebrows draw together. "But why? And I don't appreciate being called a dummy."

Katara rolls her eyes. "Because you're my friend, and I want to give it to you," she adds incredulously.

Her chest warms at the thought, but her brain catches on the latter sentence, and she clears her throat, suddenly feeling hotter, stopping herself from thinking of any other sexual references. She's sure Katara won't appreciate the turn of her thoughts—she, herself, doesn't like it.

Katara seems to realize the double entendre after her, and she flushes noticeably. "I didn't mean it like that. Anyway, maybe next time when you pass by at this time, we can have breakfast or I can show you how to make some breakfast staples. I still owe you those cooking lessons I promised."

And just like that, the awkwardness dissolves. Azula smiles at her, gripping the bag tighter in her hand. "Well then, thank you. You didn't have to do this, and I really think those cooking lessons can wait. I don't want to burn down your kitchen."

Katara laughs. "I think I can manage you."

The comment elicits an instant blush from Azula, and it prickles her; she has never been shy when talking to Katara. She has to go before she makes a fool out of herself. "I'll see you later then?"

A beam is sent her way. Katara takes a step back, saying, "I'll see you later."

Azula nods and watches as Katara makes her way back, waving one last time at Azula before she closes the door to the bakeshop.

Azula arrives at the bakeshop that afternoon with two hot cups of tea in hand. She nudges her way into the shop, extra careful of the people around her. She spots Sokka at the register and waits for him to have a moment of peace. He hasn't seen her yet so he startles when she finally appears in front of him.

His indignant surprise is replaced instantly by wonder. He points to the paper cups. "Is that for me?" he says, reaching out for the one on the left.

She lightly slaps the offending hand away, and he yelps, his eyebrows rising. "Both cups of tea are actually for me," she says with a straight face.

"Well damn. Two cups of tea? You like it that much?"—he's now sporting a thoughtful look—"I get it though; I, myself, have a soft spot for cactus juice."

"Interesting," she deadpans before her expression levels back into its customary neutrality. "Where's your sister?"

He looks insulted. "No more conversation with me? Fine. I was about to get her."

Azula waits by the register, wondering why her hands are suddenly clammy. Friends give each other gifts, right? That's why Katara gave her breakfast food; Azula is just returning the gesture.

This is not a big deal. It shouldn't be a big deal.

"Whose are those?" Katara asks from behind her.

Azula turns around, her face still a mask. "This one's for you," she says, pushing a cup toward Katara.

Katara sends her a coy smile. "Is this payment for breakfast this morning?"

"Perhaps."

Sokka butts in with: "You saw each other this morning?"

Katara and Azula glance at each other. She nods at Katara, musing Katara would be better at explaining to her own brother—though, there's really nothing to explain.

Katara's eyes meet hers when she says, "Azula was on her morning run, and I saw her when I came to open the shop." She shrugs her shoulders.

Definitely nothing out of the ordinary.

Sokka observes them for a beat with a particular look in his eyes until Katara waves him away. He huffs. "I know where I'm not needed!" At this moment, the front door opens, and he waves at the client, loudly saying, "I'm sure that person will appreciate more!"

"I think he's scaring her," Azula muses, watching the older woman take a step back from Sokka who's chattering.

Katara grins, her eyes fleeting to Azula. "He can handle it. He might not look like it, but my brother's a charmer."

"You're right—he does not look like it at all," she says, finding herself smiling at Katara's ensuing laugh. Katara's clothes have lost the tidiness they had this morning, and she looks more like her usual self. Azula leans against the register, one of the things that are fast becoming familiar with every trip to the shop. "Well then, the cupcakes?"

"Right!"

Azula isn't fazed anymore when Katara suddenly retreats to the back room, the door shutting behind her with a click. She amuses herself as she waits, watching Sokka and the woman who's now smiling at Sokka. The change happened quickly—maybe there is truth to Katara's previous statement.

Sokka guides the woman to the bread section, the picture of a perfect, gallant gentleman—Azula is almost impressed.

"Here it is," Katara announces behind her.

"This box is still impressive in person." She catches herself thinking how mundane their conversation is, but the thought doesn't last as she continues to admire the box, trailing a finger down the green lining on the side. Looking up, she catches sight of Katara who's focusing on the last place she touched on the box. "Is something wrong?"

Katara flushes, muttering, "No." She looks down then grabs the cup of tea on the counter. "Hey, thanks again for this."

"I didn't know what to get, but I hope you like jasmine—it's my favorite."

Katara opens the cup, letting some of the steam out. She blows on the surface of the tea a few times, and when she deems it enough, she takes a sip and lets out a pleased hum. "It's good. Thanks again."

Azula chuckles, ignoring the shyness that she's feeling once again. "Stop thanking me. Once is enough, I assure you."

They're interrupted by Sokka who bumps Katara's hip out of the way of the register, setting the woman's selections on the counter. "Another satisfied customer," he says, sending the woman a smile. The woman giggles, having eyes only for Sokka. Katara and Azula's eyes meet, trying to keep a lid on their mirth.

In the five minutes they stand near Sokka and the woman, the woman doesn't even glance into either of their directions. Azula is mystified at the unseen power Sokka seems to hold over the woman.

When Sokka returns to them from escorting the woman out, he boasts, "She said she'll come back soon."

"That was actually admirable. Your sales talk is good," Azula notes, nodding at Sokka.

"Told you," Katara retorts.

Sokka grabs onto the reply. "You complimented me to Azula?" He coos affectionately to his sister who pushes him away.

The corners of Azula's mouth lift, as she is now a spectator to the bickering siblings. After a few minutes, they appear to remember that they are not alone, and they immediately straighten themselves, their faces still coated in leftover light-heartedness.

Azula clears her throat. "I better go. I've taken up much of your time already." She lays a hand atop the box. "Until next week, Katara."

"Wait!" Katara blurts. Azula and Sokka look at her. "Your tea—it's probably lukewarm now. Do you want to reheat it?"

Azula takes hold of the paper cup, discerning that Katara is right. "It's fine. I can do that at home."

"I insist."

Sokka coughs and quips, "She wants you to see the backdoor." Katara slaps his shoulder, prompting him to say, "You might as well reheat your tea, Azula, or else I suffered a slap from my rude sister for nothing."

"In that case, I might actually just leave." She grins at Katara who merely says, "Come to the back?"

Azula finally agrees. She leaves her box of cupcakes with Sokka who mutters something too low for her to hear before he takes the box away, presumably to store it properly.

With both cups in her hands, Katara motions for her to come around the long counter, and Azula does as told, suddenly a bit eager to see something new about the bakeshop.

The backroom is actually a kitchen which is almost similar in size to the main area. Azula smothers her surprise at the workers who pause in what they're doing to glance at her for a moment. She has never seen these people before in all her time here.

The kitchen is impressive. There are stainless steel chillers and freezers against one wall, and on the opposite side are two industrial-sized stove-top ovens with overhead exhaust pipes. On the far corner, there are two vertical ovens, and there's also a line of steel carts of varying heights.

There's also the delightful, albeit, stronger smell of dark chocolate that Azula is enamored with.

Katara introduces her to the staff one-by-one, and Azula compliments them in turn, exchanging pleasantry with them. Katara shows her around, explaining some of the mechanics in the kitchen, and what they do, what the daily schedule is like. Azula does her best to follow though Katara explains it simply which greatly benefits her.

"I've never seen your staff before," she whispers, standing a foot beside Katara in front of one of the stoves.

"That's because you've never been behind here before," Katara retorts amusedly.

"Right. Silly me," she replies dryly.

Katara glances at her. "Sokka and I often operate the area outside, the register, talking to people—Sokka more so, especially when I'm needed here. Though we both come up with ideas for the cupcakes, and the staff and I make it happen."

"You make it sound so effortless," Azula notes, watching the tea in the pot Katara has set on the stove.

"The result of me and Sokka growing up in our family," Katara says thoughtfully, getting a faraway look on her face. "The shop was founded by our grandmother, Kanna; she had been baking ever since she could. Every weekend, Sokka and I would go to her house and bake with her, just learning and spending time with her. Those are some of my favorite memories ever. I loved her very much, still do. When she passed, our father gave us the bakeshop. Somehow, he never took to baking as we did."

"I wondered who Kanna is. Your grandmother seems like a wonderful woman," she regards. "Though I'm surprised to learn Sokka also bakes. I don't think either of you has mentioned it before."

Katara shakes her head, smiling. "He likes the boring, business aspect of the bakeshop. He's a great baker though—he approaches it as a science; at home, he makes things you never would have thought of."

"It sounds to me that you're both very talented. No wonder the bakeshop is quite popular." Azula observes as Katara lowers the temperature on the stove, bringing the tea to a simmer before she shuts it off.

"That's thanks to you," Katara replies, grabbing two ceramic mugs from a nearby rack and setting them on a working table near the stove. "Get that, won't you?"

Hands firmly on the handles of the pot, Azula follows dutifully. She sets it on the table. "Those were just a few pictures. I might have helped a little, but your shop was already doing more than fine. Trust me, your reviews online are glowing."

Katara blushes while pouring the tea. "I've stopped reading reviews. I react strongly to them. I had a bad review before, and I might have typed three paragraphs in reply. Sokka made me delete it because I, apparently, came off as extremely rude. I also apologized."

Azula laughs. "Somehow that doesn't surprise me. Now I'm glad I didn't write you a scathing review when we first met. I was closely tempted to do so."

"And I would have ignored Sokka's advice and absolutely would have replied with some colorful insults here and there." She grins, a sly look on her face. "You were a real bitch the first time we met. I thought you were annoying."

Azula scoffs even while accepting the cup from Katara. "I thought you were the annoying one. I don't appreciate it when people I don't know pester me."

Katara rolls her eyes, cupping the ceramic mug in her hands. "I figured, dummy. I'm kinda stunned we became friends actually."

"I told you not to call me that, and also, you probably mean kind-of friends. You should feel honored."

"You think you're so funny, don't you?"

"I know that I'm funny," she replies haughtily.

Katara chuckles. "You're so full of it, but it actually suits you." She then blows on her tea to help it cool, prompting Azula to do the same on her own a few times.

Azula raises a brow. "That was an excellent backhanded compliment. I'm not sure if I should be insulted or not."

"It was a compliment." Katara finally takes a sip of her tea, prompting Azula to do the same. Katara sighs happily. "That's perfect now that it's hot."

"It is though I can take it hotter," Azula says absentmindedly.

Katara grins. "I'm sure you could."

It's close to her usual dinner time, and Azula opens the door to her apartment to complete darkness. She fumbles with the cupcake box, eventually settling it on the console table in the foyer before she switches a few lights on and closes the door.

"Fuck!" she yells when she comes upon Mai lying on one of the couches in the living room, snickering to herself.

"You should have seen yourself. It was amazing, easily one of the best moments of my life," Mai manages between her chuckles.

She marches over to her friend. "I've told you many times not to do this!" She flops onto another sparkling clean cream-colored couch. "It's so comforting to know my oldest friend revels in my misery," she says sarcastically, blocking her eyes with her right forearm.

"Sometimes, I think you and Zuko can't be more different then one of you will do something that reminds me of the other. Case in point, you're being dramatic."

Azula sneers, "I'm being dramatic?" She sat up, eyes accusing. "How did you get in anyway? I threw away your key copy a few months ago, and you told me you never had any other!"

Mai shrugs, resting her head on her palm as she turned sideways. "I lied."

Azula tilts her head back until it touches the chair. "Mai, you have to give me all of your keys to my apartment. When I say all, I mean all."

"You were never particular about me having a key before. It's pointless for you to throw them away anyway; I can always just pick the lock."

Azula sighs. "I can always have electric locks installed that would only respond to my fingerprints. Let's see how you would like that."

"What's the problem?" Mai drawls. "At least someone could easily get in if anything terrible happens to you here."

"The most that can happen here is for you to startle me to death."

Mai chuckles. "The drama of it all. I've always thought you would make an excellent actress."

Azula ignores her, having heard that line from Mai a million times already. She runs her fingers through her hair, ruffling it a bit. "Where's Ty Lee?"

"Buying takeout from the restaurant around the corner."

Azula stands then makes her way to the kitchen, downing a glass of water. She moves to her bedroom, grabbing her belongings, and yelling, "I don't remember inviting you two here for dinner!"

Azula walks into the adjoined closet room to her bedroom, quickly changing out of her clothes into more comfortable ones. She takes her time, taking off her makeup and washing her face. After brushing her teeth, she finds Mai lying in her bed with her eyes closed and her breathing even.

Azula leaves her be, walking out to find the cupcakes. She takes it to the kitchen, setting it down in plain sight on the solid surface countertop. She's given up on keeping the cupcakes away from her friends and brother, and with her weekly supply, there is more than enough for sharing.

There's a knock on the door, and she opens it to find Ty Lee and Zuko on the other side bearing food bags.

"You're here too?" she mutters to her brother who shrugs and doesn't wait for an invitation to come inside. Azula closes the door behind her, watching Zuko and Ty Lee move about in the kitchen.

"Where's Mai?" Ty Lee asks as she takes out a container.

"Dead," Azula replies casually. Zuko chokes on a laugh as he transfers the food onto clean plates and bowls stacked in a corner.

Ty Lee glares at her, its severity a rare feat in itself. Azula struggles to stifle her laugh, saying, "Your girlfriend's alive, but she's asleep, I think."

"Aww, poor baby," Ty Lee mutters to herself. "I must have worked her out too hard."

Her stomach churns, but Azula smirks as the tips of Zuko's ears redden in an instant beneath some locks of hair. He doesn't face them, opting to continue getting the food ready.

Azula sets the dining table that she often uses mostly for work, rather choosing to eat her meals at the desk in her study instead. Afterward, she goes into her room and, with a hand on Mai's shoulder, shakes her friend hard until Mai's awake, slapping her hand away.

"Dinner," Azula says plainly, leaving once again.

Mai ambles into the dining room when the three of them are already seated. Azula smiles at the disgruntled look on her friend's face but doesn't comment on it. When Mai spots Zuko, she tells Ty Lee, "Oh, I didn't know this was to be a party."

Zuko scowls before he takes a chopstick-full of food. Ty Lee had decided on Northern Water Tribe cuisine from a common favorite restaurant. Their current spread was mostly of seafood, and Ty Lee had been thoughtful too, ordering each of their favorite kinds of tea to complement the food.

Azula isn't all that hungry, having eaten earlier on. Along with the tea they drank, Katara had supplied her with bread and pastries, and they had a pleasant time sitting and talking in Katara and Sokka's office, a small and cozy room just beyond the kitchen that had been tastefully decorated with warm colors with a touch of Water Tribe decorations.

Ty Lee eventually begins a conversation, asking after their respective days. Mai and Ty Lee had mostly spent their day at their apartment, lazing about before they thought to bother Azula; Ty Lee had messaged Zuko on the way over.

"Azula and I had lunch together," Zuko says, looking up from his plate. "I then went home because mom wanted my help with something."

"Arts and crafts again?" Azula says glibly. Mai shoots her a tight-lipped smile.

"No," Zuko answers too quickly. "Anyway, I helped mom with the lights in the garden."

"Oh!" Ty Lee replied excitably. "Was it one of those fairy lights that look so pretty at night?"

Zuko nods. "Something like that, yes. I'm sleeping at home later so we can turn them on and see." He nudges Azula beside him with an elbow. "She wants you to come too."

Azula sighs. "I'll think about it." She then takes a sip of her tea.

"I know you want to see them too," Zuko says. "Anyway, I saw the cupcakes in the kitchen. How were Sokka and Katara this afternoon?"

Mai raises a brow. "Ah, so that's where you went. I shouldn't be surprised."

"Well, you shouldn't. You know I have a weekly order."

Mai contradicts her with: "Are you sure that's all?"

"Mai!" Ty Lee says to her girlfriend "Don't be so nosy. Azula will tell us when she's ready, right, Azula?"

Azula tuts, sneaking a glance at Zuko who was barely paying attention to the conversation, focused as he is on his food. "I don't even know what you mean."

The unplanned dinner continues into the night, and Azula's apartment is filled with laughter and warmth. Close to nine in the evening, Zuko warns them he'll be leaving soon and looks pointedly in Azula's direction.

She agrees after more pestering from him, deciding to bring the few cupcakes left in case any of the help wants them.

They arrive to little fanfare at home. Azula leads the way as Zuko follows, the cupcake box in his arms. They cross the stone walkway, and they're almost to one of the doors leading inside to the main kitchen when their mother says, "Azula? Zuko?"

Azula squints, wondering why their mother's sitting in the dark like a vagrant. She's alone, sitting on one of the contemporary wooden chairs in the large patio. Her mother tells them to come closer, and Azula is engulfed in a hug before she knows it. "I haven't seen you in a week, dear child!"

Azula allows the hug, her arms coming to rest around her mother's back for a second. "I'm busy, mom."

"You always are, but know your father and I are always proud of you. I wish you and your brother would come home more often."

"Yes, I know. I try when I can." She really does, but twenty-something years under her parents' roof had been rough for her and Zuko—from their dumb rivalry as kids, her father's electoral fraud scandal which was turned around by the best lawyer in the whole country, and feeling like she was always doing something wrong in her mother's eyes.

Zuko hands her the box as he goes in for a quick hug with their mother, having already seen Ursa in the afternoon.

"Why are you sitting in the dark?" Azula asks, perturbed.

"The lights!" Ursa exclaims. "Xi, turn it on!"

From a distance, Xi, presumably, yells his affirmative in the darkness, and a beat later, the garden is bathed in warm yellow and white lights. It's pretty, and it lends a sort of homeliness to the garden at night. The three of them admire it in silence for the next minutes.

Their mother is the first to turn in, and she leaves them with kisses on their cheeks.

"It's pretty," Zuko says. Azula nods, content in the quiet. "So… about Katara, are you—"

She sighs, feeling suddenly very tired. "Don't tell me you actually believe Mai and Ty Lee's conspiracies. I'm sure Katara doesn't like women that way."

"How are you sure?"

"What?"

Zuko leans closer. "Have you asked her?"

"No. Why would I ask? That's rude."

"Come on, Azula. You clearly like her. Go for it. She already has my approval. Someone also told me she likes you."

Azula laughs, sure her brother is joking. "Who? Mai and Ty Lee?"

"Just someone," Zuko replies strictly. "Come on. She's perfect for you."

Katara is nice, certainly nicer to her than Azula thought she warranted, but Zuko's suggestions are utter nonsense. Azula chuckles at him, standing up. "Brother, you need some sleep. The night is getting to you." Grabbing the box, she stands up and makes her way to the house.

A recent development has been made—her mother knows about the bakeshop. Azula had awoken this morning to a household that was raving about the cupcakes, and somehow, it had made its way to her mother's ears.

She's looking out the car window sullenly, her chin resting on her palm. She really doesn't have to be here; she's an adult that should have choices and free will, but it's safer to accompany them. She won't allow her mother to tell embarrassing stories about her to Katara and Sokka.

Their mother is beside her while Zuko sits up front in the passenger seat beside one of their mother's drivers.

"They're closed on Sundays," she says rather convincingly out of the blue.

Zuko peeks at her from the gap between the front seats. "No, they're not. They're closed on Mondays. Sokka told me, and I remember the sign on the door, Azula."

Well, that's a first. "I didn't know you and Sokka are talking."

Zuko shrugs. "He's nice. We follow each other on social media."

Ursa leans forward. "Who's Sokka?"

"Just a friend, mom," he replies.

Azula glances in her periphery—their mother is intrigued. She, herself, doesn't care about Zuko's other friends or his social life unless it directly affects her.

Zuko is the first one out of the car when they arrive right in front of the shop. Azula lazily opens her door, staring up at the bakeshop doors with a mix of hesitation and awkwardness. The car idles away as they enter the shop, the same chocolate smell wafting in the air. It instantly comforts Azula.

"Hey," Katara says from the counter. There's no one in the shop at the moment which doubles the uneasiness Azula feels.

"Did you get my message?" Azula asks, her volume low.

Katara nods. "I did." Her eyes fleet to Zuko and their mom who were wandering the shop with Zuko pointing out all the tasty things to Ursa. "You look like her."

"I guess," Azula answers, shrugging. She turns again to her brother and mother, their trays rapidly brimming with food now. She faces Katara once again, taking in her appearance this time, then she frowns. "You don't have your usual braid."

Katara's cheeks flush. "Yeah, no. I thought it would be better for my hair to be loose and free today, and there are fewer people today than normal."

"It suits you," she replies off-handedly, briefly wondering why Katara would change her hair today of all days. Her mother and brother come closer, and she turns to them—missing the way Katara's cheeks have darkened further. Her eyes land on her brother, and then she realizes: Katara must like her brother.

That's why Katara asked about Zuko and her friends the first time they were all here. She was gauging the person she was interested in.

The realization is very disconcerting, suddenly sprouting a ball of knots in her stomach, but this just confirms her guess that Katara is straight. Her eyes meet Katara's, wondering if she should ask, but refrains when Katara smiles at her. Almost involuntarily, she smiles back.

Ignoring her private discomfort, she introduces her mother to Katara, closely watching Zuko and Katara saying hello to each other. There's nothing unusual about their simple hellos, but Azula is sure Katara smiled a little wider at Zuko.

"Azula, how did you meet this wonderful young lady?" her mother asks, pulling her out of her thoughts. To Katara, she says, "I'm glad you and Azula are friends. She and Zuko need more of them actually."

Azula and Zuko exchange embarrassed looks. "Mai and Ty Lee are more than enough, mom, but I am glad to have met Katara and her brother too. They are good people," she ventures as Katara gazes at her, and she meets her gaze. She's unexpectedly hyper-aware that Katara's eyes are brimming with… something—she's not sure what.

"Oh," her mother says gently, putting a hand just above her heart. Zuko is wearing a subtle smirk, looking at Azula.

"What is it?" Azula asks sharply.

Her mother shakes her head, roping Katara into a conversation and asking for a tour around the bakeshop. Katara agrees bashfully, leaving Azula and Zuko standing around in the main area as they move inward to the kitchens.

"I wonder where Sokka is," Azula wonders out loud while leaning against the counter. She mutters to herself, "Katara doesn't expect us to deal with their customers, does she?"

"He's at a friend's place. They're trying to fix a car," Zuko replies, running a hand through his hair.

"How do you know that?" she asks suspiciously. "Did Katara tell you that?"

Zuko sends her a strange look. "Uh, no. Sokka and I talk, remember."

"I'm still surprised you didn't tell me prior that you're friendly with Sokka."

"It's nothing," he says, pulling out his phone to show her that he and Sokka follow each other on social media.

"Are you friends with Katara too?" she asks, taking the phone from his grasp to look.

Zuko pulls the phone back too swiftly for her liking. "No, why?"

Silence.

She takes in a breath. "She likes you," Azula announces to him. "I think she has a crush on you. That's why she changed her hair today because I told her we were coming."

He stares at her in apparent horror. "What?" Zuko laughs. "There is no way she likes me. She barely knows me!"

"It's a crush, Zuko. It's senseless. Remember, I had a crush on idiotic Chan when we were kids, and now I exclusively date women these days. Crushes can be befuddling."

Zuko groans, coming to stand before her, his arms in the air. "Open your eyes, Azula. She likes you!"

He's so dramatic—he's acting like she's the one in the wrong.

"How can you tell?" she snaps, crossing her arms.

"Because of the way she looks at you—it's different—and somehow, it's a stronger look than the last time? I don't know what I'm trying to say, but I'm sure she likes you."

She raises a brow at him, disbelieving. "And I don't know why I'm even going along with this because your insinuations are untrue!"

"Because you like her too, you idiot." There is a big grin on Zuko's face as if her social ineptness is the funniest thing in the world. It really isn't. "I want you to be happy, and you clearly are whenever you're here."

"Do I look like I'm happy to you?" she retorts.

Zuko opens his mouth, and whatever he was about to say isn't known because that's the exact moment that Katara and their mother come back to the main area, the kitchen door slowly closing behind them. Her mother is still raving about the shop, promising to order for parties and banquets in the future as they come closer.

Katara is sporting a bashful look, likely overwhelmed with their mother's presence. Azula doesn't blame her. Katara briefly glances at her, the corner of her lips further lifting.

Her mood eases.

"Now you do," Zuko annoyingly whispers in her ear.

Frustratingly, it takes her a second to understand what he meant. She sends him a dark look, her smile replaced with a frown.

Azula (17:51): I hope my mother didn't overwhelm you.

Katara (17:53): She was great! She was very enthusiastic about the kitchen though she said hers was better. I think she was happy. Remember when I said I would make her happy?

Azula snorts to herself, imagining it.

Azula (17:55): She can be imposing like that, and I do remember. You still have to teach me to cook, and then she'll be happier.

Katara (17:58): Will she cry if you learn how to cook?

Azula (18:01): Ugh, please no.

Her phone suddenly rings, irritating her for a moment. She should've known. The habit started a few days ago; Katara likes suddenly calling her with no notice whatsoever, even at work. Truly an annoying thorn on her side.

"What?" she answers.

"Hello to you too, grumpy," Katara says gleefully.

Azula rolls her eyes then remembers Katara can't see her. "You know I don't like it when you call without first messaging me."

"Why? Do you still have to practice your hello beforehand?" Katara laughs at her own joke.

"Your humor astounds me, Katara," she replies, getting comfortable on her bed. "Perhaps in addition to being a baker, you can moonlight as a comedian."

"Now, who's being funny now? You're such a dork."

"Only you could say that," she remarks with thinly-disguised mirth.

The line becomes quiet.

Azula instantly frowns, staring up at the ceiling. She can still hear Katara breathing on the other line; she wonders what the other woman is thinking. She's about to ask if she's alright when Katara finally says, "Only me?" There is a softness in her voice that Azula hasn't heard before, and she's unsure what to make of it—all she knows is the moment feels heavy.

"Only you," she replies, still uncertain, and it's disconcerting how it's almost a confession.

The moment feels suddenly stifling. Her heart's pace is steadily increasing, and she only wishes for Katara to say something.

Katara hums on the other end of the phone. "I'm glad."

Azula is not that obtuse in social interaction like Mai often implies. She is fully aware something has changed between her and Katara since that moment on the phone. Afterward, they had carried on the conversation like nothing substantial had happened. It had been a fun call, and Azula had missed her friend the second they ended it, a full hour later after it started.

That's when she knew that Zuko and her friends were right—she is nursing a crush on her friend which is bad.

The first time she unexpectedly makes a new friend and now she's crushing on them. Now that she's aware of it, every little reaction she has toward Katara seems amplified to her senses. The way her hand darts to her phone when she receives a new text, hoping that it's Katara. The way her heart beats faster when she hears the ringtone she had assigned for her. The way, in the last week, she has taken the route passing by the bakery twice, trying to glimpse her.

Crushing on someone is akin to madness, she decides. It makes you do things you normally would not do.

Contributing to her unease is the suspicion that Katara is straight and crushing on her brother.

The next weekend when she's due to get her order, she stalls at the door of the bakeshop, just taking her time. She takes a breath, steeling herself to see Katara. It's only Katara, her friend, that she is crushing on. She tells herself it isn't a big deal as she makes it out to be.

"What are you doing?"

Azula jolts, turning around to see Sokka and a couple of other people behind him. Just like that, her composure has been shattered.

"The door's always open, well, but not when we're closed. Anyway, you get what I mean," Sokka adds, motioning for her to go inside. Seemingly remembering he's not alone, he says, "These are my friends, Toph and Aang. Guys, this is Azula."

"Sugar Queen's Azula?" the woman she deems as Toph says. Toph holds out a hand, and Azula shakes it in greeting, wondering who the hell is Sugar Queen. Toph hums, abruptly grasping her given hand in both of hers.

Azula pulls away, but the other woman's grip is strong. "What is she doing?" she demands from Sokka.

"Just you wait," he replies with a smile.

"You better just go along with it," Aang says.

That doesn't assuage her at all.

"Your hand is tough, but the skin is soft," Toph says, her face in concentration. "Sugar Queen picked a good one. Can I touch your face too?"

"No," Azula answers flatly, now thoroughly bewildered and very opposed to someone touching her face with questionable hands.

Toph smiles a small smile, her eyes shining in the light. "I like you," she says before pushing her way to the shop. Before going inside, Aang also shakes her hand, giving it a good squeeze.

"Don't even ask," Sokka says.

Azula follows him into the shop. While there are a handful of customers milling about, Katara is currently preoccupied, conversing with their friends. Azula catches her wandering gaze, and she lifts a hand in greeting. Is it just her or is Katara's ensuing beam… different? Though she is sure there is something different now—her hands feel really sweaty at the sight of Katara.

Oh, how she hates having a crush.

Katara waves her over, murmurs a quiet, "Hey," and introduces her once again to Toph and Aang.

Toph interrupts her, saying, "Save your breath, Sugar Queen. We've already met outside; Sokka introduced us."

That clears things up as to who Sugar Queen is.

While Azula is content to listen to their conversation; Katara keeps glancing at her periodically as if making sure she's fine. It's quite… sweet, she decides. But she also notices that Aang keeps looking at Katara, hanging onto her every word. It's almost pathetic how smitten he looks, and she would have found it amusing if it didn't bother her. She hopes she doesn't look as pathetic as him when she looks at Katara—she can't be that obvious.

Eventually, Toph draws her into the conversation. "So, what are you doing here?"

"I have an order to retrieve."

Toph puffs a breath. "That's boring. That's it?"

"Yes?" She's not sure what Toph's asking.

"Whatever. Come on, Aang, let's leave them alone. We can ask Sokka to feed us some food."

Rooted in his spot, Aang protests, "I'll stay with Katara. I have to ask her something—"

"Do it later!" Toph grabs his arm, pulling him away and muttering to his ear.

For such a small woman, Toph is deceptively strong. Azula clears her throat, facing Katara. "Your friends are quite different from mine, especially Toph."

Katara notes the hint of amusement in her voice, smiling. "She is."

"She called me Sugar Queen's Azula. Is that a joke I should be aware of?" Azula asks casually.

Katara immediately flushes, and Azula's heart gives a heavy thud in her chest—she knows then that her crush is actually very serious. Katara looks away, whispering, "I'll tell you some other time." Without another word, she disappears into the backdoor and reappears not a minute later. "Alright, no cupcakes like you said. This is the best I could come up with so you better love it."

Azula fights the blush threatening to bloom on her cheeks at the word love. What is she? A pubescent child?

"Are you okay?" Katara asks, her voice brimming with concern.

Azula concludes her face must be doing something so she relaxes her mouth into a tight-lipped smile and deflects, "I'm sure they're great." She peeks into the box through the cutout with the clear plastic. "I like that you put danish swirls. I'm a fan of those. And the croissants; they look quite flaky."

Her words sound so humdrum to her own ears, but she foregoes letting her features twist lest she worries Katara again.

Katara has clearly brightened at the approval Azula had doled out. "I thought you would. I put some focaccia for your mom; she seemed to love it the last time you were here."

"I'll make sure to pass—"

"Hey, Katara," Aang interrupts, causing Azula to glare daggers at the younger man for interrupting her; he hasn't noticed though, only having eyes for Katara again. "I was wondering if you would like to hang out with me later."

Katara grimaces, a look that lets Azula know the other woman has heard this a few times before. "Aang"—she starts quietly, chancing a look at Azula, and Azula quickly diverts her gaze, pretending to look outside the shop—"I've told you; I don't like you that way. I only think of you as a brother. I'm sorry."

It's said with such genuine sincerity and obvious care that Azula knows for sure Katara is a better person than her. Azula would have had a few cutting words or, at her worst, would have dumped some cupcakes on the bald guy's head and smeared it around.

Aang looks absolutely crestfallen. Sokka comes to the rescue, and from his timing, Azula's sure he must have already known this would happen. "Come on, buddy."

She and Katara watch as Sokka and Toph bring a forlorn Aang to the backroom, leaving Katara and Azula alone. A customer comes to the register, and Azula waits as Katara takes care of the order.

When Katara is free again, Azula shifts nearer to her, saying, "You were very nice to him, nicer than I would have been."

"He's my friend, but I don't like him like that." Katara rests her elbow on the glass panel of the display, staring straight at her. "Besides, I like someone else."

The opportunity has presented itself, and Azula is brave enough now to ask. "It's not my brother, is it? Because he dates men more than he does women—"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Katara asks, her eyes lit up in alarm.

"You thought my brother and friends were good-looking. You changed your hair," Azula retorts, instantly realizing how dumb she sounds, but she treads on. "You wanted to impress him. Remember the day he and our mother were here?"

Katara looks at her in plain disbelief before she bursts into laughter, tears rising to the corner of her eyes. When her laughs subside, she exclaims, "I wanted to impress your mother!"

The reply offsets her bleak mood, and she almost wants to facepalm in realization. Of course, because her mother is a very important person. "Oh. Yes, you're right. Mom is the wife of the governor so, naturally, you would want to impress her. Good move. What was I thinking?" she mutters the latter to herself rhetorically.

Azula doesn't understand why Katara appears further exasperated. Yes, Azula had been dense, but she understands now. Katara groans and Azula's brain decides to hang onto the sound, looping it in her ears. This is not the time to think dirty thoughts about her friend.

"Azula," Katara says seriously. "I like you. I wanted to impress your mother so she'll think I'm a good fit for you."

Oh. Oh.

"She told me she thought I was," Katara adds with a small smile on her face.

Azula's jaw drops in shock. "She—what?" Then her brain seems to catch up on what was said prior. "You like me?" she echoes rather stupidly. This development is—it's—amazing.

She feels overwhelmed over the knowledge that Katara likes her and that her mother knows. Her mother never said anything which, in itself, is a first since she often likes to poke into her children's private affairs. Katara's face shifts to a downcast expression, and she realizes her response must have seemed poor to Katara.

"I like you too," she quickly breathes, her tone laced with certainty, and her heart slows to a steady beat in relief.

All of a sudden, Katara is leaning across the counter, looking softly expectant, and Azula heeds the pull, meeting her halfway, their lips pressing softly for their first kiss. It's almost poetic how it happens right where they first met, and it's so cliche, akin to all the stories that Ty Lee had loved reading out loud to her and Mai back when they were teenagers, but it doesn't matter—not when this kiss feels like the first of a million special things.

Katara snakes a hand behind her head, her fingers gently cupping her nape before she pulls her in. Azula leans closer, tipping over the counter. Their lips push and pull, and Azula dimly remembers they're in a public place, but the thought disappears when Katara's tongue seeks her own. She parts her lips, her want spiking—

"Excuse me," a firm voice says, causing them to rip away from each other. Katara's face has a deep flush to it, and Azula imagines hers must rival it. She scoots away from the front of the register, an old lady immediately taking her place and setting her handpicked baked goods on the counter.

It takes a while for her face to calm from the shame of being caught like an uncontrollable teenager; she reddens again when she realizes there are still a couple of people browsing in the shop. Losing control like that isn't like her at all.

Fortunately, the old lady doesn't say anything more, merely waiting for Katara to finish then she leaves. Azula watches her go, refusing to look in Katara's direction. When she feels comfortable enough, she finally does so, catching Katara's gaze.

"So, that happened," Katara says, her voice dripping with hesitancy.

Azula's insides freeze for a moment, wondering if Katara regrets it now. They can still go back to friendship. They haven't gone further yet to wholly destroy it, and Azula will rid herself of such feelings if needed. "Are you having second thoughts?" She hates the way her voice shakes halfway, hates how vulnerable she is at the moment.

"Are you?" Katara's voice has evened to a neutral tone, her face a mask that throws Azula off. Katara always wears her emotions for everyone to see.

This is serious.

It's so discerning, so unlike her, that Azula decides on the truth. "No." She leans her hands on the counter. "In fact, I think a second kiss would be ideal."

It's startling how she feels braver than she thinks she is.

A smile breaks out on Katara's face, unhurried and true.

Another kiss, and it's as pleasurable as the last one. Katara's lips are soft, and she kisses with a passion that matches her personality. Her hands are on either side of Azula's neck, drawing her in closer and closer and closer. Katara's hands thread through her short locks, and when it tightens there, Azula pulls herself away but stays within inches from her.

"I'm afraid kissing in public like a starved teenager won't be ideal for my image." She cringes inwardly right after, knowing she has thoroughly killed the mood. She takes a peek at Katara, apprehensive, but Katara's eyes scream only mirth.

"Why don't we take this somewhere private then?"

It's safe to say Azula has blushed more times this afternoon than her entire life.

Two weeks pass with her spending most of the weekends at the bakeshop. It's not something she had envisioned for herself—who knew she would end up here of all places in her free time?

She lets Katara dictate the direction and pace of the relationship because she's just all too glad about the recent development. She doesn't really know what she's doing—all she knows is she likes having time with the other woman, and fortunately, Katara wants the same with her.

Spending a lot of time with Katara also means she hasn't seen her brother and friends in two weeks which doesn't bother her. Katara is a much more enjoyable companion.

This afternoon, Katara is whipping up something in the kitchen; she had invited Azula to help and had said something about lemon cupcakes and lavender, a rather interesting combination in Azula's opinion.

Azula had agreed only because it's Katara, and because Katara had posed it as a challenge.

"Shouldn't I be compensated as your test subject," she says with a smirk, sitting on a work stool. Katara—who's standing across the steel table laden with bowls, cups, and the like—pauses in mixing the batter. She raises a brow at Azula as she circles the table with Azula watching her every move with anticipation.

"Does a kiss work for you?" Katara suggests as she comes into the space between Azula's legs.

It should be alarming how thrilled she feels when Katara is within reach, but she doesn't care, not when Katara is so close.

"It depends on the kiss," Azula replies seriously.

Katara giggles and darts in to give her a peck on the cheek.

"More," Azula proclaims as Katara puts a few inches between them though still in proximity.

"Later," Katara promises, nudging Azula. "Now, get off your lazy butt and come help me."

Azula scoffs but follows Katara anyway. She stands beside the other woman, watching carefully what she's doing. There's baking ingredients placed on the table, a couple of lemons, and some lavender for the frosting. There's also a digital weighing scale, a large industrial mixer at the ready, and a few handy tools like spatulas and whisks.

"How do you decide what should go inside?" she asks as Katara pours a teaspoon of vanilla into the mixing bowl.

"Practice," she says. "It helps that I've been doing this all my life. I make a base recipe then I do at least three trials, tweaking the recipe along the way and figuring out what's missing or what's too much."

Azula's eyebrows draw together. "It really is like a science."

Katara nods, now picking up some lemons. "Here, zest these. Make sure not to reach the white part; we don't want those because they're plain bitter."

Azula asks for a demonstration of how to zest, tilting her head when Katara finishes. "That seems manageable."

"You can do it, smartypants." Katara flashes her a grin, bumping her hip with her own.

An hour later, Azula's watching the oven alone, glancing periodically at the clock. She eases only when Katara finally comes in from the front of the shop, and Azula is thankful that all was well in the kitchen while she was away.

She thinks Katara wouldn't ever agree to a proper first date had something happened to her precious kitchen while Azula had been left in charge.

It's about time to remove the cupcakes from the oven, and she does so, her heat-resistant mittens in place. A few minutes later, Katara has them on a wire rack to rest after Azula had to ask what that meant exactly.

The frosting had been made while the cupcakes were baking, and all they have to do is pipe them on top. Although, they have to wait for the cupcakes to completely cool before they can get a start on it.

She's sitting on the same stool from before, just staring at the cupcakes as if that would make the whole cooling down process faster. "Is there any other way to help them cool?" she asks Katara.

Wordlessly, Katara drapes herself across Azula's back, her front pressing just right into Azula's body. The touch is very welcome. "Not really, but maybe I can distract you while we wait," Katara whispers right into her ear, and the proximity and sound send a shiver down Azula's spine.

Azula whines when Katara takes her right earlobe into a warm, wet mouth. Is this even allowed in the kitchen everything should be clean? There must be health and safety precautions they should abide by. Still, the pleasure prevails—she tilts her head to the side, giving easier access to Katara who now has both hands lightly running down the sides of Azula's waist.

It's heavenly, enough so to make her disregard that they're in a commercial kitchen. She turns around, captures Katara's lips as her hands find purchase on the other woman's waist, squeezing tightly. All they need is a flat surface where they can—

The door to their right abruptly slams open, startling them both apart.

In the doorway, a smirking Sokka is standing there… along with Zuko, Mai and Ty Lee who all looked quite undignified with their mouths hanging open.

Azula recovers first, standing up from her seat. "What are you doing here?" she says rudely as she pats her hair down, trying to regain some decorum.

"We were worried!" Zuko exclaims, pushing his way past Mai and Ty Lee. His flair for dramatics is apparent. "We haven't seen you for weeks, and you haven't answered your phone the whole day. I was ready to call mom!"

"She looks fine—more than fine, actually. Were you two just kissing?" Mai asks, a sly look on her face.

Mai is only teasing because it is very apparent that she and Katara were just kissing from their faces. She and Katara chance a glance at each other; Katara's expression is easy to read, and Azula nods.

"Oh my!" Ty Lee squeals. "They even talk to each other through their eyes! How adorable!"

Azula clenches her teeth. "Not that it's any of your business, but yes Katara and I were kissing. Can you leave now?"

Katara slaps her arm and rubs it to soothe when Azula quietly yelps. Her hand rises to Azula's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "It's fine. Your friends and brother can stay. More test subjects for the cupcakes," Katara murmurs the latter to her.

Ty Lee does the predictable, pulling Katara toward her for girl talk while Mai slips to her side. "So, you're fully domesticated now."

"It's just cupcakes, Mai," she defends, busying herself with arranging the now room-temperature cupcakes in perfect rows on the wire rack.

Mai smiles. "The next thing you know Katara's already moving to your apartment and taking half of your closet space. Anyway, I think it's good for you. You look happy." She frowns then. "Don't tell Ty Lee I said that. She thinks I'm soft as a pillow as it is."

Azula's mouth twists. "I propose the next time we say anything remotely sentimental to one another be at your wedding."

"Deal."

In the next minutes, Katara has everyone present gather in a circle around the huge table, three piping bags filled with frosting divided among them. They pair up as couples leaving Zuko and Sokka to pair up though they don't appear to mind.

Katara and Sokka guide them through it, and it's a fun activity that Azula is glad her friends and brother are present for. She did miss their ugly faces.

The lemon and lavender cupcakes are weirdly a hit. Azula thought their flavors would clash, but the lemon taste is subtle enough, never overpowering the sweetness of lavender. She relays her thoughts to Katara.

Katara shrugs. "It's good, but I think it needs a little more salt to round out the flavor."

Sokka chimes in with: "And more vanilla next time."

Even though the professional bakers think it's just a little above average, it's clear Azula and the others don't think the same, as evidenced by Ty Lee and Zuko each holding a box of the cupcakes when they're about to leave.

"I don't want to go," Azula says, leaning on the doorpost, holding onto Katara's left hand.

Katara smiles, clutching her hand tighter. "I don't want you to go either, but I don't think they would leave without you."

"They only ever come to my apartment for food," she explains. "Next time, tell your brother not to let them into the shop."

"Honestly, I think he's scared of Mai," Katara replies, giggling.

"I assure you. Mai's not that scary."

At that point, Mai and Zuko grumble loudly about them taking too long. It takes a threat from Katara to refuse their patronage at the bakeshop for them to shut up.

Azula finally leaves after another kiss that Zuko teases her about mercilessly in the car. She's privately thankful Mai had chosen to bring her car and wasn't present for this.

"We were right," Zuko says smugly. "I knew she liked you! She kept giving you the eyes!"

"The eyes?" she snorts. "Did Ty Lee teach you that?"

"She did, in fact. I'm telling you, Ty Lee knows a lot about women."

"Don't let Mai hear you say that."

"I wouldn't dream of it. Honestly, you and Katara look really good together. You were radiant in there. I can't wait for mom to know."

Azula rolls her eyes. If their mother didn't know already, Zuko would be the first one to tell her. "She already knows."

Zuko's eyes widen. "Really?"

"She figured it out. A mother's sense, if you will."

He grins. "I bet she likes Katara."

"She does apparently."

"I told you she's perfect for you."

He was right. "Save the pleasantries for our wedding," Azula jokes, the idea giving her a buzz before she brushes it aside. Too early.

Zuko laughs. "Don't let mom hear you say that. You'll be married in a week!"

Azula brings her work tablet to the bakeshop after lunch with Zuko one Saturday afternoon. Katara greets her with a sweet kiss, explaining Azula will have to entertain herself while she and Sokka deal with a bunch of tourists coming over as part of their scheduled tour.

Azula patiently waits, getting some work done in the siblings' office. She has read and edited four documents in less than an hour, and it's a productive day, but it's still boring and not what she envisioned for herself for most of the afternoon.

She's not being nosy, but she does find a stack of Thank You notes on the desk, the ones the siblings put in every order of pastries.

When Sokka comes to check on her on orders from Katara, she asks, "Do you two write these?"

"Katara does. She hates it when I do it. My handwriting is apparently not pretty enough," he says, placing a plate of fresh croissants and a cup of tea for her on the table. He looks at the table, saying, "She'll need to write more soon. Her stack is getting low."

Katara finally comes into the office an hour later, looking hurried, multiple hair strands sticking out from her braid. "I'm sorry I took so long," she says before laying a kiss atop Azula's hair then flopping beside her on the couch, grabbing onto Azula's right arm. "There were so many of them, but most of them were nice. I'm pretty sure we're closing early today because they cleaned out the store."

"That's great to hear. Does that also mean more time for me now?"

Katara laughs, nodding. "Were you bored as hell here, baby?"

Azula grins at her. "I was; I missed you. I got enough work done here that I'm now free for tomorrow. I made these too." She passes the notes to Katara.

It takes a moment for Katara to register the notes in her hand. "You made our 'Thank You' notes?"

"You have to know I was not snooping around your table. I merely glanced at the stack and wondered what it was, and I was running out of things to do. I tried to imitate your handwriting, but yours is—"

Katara has cut her off with a long, sweet kiss before initiating a side hug, whispering into Azula's shoulder, "I think I love you."

It's said so simply, but it still manages to have Azula's breath caught in her throat. There is only one reply to that. "I think I love you too."

It's almost unbelievable that she has someone who she wholly loves and who wholly loves her back. She never thought she would find it so soon, that it would feel so easy to just fall in love, but she knows she never stood a chance against Katara's charms.

Azula lightly touches Katara's fingertips, grazing them with her own. She trails her fingers down the middle of Katara's palm, coaxing a pleased whine from Katara. Azula savors it, continuing with her path until she's just below Katara's wrist then she trails it back up again.

"That feels so good," Katara murmurs to her shoulder.

Azula shifts in her seat, adjusting their positions so her other arm wraps around Katara's shoulders. She presses her cheek to Katara's hair.

"You've paid for the lavender," she tells Katara.

Katara lifts her head from her shoulder, gazing at her. "Is this because I said 'I love you'?

Azula chuckles. "No, of course not."

"How long has it been?"

"Almost five months."

Katara's gaze doesn't falter. "What does this mean?"

"I don't take food from you anymore every week, but I'll obviously still come here."

Katara sinks back into her side again, folding her legs beneath her. "Because you love me."

"Because I love you," she echoes.

"I want you to bother me all the time," Katara says adorably. The statement is a throwback to their meeting after Azula had bought the lavender.

Azula has never understood the reference of people melting at someone's words, but she does now. Katara's look and statement are enough to keep her here on this couch for a long, long time. She smiles at Katara. "You can count on it."

Katara catches her wandering hand, interlacing their fingers together. She shakes her head. "Five months? That means the lavender was super expensive!"

Azula smiles, her other hand running up and down Katara's arm. "It was worth it, probably the best thing I've ever paid for."

Katara laughs into her shoulder, the sound delighting Azula immensely. "Baby, have I told you your mouth is super sexy?"

Her cheeks instantly redden. It's just unfair how Katara can unsettle her like this. "Perhaps you can show me."

Katara is so much closer than before, and Azula welcomes her weight as she settles on top of her. "Gladly."

Katara is a solid weight above her. Azula looks at her in heavy silence, just staring at her features, from her darkening eyes to her full lips. Her thumb swipes at Katara's lips, eager to touch.

She's beautiful.

Azula tilts her head up, her lips so close to Katara's, and Katara closes in. The kiss starts slow and chaste though Azula's hands seem to have a mind of their own as they snake up Katara's back. She savors Katara's taste as her hands catch on her clothes, tugging at it. Katara doesn't hesitate, and in one swift pull, she's left in nothing but a bra.

Azula takes her time, running her knuckles from Katara's shoulders, down the middle of her chest. Her skin is so soft, and her breaths sound so sweet to Azula's ears. She cups Katara's waist with both hands, just lightly grazing Katara's sides. She drops her lips to Katara's neck, sucking and nipping at the junction of neck and shoulder, her hands coming flush against Katara's belly, her thumbs moving back and forth against the soft skin. Her lips trail lower, just above where Katara's heart is. Katara moans, watching her through lidded eyes, and she seizes Azula's lips again, her hand tight in Azula's hair, as she starts grinding on Azula's thigh. "Here," she breathes out, wrapping a hand around Azula's wrist and directing it to lower.

Her shorts are damp.

"Here? In your office?" Azula asks dumbly. It wasn't supposed to get out of hand this fast.

"Yes," Katara replies roughly, and Azula can't help but obey.

It's… nice to have everyone here in her apartment even though she figures the mess would take some time to fix in the morning. Her apartment's already nowhere in its pristine state before everyone arrived. She'll make her brother and friends help tomorrow, she decides.

Toph and Aang are now quite accustomed to her friends and brother while Sokka has gotten along with them swimmingly from the start.

They're all playing a card game that Aang brought, and Azula is irked after a game lost to Sokka. Azula forgets all about it though when Katara cheers her up with a kiss in the kitchen to some of their friend's amusement.

Open space apartments do have some downsides.

"Keep it family-friendly, you two," Toph yells from the living room.

It garners the opposite effect since it just makes Katara only kiss her harder until both Zuko and Sokka are groaning their misfortune.

Azula ignores them; Katara has definitely pulled her out of her funk, and she lets Katara pull her back to where their friends are.

Before starting another round, Mai says to her across the table, "Hey Azula. Remember that joke Ty Lee had on her phone months ago?"

"Mai," Ty Lee says, a warning in her tone.

Azula meets Mai's eyes. "Yes, I do remember. Why?"

"What joke?" Aang asks from his seat next to Toph.

"Yeah, I wanna hear it," Toph adds.

"Me too!" Sokka exclaims.

Katara catches her eyes with a puzzled expression.

Azula whispers to her, "Just go along with it."

Mai smiles, her hand already dipping into Ty Lee's bag for her phone. "I think Zuko should read it."

Zuko quickly agrees and stands from his seat beside Sokka, all eyes on him. With Ty Lee's phone in hand, he reads the joke out loud: "Oh you're a lesbian couple? Who's the lawyer and who's the vegan baker?"

The group bursts into laughter. Azula rolls her eyes, smiling at all of them though her widest one is only directed at Katara's who's still laughing, mirth plain in her eyes.

"I'm definitely repeating that joke at your wedding," Sokka wheezes to Katara and Azula. Katara just laughs harder, and Azula pulls her hands into her lap, grinning at her girlfriend.

"No, you're not! I'll be the one doing that!" Zuko exclaims to Sokka.

"There's already talk about a wedding. Can't believe you're a lesbian cliché now," Mai comments to Azula with a smirk as Zuko and Sokka argue over who gets to deliver the joke.

Azula turns to glare at Mai, but her glare loses its severity once Katara kisses her right cheek. Katara whispers, "Be nice."

"I am nice."

Katara kisses her again, and when she pulls away, Azula looks at her, knowing she's worth a lot more than anything Azula has ever had.

She eventually shrugs at Mai. "I really don't mind."

A/N: I put some sexy times in lol. Hopefully, I'll have something done for June. Let me know if you liked it!