Chapter Six: Being Mai

Mai hated her life.

Sure, she got everything she ever wanted... Her parents loved her and gve her everything riches could buy. But what her parents didn't understand was that what she wanted most was something money could never buy. [b][i]Freedom.[/i][/b]

She could never laugh to her heart's content. It was considered inappropriate for a Nobleman's daughter to so freely express her feelings. And Mai had a fiery temper, too... She just controlled it better than most people.

Her day began as usual. She woke up to servants waiting upon her hand and foot. It would've been nice if she hadn't been so completely [b][i]bored.[/i][/b] She smiled to herself as she walked down for breakfast. There was [b][i]one[/i][/b] thing she was looking forward to.

Meeting Zuko.

True, her parents thought she was going there to meet Azula. And she [b][i]was.[/i][/b] But she liked talking to Zuko a little bit more. There was something comforting about his presence. As she made her way downstairs, she noticed that her parents were already there.

"Good morning, Mai!" Hiroshi said as he greeted his daughter.

"Morning, dad," Mai said in a bored tone.

"Young lady, I expect some enthusiasm at least!" Hiroshi said a little angrily. Mai just groaned as she realized what a stickler for etiquette her father was. She simply tried to finish her breakfast in silence. But with her mother present, even that didn't seem possible.

"Mai, where are your manners? Didn't you hear your father?" Kimiko asked her daughter.

"I'm sorry... I just need to finish soon so I can practice," Mai said as sincerely as she could.

"You and your knives! It's not proper for a young lady to be that fierce!" her mother said.

"Well, I'm not a bender! This is my talent! Am I not supposed to use it?" Mai asked angrily.

"Don't talk back to your mother like that, young lady! Or you'll be in trouble!" Hiroshi said angrily.

"Mai, girls your age don't go around throwing knives! They try to mould themselves so they become respectful and well behaved!" Kimiko said.

"May I excuse myself, please?" Mai asked in an attempt at politeness. She [b][i]hated[/i][/b] being taught lessons in mannerisms and etiquette by her parents.

"Very well," her mother said after a while.

Mai looked relieved as she said, "Thank you." She left as fast as she could. She didn't like sitting there just to get admonished at every turn. Soon, it was time for her to meet Azula. She went over there secretly hoping she'd get to talk to Zuko. Azula and Ty Lee were playing as she sat alone again...

"Come on, Mai... Join us!" Ty Lee chirped as she cartwheeled towards her.

But before she could answer, Azula said, "Why do you even ask, Ty Lee? Can't you tell she's just going to get bored again?"

Mai was infuriated by this, but said nothing as Ty Lee walked away. It was true, but why did Azula have to put it so plainly? She watched as Azula walked away with a smug look on her face. It could've been seconds or minutes after that... she didn't know... But she heard someone walk towards her. She looked up and smiled at Zuko. He was growing taller and more handsome with each passing day... He smiled at her as he sat down beside her.

"Hey, Mai," he said in a cracked voice. She liked how it sounded now... She smiled at this.

"Hey Zuko," she said slowly.

"What's wrong?" he asked her.

"Nothing," Mai said.

"Come on! You can tell me!" Zuko said encouragingly.

Mai sighed as she said, "I'm just tired of everyone telling me what to do! My parents just don't accept me for who I am!"

Zuko gently took her hand in his as he said, "I'm sorry, Mai... I really am! You're a wonderful person! And... for what it's worth, I [b][i]really[/i][/b] like you!"

Mai smiled as she asked, "Really?"

"Of course I do! Who wouldn't? You're beautiful, funny, and brave... I wish your parents could see that!" Zuko said.

"I wish your dad could see how nice you are," Mai said automatically. Zuko didn't respond to this. She'd been painfully blunt. But she was sincere.

"I know," was all he said as he hugged her for a second and let go. He didn't want to give Azula any chances to tease them. So he looked round to check if Azula or Ty Lee were anywhere nearby. When they were nowhere to be seen, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek as he said, "Thank you, Mai. I hope you feel better soon."

Mai's cheeks flushed a deep red at this. "You're welcome," she said slowly. He smiled as they sat together comfortably holding hands... It was quirky, but it was their way of telling each other that no matter what happened, they'd always have each other.