The third summer since his reign began is finally easing itself into a warm, smoky autumn.
And Mai is still here.
Mai is still here, in the palace. Zuko is the only person she ever cared about who is still alive, and so she finds her way to his side, like a cat without an owner seeking offerings of milk.
Zuko has been aware of her as a shadow in the corridors. He is surprised to discover that he trusts her. He has known Mai his whole life. She gravitates toward willful people because nothing interests her enough to warrant will or action of her own. Azula was her friend, her leader, but in the end Mai rejected being led.
Zuko doesn't know if Mai is loyal to him, exactly, but he knows that she will be his ally. She may not really care about the Fire Nation or recovery or peace, but she will support him and protect him because she cares about him. Perhaps it's just a habit to her at this point, but she cares about him.
It's more than he can ask.
Mai slips into his rooms and slips her warm, calloused hands into his clothing, puts her mouth on his skin, and it's more than he can ask.