1. Dancing

Sitting in a party hall, making small talk with people she felt like she was supposed to know was not Mai's idea of fun. It might be fun for Ty Lee, for socializing was her wheelhouse.

But Mai hated them.

If there was a plus side to breaking up with Zuko, it was that she was no longer required to attend social events. But ever since they 'd made up, she was subjected to these things.

She could feel everyone's judgemental gaze on her. They loomed over her like a sparrowkeet waiting to seize food. Over the years, she'd gotten quite good at reading people. She could see through the party goers' veiled insults and fake words.

Mai forced a smile at the crowd of noblewomen next to her. They were gossiping over something, it seemed. One of the girls seemed to be telling a story whilst the others giggled and simpered.

She was about to move away and join some other crowd, when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

'Care to dance?'

Mai spun around. Zuko stood in front of her, his hair looked dark brown in the light of the hall, his golden eyes bright.

'You know I hate dancing,' Mai said. She picked at the edges of her dress.

'That doesn't answer my question,' Zuko said playfully. She rolled her eyes at him.

'Please,' he begged. 'Just one.'

'Fine,' Mai said. 'Just one, though.'

He led her to the dance floor as the song changed. The music had taken a rather melancholy tune. Mai found that she didn't mind.

Zuko twirled her around, just about avoiding stepping on her toes.

'Sorry,' he muttered.

Mai squeezed his hand to reassure. He squeezed back. His hand landed on her waist, pulling her closer. Her hand slid from his shoulder to his chest. Absentmindedly, she traced the Fire Nation emblem on his chest.

Their feet swayed, only moving because they were expected to. They were practically hugging now. Mai could feel Zuko's warm breath on her neck. Shivers ran up her spine.

Zuko removed his hand from Mai's and placed it on her waist. Mai instinctively moved closer.

Huh. Turned out all those proverbs were right. Actions did speak louder than words. While words did offer reassurance, Mai's actions were the ones that always spoke louder to Zuko. And she felt the same.

Zuko inched closer and Mai could see herself reflected in his eyes. Their breaths mingled. Zuko lifted his hand to cup Mai's face. His own eyes closed and Mai followed suit.

Their kiss was solid and steady. Mai didn't care who saw them as she snaked her arms around Zuko's neck. He pulled her even closer and it was a miracle they hadn't fallen over.

Mai broke the kiss but neither released their hold on the other. Zuko sent a dopey smile her way. It did wonderful things to Mai's insides.

He took her hand and made to exit the floor, but Mai pulled him back.

'Another one?' she asked. It occured to her that she looked stupid, with her pink cheeks and shy smile. Zuko grinned at her.

'I thought you hated dancing,' he said, pulling her closer, still.

'I'm willing to tolerate this one for you.'

They started moving again. She could hear the music and people talking, but she didn't care.

It was just Mai and Zuko now.