A/N: Tumblr is hosting a Maiko Month this May...
Maiko Month
Prompt #1: Modern
Partnership
Not much time had passed; yet the old ways of the Fire Nation, old traditions, certain protocols had already been sent with a resounding kick back into the past. Neither Mai nor Zuko had strategized against the older men of the council, sitting up nights looking for ways to drive them batty. Yet, the young couple did. And it was precisely because they were a partnership in all things.
The men muttered amongst themselves, talking behind their hands, whenever Mai entered the throne room at Zuko's side. He wanted her there. He needed Mai there, her ability to sort through the detritus and get the kernel of truth or importance at the centre of every issue or diatribe. Mai was invaluable.
And she, Mai was there to temper his flames, be practical and ruthless. Zuko wanted to please all sides. That was impossible. Zuko led with his heart more than his head. It wasn't that he was stupid. He had a fine mind, in fact. But emotions, wild and fiery, coloured everything for him. He was learning, but it would take years before composure and practicality guided his decisions alongside his good and decent core.
"I never get tired of their expressions." Mai giggled softly into Zuko's chest as he held her close. "Do they expect me to vanish one day?"
That thought, that word, chilled Zuko for a moment. If Mai did vanish, he would lead a half life, only exist, shrink down into a tiny core of pain and misery.
"You're not vanishing." The force of his words took Mai by surprise.
"No, not if I can help it, Zuko." Her second giggle was trapped somewhere inside. "Not from the throne room and not from the palace and not from your bed." She pulled back and cupped his scarred cheek, running her thumb along the rough ridges of flesh. "Come on; they're waiting for us."
~~~~0000~~~~
The throne room was hot and the council members shifted uncomfortably in their seats, dabbing at wrinkled foreheads with handkerchiefs. Mai smirked as she imagined Zuko raising the wall of fire, making the room sizzle. But then she would suffer too. While Zuko kept her warm on cool nights or when abroad in less tropical nations, cooling her down was not within his talents. So she beckoned a servant over and requested iced tea for everyone. It was a small gesture, but a thoughtful one. Sometimes Mai believed all the men labeled her a power hungry harpy. It was fortunate that Mai did not care what they thought of her. She let her eyes roam over each man.
And so the meeting began, everyone clutching their cool drinks, the fire down so low it was no longer visible.
"The modern Fire Nation was founded on its strong military, my lord. I believe these cutbacks are a mistake."
You think all Zuko's ideas are a mistake, Councilman Harima.
"What was modern then is not modern now. It truly is a new world, councilmen. And we need to change with it. Mai and I, we're the faces of the modern Fire Nation; not my father and not my grandfather and not my great grandfather."
"I don't like it; we don't like it. She shouldn't be here. It's not the way things are done. Surely your, your…partner, can find other ways to be productive."
"Soon enough a wedding will make all things right in your world, Harima. Mai stays as long as she wishes too. I wonder sometimes if you feel threatened by her presence here. Is that it?" Zuko glowered at the balding man, but kept his temper.
Mai was proud. And loved Zuko all the more for standing his ground where she was concerned. One hand caressed one of many hidden blades. She was ready for anything. A man with damaged pride was a dangerous creature. But Harima allowed Zuko the victory and sat back down.
~~~~0000~~~~
They lounged outdoors later, when the sun had retreated and the moon taken its place, stars silver pinpricks in the tapestry of black. Mai cuddled against Zuko's side, her head close to his heart.
"Thank you," she stated. Her gravelly voice was low and he hardly heard her.
Zuko shrugged, dislodging Mai's head. "I didn't do anything."
Mai burrowed into him once more. Her ebony hair, long and loose, veiled delicate features. "Yes, you did. You spoke up for me."
"You're my Mai," he replied simply. "I always will."