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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 don’t own Avatar. If I did, it’d be a Zutara, Sukka, Taang world. Promise.
Again, Zai…or Muko…or whatever. PG-13/R ish. Maybe more? > )

Engagement of Embers

Chapter Two – Now what?

Zuko wasn’t quite sure what he should do. The girl that he had liked ever since their childhood had accidentally missed his sister’s ship’s departure because she had lost track of time. Had Mai intentionally chose to be with him?
In their childhood, Mai had often admitted that Azula wasn’t a very good friend. What had compelled her to join Azula in her missions, Zuko didn’t know. But he was determined to find out. And again, what had made Mai choose Zuko over Azula, he didn’t understand.
They had walked back to tea shop in silence, but before entering, Zuko looked at the young warrior girl intently. “Why did you stay?”
Mai looked downward. “I didn’t mean to…I just wanted to enjoy your company. I wanted to cherish every moment with you before we became enemies again.” She felt as if she had just poured out her soul. But, if it was to Zuko, it was alright. More than alright even.
“I…I’m glad to have you here.” Zuko admitted, touching Mai’s face tenderly. Her skin was so soft and smooth. So unlike his own. The damned scar…
“I’m glad I’m here.” Mai murmured, leaning into his touch.
Zuko swallowed softly, overwhelmed by both his and Mai’s honesty about them and this entire situation. There was no more childish ‘beating around the bush’ and the truth was not withheld.
“Can…you can stay with us, right?”
“I don’t want to go back home to New Ozai. It was boring, and I knew I was missing something. I don’t want to go back to Azula; she cares only for herself and her ambitions.” Mai answered.
“So why did you join her?” Zuko inquired.
“I knew that if I joined her, I would see you again.”
Zuko pulled her close and kissed her. “Stay with me.”
Mai wrapped her arms around Zuko. “I will.”

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Iroh was cleaning up the shop, humming a soft melody to himself. He was pleasantly surprised by the arrival of Mai, and very glad that Azula hadn’t followed. He knew Mai was a good girl, one with honor, a good upbringing, and of noble stock. Such a lady would be perfect for his banished nephew. Zuko desperately needed a friend of his own age who would support him when he felt despair or doubts. And since Mai was a lady, perhaps Zuko and she could pursue a romantic relationship. Such an outcome would give Zuko purpose, a reason to wake up everyday.
Iroh stroked his beard thoughtfully and smiled. Yes, having Mai visiting could blossom into something beneficial for all. Soft whispers from outside caught his attention, and Iroh raised his head as Zuko and Mai entered the shop. Hand in hand. Very interesting.
“Uncle…” Zuko opened his mouth and began, but seemed not to know where to continue.
Mai smiled softly and squeezed Zuko’s hand. “I’ve accidentally missed my ship’s departure…unfortunately; I’ve been stranded here, as Azula is more concerned with the capture of the Avatar.”
Iroh know this lovely young lady spoke the truth. She would not have purposely shirked duty to stay gallivanting with Zuko. Mai, maybe even more so than Zuko, was a character of honor and duty. “Ah…I see. Well, I suppose you’ll have to stay with us until you can contact Azula and rejoin her.” Iroh smiled again; it seemed he had been doing this very frequently. This was becoming a very pleasant turn of events. Zuko’s happiness was something Iroh had wanted for the longest time, and maybe now it would happen.
Both Mai and Zuko smiled at Iroh’s outright acceptance of the situation and glanced at one another before Iroh continued. “Mai will have to take your room, Zuko. I know I snore at times, but you’ll have to make do until we can make better arraignments.”
“Yes, Uncle, it will be no problem.” Zuko nodded respectfully.
“Let us have a relaxing cup of tea and retire for the evening.” Iroh suggested.
Mai smiled softly. “I’m afraid I will have to pass up such a lovely offer. I’m exhausted…working for Azula left me little time for relaxation.”
“Zuko, see to it Mai is comfortably settled.” Iroh instructed. Zuko nodded and guided Mai to his bedroom. Iroh grinned as the teenagers retreated and sighed at the prospect of young love.
Mai looked about Zuko’s bedroom. It was decorated meagerly, but still seemed like it belonged to Zuko. She sat on his bed, and noticed it carried his musky scent. She would enjoy sleeping in his bed. She gazed up at Zuko, marveling at how all this was possible. How she was here, with him. And away from Azula. For how long, Mai did not know, but she would cherish everyday she could be with her childhood dreams and wishes.
He sat beside her. “I know it’s not much…nothing like what you or I grew up with…” He was afraid that Mai would be disgusted by the limited means by which he and his uncle had been living by.
“Zuko, riches and splendor are not important to me. You have a safe home, and a warm bed. And it’s clean, no less.” Mai touched Zuko’s face tenderly, running her fingertips over his smooth skin, stopping before she touched his scar.
“I know. It’s hideous.” Zuko looked away, freeing his face from Mai’s touch.
Mai touched his cheek and forced Zuko to meet her gaze. “You’ll always be handsome to me. I am not ashamed of you, and you should not be either.”
“You said that three years ago.” Zuko murmured.
“I meant it then…and I mean it now.” She caught his gaze, unable to break away. Gently, her fingers traced the outline of his scar, then slowly treaded over the rough scar tissue.
Although most of the nerve endings of Zuko’s scarred flesh were dead, there was something about Mai’s caress that he just felt. And it invoked such an emotion in his chest that made his throat feel tight and his eyes sting. He murmured her name softly, resting his face in the crook of Mai’s neck and shoulder.
Mai’s hands rested on his head, her fingers running through Zuko’s hair. She noticed that her neck was moist from Zuko’s tears; and Mai cooed his name, whispered soft nothings to him. He neither sobbed nor cried out, although his breathing was irregular. Mai kept her touch tender and soft, trying her best to emulate the late Ursa. Zuko had missed out on motherly experiences since his mother had gone missing. It was something every boy needed, whether they cared to admit it or not.
Mai wondered haphazardly if she would make a good mother. Her own mother had done a very good job with her baby brother Tom-Tom. But Mai hardly remembered her childhood relationship with her mother. The memories of the Fire Academy and the royal palace were heavier in her mind.
But, still, would she be a good mother? She had no real experience with children other than Tom-Tom, and even then, nannies had cared for him more than she. Oh well, such things were not important at this present time. Or at least they shouldn’t be.
Even marriage was a bit of a way off. Her sixteenth birthday was approaching, and it was customary for Fire Nation girls to become engaged at this age, usually to boys the same age or slightly older. Mai blushed slightly. Don’t think of it, she scolded herself.
“Mai?” Zuko queried softly. He wrapped his arms around the lithe girl, reveling in her close proximity. What was it about her that drove him crazy and soothed him at the same time?
“Nn?” was her reply.
“Thank you.” And much to his reluctance, he pulled away. Mai, looking fatigued, seemed surprised at the absence of Zuko’s body heat. The young prince wiped at his eyes, trying his best not to be embarrassed.
“You’re leaving?”
Zuko nodded. “I’ll let you sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.” He rose and looked at Mai expectantly.
She nodded. “Good night.”
He leaned in for a kiss. “Good night.” They smiled at one another and Zuko turned and left.
Mai laid down and smiled to herself, resisting the urge to giggle. She finally had the chance to spark something with Zuko. After three years of wondering and of insecurity, she knew that Zuko returned her feelings. And that he wanted her to stay. And that they had kissed, not only once, but twice. Just like three years ago.
She drifted off to sleep, more elated than she had felt in ages.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Iroh saw how relaxed and at ease Zuko appeared. He was preoccupied with some sort of daydream, and a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Nephew, come join me for tea.” Iroh urged.
Zuko agreed with any anger in response and sat beside Iroh. “Uncle, tomorrow will be a good day.”
Iroh glanced at Zuko. “Oh?”
“I can just tell.”
With that, Zuko rose and entered Iroh’s bedroom. He created a make-shift bed on the floor to sleep on. He closed his eyes and fell asleep quickly; the day’s excitement and activities having exhausted him.
Iroh cleaned off the table and washed the tea cups with care. Soon after he entered his room and found his young nephew sound asleep. He smiled softly, tucking Zuko in more securely. He was not sure what Mai’s appearance meant, but he knew it would bring a change of events that might not be so bothersome. In fact, this turn of events could benefit everyone; his nephew especially.
“Sleep well young Zuko, and embrace what tomorrow brings.” Iroh whispered in the darkness.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Mai dreamt of the past…of what could have been…
“I want to attend a war meeting with my father.” Zuko announced quite suddenly. He turned to Mai, a look of resignation etched into his young, handsome face. Good god, did Zuko even know of his pretty looks? Mai wondered, blushing slightly at Zuko’s intense expression.
“Why?” she questioned it without thought, forgetting momentarily Zuko’s drive to prove himself to Ozai.
“You know why.” Zuko replied sullenly. He plucked at the grass of the courtyard, staring at the baby turtleducks foraging for food.
“You’re still young…only fourteen. Must you meddle in the war right this moment?” Mai ran her fingers through the grass as well, tying it into knots.
“I need to stake my claim, Mai.” In the back of Mai’s mind, she knew that she was dreaming, that this conversation had occurred before and resulted in Zuko’s dishonor and banishment. Wasn’t there something she could do to alter Zuko’s horrible fate?
“Zuko, you are prince of the Fire Nation. The crown; the heir. You have done well in your training, studies, and manners. I don’t doubt your abilities, and neither should Ozai.” Yes, this was a good response. Last time, she had been afraid to contradict Zuko. And it had cost them both so much. She rested her hand on his shoulder to emphasize her point.
“Then what do you suggest I do?” Zuko’s surly response surprised Mai, but didn’t hurt as much as she expected it to. And he had allowed her hand to remain on his shoulder.
“Ask your father permission first, and explain why you desire to attend. Prove yourself to him. You are capable.” Mai retorted.
“And so what should I do for the rest of the night?” Zuko arched his brow questioningly at Mai. She smiled and pushed him onto the ground, straddling him and pinning him down. They both knew Zuko could easily escape, but it was a thrill just to be touching one another in a way that wasn’t polite decorum.
“Stay with me.” She smirked, rugging on his ponytail teasingly.
Zuko looked up into Mai’s chocolate eyes, searching them. “You and Iroh…”
Mai blinked. “What?”
“I’ll stay with you. As I do with Uncle Iroh. You’re the only two people who ever truly believed in me. Excluding my mother.”
They were both silent at the mention of Ursa. But only momentarily. “I’ll always believe in you. I see the wonderful person you are and the wonderful man you are to become.”
Impulsively, Zuko sat up, supporting Mai’s back with his hands so she did not fall off of his lap. Their faces were in close proximity, and Zuko captured her lips with his own. Mai’s delight and surprise spiked and she returned her first kiss with flourish. Her arms found their way around his neck and by instinct they continued deepening the kiss.
“Zuko…” Mai murmured softly, as they pulled away for air.
“Nn?” he nuzzled her nose, his hands stroking her back idly.
“I…I’ve waited for that…for so long…” Mai admitted softly, her own figers tangling in his long ponytail.
“Me too.”
“So now what?” she gazed into his amber eyes, unsure and feeling that finite teenage awkwardness.
“Kiss me.”
And she did.

The rest of the dream went as Mai had hoped her life with Zuko would have. They continued kissing and flirting, growing to like one another more everyday. Zuko gained his father’s respect and trus. Most importantly, he earned a seat at the War Council. Mai became a demure, young lady in the court of the Fire Nation’s eyes. She graduated the Fire Nation’s Royal Academy for Girls with honors, much to Azula’s jealousy. She had already been fuming about Zuko’s already apparent succession to the throne and Mai and Zuko’s budding relationship.
Soon enough, Zuko reached the age of sixteen, where he was expected to find himself a fiancée and become married within the next two years. Many knew about the young prince and young lady’s feelings for one another, even Ozai.
When Zuko gathered the courage, he asked his father for permission to choose Mai as his bride, and Ozai responded favorably. Mai was of noble blood, high intelligence, beaty, and of good reputation. Not to mention her prowess in the battlefield. Zuko, before asking Mai, implored her father for her hand in marriage and without hesitation he agreed.
Mai smiled at the scene of Zuko kneeling before Mai in that wonderful courtyard. He looked up at her adoringly, grasping her hands in his own. Zuko professed his undying love for her, promising to feel stronger about her everyday. That he couldn’t live without her by his side as queen of the Fire Nation. He wanted her to bear him many sons as cunning as she and daughters all as beautiful as she. And Zuko would stop at nothing to make Mai his.
And she agreed, throwing herself into his arms, and they embraced lovingly. Perhaps even that night they would give one another the gifts of their virginity, since the engagement would be official and they had remained celibate to uphold their reputations thus far.
The wedding, after a year or so of careful consideration, would be a festive event. Everyone would be overjoyed, perhaps even Azula. And Zuko would become Fire Lord, and Mai his queen. But that mattered not. She would have chosen him regardless, simply because she loved him so.
Soon after, their first child would come. Whether it be boy or girl, they would care not. So long as it was healthy and bubbling with life. Then another child, and maybe even another. And they would all laugh, and have many days together. And the children would grow older, as would they.
They would continue to love one another more and more each day. Their children would marry, and allow Mai and Zuko to retire. And grow old together, and finally die together. Perhaps it would not be the most exciting life, but it would be the most fulfilling one.
And that was what Mai longed for more than anything. This happiness, this wonderful adventure of average life. Where there was no scar, no banishment, no pain. She and Zuko would not be separated for three horrifying years. And all would be well.
In Mai’s sleep, tears trickled down her face. This beautiful dream was only that: a dream. It was not reality, where nothing was assured and a brutal war waged on. A soft sob escaped her lips. Zuko…why? Why can’t we have our happy ending? We can, can’t we? Please? Kiss me and make it alright…

Mai awoke groggily as she heard a soft noise in her bedroom. Almost as if someone were entering…
“Who’s there?” she demanded softly, wiping at the tears she had shed during her sleep. She sat up, body tensing in alertness.
“It’s me.” Zuko whispered softly, coming to sit with her. He was swift and very silent. Mai was surprised she noticed his entering at all.
“What are you doing here?” Mai questioned softly, hoping her didn’t see her telltale tears. But he seemed upset, worried, or even frightened himself. He was broken out in a cold sweat and his breathing was much more labored than it should have been for this time of night.
“I had a nightmare.” He admitted reluctantly. “I wanted to make sure you were still ali- here…” he touched her face, and immediately noticed the dampness of her cheeks. “You’ve been crying.” It was a statement, not a question.
“I had a sad dream…” she looked down.
“Of?”
Mai smiled wryly. “You tell me your nightmare first.”
Zuko agreed; and began his tale.
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Engagement of Embers