Zuko sighed deeply as he looked at the smaller tower of papers right in front of him… He had been working all day. And it didn't look like he had made a single dent into the paper works.
Then Zuko looked to his left and saw another pile of papers five times as big standing there, completely untouched and Zukos forehead fell down on the table in a big thud making the turtleduck jump up and quack in a big startle.
Aang had been right about one thing as they headed out for the dragon trip… The paper work sure didn't go anywhere!
And now Aang had gone to fetch Sokka so they could attend a wedding at the north pole. Katara would be there too.
Toph was currently spending time with her parents so for the first time since Zuko had become fire lord. The old Gaang wasn't at the palace. They were all out there doing each their own thing at this moment.
It was… kind of weird. A little unsettling.
But they would be back and that was nice.
Also Iroh, Mai, Zhau-Li and Ty Lee didn't really seem like they intended to go anywhere.
Iroh had of course started tea shop not far from the fire nation palace and lived in that building too. Zhau-Li had permanent job in the palace and lived in the servants quarters just a few hall ways down.
Zuko had felt a little bad. Zhau-Li wasn't just a servant! He was a part of the group for sure! And if he wanted part in the suite they had now dubbed "Team Avatar suite." he would be more than welcome.
But no. Zhau-Li was proud of his new role and didn't want to break the mold more than necessary. Already Zhau-Li would often spar with Zuko in the mornings.
It was just a good idea to stay in shape and stay sharp! Even Iroh agreed that it just made sense to keep training and sparring in the morning.
Also because the rest of the day went with all of those boring meetings and paper work… So… Much… Paper work.
Just then the door opened and foot steps belonging to a certain woman with knifes hidden everywhere on her person stepped in. "Hmpf." Mai smirked amused and Zuko turned his head from the table looking up at her.
"Hi Mai." Zuko said as Mai moved forward and then suddenly her hands were on Zukos shoulders and gently started to rub making Zuko groan.
"You look like shit." Mai commented.
"Food supplies are low for this season." Zuko muttered. "We still have an issue with a ton of former soldiers who lack jobs. Not helped by the closing down of multiple factories… We do need to open new ones but we have to figure out how to do it safely so it wont just destroy the entire land. Looks like we have to ration food… people wont be happy."
Mai sighed deeply as she leaned her head on Zukos shoulder. "You have a council to help you sort all of these things out you know."
"Yeah… But nothing happens if I don't sign the document." Zuko said. "And I am not signing anything I have not read! I need to make sure it's done right." he groaned as he sat back. "But it also needs to be signed so we can start moving…" he groaned deeply.
"You've been working all day." Mai commented. "I think it's time for you to relax." she said as she moved to Zukos front. "It's been hours since the sun went down you know."
Zuko blinked then looked outside. "Oh." he said.
"Indeed Zuko." Mai smirked as she leaned over. "It's past your bed time Fire Lord Zuko."
Zuko smirked… He probably should be really annoyed over his friends keeping taps on his bed time and literately putting him to bed.
But truth was. Zuko already knew that if they didn't do it, he would have fallen a sleep over the desk.
Also…. It was very hard to say no to Mai. She had her ways.
"To think." Mai commented. "The avatar suite is all empty right now. So I am having you all to myself." she glanced at him. "What a shame."
"Is it?" Zuko asked.
"I'm afraid you belong to me now." Mai said as she sat back crossing her legs.
"Oh?" Zuko asked.
"Indeed." Mai said. "From now until sunrise you are mine. Fire Lord Zuko." she said. "And mine alone. I own you! So." she held up a hand. "Get up."
Zuko smirked but complied following Mais orders.
"Take off your shirt." Mai demanded and Zuko did what she asked.
Mai smirked as her eyes ran over his naked torso and then smiled satisfied. "Now go wash up and make ready for bed. I'll met you there."
Zuko sighed deeply as he headed for the bathroom to do as he was told… Some times it was really good to be the fire lord.
It was a while after Zuko was laying in bed. Yawning deeply but also very satisfied as Mai rested against his chest. Her eyes heavy and a satisfied smile on her lips.
"What would I do without you?" Zuko asked.
"Die in despair." Mai replied and Zuko chuckled honestly amused as he pulled her a little closer.
Then he sighed. "You know…" he said. "Aang and I are planning to go on this tour. Across the fire nation. To kind of… Meet the fire nation citizens face to face and let them see us. The councilors all agree this should be done as well. We'll go to all of the biggest cities, hold some speeches. But also the new settlements where former refuges has returned to to rebuild. You should come with us."
"What do you intend for me to do there?" Mai asked. "Stand around and look pretty?"
"Well. In day time it'll be all of that boring stuff." Zuko said. "But in the evening we'll probably be sneaking out. And between all the official showings we'll check things out too. It'll be an adventure." he said. "We can go visit some beaches. Watch some plays. It might be fun."
"Yeah… Okay. Sure." Mai smiled.
"You'll come?" Zuko asked.
"Of course I was going to come." Mai yawned deeply. "Even if it was only the boring stuff."
Zuko smiled warmly. Then he hesitated. "I was also thinking…" he sighed deeply. "There are all of these noblemen who keeps trying to introduce me to their unmarried daughters and stuff. I think it would be a lot easier for everybody if we just became official engaged."
Mai chewed on her lip for about two seconds then shrugged. "Yeah okay."
"Cool."
And then they both just smiled as they laid there.
"I love you so much." Zuko whispered.
"I know." Mai stated then smirked. "I love you too." she whispered as she closed her eyes and sighed deeply.