018. Red

"What do you think of her?"

"Who?"

"The Waterbender. What do you think of her?"

"She's my friend."

A pause. Sticky silence.

". . . A friend?"

"That's what I said, isn't it?"

A second pause. Itchier than the first.

"I don't believe you."

His next statement is like dagger in trembling hands, trying to slice through easily but failing and getting caught in the guilt mess of murder.

"Why — Why not? It's the truth."

She glances away, out the red-trimmed window, looking but not really seeing with her coal stone eyes as the scenery whizzes by. The silence screams in their ears; his hands are painted red.

When she finally speaks, her voice is astute and prickly.

"Next time when you want to lie to me, at least try to make it a good one."


Author's Note: Mai and Zuko have such a breakable trust between them. Ahh.

Oh, and BIG QUESTION! How many of you hate Kataang? (I know that's a loaded question ha ha). I might imply some in future drabbles, because its canon, and I respect it. But Zutara will always be dominant and somewhere in there. Like the previous chapter ("Water") was kinda Kataang-y (it's a delicious fruit drink! :D). I don't know if that makes sense but I'll explain in later A/N's I guess.

Anyways, REVIEW! PLEASE! Ily(: