"I'm really sorry to hear about your cousin," Mai said, her polite tone stiff and obviously practiced, but Zuko could tell she really did mean it.

"Thanks." He leaned back against the couch, wishing it wasn't so nice out today. His family had just gotten the news that morning and after enduring two hours of Azula's snarky comments and his father's cold smirk, his mother had suggested he spend the afternoon with Mai. Zuko had to admit seeing Azula's face go from smug to shocked at the idea had cheered him up a little.

But as much as he liked spending time with Mai, right now he just wanted to lie on his bed and cry. Lu Ten was dead, really and truly dead. What if tomorrow we find out Uncle's dead, too?

"Um...I didn't really know him that well, but he seemed nice," Mai offered.

"He was," Zuko mumbled. "And he was strong and smart and the best cousin ever. He was like my big brother and he promised when he got back he'd teach me better firebending, and..." He trailed off as the tears began to fall. Great, now I'm crying in front of Mai and she's going to think I'm stupid and weak! He looked up, expecting to see her either snickering or looking disgusted...but to his surprise, she looked sad.

"Zuko..." She wrapped her arms around him and he buried his face in her shoulder, forgetting to be embarrassed.

"It's not fair," he sobbed. "Why did he have to die?"

"I don't know..." She awkwardly tightened her embrace, and the two fell silent. After what seemed like hours Zuko's sobs finally died down and he looked up, rubbing his eyes.

"Sorry I acted like such a baby," he muttered. "Azula and Father are gonna hate me even more when they find out."

"They won't. I won't tell anyone, not even Mom and Dad and Ty Lee," Mai said. "And if Azula bugs me to tell her I'll..." She snickered. "I'll put an apple on her head and throw a knife at it!" Zuko couldn't help but smile a little at that.

"You really promise?"

"Pinky promise." She held out her left hand and hooked her pinky finger with his.

That day, Zuko realized Mai was as much his friend as she was Azula's.