Love is stronger when it's alive.

This is the last chapter. I know it seems rushed, and I know Mai is extremely OOC, but this is the end so...... R&R? Has been spell checked watch out for grammar.

Chapter 2.

I waited for everyone to flock into the living room before I approached her.

''Mai, can we talk?''

Mai's eyes widened slightly, then returned to their half-lidded noble state. She nodded quickly. Motioning towards the door which brought you to the garden, I led her into the morning sun.

We walked in an almost awkward silence, the sound of insects and the smell of flowers drowning the air, while we drowned in silence.

''So, you and Zuko?'' I asked, I was never good with words. All I got in reply was a nod. Great conversation starter, Suki.

''You and Sokka are having problems though'' Mai drawled out in her raspy voice. I automatically stopped. How did she know? Had she really been observing so closely? '' You two seem to be distant, well you do anyway. I grasp this is why I'm currently sweating like a pig and getting bitten by insects. And I'm also why I'm dying from the sweet smell, invading my lungs and my happiness. Spill the beans Suki.''

Shocked by her quick evaluation of the whole scene. I stuttered a few times.

''Well, it all started a few months ago, Sokka was spending more and more with Toph. And he was spending the rest of his time with her. Talking to her. Being with her. Even though she's the bloody moon! Now all I can think and assume is that I'm a replacement!'' The tears were coming now, they had started small enough, but now they were bursting down my cheeks in rivers.''I can't even make love to him Mai! All I want is to have Sokka back, I don't want to him to imagine white hair. I want him to love Me Mai.....I want him to love Suki!'' I screamed the last part. Frightening Mai, the birds and the neighbours.

Mai led me to the ornamental bridge which was over a small pond. She handed me a tissue. I hiccuped a few times. Then finally regained control of my breathing. I glanced at Mai, her eyes had turned glassy.

''He is the Fire Lord you know.'' Mai started, obviously talking about Zuko.

''He could have any woman in the Fire Nation, but he stayed with me. Don't you think I stay up every night wondering why? Don't you think I look in the mirror and doubt myself?'' her voice was less monotone than usual.

''Does he imagine darker skin and lighter hair? Am I really thin and tall and pale? Am I just a political choice? I don't know the answers Suki, I don't want to know. But I ask them Suki, every night when we go to bed and every morning when I wake up.'' Her voice had defiantly cracked now, her eyes searching frantically for something to focus on. '' Wake up to him. But he makes love to me Suki. He tells me that he loves me.And he comes to me when everything falls apart.''

I started to understand her.

'' I don't know who your talking about, but I'm sure of one thing. All of these little things prove to me that, no matter how small, I have a place in his heart. Even though I understand and know that a substantial part will always belong to the Fire Nation. A part is mine. You feel that this woman or moon, has some of Sokka's. But so do you,Suki. He loves you.'' Mai turned around facing me fully.'' She is dead, correct?''

I nod, resisting the urge to add she is also the moon. I felt that wasn't important.

''I'm not an expert on relationships or love. That's Ty Lee's job. But in my opinion, at its peak. Love is always stronger when it's alive. Don't let this, dead, woman take him away. Go show him things that only living woman can do.''

''He still loves her'' I say sadly.

''Then accept that, but don't forget he loves you too.''

It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I flung my self at her, hugging her and thanking her over and over again.

''Don't get used to it.''

We walked back into the room, Mai going immediately to Zuko, who quickly wrapped his arms around her and asked where she had gone.

I shook my head at them and walked to Sokka. Who was alone for once.

''Hey, Suki! Look at this cool thingy I made!' Eagerly thrusting an.....object into my face. This was quickly replaced with his lips.

''You know I love you right? I've been ignoring you lately and....'' He was quickly cut off by my lips.

I know, I just needed a depressed Fire Nation noblewoman to show me.

Maiko-Is-Forever.