Olive and An Arrow
"That's it, Zuko. Just forget it," Mai spat as she exited the dining room quarters. She was already in a fussy mood, I didn't want to make her more furious then she already was. Why was she mad? Who knew?
It started as an average day. I woke up, the cooks prepared my breakfast, and I took a stroll in the garden by the duck pond around late morning. Ever since I was welcomed back home, there were no worries. No chasing the Avatar; there was no Fire Nation or Earth Kingdom authorities chasing me down; life had truly been peaceful for once.
There was, although, one situation I had to deal with. Mai. Ever since I arrived back home, she was on my case. Everything I did agitated her. I just couldn't make any sense of it. I ask her what she wants to do, she gets angry we end up not talking to each other for a few days until we make up, and it's usually me mending our relationship.
Actually, that was sort of what our last episode was about. We had been planning a night out for quite a while when we were both free. So, as we were heading to the Royal Palace's dining hall, I asked her what she would prefer to eat. That was when she stormed off. I just couldn't wrap my head around it.
Although, it isn't always like this. We don't resent each other. In fact, we always have our blissful moments. We always cuddle up on a couch and talk for hours. That's all we do. Mai doesn't want to do anything, I guess she just wants to talk. What do we talk about? Anything, really. The latest Fire Nation law that has been passed to gossiping about important people in the palace. I suppose it's a girl thing. Then again, Mai isn't like most girls. Every time I think about her demeanor and her in general, my thoughts let loose and I find myself wandering in thoughts of nothingness.
"Mai, please! Wait!" I called after her. I sighed, accepting my defeat, once again. I sauntered to my room, then tugged off my formalwear. Slipping into a loose tunic and soft, crimson pants, I plopped on the silk covered bedding. "Oh, Mai..." I mumbled.
"Zuzu," a malicious whisper rang in my ear. I spun around, taking a fighting stance.
My brows furrowed as I spotted the figure. "Azula! What do you want?" My sister strutted her way around the bed, taking all the time in the world.
"I see you are having some complications with Mai," she stated, grinning a little.
"Why do you care?" I snarled at her.
She wagged a finger at me. "Zuzu, don't have an attitude. Don't you want some help?" I was once again confused. "Oh, Zuzu, you're so naive. I'm a girl. Mai's a girl. I know how she works. I can help you..."
"How can you help me?"
She let out a halfhearted chuckle. "Easy. Want to know why she is so angry with you? You ask her what she wants. Now, someone like me takes charge and decides for myself, but someone like Mai doesn't always want to decide. Sometimes she wants you to decide, despite your horrible taste in food and entertainment and well... everything. Just do it. Don't ask her what she wants all the time."
Still glaring at Azula, I pondered over her suggestion. Then, I said something I never thought I would. "T- thanks, A- Azula." She gave a rather uncomfortable wink and exited my room.
~
"Zuko," Mai spoke, almost as a whisper.
I hesitantly walked over to her as she sat by the palace duck pond. "Hey, Mai." I wrapped an arm around her and she made no motion. "We're going to that restaurant around the block to get some dumplings," I said, not giving her an option. She turned around with a shocked expression, which soon evolved into a shining smile. We trotted off, hands held and our hearts beating together.
-alleadbuch c:
