This is based on an AU plotbunny I had in which Mai runs away from home to join Zuko on his, er, redemption quest.

*

"If you wish to regain your honor and your birthright, you must find the Avatar."

"Almost ready?"

Zuko glanced towards the door, closing his good eye. At least he wouldn't be alone.

"Let's go, Uncle. The sooner we find the Avatar the better," he said. Shame and humiliation gave way to numbness and would soon give way to angry determination. "You sure you want to come with me? Father might need you for something at home."

"I doubt that," Iroh said, biting back any protests he might have had. The Avatar had been dead for nearly a century, Ozai was basically sending the boy on a fool's errand. "Your ship has been prepared and I've been to town for supplies. Admiral Zhao and a fleet of soldiers are waiting for you."

"Good." Zuko grabbed his pack, stole a last glance at the palace he'd once called home and hopefully would again, and headed for the port. As he prepared to board, though, he heard light footsteps behind him.

"Zuko, wait."

He turned around.

"Mai, what are you doing here? What's with the pack?"

"I'm going with you," she said. A bit of warmth swelled in Zuko's chest, he pushed it down.

"You can't do that! This is my mission, you're not the one who made my father angry," he said.

"Do your parents know you're here?" Iroh asked.

"They probably don't even know I'm gone, they've been so busy with the new baby and Father's career," she said dismissively. "I can't stand it there anymore anyway."

Iroh smiled sympathetically and wrapped an arm around her.

"This is going to be a dangerous mission," he said. "And although he won't say it I think my nephew is afraid of you being hurt!" Zuko blushed heavily, glaring at his uncle.

"Mai, are you sure about this?" he asked.

"My mind's been made up since Azula told me what happened. I'm going with you and that's final," Mai said, her tone of voice suggesting Zuko would have even more to regret should he argue with her. Iroh smiled.

"Well, Prince Zuko? The more the merrier's what I say!"

"Just a moment ago you were worried for her safety!" Zuko protested.

"That was before I realized she's not going to take no for an answer," his uncle laughed. Mai's face became a little softer and he could barely make out the blush on her cheeks. The warm feeling began to swell in Zuko's chest again, this time he simply let it.

"Thank you, Mai."

She took his hand and he led her onto the ship, Iroh following close behind.

At least with you here, Mai, I won't feel completely exiled from home.