1Chapter 23: Numb

Mai sighed in boredom as she looked out the window at the sunset. She couldn't stop thinking about Zuko and his proposal and what he said to her. He was right. She shouldn't care that much about what here parents say or do. After all, her dad did approve of her marrying Zuko.

'I wish I said yes right away.' She thought sadly.

XXXXX

Katara walked around the courtyard of the Fire Nation royal palace. Hakoda and Ursa set a date to be married on the Winter Solstice. Katara spotted Zuko feeding turtle-ducks by the pond and walked over to him.

"Hey, Stepbrother!" Katara greeted Zuko.

Zuko smiled and turned to her. "Hello."

"Mind if I join?"

"Sure."

Katara sat next to Zuko. "So, what's the Fire Lord doing feeding turtleducks?"

"It's my day off." He replied half-jokingly. He chuckled. His thoughts drifted off to Mai. Zuko couldn't stop thinking about her, and always carried the bracelet he was going to give her with him. Zuko wondered if it was meant to be.

Katara noticed Zuko looked distant. "Are you okay? You seem a little distracted."

"I'm sorry. I guess I was just thinking." Zuko shook his head slowly.

"About Mai?" Katara guessed.

"Yeah." Zuko said softly. "I just can't stop thinking about her. I know it was her choice to not marry me, but still...I wish she said yes."

Katara put a comforting hand on Zuko's shoulder. "I'm sorry. But you've got to move on."

"I know." Zuko stood up. "You k now, I was going to ask Mai to sing with me at my and Aang's birthday party, but considering..."

Katara shrugged. "So, sing with me."

"Are you sure?" Zuko raised his eyebrow.

"Why not? I don't mind learning a new song and singing twice." Katrara replied.

Zuko smiled. "Thanks, Katara. I have a meeting with the sages later tonight, but why don't we practice and choose a song tomorrow?"

"Sounds good." Katara replied. Zuko turned a walked off. Katara noticed Zuko dropped the engagement bracelet he was going to give Mai. "Wait, Zuko! You forgot this!"

"Keep it." Zuko replied. "I have no use for it now."

"Oh. Ok, thanks." Katara smiled at him. She watched Zuko disappear into the palace and sighed. He seemed really depressed about Mai. If only there was some way to get those two back together...

Suddenly, an idea formed in Katara's mind.

XXXX

Katara headed back to her rental apartment she was sharing with Sokka, Aang, Suki, Toph, Teo, and Hakoda. Everyone except Hakoda sat in the sitting room. Katara told everyone her idea.

"So, let me get this straight," Sokka spoke up. "You want to get Mai and Zuko back together by talking things out with Mai and getting her to sing with Zuko?"

Katara nodded. "I already offered to sing with Zuko. We're choosing a song tomorrow. If we plan carefully, this could work!"

"But what if Mai still doesn't want to get back together with Zuko?" Aang asked.

"Well, then I guess I'll still sing with him and Zuko will have to find someone else to marry." Katara replied.

"Then let's get to work." Toph said.

"There's a Kabuki musical coming to town tonight." Suki piped up. "Maybe we can get some inspiration."

"Good idea!"

"Yeah."

"All right, then." Sokka stood up. "We'll choose a song, then tomorrow, Suki and I will fnd Mai and talk to her. Aang, can we borrow Appa?"

"Sure." Aang replied. "Let 'Operation: Bring Mai and Zuko Back Together' begin!"

XXXXX

The next day, a song was chosen. Sokka took two extra copies and he and Suki flew off to Mai's house.

Mai's maidservant came in her room.

"Mai, you have some visitors."

Mai sighed and went to greet her visitors. "Sokka? Suki? What are you guys doing here?"

"We need to have a talk." Sokka answered. "About Zuko."

Mai listened as Sokka and Suki told her everything. From Zuko carrying the bracelet with him everywhere to Zuko wishing he could be with Mai. Mai sighed partly with relief and regret.

"He really loves you, Mai." Suki added.

"The truth is...so do I." Mai replied. "I wish I said yes, too."

Sokka grinned. So far, their plan was working. "Well, we do have an idea." He pulled out the song copies and the bracelet.

"What is that?" Mai asked.

"The song Zuko and Katara were going to sing at Zuko's and Aang's party." Sokka answered.

"And how am I supposed to learn a new song and memorize it in three days?"

"Sokka will help you." Suki added.

Mai smiled. "Ok, I'm in."

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The next three chapters are going to have songs in them, so I hope you guys won't mind.

-cough-there'salsogonnabehighschoolmusicalsongs-cough- -runs-