Hey There,

Welcome to my second ever Avatar Last Airbender Story. This one too is a one shot featuring Mai and Zuko. For this story I wanted to really give Zuko and Mai the spotlight. But I promise everyone will be along for the ride. Even if especially Ursa and Iroh, because I really wanted to write a story about that friendship too. I wanted them rubbing elbows to help out Zuko.

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Avatar Last Airbender, Nickelodeon, or any of the other trademarked things mentioned. I'm borrowing all of it for my own plots and schemes. Most will be returned unharmed.

Dedicated to my dear friend Rose-Aki, and she knows why! Wink-wink! This one is all for your girl! Enjoy!

"Combining Forces Between Two Dragons"

A Zuko and Mai Oneshot

(Ursa's Perspective)

After being reunited with my older children, after years of strain and separation. I had asked my son (who is now the Fire Lord) to please never let me miss another important day for either of them. Him or his older sister Azula. He'd been doing such a great job of keeping me informed of his sister's progress as well as his own. He even brought me to see her on her last birthday. Even personally brought me to the special family weekends of her institution.

But what my son didn't know was that I had also taken up corresponding again with his uncle Iroh. Even though I'm considered family that's been removed from the rest of my ex-husband's living family. My ex-husband is considered a complete disgrace to all of them, and so is Azula. Iroh is still a tremendous friend, regardless. As he's always been, to me and my son. We'd written back in forth since I'd married Ozai, his letters had always been one of the rare comforts of my time in the palace. I used to read them aloud to the children and Zuko would always take interest. Even as a child.

So when it was clear and even announced that my son would be coming to me for his birthday celebration. My letters to Iroh were nearly every day making certain everything was perfectly perfect for my son. Without Iroh, I never could have pulled any of this off.

Even though all of his latest correspondences had all been lighthearted and friendly as ever. I still didn't know what to expect when we would be talking in person. My whole former life had been completely torn apart, flipped upside down, then erased. I'd lost everything and it was all for Zuko to live when his own grandfather wanted him dead. My ex-husband was looking at it as a golden opportunity to get rid of the child he didn't want. A child he just knew couldn't be his even though I know for a fact he couldn't be more wrong. Nothing I could do or say would convince him so I did what I had to do to save Zuko's life. Ozai was so delusional near the end of our marriage, he was even threatening to kill Azula. Even though she was the more prized child, as crazy as my methods had to be. I would do it all again… for my children. But after going through something so sinister and twisted. Do you blame me for being super cautious, trusting anyone?

I even went to the trouble of meeting Iroh on my own when he arrived. He'd told me to have a pot for tea prepared as always. Claiming he was bringing "the perfect blend for an afternoon of catch up," all I needed was a kettle, hot water and tea cups. So I did as told and was instantly reminded of the old days. This is just like the tea parties we used to throw in the gardens of the palace. Even before any of my children were born.

Shame on me really for having any doubts about dear Iroh. The moment he saw me, when I opened my front door. He put out his arms and laughed all jolly. Just like I remembered him. His hair was completely white now, and he was somehow far more fit but other than that he wasn't much different. My son had said I had nothing to worry about, where his uncle was concerned. I just felt so silly as I hugged my old friend.

He greeted me, "Dear Ursa! How good it is to see you again."

"Iroh!" I greeted back, "You look so happy and just the same."

"You haven't changed too much either," Iroh complimented, pulling out a chair for me and pushing it in once I'd sat. As he set to it, making the tea. He complimented, "You're still far kinder than most and mother first - before anything else. My brother never saw you for your strengths, and you deserved better. I'm so glad you're doing this for Zuko. He's faced so much this past year, and I think spending time with you, and others who love him might be just the medicine he needs."

I stopped him right there for a second and asked, "Before we say or do anything else. Will you please let me thank you in person?"

"Thank me? For what?" Iroh asked before he claimed his seat. "Is it for the tea? I remembered it was your favorite when we used to chat back in the day."

"No," I shook my head realizing, "The tea smells lovely, it is still my favorite and I haven't had it in years. But I meant to thank you for taking such great care of my son when I couldn't."

Iroh said, "Oh," lightly as he poured us each a cup. The aroma of the tea immediately made me relax even further.

I went on to say, "I've heard the stories and I've seen for myself how special Zuko has always been to you. Even when he was just an infant, when I handed him to you the first time, you two had an undeniable connection."

Iroh lit up, "We sure did!" Which launched us both into that old story.

"You handed him to me and rolled those eyes up at me like, 'who are you?'" Iroh remembered and laughed just as hard as he had that day. All those years ago.

"When you laughed, he laughed and that seems to be the start of that pattern." I added.

"Some how looking at him that day, I knew we would be great friends. I was very luck to have been right." Iroh grinned, going on to recall, "Then my son Lu Ten asked if he could hold his new cousin."

I helped out, "Yes, and he was so good with Zuko too. Lu Ten got him smiling and laughing right away. Something that wasn't easy to do, even when he was that young. Your son took him over to the window and was telling him all about the world around him."

Iroh maintained as he always has, "If only we could have gotten to spend more time together back then. As a family, I just know that those two would have been inseparable."

"Yes, I believe you're right," I had to agree with Iroh. Lu Ten had been such a kind-hearted and good person too. I missed him immensely and he was only my nephew, I can only imagine the pain that Iroh must feel. Having lost such a precious child, to the war.

I took Iroh's hand and said, "If you hadn't looked out for Zuko like you did. He probably wouldn't be here, and even if he had managed to escape Ozai and Azula. He wouldn't be the wonderful man he's grown to be. Iroh, that was all you, and the Avatar's influence."

Iroh waved off my appreciation saying, "I'm sure after you've spent a little more time with him. You'll see that I didn't do much at all. It was all inside of him all the time, he just had to learn how to listen to his heart and stop trying to be what everyone expected him to be. Start being his own man, own person, and rule the Fire Nation the best way that he can."

"You don't think that's much?" I asked as he poured some more delicious tea in my cup because mine was already all gone. I downed the whole thing so quickly, I would have to ask him again exactly what blend this was. It tasted far better than even I remembered.

"No, no." Iroh maintained his modesty. "He's always been meant to be where he is now. He just had to find his own way there and I couldn't help him the whole way. Most of it he did on his very own. I just count myself lucky to bear witness to so much of his personal journey."

"Has this past year been that trying for my son?" I asked, knowing Iroh wouldn't try to hide the truth from me. He would be more honest than anyone else about the current Fire Lord's workload.

"I'm afraid it has been quite difficult Ursa." He said with concern etched deep into his forehead. "Not only on Zuko himself but on every relationship he's a part of."

I was applauded, "But I'd heard that he was on such great terms with his friends?"

Iroh apologized, "Oh he is, he's made up with everyone since he fought with them. I didn't mean to make you panic about that. However, there is one relationship that he has been struggling to return to it's usual rhythm and it may be by far the most important."

"Oh," I breathed a sigh of relief and with a hand, over my heart, I said, "Thank goodness. But what relationship could be more important than the Avatar? I thought Zuko said that was the most important one."

"As essential as Aang is to Zuko's future, there is someone a little more important." Iroh alluded before revealing. "You know, like a girl."

"A girl?" I repeated and Iroh nodded to confirm the correctness of this statement. I clapped happily and excitedly. "You mean to tell me there's a girl and this is the first I'm hearing of it?"

"If he hasn't mentioned it, that isn't such a big surprise to me." The older man shrugged. "He seems to be carrying a lot of shame and regret about that time in his life."

I could feel the conversation pulling away from the material point. There was a girl in my Zuko's life, a girl special to him that I knew nothing about. I couldn't let Iroh go deep on me before I'd even learned the name of this girl. So I kindly interrupted my former brother-in-law's thought spiral and asked, "Ah? Iroh? Before we go into my son's propensity to self-deprecate to the brink of death. Can you give me a little more information on this girl? Do you really think that Zuko's interested? Seriously interested, minorly interested, could it be just a phase? is he in first love, real love, dare I mention true love? Just what's the scale here?"

Iroh nodded before relenting, "I'm afraid that Fire Lord Zuko's girlfriend is seemingly his one true love."

My son's true father-figuire dropped this knowledge on me. But it might as well have been a bomb. I could feel my eyes popping out of my head, "My Zuko has a true love and he never told me?"

"Cut him some slack, Ursa." Iroh suggested. "You've just reunited and as I've warned. He struggled greatly to accomplish this reconciliation. I wouldn't know about it either if I hadn't attended Sokka's birthday party last winter and your son hadn't sipped a little too much cactus juice."

"I know who Sokka is, I met him." I told the older gentlemen. "He's a good friend of Aang and Zuko's."

"He's also the beautiful Katara's older brother." Iroh reminded.

I nodded, "I remember that, but I have no idea what cactus juice is and I've never heard of any true love. Not in all of the things my son and daughter caught me up on.

"When Fire Lord Zuko was still Prince Zuko. He got to return home and restore his honor for finding the Avatar and defeating him. During that same brief timelapse I was jailed as a traitor, in the same dungeons where Ozai sits right now. That timespan when everyone thought the Avatar was dead? Remember?"

I nodded, that I remembered, who could forget? It was such a strange and important time. That had felt like all of the hope had gone out of the world. Even for those of us who lived within the Fire Nation. It was only lifted when the Avatar turned out not to be dead and tried to attack the Fire Lord (Ozai) again during Sozin's comet.

"During that short time, he was able to start a romantic relationship with the lovely Mai. Perhaps you can remember her. She's the governor's daughter and has known Zuko since they were very young."

"Mai?" I jumped out of my chair so quickly it flew out from behind me and toppled over on the ground loudly. I picked it back up and reclaimed my seat calmly, ignoring Iroh's chuckles from behind his hand.. "That same Little Mai? Who was pushed in the turtle-duck pond with my son all those years ago? Azula's friend Mai? The shy one that was always so timid and quiet? Afraid to talk to anyone or make eye contact for more than a second? That Mai?"

"Yes, the same one, " Iroh smiled fondly. "She's grown into such a strong, capable, and fearless young woman. Who seems to love our Zuko very much." Then Iroh kindly went into the story that unravels the happenings at 'the Boiling Rock.' When my son had been helping Sokka find his father and escape the most notorious Fire Nation prison. How Mai had betrayed Azula and saved not only Zuko from being killed by his own sister. Mai had also saved several other lives escaping that day. Even when she knew it could have easily cost her her own life doing so.

Iroh was even detailed enough in this story to let me know. I didn't just owe Mai my thanks for aiding Zuko's escape from that horrible place. I also would need to thank Ty-lee, for without whom Azula would have killed both Mai and Zuko. But Ty-lee was an expert Chi-Blocker and she had incapacitated my daughter long enough for all to remain safe. Even if both of my daughter's now-former friends were locked away in the Boiling Rock for these efforts. Azula's descent into madness accelerated to new speeds and lows from there. Iroh swore that the girls time in prison was even more beneficial than Zuko's. It had been while serving out this time they'd both met up with and bonded with the remaining kiyoshi warriors (besides Suki, of course). The girls were both still deeply involved with those lady warriors.

I poured myself another cup of tea after that story. Warning Iroh, "We may need another pot before my nerves are anywhere near calm. Ever again, after this story session."

He nodded and smiled, "Already thought ahead, I prepared enough of the blend for a few pots. Along with a few more packets you can keep for even after I'm gone. Knowing this catch-up session could run long as they used to back in the day, I tried to be ready. It's been too many years since we could do this."

"Yes!" I agreed, "As anxious as some of these stories have gotten me. I can't even begin to express how good it has been sitting here with you and talking again."

"It has been fun." He smiled brightly, right before Iroh got serious on me, "As fun as this has been for the both of us, I'm afraid telling you all of this does have a sort of purpose in mind that isn't easy."

"A purpose?" I asked over the brim of my cup.

"I didn't just tell you all of this because I expect you to sit idly by and let this continue to evade him." Iroh clarified. "I told you because I'm a bit out of my depth here, and I'm gonna need your help if we're gonna help the Fire Lord make this right again."

"I beg your pardon?" I heard myself asking as my cup clanked clumsily to the table.

Iroh admitted, " I believe Zuko needs our help, yours and mine. If he's ever gonna stand a chance getting things back on track with the person he truly loves." I was stunned to silence while Iroh went on, "I don't know all of the details of what happened between them. All I have been able to surmise is that she was hurt terribly when your son was struggling with all of the endgame aftermaths of becoming our ruler. It's a suffering that's still so raw for both of them. They appear to be struggling to get through it. Even when they have been finding themselves in each other's company more often since apologies were exchanged. Since she's the governor's daughter, part of team Avatar and an honorary Kiyoshi warrior."

I did manage to ask, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the Kiyoshi warriors the personal protectors of the Fire Lord now?"

"Yes, they are so you can imagine how many time's your son has tried to utilize those opportunities to make things right. And how often he has failed when Mai wasn't in the mood for humble pie." Iroh kindly explained.

"Hmm, yes I can." I had to say as my palm slapped to my forehead. Zuko had always possessed a certain bluntness and tactlessness in any apology. Even if it is heartfelt and genuine. That had to be murder for any girlfriend or female friend in his life. It sounds like that could be a factor, but I really wanted to see if that was all that was going on. Iroh had admitted that he hadn't been around when these things had happened. He'd only heard about this through hearsay, I wanted to hear what was going on here from the sources themselves… my son and Mai.

A plan was already starting to form itself in my head. But even as those plans wrote themselves. I looked over at my long-time friend and asked him, "If we were to try and help… Where do you think we should begin?"

Iroh smiled with relief and clued me in, "I suggest we talk to them both before the party and gather what we can about what's going on. But we can plan that out better later, right now I want to hear all about your new family. I can't wait to meet them."

I had to admit, "I can't wait for you to meet them either.

Thankfully, my new family has accepted Iroh completely as well. One dinner, was all it took for him to completely win them over. Kiyi even calls him "Uncle" like her big brother. My new husband was laughing and joking with him by the end of that meal. Since Iroh had arrived a few days early to help out. He stayed with us at our home, and helped as much as he possibly could. Kiyi even felt the need to show Iroh all of her dollies and stuffed animal toys. When she asked him to play the next day. He still remembered all of their names and personality traits. He's just the kind of soul you don't meet every day.

We worked on perfecting the party location, decorations and menu first. Which wasn't easy since some guests would be arriving days early. Who needed places to stay and meals to eat but even this was made fun. Because Iroh really knew how to party, he even had a secret white lotus detail happening once Sokka arrived to make certain no cactus juice appeared at this gathering. I would have never known I needed to do that.

After a few days of teamwork, Iroh received word that the first group of arrivals would be arriving sooner than planned. Among those arriving were Mai and Ty-Lee. So Iroh got to work on figuring out a way for us to meet with them before my son is here. We ended up throwing a big welcoming meal for each group as they arrived.

The first of which thankfully welcomed, Mai and Ty-Lee. As well as Katara, Toph, and a few other Kiyoshi warriors my son has befriended. I had met Katara, she was just as kind and lovely as I remembered. I hadn't met Toph before (she had been starting a school of some kind), but she lived up to her reputation. She was so independent and bold, you easily forgot she was blind. Even when she had to remind everyone, she carried such a lightheartedness about it.

The other girls were all well-mannered and tired from their travels. But nothing could have prepared me for meeting with both Ty-Lee and Mai after all of these years. Ty-Lee who looked somehow even more beautiful than I recalled. Had walked down the exit ramp of the airship on her hands. With her feet dangling over her head, I had forgotten both of my children mentioning she'd joined a circus once. Kiyi was instantly trying to learn how she'd done that. So my husband had to help her hang upside down and see if she could walk that same way.

That was when Mai had walked behind her, rolling her eyes. And reminding her friend that "We're not trying to impress a ring leader for more spotlight time. This is the former Fire Lady, and her family…show a little class." She'd grown and changed so much, I had to double-take. But if what Iroh said was true about her. My first impression was that my son did have good taste in woman.

Ty-Lee called back over her shoulder, "I know who's here Mai! I also know I'm not the one who needs to impress anyone. That stress is falling on another's shoulders."

"What?" Mai asked, crossing her arms and showing me all I need to see. To know she must be the perfect match for my Zuko. "I don't know what you mean."

Ty-Lee had summer-saluted and cart-wheeled easily back up the ramp to bother her friend. Asking, "Oh reeeeeeeeally?"

"What are you saying?" Mai demanded, showing she can be high-handed.

"You heard me." Ty-Lee trilled right back. "I don't need to impress aaaannnnnyyyy-one… but someone else... Maybe Zuko's girlfriend-"

"Ex-girlfriend." Mai corrected.

"You guys made up." Ty-Lee reminded.

"Yeah, but I've barely seen him since then." She said flatly but there was an undercurrent to her emotions that could have knocked me down. She may have grown and changed a lot, but her settle elegance and even more settle showing of her emotions hadn't altered at all.

Ty-Lee shot her friend a look before asking, "Does he know that?"

Mai asked her flatly, "What have I been saying this whole blasted ride here?" I would like to point out this conversation was all happening on the exit ramp to their airship. Ty-lee was already on her case, before Mai had even had a chance to touch her toes back to solid ground.

Mai continued to ask, "Were you even listening at all, or was I talking to myself the entire time? Again?"

Ty-Lee stretched impressively throwing a leg up high, over her head. As she recapped. "I heard everything, I just didn't think you were serious."

She pulled Ty-Lee closer to grit through her teeth, but Iroh and I could still hear. "Look, the whole boyfriend-girlfriend-thing. It didn't work for us. I only came because all of our friends are here, and I had to get out of my parent's house. Another minute in that place and I would have been placed in the padded cell next to Azula."

Ty-Lee said, "Don't kid about that."

"I'm not kidding." Mai insisted.

Ty-Lee switched legs and said. "Ohhhhhhhhh! I see now. So that's how you're going to be playing this game all weekend long? You're going to be all sulky and moody?"

"It's no game, it's no play, it's the truth. Zuko probably had nothing to do with the guest list and I was probably invited by mistake and me not dating him. Is the best for everyone." Mai insisted.

This was the moment Iroh leaned in to whisper to me, "Uh Oh. This may be worse than I thought."

I whispered back, "Don't give up, did you see how hurt she looked as she said all of that?"

Iroh admitted, "Her expression can be difficult for me to read. Zuko has pointed this out to me several times. But where I fail to read her sometimes. Zuko can understand her in a blink."

As Mai walked around her friend to finish exiting the ship, I quickly tacked on. "Let's at least talk to the girl first." Then I switched back into welcoming mode. "My Goodness Mai, how you've grown. I haven't seen you or Ty-Lee since you were both little girls."

They both bowed respectfully calling me, "Fire Lady Ursa."

Ty-Lee chirped, "How happy and free you look - Oww!" Mai elbowed her, Ty-Lee insisted, "What? She does, and she doesn't look like she's aged a day. And it's been years, what's you skin care regimen? It must be on point."

Mai warned, "Don't be rude."

Ty-Lee looked at me with those big watery-eyes and asked, "Was I being rude, did I insult you, my lady?"

"No, you didn't," I smiled, hopefully giving all the young gathered girls peace of mind. "It's been so long since the last time I was in your company. How could anything you said not be a compliment."

"See?" Ty-Lee shot back into Mai's face, like a little sister would. Even stuck out her tongue at Mai. for good measure.

Mai's reply was, "Real mature."

"Not gonna admit you were wrong?" Ty-Lee asked Mai's back as she walked away.

Mai didn't even blink as she fired back, "Be more careful." Then she turned back to me and said, "Forgive us. We're making such a scene on such a happy occasion. Thank you so much for inviting us, greeting us and even personally being here when we arrived. It's more than kind of you."

"Oh my pleasure, but it doesn't end there," I told them before Iroh took over.

"Ladies if you will follow these strong young men, carrying your bags and presents. They will show you to your rooms at the Inn. Feel free to wash up, or freshen up any way that you would like after your travels. Unpack your things, relax for a bit. Just don't forget, in two hours time, dinner will be served in the lovely courtyards. A great feast welcoming our first guest and we've planned a similar supper for each night till everyone's here."

Katara asked, "All three nights?"

"Yes, yes," Iroh smiled. "We're celebrating all of you, and I'm sure the birthday boy wouldn't have it any other way."

Toph said, "Iroh! You the MAN!"

Katara took Toph's hand to lead her a little more confidently into uncharted territory. As she passed us Katara nodded to me again and said, "So wonderful that you've planned all of this. Thank you for inviting us."

I had to take her hand and thank her for coming again. Especially when I know how strange and tough her first trip here had been.

When Mai passed and nodded, she was almost regal. But her face still seemed so sad… I felt more compelled to believe Iroh's assessment of the situation. Maybe these two did need our help.

As soon as all of the first arrivals had passed us to go get settled. Iroh turned to me and said, "I'm so glad that you agreed to help me. I don't know if I could have stayed so sure of our mission after hearing Mai just now."

As I took my old friend's arm, I felt the need to warn him. "I would totally agree with you…"

"But?" Iroh encouraged, knowing me too well.

"But…" I allowed, "I really don't know… but something about her. I don't know if it was her physicality or her eyes. I just have a feeling that there's more to it. More we need to find out."

Iroh had to add on to my evaluations, "Then probably a whole different side from my nephew as well. Looks like we have our work cut out for us."

He wasn't wrong, this dinner could be most interesting…

((Mai's Perspective))

Of course, all of us were sharing rooms with other guests. Naturally, my roommate for this entire trip would have to be Ty-Lee. A fact that overjoyed me immensely… Hmm, I guess sarcasm is harder to show when you're reliant on words alone…

Don't misunderstand, Ty-Lee is my best friend. I'm more comfortable with her than most, sharing with her was far better than a stranger. But I think part of my hesitancy comes from knowing her so well. I already knew what sharing this room would mean. And it was only one of two things. Either she would find a guy to spend all of her time with him. Missing all activities and functions leading up to the party, then the party too. To stay were ever her flavor of the week called home. Or she would find a guy to spend all of her time with here… and kick me out.

It's happened more times than I'm comfortable admitting. And usually, I don't care, but this was all so much easier when I had a boyfriend that I knew was my boyfriend. Instead of a teenager trying to be a Fire Lord. I was gonna lose that battle every time. When I had a boyfriend I didn't have to fret. If Ty-Lee locked me out, I had a backup plan. I could always crash with Zuko. It had happened before and get your minds out of the gutter he was a perfect gentlemen all night… besides, I was armed.

[And yes, I am always armed]

But from where we stood right now, I didn't even know if he would be happy to see me. How pathetic is that?

The more logical side of my brain was screaming at me, "What are we even doing here?" If not, "How did I ever let things get this sad?" Or, "This is nuts." I'd told everyone I'd only come to get away from my family. But the truth is…

I wanted to see it for myself, you know? If there was still a spark of hope… If I really was crazy or if… there was even the smallest chance that Zuko could still love me. If I could still love him… I felt like I couldn't move on. Like I couldn't do anything right till I knew for certain. Was there hope, or was it time to end this?

It was these questions (and several more), that had really brought me here. Regardless of anything else that happened this trip. I would have answers by the end of this… I just had no idea what those answers would be.

As Ty-Lee was already laying it on thick with the muscular and sweaty twins walking in front of us. Carrying our luggage to our room for us. I had to make a few things clear with my… companion and I had to make them clear as glass. I even tried to talk to her, along the decent stretch of walking. But she was too wrapped up in both boys to notice I was alive. Yet alone trying to get her attention.

So I was patient, and as soon as the doors slammed on those Body Odor ridden Beefcakes. I pinned Ty-Lee to the nearest wall by surrounding her in my knives.

Ty-Lee was so used to me and my methods of communication, she didn't shriek or gasp. She merely sighed and asked, "Is this really necessary Mai?"

"Yes, it is. When you're already flirting too hard to hear me when I call you. Knives are the only way." I reasoned.

She requested, "Well, can you hurry this up. Your knives are slitting my clothes in all the wrong places."

I dumbly asked, "There are right places?"

"There are sexy places, yes!" Ty-Lee informed me. ""I' d gladly demonstrate on the dress you're wearing right now. But Zuko may kill me if I make you that sexy for a day he isn't here, and so many body builders are."

I'd walked right into that one.

I had to make my point plain, "You can party and accompany whoever you like. I'm not gonna tell you who can or can't go with-"

Ty-Lee sighed again and asked, "Why do I hear a 'but' coming?"

"Because I'm not through yet." I insisted, before continuing. "But while we share this space you cannot take it over and kick me out. I don't care what the deal is. I'm asking you as a friend to please have my back while we're here. Okay?"

"Ohh! Boo!" Ty-Lee pouted, "But what if I meet the one and he still lives with his parents? We need some place to be alone."

"Find it someplace else. I don't have a backup plan since I'm not even sure I have a boyfriend anymore. Just don't even try it. Please. Just this once, really have my back and don't go all boy crazy all week long."

"Alright! ALRIGHT! Let me down, I don't want to tear this outfit anymore." Ty-Lee whined. When she impatiently tore herself away from the wall. Her top was torn beyond wearability and she was steaming. She was still so miffed at me, that she didn't even sit with me at dinner. She made show of taking over a whole table filled with guys…..

Yeah! I'm so gonna have nowhere to sleep tonight… and I'm also so gonna have to kill her.

As I was sitting and eating alone, I never expected in a million years for the former Fire Lady to come over and ask if she could join me. But she did after I had just finished up my salad. I had been planning to leave after that, not even partaking in the main courses served. But her ladyship had caught me right before I could make my escape and had said, "Aren't you gonna have some dinner too? I don't think that side salad will do the trick after your long journey here."

I had planned to take a little and pretend to eat it. But it turns out I was a lot hungrier than I realized. I finished my plate, not only that, but I actually enjoyed that time speaking with Lady Ursa. She reminded me so much of Zuko, in the way that she easily understood my intent. Not needing so much explaining and convincing of what I meant each time. It was nice… really nice.

We shared memories of Zuko when he was little. She'd asked about some of the things I remembered from the times she hadn't been around for. Even some of the tales about when he'd decided to join Team Avatar against his own father. I didn't betray confidences, but I may have added a little flair to what Zuko's Uncle had already shared.

All and all, it wasn't bad at all… not at all what I had been dreading. But then I looked up and realized, Ty-Lee and her flock of boys had disappeared. I excused myself respectfully and took off for my room. Only to see that it was too late, Ty-Lee had already done exactly what I had asked her not to, out of spite. Taken over our room and locked me out. Even though all of my things were inside, and even though I had specifically asked her nicely not too. (Well, as nicely as I could)

I knocked on the door right next ours, which turned out to belong to Katara and Toph. I used their balcony to climb onto the one we were supposed to be sharing. But Ty-Lee already had that door latched and deadbolted too. She waved to me merrily, stuck her tongue out [again] clearly thinking she'd won. Before she closed the curtains on me and my glare of death.

I got a glance at my reflection, it was terrifying. What could she be thinking.

Like these actions didn't turn my sight blood red for a moment of sheer unadulterated rage.

Contemplating multiple homicides - The ONLY real way they all got to keep breathing, Ty-Lee especially. Without any of my knives coming into play; was the fact that Lady Ursa appeared on the balcony I had just used to climb over here. If she wasn't Zuko's mother and the former co-ruler of our Nation. I would have bust through and taught Ty-Lee to NEVER mess with me. But Lady Ursa asked so kindly, "Mai dear do you need another place to rest, dear?"

"Huh?" I asked too shocked at her appearance to even form words.

She smiled and repeated, "Do you need another place to rest tonight? It looks like your roommate went to great lengths to lock you out."

When words would come, I said. "You-You've already done too much for all of us. I couldn't-"

"Oh don't worry," she waved off, with now both Katara and Toph standing on either side of her. "We've rented out this entire inn for my son's birthday. In a couple of days, it'll be full to the brim. Why don't you come with me and we'll find you another place where you can rest tonight. I'm sure we can even arrange for private quarters if you would prefer that. I can't say I blame you after this."

As she offered this, she held her hand out to me and I couldn't help but see a flash of my boyfriend through her. When he'd held out his hand to me in a similar gesture. Only I wouldn't take Zuko's hand at the time, and I did take Lady Ursa's. Let her help me back over to Toph and Katara's Balcony.

Katara offered, "You could stay here with us Mai, We've got plenty of room."

Lady Ursa spoke before I could, "That's very sweet of you girls. But there's no need for all of you to smoosh together in this room. When there's a whole building at our disposal. But Mai? Do you have any sleep clothes to wear?"

"I can just sleep in this, your Ladyship." I bowed my head appreciatively.

But Lady Ursa was quicker, "No of course you won't. All of your things are in there with Ty-Lee, aren't they? Come with me, I'll personally see to this matter myself. Thank you Katara and Toph for your help, but I'll take it from here.

From there I was led back down to where Kiyi [Zuko's youngest sibling] was sleeping on her father's shoulder. Lady Ursa relieved him of the little girl's limp form and promise her husband and Iroh that she would be right back. Then she led me to her home where she put Kiyi to bed, and left her in the care of an old-looking nanny type. Before she took me to her personal closet and let me pick sleepwear from her personal collection of spares. She even explained, she'd "tried to be prepared for anything that could happen during this party." Then she walked me back to a swankier suite. One much more made for a visiting King… or Fire Lord.

When I asked her, "Wouldn't a room of this luxury be more for your visiting son?"

She shrugged, "Maybe, but he's not here tonight and it gives me time to see where else I can place you after tonight. My husband has the layout plans for that. Zuko certainly won't mind if you inhabit it a night before he arrives. Don't worry, he'll never know any difference. The cleaning crews will take care of everything and the gown is yours to keep. Consider it a gift for such good dinner conversation. Besides, not everyone would be so understanding after being treated the way you were. Just get some rest and leave the rest to us."

Before I could begin to argue she bid me goodnight and disappeared. Leaving me in the huge royal-looking room. Now that all was quiet, I'd never felt more alone, not even when I was forced to go home to my family. As I changed and crawled into bed, I hoped for answers. I hoped that Zuko would be arriving sooner rather than later…

More than anything, I wished for there to be hope. That when he did arrive, whenever that was. I would know beyond a shadow of a doubt. Where I stood with him, whether he could love me, or not. And above all the wishes in my heart and mind as sleep came… None were more strong than the wish for Zuko's feelings being what they were before. When he'd loved me so obviously, I knew it. Because if I didn't see that spark, if there wasn't a chance or if he'd already moved on… My heart wouldn't just break, it would shatter. I don't know if I could ever put it back together to even resemble a heart anymore if that happened.

(Iroh's Perspective)

For about the millionth time, since I'd set out on this crazy idea. I was so grateful for Ursa's input, I know I couldn't have accomplished anything without her. Not only because she was female and I was surrounded by similar creatures. Vastly outnumbered and happily so… Ursa could understand Mai far easier than I could.

I had a much easier time chatting up Toph, who had been a good friend to me. Even before I knew who she was. I even talked to the Kiyoshi ladies, Ty-Lee, and Katara easily. But that Mai was an enigma, difficult to read and even harder to put at ease. She seemed so altered from when I had observed her with my nephew. She was so overly cautious, somehow more quiet, closed off and defensive. But while I was out of respect not bothering her, Ursa seemed to possess the same way of speaking with her as my nephew. I was able to cover for the former Fire Lady's attentions to Mai. With a little help from my new friends, Ikem and Kiyi. Between the three of us we managed to entertain the rest of the girls and make tonight all about them.

They enjoyed themselves and the meal, and we even played some party games afterward. Exchanging stories on the birthday boy all the while. I don't know which ones had made me laugh more. Ty-Lee's tales of Zuko in the early years, how Azula and her used to terrorize Zuko (she'd done a great job of only telling good times). The stories from Katara and Toph about Zuko as an enemy if not trying to be good and failing comically, Or the Kiyoish lady's tales of Fire Lord antics gone a rhy. They all kept it light-hearted and fun, and before we knew it the night was over. The ladies had all headed off to bed and I had received word on the guests arriving tomorrow morning, afternoon and evening. (Yes, we would be getting three shifts of new arrivals).

Before the meal had started, Ursa her family and I had agreed to have a meet-up for some tea after dinner. Not only would the tea be relaxing for all of us to hopefully sleep well. But this gave us a chance to meet up and exchange information we'd gathered for our hidden mission. "The Zuko-Mai Restoration Project,' for I knew no quest, no task or no gift my nephew received. Could possibly compare to the rejuvenation of his connection to his true love. I did need to let our hosts know about the meet and greets we would need to organize for the morning. But I was honestly more interested in whatever Ursa had learned from her lengthy talk with the stone silent Mai.

When Ursa finally joined her husband and me, after putting young Kiyi to bed. Her face, when she returned, was so conflicted. When we asked her what she'd been able to learn. She had to admit, "I don't want to betray confidences."

I assured her, "We're not expecting you to either."

Ikem totally involved in this now, asked his wife. "All you need to tell us is, do you think they're even a chance this could work? Could she still love Zuko? Or is she gonna break things off with him for good this time. Iroh shared while we were waiting for you what you two had heard Mai say earlier. Is there even a prayer?"

Ursa took a breath and had some trouble saying, "I think that Mai is terribly brave and strong young girl. She's had to survive so much, at such a young age, she's had to withstand more than anyone should have to and I can't believe I'm saying this about anyone. But my son is very lucky to have such a person love him as entirely as she does."

I think me and Ikem were both sitting slack in our chairs. I had felt an enormous weight lift off of my chest with those words. I stated, "So she loves him."

"Yes, she does, I know it…" My former sister-in-law verified before she pinched her chin identical to the way Zuko does. When he's perplexed and has to think really hard, their mannerisms still matched up so seamlessly. Even after so many years of being forced apart. Ursa thought out loud, "But for some unknown reason. My son hasn't given that poor girl any assurances whatsoever. She doesn't even seem to think he'll be happy to see her. Glad she was invited."

Ikem reasoned, "Could it just be her way, I seem to remember Sokka teasing Zuko about his gloomy and pessimistic crush. Could that have been, Mai too?"

I (Iroh) shrugged, "Could be. Mai is more about the cloud than the sliver lining of life. But as I've warned, I've never possessed Zuko's ease of reading her. I believe you, Ursa, may possess that same dexterity of understanding her. Without complication or difficulty."

Ursa was so deep in thought, over her many revelations. After speaking with Mai, she almost didn't hear me. Then she perked up and said. "Thank goodness Zuko's arriving tomorrow. I have so many questions for him now. More than I did to start with."

"I do too," I let her know, "But right now I think we need to prepare for the arrival of all of those people tomorrow. Or we'll be overwhelmed and who knows what could happen."

Ursa and Ikem both agreed with me. Even if Ursa insisted on finding a place Mai can occupy without sharing with Ty-Lee anymore. Once that was worked out we got right to workon planning out the next two days… but of course not everything we planned there at that tea session went according to plan. Everyone arrived right on time as promised except for Zuko and his personal guards. Just the whole reason we're all here. I did receive a letter in Zuko's handwriting, expressing his apologies. Claiming urgent business was delaying him. He even promised for more explanation when he was able to arrive.

Even our guests all seemed a bit restless over the fact Zuko wasn't here. Until the last arrivals of the day arrived. Avatar Aang & Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe.

Aang personally came to me and said, "I'm sorry I couldn't bring Zuko with us. But he couldn't leave Capital City. His father was trying to break out of prison and he had to drop everything and deal with it. When we left, Ozai had finally been re-apprehended. He'd been using the heater ducts and crawl spaces. He nearly got away with it too. But Zuko had to make certain that Ozai didn't have any other schemes up his sleeve before he came here."

I had to agree with my nephew's judgment there. Ozai was always thinking and planning twenty steps ahead of his actions. It was probably better for him to wait and secure things before leaving the City.

Luckily the additions of Aang and Sokka to the dinner party that night. Had been all of the medicine needed for our wary guests. Nearly everyone cheered up and had fun…

Almost everyone… But again, Mai stood off to the side and couldn't seem to relax. I finally offered her some of my best tea for calming the nerves.

Mai asked me, "How did you know my nerves were a little rattled?"

"It takes one to know one," I observed, as I was sipping some for my own nerves. I told her, "Don't fret, tomorrow Zuko will arrive and his party will last all weekend."

Mai surprised me by sharing, "I don't know which has me more nervous. Zuko not arriving when he's supposed to. Or Zuko actually arriving."

I had to ask, "Why would his arriving make you nervous?"

"Because right now, I don't know how he feels or what he's thinking." Mai shrugged not making eye contact. "But I know when he's standing there, no matter what he feels. He can't hide it from me, I'll know it all in a glance."

I had to try and give this girl a little comfort. I said, "I know we haven't gotten to know one another very well yet. But I can assure you that I'll rarely know anyone as well as I know my nephew. And even during his banishment, you were all he talked about. So don't lose heart yet, don't give up on him just yet… okay?"

She gave me the teeniest smile and said, "Thanks," before she bid me, "Goodnight." Heading off to bed super early. Not feeling up to socializing I guess.

The next day the rest of the party guests arrived, but still no Zuko. Even at dinner, there was still no sign of the Fire Lord. No word of his possible arrival either.

Not till everyone had already gone to bed. Right around midnight, When Ursa, Ikem, and I had all been planning to hold the party till Zuko could get here. The Fire Lord finally arrived to his own party gathering, along with the rest of his Kiyoshi warrior guard. I had been half expecting him to arrive in his full-fledged Fire Lord formalwear. Thankfully he had gotten the chance to dress in plain clothes and more comfortably for travel. All of his warriors were dressed in common clothes as well and all of them had tied cloth masks to their faces. I didn't even realize they were who they were till Zuko was calling out to me, "Uncle!" And uncovering the lower portion of his face.

We were all so relieved to finally see him, we were all running over to greet him. Ursa reached him first and hugged him. Ikem too gave him a handshake that turned into a half hug as well. When my nephew got to me I could see we weren't the only ones relieved at his safe arrival. After that I got hugs from several of the girls I knew. Suki had been the first to start that trend.

So instead of this late-night planning session being dedicated to keeping everyone entertained as we waited for Zuko's delayed arrival. This was now a "Get-as-much-info-from-Zuko" Session. Before the party had to be our main focus for the next two days entirely. And while we fed him and his guard a very late dinner before they all retired for the night. I couldn't have eaten that late, but you should have seen all of those starved young people eating away. They won't always be able to do that.

Switching these gears seamlessly, Lady Ursa led this plan as soon as Zuko was seated with us. Loaded plate in hand, Ursa's began, "So all of your guests have arrived and been accounted for. All of them from the Avatar Aang to that little kid 'The Duke.' They've already turned in for the night but you can see them all tomorrow at breakfast."

"Good," He nodded, eating at the same starved pace as the rest of his traveling companions.

That was when Ursa finally got to ask, "When were you gonna tell me you had a girlfriend amongst these friends?"

Zuko nearly spat the mouthful of liquid he'd just sipped. "I never mentioned her to you?

"No." Lady Ursa clarified. "You never did, you also didn't mention that this girlfriend was Mai. One of your sister's closest friends growing up. Why am I the last to know?"

My nephew took a breath and explained, "I didn't mean for it to happen like this. I was supposed to originally arrive before everyone and bring you up to speed on everyone as they arrived."

Ikem and I reminded Ursa, (On Zuko's behalf) "That had been the original plan, at the beginning."

"I'm sorry that didn't happen, and because of that you had to find out the hard way," Zuko said evenly. Before asking, "How did you find out about Mai?"

I let him know that I had warned Ursa before Mai arrived. Zuko thanked me, but then Ursa pulled the focus back on her. "Do you love her?"

"What?" Zuko asked, not because he didn't hear her. I think he was just shocked at the question.

Ursa asked earnestly, "Mai? Do you love her?"

No hesitation, "Yes."

The former Fire Lady demanded, "Then why didn't you tell me? And don't blame this on Ozai's half-baked schemes either. This was all happening long before he was trying to escape and failing."

"Be-CAUSE!" Zuko loses control of the volume of his voice… and emotions. Starting again at a lower volume, "Because I didn't know if I would ever get Mai's forgiveness. Even after she's finally accepted my apology and agreed to try again… I don't know if I can ever make it right… Mother… the last time I saw you was Azula's birthday. I didn't feel right talking about me on her day. Not to mention she wouldn't let that happen."

"You still should have told me." Ursa still insisted.

"I should have," Zuko admitted, before asking. "Can you forgive me?"

Ursa gave her only son the stare-down, but then she rolled her eyes, uncrossed her arms, legs, and walked around the table to hug her son and say, "Of course I forgive you."

But when she pulled back from the embrace she asked him, "Why does Mai say the same thing about you?"

"What 'same thing?' You talked to her about me? What did she say?" Zuko asked all in one breath.

"She claims to not know if you'll even be happy to see her. If you even wanted her here. Or where she stands, which is pretty much the same thing that you just said. Why are the both of you so unsure about…well, everything?"

Then Zuko told a more cognitive version of what had happened right after his coronation. [The first version of this story I had heard had been told while he was under the influence of cactus juice at Sokka's birthday party… and crying] How of everyone he'd hurt, Mai had been hurt first and the most. It wasn't even the only time he'd broken her heart. So he had a lot to make up for.

I pat my nephew on the back and assured him. "You can do this, Zuko. Can't you see how very easy this is?"

"No Uncle, nothing about this is easy at all," Zuko said as he put his empty plate to the side and slouched down in his chair. Reminding me of my younger traveling companion before he was the Fire Lord.

"Zuko you're missing the big picture here." I had to make him see. "You love Mai, but don't know how she feels. She loves you and is just as confused about how you feel-"

"She said she loves me? She told you that?" Zuko asked in disbelief. Knowing how unlikely that is.

Ursa perked up and told him, "She might as well have confessed. It's in everything she says and does. It's so obvious son, and I never thought that I would ever tell any of my children this. Not even if I lived to be a hundred. But if you want to marry her, that is perfectly alright with me."

"MOTHER!" Zuko complained looking over his shoulder at the smugly grinning Kiyoshi warriors. Then he explained, "They've already been on my back since Mai and I broke up. Please don't make it worse, by backing them up."

Suki joined us and said, "Please tell me that you've been getting after him about Mai too. My girls and I have been giving him the business the whole way here tonight-"

Zuko interrupted, "And before you all gang up on me, I'm going to bed. It is my party after all. I would like a little sleep before dawn." I told Zuko I'd show him to his room, as he said good night to his mother and step-father. I announced to the Ladies at the other table. I would taking along any of the Kiyoshi Ladies who would like to turn in as well. So I lead a staggering sleepy group of young people to the Inn and told everyone where to go.

((Zuko's Perspective))

While Uncle was showing all of the warriors to the rooms surrounding mine. I took my keys and headed to bed. But the strangest thing about finally reaching my room. I couldn't sleep and my pillow smelled just like Mai for some reason. Even the covers…

I don't know how she did it, but I just know my mother is behind it. What's worse is the fact that my mother doesn't even need to do all of this. All the extra stuff trying to make sure Mai's on my mind. She's already all I think about!

I couldn't stop thinking about her when we were kids. When I was banished, when I came home… Notice how fast all of that happened? All month… all week… the whole ride here… I think I was even a little meaner to my father when I was dealing with him this time. Because it was keeping me away from where Mai was waiting for me. I'm not sorry about that either, he deserved it.

It didn't help that Suki and Company were all up in my business too. Talking about her all the time. As if she wasn't already, why are girls always in on things together?

The more I tossed and turned in my bed, the stronger the smell got. Till I couldn't handle it anymore and I stepped out on the balcony for some air. It was pretty cold out for this season. I could see my breath and would have been cold if it wasn't for a firebending trick. Since my trick was keeping me warm, I have no real idea how long I stood out there, thinking in the dark and cold. All I do know is that snapped out of it when the person in the room next to mine came out on their balcony.

The sound of the door snapped me out of whatever I'd been thinking. I was expecting one of the Kiyoshi warriors to question my sanity. But what I had not been expecting was to see Mai. Still in her nightgown, her hair was all let down and loose. Walking out with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. I wondered if I should say anything or just let her be. There was a weird divider thing blocking her from looking onto my balcony. But I could see onto hers because I'd craned my neck.

It was too early, I didn't want to bother her, I was going to slip back into my door before she ever noticed. But when I got to the door a knife just missed my head. To wedge itself into the crack of the door and made it impossible to open for a minute. When I turned around Mai had just leapt onto my balcony, in bare feet soundlessly.

"Mai!" I said happily, I couldn't help it. Even though she was looking at me like I was in deep trouble. I was still too glad to see her.

Not cracking a smile she asked me, "Where were you going?"

"Inside," I answered brilliantly. "It's the middle of the night, it's cold and I didn't want to disturb anybody."

"I saw your head peek around this wall," She said placing her hand on the divider. "You knew it was me. Why didn't you say hi? Are you avoiding me?"

"No, it's just the middle of the night and I can't sleep." I said honestly, prying her knife outta the door and handing back to her. "I didn't know if you were up for company so early."

"I can't sleep either," Mai said, her tone shifting to less suspicious and more normal conversation.

"Why can't you sleep?" I asked, it couldn't be that she was uncomfortable. I'd only seen her this relaxed a handful of times in my life. Even in the dark setting, I knew she was beautiful.

She shrugged her shoulders at me soundlessly, but I notice a shiver in there too. I pointed at my door and asked, "You wanna try this talk in a warmer place?"

"I don't know, are you up for company this early?" She threw my own words back in my face.

"Not normally, but for you, I'll make an exception," I said. Opening the door for her and letting a little light out from inside. In even that dim lighting she took my breath away, as she walked past me and entered my room. I was right on her heels and shutting the door behind me.

Once inside, I could really see her, while I could just make her out when we were outside. The nightgown she was wearing was simple and burgundy. But made from much lighter material than her usual clothes. The blanket around her shoulders was so dark gray it was nearly black and Her hair was a little wavy from the way she usually has it styled. But it was way further down her back than normal and when she turned around to look at me. All of the breath I had been taking just left me.

"What?" She asked.

I had to think of something to say, anything… "ah… are you… cold?" I asked but I know my face told her I knew that question was so lamely obvious the moment I asked it.

"No, I'm just shivering because of the whole can't sleep thing." Mai said sarcastically.

"Want me to build a fire?" I asked pointing at the unlit fireplace nearby.

"You don't have to do that, I know you're not cold." She said as she took a seat on the couch. Right in front of the still unlit, chimney. "Firebenders are never cold."

I stole the seat beside her and asked a little anxiously, "Want me to warm you up then."

"Do you want to get that close to me?" Mai asked looking me in the eye, not blinking.

I couldn't help it I was honest again when I told her, "You have no idea, how much."

Mai almost smiled but caught herself. "Let's come back to that in a minute." But it was too late the fireplace may have still be left unlit. But there was another flame that had come to life and it was a scorcher.

"But Mai," I tried to reason. "That dress is much too thin, your feet are bare and you're not even a firebender. Let me help you."

She was firm and she was precise. "Then light that fireplace, we need to talk before anything else."

I only turned my head to use the fire-breath method of lighting the wood already set there. The heath was bright in seconds. Smoke was still coming out of my nose when I agreed with her. "You're right. We do need to talk. Is that why you couldn't sleep."

"No," She lied for the first time and I could tell. "I couldn't sleep because I miss my bed."

"Your bed… Mai you hate your bed." I reminded her. "Your parents never let you pick it out and you always hate whatever they get."

"Then I miss the couch in my favorite hiding spot, happy?" She asked.

"I'm never happy," I replied, with my straightest face.

"Now who's caught in a lie?" Mai shot right back. "I've seen you happy."

"Maybe, but that's because I'm only happy… when I'm with you." I tried, but Mai didn't buy it.

"If that's true then why has it been so long since I've seen you?" Mai asked, and it was a really good question.

I explained, "The same reason I was late by three days getting here. My father."

"You're father, what can he do? He can't firebend anymore." Mai rationalized.

"But he can do his best to ruin my life by innocently sitting bend those bars." I argued, explaining further. "His new game is escapism, everytime you turn around he isn't in his cell any more because he's in the pipes of sewage, in the ducts, in the ceilings or floors. It's been terrible." I complained.

But Mai pointed out, "You know it's not like the palace and my parent's house aren't very far from each other. I was making that trip as young as six or seven. I think you can handle it here or there to let me know what's going on."

"You're right, I need to do that more often." Looking at her face, I knew I had to explain why I hadn't been doing this already. "When it comes to things like my father's prison games. My sister's outbreaks. I've started keeping all that stuff very quiet and private. I don't even tell anyone else besides my mother usually. That's only because she asked me to-"

Mai cut in, "Why did she have to ask to? Why do I have to ask to? Why do you insist on shouldering those things all alone? It can't be healthy."

"It probably isn't… But… When it comes to Azula." I even hesitate to say the name now around Mai.

I truly underestimated her strength, "Was a friend. A good friend to me through a lot of bad times. Yes, she's sick. And yes, it can be tough to talk about her sometimes. But Zuko, we're in this together. We're a team, if we're gonna be together then we have to be able to trust and share… even bad things. Tough things and uncomfortable things. Do you hear me?"

"I do," I nodded, "It's just I know that I've hurt you. So terribly myself, I couldn't bare to hurt you anymore. So I just locked it all away."

"Then Stop." She said as she'd inched a little closer. I inched even closer, and sudden couldn't stop staring at her lips and she was staring at mine. I couldn't even remember the last time I'd gotten to be this close to her. It certainly hadn't been when she finally accepted my apology. She'd just walked away then, she wasn't walking away now.

When I came in closer, she backed up until she was against the back of the couch. I felt her ice cold hands press against my chest. Stopping me just for a minute. I took one and put it on my cheek. "How are you still so cold?"

"Sorry…" she said slowly, "We're not all firebenders."

I took the hand on my cheek, cupped it between both of mine before warming it with my breath. It wasn't firebending it was just science. Then rubbing it, the friction usually helps too. Then I did the same to the other hand. Never breaking eye contact.

Mai was talking the whole time I was doing this. "You know I almost didn't come here. I almost stayed home and let this all happen without me. I hadn't seen you in so long, hadn't gotten to be like this with you in even longer… I honestly didn't know what to think... What to expect… what you were thinking. I came here to see if… if there was anything still here between us."

When I was finished I finally asked, "And what's the verdict?"

"Well…" She drew out. "There's a spark here or there, but I seem to remember… fire."

"Me too." I smiled goofily, I couldn't see myself but I felt so goofy.

Her smile was gorgeous, and she shrugged, "But I still don't know if we can ever find that… flicker again."

"Well," I said so happily, "Let's test that theory." Then I finally got a hold of her waist, pulled her to me in that super short distance and connected my lips to hers. The first feeling that slammed into me full force was overwhelming relief. It really had been too long and I mentally promised to never again go this long without this. It was so much better than I remembered. It was fireworks and stars, heart's pounding and oxygen was never more overrated.

Neither of us wanted it to end and when we finally did stop it was only because we both needed to catch our breaths. We ended up laying down somewhere along the way. Me pinned in place and she sat on top of me. If she wanted to remain there and skip the party. That would have been okay by me. As long as there were going to be more kisses like that.

When I could speak again I asked her, "How… can you… possibly… think, that I… don't love you? How is that… even a thing?"

She kissed me again and again before she answered, "I… I…" I could hear her trying to speak. But she just couldn't.

She tried again, "I didn't… know… wha-what to think."

"But my mother and uncle bo-both… said… that yo-you said… something about me… not wanting you here?… not inviting you?… not happy to see you?… How can you e-even think?"

"H-How could I know?" She asked. "How could I be sure? When you were locking everything away? Like you said?"

"Well. if you need to know, let me tell you." I said as she crawled off me and let me sit up. "Let all of that doubt and other stuff fall away and hear me now. Okay?"

"What?" She affirmed.

"I love you, okay? I have always loved you? Nothing's ever going to change that, yeah? The reason I even wanted to return to the Fire Nation at all was you. The reason I wanted to restore my honor was you. Because I knew I wanted to be with you then and I needed it to impress your father. I've never stopped loving you and I'll never stop loving you. So don't even think for a minute that anything can ever change that."

I had more to say, the words were all just coming out me like a damn had broken or something. But I had to stop because someone was pinning me again and my mouth was otherwise busy.

When we finally did pull apart and again and Mai could talk again she said. "I know this is your birthday and the magic is supposed to be with you today. But this is all I've hoped and wished for… for months."

"So have I," I said helping her get some of her hair out of her face. It was just everywhere.

"I can't believe how long it's gotten," I had to compliment.

She made a face and said, "I need to cut it-"

"No-no-NO, you don't." I may have overreacted. But she was smiling. "I love it." I said brushing my fingers through it.

"I love you." She said clearly. "I'm only sorry I haven't told you more often-"

I tried to stop her right there, "I don't want you to just say it all the time. I want you to stick with what you've been doing and saying it when you really feel it."

She looked at me hard and said, "You knew that's when I said it?"

"Of course, I know that when you say it. It's only when you really mean it, which is why I love hearing it that much more." I hope I didn't sound too dumb explaining.

"You're so adorable," she told me, which is usually the last thing any guy wants to hear. But I was so gone in that moment with her I was all goofy again.

"Really?" I asked, "You think I'm that cute?"

"Oh, the cutest." she said with so much sarcasm I laughed really loud. We both shushed each other and smiled.

(Mai's Perspective)

I have no idea when or how it happened anymore. But I woke up the next morning, sound asleep in the middle of my boyfriend's bed, with his arms wrapped around me and his face all smooshed into my hair. He'd yanked me out of my side and pulled me over to the middle. I know because I don't usually move at all when I'm asleep. I usually always wake up exactly how I fell asleep.

I couldn't get up because he had me by my hair and my nightgown. I had to roll to face him and plea for him to loosen his hold. But the only changes this accomplished was him holding on tighter and fighting a smile.

I started to slap at him and insist, "Zuko! Really, I need to move. Or you need to move. One of us has to move, right away."

He remained unrelenting and I really needed to use the bathroom. Plus, I really needed to probably crawl back over to my own room before the others saw that I'd slept here. Just because some of them (Ty-Lee for sure and possibly Zuko's mother) could get the wrong idea. Even though they couldn't be more wrong in those assumptions.

We were making up after missing each other, nothing more or less.

As Zuko's smile grew, I knew he was awake. He mumbled, and groaned. "Can't we stay like this a little longer?"

"You're on my hair and you're pinning me down by my clothes." I informed

He let me go but before I was free, he caught me in a more comfortable hold, nearly killing me by saying so sweetly, "No… Stay." He even threw in, "It's my birthday, don't I get any say in how we do this?"

"Do you remember what they did for your birthday last year?" I asked.

"No, why bring that up?" He said finally cracking his eyes slightly open at me.

"Because last year, Aang, Sokka and all the rest of Team Avatar surprised you with a big happy birthday thing at dawn." I reminded him.

As he remembered this, he said, "Your right, what time is it now?"

"It's five minutes before dawn. They're likely do something like that again, I have to go." Then I managed to wiggle out of his hold and grab the blanket I'd been wearing when I came in here last night. Before heading back for the balcony starting to climb back. I didn't even know Zuko was right on my heels till he was catching my hand and saying, "Wait a minute! Why can't you just use the door?"

"I can't take the chance of bumping into anyone and your door is probably where they all are." I pointed out and also added, "Besides this was how I got over here. I'm fine."

But before I could swing my weight and make the jump. I felt arms wrap around me and I felt myself being pulled back to him. I turned my head back to question his motives. But before I could say a word he was kissing me. Pressing me against that divider (Which was thankfully concrete) and I felt like we really were our ages for a minute.

"We gotta st-...Stop kissing like…. Teenagers." I complained.

But he must have felt the same way I did. Because he smiled at me so happily and reminded me. "We are teenagers, Mai. And if I didn't love our friends so much. I would steal you away on an air ship and spend this birthday alone with you."

I learned my forehead against his and said, "I love our friends too, but your other plan is a great idea for my birthday, you know."

"I'll be keeping that in mind." He promised.

When i went to leave again, he grabbed me again, promising. "Just one more, one more!"

I kissed him one more time and finally crossed back to my own balcony. While he was still holding my hand I said, "Happy Birthday Hot Shot."

He kissed my hand and said, "Thank you, and don't go too far away."

I promised I wouldn't and could hear the Gaang bursting in almost immediately the moment I was back on my "Private" balcony. "ZUKO!" They all cheered, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

I could hear him smiling ear to ear as he said, "YOU-GUYS! The SUN isn't even up yet!"

I went back inside of my room, to use my own bathroom… finally. And then busied myself with finding something to put on my bare feet. As I was looking through my bag. I realize that I had left my slippers sitting next to my bed and forgot to pack them. But just as I realized this, a hand appeared dangling my slippers in front of my face. A hand belonging to my best friend. "You almost left these on your nightstand. But I spotted them and slipped them in my bag."

"What are you doing here? The birthday boy's next door." I told her as I closed back up, my bag to place it neatly in the closet.

"I know he is," Ty-Lee said taking a seat on my bed. "I just came from over there and don't tell me you haven't spent all night making up with him. Because I know that's what you've been up to."

"I don't know what you mean," I denied, but Ty-Lee was resolved.

"There's no way you two haven't made up. It was all over his face figuratively and literally. He couldn't stop smiling… Zuko! Smiling! Not to mention his lips were just as kiss swollen as yours are… you kids need some chapstick! And I tried to talk to you last night but you weren't here."

"Maybe I was asleep." I crossed my arms and leaned against my closed closet door.

"No, because I snuck the spare key from downstairs and let myself in. You weren't here." She said like I wasn't gonna raise hell about her basically breaking into a room I have privately because of her antics. Insisting on locking me out.

"Why the hell did you break into my room? When you know I'm still mad at you?" I asked.

Ty-lee pouted, "Because you're mad at me with good reason. I see that now and I wanted to apologize… seems I'm not the only one."

I figured it out, "You got dumped didn't you?"

"And locked out!" Ty-Lee bawled hugging me.

A knife was in my hand so fast as I asked, "Is he still in there?"

"No," she whimpered pathetically. "I reported this all to the former Fire Lady and he was kicked out by local authorities. But while I was spending so much time in the main lobby. I slipped behind the counter and stole the extra key. So I could talk to you… BUT-YOU-WEREN'T-HERE!" She bawled some more.

"Well, I'm sorry that you got hurt." I said as I pat her on the back.

"You are?" Ty-Lee asked wiping at her eyes.

"No, I'm not!" I said pushing away from her. "You deserved it after treating me the same way. When you knew how nervous I was about how this whole week was gonna go. I even told you specifically not to ditch me and you did it anyway."

"I know, I got what I deserved…" She owned, "But when the chips were down and everyone kept asking me if I was alright. I realized I was fine, letting go of all of those guys. What I wasn't okay about was the fact that we weren't talking."

When I stayed silent, Ty-Lee went on. "I have a bunch of sisters exactly like me, that don't know me. Azula went nuts, and out of all of that. You became more my sister than any of them. I think I wasn't even treating you like you were my friend anymore. I think I was even treating you more I like I would treat them-"

"Well, cut it out!" I clarified, "I don't have a sister. Just one slobbering baby brother… But, if I had to pick out the friend who was the most like a sister. You would be the first name that comes to my mind too. Even if most of that is because of how crazy you make me."

"Aww!" She squealed in my ear hugging me, "See you do love me."

"I do, but please the next time I'm so serious about something. Don't ignore it… even for a cute boy."

"I promise I will be good!" She said before, I saw her eyes drift to behind me and she made a strange face.

When I asked out loud, "What's that face for?"

She shook her head and said, "I'll catch up with you more at breakfast… that is if I can stand to be anywhere near you two. Catch you later." I sat there confused about what she could have seen. Then she waved, not turning around and said, "Hi birthday boy! Bye, you birthday devil! Be a gentleman, she's armed!"

Zuko came in and said, "Bye Ty-Lee!"

I asked, my [for certain] boyfriend, "Aren't all of the others still over there in your room?"

"No," he smiled. "They wanted to wake me up and when they saw I was already up. They all wished me happy birthday and went back to bed."

"I don't remember it quite going that way last year." I pointed out while he reeled me in slowly tugging on my left arm.

"Because last year I was asleep," he explained sneaking a kiss. "Completely asleep. And last night I was awake most of the night making up with my girlfriend."

"How heartless of her," I said, as I put my arms around his shoulders. "Keeping you up all night like that when you have such a big day ahead of you."

"Nuh," Zuko said, like the little punk I'd started dating in the first place. "I don't think sleep has ever been more overrated than it was last night."

I whispered, "Sorry we were up all night talking… and not talking."

"But the not talking was the best part." He smiled. "It even brought me back over here to ask you to please come back to bed. Everyone else went back to sleep, we've got time. I just don't want to spend another minute away from you that I don't have to."

I admitted, "Me either… but what if more than Ty-Lee finds out about this? What if they get the wrong idea? What about your rep-"

"My reputation?" Zuko finished for me. "Mai, I've loved you as long as I can remember. That sentence you just said wasn't you or me. That was your parents," He was right. He'd seen right through it. "And I could care less what anyone thinks of me or my choices. This is my life, I'm proud of where I am, and right now. More than anything, I'm proud of us. Of this, you and me. What we've always had between us."

I had to admit, "I am too."

"Let them talk, let them try to stir up trouble or jump to conclusions. I really don't care, all I care about is you. Okay? And we know the truth."

"Okay." I nodded and I bit the inside of my cheek hard. Trying not to smile, but I still couldn't help it. I was smiling like an idiot as he pulled me in for the best hug I can ever remember having. Then we crawled back over the balcony and went back to sleep for a little while. Before getting up to start the day.

((Iroh's Perspective))

I wish I could say that Ursa, Ikem and my efforts were fruitful. That we were the one's who had managed to help my nephew find his way back to the love of his life. But I have to admit so much more pride is in me telling you, this whole operation was unnecessary. That somehow overnight, Zuko and Mai not only found one another. But they made up, and when they strolled down to breakfast this morning hand and hand. No one was more thrilled for them than those gathered in that courtyard.

The rest of the weekend went just as well, and harmoniously. My nephew even boasted at the end of it that it was the best birthday he'd ever had. But I think we all knew. Nothing could have possibly competed with getting Mai back when he did and how he did.

The first moment Ursa was able to speak with her son, she told him. "Now you know what comes next right?"

"No, what?" The young Fire Lord inquired.

"Now you just have to make sure you don't let her get away." Ursa encouraged.

"Trust me Mother," Zuko grinned. "You definitely don't have to worry about that."

When the whole weekend of fun was over and it was time to go home. Ursa surprised me by hugging me and saying, "Thank you so much for all of your help. And for making everything so much more fun, just being here."

I told her, "I had a blast too, we'll have to remember this and scheme a lot more things together. Don't you think?"

Ikem shook my hand and told me, "You're always welcome here, friend."

"Thank you, my friend." I returned, and little Kiyi insisted on me taking one of her Kanga-bunnies. Claiming he would bring me luck. I think she's right. Because to have a such great and dedicated bunch of friends. We truly had to be very lucky.

But it would seem that Zuko is even luckier.

Because just before everyone could leave, Lady Ursa presented her son with an envelope. Claiming, "It would seem I'm giving you a last minute gift before you leave."

"Mother, my birthday was Saturday, you keep it." Zuko said handing it back.

But Ursa insisted, "No son, you're gonna want to keep this one for yourself."

"What is it?" He asked opening the unsealed paper container.

His mother explained, "The Innkeeper felt bad about his former staff taking over Ty-Lee's room, kicking her out. Also, Mai getting locked out of her room on the first night, and whatever else happened during this weekend. He gifted you a free pass, two free nights whenever you want to use them. I figured since I heard you telling Mai that a part of you had wished to be here alone with her. It might be just the thing to make this weekend truly perfect... Even if I think you're a bit young for such isolation."

"Mother, I'm the Fire Lord!" Zuko reminded.

"You're also my baby, no matter how old or big you are."

Lady Ursa did just get this out before her son was asking, "Really? I can use them Anytime? Can I use it now?"

Ikem asked helpfully, "Can you afford to miss anymore time?"

"I'll make time if I get to spend it with Mai. Did the Inn keeper say I could really use it whenever?" He asked.

"That's what he said," Kiyi confirmed for her big brother. Before he took off like a shot out of a gun. To see if it could really be done. As the rest of us left, to return to the normal order of things. My nephew could be seen carrying Mai back inside the Inn over his shoulder. My guess is that those free nights were redeemable today, and by the time the Fire Lord did return to his palace. I think he could safely boast having the best birthday weekend ever.

Like I said, some people just have all the luck.

But if anyone deserved such bragging rights, it was our Zuko and Mai.

That's all folks!

Thank you so much for reading, please write in if you can I hope you're having a great day and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85