Chapter Twelve: The Past Prospers in the Present

                                    

                                          
Um hi, you probably weren't expecting this due to my last announcement, but, here I am with another chapter. I was doing an art commission and wanted something to play in the background while I did, so I decided to pull up ATLA because I've obviously already seen it numerous times and I wouldn't need to fully pay attention so I could focus on my art. Safe to say I became absorbed again, and it gave me a bit more motivation to keep writing. This might seem a little contradictory, given my decision to stop writing not long ago, and I was a little hesitant to post this, but @RoyaltyRoy25 helped me decide to post this, so shout out to them. :)
This chapter comes with a warning, because, despite the fact that I was able to write another chapter, it doesn't mean I'll necessarily be able to keep writing and updating. I don't want to give you hope and squash it to those who care about this story and want to see more, so, you've been warned. 
Anyway, sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes, and I hope you enjoy it! 
Best, 
JM

As the two giddy young women pulled apart, their smiles remained intact. Azula brushed a strand of brown hair from the acrobat's face, unable to internalize that what was happening was real. Touch grounded the princess, convincing her that this wasn't a dream. Still, doubts and worries creeped into her mind and urged her to never let Ty Lee out of her grasp. She searched silver eyes for any sign of regret but found none, putting some insecurities to rest. Wordlessly, Ty Lee pulled Azula closer to her and the princess wrapped her arms around the girl's back, each relishing in the hug. 
The brunette tucked her head under the raven-haired girl's and closed her eyes, calming her nerves by listening to the thumping of Azula's heart. It beat with passion and clear trepidation, Ty Lee sensing the princess' worries. She hugged the girl tighter, nuzzling her head in the nape of Azula's neck. She sighed happily into the embrace, slowly feeling the tension in Azula's body dissolve as she became further reassured of the acrobat's continued desire to be close to her. 
"'Zula?" The acrobat murmured without moving from her position against Azula's collarbone. 
"Yeah, Ty?" The princess whispered back, her eyes still closed and hold still firm.  
The brunette's soft smile widened slightly at the endearing nickname. "What does this make us?" She wondered aloud, unable to suppress her curiosity and need to validate that the raven-haired girl wanted what she did. Did that kiss mean as much to Azula as it did to her? 
Now, Azula pulled away. She kept their bodies still entwined, but their faces far enough away so that they could look each other in the eye. Ty Lee noted that the princess looked significantly more comfortable and confident now. "That depends." She answered, her voice gentle. 
Ty Lee's brows furrowed with confusion. "Depends on what?" 
Azula tilted her head slightly, an easy smile gracing her red lips. "On if you'll grant me the honor of being my girlfriend." She clarified sweetly, not an ounce of humor in her tone. "I had hoped to wait till our first date to ask you, but my patience has limits when it comes to my heart's desires." 
The acrobat couldn't suppress the sheer joy being portrayed in her expression. Words that had left the princess' luscious lips bounced delightfully around in the brunette's head; 'girlfriend... heart's desires...'. There was no hesitation in Ty Lee's response, not held back by uncertainty or indecision. She knew exactly what she wanted. "Yes; yes a thousand times over." She breathed out with sparkling silver eyes. 
Azula's expression lit up, her grin widening in ecstasy and excitement. Unable to resist temptation, the raven-haired girl leaned down to swiftly catch the lips of the mesmerizing girl in front of her. The kiss was chaste, but enough to convey, through physical contact, the mindsets of both young women towards each other. When Azula broke the kiss, she leaned her forehead against the acrobat's, a small grin lifting the corners of her lips. "This might just be the best birthday present I have ever received."