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Chapter 25: The Jasmine Dragon
Komoku prowled the hallways, torn between curiosity and the desire to hide herself away, away from the noise and commotion of the kitchen and dining room. She was accustomed to quiet living, alone during most days and with just Mai and later Mai and Zuko in the evenings. The clattering of cups and plates and spoons and forks, the chatter of customers, Iroh's laughter and excited talk, Kenji's good humoured conversation and Sokka's squeaky voice overwhelmed her. But Mai was there too and Komoku adored Mai. She would suffer the pain of the crowd to see her mistress.
"There you are." Mai stooped down to give her feline a pat. "Come to see what's going on?"
Komoku meowed softly. Her eyes found Sokka then and she stiffened a bit. The eighteen year old stared back, narrowing his blue eyes before saying ""Cat; should it be in the kitchen, with the food?"
"She is fine right there." Mai washed her hands quickly, drying them off on a dish towel, before placing more baked goods on more plates. "There are people waiting for these."
"Yes, yes, I know." He gave Komoku one more suspicious glare before walking out into the dining room.
The older ladies loved Sokka and many of the younger ones too. He could be very charming when he set his mind to it and was easy on the eyes as well. They clucked and giggled when he approached and a few had the nerve to touch, putting a hand on top of his or brushing against his arm. He took it all in his stride. If anything, it fed his ego and he strutted about preening like the only cock in a henhouse. Mai found it amusing.
The women, probably because of his scar and his more withdrawn demeanor, seemed to think Zuko mysterious and maybe dangerous too. They dared glances at him from beneath their thick eyelashes, halting all conversation when he brought them their tea or their cakes. As soon as he moved on they would whisper amongst themselves.
Kenji, when he made an appearance, spoke shyly to the customers, but with a sweetness that won everyone over.
Of course there were men there too and many of them looked Mai up and down, some discreetly and others with a brashness that would shame most. They were easy to ignore. None of them were Zuko so they didn't matter.
No one, however, was more popular than Iroh himself. His warmth and wit and humour, his love for people, for the Jasmine Dragon and for tea draped themselves about the man like a beautiful silk cape. He was a people person and had found what made him most happy in life. Both Mai and Zuko were glad to be a small part of that.
Sokka strode back into the kitchen. Komoku greeted him with a throaty mewl.
"Yeah, I see you, cat. You can't stand someone not loving you. That's it, right." Mai had headed into the pantry to retrieve something for Kenji and was not privy to the little conversation. "I have to admit, for a cat, you're sort of pretty." Sensing the change in his tone, Komoku's next meow was more pleasant. There was bacon in a container, cooked and chopped into small pieces, for use in some of Iroh's scones. Sokka hesitated a moment before snatching a piece and tossing it the cat's way. "Don't say I never did anything for you."
Komoku ate the forbidden treat quickly and then cleaned herself, licking her paws before rubbing them over her face. Her eyes got sleepy then and she headed into the laundry room, curling up into a tight ball and escaping the kitchen furor.
~~~~0000~~~~
Mai stretched beneath the light cotton sheet and smiled. Mornings were not her favorite time of day, but since living at the Jasmine Dragon, she had learned to appreciate them more. Sunlight, subdued by the sheers on her window, illuminated her room, giving it a muted glow. Komoku lay at Mai's feet, and disturbed by her mistress's movements, uncoiled herself and yawned.
"Good morning," Mai whispered to the feline. She sat up and reached down, stroking the glossy black fur.
It was Sunday once more, a day off for many people, including Mai, a day to sleep in and relax, enjoy the people around you and simply be. The days and weeks were slipping by, faster than she wanted, becoming part of the past, soon to be defined only by hazy memories. She loved each and every Sunday and tried her best to consider them gifts.
Outside, the quiet downtown street was slowly coming to life, emerging from the sluggish torpor of any post Saturday night revelries. Mai could hear two bicycles making their deliberate way up and down the sidewalks. The laughter of what sounded like a pair of young boys drifted in through her window. Strident barks sounded from a few houses down, some dog eager for a walk or to be fed. Screen doors creaked and the sound of a car horn echoed from several streets over.
She allowed herself one more minute in bed before stepping out and onto the throw rug. Scooping up Komoku, she nuzzled the cat's head and whispered words of affection. The cat purred in response, cleaving her body to Mai's, enjoying the sound of the girl's steady heartbeat. Mai wore sleep shorts, tiny red things that made her pale legs appear to stretch on into infinity. Above was a white tank top that revealed the curve of her breasts. Raven hair fell past her shoulders, slightly messy, gleaming in the morning light.
"Let's go visit Zuko."
She carried Komoku down the hall to her lover's room, standing outside for a moment before turning the door knob. Zuko slept on his side, unscarred cheek buried in his pillow, torso bare, the slow rise and fall of his chest hypnotic. He seemed fragile there, scar exposed, so red and raw against the white of the pillow case, unaware of Mai, deep in some dream perhaps or maybe just sleeping peacefully. Rather than disturb him, she went back to her room, slipped on a light robe and headed downstairs. She would surprise him with breakfast instead; let him sleep a bit longer.
Mai's parents would visit later and Sadako as well. The serenity of their Sunday morning would be shattered like one of Iroh's tea cups, clumsily dropped on the hard tile of the kitchen floor. She would savor the next hour or so. Smiling to herself, she put water in the small kettle they used for everyday, regular, quick cups of tea and put it on the stove. She grabbed one of the pretty red enamel trays next, got two plates and found some leftover blueberry scones in the refrigerator. Popping them into the oven for a quick warm up, she returned to the business of making their tea. Once she swished some hot water in the teapot, Mai filled the infuser with tea leaves and waited.
Komoku watched everything with quiet attention, her yellow eyes still sleepy looking. Mai gave her a quick pat before filling her bowl with fresh, cold water and measuring out her morning meal. The kettle whistled, a piercing sound, and Mai finished off the tea. She buttered the warm scones, grabbed two cups, a few napkins and headed back upstairs.
Her timing was perfect. Zuko stirred in the bed before opening his eyes and giving Mai a bright smile. He sniffed the air and suitably enticed, sat up in bed.
"You brought me breakfast?"
"I can't put anything over on you," Mai joked, setting the tray down beside Zuko and finding her own spot on the bed. "It," she shrugged, "seemed like a nice thing to do."
"Thanks." Zuko poured the tea and grabbed a scone, tearing off chunks and eating them hungrily. "My uncle really can bake. I feel so spoiled now." And loved and cared for he wanted to add, and satisfied in every way too. But he felt shy somehow, despite the months that he and Mai had spent together. Sometimes that old awkwardness and the wonder at being so cherished overwhelmed the firebender.
An image flashed through Mai's mind of Zuko stretched out on some ornate bed, serving girls surrounding him, fetching him wine and food and adjusting his pillows, fanning the air above the bed, maintaining a cool breeze for him. She giggled into her tea.
"What?"
"Nothing; just eat." He was right, though. They both had it pretty damn good now and Mai vowed never to take their good fortune for granted.
When they finished eating, Mai removed the tray from the bed and snuggled up against her boyfriend. She could sleep more, but fought the urge. There were a few dishes to do now and a shower to get and before she knew it, everyone would be piling into the house.
"Feels hot out already," Zuko observed. He was a bigger fan of the heat than Mai. It was almost as though he absorbed the power of the sun and added it to his internal fire. The sun was life to every creature on the planet. But it was a little more than that to firebenders.
"Oh yay, yet another scorching day."
It was Zuko's turn to laugh, a raspy chuckle that delighted Mai. "I asked Sokka over today as well, figured I could finally give him that firebending demonstration."
"Right; and he wants to see my blades too. Bring out your dao and we'll make it a party."
He laughed again. If there were time, Zuko would have taken her right there and right then. Desire, a perpetual presence, thrummed away in his blood, traveling his body like the oxygen that gave him life. He heaved a sigh instead and got up from the bed. "I love you." The words were a whisper but Mai caught them and smiled.
~~~~0000~~~~
"You didn't finish your breakfast, Komoku? Oh, I hope you're not sick." Mai rubbed her beloved cat. A frown marred her lovely face. "That's a few times now. But you're not losing any weight." She resolved to keep an eye on Komoku but not to worry overmuch. People, and other animals, occasionally changed their eating habits. It didn't necessarily mean anything dire.
"Is everything all right, dear?" Iroh stepped into the laundry room with a basket full of soiled napkins and tea towels and tablecloths.
"Yeah, I think so. It's just that Komoku hardly touched her breakfast. She usually gobbles it down like a cat possessed."
Iroh bent down to have a look at the cat. "She seems fine to me. She's frisky and happy. Perhaps someone is feeding her scraps, one of the customers maybe?" He shrugged. "Let's keep an eye on her. Now, I've got some food to prepare for our guests. Put these in the machine, would you, Mai?"
Busy in the laundry, Mai didn't hear Zuko wander into the kitchen to help Iroh, nor did she hear her parents and brother arrive a few minutes later.
"There you are, Mai." Akira gave the girl an embrace. "You look very pretty today, all relaxed and well rested too."
"Oh, uh, thanks; you look, um, good too, Mom." Mai smoothed down the simple black shorts she wore paired with a soft white sleeveless blouse. She had swept her hair off her neck, casual yet elegant, and she felt pretty. Her mother's comment made her feel even better. But she was unaccustomed to receiving compliments from Akira and had yet to learn a graceful way of accepting them.
Hoshi smiled at his daughter. He let go of Tom-Tom's hand and the boy charged at Mai, almost knocking her over.
"Guess what?" He beamed up at her with a mouthful of perfect little white teeth.
"What?" Mai widened her almond shaped eyes and open her mouth in gestures of exaggerated anticipation.
"It's almost my birfday."
"Really; is it?" She knelt down and pulled the boy in for a hug. "I guess Zuko and I will have to do something special then, won't we?"
"Yep, special." He grabbed her hand and tugged, dragging her forcibly into the kitchen. He was a strong little boy and Mai was a tiny thing. "Zuko's in here."
"I am," the firebender agreed, rubbing Tom-Tom's head. "Are you almost ready for lunch? Iroh made a great one."
"Oh, he's ready." Akira gave Zuko a small smile. "The boy is always hungry. He just outgrew a bunch of clothes. We can hardly keep up."
Iroh was putting some finishing touches on his spread. "Feel free to go out back if you like. Sadako and Kenji and Sokka should be here any moment."
The doorbell rang then and Mai sauntered into the hallway. "Kenji's here now," she called. "Come on in." She waved him into the living room and pointed down towards the kitchen. "Everyone is in there." Iroh's right hand man gazed about the house, doing his best to appear casual. But his cologne, a tasteful scent, the perfectly ironed pants, the stylish shirt and the constant throat clearing gave him away. "Sadako's not here."
"Oh, oh, well…" The poor man, rather plain faced, but with a certain something indefinable that gave him character, looked immediately crestfallen.
Mai's heart constricted. He was a sweet person and decent to the bone. "But she'll be here soon, Kenji. She told me that she's looking forward to seeing you again."
His features brightened and with a smile and a sparkle in his eyes, Kenji seemed almost handsome. "She did? I'm glad. I like your friend, Mai. I've never met a woman quite like her."
"Unique is a word that fits. I like her too."
A few minutes later the bell rang again. Sadako had picked up Sokka and brought him along. The two were laughing when they arrived, one funny person trying to outdo the other.
"I'm telling you the truth; the penguins let you ride them if you have fish. No fish, no high speed slide down mountains of snow and ice, the frigid arctic winds making your skin feel as though it is being peeled off. It's great fun, and sort of a family tradition."
"And I thought the Fire Festival was full of wonders." Mai smirked as she let the pair inside. "Kenji's waiting for you." She pointed to Sadako. "Zuko's waiting for you." She jabbed a finger at Sokka's chest. "He's got weapons and wants to bend."
"Great!" Blue eyes gleamed. "I brought my boomerang." He pulled it out of his bag and displayed it proudly. "It always comes back."
"Even if it doesn't want to?"
Sokka narrowed his eyes then. "My boomerang is loyal to a fault. Care to test it out."
"After lunch; I'll get my knives and we can play."
"All right." Sokka gazed about much as Kenji had, but he was looking for a small black cat.
"Komoku won't bite, Sokka."
"Oh, yeah, I know; she and I have been getting along a little better lately. My charms tend to, um," Sokka ran a hand through his hair, "affect most of the ladies."
That's right; I feed her all kinds of treats and she can't get enough. She'll love me soon enough.
"Yes, but just how are we affected?" Mai glanced sidelong at Sadako and both women giggled.
"Hey, I'll have you know that my girlfriend, the fair Suki of Kyoshi Island, is completely besotted."
"That's one…."
Mai was having almost too much fun and by the time they joined Iroh and Kenji in the kitchen, she had made Sokka splutter several times.
~~~~0000~~~~
"Zuko's setting the table outside. Mai, he could use your help." Iroh handed her a platter. "And here, take this out too, please." She carried the vegetables carefully and headed for the back door.
Zuko opened it for her, sneaking a quick kiss before going back to his assigned task. Tom-Tom was kicking a ball around while Akira reminded him not to trample any flowers or shrubbery. The sun made Hoshi drowsy and his eyes drooped shut. The sound of his wife and his boy soothed him further and within seconds he had drifted into sleep. Tom-Tom laughed at the sight.
"Daddy's sleepin'," he noted with glee.
"Well, Daddy works very hard all week. Just leave him be until it's time to eat."
"That would be now," Iroh declared as he stepped onto the patio, arms laden with food, Sadako, Kenji and Sokka right behind carrying even more.
As the sun had lulled him, the scents of good food awakened Mai's father. He jerked in his chair, momentarily embarrassed, checking his mouth for drool, before taking Akira's hand in a gentlemanly fashion and escorting her to the table.
Dishes laden with simple delights were passed around and the chatter began in full force with Sokka, often gregarious, Sadako and Iroh taking the lead. Tom-Tom picked at this and that but seemed more fascinated with the people around him, especially the young man from the Southern Water Tribe. Sokka told tales of the arctic, Iroh of his travels, the upcoming trip with Mai and Zuko rearing its head again, while Sadako related funny anecdotes about her and Mai and work at the library.
Akira and Hoshi chimed in with talk about Sapporo and Hoshi's new place of employment while Mai and Zuko let the conversation's many threads weave their way over and around them, contributing little but the occasional nod, smile or eye roll. Beneath the table their knees touched. With deliberation, Mai bumped Zuko's leg, placed a hand on his thigh and reveled in how he squirmed with her parents so nearby.
"Dragons, huh? Do you have any idea just how cool it would be if you did discover them?" The envy was plain on Sokka's face. "I would love to see that."
"Me too." Tom-Tom chimed in with enthusiasm. Tiny legs kicked vigorously beneath the table. He was restless already, and looking forward to more play time.
"So, Zuko, are you gonna do some firebending for me?" Sokka sounded like an eager child now. "I've never seen it, except in photos and on television but that's not the same at all."
Zuko looked to his uncle. Iroh nodded. "Sure, we can do that. I've got a dual sword too. You can try it out if you like."
The Water Tribesman rubbed his hands together and squeaked with excitement. "I love swords. I have a sword. I got it in the Earth Kingdom when Katara and I traveled there. I'm still learning how to use it, though."
"School and the tea shop and now manly weapons; how much more do you two need to bond over?" Mai drawled the words and gave Sokka a mischievous sort of smile. "I'll get my knives."
Mai stood up, grabbing a bunch of plates and headed into the kitchen. She scraped the dishes off and put them in the industrial sized dishwasher. Komoku made an appearance.
"I'm just going upstairs, Komoku. Watch out for Sokka."
She scampered up the steps and into her room. Sokka and Zuko headed into the kitchen next, each with their own pile of dishes. They followed Mai's example.
"Hey, Komoku." Zuko bent down to pet the cat.
She purred and rubbed against the firebender, all while giving Sokka the eye. She seemed to be saying 'I'll never purr for you. I might accept your food, but that doesn't mean that I like you.'
"Cat." With that one word, Sokka said so much more. 'I don't trust you. I'll never trust you, with your sneaking and your hiding and your cat-ness. But damn, you are kind of cute.'
Zuko couldn't understand why Sokka didn't love the little feline. "What's with the two of you anyway?"
"We're working on it, aren't we, Cat?" Yellow eyes gleamed with sentience and perhaps a bit of malice too. "Say, Zuko, weren't you going to get that sword?"
"Oh, yeah; I'll just run upstairs."
Zuko conveniently gone, Sokka opened the refrigerator and stared. Komoku edged closer and peered in herself.
"Mmmhmm, so much awesome stuff to choose from: I like seal jerky and sea prunes and seaweed as much as the next guy, but this food is incredible. Hmm, what would you like?" He snared a piece of salmon, and hiding behind the refrigerator door, handed it off to Komoku. The cat gobbled it down and much to Sokka's joy, began to purr. "Oh, you do like that, don't you?"
"What are you doing, Sokka?" Mai sounded angry and she swept into the kitchen all straight backed and narrow eyed, putting down her knives and scooping up her cat. She gave Sokka a glare and held Komoku close, her protective instincts kicking in. "She has cat food, special stuff to keep her healthy. I don't want her eating anything else."
"Okay, okay." Sokka raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "But what's the big deal? It was a piece of fish. Fish is good, right?" He didn't much like the way Mai's face looked. She kept quiet, just continued to glare. "Look, I'm sorry, all right, I won't do it again. I was just trying to win her over, that's all. I mean, I'd prefer if we liked each other and I'm starting to ramble." He clamped his mouth shut tight, his teeth clacking together, sounding like pieces on a game board colliding.
Yeah, you tend to do that." Perhaps she was overreacting but when it came to Komoku or the people she loved, her famous disinterest dissolved. "She's my cat, Sokka, and I love her. If anything happened…well, let's not go there." She sighed then and let Komoku down. "I know you meant no harm, but don't do it again. If you want to win Komoku over, use her name, talk nicely to her. She'll come around." Her expression softened and Sokka's own, a mixture of remorse and what she thought was fear, finished melting her anger. "I like you. We all do. Komoku will too." A year ago, she wouldn't have bothered adding that validation of Sokka. Though still a solitary soul at heart, Mai dealt better with people now; she understood more and didn't shut her compassion and empathy away in a box.
"Really? How much do you guys like me? Is there some sort of scale you use, you know, to measure your, um, your liking?"
Mai rolled her eyes. "Don't push it, Water Tribe."
"Hey, is everything okay in here?" Zuko entered the kitchen and slipped an arm about Mai's waist. He shifted his gaze between the two of them.
"A little misunderstanding, that's all; we're fine." She snuggled up against Zuko, glad that he was there. "Sword?"
"Right here; ready, Sokka?"
The Water Tribesman pulled his boomerang from the waist of his shorts and brandished it comically. "As I'll ever be."