Adult-FanFiction.org : Cartoons

Everything Happens in Ba Sing Se	By : CanadianGirl Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female > Mai/Zuko Views: 4070 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Avatar is not mine and I make no profit from any stories I write and publish here..

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
Chapter One: The Peace Treaty
Nine months of hard work and negotiations had finally resulted in a rudimentary treaty that all nations agreed upon. Zuko was relieved and thrilled at the same time. Most of the work had been done in the Fire Nation with world leaders visiting every month for talks. The new Fire Lord was certainly willing to make up for all the past mistakes his nation had made, but he refused to be taken advantage of while making amends. His nation needed dignity and pride as much as the others and his people needed some resources and wealth left. The push and pull had taken a long time. Now the treaty was in its final form, ready for signing.
"Feels good, doesn't it?" Mai asked as she looked down at the official scroll.
Zuko gave Mai a grin and then stared at the perfectly formed characters, sharp black on crisp white. "Yeah, it really does. I was beginning to think that all of us would never agree on anything."
Mai's face was thoughtful as she answered. "It requires a lot of give and take and no one was willing to give but you for awhile there."
"They came around eventually." Zuko exhaled loudly as if in relief. "And we can thank Aang for that. He really stuck up for us, Mai."
Mai crossed her arms under her breasts and pondered their airbending friend. "Well, he knows you, Zuko. He knows that you do what you say you will do. He trusts you. The rest of them, all the leaders will take a little longer, that's all."
"Yeah, you're right, of course," the Fire Lord replied. "I owe you thanks too, Mai. You helped me keep my head throughout all those meetings."
"Turns out I can do more than just throw knives, huh."
"You can do a lot more than throw knives," Zuko assured her suggestively. "And you do all those things so well."
"I'll show you some tonight, alright?"
She wore a crooked smile on her face and reached out to run her slender fingers through Zuko's hair. Anticipation was a wonderful thing.
"I wouldn't say 'no' to that," the Fire Lord smirked.

"My lord," Zuko's top advisor, a middle-aged man named Kenji began. "Has a decision been made about where the peace treaty will be officially signed?"
'No, not yet, but I'm pretty sure that here is out of the question. All the negotiations were done in the Fire Nation. I think we should sign the treaty somewhere more central, in the Earth Kingdom perhaps. It seems only fair."
"Has a date been set, my lord?"
"Kenji, please just call me Zuko. The whole 'my lord' thing makes me feel uncomfortable."
"I'm sorry, um, Zuko. It's just a habit, I suppose. Calling the Fire Lord by his first name seems improper."
"I don't consider it improper and neither should you. You're my advisor. We work together almost every day. And it's a different era, remember."
"Yes, I suppose. I'll do my best to remember," Kenji grinned.
"Good; we'll need letters sent to all the peace treaty negotiators about the signing location. I have a suggestion, Kenji. What about the Jasmine Dragon? It's central and my uncle will keep everyone relaxed. I know it's unconventional, but so what. Mai and I are breaking traditions all over the place."
Kenji reached for his cup of tea and sipped. He looked thoughtful for a moment and then reached for a tasty looking piece of cake. Zuko rolled his eyes and waited for his advisor's response.
"I like the idea very much," Kenji finally replied.
"Great; I'll send a hawk to my uncle. Hopefully he'll agree. If he does, you can send those other letters off to the group. And if it's alright with everyone, we'll be taking a little trip to Ba Sing Se."

At the end of another two weeks, everything had been arranged. The historic peace treaty signing would take place at The Jasmine Dragon, already Ba Sing Se's most popular and well respected tea shop. Iroh couldn't say no to Zuko's request; number one, his shop's reputation would only grow in stature and two, he looked forward to seeing some old friends, namely King Bumi of Omashu and Pakku of the Northern Water Tribe. Besides, if Iroh had his way, the occasion wouldn't be stiff and formal but a lot of fun instead. Lots of good food, good tea and something a little stronger as the day wore one would help to that end.
Mai was busy packing for the both of them when Zuko finished for the day and joined her in their rooms.
"You're not traveling in your formal robes, are you?" she asked as he pulled her in for a kiss.
"No, too damn uncomfortable; I'll wear that tunic I like with those pants I also like."
"Well, that's helpful." She pulled a red and gold short sleeved tunic and red pants out of the traveling trunk and held them up for Zuko to see. "Do you mean these?"
"Yeah, those are the ones," he answered sheepishly.
"Alright, I'll put them over here for tomorrow morning, then."
Mai shook her head at Zuko's vagueness and laid the clothing over a hard backed chair. She went to the wardrobe then and removed her boyfriend's spare set of formal robes. Folding each piece carefully, she tucked them into Zuko's large trunk.
"There," she declared. "You're packed."
"Why don't I call a servant to help you," Zuko suggested.
"No," Mai refused. "I like to pack our own things. Grab my black dress and my red dress, would you?"
Zuko retrieved the gowns and Mai did her thing, expertly. They spent another hour getting everything together for their trip to Ba Sing Se. Zuko changed afterwards, slipping into a simple black tunic and pants.
"Mai, let's have dinner now. You must be hungry."
He rang for dinner to be brought to their rooms and they sat at a small dining area on the balcony as they so often did. It was one of their enjoyments, those quiet, private dinners in the open air, warm Fire Nation breezes moving through their hair and spectacular sunsets providing a feast for their eyes. The food was almost secondary.
"So, it sounds like Iroh's really looking forward to this peace treaty signing," Mai smiled. "It's going to be one big party, I think."
"Yeah, that's what I was hoping. Everyone's tired of the tense talks. I think a little fun is in order."
"Zuko talking about fun," Mai joked. "There was a time that word wasn't a part of your vocabulary."
"Well, it wasn't part of yours either, but things change. This time it was for the better, don't you think?"
"Mmm, yes, I like having fun with you."
They ate quietly then, taking their time to savor the various flavors in their food and the red wine that accompanied them. Mai had found an excellent cook and every meal was a delight. When a servant cleared away their dishes and brought freshly brewed tea, Zuko and Mai both leaned back in their chairs, full and relaxed. The late evening sky was a sweep of deep blue now with a sprinkling of stars hanging like strings of lights at a festival. The wind shifted direction and grew cooler. Mai shivered and moved her chair closer to Zuko's, instinctively seeking out his heat.
He gave Mai a searching look. "Do you want to go inside?"
"No," she shook her head. "Not yet."
Zuko took her hand loosely in his, encircling her flesh and bone in warmth. He rubbed a finger across her knuckles. It was very relaxing and Mai let her eyes fall closed, losing herself in the physical sensation. The Fire Lord looked at his partner then, observing her lovely features in the fading light. Dark eyelashes fluttered against the pale skin of her cheeks, and her perfect, narrow lipped mouth looked irresistibly kissable.
"Like what you see?"
Mai's mouth was turned up in a smile now, though her eyes were still closed. Zuko laughed and placed a quick kiss on those lips.
"I like what I see very much."
"Good answer."
Mai opened her eyes finally and looked into Zuko's. Her gaze grew intense for a second before softening again. "I'm a bit tired and we need to get going early tomorrow. So, I'm going to have a bath and go to bed."
The Fire Lord nodded. "I'm going to go over the treaty one more time and then I'll join you."
He stood up, held out his hand to Mai and the two left the balcony, walking arm and arm back into their rooms.

Crowds of people gathered outside the Jasmine Dragon, all eager to catch a glimpse of the dignitaries and war heroes who would soon descend upon the place and sign a treaty that would officially send the world off into an era of peace. Opportunistic businessmen and women had set up makeshift stands selling everything from a tea far inferior to Irohs, to candies and cakes, barbecued meat and vegetables on sticks and fresh fruit. Bottles of Earth Kingdom rum and Fire nation whiskey were passed around, with men and a few daring women taking surreptitious sips.
Children ran shouting and laughing amongst their parents, other relatives and neighbors, seeing what goodies they could pry out of generous hands or how much money they could wheedle out of preoccupied mothers and fathers. With coins finally in hand, boys and girls bought up sweets, stuffing themselves, many getting sick a few hours later and not so discreetly throwing up behind boxes in alleyways.
The atmosphere was joyous and excitement practically vibrated in the air. Guards made a ring around the teashop, gently pushing back those curious and daring enough to try and sneak a peek inside one of the windows. Iroh himself came out onto the front steps of his shop and spoke to the crowd, many of whom were customers, urging them to enjoy the day but to also remain calm so that the treaty signers would feel safe and secure. It would be a terrible thing to mar such a momentous occasion with senseless pushing and shoving or worse.
"I may be able to convince my nephew to speak," the tea maker promised. "He's a bit shy sometimes, but his public speaking has come a long way."
"You must be proud, Iroh," a woman called from somewhere deep within the throng of people.
"Is that you, Ching Lan?"
"Yes, over here," the woman shouted.
Iroh could see the top of her head and her waving hand. He waved back and invited her for tea the following day.
"And, yes, I'm bursting with pride!"
The older man, once a general who struck fear into hearts, then a refugee and now a tea maker and businessman, wiped away a tear and clasped his hands together. When it came to his small family, Iroh was fiercely loving and loyal. Lately, his pride in both Mai and Zuko had soared to new heights. Their positions were difficult ones and they handled themselves with grace and projected a sense of decency and idealism to the world. Iroh chuckled when he thought of Mai and idealism. That wasn't quite true. Mai provided the realism, even a touch of cynicism that was required too. Zuko needed that girl, probably more than he even realized. As he had many times over the past ten months or so, Iroh thanked the fates for providing Zuko with the perfect young lady to accompany him through life.
The sound of slowly approaching carriages made the crowd look and then part, forming two neat sections, one on each side of the street. Pakku and Arnook arrived first and Iroh whisked them inside the tea shop, starting a cheerful conversation about snow. He sat them down at a long table, brought in especially for the occasion. The treaty sat on an elegantly carved wooden stand in the middle of the table and the finest of writing implements surrounded it. The others arrived shortly after; Bumi with Kuei, Toph and Bosco the bear in tow, Hakoda with his children, Aang and Suki and finally Mai and Zuko. The crowd was chanting and cheering now, tossing flowers and scribbled notes at the group of dignitaries.
"Okay, now this is just bizarre," Mai whispered in Zuko's ears. "But at least they're not tossing rocks at us."
"Enjoy it," the Fire Lord advised. "I've heard that people are fickle."
They were grateful to finally step inside the teashop where they were greeted with hugs and punches to the arms, handshakes and arms draped around their shoulders.
"Hey there, Fire Lordy and one day Fire Lady," Sokka grinned. "It's good to see ya."
"Hello, Sokka." Mai and Zuko spoke at the same. Both had developed quite the affection for the clever, goofy and brave Water Tribe warrior. Zuko continued. "It's good to see you, especially on such an important day."
Toph grabbed hold of Zuko's arm and gave it a playfully painful twist. "So, it was your idea to sign the treaty here, huh? Good thinking, Mr. Hotman."
"Yes, it was and don't call me that. You know I hate it."
"Zuko, my dear, that's precisely why Toph uses that stupid name." Mai patted her boyfriend's cheek and then kissed his forehead, stretching up onto her tiptoes to do so. "Don't let it get to you. Toph adores you, Zuko. She's just having fun."
"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled, but Zuko was smiling nevertheless.
"Nephew and Mai; let me take a look at you both. It's been a few months." Iroh stood back and admired the handsome couple. "My dear, you grow lovelier every time I see you. Zuko is one lucky man."
"And he best not ever forget that," Mai quipped.
Iroh embraced them both then, hanging on for a full minute before finally letting go.
"There's tea in the back and food if you're hungry. Once the treaty is signed we'll celebrate. Everyone I know around here has contributed a wonderful dish. Did you bring the fire whiskey, nephew?"
"Yeah, I've got three bottles in my case. How drunk do you plan on getting?"
"It's for everyone, not just me. Though I believe Pakku brought a little something strong too."
"It's going to get wild," the Fire Lord predicted. "If Sokka gets into the whiskey we're doomed."
"What's that I hear about whiskey?" Sokka gave Zuko a winning grin. "I enjoy a nip now and then, if there's a celebration, like today."
The group mingled, everyone playing catch up with friends and acquaintances. Half an hour later, each chair around the table was filled, a cup of tea had been placed in front of each person and the treaty was ready to be signed. Zuko had changed into his official robes and an artist, hired by the Fire Lord, was busy with his ink, making a quick sketch of the scene. It seemed appropriate to memorialize such a momentous occasion with a painting. Future generations could look upon it, and the day and all that it meant would be that much clearer.
Everyone had a chance to speak before the signing began. Zuko took his turn last. He stood up and looked around the table at good friends, making eye contact with each. The older men, those who gave more and more respect to Zuko with each month that passed, he nodded deferentially to.
"Sometimes I still can't believe that the war is over, that I'm Fire Lord and that I'm fortunate enough to have such great people surrounding me. For one hundred years, the Fire Nation brought terror to the rest of the world. I never want anything like that to happen again. I hope with all of me, that this peace treaty ensures the safety of everyone now and for generations to come. This treaty represents a lot of hard work and many, many hours of thought and deliberation. I'm so happy to be here today with everyone that I care about and I am privileged to sign it."
The Fire Lord inhaled deeply then and sat back down next to Mai. She gave his thigh a squeeze under the table and he smiled warmly over at her.
"Let's sign this thing," Bumi chortled, rubbing his hands together gleefully and surveying the group with his crazy roaming eye.
With an atmosphere that was a strange combination of solemnity and joy, each person took his turn, carefully putting the characters for his name on the treaty, Zuko going last once more. When the Fire Lord finished, Iroh put his strong hands on the young man's shoulders, clamping down tight and then squeezing affectionately.
"You did well, nephew." His words were spoken quietly and with great pride. Iroh was, in fact, ready to burst. "I promised the people outside that you would speak to them."
"Oh, uncle, you didn't? I hate spontaneous speaking." Zuko flushed as he realized that everyone around the table could hear. "But, fine, I'll do it, once the treaty dries."
Never one to break his word, Zuko headed outside a few minutes later, the treaty held carefully in his hands. Mai walked alongside him, her hands up her sleeves, caressing blades that she hoped she wouldn't need. Applause broke out as soon as Zuko walked through the wide doors and stepped out onto the stone landing replete with fountain and potted plants. He moved to the front of the fountain and the guards who circled the teashop moved in closer to Zuko and Mai, almost hemming them in.
He lifted the treaty and held it up for the crowd to see. The people roared their approval and began to chant his name over and over.
"Zuko! Zuko! Zuko!"
The chanting stopped when he lowered the treaty and looked ready to begin. He took a deep breath and then glanced into Mai's pale gold eyes. She gave a slight nod.
"I'm so very honoured and humbled by your support. I have a feeling that my uncle has something to do with it." He grinned sheepishly then and the people laughed. "In my hand is a treaty, a peace treaty, signed by leaders from the three remaining nations. All of us are determined to maintain this new world we have, a world in which we work together instead of against each other, a world where people are safe and secure and a world where no family will be torn apart because of the senseless acts of one in power. As long as I live, I will work to keep this peace and make the world better for all of us. Thank you."
Feeling shy and embarrassed, Zuko gave everyone a wave and then retreated back to the safety of the Jasmine Dragon's interior. Mai put a hand on his arm and gave him a smile that spoke of her own pride in her boyfriend and a love that still sent her reeling sometimes.

Celebrations went well into the early morning hours. Iroh provided food and seemingly endless varieties of tea, while Zuko and Pakku provided the alcohol. As the hours passed, barriers were lowered. Conversation became freer and looser. Kuei told stories of his travels around the Earth Kingdom. Aang told stories about his journeys with Katara and Pakku raved about Kanna, the finest woman in the world. Mai and Zuko didn't say much but they listened carefully and laughed with their friends and acquaintances, just happy to be in such good company and in a place they considered a second home.
Revelers still crowded the streets outside and the occasional happy shout penetrated the thick walls of the teashop. The city was happy; a happiness that it well deserved. Zuko was glad that his uncle had agreed to have the treaty signing here at the Jasmine Dragon. He didn't come up with really good ideas that often, so when he did, Zuko was thrilled when they worked out.
"Good choice," Mai stated succinctly as if reading his thoughts. She took another look around at her friends and the world leaders who relaxed together, spread out across many tables, getting up and switching seats so that they could talk to someone else. It was amazing to see, even almost a year after the war's end.
"It was, wasn't it?" Zuko replied almost smugly.
"It had to happen sometime," his lover replied with a smirk.
Mai wiped his frown away with a sumptuous kiss.
- 1
- 2
- 3
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Everything Happens in Ba Sing Se