A/N: Thanks a billion to Misses Prongs and Potatos-R-Us for reviewing! I tried to make this chapter a bit longer, and I'll keep trying to add length as I go on. Zutara will start coming into better view in next chappie;D

I give you, chapter two!

Nearly four months had passed since the Hundred Year War's end. Homes were rebuilt, families were reunited, and the world slowly but surely began to piece itself together again.

As nice and innocent as this may have sounded, the hard work that accompanied such elation was tremendous.

Firelord Zuko glared tiredly at the seemingly stagnant stack of paperwork on his oaken desk. Reasoning as to how one could spend entire days reading, signing, and repeating, while the ominous pile remained so very tall went completely unknown to the young man.

Granted, it could hardly be surprising that such an abrupt stop to a hundred yearsof war and hatred had such an impact on the economy, but, really, it baffled the boy.

He could hardly see over the looming pile, and even convinced himself that it surely must be a living organism, sent to destroy the work ethic of a certain young firebender with it's ever increasing height.

Finally deciding to indulge in a well deserved break, Zuko sighed softly, and relaxed into his chair. With golden eyes closed, he willed his thoughts to drift anywhere other than the never ending demand of effort in his midst.

The oddest part of this being that he did such in alphabetical order.

A…animals…Turtleducks…He allowed himself a small grin.

B…blue…blue eyes…Katara…? The grin widened before Zuko even registered the thought, and tightened considerably when it sunk in. Shaking his head lightly, he continued onward.

C…crazy…girls are- BAM!

The door to his study had been thrown open rather violently, incidentally proving his thought, and gave way to a very upset Mai.

Keep in mind, Mai's version of upset is slightly lowered brows and a deeper than usual scowl.

Zuko slumped his shoulders at the sight, mourning the loss of his disrupted calm, and prepared himself mentally for whatever argument about to undoubtedly ensue.

"Zuko. This isn't working anymore."

The mentioned young man heaved an all too familiar, exasperated sigh. Twice already in the same week, had she burst in on his hard work with the very same introduction.

"Do we really have to fight right now, Mai? This is ridiculous."

The smallest hint of shock flashed across her face, but she stifled it by tightly clasping her hands together. The girl's face molded into a look of determination.

"No. We don't have to fight, but I am leaving. I thought you should know."

Oh. Well, that was new…

"Mai, you can't be seri-"

"I am."

Zuko stood up abruptly, and stalked across the room to the skilled knife-wielder.

"Why? What did I do this time? Just tell me, and I'll fix it!"

Mai took a steady step forward, and locked onto his frustrated stare with narrowed eyes.

"I love you, Zuko."

The Firelord's face dropped instantly, receding into a sad, silent gaze. An unspoken apology marred his features, but he remained painfully quiet.

She winced inwardly before continuing.

"You can't just fix it, and I'm not doing this to myself. You aren't the same person you once were, Zuko. We aren't the same as we once were."

All he could do was clench his fists and wonder what the hell she meant by that, as Mai turned around to leave.

"I understand."

The words left his mouth before he could silence them, before he could even decipher whether or not they were true.

Mai waved a hand silently, almost appearing as a dismissal, and made her way out of the quickly warming room, leaving the thick, tall door still wide open to the world.

She couldn't help but reflect on knowing that nearly a year ago, Zuko would be having a royal, rage induced meltdown in the exact same situation. While the alteration to the boy's attitude had changed him, and made him happier, Mai simply didn't find the old attraction that seemed so concrete in their relationship before the transformation.

Mai was out of the palace within the hour, mind set on visiting Ty Lee on Kyoshi Island before making her way back to Omashu.

The young woman would never know that the resulting damage dealt by the Firelord to his own study took several hours to clean up, and a full week to repair.

Night finally cascaded over the Fire Nation, and it's young, tired ruler sat idly in front of an extravagant fireplace, brooding over a steaming cup of Ginseng tea. It had been two weeks since the ominous subject of his thoughts left.

In the cozy room also stood General Iroh, who had quickly grown tired of his beloved nephew's damp mood, and set his mind to finding the best possible solution.

The Firelord required a presence other than his wise Uncle, of that much he was certain.

After a quick and thorough check list of acceptable contacts, as well as methods to reach said contacts, Iroh came to a brilliant conclusion.

The tea enthusiast gently approached Zuko, laying a strong hand on the teen's shoulder.

"Nephew, shall I send for Lady Katara?"

Confusion crossed the younger man's face when he glanced up to his Uncle. The hand resting on his shoulder offered a comforting squeeze.

He turned wearily back towards the glowing hearth in thought, and illuminated only by the flames casting scattered bits of light across his face, Zuko looked down, and nodded stiffly.

General Iroh allowed himself a small, hopeful smile, and wandered off to find a pen and parchment, thinking knowingly to himself, this will prove to be entertaining…

…and Agni, he could have never been more correct.

Now that we're all the way down here, you should at least review...please? Thought's on Iroh's letter being included in the next chapter?Yes, No, Definitely, Don't Care? Decisions, Decisions.

Much love, ShinySides.