A Kiss in Ba Sing Se

[A/N: When is a game, more than a game? Some things are toxic, even if they are labeled... game.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar: The Last Airbender

Enjoy!

Comment if you wish! ]

Chapter 50

The Game Begins

"Hey, where is Avatar Woody?" the princess teased as she entered the suite, followed closely Lady Mei Mei.

"Good one Toph!" Sokka exclaimed throwing up his hands, "I didn't think of that !"

Katara turned magenta as her eyes and mouth popped open. "Toph!" she screamed in a high-pitched voice. "You're the worst…. an-and you call yourself a... princess!"

"Nope, actually everyone else calls me princess, I just call myself Toph," the earthbender answered as she pranced by a tray of goblets, taking a full one. "You, you can simply call me, Amazing, Sweetness."

Spontaneous laughter rose up all around them and the mood in the room became much lighter, obviously at the waterbender's expense.

"I'll, I'll call you an... idiot!" Katara roared back, her blue eyes flashing.

Sokka looked over at his sister in surprise, "Take it easy sis, aren't you going a bit overboard here?"

"Ahh... don't worry Snoozels," Toph gasped between laughs, "the Queen is just being her usual self-conscious self."

"You started this Toph," Katara reminded her, "...but she who laughs last… um… well, laughs! That's all I'm saying!"

"Whatever... Suga," the earthbender retorted as she sipped her drink. "Yuck! What is this earth-awful swill! Bring me some sweet wine! This is a party for spirits' sake!" she commanded as the attendants started to scamper.

"Hey Toph, why did you change your clothes again?" Suki suddenly asked.

"Your hair, it's done up differently as well," Mai pointed out. "I like it. That suits you very well, more refined and mature a style."

Toph started to become extremely self-conscious herself and knew that now that it was pointed out, Katara's keen eyes would be giving her the once over as well. "Hey everyone, please get something to eat and drink! The night is still young, and so are we. Let's have some fun. You're all sitting around like a bunch of old, grumpy men. I expect that from the Queen here, but the rest of you should be enjoying yourselves... what gives?"

"Nothing gives... and seriously Toph, we have eaten already, waiting for you and Aang," Katara replied as she accepted a refill on her wine. "I don't know how much more I could put away... but why did you change? she quickly shifted subjects. "I mean, it's nice seeing you dressing better, and in clean clothes, but why? What you had on was really pretty. Now you're wearing a simple brown dress, a bit low-cut and loose in the top, in my opinion," she threw in with a roll of her big blues. "So, what gives?"

"I'm not asking your opinion," Toph expressed with a forced smile. "But if you must know, Madame Fussy Britches, my head was hurting so bad by the time I got to Lili's room, she gave me some medicine that made me sleep. When I woke up, she insisted my clothes looked too... oh yeah... frumpy, even for a causal affair. Of course for her, my hair was a mess too," she elaborated even further as she fed them the staged lines. "If I had my druthers, I would have just come as I was, I can't tell how I look!" she exclaimed waving a hand before her cloudy eyes in her usual manner.

"Oh, uhmm... I can tell you Toph, you look really nice," Katara threw in, now feeling bad about Toph's head again. "Just don't bend forward in front of the guys."

The metalbender relaxed internally as she felt everyone accept her alibi. "Sure thing Sweetness, no bowing to anyone... like I ever did anyways!" she laughed.

"Told you it would work," Mei Mei whispered into her ear from behind.

The Avatar had finally made it to the apartment as well.

"Took you long enough to polish that little thing off Twinkle Toes," Toph commented as he passed her by. "I know you have more practice at it than that, or don't you know how to handle your staff?"

"I didn't know you cared so much about how I handled my staff... Sifu?" he replied in a sanguine tone that made her heart skip. "Maybe next time you could instruct me upon the proper technique. Or maybe even offer this humble student... a hand?"

The whistles and comments from their friends accentuated the princess' feelings of discomfiture. To top it off, the airbender had sent a warm wind kiss pressing upon her neck, just below her ear. It created a tremor that passed through the center of her body and threatened to undo her. Her thighs almost reflexively began to rub together.

"Pervert," was the only reply she could barely breathe out.

"Great comeback," Sokka complimented him.

"Sokka, I thought you had a few zingers to try out on him?" Zuko asked to the side.

"Uh... no way man. I'm not gonna take him on!" the regent out-rightly refused. "Did you see the way he just dissed Toph, he's on a roll!"

Finally Aang stood before the seated waterbender. He reached over and took Katara's hand, kissing the back of it with a long and endearing press.

The waterbender smiled happily, letting her eyes roll up into her head. "My, my, Aang. Now that was really gentlemanly and sweet. I didn't expect that."

"Just a little thank you for that last healing session," he replied as he looked up into her eyes. "Call it... a down payment."

Toph's desire to kiss him now turned into an urge to punch him in his tattooed head. "Hey Twinkle Toes, I don't know if you should be putting your lips on that. You don't know where it's been or the last time it's been washed," she jested tersely, turning her face away.

The blushing waterbender scowled at the smirking royal, "Careful princess, your eyes are getting greener by the second," Katara retorted with a victorious air. "Jealousy I hear is bad for the skin. You'll break out before your date, and wouldn't that be tragic."

"Ha, ha... so not funny Katara," Toph shot back. "You still didn't tell him when was the last time you washed that hand."

The waterbender appeared unfazed, "Unlike a certain someone we all know who is hygiene challenged, I wash my hands thoroughly every chance I get," she replied confidently. "Sit here beside me Aang, I'll get you something to eat. I'm sure you must be famished."

"Sure Katara," he replied, taking the sitting pillow that rested between her and Toph. "Thank you so much. You look very lovely tonight... and smell good too... uh, if I haven't already told you."

The waterbender flushed deeper as she played with the single plait that laid over her shoulder, "Thank you... Aang, it's nice of you to notice. I'll be back in a sec, okay?"

"Ugh," Toph snorted, pretending to gag. "Could we keep down the sugar factor here please people? This is making me ill! It's like listening to one of those sappy love plays! I feel like I'm gonna barf!"

Katara turned on her heels in mid-stride to address the snarky comment. "Maybe if had a guy of your own Toph, you'd appreciate the sugar factor more!"

The timing couldn't have been more perfect as Toph started to cough violently. She had been in the middle of taking a drink of her sweet wine when Katara delivered the scathing retort.

The Water tribeswoman grinned wickedly in satisfaction at the princess' reaction as she resumed her course.

"Toph are you alright," Aang asked, floating up to her side, "...it's coming out your nose!"

The choleric expression that greeted him caused him to recoil. "Do I look alright to you dunderhead? Of course, I'm not alright. Sugar Queen... is gonna pay… (cough)," she wheezed before another violent coughing spell seized her. Concerned servants were starting to gather around. "Don't just sit their like a badger-frog on a rock, (cough), go get me a towel or something Twinkle Toes!" she yelled, as she finally caught her breath.

The airbender was about to go retrieve one when Suki deftly tossed it to him. Her steady gaze gave him unnerved him as he turned his back to the warrior. "My love," Aang said in a little raspy whisper, "Suki is watching us very closely. You know, she and Sokka saw us in the park. I want to just put an end to all this and tell them how I feel about you."

Toph had the towel covering her mouth and nose as she spoke, "We can't Aang... we can't. Not until we know that Lili and the others are safe and our plan has been carried out. We're both going to have to endure this... pretense a bit longer. Just don't enjoy it too much. I know Sweetness can still give you a rise... even if I'm the one putting them down."

The monk shook at the memory. "Who's behaving now? You're gonna make me have a repeat if you keep that up," he blew out heatedly as she giggled. "Really, shouldn't you be mad at me or something Toph… I mean I did tease you just now and kiss my ex-girlfriend's hand?"

The world between them suddenly felt like it became very private. The princess removed the towel from her face to show a soft and demure smile. She dabbed lightly at her dress where it felt wet, mostly around her open cleavage. She felt his gaze drawn to it, the urge to play the role of the secret lover was more than a bit enticing. "This might actually be fun," she thought with a half grin.

Toph leaned forward as her top ballooned fully open, "Enjoying the view Twinkle Toes! I think it's a little... hot in here. What do you think... my lover-boy?" she whispered seductively.

He sat spellbound, staring at the divide of her breast that flowed down with graceful symmetry to the two dark and turgid nubs, suspended just above the delicate linen.

The crash of the plate as it it the floor startled them both.

"Aang... what by Tui and La are you staring at?" Katara scolded him as she ran up on them. "You sit up this instance Toph. Didn't I warn you about your top?"

The princess sat back in her chair,apparently cowering. "You were serious Karata? I thought you were just making a snide comment or something... I didn't take it for real! What... did something happen? Did he see something?" she asked with an impeccable child-like look clutching her top tightly.

Aang rolled back upon his cushion, "I-I-I-I... it was a mistake... I-I... didn't mean too... uh..."

Suki now walked over to survey the scene. "What happened Katara?"

"What happened, I'll tell you what happen Suki! While I went to get this... this..."

"Pervert," Toph volunteered.

The waterbender glowered at the young man, "Yes this pervert... some food and sweets, he was finding his own sweets apparently! I caught him feasting his eyes on Toph's boobs!"

"Again Aang, really?" the Fan Master asked shaking her head. "What's this fascination you have with our girl's tits?"

"I swear, it's not like that!" he pleaded looking between the two angry women. "This is just a misunderstanding!"

Zuko nudged Sokka as they were making another circuit through at the buffet. "Hey, what's going on very there. Looks like Aang is begging for his life."

Sokka sighed, "That's what you get when you break the golden rule about cleavage... look and turn, look and turn.. how many times have I told him."

Zuko put a hand on the regent's shoulder, "Give him time Sifu... he'll learn."

Mei Mei sided up to Lei as the GAang were finally quieting down. "So fill me in cuz, what's been happening with the weird bunch?"

Lei rolled her light green eyes, "Easier to say what's not been happening. Where should I start!"

"At the beginning... tell me everything," the boisterous lady insisted.

"Okay, okay... I'll tell you all, but you have to say what you found too Mei Mei, deal?"

"Deal, now spill it my little sapphic cousin and I'll set you up with that hot little chambermaid from the south wing that has had your eye. I guarantee, she's as sweet and juicy as a spring melon," Mei Mei told her with a swipe of her tongue across her top lip.

Lei beamed with excitement, "Okay, listen up. You know how Tall 'n Sexy had a meltdown in the bath with Shorty..."

"Yeah, I was here for all that," Mei Mei confirmed. "And Brown 'n Blue talked her down right?"

"Well, after that Smokin' Hot comes in and gets all concerned about Tall 'n Sexy and they get all lovey again... but I really don't think so. Tall 'n Sexy keeps giving the eye to Brown 'n Blue, but he's all looking away and pretending not to care. Shorty, well, she keeps eye'n, now get this, Smokin' Hot! He's like all red in the face... even for a firebender."

Mei Mei slowly shook her head, "You don't say?"

Lei nodded, "I do say. They definitely all have something going on. It's a fucking mess. Well, even when they were all getting ready to go see Arrows, Tall 'n Sexy almost throws down with Shorty. I think they probably would have if Get-Me-Wet wasn't there. Those knives they both carry... serious business!"

"Word!" she agreed. "Carrying all that hardware, I don't know how they keep from rusting in the rain."

Lei giggled at the joke. "I thought after they all came back from Arrows' room everybody would be cool, but then it started up again."

Mei Mei lifted and eyebrow, "How so?"

The other lady peered about at first to make sure no one was eavesdropping on them. "After everyone but Songbird and Arrows had come back, Get-Me-Wet starts to complain about Arrows not showing up because he had to rub a few shots out. Brown 'n Blue makes the peace for Arrows and all seems good but then Tall 'n Sexy starts up again with Shorty. Well, Smokin' Hot tries to settles things but Tall 'n Sexy turns on him."

"What got Tall 'n Sexy's panties' in a bunch?" the Toph clone asked.

Lei winked, "I figured it was because Shorty was sitting in Brown 'n Blue's lap, no doubt doing a little dry humping by the look on her face. Tall 'n Sexy didn't appreciate Shorty's lack of modesty, so she said, even though Smokin' Hot offered her is lap."

"So did they come to blows, tear each other clothes off and Shorty eat her out?" Mei Mei interjected with a toothy grin.

Lei cocked her head back with an incredulous scowl. "Uh, no, why would they do all that?"

The perverted Toph look-a-like shrugged, "Dunno, just thought about it. Shorty seems like that type of girl. At least I hope she is. She did let me give her a whole body massage this morning, and told me to take my time. She wasn't shy at all, or closed… if you know what I mean."

Lei glanced over at the Fan Master with renewed interest. "Really, whole body… nude?"

Mei Mei nodded, "As the day she was born. I left nothing, and I do mean nothing, untouched and she was… well attended. Even gave me a little kiss and said, see you tomorrow cutie, maybe I'll do you. I think she's much like me, enjoying both sides of life."

"Maybe. "Ah, maybe… I could show her to her room tonight," Lei pondered out loud.

"Wouldn't hurt to ask," Mei Mei chortled. "So, what happened next after Shorty and Tall 'n Sexy were arguing?"

The other lady shook her head to dispel the fantasy that was playing through it. "Oh yeah, well Smokin' Hot got his feelings and ego all hurt when Tall 'n Sexy wouldn't sit on his piece. You know how guys are. I thought Soo Ming would volunteer, but she just snickered and kept going. Smokin' Hot yells at Tall 'n Sexy and everyone goes mute. Then Tall 'n Sexy apologizes to Smokin' Hot for not sitting on his piece, I really didn't see that coming."

The buxom woman nodded, "Me neither. I would have just let him handle his own piece."

"Well, Tall 'n Sexy didn't take Smokin' Hot's offer. She just apologized and then she yanks Shorty off of Brown 'n Blue's lap and plops herself down on him as if he were her personal throne! I mean Mei Mei, she ground her hips down on him like one of those veil dancers from the outer wall. It was so hot to watch, I was jealous! I swear, Brown 'n Blue looked like he was gonna lose his load right then and there!"

"So did Shorty snatch Tall 'n Sexy back up and take back her throne?" Mei Mei asked anxiously.

"Hold up, I'm getting to all that," the brown-haired cousin said with a grin. "This is the good part, okay? Smokin' Hot starts laughing like a crazy man. I mean, it sounds like he's lost it or something. It looks like he's watching a comedy routine. He finally says, I get your point on how silly that would have been Mai… I'm sorry. I don't think that was the reaction Tall 'n Sexy was looking for because she folds her arms and sits back on Brown 'n Blue just like she's not gonna ever move."

"And that's when Shorty snatches her up by her hair and knocks the ever loving shit out of her, right?" the feisty cousin once again interrupts.

"Please Mei Mei, Shorty never snatches Tall 'n Sexy up!"

The earthbender now looked really confused, "Huh… but Tall 'n Sexy wasn't sitting on Brown 'n Blue when we came in? If you said she planted herself, and Shorty didn't jack her out of there, who did?"

Lei smiled broadly, like a panther cat who ate a sparrowkeet. "Let me tell you girl. Before another word was said, these ice… crystals I guess you would call them, hit Tall 'n Sexy right in the face. They melted into wine. She looked over and glaring at her like a tigerdillo about to pounce was Get-Me-Wet, just flicking them over at her out of her drink."

"No freaking way!" Mei Mei yelped.

"Yes freaking way! If looks could kill, we'd be singing a dirge for Tall 'n Sexy now. Get-Me-Wet just sat forward in her seat and said in a voice that… oh Mei Mei, it chills me just to think about it. Get-Me-Wet says, if you don't remove your narrow ass off of my brother's lap, you'll find out how cold a bitch can really get… bitch!"

"So what did Tall 'n Sexy do Lei?"

"She just kept looking at Get-Me-Wet with this strange look, like she was afraid. She quietly got up and went back to her seat. That's when Shorty was gonna sit back down in his lap. Get-Me-Wet told her to get gone in no uncertain terms as well. Shorty didn't argue either. She had the same look Tall 'n Sexy did."

Mei Mei rubbed her chin, "Hmm, so did Brown 'n Blue say anything to his sister after that? I mean, she just chased away his little toys."

Lei thought for a moment, "He was looking at her, and she kept staring down… but that's when you and songbird came in. I guess he would have."

"Interesting… I think there is more to them all and I know just how to bring it out!" the vixen proclaimed.

"Mei Mei, I really don't like that look on your face. What do you plan to do?"

"Nothing my sweet little cousin to worry your head over. Just think about that young chambermaid you'll be enjoying tonight. Besides… it's only a game."

Lei's already large eyes almost doubled, "Oh no Mei Mei, not that!"

All of the attendants had been released, and only Toph's three ladies were left in the area to help them.

They all decided that the chairs had made it too formal and that a camp in/out should be more relaxed.

Everyone sat around on the floor, in a circle, having pushed the chairs away, except for the one Mai was in, the lone dissenter.

"Boy, we were so involved in the war and then fighting people who wanted to continue the war," Sokka reflected staring into his drink, "… I never thought about the 'afterwards', you know. Hell, all I know is war of one kind or the other. Figuring out this peace, a lot tougher than I thought."

"Know whatcha mean buddy," Zuko exclaimed tipping his glass towards the blue-eyed man. "It was all I heard about from as far back as I could remember... Sozin's glorious war! What a load of rhino shit! Re-educating everyone has been a bitter pill."

"You two sound older than Bumi!" Toph pointed out as she nibbled off a cherry from its pit. "Why don't we give the gloomy talk a rest guys?"

"I definitely agree with Toph on that one fellas," Katara concurred cooling her already pitted cherry. "I mean, we're here to have some fun aren't we?"

The dark lady sighed, "You people do know how to party. What's next, pulling out our fingernails? I never thought I'd miss Iroh's little shindig so much, or for that matter Boiling Rock or that pirate's brig," Mai exclaimed rolling her large golden eyes.

"You really don't have to be that harsh Mai," Suki came back. "What's wrong with just enjoying each others company?"

Toph raised a hand, "No Suki, Old Pointy is right. We are in Dullsville! We've forgotten how to have fun."

Mei Mei suddenly stepped forward, "If I may offer a suggestion that possibly could liven up this affair, my liege?"

"Be careful your Majesty," Fong sounded moving beside Mei Mei. "Her suggestions have in the past been rather... how should I put it, risqué?"

The mischievous looked offended. "Please Lady Fong, have a little faith in me," Mei Mei retorted in an almost hurt voice. "I would never do anything to embarrass her Majesty or her guest."

"Yeah right," Lei uttered from across the room, already knowing the plan.

"Come on, let's hear her out," Mai whined in her monotone. "This boredom is killing me!"

"Okay, okay, spill it Mei Mei, and I hope this is good or I'll let Lady Mai use you for target practice," the princess warned.

The knife thrower sat up, "Now that sounds like fun."

The lady gazed over at Mai who was already handling a shuriken that she had produced from somewhere. "For the sake of my body and your entertainment, I hope you will be pleased. We've played it often amongst the other ladies and attendants here at the palace. Perhaps you've heard of it, Kiss or Swear?"

Fongs's dark brown eyes widened, "Mei Mei! I can't believe you would even bring..."

Toph immediately raised a hand, "No Lady Fong, let her speak. This has piqued my curiosity."

"As you wish, your Majesty, but I must warn you, it is not for the faint of heart," the tall lady cautioned, glaring at her cousin.

Mai sat forward, "Oh, sounds like we have something here of interest finally."

Mei Mei grinned devilishly, "It is somewhat daring, but nothing that heroes such as yourselves, would be intimidated by."

Toph smiled sitting back against Katara. "I think you have everyone's attention now Mei Mei, why don't you explain this Kiss and Stare."

Mei Mei cleared her throat, "Kiss or Swear, your Majesty, its called Kiss or Swear," she exclaimed as she showed them an ornate wooden box.

Toph clicked her teeth, "I don't really care what you call it, just explain how its played!"

The sassy lady-in-waiting's left eye twitched, "As you wish my liege. The game is very simple," she started placing it at the center of them as she opened the lid. "Each person is assigned a color. That color is represented by a ribbon we place in this silk bag. Every participant then takes a turn being asked a question on the small scrolls that are in this other satin bag. If you do not wish to answer the question truthfully, then you can choose to pull a ribbon and kiss the person it represents."

"That sounds simple enough," Suki proclaimed.

Katara's eyes narrowed, "Why do I have the feeling she isn't finished yet Suki?"

Mei Mei nodded to the waterbender's astuteness. "And you would be correct Lady Katara. There are actually three types of kisses. Represented on this wooden die. It is painted, white on two sides, red on two sides, and purple on the last two. But I think the best way to describe a type of kiss is to demonstrate it, if I may your Majesty."

"Go ahead, I'm not in for long explanations anyway," the petite princess sighed, waving her hand.

"Excellent!" Mei Mei squealed, "I just need to borrow the three gentlemen then."

Toph's steely glare was not lost on her forward cousin as Mei Mei recalled the lesson she had in the chair at the metalbender's hand or the time in the tunnel.

"Please milords, stand in the center of the room," she instructed pointing to a spot at the front.

"Ah, let see, your Grace will represent the white sides. Vice Regent, you sire, will be the red and lastly your Highness, you will be the purple." Mei Mei continued her instructions, "Simply put, white represents purity and chastity. Even though all kisses are on the lips, it is just a touch... nothing more," she stated as she delivered the slightest of peck to Aang. Hmm, sweet, tastes like cherry."

Aang had to suppress an urge to hurl as he went to sit down beside Katara.

"Simple enough, yes? Shall we proceed then? The red is for the passion of youth. It is hot, but not serious. With the lips only, it is held to the count of three... no tongue. She now planted a pressing lip lock on Sokka, to the consternation of the Fan Master, using her fingers to count out three. "Oh did I neglect to say, that the other side of the die with the red has a dot. If it lands there, it must be performed twice." Mei Mei once more kissed the regent, this time adding a twist of her head, for each count.

"Wooo, that was... I must say, unexpectedly delightful," the bright green-eyed lady communicated as she bit her lower lip. "Maybe I should have saved you for last, sire? Even without tongue, that was steamy!"

"And maybe I should just kick your fat ass." Suki swore as she was intercepted by her quick thinking beau. "Put me down Sokka! I want to re-arrange her smug face by tearing off those perfect lips of hers!"

"Aren't we the jealous type," Mei Mei smirked obviously amused at the warrior's rage. "Are you that insecure milady that a simple kiss will upend your calm? Maybe this game is too advanced for you. What if it were my liege or Lady Mai that were kissing him, would you also be threatening them as well?"

"I'd rather kiss a hog-monkey's behind," the knife wielder blurted out as the point of the shuriken buried into her palm.

Toph's look-a-like cousin, smiled knowingly. "Does the lady protest too much? Is it truly gall or diversion? The game sorts out these types of truths for the bold and brave. You, milady, may also want to sit out then. Unless of course, truth is your ally."

Mai's jaw tightened, "Believe me, I know myself, and I don't need your childish game to show me anything."

"Then surely you won't mind my third demonstration Lady Mai. Purple is the color of full passion, lust, if you will. Deep, satisfying vent of desires, it is the kiss most fulfilling. It is called, the Tasting," she proclaimed, as Zuko found her strong arms thrown about his neck while her tongue plunged deeply into his mouth.

The Fire Lord's mind blanked as he began to reciprocate looping his arms about her waist. The press of her ample bosom sent a shiver up his spine.

Just as soon as it started, it ended. "This is also held for a count of three, unless the participants care to extend the time," Mei Mei filled in, pushing away from the hold. "Thank you your Highness, that was… um, nice. There is also a dot on the opposite side, if rolled, the act must be performed thrice!" she said holding up three fingers. "No need for further examples, I think everyone understands. Thank you again milords."

"Just nice... is that all?" Mai asked sardonically. "You complement the buffoon, kiss him twice even, but call my Zuko's passion only nice? Either you are insane or just without taste completely!" she snapped.

"Now, now, Lady Mai, if you choose to play the game, and fate so decides, you too can determine who is better for yourself," the feisty courtesan chuckled. "The outcome may even surprise you."

"So what's the point of the game?" Aang inquired. "I mean how do you win?"

"Ah, very good question your Grace. The last one left in the game is the winner. If you choose not to answer the question or kiss the person whose ribbon you've drawn, you are out of the game. It is as simple as that." Mei Mei finished.

"Well, what if it ends in a tie... you know two people just keep kissing," Sokka asked in a somewhat shy voice.

Mei Mei lowered her eyes into a seductive gaze, "Then they usually just get a room sire, and do what comes naturally."

"Oh my," Katara gasped softly clutching her chest.

"Does that offend your little naïve sensibilities Lady Katara? This game will push you if you choose to play, especially with your brother as a participant," she chortled wickedly. "How far have you two gone... brother and sister, a little family secret, hey?"

"That's enough Mei Mei," Toph growled as she hugged the waterbender. "Don't forget who you are speaking too?"

The naughty lady bowed, "I beg your pardons, ambassador, as well as yours, sire. I was only attempting to bring drama to the game. Merely raising the level of excitement for the party."

Though her words sounded sincere, the smirk on her lips, belied it all.

Katara returned a short uneasy gesture. Sokka was not as forgiving, refusing to look Mei Mei's direction.

"It appears the atmosphere has gotten quite gloomy now your Majesty, and it seems to be all my fault," Mei Mei admitted. "Perhaps this game is too… eh, intimate. May I then suggest, maybe charades. That can be fun as well, at least for your guest my liege."

"Who says we aren't gonna play?" the Vice Regent corrected her "We've been through hell and back, I think we can conquer a stupid game."

Mei Mei clapped her hands smiling in glee, "Well said sire, well said. Then if everyone who is going to take part would please be sworn in, we can get started in earnest."

Suki raised an eyebrow, "Sworn in?"

"Yes, the game is called Kiss or Swear. You have to swear by whatever you hold sacred to tell the truth, or else the game would be empty of purpose," Fong cut in.

"So no Avatar Promise Aang," Toph laughed. "We all know what's that's worth!"

The joke lightened the atmosphere as everyone but Mai, laughed.

Lei handed Suki a card, "Just repeat the words on the card, swearing by your diety or whatever you hold precious. You can also take a ribbon from the bag, that will be your color for the rest of the game."

The Fan Master began to read, "I swear by... The Four Fold Avatar Spirit, that if I choose to answer the question asked of me, I will do so honestly."

She then handed it over to Sokka and so it went around the room until Mai held it quietly in her hands. She stared at it, almost as if the words were foreign.

"So Mai, are you in or out," Toph pressed her, "That would make it three guys and three girls if you don't wanna play. It might be fun just to watch."

The knife thrower got a glimpse of her boyfriend looking over at the waterbender with obvious intent. That was all it took as she swore by the spirit of her sword and Agni's flame.

"Since you were the last to swear in Lady Mai, you get to go first," Lei informed her holding out the satin bag filled with the miniature scrolls of questions. "Just take one and hand it to Lady Fong. She will ask you the question, and then you can make your choice. Good luck milady."

Mai hesitantly placed her hand in, she pulled a small roll of paper out. It looked fairly harmless as she handed it to the brown-eyed Toph look-a-like.

Fong unrolled it as she scanned it, a quick start crossed her face. "Um, this is a good one milady. It reads, who do you think about mostly as you sexually pleasure yourself or fantasize. You must name him or her?"

Mai's golden eyes doubled in size at the bluntness of the question. The gasps around the room only magnified the effect. Immediately she locked eyes with Zuko, who confidently nodded to her.

"You must now choose milady," Lei prompted her. "What will it be? To tell, or will it be the kiss."

Mai's saffron eyes swung down to the floor as her answer squeaked out in a barely audible voice.

Fong leaned in, "Excuse me milady, I did not hear your choice. Will you please repeat it?"

The blade wielder felt as though she were choking as she cleared her throat, "K-kiss, I choose kiss!"