The Western Air Temple hung from the cliff, still and silent, oblivious to the coil of rope that unraveled as it traveled to the ground. Azula adjusted the hood of her cloak to hide her face deeper in shadow before wrapping the rope around her wrist and sliding down until her feet hit the nearest temple floor. Her shoes were barely audible as they made contact with the stone.

She released the rope and slid behind the nearest corner. She peered around it, scanning the area. The only sound was the soft whistle of wind as it wound its way through the temple. Still… Azula narrowed her eyes. Katara was in here with the Avatar—somewhere—and there was a chance that her oaf of a brother was as well, and possibly the blind Earthbender, Toph Bei Fong. The oaf Azula could deal with. The Avatar she was positive she could avoid. The blind Earthbender would be a sticking point to her plans, though, if Azula made too many vibrations.

Azula scowled. Her intelligence told her that the Earthbender was competing in a tournament in the Earth Kingdom. But this information was several weeks old, and Azula had heard that Toph planned to come back to the Fire Nation after the tournament, and she had been unable to find out when it ended.

But why was she still standing here? Azula shook her head. She hadn't broken out of the asylum to do nothing. She scanned the area again and crept along side the walls, checking every area of the temple she passed until she finally heard soft breathing and a rustle of blankets. She peered around the doorway.

Her information had, indeed, been outdated. At the far end of the room lay the Avatar and Katara, their sleeping mats side by side. Lying at their feet slept Katara's oaf of a sibling, and right next to the door slumbered Toph Bei Fong. Azula frowned. She crouched down and carefully removed her shoes, setting them aside before entering the room. She hardly dared to breathe as she passed the blind Earthbender and stepped around the oaf to kneel over Katara's legs and place her hands on either side of her shoulders.

Azula leaned down, nipping at the side of Katara's neck. Katara mumbled something and rolled over onto her side, attempting to curl up into a ball. Her knees hit Azula's leg and stopped. Azula smirked, running a hand along Katara's arm.

Katara's eyes flew open. She rolled onto her back so quickly that Azula almost lost her balance. Azula clamped her hand over Katara's mouth before she could speak.

"Hello," she murmured. Katara stared up at her with wide blue eyes. "I'll take my hand away if you promise not to scream."

Katara nodded. Azula removed her hand.

"Azula," Katara breathed. "What are you doing here?"

Azula lowered her head and nipped Katara's neck. "Did you think I wouldn't come to see my favorite Water peasant?"

Katara's lips twitched, and despite how hard Azula could see she was trying not to smile, a small grin spread over her face. "I missed you," Katara said, and Azula hummed, running a hand up Katara's side. Katara frowned. "Azula, we can't do this here. Aang…" Azula slipped her other hand under Katara's shirt, and Katara gasped. "S-Sokka…Toph…"

Azula gaze flicked over her shoulder to where Toph Bei Fong slept, and she conceded the point. She stood up, pulling Katara to her feet. "You owe me for the Agni Kai."

"I—Azula, I—"

Azula silenced her with a kiss. "Let's go."

Rage exploded inside her when she saw Katara's gaze drift to the Avatar, but she reined it in. She kissed Katara's neck, and like magic, Katara melted into her embrace, stifling a moan.

Katara had never been able to say no.