In my family, anything less than perfection was a sign of weakness
Who: Azula and Rarity What: Shopping, forcing people to quit smoking, Azula attempting to be a caring person and only partially succeeding When: Several days ago, before Rarity got her tattoo Where: Around Rating: R for naughty toys
Rarity gave a giddy noise, putting on her very best of her casual clothes she designs. Just a simple pair of the tightest, not to mention shortest, denim skirts she owned. A pair of gorgeous red leather knee high, high-heeled boots. For the top, she put on a white button up blouse, that she had unbuttoned nearly halfway, with a black vest. For accessories, she had on a mixture of black and red bangle bracelets in different shapes and sizes, and a red scarf around her neck.
She’d put her hair down, but set on her head a black and red fixture to the side. Once satisfied, after putting on her make up, she headed out. She’d made sure to grab her purse and wallet to be safe. Once in her white Audi, she headed off. It was halfway through driving, and three times around where she should have been, she sent a quick text ‘Where the hell do you live?!’.
She pulled off the side of the road, and leaned back, waiting for the response.
Azula rolled her eyes when she got the text. She'd given the girl the simplest of explanations. It really wasn't that hard to find her condo, but she decided to humor Rarity and spare her a bit. So she texted back, and walked out of her condo. She took the elevator down, and then stepped outside.
Her own outfit was red. A deep red blouse that brought out her amber eyes, and a matching skirt that swished around her ankles. It was actually somewhat girly for her, but she was feeling girly. She'd even let Ty Lee help her with her hair. Bangs framed her face, the rest pulled back into an elegant bun.
When she saw her, she set her phone back down and pulled up, reaching over to push the window open for her, before turning her music down a bit. Of all things for her to listen to. Playing at a rather loud volume was ‘Pinkie’. She set the music down to a ‘talking’ level.
“Oh my word! You look absolutely gorgeous!” Looked her up and down. “Where did you get that skirt?! It’s to die for, darling!” She made sure that her bag was moved from the passenger seat to the backseat so she could sit properly.
Managing to keep a grimace off her face - she wasn't a fan of that music - Azula approached the car and regarded it approvingly. She shrugged a shoulder, elegantly and a little dismissively, "It's my mother's."
She'd collected some clothing from her mother, while trying to get Ursa to react to anything. They'd thought that the associated memories might break Ursa out of her stupor. They hadn't really succeeded in doing anything but get Azula and Ty Lee some extra clothing. It was frustrating, but at least it was a distraction from her dreams.
Slipping into the car, she didn't bother to buckle up, "Where were we going again?"
Noticing the faintest of crooks on her eyebrow, she turned the music completely off. At her question, she began to answer, but stopped. “Dear, please. Your seat belt...” She was not going anywhere without her putting it on, not that she wasn’t a good driver, but because the last thing she needed was a police officer seeing and giving her another ticket. She was a bit of a speed demon and really could use NOT losing anymore points on her licence.
She took to finish answering. “Well, we had planned to go to every adult store we could get to, poke fun at the many items and novelties, maybe buy some. Then maybe go for dinner and drinking. I sadly can’t really do much drinking, Unless of course we go back to my place, drop the car off, and take a taxi to the club.”
Giving the woman an incredulous look, Azula deigned to buckle up. No point in trying to argue it, she was too emotionally drained in general, "There are a few things I want. And wasn't there something about a friend of yours needing help in the romance department?"
Azula glanced at her, tilting her head as she asked that last part."
“Ooh! Yes! Very much so!” She started the engine again when she heard the click, and quickly sped back onto the main road. “I told her I wouldn’t tell her romantic interest that she had feelings for her. I never said I wouldn’t tell you.” She giggled at her own wit and leaned back. “So, before we start on that topic, tell me how you are, darling.”
She looked to her and smiled, brushing her hair back behind her ear whilst trying to ignore fixing her shirt. It would be too nitpicky. She paused when a sudden thought crept over her brain. She gripped the steering wheel tight and did a U-turn at the nearest available spot and pulled into walgreens to get something. Azula could follow if she wanted to.
Azula was hardly fine, but there were certain things she couldn't tell Rarity, simply because Rarity wouldn't understand the politics involved, "Well, we obviously need to help fix them up, don't we."
She was surprised at the sudden U-turn, and then pulling into a WALGREENS of all places. Azula made a disgusted face, but Rarity had already left. Suspicious, she got out of the car and followed her.
Where Rarity was headed, was the ‘reproductive health’ section of the store. She dropped to her knees, pulling the different pregnancy test options. Her hands may be shaking a little while, but she can’t help but try and focus her feelings. She has no idea what she’d do really, she’d never come to this. Sure she’d been stressed, but you couldn’t be too careful. What with the lifestyle she led.
When she heard footsteps, she tensed and looked back. “Oh, yeah. Sorry for leaving so suddenly from the car.” She picked up another and read the back.
"Oh this is lovely," Azula commented, leaning against a condom case and folding her arms. "Downright scandelous. I never pegged you to like men."
Azula's dalliances had always been rare, despite her work at the Black Thorn. Women few, men fewer. There was never any time or desire and she'd always gotten herself off by submitting others to her will. They never, ever touched her unless she allowed them, and that wasn't a common occurance.
Since she'd gone 'official' with Ty Lee, she'd been somewhat insatiable, but then, she didn't need to worry about getting knocked up.
She'd leave reproduction to her brother and Mai.
“I like both, if you had to know.” She picked up the one she decided was the best option and headed to the front. “And it wouldn’t be scandalous, really.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m not as famous as you are, not even close to anywhere to call famous.” She was more than a bit irked, if only because of the way Azula was so nonchalant about the whole deal.
Once it was purchased, she took no mind in telling her she’d return shortly, simply heading back to deal with things. To her extreme relief, that little negative sign showed clear as day. She walked back with a smile on her face. She took hold of Azula’s hand and pretty much dragged her back to the car and back in. “Now that, that is done with. Closest toy shop is ten miles away, let’s get going.” It wasn’t the closest, but she had plans of hopping from there to all the others on their way back to her place.
"Nothing wrong with that." Azula shrugged her shoulder. She'd enjoyed Dick, that was certain. Even if he was a complete tool and a bit of a square. But he was one of the few people she could call 'friend' so she didn't take it for granted. Much. She let Rarity reassure herself, but of course, as far as Azula was concerned there wasn't much of a deal. Either she was or she wasn't, and if she was, Azula could help her with that if she wanted.
"Fine. I've got nothing else to do, and time to think how to convince Ty Lee."
Rarity simply nodded and leaned back. She couldn’t but flail when she heard her phone ring. Well, not ring, but do the song she had for her texts. She looked at it for only a short second and gave an obviously happy smirk before setting it back down. “So, convince her of what?”
She looked to her for just a second before focusing back on the road. It was awkward driving without her music, but she’d deal since they obviously had vastly different tastes in music. “Need to convince her into a skimpy little number? I could design one you know?” She’s teasing her of course, lightening the mood from before. Can’t be a stick in the mud now can she?
Azula smirked, but her face tinged just a little bit red. Only enough to be noticed if someone was looking, "Let me use certain toys."
She preferred natural. Her own hands and mouth and body, but sometimes she liked the dominating aspect a toy could bring. At the very least she needed some new silk rope. The thought of Ty Lee in a skimpy outfit made her eyes flash, "Can you? Design something classy?"
Rarity giggled softly. “I’m sure we can find a strap-on that will fit your needs well enough.” She waved a hand dismissively. “I need to purchase one myself. My other one... and don’t laugh!” Ran a hand through her hair. “My darling cat, Opal... She chewed on it!”
She was so very glad that a stoplight came right up, because she looked at her and eye twitched. “Asking me?! If I can design something classy?!” Pushed her lips together and gave a dramatic sigh. “Oh, woe. My friend does not believe in my skills enough, oh what am I ever to do?!”
"Cats." Azula made a face. She wasn't particularly fond of pets, her chinchilla not withstanding. She rolled her eyes at Rarity, "When dealing with lingerie it can be really easy to go tasteless. It was more a comment on the nature of the product than your skills. I'm sure, after all, that you'll be able to make something tasteful."
“Of course. I could go slutty, or refined lady if I so wished.” suddenly, she stopped, steered the car to the edge of the road and unbuckled. She reached back and under the seat, pulling out a rather used sketch pad, and a bag of pens. She slowly began to work, switching different pens from her mouth to hand as her eyes darted along the page as her hand moved. “A little of this and OOH! This!” She made a happy squeak when she finished the basic idea and quickly held it up for her to see. “What do you think of this?”
Azula watched her curiously. Then with a great deal of trepidation and excitement. Rarity was in a zone and Azula was taken right along with her. She actually leaned back when Rarity presented the sketch. It was tasteful, classy, and so suited for Ty Lee that it almost brought water to her eyes.
"That's..perfect."
Rarity made a happy squeal, her shoulders and arms shaking “Ooh that makes me so happy! It’s absolutely wonderful. Oh the fabric choices I’ll have to decide on but it will look fantastic!” And she may have said that last bit with a french accent, but who could blame her?
In another fit of inspiration, she looked up at Azula, then back down and flipped the page over. She began again, working with bold strokes, eyes darting around again. Very much in the mode she always got in. This one required less detail, but it was amazing nonetheless. She put it up for her to see.
“And I could just die seeing you in this!” Looked down, at it, then quickly sketched out a whip before putting it up for her to see properly again.
Something hard formed in Azula's throat. It was like Rarity knew her better than she knew herself. That was perfect. Better than she could have imagined. It was domineering, but at the same time seemed to reflect something almost vulnerable.
She loved it. Azula leaned in and kissed Rarity approvingly on the cheek, "It's perfect. You should put out a catalogue."
At the kiss she actually did blush, it was only a tinge of pink, but there. She coughed and set it down. “I don’t know about a catalogue... But if you’d be willing to assist me in doing so, I would definitely give it a whole hearted shot!” She giggled and put all of her pens back into the case, and the sketchpad in its protective pouch before starting the engine again.
“I will have both of them ready by friday at latest.” Gave her playful wink and pulled back onto the road. “I’ll even custom make the whip. I know my way around leather, after all. And I know a guy who could get me a whip to work with, add some extra details, maybe something on the end with a small flame charm. Add a better grip to it. You know, make it yours so you can.. well.. Make her yours as well.” Gave a playfully menacing giggle.
"I want to help you," Azula promised. Truthfully, she needed some sort of legitimate business venture to fall back on, and so did her friends, Mai especially. Rarity still needed a manager of sorts, and a regular source of funding. Mai could help with the former..
"My friend can still manage you, and I can provide funding. You should do more than lingerie of course, but these designs are brilliant."
She swallowed, then grinned ferally, "I like whips. Ty Lee and her friend got me a blue flame flogger once."
“Of course I do more than just lingerie, no matter how nice they are. I have a few designs for Setsuna that I can’t wait to get her in.” She gave a pleased noise and leaned back in the chair. “Whips are nice, though I personally prefer handcuffs. I have another kink that I won’t dare have her do, she’s too much of a kind heart to go that far, I know.”
"Setsuna? She's Japanese? Have I been a bad influence on you?" Azula grinned, teasingly. She wanted to know more about this woman. This virgin who enamoured her friend so.
"How did you meet? Does she treat you well?" Not that Azula could speak with regards to treating lovers well. She was a terrible person, but she wanted to get better. She HAD to get better, in order to be with Ty Lee. The girl deserved that much.
Azula smiled. It was teasing and yet...soft, "Do you think it's love?"
Rarity blushed at the suddenness of all the questions. “Partially, yes. The other half Egyptian... Or so she’s told me.” Pushed her hair behind her ear. “I... I don’t know. Possible.” Aimed at the idea of her being a bad influence. “We... Well. Uh. “Could only cough, trying to focus her words. “I’d... I’d seen her with a few people at events. And she happened to send me a text, asking for a few new dress suits. They ended up wonderfully... As did the sex that occurred while I was trying to get her measurements.”
By now she was quite red. It was one thing to talk about someone elses escapades, but when it involved hers, hers being feeling very strongly for her, it became quite the opposite. Her voice got quiet, and she just focused on the road. “Maybe...”
"Very nice," Azula commented. "You seized an opportunity to CLAIM that which you wanted. I approve!"
She nodded again, as if to reaffirm that she approved. Strength was to be respected, and using that strength to claim someone to love? Well, perhaps that was going too far. Love should be for love's sake, but she had such a hard time shaking her father's influence. Power, strength, fear. Those were all tools Ozai used to keep order and make people love him. But no one loved the ones they fear.
So she said, very quietly and meaningfully, "It's better if it means something."
“It wasn’t matter of claiming someone, darling.” She pulled into the first of many ‘shops’, and stepped out. “It was her and I just trying things out... Sure I helped things along the way, but I never intended it to be anything more than a one time thing...” She thought back to Fluttershy, amused at the fact she’d never have gotten away with this talk with her.
“I don’t usually do love, at least... Not with. “ She brushed her hair behind her ear again. “I always wanted some gorgeous prince charming to whisk me away to his glorious castle...” Her eyes shown softly before bringing a hand to her lips. “And yet I can’t help but fall head over heels for an intelligent teacher that’s as new to love as I am...” She’s blushing, but obviously in her own world at this point. The one thing that startles her out of it is the blare of a truck horn as it passed by. “
“Oh, forgive me...” Coughed and stept into the shop quickly, trying to pretend the little girlish fantasy moment had not happened.
"Instead you got a Japanese princess," She commented, with a slightly superior smile. It might have been a contented one, as well, "Which is the best sort of princess, you realize."
She gave Rarity a knowing wink. After all, Azula was a princess, so she'd know!
"One with intelligence, it sounds like." She followed her into the shop.
Rarity looked at her and rolled her eyes. “Yes, a princess. I intend to treat her as such.” Once inside the building, and having shown their IDs, she headed straight for the more ‘immature’ section of the store. The one with the party novelties. “A princess everywhere but the bedroom, really. Bedroom I plan to drive her wild and make her mine, you see?”
She giggled to herself before taking the penis cake pan and setting it right atop Azula’s head. “There’s your crown your highness.” Mock bowed and offered a sucker. “Your scepter?”
Azula took the pan off her head and barely managed to bite back a snarl. Clearly, she was not impressed by that jokes. At least for Rarity's sake, she was past the 'burn the heathen' stage when people upset her. Instead she put the pan back, and counted backwards from ten, "Somehow I think she would not like anything involving male appendages."
The heat from her hand had managed to warp the pan, turning it flaccid, so to speak, but she was already moving on. The novelties were boring her. Rarity's sex-life was a lot more interesting. Seemingly relaxed again as she escaped the scary scary novelties, she said, "Show me how you want to make her yours."
At the pan Rarity made an eep noise, looking at it then her friend. “Oh... Apologies.” When she moved on, she set the other thing she’d picked up down and followed. “Well, I don’t know...” She looked up at the different sections of each item. “I’m not for the double ended things. So that’s out, but I would like to get something to replace what my damned cat chewed on.”
“Possibly a collar as well, if she’ll let me that is. I am set on getting a decent pair of cuffs, or just full bed restraints. I can make my own costumes, so no use of them.” She stopped when she came across a particular pair of panties. “Oh this would be so much fun.” Pulled it down and turned the package over to read. It was simple, panties with a vibrator built in, and wireless mouse for control.
Azula rather liked the idea of double ended things, but she wasn't going to say that out loud. That might embarrass Ty Lee some how. Azula picked up a blue toy that buzzed, "What about this?" She held it out as if it were just an every day item.
As for the collar idea, she looked around the shop, and added, "None of that other stuff here. I know a place. I get discounts, and the quality is top notch." She glanced at the package as well, and a devious grin crossed her face. She picked out two. One to use on Ty Lee, and one for Ty Lee to use on her.
“I like the way you think.” She said, in noticing her opting to get two. She only chose the one, because she liked the idea of being in control most of the time. “At the blue item she shook her head. “Nah, I’m still set on a strap-on, really.” She looked over at their selection and made a face. “They don’t have anything that I seem to like here.” She rolled her eyes and went to the front to pay for what she needed.
“Ever thought of getting your girl strapped into submission in soft silk restraints?” Tipped her head before taking the bag and stepping out of the way so Azula could purchase hers. “Sure she’d look fine there on the floor, arms behind her, ankles locked together, red silk against white skin, hair down.” She gave an evil chuckle.
“Maybe have a collar or bow around her neck, looking up at you with shining eyes of you mistressing over her. Her giving you love and attention at your whim?” She leaned against the counter. “It seems like a nice sight to me.”
One would think Azula would prefer to be in control. One would be right. But sometimes, and with the right person....Lets just say the thought of not knowing when Ty Lee might turn that thing on, was turning her on.
"All the time." Azula was certain it wouldn't take much convincing with Ty Lee. A fond smile crossed her lips. She could demand or force but.. "I want her to suggest it. I might have to drop some hints." She glanced at Rarity, "I've learned a little give and take is..nice."
“I’m excited to see what she comes up with.” Stepped out and headed to the car with the first set of their spoils. “I want to let you in on a little kink that I know she’ll never take part in.” Once they were both in the car, she started the engine. “Ever heard of acupuncture for sexual pleasure sake? Needle play?” She’s blushing, and may be pushing her thighs together.
“It’s the only invasive kink I have, I’d never actually like blood being drawn... It’s just. It’s really hard to explain. And I’d never make Setsuna do it. Not because I don’t really trust her, but because it’s not the most common of kinks...”
Azula raised an eyebrow. She was no stranger to pain, giving and recieving it, but her pain had more to do with fire, leather and electricity. She had a taser modified to give off a smaller, but longer charge that she'd used on clients before. And on Ty Lee. She shrugged a shoulder, "I have no room to speak on kinks."
“Of course.” She smirked and pulled out of the lot, heading off to their next stop on the trail of hell they could raise. “I... I want to do something really special for her, but I don’t know what.” She’s semi thinking out loud, semi hoping Azula will help her in some way. She sighed and pulled off onto the main street, heading towards the interstate so she could easily get to the next area.
“But first... Is it love with you and your girl, darling?”She could turn it around, and she would.
"Yes," Azula replied, without hesitation, or even having to think about it. "I love her. I have for years, I just never thought she felt the same way until recently. I was..blinded. By many things." Her admission surprised her. Not that she felt that way, but that she was so quick to admit it. That realization profoundly startled her.
She loves me more than she fears me. The more Azula thought about it the more it made her happy. She hadn't been happy about the betrayal thing, but they'd talked it through. She supposed she was shaking off Ozai's shackles.
It was better than losing her mind.
When Azula so readily answered, she couldn’t help but smile. “You never know. You see, sometimes love is right there before your eyes, and you never notice it.” Pulled to a stop when the light turned red. “That’s probably how you bother were, you just didn’t realise it at the same time.” Rarity giggled and set to just driving for now.
“It’s nice to have you as a friend, dear. Might have your own downfalls, but who doesn’t. I have a few. Not a lot, but a few.” She held her head high, giving of an air of haughtiness.
"Probably," Azula hedged, suddenly embarrassed. She didn't like being exposed to easily, especially when it was something so close and so emotional. She laughed. Rarity had no idea the pitfalls that existed around Azula. She'd strove to keep them hidden and away from prying eyes, to remain cool and collected on the outside when lately she was anything but.
“It’s not such a bad thing to have flaws...” She brushed her hair behind her ear again, gripping the steering wheel a different way. “If you were perfect at everything, knew everything... Hell, if you deemed off the epitome of perfection... No one would want to be around you.”
She turned off the road before continuing to speak. “Perfection is a hard task to hone. If you only strive for perfection, everyone around you will fall out. Even romantic interests. Perfection is overrated.” She bit her lip and looked to her when she had to stop at a light. “I’m sure Ty Lee would rather love you for your imperfections, than fall into the shadow of a perfect woman that is high on a pedestal that someone else could never reach.” Nodded in satisfaction at her own words before pulling forward again.
Azula snorted. Rarity was closer than she knew and the thought amused her. She decided to be a little candid, "In my family, anything less than perfection was a sign of weakness. To be cast aside at first opportunity. Like my mother, like my uncle and brother. I was raised to excel - and never let a hair be out of place."
And because she can, she reached over to tussle Azula’s hair, making it a mighty fine mess. “Oops, there you go.” She giggled and winked before taking a sharp turn to avoid some asshole from hitting them. Granted part of it was her fault for not paying attention, but she’d totally blame him fully if anything were to come of it.
Rarity rolled her eyes, letting what she said sink in. “I know in many Asian cultures, perfection is needed and it is a thing to bring honour into the family. But seriously, darling... Trying to be perfect only leads to depression, self-shame, and a horrible up-do that is from neglect to your hair!” She giggled again. “Make your own guidelines for yourself.”
“Do what makes you happiest. If the people around you don’t see you’re happy after choosing what to do with your life, then forget them. I’m not saying to alienate any family members. Family is wonderful. Just discredit some of their opinions until they can pull the silk sham scarf from their eyes and see the real you.” Pushed her hair back and pulled into the parking spot closest to the door of the next shop and got out of the car before Azula could say a word.
Rarity could have last a hand. It was to Azula's credit that Rarity remained with hoof intact, as it were. She gave the designer a dirty look, folding her arms and pretending she wasn't amused in the slightest.
"Your advice makes sense if my family was a normal one. It isn't." She said, following.
Waved a hand dismissively. “at least you have a family that seems to care somewhat. I grew up and only child with a father who was too busy with his work to ever pay attention, and a mother who was zones out with an addiction to the internet and an affinity for purchasing every little thing in the shape of a pig she could.” She rolled her eyes, really not wanting to get on the actual topic of families.
Azula should be able to tense the tensing of her shoulders, or the little twinge in her fingers when she opened the door and stepped in. In fact, she didn’t even say another word after, simply going to the section with the strap-ons to see if they had any she was interested in. Her family was always a touchy subject. It’s probably why she wished for finer things. Her father works a meaningless job and spent most of it on cigarettes, where she got her addiction to them from. Her mother on simple pigs.
She made her own princess gowns, always wanting to be pretty and get attention. It’s why soon as she could, she moved out. She hasn’t even had much contact with them since moving. She felt a lump start in her throat and swallowed hard with an unladylike noise.
"I would trade you," Azula said, darkly. Except, that would be an act of cruelty, one that not even Azula would be willing to do. A controlling father who put a bullet in his own son and was glad that Azula had gotten shot? And a mother who faded away and was a ghost of the woman she'd been before.
The only one of any worth was Iroh and it took all of Azula's willpower to admit that, even to herself.
Face it, they had shitty parents.
“From... From what I’ve heard in tabloids and credible reporters the same... I’d rather be an orphan than have either life.” she ran a hand through her hair and set what she was looking at down. “I need air and a cig. Give me a bit.” She grabbed one from her person and her lighter and headed out.
Once outside, she cupped her hand over while she lit to be safe, and took a long drag on it, tipping her head up to the watch to the smoke rise from her mouth to the twilight sky as she blew it out. She hated this topic, and honestly wished the word ‘family’ was never brought up.
Sure Azula obviously had it worse, but she would rather have poor attention, than no attention at all. And yes, there may very well be the startings of tears in her eyes. But to hell would she let them fall. She roughly took another long drag on it, hitting the back of her head to the wall behind her a tad harder than necessary.
Azula shrugged a shoulder. She viewed cigarettes like she views drugs - something to be tolerated and little more. She placed too high a premium on being healthy - and smoking gave you wrinkles.
She folded her arms and walked into the shop. She felt uncomfortable in this one. Too much pink.
To be frank, Rarity will ignore Azula’s presence for the duration of the cigarette. It was one thing she disliked about Azula. It wasn’t enough to discredit her as a friend of course, just something small that irked her. It was Azula’s direct lack of empathy, her need to feel superior in anything. Be it something small, to something like this.
She seemed to always have to one up her and it made her feel queasy. She finished the last drag, put it out, and set it onto the ashtray before poking her head into the store.. “We have another few to go to, come on.” She didn’t mean to be cold hearted at this point, it was simply a defence mechanism to keep herself from completely shifting into sobs of how she wished she had some form of a father in her life. Or a mother that was there, but never paid her much mind.
Empathy, what's that? Most of the time Azula had difficulty looking outside of her world view. It was a slow, steady process of hammering into it that wore away the cold exterior. Some days it was easier than others. Bringing up family tended to be a sure-fire way to sour her mood. She'd like to say she didn't mean to one-up Rarity.
But she had. Even if only to, in her own way, get her to see that no matter how bad something was, there was always something worse. Like she was trying to make her feel better.
She nodded, relieved, and walked back out.
Once in the car, she started the engine in silence and pulled off. There are the tiniest droplets along the corners of her eyes, but she wouldn’t dare show more than that. “S-so... darling.” Paused to swallow hard to clear herself from her voice cracking. “Do we want to go to that place you recommended? For the collar and such”
She pulled to a stop light, mentally cursing at the fact that this one took far too long to change back to green. She was silent again, all but the few raspy noises as she tried to calm down. She sighed when the light changed and pulled up to a gas station. She needed to fill it up, and she needed to smoke another cig.
It was known to her that she really should quit, but she’d never had anyone say anything to her about doing so. She just continued to use them, and do plenty of spa treatments to make sure no premature wrinkles formed. She set the hose into the car after paying for a full tank. After reaching into her purse for her lighter and box, she headed towards the side of the convenience store part. Far enough away so nothing could go BOOM if something went and sparked.
Azula would have killed her if she'd tried to smoke at the pump. She watched her go, then got out of the car. This was a woman who put her hand through a glass table and then refused to take a her painkillers until the pain was unbearable. Cigarettes were almost as bad, as far as she was concerned. She followed Rarity, "Need a light?"
Then she incinerated the cigarette with a pin-point flash of blue flame, "Oops."
Pretending that she hadn't just shot fire out of her finger, she continued, "Those things are unnecessary and unhealthy. They impede your ability to do things."
Rarity may very well have turned pale, aside from jumping back a pace or so. Her eyes twitched, not really understanding “You... You...” She shook her head, choosing to ignore it. It was her last cigarette, and she’d have to go in and get another pack. “I really don’t care...” She grumbled and tossed the carton away.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy another. Thank you for ruining the last one I had on me.” Gave out a frustrated noise before starting to head over. She grunted out when she felt the scarf tighten around her neck and she was pulled back. It was the nearly falling that occurred that set her off. “What the hell, Azula?!”
It was then that Azula pulled her trump card. She turned Rarity around, "I told you I'd fund your design catalog. There's a catch. You have to quit smoking." It was bribary and blackmail all at once, but it was for a good cause. She could even up the ante, "And I'll keep your habit to myself. But if I learn of you smoking, or catch you, I'll make it public. And if it happens a second time....."
She let the threat hang in the air, her amber eyes confident yet masking a genuine concern.
“If it happens a second time?” She’s already more than a bit frustrated at this, sure it’s nice to see someone showing a small amount of concern with her (Setsuna aside of course), but why today? Rarity folded her arms and pouted, not looking at her “What if I refuse to stop. Not like smoking is anything that would make or break a business. I could always find someone el-” and she stopped herself right there.
“You’d make it to where I’d never make it in the industry, wouldn’t you? I know you have that much power in society after all.” She’s very much learned a few things, mostly how Azula things. Devious little bitch that, that fire princess can be.
"If I thought it would make you stop doing something that's hurting you? Yes." Azula let go of her scarf, and folded her arms. She sighed, "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to intimidate you." She was just so used through controlling through fear and manipulation that she had trouble expressing friendship any other way. She was too stubborn to admit that out loud.
The obvious attempts at genuine concern made her expression soften. She dropped one arm and used the other to toss the lighter into the trash bin a few feet away. She was still silent as she headed back to the car, taking the other two lights spread in different areas of the Audi and threw them away as well.
Last thing she did was empty out the in car ashtray before pulling the nozzle from the car. “Alright. I’ll quit.” Her words were flat and to the point. “You back out on any promise to help me and I’ll lace your next dress with pellets of red and purple ink. Got it?”Flashed her a deviously playful smirk.
"Got it," Azula replied, with a soft smile. "Do you want to check out the dominatrix store?"
“I’d like to get something to eat first... But we can do that after.” She got into the car, checked the visors and sighed. “Thank you.” She didn’t wait for a response, simply starting the engine and sped off to get to the interstate. “Where is this place? And are you fine with me stopping at home after and setting out a taxi to take us to a club and back?”
She shifted the seatbelt. “I’d really like to get as wasted as I can. And don’t worry, I won’t trade smoking with drinking non stop. I can’t design well when I drink too much.” Giggled at herself.
"I'm fine with that," Azula assured her, giving her directions to the shop in question. She seemed satisfied with Rarity's answer. Alcohol didn't bother her as much as smoking did, at least in moderation, "Don't expect me to hold your hair."
“To bad. I like my hair pulled.” Giggled and followed the directions she was given as well as possible. “I’d like you to meet Setsuna... oh yeah!” She waited for a stoplight before picking up her phone to scroll through the pictures. When she found a good one, she handed her the phone. “There she is.”
"Not that sort of hair holding." Rarity was attractive, but Azula was picky. Very picky. Their name had to begin with the letter T.
She peered at the picture and nodded approvingly, "Good choice." [tag]
“I’ve got good taste, I know.” She smiled down at the phone again before setting it aside to start moving again. “I’ve never dated someone of Asian descent... I don’t want to offend anything tradition so I just shut up when the subject comes up. You think you could help me?” Looked to her before pulling up to the building. It was... Unusual. “This place is... interesting already.”
Azula rolled her eyes, "I can tell you basics but every family is different. You can offend just as much by going overboard as by being clueless." She led Rarity inside, "You wanted to tie her up."
[tag] “I just said that it wasn’t a subject I was familiar with and moved onto another subject.” She followed, looking around at the stuff hanging on the wall. “Yes, I do. But nothing too serious for starters. I don’t want to scare her off... Isn’t like me at all. Can’t have my dear getting scared before I can do anything further, right?”
She smirked, tracing her fingers over a very well made hickory and leather paddle. “Don’t suppose to you could make one with a certain embossing to make a specific imprint, now can you?”
"Start with gags and restraints and feathers," Azula said quietly. It was generally a softer sort of thing, that had it's own appeal, "Ease her into it. Then maybe paddles."
“I’m impatient though...” Frowned and gave it a little pat. “Later.” She walked over. “Silk restraints and a soft leather riding crop would do me for starters. Collar as well. With a Garnet charm”
"Why don't you buy something basic and improve upon it with your talent," Azula suggested knowingly.
“I don’t know... The silk colour I’d want would take too long to get her, and...” Let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t trust my leather work just yet. I’ll by a few things, and set another up for order.” Rarity let out an uncomfortable groan, absently feeling inside her purse out of complete insult.
She heaved and her hand shook a tiny bit. She needed it, and was so close to just hurrying off to get some. It was the fact that she feared Azula setting her on fire that kept her from going. Her hand kept twitching, so she moved it to her mouth to biting at her fingers.
"Your leather work is fine," Azula said, shaking her head. Sometimes she felt Rarity was too hard on her work. "Consider this practice then. Before you branch out."
She shrugged a shoulder. She wasn't really an expert so she couldn't talk, "Pick out anything. My treat."
“Wait huh?” Shook her head, trying to focus on her instead of the tug in the back of my mind. And, in desperation of the obvious start of withdrawal, she spoked. “Can I please have one last one?” Azula would have to repeat what she said about getting things from the shop.
“No, I mean pick out an item in the store.” She rolled her eyes at her friend. She wasn’t going to let her give in. Not now.
“O-oh...” She took in a deep breath and walked around. She came up to a nice set of cuffs that she could line with leather herself, a nice blindfold... “Well, the craftsmanship of these cuffs are absolutely marvelous... And I set it comes in a set with a collar?”
She’s trying her damndest to focus on everything but the strong tug in the back of her brain. This is going to be insanely hard, she can tell that much. “I’d like these. I can put the silk on it myselfwhen it comes it... I’d rather not get her lovely peau chafed just yet...” Smirked to herself and looked to her friend. “I’d like this.”
Azula nodded her head, "See? Just had to put some thought into it." She squeezed Rarity's shoulder, "It will be magnificent."
She tensed at the touch to her shoulder, but quickly relaxed as fast as it happened. “I’m going to dress you up in the most godawful lace, feather and bedazzled gown I can make when I’ve fully quit.” Turned to face her. “You do realise that, right?”