Thank you to everyone who reviewed, and corrected me of my mistake. I personally thought this chapter was better then the last one. Hope you enjoy!
Mai scowled, pulling off her soaking clothes. How could Azula be so cruel? How could Ty Lee have agreed to go along with it? She sighed, wondering why they enjoyed tormenting her in the most embarrassing ways. Grimacing, she recalled the enraged prince, tangled with her in the fountain. Mai's stomach churned, having the horrible feeling that he was mad her. She pulled at her hair, slipping her fingers the wet knots. She let out a small groan as she realized her ribbons were gone, again. She knew her mother would not be pleased with another pair of ruined ribbons. She bit her lip in frustration, admitting defeat to her hair.
She jumped when there was a knock at her door. The nine-year-old knew it was not her mother, who was dismayed and scolded when she returned home in a mess.
"Come in," she said quietly, straightening and turned towards the door. One of her servants entered, and she appeared to be quite flustered.
"Milady, Prince Zuko is here to see you." The servant bowed, and moved to reveal the prince himself. Mai gasped, but remembered quickly to curtsey. They stood awkwardly in each other's presence, both blushing fiercely. Mai tried to speak, but her heart seemed to have leapt into her throat. She noted painfully never in her entire nine years of life had she been in such an uncomfortable situation. Zuko coughed slightly.
"My mother wanted me to apologize for knocking you in pool." He flushed as he said this, and Mai wondered if his mom really told him to apologize, or he was here on his own accord. Nevertheless, she was quite flattered that he came at all.
"Thank you," she said, and besides herself, she smiled. The prince fumbled with something in his pocket, and produced a pair of-
"I, uh, saw that your ribbons were ruined, so I got you some new ones." He handed her the scarlet red ribbons, and their fingers brushed against each other. They both blushed, and the next thing that happened, Mai realized later she was too forward, very un-lady like, and probably embarrassing both of them. She leaned in and pressed her lips to his cheek. She quickly stepped back, and looked at her feet. He was making an odd, squeaking noise, like the words were lodged into his throat.
"Why d-d you d-o that?" He stuttered, his amber eyes wide. Mai flushed, but decided to tell the truth.
"I had a…burning desire to express my gratitude."
Hope it "exceeds expectations"! :)
-Spiffy the Hiccuping Raineboe