AN: I generally discover awesome series long after they've been finished and everyone else is over it. This is one. And I totally think that all the characters are pretty awesome, and actually like the canon pairings and whatnot. They fit! But as I ventured into the perilous fandoms, I discovered Zutara. Which…I can kind of understand why…but…no. Not a fan. Maiko = my OTP. And Kataang is cute. But for the love of a challenge and ridiculous crack (I will always love crack), I'll humor the idea of Zutara and play around with Aang and Mai; the two that popular vote has deemed completely incompatible with their so called 'soulmates.'

Disclaimer: I own nothing of Avatar. Unfortunately.

So it Goes

by: N3L

What happens in the aftermath of Zutara? A Zutara fic. But not for Zutara enthusiasts. A new chapter of her life unfolds as all she ever identified with is out of her grasp. Mai-centric.

Part One: Warmth of the Jasmine Dragon

It's undeniable. On some tiny level, he intrigued her. Some minuscule, raw, and primal part within that her upbringing and society tried so hard to crush…was piqued with curiosity. She was actually a very curious child. When she was young enough to run wild and actually be forgiven for it, Mai was full of questions. She nearly drove her parents (or just her mother really, her father was mostly absent from her childhood) mad with her constant how's, what's, and why's. Of course, she learned quick enough that to question things was a very very frowned upon. It's more befitting of a lady to listen, rather than question. So, she stopped questioning things aloud. But sometimes she couldn't help but wonder. And wonder she did.

Such as now. She wondered about him. It was cool and collected, a shadow really of the brilliant fascination that everything elicited in her as a child, but it was there all the same. He is light and flighty, full of playful mischief and enthusiasm yet so old and wise, all wrapped up with an otherworldly sense of peace. In some ways, a very few select ways, he reminded her of Zuko when he was younger. Before the banishment, the scar, the humiliation…the shame. The young and carefree Zuko that sat at the turtleduck pond with his mother for hours, full of smiles and unabashed laughter. But perhaps all little boys were like that, she reasoned with herself. She tried her best not to read too much into things, after all that was the path that led to lurid fantasies. Which was clearly Ty Lee's job, not hers.

But most of all, she personally found this intrigue a little unsettling. Though for exactly what reason she couldn't say just yet. The best excuse she could come up was that he was the Avatar. And it isn't too unusual to be intrigued by the Avatar, right? Actually, it's quite a good excuse. It's the Avatar. Who was…currently more than a century old. One hundred and eighteen to be exact. Who also happened to be in the same room as her, sitting less than two feet away. He turned and gave her a smile left over from laughter. That unbridled smile reminded her of the Zuko in her memories. Mai was shocked to find herself making such a strange connection. It's sort of completely absurd. Alright, she must be losing it. Seeing Zuko in Aang of all people must be some horrid symptom of her sanity fraying. Especially when Zuko himself was also in the same room. With that thought her expression must've hinted at her displeasure because Aang drew his brows together, a questioning and uncertainty openly portrayed in his face. Remolding her features into her infamous mask of indifference, she spoke her reassurance, "It's nothing." Her gaze subtly trained more or less to her right across the wide table.

Aang followed her gaze. Ah. And he understood. Seeing the subtle changes in his expression she saw that he understood all too well. Even if Mai didn't know him that well (hence all the wonderment), she realized that she didn't like that look on him. Even if his constant cheeriness had proved to irritate her at moments in the past, she'd rather have that any day over that look he currently sported.

A mixture of somber acceptance, and bittersweet wistfulness.

Not a second longer, he was immediately drawn back into conversation. She respectively returns to hers. They sat back in a room specially reserved for large parties at Iroh's popular teahouse in the Earth Kingdom. Iroh was working the front of the shop, serving customers his much demanded teas. She was supposed to be contributing to a talk between her, Ty Lee and Suki. Well, before she'd gotten lost in her…weird musings. The two talked across from the opposite sides of the large rectangular table animatedly. Upon listening in, she found that their discussion had moved on to some past event that occurred in Kyoshi Island. It was full of inside jokes. Or something. The two would share a quick look and dissolve into a fit of giggles.

Mai frowned to herself. She was rapidly losing interest.

She turned to her right where Aang sat talking to Toph and Haru and attempted to comprehend their conversation. There wasn't much luck in that either.

The knife wielder settled for pouring herself some tea and sipping it. She decidedly was going to make herself as comfortable as possible while listening in (or not) on the banter going on around for the next few minutes before excusing herself to the restroom.

At twenty-two, Mai was still distinctly well…Mai. All her telltale characteristics were more or the less the same. Her hair was still long, lustrous and an inky black. Her steps were still measured and clothing, impeccable. And her cool aloofness lingered. Time always wrought change though: she opted for a much simpler hairdo these days. Half of it was pulled back into a neat bun at the back of her head while the rest flowed down her back, tied near the end into a loose ponytail. And in some small ways, she'd softened. It likely had to do with the fact that she lived her life away from her family in Ba Sing Se and was freed from the tedious pursuit of perfection that was expected of her for quite some time. When you aren't constantly looking for ways to rebel...well...you relax. She dressed in various shades of green, white, and gold accordingly to her residence in the Earth Kingdom. The bottom of her cotton tunic fluttered as she breezed down the hallway. Her linen pants rustled with every step, and the golden sash around her waist swayed with each movement. Simple clothes. Gone were the finest of silks and satin trimming.

She purposefully strode past the door leading to the restroom and exited through the back door. Just a little breather, she told herself. The tiny back lot of the shop was full to the brim with various herbs and plants. These were the 'specials' unique to the Jasmine Dragon of Ba Sing Se that Iroh grew and prepared himself. Mai idly bent down to smell a few, and fingered their tender leaves.

Her eyes glazed over as her thoughts slowly crept over once more. Zuko. Zuko.

Zuko.

No longer her Zuko. She replayed the scene before her just moments ago: Zuko to her right across the table argue (and lose) with Sokka, Katara by his side, bemused by their antics. He was surrounded by the two Water Tribe siblings. Blue, red, and then blue again.

She couldn't help but sigh.

It wasn't always like this.

No, it wasn't always like this.

After the war, things didn't exactly 'settle' down. The state of the world merely went down from a roiling boil to a simmer. The world was still raw and wounded. The end was really only the beginning. And Zuko was crowned the new Firelord at the tender age of sixteen. Now that it was almost half a decade later she could fully say that Zuko was only a boy. A boy who'd decided to finally take his fate into his own hands with the dream of changing the world for the better. And she, a girl. Completely and fully in love with him. Brave, sweet, bumbling, hopeful Zuko.

Stupid Zuko. Idiotic Zuko. Jerk Zuko.

…Damned Zuko.

Another soft sigh escaped her lips. She was doing quite well at fulfilling Sokka's first impression of her.

But still. Stupid Zuko. It was his fault that she was emitting all these sighs.

It'd be nearly a year and half since this happened. Since…they grew apart.

And now Zuko, no, the Firelord is now a young man. Royally handsome and evidently good looking even with that broad scar across his face. And the world was slowly but steadily being restored to it's original balance with his helping hand.

Ugh. It would've been a perfect cliché love story, Mai bitterly realized. They'd known each for practically all their lives. They were each other's first loves. They were each other's first everything. …It was a good thing Mai wasn't too fond of clichés. Even if her heart would traitorously whisper on occasion that it would've been her cliché. Hers. Her happy ending.

But life happens, wars happen, and it, definitely happened. And Mai was stuck loving a man who no longer returned it.

Oh Agni.

She blinked once, hard with the realization of what she was doing and immediately shook her head to clear it. She willed herself to stop…whatever this was. Moping? Angsting? She snapped her attention back to reality. She detested herself like this. Like…some sad helpless damsel longing for her lost love with a broken heart. Just pathetic. She scowled at the herbs as if it offended her with its existence along with her entire lineage all at once. Mai huffed hotly to herself.

Damn Zuko and his smile. Damn beautiful Zuko. Damn it all.

The interior of the tea shop was painted in vibrant oranges and yellows as the sun began to set. The tinkling of teacups and plates stacked against one another is strangely soothing sound to Mai's ears. The action of gathering them and organizing calms her nerves and slows her mind down from the treacherous roads it took today.

If someone told her that she'd be working in a teashop of all places in Ba Sing Se with the retired General Iroh of all people a few years ago she would've stared, utterly bewildered at the person, unsure of whether to laugh at how ridiculous the notion was or be horribly offended at the mere suggestion.

But here she was, drying the dishes and teacups and stacking them in orderly rows in the cupboard.

"We do have a dishwasher, Mai," came Iroh's steady words. The shop was just closing up and the man was surprised to come across the young woman in the kitchen. She flicked her eyes at him for a moment before resuming her work, "I let him leave earlier. He looked awful. I think that he was contaminating the dishes more than cleaning them."

Iroh stood his place at the entranceway and did not move. Something was bothering Mai, that much he could easily tell after having her at the teashop with him for a little over a year. To be honest, from the moment that Zuko had introduced Mai to him, Iroh was not sure what to think of the young lady. When he was first officially introduced to her, she was reserved, dark, collected, very well mannered, and every bit the classic noble lady that the Fire Nation had trained her to be. However, she also had a dry sense of humor, plenty of witty sarcastic retorts at her arsenal (along with a multitude of hidden knives, he found later), and intelligence. The girl was…different than what he was expecting. But his mind was made up once that he saw this Mai loved his nephew with all that she had. She was not out for the throne, or the wealth. Just love. The two were smitten with each other, that much was true. He came to approve of her even more as stories were shared from various sources. From what he'd heard she'd stayed loyal to him even throughout the mess of the bringing the war to an end while his nephew finally decided to take charge of his own destiny and ran around the world with the Avatar and his friends. She also saved his life while risking her own in defying Princess Azula at the Boiling Rock. Keeping his dear rash nephew alive definitely won her major points. Iroh would always be thankful to her for giving Zuko the chance to become the fine man he was today.

She genuinely loved Zuko. Iroh could not find fault with that.

They were soon engaged within two years, but the wedding was set the year after. The young couple was confident in their love and patient. Marriage didn't seem to be a step too far in their relationship. They already lived together, and spent a good portion of their lives together. It was more of a political move than anything. But as time passed, it appeared that Zuko and the water bender grew closer. Before Iroh knew it, he was hearing nasty scandalous rumors passed around from the customers of his teashop about how the new Fire Lord was planning to elope with the Avatar's sweetheart.

At first he heeded no mind. People were bound to gossip and spread nasty rumors. The more ridiculous, the better. But it continued to persist, and eventually Toph dropped and confirmed that 'Twinkletoes' and 'Sugar Queen' split. Then the old retired general decided it was time that he paid his nephew a visit. He felt that he and Mai would've worked well together. Mai appeared to show interest in politics, and would've probably participated actively as Fire Lady. It was even more surprising upon visiting to discover that at heart many of the rumors were true, and he found that Mai was in the middle of moving out of the palace.

The damage was already done, and the engagement was broken. Katara seemed like a good woman herself, strong, very caring, incredibly skillful and even strong willed to the point of stubbornness. But Iroh had to shake his head at their young hearts.

He accidentally came across Mai as he took a stroll through the palace while digesting all this turn of events. Unwittingly he came upon her sitting on the steps of some obscure corner in the palace that mostly servants used, wreathed in her dark clothing and bent over herself; looking horribly small and fragile for such a strong looking girl. It was then Iroh was reminded of how glad he was to be to his age, far past the confusing tumult and chaos that youth could often bring with their wanting wills.

His steps were quiet, though he suspected that the reason she did not hear him was because of the loud battle in her heart. For a girl so adept at masquerading what she truly felt, it was painfully clear in that moment to Iroh that her heart was broken. So, it was Zuko who had initiated this. Mmmm.

He did not like seeing people in pain.

Iroh had no doubt Zuko's intentions were pure and bore no intention of hurting Mai but couldn't help but frown to himself once faced with the reality of Mai's lonely little figure hunched over on those steps. He took to making his footsteps louder as to not startle the young woman on the steps as he approached.

Mai looked up with a start; eyes wide and shining, full to the brim with raw emotion, and her face wet with tears. It was a stark contrast to the aloof apathetic mask she generally wore.

Iroh turned away to give the young woman some privacy as she frantically turned away and wiped the tears from her face. He sat a step down from where she was, on the opposite side of the steps, giving her as much space as he could.

"Well, I see that things are going well since I last saw you," Iroh ventured.

"Just fantastic," Mai spat out, words laced with venom and hurt.

Iroh hummed low in his throat, deciding his next move. It was not easy dealing with a scorned woman. Ever.

"You know," he paused, "life has a strange way of working sometimes."

His reply was met with sullen silence. "I do not know what happened here, or between you and my nephew. I don't excuse his actions exactly, but I am sure that he had no intention of hurting you."

Mai snorted in a very unladylike manner in response.

Iroh continued, "That said, my dear nephew is also seems to be quite prone to doing…stupid things." It goes without saying that Iroh loved Zuko, but he figured just a tiny bit of trash talking would help him win over Mai. Maybe even make her smile. It would be nice to see her smile more.

"No offense," she swallowed thickly, "but your dear nephew's being a huge stupid ass."

Iroh could not help but smile in amusement. "I don't dare argue with you on that."

A minute or two passed quietly by before Mai exhaled a quick sigh and broke the silence to Iroh's surprise. Then he heard the noises of her silk robes rustling as she stood up. He glanced quickly back at her to find that her mood had at least improved the bare minimum.

She remained standing and shifted, uncomfortable with the situation. Suddenly a call for her was heard down the hall. A servant came up and asked her what else she needed to pack and move.

Iroh realized the other implications of this broken engagement had for her right then. His mouth set into a grim line at this realization. From practically royalty as the next Fire Lady in line to be wed to the Fire Lord and rule by his side, Mai had fallen to disgrace. Granted she did not have a huge distance to fall, but she fell from royalty. Publicly at that. If their previous meetings when she was with Zuko were any implication, Mai came from a family that was very involved politically. He gleamed the fact that her family were possibly power hungry people. If he was correct, as a noblewoman she humiliated her family for losing such a high political position. And in such a shameful way also, it could be seen. To be engaged and have it broken because of another woman. He was sure that her moving back home wouldn't be much better than remaining here in the palace.

She had failed in more ways than one. And her heart was utterly broken.

This, Iroh was familiar with. Failure to carry out his duty as a Fire Nation General, he was next in line to the throne, only to have Ozai take over. With the devastating loss of his beloved son, it certainly did not help to have his fellow Fire Nation people's eye look at him later on with secret judgments in their eyes. He had failed too, all those years ago. Horribly so in the eyes of those around him. It left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Yet looking back, and at his life now, he chose to see it as a blessing in disguise. Without all that had happened, he would have most likely conquered Ba Sing Se and continued to add to throwing the world in chaos instead of helping to restore it. The world, he found, was full of mysterious ways. It took him a long time to realize this. The journey was a long and painful one. Iroh did not know of Mai's fate or what it had to bring, but his sympathy went to her.

In the spur of the moment, a curious notion struck him, and Iroh spoke it aloud unsure of what would happen next. "Mai. I do not know if I am in the right position to suggest this, but I ask you to please listen and not take any offense."

She curiously looked at him, misery temporarily forgotten.

"I can't claim to know your current situation well, or your family. But…I imagine that moving back to your home would also be…very…unpleasant." He paused and gauged her reaction. So far her eyes, eyes that were still faintly pink, were steadily pointed at him.

He took this at a good sign, "If you are feeling up to it, I could use a pair of helping hands at the Jasmine Dragon. Perhaps the air of Ba Sing Se could do you some good away from it all," he finished, words slow and steady. Iroh was probably as surprised at himself as she was.

Mai blinked. Incredulity and confusion ran rampant across her eyes for a brief second as she struggled to make sense of what he spoke. Her head tilted she observed him. "You…you're… suggesting that I go over and work for you at the teashop?" Her statement ended in a higher note as she finished it.

Iroh threw up his hands, "I did not mean it like that. I mean no disrespect. My suggestion is only that perhaps you could benefit from getting away for a while. Not to work for me."

She stood stock still before him, still evidently in the process of making of her mind. Mai made to talk, ready to reject the ridiculous proposition her step-uncle offered then shut her opened mouth with a click. Then she paused and truly reconsidered. Her family would not be happy to hear this. In fact, if she did this they probably would disown her at best. Mai 's brow furrowed fiercely, deep in mental and emotional conflict.

When her mouth opened again minutes later, Mai had made up her mind. The past few months had been horrible to say. Painful. The past weeks even worse. She felt like an emotional battering ram. She was tired of doing what would be expected of her. She was tired of listening was tired from the all the slow growing signs of Zuko slipping through her fingers. Zuko no longer loving her. She was tired of…of Zuko. Of herself. Tired of waiting to see if he would come around. Tired of making excuses. Zuko was the only thing that tied her to this place. The prospect of simply stepping away from it all seem preposterous as first. It seemed cowardly. But the shaking of her hands and limbs came to a stop when her mind crashed into how much all she wanted for now…was to fuck it all and just get as far as possible. Everything and everyone else be damned. She needed this.

Her gold eyes met Iroh's head on with a stunning clarity, and she unconsciously straightened her back. But she was still careful.

"Why?"

Iroh smiled softly. "I'm sure you know my story," he did not look away as he spoke, "I failed the Fire Nation at Ba Sing Se and was defeated. My son…had just died in battle and I...no longer wished to fight. The throne lost its gleam and I did not contest to Ozai taking over. I had failed. I failed terribly in the eyes of those around me, and lost someone I so dearly loved all at once."

Mai's stance considerably softened, suspicions erased. She bowed her head.

"…I'm sorry."

"Do not be. I know I will see him again."

Her lips lifted in reassurance, "I'm sure you will."

Iroh was glad to see that her smile stay in place, "And…I'll do it."

Iroh chuckled softly. Mai frowned in confusion. "That is good to hear. I will be glad to have you at Ba Sing Se."

Her smile grew a little. It was still a small smile. But it was completely sincere. She bowed low to him.

"Thank you."

The two resumed cleaning up the mess within the teashop. Iroh could easily guess what was bothering Mai but decided not question her on it. Mai swept the floors as Iroh flipped the chairs onto the desks.

"You know Mai, you certainly have come a far way than from when you first arrived here."

The aforementioned person looked up. "I suppose I have," she looked at the apparatus in her hand and exhaled sharply, "I'm sweeping the floor." The self-marveling amusement was evident in her features.

"Yes, you certainly are." Iroh smiled.

"Beats being bored," she muttered. When Mai had first arrived, the idea of even working was mind boggling. A noblewoman by birth, she'd had servants left and right for her every beck and call. Her lifestyle certainly did not change as she moved into the palace. But with this newfound…freedom, Mai realized that she was free to do as she pleased. And with that, this freedom took work to maintain. Iroh may have let her hole up for about month, but soon he had somehow managed to get her with him in the teashop. She is still unsure of exactly how that happened.

After all, she recognized that Iroh did have her best interests in mind. It took quite some getting used to though. Iroh welcomed and even encouraged her to express herself. It was with a shock that she realized she could if she wished. Given a choice did wonders. When she grew bored of practicing her aim or going through her martial arts, the idea of helping around the shop didn't seem so bad. It was ironic. Moving into this well to do little teashop had humbled her as she realized that she had trouble performing the simplest of tasks. But the work was good for her, and it tempered her. All along Iroh did his best to support her, and helped her grow. The two had formed a rather unexpected bond.

The sounds of sweeping and chairs moving filled the air as the sun continued to set past the horizon.

"You're avoiding him, aren't you?"

Zuko. Mai deliberately began to sweep her way into a corner, and mumbled something that Iroh couldn't catch.

"What was that?"

She sighed (again for what felt like the umpteenth time that day) and her shoulders sagged just barely. "So what if I am?"

It was Iroh's turn to sigh. He put up the last chair and folded his arms across his chest, pondering the situation. "This is a little awkward, isn't it?"

"Oh, only completely."

Mai continued to sweep the floor, as Iroh hummed his way into the kitchen. Neither party had exactly thought through how Zuko made it a point to drop by whenever he could afford to. But for the past year, he'd been rather scarce to neither one's surprise.

Iroh came into view again, carrying a tray of teacups and a fresh pot of tea, looking pointedly at Mai.

"You've been through much worse, and you are definitely coming with me to join them."

"I'm still sweeping the floor."

"It's clean."

"The tables need to be wiped down."

Iroh raised an eyebrow. "I am quite certain you saw me wiping them down."

Mai deflated, out of excuses. She was coming as close to pouting as she ever could. With a sigh, she put the broom in its rightful place and followed Iroh back to the room full of people.

Clamors and shouts of joy greeted them as Iroh put down the fresh pot of tea.

"I see that more snacks are needed," his eyes roved the table and his hands rubbed his own belly at the thought. "Zuko, why don't you help me bring some to the table?"

Mai took that as her cue to sit down and join the group as Zuko stood to help Iroh in the kitchen.

Iroh foraged through the pantry as he searched for some baked goods left over from the day. "How have you been, Zuko?"

"Good, Uncle," he went to relieve some pastries from Iroh's arms, "what about you? It seems like the shop's doing fine. Still busy as ever, I see."

Iroh smiled happily, "The Jasmine Dragon has conquered Ba Sing Se without much problem. But I'd rather hear of how you are doing, my nephew. You've grown into a capable young man," pride shown in his uncle's eyes, "A good man. You and Katara are doing well, I presume? And the Fire Nation also?"

Zuko raked a hand through his hair, a habit that he could never rid himself of. He smiled embarrassedly at the given compliments. "Well, like I said we're doing alright. It went just like you said though, Uncle, the public wasn't too happy. There's been some difficulties." The man's mouth twisted into somewhat of a grimace.

Iroh nodded in understanding and laid a hand on his shoulder for comfort. Zuko continued: "They say that I'm too young and fickle still. Despite," his head hung, "-despite everything I've done and have been doing!" The young proceeded to grumble to himself and exude noises of general unhappiness.

Iroh's eyes are kind and half-teasing as he says this, "Well, you are kind of famous for changing your loyalties, Zuko."

The mighty Fire Lord pouted. Also, the double-meaning in his uncle's words did not go missed.

"But I am sure that despite that, they still respect you Zuko. You have been the Fire Lord for nearly six years now. You have worked hard, and the world is a much safer place now with your help. Do not forget that."

Zuko absented mindedly organized the treats on the tray in a presentable manner, a smile on his face, and his spirits lifted. "You always know what to say, Uncle. Is it too late for you to come back and claim the throne? You seem to be as fit as an ostrich-horse."

A throaty guffaw came, "It's much too bad, Zuko, because it is allll yours."

Speaking of double-meanings, Zuko faltered slightly. "...By the way, h-how is she doing?" He turned his eyes at his uncle.

"Mai is doing well here," Iroh spoke fondly, "she is much like you Zuko. I consider her as family as much as I do you."

"…that's good to hear." Zuko grew awkward and he fumbled a bit the hem of his sleeves, "I still feel bad about everything and –" he words started to run into each and morph into a guilty ramble.

"I know, Zuko. There's no need to explain yourself. Especially to me," Iroh grinned knowingly, "And I'm sure Mai understands. Even if she does think you're stupid."

Zuko's lips pulled themselves this way and that, unsure of whether he was amused or about to grimace. They settled themselves into a strange compromise, "I don't think that's ever going to stop. Not that I can blame her."

"Mmmm, yes well, that has all passed. Things will change with time. Come, let's bring the refreshments to your friends."

The two settled in and conversations continued their flow. Mai had to admit that it was nice to have everyone all together again. It'd be quite a while since she'd felt so at home with this many people at once.

"So Mai, have you met any hotties yet?" Ty Lee waggled her eyebrows suggestively, and leaned her chin on her hand.

Mai is slightly uncomfortable at the question, her brows rise and collide as she finds herself studying the tablecloth. She catches Ty Lee's eyes and then quickly glances in Zuko's direction.

Ty Lee grew slightly sheepish, "Oh…sorry, I asked. Not yet, huh?"

"…Not yet."

Ty Lee fumbled with her brown hair a bit, before her expression turned decidedly devious.

Mai blanched at the sight. This could not possibly bear anything good. "Ty…" she voiced as a warning, "What ever you're thinking of –"

She is interrupted as Ty Lee smacks a hand on her shoulder and is given a teasing shake. Ty Lee's grin is wide and…well, definitely not as welcoming as it ought to have been.

"Mai. Maiiii," Ty Lee cajoled. Mai's face is stony and still as she surveyed her friend with something akin to caution in her eyes. "You, are going to come dancing with Suki and me tonight."

"…No."

"Oh come on," her voice drew close to a whine, "I bet that you haven't even gone out once."

Mai raised an eyebrow coolly. "Well, I moved out here. That's definitely going out. In fact, I'd say I've been out for a year now." She folded her arms.

Ty Lee was definitely pouting now, "you know what I meaannn."

Mai exhaled silently out of her nose, arms still crossed, a second passed as she thought out the proposal.

"Fine."

She drew her lips down the more Ty Lee's pulled up.

"Oh Mai," she gave her a good natured shove, which really wasn't helping in Mai's opnion, "don't mope. It'll be fun!"

"Whatever."

Sometimes old habits die hard.

AN: What? A second author's note? Ridiculous, I know. Just wanted to say that this was...(as projected) a challenge to write. A lot of back story is going on, and it's a bit slow for now. So forgive me but I felt that it was needed. I imagine that there will be little changes in all of the casts' personalities since nearly half a decade has gone by. But I'm not too sure on how the interactions and dialogue I've written sit, so if anyone's got some feedback...that'd be awesome. Iroh's so awesome, but I don't know if I wrote him well enough. I'm not really expecting much reviews for this, but if you do feel so inclined, it is always appreciated. Thanks for reading. :)