Author's Note: It's been a really long time since I updated/created anything on this website, so I admit I may be a bit rusty with my writing. Anyways, I've grown very fond of Azula during my absence and just couldn't fight the urge to write this! (I swear you guys, I've dreamed about this scene millions of times!) Currently, this only a one-shot until I develop the plot more thoroughly, but I really would like you guys' opinions. Should I make this mult-chapter story? Let me know in reviews!

Okay, I really hope you guys like this! =)

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or any of its characters.

The shackles weighed heavily upon his wrists.

He raised the rusty cuffs into the moonlight beaming through a distant window. After a moment of allowing his current situation to sink in, the young man dropped his arms with a dejected sigh. Years ago, he predicted that imprisonment was a definite future consequence but experiencing it first hand was far from pleasant.

However, he didn't regret his decisions.

As long as he was able to show how much he loves her—how much he was willing to sacrifice for her—then no punishment could be too much.

Resting his head on cell bars, the male's square jaw tightened as he wondered just how much anguish his lover must be in. The image of distraught leaking through her nearly unbreakable mask as the guards dragged him away was still fresh in his mind. It hurt him to cause her so much pain but there had been no other alternative, 'what could I have done? If they knew I was involved with her, we'd both be dead. Especially if he found out…'

The prisoner shuddered at the mere thought of that monster. It was hard to believe he was raised in a nation ruled by that bloodthirsty tyrant—never mind that same individual also happened to be his lover's father.

Another drawn out sigh escaped him, 'it's okay though. I can't be with her anymore but…but at least she's still alive. I'll give up anything for her…' A warm smile stretched across his face—the action accenting the thin scar running vertically over the left corner of his lips.

"My beautiful dragonfly…"

His endearing thoughts were cut off short by a loud creak echoing down the dark hall. Looking as far past the bars as he could the young man saw three figures enter through the door—one distinctively smaller than the others. Standing to his feet, he cautiously watched the trio of silhouettes approach; only to tighten his grip on the bars once the dim light revealed their identities.

Emerald eyes hardening behind a layer of dark locks, the young man whispered sarcastically.

"What? Came to kick me while I was down, Princess?"

Not at all shaken by his stern tone, Azula smiled coldly before waving dismissively.

"I don't participate in such meager activities. Besides, peasants like you are not even worth the effort." Azula's smile widened at the sight of her prisoner's narrowing gaze. However, her expression reverted back to staid calculation as she moved closer with the fluidity of a predatory snake.

Before the two guards behind her could blink, Azula gripped a handful of the young man's hair and violently yanked him forward. The prisoner's frame met the cell bars with a profound slam but used every ounce of his will power not to wince.

His green eyes engaged the princess's own into an intensely silent gaze. Even as his front ached from the sudden attack, the young man refused to falter under her intimidating glare. The girl's eyes gave off so much fire and yet gave away nothing at the same time—Azula was truly a master of deception.

Humming in what was presumed to be intrigue, Azula released her hold of the man and stated sharply.

"You are a prisoner and under my jurisdiction, no less. I'd watch your words, peasant." Rolling his jade eyes in a pointed show of disrespect, the prisoner replied.

"Yeah. Sure. I'll keep that in mind, Your Highness." Like before, Azula's demeanor gave away nothing. Without tearing her intent gaze from the bold male, she ordered the guards casually.

"Leave us alone for a while. I think it's time I remind this peasant where his place resides…" She punctuated the threat with a jolt of twin, cobalt flames erupting from her hands—the hue eerily lighting their surroundings. After witnessing the unsettling display, the guards were more than happy to oblige.

Their retreat was haste, Azula noticed, and huffed in slight amusement, 'spineless'.

As soon as the door closed, she slowly allowed her fire to extinguish.

By then, the young man's figure had lost all traces of defiance. Instead, his shoulders were hunched protectively—as if he was awaiting a caustic scolding from his mother. His emerald gaze was glued to the ground, suddenly finding the thick layer of grime quite interesting.

He tensed as he felt hands ghost over his own but then immediately relaxed and gripped them tenderly. Still not raising his eyes, he murmured softly.

"Look, I…I know you're upset—"

"Upset?"

Her trembling voice lashed at him like a whip.

"You think I'm just upset? What you did was foolish, Koda!" Koda tightened his hold on Azula's hands as she kicked the cell bars in frustration. Shifting to press his forehead against the princess's own, he begged lowly.

"Azula…please understand—"

"No!" Azula interjected, "I won't understand! I don't understand! Why did you lie like that? You should've known that this would happen!" Right at that moment, Koda longed to break out of his prison cell and embrace the troubled princess, but he couldn't, and it was maddening. Doing what he could to comfort her, his scarred lips met her forehead in a tender kiss before admitting.

"I knew the consequences, my beautiful dragonfly. And that's why I lied." Azula exhaled weakly as the sensation graced her skin. However, even then, she couldn't find it in herself to look him in the eyes. Koda was able feel his lover's hands quiver. His heart clenched with guilt and anger—angry at himself for causing the girl he loved so much agony.

"You know what would've happened if they found out the truth. And what about Ozai? Knowing him, he'd have us both killed in a heartbeat. I did what I had to do…" Koda only received further silence. Sighing, he lowered his voice to nearly inaudible volumes.

"Please, Azula…please tell me that you understand where I'm coming from. And j-just…" He choked back a sob as the next plea desperately rolled off his tongue.

"Just…don't forget about me." He could tell his request delivered a deep blow to Azula's heart, as the princess's grip escalated to painful levels. Koda knew Azula well—almost too well—and sadly understood the girl's habitual need to suppress her tears. No matter how intensely her emotions bubbled up, Azula always managed to swallow them back down.

Finding enough control to speak without losing composure, the firebending prodigy muttered, "I will not…" To Koda's surprise, Azula's amber eyes suddenly glowed with renewed determination—the sight burrowing deep into the man's soul.

"Because you will be freed. I'll personally see to it!" Shaking his head, Koda countered mournfully.

"That's not possible, Azula. You can't possibly find any loopholes in Fire Nation law that could save…" He didn't finish his sentence since the princess's scheming smirk caught his attention. Eyeing her skeptically, Koda enquired, "what are you planning?"

An almost challenging purr emitted from Azula—the sound causing his heart to twist and warm in the most wonderfully uncomfortable ways. If it had not been such a dire moment, the imprisoned man would've ravished her breathless. The fire princess was well aware of the effects she had on him—and she constantly took advantage of that. Gulping in hopes of clearing his head, Koda repeated.

"Azula, what's running through your head—"

"On the contrary, Koda, a loophole will not be needed."

Confusion was clear on his face.

"Huh? Azula, I don't get where you're going with this…"

Mocking Koda, Azula also rolled her eyes—which weeded a small chuckle out of the male—before elaborating, "think of it this way. Why find a way around the laws when I can just change them?"

At first, Koda's countenance was clouded with doubt but then shifted to stunning realization. A significant silence ensued between the pair as the difficulty of her proposed solution settled in—the man's gaze wordlessly asking if Azula was certain of her crazy idea.

"But," He began hesitantly, "the only way to change the law is to become…F-fire Lord."

"I am aware."

"Azula, are you sure about this? I mean, I know your brother is banished but he's technically still next in line." Fear festered in the pit of his stomach. Azula's plan was arguably reckless and flawed—two aspects that Koda was certain she detested. Conjuring up a risky option like this was extremely uncharacteristic for Azula. Attempting to chide some sense into the princess, Koda rambled.

"Azula, I know you like nobody else does a-and that could be a huge problem! People don't know that you have a beautiful heart!" Azula's gaze diverted at the mention of this but Koda continued to press on, "Ozai would just want you to be his cruel, heartless puppet! Do you know what kinds of things he'll make you do to prove you're good enough for the throne? The sick things he'll try to put in your head? I-I wouldn't be able to handle watching that monster corrupt you—"

A searing kiss stole his breath away. With the faintest trace of rationality Azula's lips allowed him to keep, he briefly wondered how she managed to angle her head so well in between the bars. Upon separating, the young man was rendered utterly speechless—his jaw clenching in an attempt to calm his racing heart. Planting a ghost of peck over his scar, the princess whispered wistfully.

"I know what I'm doing, Koda…but I need you to trust me. Know that everything I do from here on out, I do it for you." An odd mixture of defeat and love overwhelmed Koda's features as he sighed deeply.

"I can't change your mind…can I?" Azula merely shook her head in response. Tugging one of her hands forward, he traced the contours of her palm with his lips while murmuring.

"He'll say terrible things to you..."

"I know" Her voice was flat and emotionless as she accepted the distraught man's ministrations.

"He'll pressure you to do awful things…"

"I know"

A lone tear cascaded down his tan visage.

"He'll hurt you if you make the smallest mistake…"

"…I know…" His sigh warmed her palm.

"If you ever feel like you're losing your way…please come talk to me." She could feel his sad smile forming, "besides, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." It was Azula's turn to sigh weakly. Moisture threatened to build behind her amber eyes but she found the strength she needed once Koda pressed one last kiss to her hand.

"I will…You'll see Koda, I'll become Fire Lord and get you out of here. Soon."

Unable to withstand his bittersweet touch any longer, Azula retracted from Koda and quickly paced for the exit, 'nothing will stop me from freeing you, Koda.'

The door closed with a defining clang.

So, what did you guys think? Was Azula's OOC-ness too much for you guys? Did it make you uncomfortable? Please to hesitate to give criticism, it's what I need to improve!

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