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Engagement of Embers	By : Sippyjelly Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female > Mai/Zuko Views: 4485 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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AN: I do not own Avatar, I promise.
Warning: this is a Mai/Zuko fic. I am quite the Zutara fan, but towards the end of Water/beginning of Earth volume, it seems like Mai/Zuko is a little more feasible. Also, I have only seen the first ten episodes of the Earth series, so I apologize for any discrepancies, mistakes, etc.

Engagement of Embers

Chapter One – We Meet Again

Mai sighed, feeling very bored with the present situation. Azula’s ship had needed supplies and they docked at one of the Earth Nation’s ports. Azula, handling everything as usual, told Ty Lee and herself that they could go out and do whatever they liked for the next few hours. Ty Lee suggested that they go shopping and Mai reluctantly agreed, figuring she could ditch the over-exuberant girl for the next few hours.
So now here she was, wandering the market place alone, having ditched Ty Lee well over an hour ago. She had promised Azula that she and Ty Lee would return to the ship by sunset, and it was still an hour or so before then, and Mai intended to enjoy that time.
Passing a quaint tea and dessert shop caused Mai to stop for a moment. It reminded her of Azula’s Uncle Iroh. A faint smile twitched at the corner of her mouth. He was such a kind man, and to do what he did for his nephew Zuko… It really touched Mai deep down in that sensitive, emotional part of herself she seldom showed anyone.
On a whim, she decided to enter the small shop and inhaled the sweet aroma of mixed teas and cakes. A small bell tinkled, announcing her arrival, and an elder man turned to welcome her. “Ah, beautiful lady, how can I-” he began, then blinked in shock as he recognized her. “You are…”
“Uncle Iroh.” Mai blurted, then covered her mouth, blushing. Why had she called him that?! She was not the little girl that had sat upon his knee such a long time ago…
“Ah, you are the Governer’s daughter. Mai.” Iroh replied, a sad smile displayed to her. It was as if he had resigned himself to capture by his niece and her two comrades.
Mai straightened herself and opened her mouth to reply, to say anything, but was interrupted by Zuko, who had walked into the front room, his arms full of packages. Tea, most likely.
“Mai?! What are you doing here?!” Zuko demanded, dropping all of his packages and snapping into his fighting stance.
Mai tensed slightly and then forced herself to remain calm. Without Azula here…she had no reason to cause these two harm. She had always had a crush on Zuko, even when they were little. And Iroh had always been so kind and encouraging to her… Though she was loyal to Azula, she could not bring herself to turn Zuko and his uncle into harm’s hands.
“I wanted tea.” Mai finally replied, finding her voice.
Iroh smiled and gestured to the menu. “And which would you like, Miss Mai?”
“Uncle, now is not the time!” Zuko bellowed.
“Relax Zuko, she will not throw us to the lions.” Iroh had a knack for reading people, and he knew that despite Mai’s tie to Azula, she would do no wrong by Zuko.
“What your uncle says is the truth. I am here for tea and nothing more. I must return to our ship by sunset. We are tracking the Avatar and his company.”
Zuko’s expression twitched at the mention of the Avatar. Mai saw the despair pass through his eyes. He knew now that he would never be welcomed back home, Avatar or no. And Mai, in that secret place in her heart, felt the twinge of pain akin to empathy. Zuko said nothing, shoulders hunched, and left to the back of the shop. Depression practically rolled off of the young man.
“Forgive him, he’s had a long day.” Iroh said softly.
Mai nodded. “May I have a cup of Jasmine Tea, please.”
Iroh prepared the tea and handed it to Mai, who sat at one to the little tables. Iroh joined the young girl, a cup of tea in his hand as well. “So, Azula is doing well?” he took a small sip from his cup and looked at the young lady expectantly.
Mai sighed softly and sipped at her tea. “Nothing could keep her from her goals, you know this.” She took another sip and gazed at the kind old man. “And Zuko…?” she couldn’t keep the tinge of emotion from her voice.
Iroh sighed sadly. “My nephew is…adjusting. Coping. Adapting. This is a very new life for him.”
“He…he will always be the Crown Prince. And he is strong.” Mai blurted, wondering for the second time that day why she was saying the things she was. And why she couldn’t control herself.
“You care deeply for him.” It was not a question that Iroh posed, but a gentle statement. As if it were the truth, as if it were plain fact. He took a larger sip of his tea, sighing softly in pleasure.
“I…you know I always have.” That deep inner woman of Mai was revealing herself to this kind man. He always seemed to draw the truth out of everyone. His wisdom was as clear as day and Mai could not help but to confide in him.
“Azula does not need you as much as he does.”
Mai blushed. “He does not reciprocate my feelings.” She knew it had been too long since she had last seen Zuko for him to still harbor any emotions towards her. It had been three years since she had touched him, smelled his scent, heard his voice.
“Zuko, despite his passionate nature, tends not to be so open about his feelings when they are not anger or frustration.”
Mai could not argue with Iroh’s logic. “Yes, but…we are not certain about his feelings towards me.”
“You could always find out.”
“You mean…go talk to him?”
Iorh nodded, drinking his tea again.
Without thinking, Mai rose from her seat. “I’ll go see to him.”
Iroh only smiled as the young girl passed him and began her pursuit of Zuko’s trail. There was something he enjoyed immensely about seeing two young people find one another in such a harsh world.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Mai, using her talents, found Zuko easily. She always had been very adept at tracking people, and Zuko had made it very easy for her.
“Here to sell me to the devil?” Zuko questioned, sitting at the village courtyard fountain, watching young children play games, laughing and giggling as they did so. Apparently Zuko was very aware of his surroundings, not even turning to look at her.
Mai’s expression twisted to that of empathy and regret. She sat beside Zuko, although not close enough to invade his personal space. “Zuko…you know this is not why I am here.” Her normally detached voice had softened and Zuko was almost surprised to hear such a womanly, breathy side of Mai.
Zuko, who had been running his fingers in the fountain water, paused. “Then why are you here?” he looked at her, taking in her profile. She had grown from a cute, pretty child into a lovely, beautiful young lady. When had this happened? Zuko hoped the amazement did not show on his face.
“To…to help you.”
Zuko snorted. “Since when have you ever wanted to do that? You’d rather help Azula first. She is your slave-driver, after all.”
“When haven’t I helped you?” Mai shot back, having become slightly annoyed with Zuko’s unappreciative attitude.
“Ch…let me see…uh, never! Azula’s trying to kill me and you’re her lackey!”
Mai felt hurt and she looked down. “So you don’t remember what happened after your mother disappeared?” she dipped her hands into the cool water and Zuko’s eyes widened in recognition of the memory…

Tears stung at his face. They had been stinging for what seemed an eternity. Huddled in his bed, sobbing softly, he repeated the same mantra over and over. “Mom…why’d you leave me? Why? Mom?”
His door creaked open slightly, and Zuko gasped, looking up. “Who…who’s there?”
Mai peeked her head inside. “It’s me.”
Zuko wiped at his face, trying to save whatever dignity he had left. “What do you want?”
Mai stepped inside precariously. “To help you…”
“What about Azula?” Zuko questioned softly.
“She and Ty Lee are pulling a prank on the servants.” She answered.
“Why aren’t you with them?”
Mai shrugged. “I was bored.” She walked up to Zuko’s bed and sat on the edge, kicking her legs lazily. “Azula acts like nothing is wrong. It’s so…weird.”
Another tear trailed down Zuko’s cheek. “Mom always scolded her…maybe Azula is happy…”
Mai studied Zuko’s face, and touched the tear. “You’re hurting.”
Zuko blushed and looked away. “I…it’s not what you-”
“It’s okay to be sad.” Mai interrupted, “It was your mother.” She smiled softly. “Can I get in with you?” She blushed slightly, wondering what had caused her to say such a thing.
Zuko blushed a little as well and moved to give Mai room. “Sure, I guess.”
Mai went under the covers and snuggled close to Zuko. “Azula doesn’t…she’s not good…like you…”
Zuko, having needed to comfort of another human being, stayed close to Mai. “Let’s not talk about her. Let’s just…sleep.”
Mai nodded in agreement, resting her head on the pillow with Zuko.
Zuko heaved a heavy sigh, enjoying Mai’s silent company, and soon the young boy was asleep. Crying had clearly exhausted him. Mai studied his face, wondering how he could be so handsome. She wondered if he liked her as much as she liked him. Maybe if he did, they could get married and have babies and be really, really happy.
Zuko’s soft breathing was rhythmic and soothing, and Mai found herself becoming sleepy as well. She touched Zuko’s face gently, and kissed his cheek. “I’ll always be here, Zuko.” She whispered softly to the sleeping prince. And she dozed off herself…

“What was it that you whispered to me?” Zuko questioned softly, staring at Mai intently.
She blushed under the scarred prince’s gaze. “I…I don’t quite remember…”
“You made me a promise.” Zuko continued.
“That I’d always be here.” Mai admitted reluctantly.
Zuko looked at the playing children nearby. “You kept it.”
A grin twitched at the corners of Mai’s mouth. “Oh, did I?”
“Remember when I was healing?” Zuko grinned softly, his eyes gleaming with nostalgia at the fond memories.
“No, remind me.” Mai smiled…

The pain was intense and unrelenting. But not as unbearable as the knowledge of his failures. Dishonoring his father, becoming a banished prince, a near impossible quest to find the avatar. Zuko didn’t know which poison was the worst. And his face…he had caught a glimpse of it when the doctor was changing his bandages. He was disfigured. Ugly. Scarred.
Zuko wasn’t really sure how handsome he was before, but there was no hope for him now. No woman would ever want to be his queen. That is, if he ever won his birthright back.
These thoughts were bringing Zuko to near insanity, and just when he felt like screaming and burning the whole infirmary to the ground, a familiar head peaked around the corner.
“Mai.” He watched her enter, she took his speaking of her name as permission.
“Zuko.” She stood by his bed, her eyes filling with tears.
“I don’t want your pity.” Zuko wanted everyone to suddenly be as miserable as he was.
“Zuko, it’s not pity. I feel your pain...” She beside him suddenly and threw her arms around him. “You don’t deserve this.”
Zuko was surprised by Mai’s sudden actions, but her presence was so soothing to him; calming the raging fires in his heart. He found himself wrapping his arms around her and squeezing her tightly. “Mai…” He stroked her hair as she wept softly.
“You need to be Fire Lord. It’s your destiny, I know it is. Your father, he favors Azula too much…she’s…she bad to me, Zuko. Sometimes...”
“I know, Mai, she’s bad to me too.” Zuko pulled away and looked into Mai’s eyes. She was really pretty, despite the glimmering tears trailing down her face. He had the sudden urge to kiss her, but she was only 13, and he 14. Was such a thing inappropriate?
He brushed her tears away and looked intently at her. How often did he and Mai interact? Yes, they greeted one another often, but Mai was busy with her studies at the Fire Academy for Girls, and he was busy with his studies as well. He rarely had such intimate times with Mai alone like this. Maybe only a handful of times since his mother had disappeared. But still, he knew she cared deeply, and her tears for him now only proved it.
Mai returned the intent look. “Zuko?”
He leaned in, his lips brushing the corner of her mouth. “I didn’t think I was important to anyone anymore.” He whispered it softly to her, his forehead coming to rest against hers.
“You are to me.” Mai murmured softly in return, leaning in slightly to have her lips brush against his.
The thrill of her skin against his quieted Zuko’s inner pain even more. What was it about Mai that made him feel…so worthwhile? So good? So calm? He ran his fingers through her unbound hair, crushing his lips to hers.
This felt so pleasant, moreso than Mai had ever expected. Had she known that kissing Zuko was this pleasurable, she would have sought him and commited such an act sooner. She brought her tongue to meet his, wondering what compelled her to do so, considering she had never kissed anyone else before. Something, instinct maybe, just guided her.
Zuko’s tongue responded immediately, and they wrestled for a bit before they both pulled away for air. This girl…
“I’ll never see you again.” Zuko lamented.
“What? What are you talking about?” Mai demanded.
“I’m banished…and I have to hunt the Avatar. Who hasn’t been seen in one hundred years.”
Mai was silent for a moment, then looked at Zuko intensely. “You can do it.”
“You’re probably the only one who thinks so.”
“Then do it. And come back to me.”
Zuko kissed Mai once more. “I’ll do my best.”
She nodded and looked at the bandage covering his left eye. She had not been at the Agni Kai, and did not know the extent of the damage brought upon Zuko. “Is it bad?”
Zuko grimaced. “I’m a monster now.”
“Can I see?”
Zuko felt suddenly ashamed, and embarrassed. But…he should not hide such things from Mai. If he couldn’t even let this girl that he really liked see it, then what about everyday strangers? He had to become strong.
He unbound his bandages and resigned himself to what should have been Mai’s disgust. She studied him intently, her face not betraying any emotion.
Zuko felt impatient. “Well?”
Mai was silent, and when her eyes locked on his, they were not filled with disgust, but instead sincerity. “You’ll always be handsome to me, Zuko.”
And then he knew. If Mai thought she was handsome, that must mean he was. Mai never lied like Azula did. Does…

“When did we become enemies? When did you start hating me?” Mai questioned. She frowned softly. His response to her even entering the tea shop was enough to know that he no longer cared for her.
“We were enemies once you sided with Azula and starting chasing after Uncle and I.”
“And hating me?”
“I’ve never hated you. Azula yes, but never you.”
“…did you like me when you kissed me?”
Mai’s straightforward question caused Zuko to blush and look aside. “I…during my banishment, I thought about you a great deal.” Zuko usually had something to say about everything, but for some reason, he didn’t know how to say what he wanted to this time. As the sun was setting, it reflected upon Mai, lighting her up in a golden red halo. She really was beautiful. And he, undeserving of her.
“Me too.” Mai replied softly. She knew Zuko well enough to hear what he was saying, as well as what he didn’t say. Her hand grasped his and he squeezed her hand in return. They sat in silence together as the sun set and their surroundings became darker. Both knew what they were feeling and could only hazard a guess at their counterpart’s emotions. But somehow, doubt didn’t come into the equation.
And, as the world became darker, something struck Mai’s attention. “I guess we’re not enemies anymore, Zuko.” She blurted suddenly.
Zuko looked at Mai. “Why is that?” He looked confused.
“Azula’s ship set sail at sunset.”
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Engagement of Embers