Interface
Chapter 21: Domesticity
The diving board bounced down and then up as Mai leapt into the pool's warm water. The scent of chlorine inundated her nostrils the closer she got to the sparkling, clear surface. Mai held her breath and swam underwater for as long as she could. Kicking legs and paddling hands were everywhere, adult sized, child sized, male, female. She stayed in her lane and made it to the opposite end, only rising for air once.
Mai didn't like pools much. The chlorine was hard on her hair. No, she wasn't a vain girl, but she liked her black mane and had no intention of ruining it with too much exposure to the harsh chemical. But once in awhile, the urge to swim was strong and she gave in. Having a pool in the same complex as the library made the idea that much more appealing.
She rested for a moment and then swam laps, steady, sure strokes taking her from one end of the pool to the other and back again. Her body did what it was supposed to do, well-trained, obedient, while Mai cleared her mind of everything superfluous. Sometimes it felt good to just be in a physical sense without the complex web of thoughts and emotions she experienced interfering.
When she climbed out of the pool and wrapped a towel around her waist, squeezing water from her pony tail, Mai's muscles felt stretched and tired, but comfortably so. She showered and dressed, not bothering to dry her hair or apply any makeup. She and Zuko were ordering take out and working on papers. It wasn't exciting but Mai enjoyed any time she spent in his company. He was probably at her apartment already, feeding Komoku or staring blankly at his laptop screen wondering what to write.
He'd pouted a bit when she told him about her swim, wanting to rush over and join her. He was supposed to pick her up at work, but since he was bogged down with assignments, Mai insisted he get a head start.
"I want to swim alone." She loved him and was a better person for that love, but that didn't mean every waking moment had to be spent with Zuko either. Sometimes, Mai wanted time to herself, time to let her thoughts roam or time to shut them down completely. It was important, she figured, to like spending time on your own. With few friends as a child and through high school, appreciating solitude was her only option besides losing her sanity.
But she had to admit that Zuko's desire to be with her was appealing too. She had never felt so wanted and appreciated and needed. It was a good feeling, something that boosted her confidence and gave her self esteem that extra bit of sparkle it needed. Her childhood friend, Ty Lee (Azula's friend first) read auras, or claimed to. Mai remembered rolling her eyes at the entire concept and dismissing the girl's comments with a disinterested shrug.
According to Ty Lee, her aura back then was usually drab and dull, grayish looking, cloudy and depressing. Most girls would have resented an analysis like that but Mai took it in her stride. She wasn't bouncy and cheerful like Ty Lee. She wasn't and she never would be. And Mai was okay with that. But now, the librarian knew that whatever vibe she gave off was brighter and happier. It couldn't help but be; she was changed inside, her edges softened. Mai was still a confirmed cynic, always would be. She was still a loner, always would be. But there was room in her heart for more now and that showed.
From no thinking to over-thinking; give it a rest, Mai.
She wandered out into the dusk, that time when the world hovered between day and night, and the remaining bit of light appeared magical, painting everything with its strange, ethereal glow. For those few minutes, Mai almost believed that anything was possible.
~~~~0000~~~~
The air was still hot, but softer somehow, pleasant against her skin. Walking along the sidewalk, Mai observed people in that unobtrusive way she had. She rarely met the eyes of those she passed, instead watched the way they moved, heard the way they spoke to their friends or family, saw the way they carried themselves. Mai could tell so much about a person and all from a brief flash, a quick glance. She was an observer, partly through choice and partly from necessity. Told to hush up and sit still, out of the way whenever her parents hosted parties, or had friends over, friends who might help Hoshi climb that proverbial ladder of success, young Mai made a quick appearance, all pretty and dressed up, before vanishing into some tiny nook and taking every scene in.
The phoniness and vanity of many of the upper class sickened her then, even as a little girl. But she learned to read gestures and expressions, even the most subtle ones. She recalled making predictions about who would get angry with who and why. And she was usually correct. Ty Lee had her auras. Mai stuck to what was right there, in front of anyone aware enough to notice.
As Mai drew closer to her apartment building, the tingle of anticipation she always felt before seeing Zuko began to build in her body. It started way down deep at her very core and worked its way up, spreading through her limbs, like sap from the trunk of a tree moving into branches. By the time she opened the door and stepped inside, Mai was ablaze with love and lust and affection.
The smell of their favorite take-out food, an intoxicating aroma, hit Mai full force. She breathed in deeply and smiled.
"I got the food already; thought you would be hungry after your swim." Zuko stood with his hands shoved in the pockets of his shorts, a bashful sort of grin on his face.
Mai nodded. "I am; thanks."
She dropped her bag on a chair, coiled her arms about Zuko and kissed him. Komoku, bounded out of the bedroom and, as if in imitation of her mistress, wound her way about Mai's legs, her little body rumbling with contented purrs.
Zuko's eyes shone like marbles by the time Mai finished with him. He pointed, rubber limbed, to the table, all set beautifully, with candles and napkins, chopsticks, dishes and Mai's tea set. "Eat now?"
"Mmmm, yes," she answered, took his hand and led him to the table.
They exchanged cartons, taking a bit of everything and got down to the very serious business of enjoying their dinner.
"Good swim?" Zuko asked around a mouthful of food. He immediately felt rude, swallowed and apologized. It was easy to forget manners around Mai. It was easy to forget everything but the smell and sight of her, the seductive sound of her voice, the tingling that he felt in her presence.
"Yeah, and don't worry; I know you have good manners."
"Okay." He downed some tea, ate another piece of chicken and inquired about work.
"Work was good. How were your classes?"
"Mmm, okay; more assignments. I'm starting to feel swamped."
"Organize your time. Finish them in order of when they're due in. You'll be fine. I'll help if you need it. Pass that beef, please. It's amazing." Mai was beginning to feel stuffed but the food was incredible for takeout and they didn't indulge that often.
They passed the remainder of the meal in easy silence, Komoku close by, sleepy eyed but ever alert. When most of the containers were empty, Mai pushed back from the table and moaned. "I'm going to regret this, but I don't care."
"I'm going to make some more tea." Zuko got up, kissed Mai on the forehead and then strolled into the kitchen.
Mai collected the cartons, scooped leftovers into food savers and stuffed them in the fridge. "Dishes later, okay?"
She got comfortable in her arm chair and listened to the sounds of Zuko making tea. Iroh had been teaching him the art, and it was that, of making the perfect pot or cup. And the old man's protégé was coming along quite well.
He brought out a cup for Mai, mint, setting it down close by. "That will settle your stomach; that's what my uncle says anyway. I know all the teas and what they're good for, well, most of them."
"Thanks." It was a sweet gesture and Mai was grateful. She brought the steaming cup to her mouth, blew on it a few times and sipped. "Ah, that is good. Maybe you have a future in the tea shop business." Her tone was playful, teasing, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness too.
Zuko gave her a shrug. "I wish I knew what I wanted. I know what I don't want."
Mai didn't want that for her lover either; to be sucked down into Ozai's cruel, amoral world of corporate games, vicious games that ruined lives and towns. He wasn't perfect, her Zuko, as no one was; but his core, the very heart of him, whatever essence, whatever jumbled genetics made him Zuko, was decent and kind and good. He would wither under Ozai, his bright flame smothered by corruption. Or he would rot and decay and become like his father, unable to resist the allure of the Tanaka family dynasty. Or, if he was incredibly strong, and Mai thought he could be, Zuko would maintain his morals and fight the filth from within. That would be a dangerous game, one requiring more subterfuge than Zuko could manage. No matter how willing, he just couldn't lie and deceive with aplomb. No, there was no place for him in Ozai's world. He needed to find his own.
"You'll figure it out; there's lots of time."
Mai had stumbled upon her job at the library. She ended up falling in love. She might make that her career and she might not. But she would always remember her library with fondness and walk into any such building anywhere in the world and feel at home.
"I guess." His shoulders were slumped now and he walked back to the kitchen to get his own tea.
It didn't take much for Zuko's moods to change; a word, a look and he could drift off into melancholy or thoughtfulness. He did like to brood.
"Why don't you write your paper first?" Mai indicated the desk when he rejoined her. She wanted to drag his attention back to the present, what he could control right now. "Or get a start at least. I'm fine here." She grabbed her own laptop, plugged it in and began her research.
Zuko did a lot of sighing and grumbling but eventually began. Once he found a rhythm, he was productive. Mai read article after article about the author she'd chosen to write her essay on. It was easy for her, and she found the material fascinating. She was so engrossed, that the sound of her cell phone went unnoticed. It rang a second time and Zuko turned around in his chair.
"Mai, your phone….."
"Oh, yeah." She reached for it, spoke and smiled. "It's my dad," she mouthed to Zuko.
The conversation was brief, but evidently good. Mai tapped her foot on the floor and listened. She said goodbye and put her phone back down.
"Did he get the job?"
"He did. They're moving here in a few weeks."
"That's good, right?"
"Yes, it's good."
And it was good. But with her family in Nara, there was a safe distance between her and them. She could visit once in a while and they could visit her. Day to day interference was bypassed though. Akira couldn't pop in announced and make a nuisance of herself or throw withering looks about or pass judgment on something she had no business bitching about.
Then again, Akira was different now, a bit softer and more accepting. Maybe, just maybe, it would be pleasant to have her around, a real mother whom Mai could form a real connection with, something they could carry for the remainder of their days. She liked that idea and she and Akira had made a few small steps in that direction already. And there was Tom-Tom.
Mai's smile widened as she thought about her little brother. He was a joy and the opportunity to be a bigger part of his life was worth any of the negatives.
She was being selfish, thinking only about how the move would affect her. It was an amazing opportunity for her entire family but she bypassed that in her mind. It was one of her faults, something that she needed to work on.
"What are you thinking about?" Zuko shifted his chair closer to Mai's and put a warm hand on her leg.
Mai removed his hand and gave him a little push back toward the desk. "Don't try to get out of your work. Get back there."
"Hey, that's not what I was doing."
"Another hour and then we'll talk." Mai ignored the plea and got back to her own paper, shoving her family and their imminent move out of her thoughts. Yes, there would be plenty of time to speculate later.
~~~~0000~~~~
After a few more hours of intense work, Mai and Zuko took a break and headed outside to clear their heads. The temperature had dropped a few degrees and that combined with full darkness dulled the heat and stickiness that had smothered the people of Sapporo for weeks now.
"Not quite like the rainy season, but it is better." Mai linked her arm through Zuko's and leaned her head on his shoulder. It was almost as if she were unconsciously claiming possession, telling any passersby that this particular young man was hers. If Mai thought about it in those terms she would feel ridiculous and a slave to that programmed behaviour each living creature was blessed or cursed with.
Zuko simply enjoyed the feel of Mai's body against his. "It's a great night." He'd also made a lot of progress on his essay and that euphoria coloured everything in shades of contentment.
"Let's go look at the library." It was a whim, but Mai wanted to walk around the empty, darkened building.
They strolled easily, taking their time. When the library came into sight, Mai quickened their pace a bit. She hurried across the street and peered in through the massive walls of glass. Her library was prettier at night. The light fixtures, small and large white balls of glass that dangled from the ceiling at irregular intervals and at varying heights, stood out dramatically against the darkened library. Security lights highlighted a table here or a magazine stand there.
All the books were safe in the stacks, rigid and straight, awaiting the morrow and the possibility that they would be chosen by some eager or not so eager reader. The computers were silent, their monitors black. Chairs sat neatly beneath desks, discs rested on their shelves, and everything on the circulation desk was in perfect order. Mai wished she could get inside somehow and walk around, sit on the leather couch for awhile and just soak up the atmosphere. It was a silly desire, perhaps, but no less potent because of that.
"Everything looks so different at night, all closed up. It's the same place but not the same." Zuko struggled to articulate his meaning.
"I know," Mai agreed. She knew exactly what he meant.
The library was in limbo now, a lovely limbo, waiting for the first employees to wander inside, the lights to go on and the patrons to file in. Soon it would be filled with subdued murmurs, the cries and shrieks of children, the sound of newspapers being opened up and then devoured. Mai realized then just how much she loved the place, nothing out of the ordinary, just a typical city library; but she belonged there, she was accepted there and she felt at home. That made it special, poignantly so.
"Do you want to walk through the park?" Zuko pulled her close and kissed her temple with an aching tenderness.
Mai gave the library's interior one last glance. "Sure."
The park was empty but for a few people walking their dogs. They found a bench beneath a tree and listened to the whisper of the wind in the broad leaves. The night bugs hummed and chirped. The occasional car screeched to a halt at a red light, wrinkling the blanket of serenity that smoothly surrounded the couple.
"Stupid cars, stupid people," Mai complained. But she wasn't really upset. The remark was more of a reflex. Nestled against Zuko, the yellow glow of a street light keeping full dark at bay, the young woman could handle anything.
~~~~0000~~~~
Two Weeks Later
Dressed in old denim capri pants that sported several small holes, and a grubby tank top, her hair pulled up into a bun, Mai dipped the roller into the paint tray, coating its entire surface before rolling off the excess, and then made her first mark on the wall. She was in her room at Iroh's house. He suggested, strongly, that she and Zuko do their own painting.
"It never hurts to get your hands dirty sometimes. You'll appreciate your new rooms that much more."
How could she argue? He was allowing her to live rent free in a beautiful home, save money for school and be with Zuko. Painting was the least Mai could do.
She'd chosen a neutral colour, a rich taupe. She could add more vibrancy with her bedding and accessories should she choose. But Mai wanted her bedroom to feel airy and open as opposed to heavy and claustrophobic. The windows would have pale sheers and a white shade, and the window seat would be covered in cloth another shade of taupe.
Zuko popped his head in for a moment. "How's it going?"
"Um," she said, pointing at the wall. "I just got started."
"Me too; miss you."
"You're right down the hall."
"I know," he shrugged sheepishly. "But I miss you anyway."
"You're a sap." Mai was secretly pleased and felt her face flush. She ducked down and stared deep into the paint tray.
Iroh stopped by next. "Come on now; you won't get any painting done if you keep visiting. Back to your room, Zuko; I expect both of you to get the first coat done today." He rubbed his hands together with obvious glee. "Tomorrow it's coat number two and then all the trim."
"I'm glad I took a day off work for that." Mai's voice was a sensuous drawl and Zuko figured he had better leave before painting came a distant second behind kissing.
Zuko's uncle gave her a wink. "I'm glad too, Mai. I'll bring some lunch up in awhile. Happy painting."
"I'll just go then." Zuko sidled out the door. "I like the colour by the way."
Mai nodded and got back to work. She lost herself in the repetitive motions, and soon had the huge east facing wall finished. Stepping back, she appraised her work and deemed it satisfactory. Another wall later and lunch was served. She and Zuko sat on the floor, bodies touching, and disposed of the delicious food Iroh had provided. There was iced tea as well, a huge pitcher full.
"How's the red coming?" Mai nudged her lover.
Zuko had chosen a deep red for his walls, rather dramatic and somehow befitting a firebender. But dark colours were less forgiving and required more coats. Mai might be helping him after all.
"I love it." He flashed a grin her way. "It's a lot of work, though."
"Good thing your room is smaller," Mai teased. It was but not by much. "If I'm done first, I'll help you finish off."
They planned on working well into the night and returning early the next morning. Both were eager to finish so the furniture could be moved in and they could follow. Both had already broken their leases, the cost once again covered by Iroh. The only drawback was the distance from the library. Mai would need to take a bus now. And she had enjoyed her walks there and back. But that was a miniscule price to pay for the improvements to her life.
"It's a deal."
Zuko leaned in to seal it with a kiss.
~~~~0000~~~~
A/N: Thanks so much to those who reviewed! Special thanks to Private Fire, my inspiration for Sadako and the biggest supporter of my writing.
There's a poll up for those interested, regarding the gaang and whether they should make an appearance in Interface. I'm a bit surprised at the results so far. I've pretty well made up my mind anyway.
Very rough estimate here, and I'm probably way off, but I'm thinking maybe 30 chapters in total. Knowing me it will be more like 35…..unless I suddenly lose interest or inspiration…that seems to be happening more with me now than it used to. Maybe I'm coming to the end of my Avatar writing days. I'm just musing…
Alabaster