SUNSHINE

It was a stunningly glorious summer day in Caldera. Azula loved it. Everyone did, but firebender could appreciate sunshine in ways others could not.

"I do adore a sunny day," said Azula, offering the world rare praise with a prim and regal sigh of content. She turned to Ty Lee. "Do you prefer the sunshine?"

"It's always sunny for me when I'm around you," commented Ty Lee before she could stop herself. She could not believe she said that! It just slipped out! She felt like a fool and blushed furiously.

Ty Lee did what she always did when she spoke too boldly. She giggled and shrugged and batted her eyelashes and made herself out to be a total airhead.

Azula had two options. She could mock Ty Lee or give a stiff and noncommittal thank you as expected of a royal.

But when she saw her there blushing and giggling and gazing at Azula with such strong love in her eyes, a third option seemed necessary.

"The feeling is mutual," said Azula, keeping her tone and expression ice cold despite how difficult and terrifying it was for her to say that.

Ty Lee glowed brighter than the sun for the rest of the day.

Azula was glad of it.

She noticed, after all.