Writer's Note: This is sort of the sequel to "Pretty in Pink."
Boring in Brown
"I am not wearing that."
"It's your turn."
"You can say whatever you want to me in any kind of threat you want, but it won't make me wear that."
"That" was one of the Jasmine Dragon's sever smocks. Zuko held it up before him with a sly grin on his face. Mai stood there with narrowed eyes, her arms crossed over her chest. "You said that if I let you paint me in the kimono you would let me dress you in something," Zuko went on, the grin never fading. 'This is what I want you to wear."
Mai raised an eyebrow. "I just think you want me to do your chores."
Which wasn't too far off, if it were examined closely enough. They were alone in the teashop, and Iroh had left the place in Zuko's care (Iroh himself had gone drinking with Toph, who had just shown up in the middle of the day needing advice), and now that the place was closed, it was clean-up time.
So, really, assuming that he just wanted her to do his chores wasn't that big of a leap.
Except, "Actually, that's not it at all," he admitted, the grin wavering just a bit - something that got her attention. "I just..." He blushed and shoved the smock to her. "Put it on!"
Mai was curious now. "Will you tell me why if I do?"
"Yes!"
Mai considered, then took the garment with delicate fingers and threw it over her head. She adjusted it, smoothing it over her and sighing, "It's way too big," she lamented, holding out her arms.
"I know," he agreed, "it's mine."
Mai crossed her arms again, and he looked away, one hand at the back of his head shyly. "So, uh, you see... ever since things have calmed down, and Uncle asked me to help him out sometimes... I had this little... thought, you know?"
"No, I don't," she answered blandly.
"Er," Zuko looked away, lowering his hand and poking his index fingers together in front of him, his face crimson. "I would sometimes think of you... and me... and us being here together. And you would serve me tea. And we could pretend to be strangers. And then... uh..."
Mai blinked, looking sceptical... but only for a moment. Her eyes focused, and her cheeks went pink. "Oh," she said softly. "You mean... here?"
Zuko looked up, nodding hopefully.
Mai sighed, then rolled her eyes and grinned. With one hand, she shoved him into the closest chair and gave him a menu. Zuko's entire face lit up with joy.
"What'll it be, sir?" Mai wondered, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
He knew he would be paying for it later, when it got to the good part. But he didn't care. He so didn't care.