Disclaimer: You are what you own, but I don't own AtLA so I'm not it.
Back When
She can't help it. She's one of the few who remembers what he looked like before. When they were young and life wasn't so complicated in the courtyard. That day he left-the day he was banished-she caught a glimpse of his nearly shaven head and the large bandages on the left side of his face. He held himself proudly and met no one's gaze. She wanted him to see her, say bye.
For three years she nearly forgot about him. Until the day his sister showed up. She tried to miss him. She remembered things. She doesn't stare at him. Does nothing more than what's necessary. Their kisses are little. He changed, she can tell. He's happy around her, but it's only genuine bursts. She remembers hearing his laugh as his mom tickled him. The grin he never shows to anyone, not even her.
Once, her hand brushed the scar accidentally. Both had moved back slightly, awkwardly. He was pure fire. She was recently freed from non-existent duties, including possible babysitting. His emotions ran high. Her emotions were stuck in the recesses of her mind. She liked so completely controlling herself. The knives were her thoughts: precise and sharp in their judgments. His mind functioned like his bending; easily veered off course and difficult to contain.
A part of Mai wishes that one day she'll wake up and look at the face of the boy she once knew.
A/N: Comments? Criticisms?