gemsofformenos: Granted it could get distracting too a bit lmao. What songs do you usually listen to? I also do that while reading fics.

"It's sad to hear, that you seemed to know these unkindful and unpleasant sides of High School better than other people" I feel like everyone has had their share, honestly. And those who didn't are very lucky. But to some degree it was a blessing; it helped me really see how important creativity and individuality are to me. It also helped me see who I care for the most. In terms of social standing and comfort, things are much better for me these days too. Good to hear that you got through your rough spots. "Sokka has made a small step in the right direction with Suki." It was definitly something he needed to do, of course they both still have a lot of growing to do.

"And wow, poor Katara! This is something, where I also would see red" It's a situation that isn't to be taken lightly for sure. His big brother instincts are kicking in. Jokes are supposed to be fun, Jet...not funny. What they are doing is harassing her and Sokka knows it. "It's hurting and disgusting and thing like this could leave scars, which were deeper and more painful than physical harm." Exactly, that kind of thing is ridiculously hurtful. And yes, he very well could use those pics as blackmail or to make things worse for her in general."It's good to see, that Sokka has offered her more backup against him" Support is definitely key in situations like these. "It's also so sad to see, that the police or the principal doesn't do anything about that. This behaviour gives people like Jet so much power over their victims, in my opinion." Exactly. I feel like stalking and things like it are very, very tricky to prove and deal with.

She knew that his father cared little for Zuko, even still it astounded her that he hadn't even reported his son missing. he had been absent for a little over a week now. He hadn't even sent one pleading, sniveling, 'please come back' text. No, it would seem that reporting his absence was a task for her. Lately Zuko had been leaving nothing but a sour taste in her mouth, even still, she couldn't just stay silent.

Maybe she should have.

She should just keep out of things and keep to herself as she usually did.

He wasn't her boyfriend anymore. In a way he was almost toxic. She didn't know if she should feel angry that he had left with no warning, pity because his situation had become so grim that he had to flee, or relieved that he was safely out of her life.

Mai wandered down the hall, she was ridiculously early, most of the lights weren't even on yet. But her home was suffocating anymore. She was tired of hearing about that dammed lawsuit. Tired of hearing about how she should have been watching Tom-Tom better. Tired of being told that if she had then he would have been using the scooter properly.

More than that she was tired of passing Toph by, knowing that it was her fault that the girl's family was under fire.

She should have been a better sister.

She made her way to her locker, pondering and contemplating. She could come forward. She could admit that she hadn't been watching her brother properly and spare the BeiFongs more hassle. She could, but then she'd have even more scorn from her mother. And frankly, she didn't know how much more resentment her wrists could handle.

.oOo.

Lunchtime is dismal, too many people were trying to talk to her. She didn't know any of them and she didn't want to get to know them. She had an inkling that their interested extended as far as her family's wealth. The company she did keep was as quiet as her. They sit together only because there was a silent acknowledgement; that they all wanted to sit alone at their own table but there weren't enough tables for that. So they all ate together but isolated. And mostly this was fine by Mai. It kept her from having to talk and it kept her from the attention of Usha. But that day was different. That day she had a lot to think about and the quiet wasn't doing her well.

Her ears wandered as much as her mind and soon she happened upon a conversation that hits her in the most unpleasant way. She thought that it was karma for having yelled at Katara on the first day of school, for doing exactly what she was.

"Is Toph going to be coming back to school?" Suki asked

"Maybe in a few weeks. Poppy made it sound like she can't see at all." Katara replied. "I thought, that she just had pink eye."

"Yeah, pink eye can get worse if you can't afford the medication for it." Suki pointed out. "I just wish that Toph spoke up sooner, it takes a while to process prescriptions as it as and getting doctor appointments? Take it from me, that takes a while."

"Poor Toph."

Mai tried to zone it out. She didn't want to hear. It just piled more guilt onto her. A dreadful desire to bring about a twisted sort of justice stirred within her. She, to some affect, was causing Toph to suffer. It was only right to suffer in turn.

Perhaps the feeling was taking its toll because she did something foolish. She dialed Zuko's number. It was an almost robotic action. So much so, that it takes his voicemail for it to set in that she had called again.

She didn't want him to pick up, not by any means. But somehow it stung that he hadn't.

All in all, she no longer knew what to torture herself over more, the BeiFongs, concern for Zuko, or her parents. It was dangerous on school grounds, but she needed a release…something else to focus on. "Emi?"

The girl next to her turned.

"Can I borrow your scissors?"

The girl gave a silent nod and slid them over. It was hard to act with the girl's dark eyes fixed on her. But she opened the scissors anyways and pressed the blade closer to her skin. It was chilly and unfriendly.

"You should use the other side, the one I don't use."

She knew that she was sitting at the right table. But God, she didn't need that kind of encouragement.

In fact she wished that someone would stop her, because she couldn't do it herself. She wished that she shared lunch with TyLee, maybe then things would be more pleasant.

.oOo.

"Oh Mai." TyLee whispered. "What happened, that looks like it hurt!"

They were sitting in their usual spot in the Jasmine Dragon. "Art class." Mai lied. "We were using those exacto-blades and I wasn't paying attention…"

"Were you thinking about you know who."

"He's been missing for a week now, TyLee. Haven't you thought about him?"

Her face fell. "Yeah, a little bit. I wonder how Azula's taking it."

She didn't want to think about that either. Just like she didn't owe Zuko, she didn't owe Azula anything. They were both the same when she really thought about it; they used her and toyed with her. And they both made her feel horrible for not being there for them. At least Azula had the decency to be less overt about it.

"Should we go look for him?"

She admired TyLee's enthusiasm.

"I can't, I have to…" Her stomach lurches. "I have to watch Tom-Tom, I was supposed to be home."

"You always have to watch Tom-Tom." TyLee frowned. "Can I watch him with you? I really don't want to be alone right now…"

"You know how my mom feels about…pretty much everyone I bring over." It would seem that she couldn't even choose her friends right. TyLee was a bimbo, Chan was an asshole, Azula was a snake, and Zuko was her mother's worst nightmare personified. Azula was the only one her at least tolerated.

"I'll leave before she gets home."

Mai considered, "well I'm already in pretty deep tonight…"

TyLee pulled her into a crushing hug. "Oh, thanks Mai, you're the best!"

And maybe that was why she kept hanging around with TyLee despite having no common ground with her. The girl was one of the few people who actually tried to uplift her. The only one who made her feel useful. "So what was this scary secret you had to tell me?"

She looked around the bustling café. "I'll tell you when we get to your house. After you get Tom-Tom to sleep."

"That could take a while."

"That's fine." Something in her eyes seemed to say that she actually didn't want to speak at all.

"You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. If you'd rather just help me fuss with Tom-Tom, that's fine with me." She knew she would be in for quite the fit when she got home. She'd left him on his own for at least an hour. It only just began to settle in that he could get himself hurt again. Her parents would never forgive her for a second accident. "I don't mean to rush you but we have to hurry and get to my place, TyLee."

Oh God, she hoped that Tom-Tom hadn't gotten himself into too much trouble.