Hey There,

DarcyBeDippy85 here with chapter two, as promised. This is where it really starts getting good. Thanks for hanging in there with me. But enough of my yammering.

Standard disclaimers apply - I do not own these characters, series or Nickelodeon. All trademarked items and things were merely borrowed for a short time. Most will be returned unharmed.

Dedicated to that special someone out there, with a birthday today! You know who you are, this one's for you! I also hope you're day is much better than the way Mai's is starting out! LoL!

Enjoy!

"They Forgot!"

Chapter 2 - Say What?

((Sokka's Perspective))

Mai rushed past me, and slammed the door to what I guess was her room or some strange hidden passage that led to it. I grew up in igloos okay, the layout of palaces. Even mock-palaces like this stuffy pile of bricks always baffles me. I was a little discombobulated because she'd looked so mad and upset. It had all happened fast as lightning. As my party was hissing at me and asking, "Sokka is the coast clear?"

I confirmed, "Yeah! The coast is pretty abandoned actually."

That was when my super awesome girlfriend Suki joined me. As well as our good friend (and Mai's even closer friend) Ty-Lee. Suki immediately starts critiquing the security detail on the place. Turning her nose up and insisting, "Abandoned? How is that safe at all?"

Ty-Lee agreed, "I told you! Not even his officers respect him. I knew that when that last assassination attempt was only stopped by Mai. None of the Governor's officers were even there! Not till it was over, Mai even called it suspicious."

Suki added, "I heard that one of the governor's former officers was the assassin."

I felt the need to add my own two copper pieces. "I knew it when his detail let him walk into a meeting with the Fire Lord with toilet tissue stuck to his shoe."

Crickets chirped as that truthful joke died. I went on, "Oh come on, you would stop a stranger and help them out. But all of those men let him walk on by and didn't do a thing. There's no way that's respect."

Then Suki asked, "Was that Mai you were talking to?"

Ty-Lee answered before I could, "Oh! It was her alright, I know that slam anywhere. It's as good as her signature."

"Yeah!" I nodded. "It sounds like Zuko's right, they forgot again. He's gonna be so peeved!"

Suki said what I was thinking, "How could parents forget such an important day?"

Ty-Lee shrugged unsurprised, "It's not like they mean to be heartless, they just are sometimes. Not meaning to be, I just hate how it hurts Mai so deeply."

Then both girls took their more official positions as the protectors of the Fire Lord, because he had entered the room. But he stayed to the side till I confirmed that Mai was gone. Then he came over closer to me and I confirmed. "I bumped into her, but she was running for her room. I think you're right about her family forgetting again. Even when you told them not to. She looked upset… well, as upset as Mai could look."

Suki smacked me, but come on! I can't be the only one who finds her hard to read sometimes.

"I know I'm right," Zuko confirmed cooly, game-faced. "They've been doing this to her since she was born. That stops today."

Then we were announced and I caught Zuko's flank. Suki and Ty-lee followed in full Kiyoshi warrior garb and style. Suki holding my hand on the sly. I was in my full suit of Water Tribe armor. Zuko was all dressed up in full array as Fire Lord, just as he had planned. When I had asked him if we really needed to dress so fancy and uncomfortably for this meeting days ago. Zuko had insisted, "Yes! They refuse to remember this as the day Mai was born. So what we have to do is make it a day they won't forget in a different way."

That was our plan, I was afraid to know how the mighty firebender would achieve such a thing. But I hadn't fought Aang for front-row seats to this showdown for nothing (Besides he was somewhere dealing with Avatar business today. He was more than occupied with whatever that was. Katara was with him). Then we all marched in and got to watch both of Mai's parents scatter and panic. When my name was announced along with the Fire Lord's. Classic! So Hilarious! These grown people were trying to hide the existence of their kid… who is not only living here but he's sitting in plain view. Pretty undeniable at this point, don't cha think? Plus the fact that said kid had been using their fancy hand-painted walls as a chalkboard. "Because the Fire Lord is here!" Like Zuko hasn't helped Mai babysit before.

So dumb. What weirdos!

Zuko told them both, in a voice booming with high-handed royalty. "Could the both of you, please, have a seat?"

Both of those butts hit those seats as if their lives depended on it. Looking at my friends' faces, they weren't far off (Especially Zuko). I really had to fight down my smile and laughter. Zuko was doing such a great job of being a boss and I had to have his back. Me scoffing and dying of laughter would have killed the whole vibe of the room. So I coughed and kept it together, even though Zuko nudged me having seen through it. I thumbs-upped him on the sly and put on my personal game face with a swipe of my hand.

Both the Governor and his wife made their apologies and greeted us grandly. Zuko didn't even let them finish this figurative dance around him. He held up his hand and said, "No need to put yourselves out with pleasantries. I heard that Sokka was heading to an appointment with you, and I merely tagged along for my own reasons. I hope that I'm not intruding or inconveniencing you too much-"

Oh! You should have seen both of these phonies when they'd heard the word "intruding." They were both on their feet again and assuring Zuko that "the Fire Lord was always welcome in their home." Before asking, "What could they do to be of service to their nation?"

Hilariously, Mai's mother had set Tom-Tom down when she'd stood from her seat. He sauntered over to Zuko and pulled himself up on the Fire Lord's arm. Then hugged Zuko's arm like it was a teddy bear. Saying, "Hi Zu-Zu! Are you here for sissy?"

The menacing Fire Lord facet slipped for the kid. Zuko grinned down at him and said, "No buddy. Right now I'm here to talk to your Father."

"You wanna play blocks?" he asked.

Zuko said, "Not today, little man. I'll come back another day and play, okay?" But Tom-Tom hugged him like he would have hugged any friend who had to leave. Zuko stood up and he cleared his throat with Tom-Tom still clinging tight. He said, "My reasons for coming can wait a minute. Sokka, why don't you tell the Governor why you have come while I take my friend here back to the nursery?"

Then Zuko took Tom-Tom outta the room like one of his parent's should have. He probably wanted to yell at these people without worrying about scaring the kid. Suki and Ty-Lee disappeared with him. Not just because it was their duty to protect the Fire Lord. But also because Tom-Tom had won them all over. He was basically getting trailed by his fan club.

So while they were gone, I got right down to business. I handled my master's wishes, and I know that he's technically not my master anymore. I also know that he will forever be my master just because of all he taught me in such a short time. I got all of that out of the way and taken care of. As soon as that was all coming to a close, my buddy came back to sit next to me. The girls were standing right behind us, guarding us flawlessly.

It was hard for any of us to stay on the subject I'd come to talk about. When Zuko and his game face were both back. So I finally said the line, Zuko and I had agreed on as my sign for him to go in for the kill. Because he knew he'd be too mad to pay full attention once we got here.

The line I said was, "My Master thanks you for your aid and consideration."

You felt the very air shift when those words registered with my friend. Who had been keeping a tight clamp on his emotions this whole time. A tight lid that had just blown off from the pressure and intensity of that well-kept animosity. Well, well-kept till now. I had to really try hard not to grin, these chumps had no idea the hellfire they'd started.

"Governor, what's today's date?" Zuko asked in a tone that was already making the Governor squirm in his seat.

When the man confirmed the numbers of the month, day and year. The Governor also confirmed, "He only knew the precise date off hand. Because it had just been written in their son's baby book." Zuko struck again like a scorpion-turkey. "Can you tell me a significant thing that happened on that date before today?"

Both adults started to guess all kinds of milestones. In the Fire Nation's history, if not things that had happened since Zuko's reign began. My respect for Mai was reaching new highs as was my respect for the patience Zuko was showing right now. I wasn't even in love with Mai like he was and I was ready to throttle these people.

Sweating profusely now, the Governor finally gave up guessing. Saying, "You'll have to forgive me, my Lord. My son has just surprised us with these new additions to our walls. His first time ever doing something this bad in one of our officiating areas. Also his first time correctly writing so completely on his own and without any aid whatsoever. You'll find my wife and I a bit befuddled by our pride and overwhelming joy."

"I don't have to forgive anything," Zuko thundered, "And as happy as I am for your son. There's something else happening today that should have crossed your minds long before I came here."

"There is?" Mai's mother asked innocently, Wow! She really is clueless, or exceptionally talented at playing dumb.

"What could it be?" Mai's father asked, right on the heels of his wife's question. For a blink of the eye, they had me fooled. I almost felt sorry for them, that whole instant.

"It's your daughter's birthday! Mai! Remember her?" Zuko finally shouted in their gaping sweaty faces. They looked at each other blankly when they should have been mortified.

Mai's mother covered her mouth and said, "Oh no, not again." But there had been no real concern in her tone.

Mai's father didn't seem nearly as worried or concerned. As he asked, "Is that all? Mai doesn't want a fuss. She never does-"

That would have been the last thing I would have said. Looking at Zuko's nearly purple face... Does this guy have a death wish?

Zuko agreed, "You're right. She doesn't. But acknowledging her day isn't a fuss, it's common decency and I shouldn't have to tell you that." Mai's parents tried to apologize. But Zuko put up his hand again and wouldn't hear of it. "I'm not the one who should be getting an apology right now. Mai is, and don't even pretend like this is the first time it's happened. I've watched the both of you forget her like this the entire time I've known you... and her. I'm putting an end to it today."

Her father tried to explain, "It's not like I go out of my way to forget. I'm just exceptionally busy and my wife-"

I had to laugh and point out, "No disrespect, sir. If your daughter was in love with an average guy, you could maybe win this argument. But Zuko's not average, He's the Fire Lord and he's way busier than nearly everybody. And he's making time today. He made time last year, and neither of you showed for her, even though he told you about the party months in advance. If the Fire Lord can make time, anyone can and he's planned a big celebration."

Mai's father maintained, "Well you see? She doesn't need me to say anything when she's got you going out of your way-"

"Wrong!" Zuko roared, turning even more colors. "What Mai needed was this attention much sooner than now. What she needed was her parents, your acknowledgment and a little kindness. She didn't dare ask for more and you couldn't even do that! What makes you think I'll let you continue to serve our nation when you can't even handle normal life problems?"

Both of these terrible people were speaking a mile a minute. About all of the things they could do to fix this as well as the Fire Lord's low opinion of them. But Zuko informed them both, "It's too late, I've seen too much I can't unsee and I won't forgive you for it, not till Mai can."

I helped him explain, "The Fire Lord has gone to great lengths planning a surprise get-together for Mai tonight at a secret location. That will include, white lotus senturies and Team Avatar members from all over our world. But like you said yourself, Mai doesn't want a fuss so we've managed to collect all of the people that she likes best."

Ty-Lee chimed in, "I helped with the guest list and it's gonna be perfect."

Suki rested a hand on my shoulder and I couldn't help but grip it with my hand. She said to Mai's parents. "We wanted to let you know you're off the hook for having to do or say anything this year for Mai. She's clearly too upset and too hurt for any of that this year. But we're warning you to never forget this date again."

Ty-Lee added, "Because even though she hides it well, it hurts her."

Then Zuko continued, "AND since you both have such a hard time remembering this date. Let me make it a little easier for you. Tonight I'm gonna ask your daughter to marry me."

I felt my eyes bulge out of their sockets, first I looked at Zuko. Who was stone serious! Then my eyes shot to Suki, who looked just as shocked as me, then Ty-Lee who was already dancing in place. Then I found myself saying along with everyone else in the room. "YOU ARE?"

"That's the plan," He nodded, even sharing. "I would have done it sooner but I had so much to figure out about being Fire Lord. I waited till I had that part mostly down first… but now, I'm gonna ask. She could even turn me down, I don't know. I just know I have to try and I know there's no one else more meant to be my Fire Lady."

Ty-Lee cheered and clapped, "Oh YAY! A wedding! A wedding! I get to plan a wedding!"

"No Ty-Lee!" Zuko cut her off right there. "You don't plan the wedding, Mai and I are gonna do that. And that's only if she says 'yes.' Which she hasn't yet, and may not, so COOL IT! OKAY?"

Suki backed Zuko, "Yeah! Don't jinx it!"

Mai's Parents both asked Zuko to "Let them talk to Mai. They could assure him of getting the answer he desired." Which is code for we're gonna go pressure and scare the life out of her so she's forced into it. The last thing any self-respecting guy would want to hear. I felt sick and probably turned three shades green. No wonder Mai was so quiet and had so much pent-up hostility. With parents like these, I'd be throwing knives too.

Zuko made it very clear, "I don't want her to say yes for any other reason than she wants to. I don't need anyone's help with that. But if the two of you ever do this to her again. If this date ever slips your minds and you hurt her again. Whether she accepts my proposal or not, I will not hesitate to have the both of you equally hurt. So you finally know what you've put Mai through. Since you've forgotten for two decades now, the punishment could be sever. Consider this a warning."

Then he was about to leave when he remembered, "We're taking her, and I'm just letting you know because her party is gonna last all weekend long. So she probably won't be back till Monday. Since you are both so busy, don't trouble yourselves by thinking you need to show up this year."

Then he really left, like a boss! Never looking back or letting a doubt slip into his mind. I was so proud and happy for him, just walking out and never looking back. I was almost happy dancing as I tried to keep up with his speed. As I was the last to leave, I heard Mai's mother turn to her husband and ask him, "What just happened?"

Mai's father answered, "I think the Fire Lord could be taking and keeping our daughter... and I think we'd better mark the calendar next year."

When we were back in the hall we all took turns hugging Zuko and congratulating him. On ripping that governor a new one AND possibly proposing! He smiled and accepted these hugs but he kept reminding us. "I haven't asked her yet. Isn't it bad luck to congratulate me? Before I've asked?"

"Not when it's Mai and you!" Ty-Lee insisted. "There's no way she'll say anything but yes, when it's you."

I had to ask him, "Why didn't you tell us about this before we walked in there?"

Suki took it even further, swatting the Fire Lord's arm. "Yeah? If that's what you had in mind, why didn't you let us know beforehand?"

Zuko confessed, "Because I didn't know it for sure myself. Until that moment just now when I said it. I really don't know what she's gonna think or say. But then I never know for sure, and I've always loved that about her."

That was when the girls started to rapidly fire questions at the Fire Lord. Because neither of them had liked how unplanned this whole thing was sounding at the moment. Both girls knew Mai deserved better than that and truthfully so did Zuko. With hands on their hips, Suki asked wisely, "Have you guys ever talked about marriage? At all?"

"Yeah," he said taking a step back from the intensity of their combined stink eye. "I've said countless times before. I'd marry her today if I was a better catch and not a new ruler. Who still needs to learn so much. I know you've ALL heard me say that. At least once!"

Ty-Lee nodded at Suki, "I've heard him say that at least five times too." Then back to business, Ty-Lee asked, "If this is something you've just decided to do? Just now? Do you even have an engagement necklace in mind or are you gonna wing it like an idiot?"

"I have one! I do!" He said as he realized it right there. I shook my head at all three of them. He was so happy about it. "It was my mom's, it was given to her by her true love. Not my Father, it was her real love. The same way Mai and me are a love match. My Mother gave it to me when we reunited."

I (Sokka) had to ask, "You met back up with your Mom years ago, you've had it all of this time, and didn't use it before now?"

He clarified, "I kept it for when the time was right. I didn't know that was today till I was sitting there with all of you. But now that I really think about it, I think I could have been planning this all along. But even I didn't know it… you know?"

After a long staredown, Ty-Lee said. "Okay, I like that better than no plan, no necklace and flying by the seam of his pants."

Suki agreed with Ty-Lee, "Yes, he has thought this through and it isn't an angry decision."

"Of course it isn't!" Zuko insisted, his fists flaming for a blink. Then he calmed down and had to admit, "Though I can see why you'd all think that."

I slapped him on the back and said, "Well, you know we're all here for you. Now the bigger question is, is our original plan still a go? Or do we need to think up a new one?"

"No," Zuko was precise, "I want everything else to stick to the original plan we've talked about. The part where I ask her is in there too. I just didn't realize that till just now, just let me worry about that. It doesn't interfere with anything else. Everything else needs to follow through and it will be fine."

"Right!" Suki agreed. "Sokka you go get Mai, and lure her somehow into walking out on her balcony."

I stopped them again and asked, "Shouldn't one of you girls or Zuko be going to get her? I don't even know where it is."

Ty-Lee explained for the millionth time, "If she sees me or Suki dressed as Kiyoshi warriors she's gonna know Zuko's here. It's gotta be you, she already knows you're here. She spoke to you before. It has to be you to keep the element of surprise. Besides, I'm gonna show you to her door so even your stupid butt can't mess this up. Now come on and quietly! Suki! You and Zuko get going, I'll be right behind you."

Then our huddle broke and Ty-Lee headed for that same hidden portrait hole that Mai had disappeared behind. The hallway it led to had no windows, no homey touches, and super dim lighting. Good thing I wasn't claustrophobic, I could have died. The tunnel went too long and too narrow for my armored shoulders to navigate without making noise. I had to turn slightly sideways to fit. No wonder being in this house would make Zuko realize he needed to marry Mai. He probably just wanted to get her outta here. The tunnel dipped low enough to make my ears pop. Like we were in a cave or something. Then at the foot of a tiny flight of stairs, Ty-Lee stopped.

Ty-Lee whispered, "Okay, the door at the top of the stairs is Mai's favorite hiding place. She's more likely to be there then even in her own bedroom. But if she isn't there, her bedroom is the burgundy spiral stairs with the gold railing over there. Climb the stairs, be sure to knock and get her out on that balcony."

Then she waved, "Good Luck." And disappeared.

I climbed the rickety, rusty stairs and they eeched and errched with every step. Weren't these rich people digs? Couldn't they afford a little oil on these stairs? When I reached the top of the stairs. It occurred to me once again, that even though Mai and I were friends. I had no idea what to say to her now.

What do you say? Happy B-day, and sorry your parents suck? Somehow I don't think that would work. I suddenly wished for Aang's easier way of relating to everyone he met. Maybe he should have come instead of me? Or maybe I should have been here too, Aang's gonna flip that he missed the conversation Zuko just had with Mai's parents. Katara's gonna be so jealous too, she ships them hard.

I needed to get moving, so I knocked and when Mai asked, "Who is it?"

What did I say? The first thing that came to mind. I said in my best squeaky shoes high pitched lady voice, "Housekeeping!"

Mai wasn't fooled for a minute, She said, "Sokka?" Before the door flew open.

"What are you doing here?" Mai asked. That was when I remembered the gift I'd stashed or tucked into my chest plate. A tiny little bouquet all tied up in ribbons, I just hoped she didn't mind that it was blue. I am watertribe do or die. I presented them to her and said, "Happy birthday… from a friend!" Then I had to tack on at the end, "Sorry if a few of the buds got squished, but I'm filling out this thing more than I used to." I said before going "BANG!" and hitting my chest plate with both of my fists for emphasis. Then I remembered the flowers were still in my hand and I held them back out to Mai.

Now, I know I'm always making these comments about Mai seeming bored. If not moody, or how her expressions rarely noticeably change. But when I held out that fist full of flowers to her. These little lights danced around in her eyes and she did smirk something close to a smile. Before she said, "Thank you." And took them from my hand, "You're the first person to say anything about it."

I played dumb, "Not even your parents or baby brother?"

"No. None of them remembered. Well, I should say nobody here remembered. How did you know?" She asked, and it's a good question.

I told her the truth, "Katara reminded me that my meeting was set on your big day. You're turning the big Two-Oh! Right?"

"Yeah," she admitted.

"I forget you're older than Zuko, by a little," I said. Showing a small gap between my thumb and pointer finger.

"It's because we met through Azula who's older than him too." Mai explained.

"I forgot that too!" I laughed so strangely before getting back on track. "Speaking of sisters, mine would have come with me, but she and Aang are off on Avatar business, right now. Something so secretive that I don't even know about it. They'll have to catch you later." While I mentally added, like a few hours from now.

She glanced around behind her and warned, "It's not much of anything up here, but do you want to come in?"

"Sure," I shrugged and I could see why Mai would come here. It was the home-ist looking spot I'd seen in the whole house. There were shelves and shelves of books, a lit fireplace, and a huge foofy place to sit. That appeared to have a concealed compartment Mai had opened.

Mai explained, "This is my favorite place to hide and read. My parents and the staff never bother me here. Sometimes I even sleep here when I'm mad enough or uncomfortable enough."

"I get it." I had to nod, even when you live in igloos you gotta get outta there sometimes. "It's nice really…the most lived-in spot I've seen all day." I felt the need to say, "Sorry I couldn't hide a cactus as easily, it's Team Avatar tradition to drink that on your birthday.

Mai interrupted, "Sokka, you can't say the team claims it when they all are too busy swearing never again."

"Ah! It's a work in progress...Hey, Do those doors lead to a balcony?" I asked pointing at the curtains where I could just make out the doorknobs.

"It does, but it hasn't been opened probably for a few years." Mai warned.

I said, "Well I'll tell you what. Today, they will open again." I took the knobs and turned. The doors flew outta the way with ease, and the black iron-rite detailed balcony that matched the rest of the outside of their home was underfoot. Mai followed me out to lean on the railing and the breeze hit us both. I told her, "Isn't this much better than that stuffy hideout?"

Mai smirked almost a full smile again, I was almost two for two. "I'll admit it's a refreshing change." She allowed.

"Ah! You think this is refreshing, you just wait for the other present I brought." Then I put my fingers in my mouth and whistled loudly. Appa came soaring into view with Suki and Ty-Lee standing on either side of Zuko. All three human's wishing her a "Happy Birthday," Appa grunting along with them. But somehow I doubt either of the girls or sky bison were fully noticed.

The look between Zuko and his girlfriend, whoooooooo! Could have burned the house down. Mai didn't even bother keeping up any appearances. She was over that railing, on Appa's head, over the lip of his saddle, and in Zuko's arms in a matter of seconds. He did let her hug the others too, but then he picked her up and wouldn't put her down again. He easily spun around with her. That was all we saw, before Suki, Ty-Lee and me sprung into action. The girls busied themselves finding the overnight bag Mai kept packed for missions or events like these. Apparently she kept several packed and ready all over her bedroom and this secret room. While I put out the fire in the fireplace, gathered the things she had been reading to place in her pack. I was expecting a book or two with all of the books on the shelves. But no, Mai had been looking at folded pieces of parchment that looked like letters. I gathered them all back into the box from where they'd scattered. Trying to let the happy couple have a minute.

I tried to make it look like I wasn't watching or paying attention. But after hearing Zuko's plans for tonight, I got curious. So I may or may not have seen a little more than I probably should have. For one thing, I didn't expect Zuko to still be holding her when I looked back, but he was. I also didn't expect to see Mai hiding tears, by wiping them on her sleeves, but she was.

I may have silently gestured to Zuko, "Hey! She's crying." By pointing at my eyes with my two pointer fingers and dragging them down my face like tear trails.

Zuko pushed her back slightly to look at her face, while still holding her. He asked, "Are you crying?"

"No, you're crying." She said flatly and still wiping at her eyes.

"Mai?" He questioned, "Are you that upset? You don't like this idea?"

"No, I love it." She validated in that same monotone delivery. "I just really thought I was gonna be trapped here another year. That all of you would be far away. Aren't there more important things happening out there in the world?"

Zuko finally let her slide down to stand back on her feet. In the dead center of Appa's saddle, as the bison hovered waiting for the rest of us to return. Zuko took a breath and said, "If I sat down and tried to think of other things happening today. I'm sure we could think of several other things we could be doing. I am the Fire Lord after all and that's a job that never sleeps for long. But what I intend on spending today doing, is proving to you that nothing else is more important to me than you. Even if I can't say it all the time, or show it all the time. I need you to know that and carry it with you."

Mai nodded and laid a kiss on him that reminded me of when I kissed Suki. Because when it ended they both looked so relieved. Like they'd just come home, that's a kiss that only happens between two people who are deep in love. And I knew Zuko was gonna get a yes, whenever or however he asked her. Just as Ty-Lee had said. So me and the girls climbed back onto Appa. I took the seat atop his head, grabbed the reins and said, "Come on Appa, Yip Yip!"

And we flew off to meet with the rest of the Gaang for a night to remember.

That's all for now!

We'll that's all for Sokka, hope you all are having as much fun as I am. Please review if you can, have a great day and Much Love! Hopefully I can get at least one more chapter posted today. Fingers crossed for me. Thank you to anyone reading this right now. Hope you're having a great day! Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85