I hear the click of my door opening and my eyes flicker open, frozen in place. A long shadow comes closer, dancing across my sheets. The figure comes to a stop at my bed, I reach for a long sword with a shakey hand. I sit up in bed swinging the sword around to face the mystery person. Mai lowers my sword with a skeptical look on her face I know all too well "Easy Zuko. Jeez this whole firelord biz is really getting to!" she says. "M-mai?" I studder "what are you doing here! You need some sleep! What time is it? Twelve?". She sits down on my bed and smoothes out the covers "Oh, IM the one who needs sleep? Zuko, have you seen yourself lately?" she says, arms crossed over her chest. I sigh and stare at the hard wood floor "Maybe your right" I admit, but I have reason to be catious! Do you have any idea how many people sided with my father? Who thought the fire nation was the all powerful nation to someday overtake the earth? They're all after me mai. I don't have evidence but I know it." Mai slides her hand against my cheek, its trembling. "Zuko, please…" she says and turns my face towards her's. "I know being the all mighty fire lord must be pretty hard. And I have no idea what your going through but… I know I love you. I know you love your nation. And if it makes you feel any better… I'll protect you, I've always wanted to impale a criminal with my knives afterall" she smiles, hitting me right in my weak spot. I smile back, my arms winding around her. I can never resist her smile. "I don't hate you" I say "I don't hate you too". I lean in for a kiss. Her forehead is hot against mine, but im beyond caring. She pulls back "Zuko…your ice cold" she says sliding her hand up against my forehead. "That's explains a lot" I say just now realizing how crummy I feel. "You need some ice? I'll get you some…." She starts but I pull her back on the bed. "Stay… please?" I say pulling her against my chest. She closes her eyes and gives me a thin lipped smile "sure" she says. Leaning into me until our body's are perfectly aligned. The small of her back leaning into my chest. "I love you Mai" I whisper before drifting off./span/p