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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
- 2
- 3
AN: Do not own Avatar. Zutara & Sukka! Even some Toang. Really.

Engagement of Embers

Chapter Three – I Dreamt a Dream

Zuko wasn’t very detailed with his nightmare. He didn’t want to give it anymore power than it already possessed of him. The imagery was simply too vivid. And violent. Bloody; and even altogether too possible…

Azula was relentless, chasing Zuko and Mai for an eternity. There was never rest, or relief, or anything resembling a peaceful life. They ran to protect the lives of others, but it was to no avail. Iroh suffered. Mai’s family suffered. It seemed that Azula was a giant hurricane; consuming everything near her and spitting it back out into a mangled, barely recognizable mess.
They found refuge for a short time in the Earth Kingdom, playing the charade of a newly married couple. And Azula relented for a short time, as if to let them believe that she had given up. So they lived peacefully, and decided to have a quiet civil ceremony. They had become true husband and wife under false surname, and were content regardless.
The days were like a wonderful dream. Mai worked hard as a maid for a wealthy family and Zuko labored in the fields for a farming family. Soon the residents of the town came to know them well, and accepted them into their community. They made acquaintances and even friends. They built their home; and though they did not have much material wealth, their emotional wealth was in over abundance.
Soon enough, Mai confessed she was pregnant, unsure of Zuko’s feelings about it. Zuko became angry, asking her why on earth she would doubt his happiness of such an event. Mai cried in relief, safe in her husband’s arms.
The baby was born a few days earlier than expected, which worried Zuko. Pregnancy was such a chance experience. No one could ever know if both mother and child would survive such an ordeal. And Zuko knew not what he would do if he lost either.
The midwife beckoned Zuko to enter his bedchambers that he shared with his lovely wife. He obliged, afraid of what he’d find inside. Mai, disheveled and sweaty, held a small bundle in her arms. Despite her appearance, Zuko thought that this was the most beautiful he had ever seen her. Perhaps it was because of the sheer radiance that Mai glowed with.
He joined her side, and gazed at the bundle. The child seemed calm, and not squalling as a normal baby should. It opened its amber eyes and gazed up at Zuko. And he fell in love all over again. This was his son. His heir. His crown. His pride.
“Is Iroh an acceptable name?” Mai questioned breathlessly.
“Perfect.” He kissed his wife in affirmation.
Years passed, and with them, brought two more children. Another son, and then a daughter. Tom-Tom and Ursa. His three children and his wife were the source of endless joy in his life. His throne no longer mattered to him. His father’s approval meant nothing.
He came home from a long day of work, covered in the dust of the day. His young daughter toddled up to him. “Daddy!” He picked her up and hugged her to him.
“Ursa, did you help your mother today?”
“Uh huh! I big help!” she chimed in. Zuko found himself marveling at his small daughter who so resembled her namesake. And behaved in such a way as well: Ursa couldn’t stand injustices and always strove to do what was right.
He kissed her little nose as his two sons ran up to him.
“Dad! Mom’s making a cake for desert!” Iroh too was true to his namesake. He loved food of any kind, and especially enjoyed tea. But despite this, he was strong, a natural leader of the three children, but was never harsh, abusive, or demanding.
Tom-Tom stood beside Iroh, nodding enthusiastically. He reminded Zuko of himself when he was younger, before his mother had disappeared. A happy boy, who made mistakes, but didn’t have to be ashamed of them. Who had the world in front of him and every chance to claim his opportunities.
“Well, let’s hurry and eat dinner so we can have that desert.” Zuko smiled and led the children into their happy home.
His young daughter touched his scar, but he didn’t mind. He knew his children often wondered about it, but somehow they knew not to ask. Perhaps once they were older he would tell them. But not now: they didn’t need to know what shame, dishonor, pain, or suffering was yet. Hopefully they never would.
Zuko greeted Mai with a gentle kiss, as he did everyday. This comfortable routine was not taken for granted. They both still woke from nightmares of their impending doom. Azula’s face burned in the back of their minds…
They all spoke of their day, shared stories, and laughed at jokes. And there was a knock at their door. An authoritative one. Zuko and Mai shared glances nervously and their children became quiet.
Zuko stood and went to the door, opening it slowly. “Yes?”
His sister greeted him, her face, although older, still retaining the same malice. “Brother dear.” She smirked.
Before he could respond, Azula struck Mai with her deadly lightening blast. Their children screamed and Zuko found himself doing the same. Instead of striking Azula, as he should have, he ran to his wife’s side. His children flocked to him and huddled closely. He did not hear their pleading, questioning; none of it. The world became silent as he cradled his wife’s dying frame.
Mai attempted to murmur her husband’s name, but was unable. Tears coursed down her face for all that they had had together, and were now losing together. Mai’s life slipped away quickly. No goodbyes, no sweet nothings. It was just…over. Zuko held back a sob and looked at his children. He had to protect them at all costs. He pushed them behind him, and stood to face his sister.
“You bitch.” Zuko vehemently hissed.
“Oh, Zu-Zu, I’ve been there. Done that. What’s next?” Azula was uncaring as always. Her eyes narrowed in on his children and he looked at them as well. “I see you and Mai have been busy.” The smirk was even in the tone of her voice. Iroh, doing his part as the eldest brother, was calming Ursa and telling Tom-Tom not to look at Mai’s corpse.
“Don’t touch them.” Zuko warned.
“Zuko, I would never kill my nephews and niece!” Azula appeared to be shocked that Zuko would even suggest such a thing.
Zuko gritted his teeth and wondered how the hell he and his children would ever survive this ordeal. He wanted to fight Azula, but knew he would not win. It was not even a question.
Azula snapped her fingers and three soldiers appeared. “Take the children. And do be gentle. They are my nephews and niece, after all.”
The children screamed at hearing this and Zuko attacked his hateful sister. She struck him down. There was no fight; no need to waste the time or energy, apparently. As Zuko crumpled to the ground, near his dead wife, he cried. Mai was dead and his evil sister was taking his babies away. They would be raised and brainwashed and would become as evil as Azula. And he wept more because of this. The pain of Mai’s and now his own death was insignificant in comparison to all the pain, hurt, and suffering that his babies would endure.
Pain dulled everything else and Zuko’s eyes closed. His heart rhythmically pumped his own blood out of his body. And everything went black.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Tears coursed down Zuko’s face even as he told Mai all of this. It still seemed so real, so…possible.
She touched him gently. “Mine was similar.” And she wiped away his tears.
He looked at Mai, gods she was beautiful with her hair down like that…
“You were never banished and we married and…” Mai swallowed back the lump in her throat and her eyes stung.
“We were happy?” Zuko inquired. Despair was so heavy in the room.
Mai nodded. “But I was so sad, because I knew we could never have that.”
“Perhaps if we were in a fairytale.” Zuko replied.
Mai rested her head on Zuko’s should and leaned into his body. She inhaled his sweet scent and sighed softly. “Can’t we have our own fairytale?”
“And have Azula hunt us down and steal our young?” he wrapped his arms around her and stroked her unbound hair.
“Then we won’t have them.”
“But…” Zuko protested.
Mai pulled away slightly and looked into Zuko’s eyes. “What?”
He searched her face, for what he didn’t know, but he was comforted by what he saw. “I want to have a family with you.”
Mai blushed slightly. “You do?”
Zuko blushed as well. “Yes. I do.”
Mai touched Zuko’s cheek and he turned to her. Their lips met and they kissed with fervor. Mai wrapped her arms around Zuko’s shoulders, squeezing him tightly. She bit back a moan as Zuko’s tongue intruded her mouth. It was a welcome intrusion.
Zuko slowly eased Mai onto her back, and enjoyed every kiss they shared. His hands ran through her silken hair, down her neck, and over her shoulders. Anywhere, everywhere he could touch her, he would. He would cherish her forever, even if he was only allowed a few days with her.
His mouth trailed to her smooth neck and he followed his instincts, nipping and kissing it. He noticed her shudder, and withdrew from his ministrations. “Are you alright?”
Mai was flushed, but he knew it was not from embarrassment. She looked elated, nervous, and upset all at once. “I need you.” She whispered it, tears stinging at her eyes.
“Mai…” he kissed her softly, propping himself up on his elbows. Somehow, his body was now laying over hers and the heat between them was unbearable. “I don’t wish to dishonor you.” He inhaled her sweet scent and knew it would be so difficult for both of them to control themselves.
“I know you’ll do no wrong by me. There is no dishonor in this.” Mai assured him, touching his scar, running her fingers over the coarse texture.
“I…” Mai touched his lips with her fingertips.
“I know, Zuko. You don’t have to say it.”
Zuko kissed her cheek and his hot breath was on her ear. “I love you.” It was so soft, it was barely audible, but Mai heard.
She kissed him and clumsily loosened the fastenings for his shirt. He returned the kiss and enjoyed her delicate hands trailing over his naked chest. His shirt soon found itself meeting the ground and Zuko found himself pinned on is back.
“Wh-what?” he couldn’t help but stammer out his surprise.
Mai smiled softly. “I want to explore.”
He blushed slightly and bit back a moan. Her caress felt so good and he tensed with anticipation as her hands trailed down to his belt. Mai kissed his stomach as she untied the sash holding Zuko’s pants up. Every quick breath, every hiss of pleasure was music to her ears.
Mai knew she had no experience in pleasing a man, but this was not a daunting task. She felt confident knowing that Zuko was enjoying himself immensely. Distracted by her thoughts, she was surprised to find herself on her back. “What?”
Zuko smirked. “I’m not going to let you do all the work.” His hands slowly unfastened Mai’s garments and they joined Zuko’s shirt on the floor. Mai’s first instinct was to cover her exposed body, but she knew it was irrational. Zuko was her love and soon to be lover. She would not deny him a single inch of herself.
“You’re beautiful…” he murmured, his mouth capturing her breast, his hands occupying the other. Mai groaned softly, a soft burning tickle occurring between her thighs. She squirmed against Zuko.
“Please…” she didn’t even know what it was she was begging for. But she wanted it.
Zuko removed his pants, tossing them on the floor and nestled himself between Mai’s legs. The shock of skin against skin caused them both to moan. Mai’s hand found Zuko’s manhood and she gave it a curious stroke.
“Mai…” he groaned softly, bucking his hips.
Mai kissed him softly. “Touch me.”
And his did. His hands stroked her teasingly and he marveled at how wet she had become. He knew something of sexual intercourse, but had not clue that it would be quite like this. His fingers probed inside her, and she shuddered. How was it possible for them to fit together? He was afraid he would hurt her…
“It’ll work.” Mai assured him, seeming to have read his thoughts. She wrapped her legs around his waist and Zuko felt himself pressing against her opening. He paused, despite the urge to delve deep inside her and not stop until they were both satiated.
“Are you sure? I…” He didn’t want to hurt her. He kissed her gently. “We can wait…”
Mai shook her head. “Do it. Please.” She arched her back slightly and Zuko found himself slipping in. He groaned softly and kissed Mai deeply. She relaxed and kissed him back. Despite the pain, it felt wonderful to be filled so perfectly.
Zuko whimpered. “Feels so good…” he buried his face into her neck and slowly rocked against Mai. She was so warm, wet, and tight around him. He thought he had died and gone to heaven.
“Oh…Zuko…” she kissed his neck and moved along with him. It felt so natural to her and his hot body upon hers was the most pleasant thing she had ever experienced.
They were sure to keep their voices down as their hands explored one another and Zuko grinded gently against Mai. Mai whimpered, digging her nails into Zuko’s shoulders.
He paused. “Am I hurting you?”
“No, no, keep going.” Mai urged breathlessly. She rocked with him. “It feels good…please….” She shuddered as Zuko gave her her first orgasm.
Zuko groaned softly as Mai’s walls tightened around him. “Mai…” he watched her face as it screwed up in pleasure. He longed to empty himself into her, but no, not yet. He wanted to make her completely satisfied. The future Fire Lord would not allow himself to be anything less than a superb lover.
Mai panted softly and buried her face into Zuko’s neck. “More…” she scratched her fingernails down his back and he continued thrusting, this time more roughly. Mai’s second orgasm was not far off and Zuko watched her carefully as she came once more. Her walls had become very slick and Zuko murmured her name. She cried his out softly, kissing him deeply.
Zuko held her closely to him and turned them over so Mai was straddling him. She smirked softly, kissing him and slowly easing herself up and down his length. Zuko squeezed her pert breasts and allowed himself to give into his own pleasure. Mai’s walls tightened as another orgasm coursed through her body, and Zuko followed, emptying his seed deep within her.
Mai dropped her head to his chest, panting softly, whispering his name. He pet her hair, kissing the top of her head. “Beautiful.”
“You too.” She whispered. Her eyelids felt heavy, and sleep was close.
Zuko seemed to have sensed this. “Sleep. You’ve earned it.”
“Say it one more time.” Mai pleaded softly.
“I love you.” He cooed. Never before had he been so soft, feminine, and weak. But in front of Mai it was alright.
She sighed in content, and fell into a sound sleep. Zuko studied her face, reveling in how calm and peaceful she looked. Zuko knew that her serene expression was reflected on his own face.
And with good reason too. This was the first time in years Zuko felt truly safe, happy, and content. To have Mai back in his arms; this was better than capturing the Avatar, better than his honor being restored. Tears of relief coursed down his face and he hugged the young warrior tightly. He vowed to never let her go. To never lose her for any reason. And this was a vow he meant to keep.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

The sun shone in through the tiny window in Zuko’s bedroom, waking Mai. She was not accustomed to the bright morning light, and was momentarily confused as to where she was. But then she remembered everything. How she missed her ship departure because she had been reunited with Zuko. How Iroh and he had offered her a safe haven. How Zuko and she emotionally and physically connected.
Mai looked to the young man, asleep peacefully in her arms. His face looked blissful and happy. Like when they were younger and all seemed right with the world. She touched his smooth skin and his scar. She didn’t care that he was ‘disfigured’. He would always be handsome to her.
His amber eyes opened, surprising her. But regardless, she smiled. “Good morning.”
He returned the smile and kissed her deeply. They both sighed softly, then smiled at their simultaneous reactions. “How did you sleep?”
“Perfectly. You?”
“No more bad dreams.” He squeezed her hands gently and tucked her now unruly hair behind her ear.
“Good.” They laid in silence and enjoyed one another’s company.
And something dawned on Mai: Something extremely important that she had forgotten in the heat of her and Zuko’s union. “Oh…Zuko.” Dread crept up in her voice and Zuko looked at her, concerned.
“Are you alright?” his worry was genuine and touched her deeply.
“What if…” she didn’t even want to utter it. The mere possibility made her fret like the young girl she once was. Zuko’s questioning glance made her realize she had to say it. She had to drop the bomb on their temporary happiness. “What if I’m pregnant?” she managed not to squeak or sound too pre-pubescent.
Zuko guarded his emotions carefully, and then spoke once he was sure not to say anything that would upset Mai. “If it arises, we’ll deal with it then.” He voice was level and he exuded the confidence that he was sure Mai needed at this present time.
Mai frowned. “You don’t care?” she demanded.
Zuko was quick to assure that he in fact did care. “Mai, I know that now wouldn’t be a good time for this sort of thing, considering we’re now refugees. But, you’re sixteen and I’m seventeen. We’re more than old enough for marriage and a child.”
Mai nodded. “And I love you.”
“That too. So don’t worry. I’ll take care of you.” He sealed the promise with a kiss. And she worried no more.
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Engagement of Embers