zebradoney: Aang will not pull a Zuko. He appreciates Mai alot more than Katara and Zuko can imagine, that is coming. Katara will earn his respect and love, that is a promise.
Magnumus: Welcome to the show. I had originally started this as a one shot. That's why it reads that way. Hopefully the other chapters are flowing better. Thanks, I know there's lots of the cheating angle out there, I certainly am pleased to have brought something a little new to the table. More chapters are coming.
skyhigh18: He will open slowly and only after alot of work. Mai's and Katara confrontation is not just about Zuko. Like Aang, Mai considered Katara a friend. So you can imagine. Yes, Katara is a moron.
PinkYellowRoses2: Thanks! I was a bit worried he was being bipolar but I figured once he found out she hadn't slept with Zuko, he might regain some of his happy go luckiness. I loved torturing Katara with Aang's awesome physique. Hey all that earthbending had to pay off somehow!
doctor anthony: I haven't had a chance to read your fic but I will first chance I get. I love Kataang but I can read other pairings and appreciate the character interaction. I had a very hard time with this one, you know from going to normal to angst and back. I was exhausted.
my trancey inspiration: I know! Why would anybody in their right mind give up Aang? Hey there are consequences and sadly she's going to see that. My boss is die hard Avatar fan so she understood, though I was told to do it on my break. Teeheee!
Shinobi Bender: Hey I haven't said what went on in the Air Temple between Aang and Mai. Lots of reasons for him calling out her name. You'll see it in the upcoming chapter. There will be periods of slight happiness but it will be difficult for Katara.
Sironblood1: I keep getting new ideas. I will probably post the Maang one soon and as for the both of them paying attention to him with no Zuko around, I will do for laughs.
NightStar: I blame you for the fluffiness. Hope you like.
arizony: I'm still astounded to the response on this story. Oddly I really was not happy with Chap.9 Haha! What writer is ever satified? Glad it kept to the standards despite my misgivings.
Thank you guys so much. The story is good because you make me want to give the best.
Enjoy... more to come.
A year and half ago - Mai's quarters
"Lady Mai? I'm sorry to disturb you but I have an urgent message from FireLord Zuko."
Mai turned from her study of her soon to be kingdom. She took the scroll from the trembling servant and a tiny smile graced her face as he scurried from her room. The servants had been cautious of her quarters for the last few weeks. Mai had been in a spectacularly bad temper since Zuko and Aang had left the palace two and half weeks ago.
Zuko's coronation had been the last time she had spent any alone time with him. Having grown up in a royal household she was aware of the duties and constraints placed on her boyfriend but it had been even worse since he was expected to clean up the previous Firelord's mess. The only good thing to come out of this had been the relationship she had developed with Katara and by extension Aang. It still amazed her that a kid that age had saved them all.
Katara had become her good friend and even though she spent most of her time with Zuko and Aang. The waterbender always made it a priority to have girl time with her. Mai figured it was nice to be able to talk to another girl who had the same pressures she did. She had been very embarrassed when Katara had brought up her worry of rebuilding the Air Nomads. Mai had confessed similar worries about continuing the bloodlines now that Azula was out of the picture.
They quickly developed a sisterly relationship that often puzzled and frightened Zuko. Aang would just pat the older boy and gently usher him away from the young women, usually winking at Mai in delight.
Mai regarded the scroll and prayed that all had gone well for her new found friends. She unfurled it and began to read.
My-Mai, (she shook her head, 'of all the pet names to call her')
I'm sorry to have been away for so long. I know I promised only a few days but the resistance to trade with Fire Nation was a bigger problem than we thought. We have had some success in Omashu but Ba Sing Se still continues to elude us.
Uncle says hi and he wishes you a very happy birthday (at least a content one)
We should be ready to leave in a few hours.
Love,
Your Zuko.
Mai pulled the ribbon to retie the scroll but a second sheaf of parchment fell and landed on her feet.
Mai,
I won't be able to make it. We were ambushed as we were traveling through the desert. Katara and I were hurt. (Mai gasped but forced herself to read on.)
Its not bad, thank the spirits we had Aang with us. Remind me never to get on his bad side. When he saw she was hurt he almost lost it. Luckily she managed to calm him and now we are heading to the Northern temple since it is the closest place where we can recuperate.
Forgive me for missing your birthday. I had feared this might happen so I set something up for you. Go to my throne room and press the second stone to the left, its beneath the torch. I left something for you.
Love,
Zuko.
Mai lovingly tied both papers and calmly walked to the throne room. Once there she abandoned all pretense eagerly searching for the secret panel. The stone wall shifted just enough for her to squeeze through.'Must tell Zuko to enlarge the door or get slimmer robes.'
Now Mai had never been for emotional outbursts. When her family had been sent to Omashu she had shrugged. When her little brother was announced and then born she yawned and when Azula had offered a welcome escape from her doldrum life she'd rolled her eyes.
But seeing what he had prepared for her was more than sufficient to make the stoic girl actually grin. The whole room was decorated in warm colors with the traditional Fire color muted so it seemed to hum. There were several steamy piles of the fruit pastries she loved and her favorite wine accompanied by all manner of cheeses spread out in a beautiful heart shaped pattern.
"Zuko, you jerk. Making me spend my birthday alone." she sat down and munched on a warm pastry, the gooey center spilling into her mouth. "I forgive just because of this." she muttered enjoying the decadent display of food.
"Happy Birthday Princess."
Mai dropped her pastry burning herself in the process as she whirled around to face the doorway. "Zuko, you're here, but I thought…you wrote…the letter."
Zuko had never in all the years he'd known her, seen her so surprised. "You didn't think I'd miss the birthday of my Fire Lady did you?" he smirked.
"Fire…fire…Lady?"
Zuko pulled her into a hug and dropped to his knees onto the pillows dragging her with him. Her head rested on his chest and she could tell his heart was beating a mile a minute. "Will you, Mai?" she pulled away to stare into those golden eyes. Eyes that were truly hoping for a positive answer.
"Will I what?" when had her voice gained that breathless quality? She had always prided herself on not being one of those stupid swooning girls. That was much easier said than done, especially when the man you loved since you were children had proposed in such a heart stopping manner. When he was looking at you like your answer could make or break him.
"Be my Fire Lady. Rule alongside me and watch over our nation. To give me children with your beauty and intelligence and the privilege to call you mine forever?"
Mai wordlessly nodded burying her face in his neck. He held her close to him and both their heartbeats matched in rhythm. Mai leaned back and kissed him. He responded and the last she saw was Katara and Aang holding hands and mouthing congratulations as they disappeared leaving the couple alone.
She closed her eyes letting his mouth dictate their next move. Slowly she opened for him gasping a bit at the foreign yet extraordinary sensation of his tongue sliding along hers. She cupped his face, sliding further onto his lap so she was completely astride him. His hands roamed over her heavy robes and she again cursed the stupid high society customs that kept both of them so clothed. Sadly air was needed for the moment and she took opportunity in their break to ask him.
"Did you bring me a present?" she teased.
Zuko put his hands behind his head and leaned back pretending to think deeply. "Maybe, but I figured I was enough and you wouldn't want another one."
"Really?" Mai pressed her top half against him and leaned on her hands, "it is my birthday. One present is never enough."
"I guess that depends on the present." Zuko replied but winced when she moved again. Quickly Mai moved off him and untied his heavy cloak. "Can't wait, huh. I should have proposed years ago."
Mai glared at him and his easy smile vanished. "How badly are you hurt?" His reply was cut short as her hand made quick work of his clothes revealing several bandages around his abdomen.
Her worried expression melted his playful attitude and he sat up to reassure her. "It's not as bad as it seems. Just some bruising." She clearly did not believe it so he handed her a package. "Your present. You can fuss over me later. Open it."
Eyebrow raised she frostily replied, "I do not intend to fuss." She opened the box to find the crown piece of the Fire Lady.
"It was my mothers. She left it in Uncle's care before she was banished. She left a note with it." Zuko pulled the small note from beneath the crown. "Uncle said she told him it was meant for my wife's eyes only."
Mai swallowed the lump in her throat and broke the seal. Encouraged by Zuko she spread out the fragile note and read it out loud.
My Dearest Mai,
Yes, I knew it would be you. (she raised surprised eyes to Zuko but he just shrugged)
I've always seen you as a daughter. It is only fitting my son would wish to make it official.
I wish I could be with you on that most special day, you no doubt will be a radiant bride.
I have know for some time how much my son cares for you.
He does not show it but you bring a light to him that only a mother could truly understand.
(Zuko blushed)
I entrust to you my most precious possession.
Take care of my son and let him take care of you.
My happiness to you both.
With greatest blessings,
Love FireLady Ursa to the New FireLady Mai.
Mai looked down at the letter and folded it. "I couldn't have asked for a better present." she whispered and hugged the boy tightly.
"I love you too, My-Mai."