Hey There,

Welcome! I hope everyone's holidays were merry, and new years are starting off well. Sorry this is getting posted WAY later than planned. Hopefully wherever and however it's reaching you. It brightens your day. Happy Valentine's Day! Yay!

Special thanks to Rose-Aki for her lovely reviews! Thank you so much, your kind words mean more than you know.

Standard disclaimers apply - I don't own Universal studios, Nickelodeon or Avatar the Last Airbender. I am merely borrowing all of there trademarked things for my own twisted plots. Most will be returned unharmed.

Dedicated to my FANTASTIC writer friend also pushing to post today! This one is all for you! Happy V-Day!

Enjoy

"They Forgot!"

Chapter 9 - Raincheck

(Aang's Perspective)

All of the games and activities for day two on the island were outdoors. In some of the most lovely spots here. Katara had worked really hard with Zuko and the rest of our party to plan it all to a tee. Making certain every planned event was all based on things Mai would enjoy. The weather wasn't a factor in these plans because it's usually always perfect on the island. Well, since the island was created a couple of months ago... Because it was located so near the tropics…

But then this morning happened…

And we can't really say that anymore.

The island was unexpectedly slammed with a tropical storm of epic proportions. Not just rain, but rain on a slant, powerful winds, lightning, thunder, sleet and even golf ball-sized hail. No way we could go out in that. I was so glad that I had been part of the designs for this place too. So Appa wasn't out in it either. He was safe in a place built into the bottom of this building. The space that could have accommodated a few more sky bison if my buddy wasn't the last one (AN: Or is he?). It was there for any animal guests even if they were of a humungous size, like him. Along with plenty of food, water and shelter from the elements. Not just water to drink either. He could even take a bath down there whenever he wanted to. I'd checked on him when the howling winds woke me up. Thankfully he was fitter than any king I'd ever seen down there.

Momo was sleeping in a toy hammock hung in the corner. I'd placed those hammocks in every room because a lot of the people who come to Toph's school are kids. They'll need a place to keep their animal friends safe. Even the stuffed variety, while they're away in class.

All of Katara's plans were at standstill and she wouldn't let Toph sleep. So Katara had gotten kicked out of the room she was supposed to be sharing with the master earth bender and first metal bender. When Katara came looking for her brother late last night. She found me alone in the room Sokka and I were supposed to be sharing. So not only was I shrugging off missed sleep (because she wouldn't let me sleep either). I had to keep assuring Sokka nothing happened when Katara and I had been alone.

Which felt even more stupid when you considered how long we've all been traveling together. Katara had been working on Sokka's un-used bed. While I had been not sleeping on my own.

Sokka had gotten roped into helping Suki, who was caring for several of Sokka's cactus juice victims. It was only fair, since he had been the culprit to pass out the tainted drinks. So while they probably didn't get to keep sleeping either. At least they got to avoid Katara's water wrath longer than Toph and me. Katara was so frazzled about another birthday shooting down the tubes for Mai. She was in a full panic by daybreak… even if we couldn't see the sun at all.

Katara called a meeting for all able-bodied partygoers to attend. Not even a full eighth of our party showed up for this thing.

But thank goodness Zuko had been one of those few stragglers who came to this huddle. So he could finally assure Katara that the sky wasn't falling. That Mai in fact loved the rain and was probably going to enjoy this even more than what had been originally planned. He also agreed that if this cleared by tomorrow, those activities could just carry over into tomorrow. Which finally let my girlfriend breathe a full breath since the storm had started.

She told Zuko, "I was so afraid that she would think another thing was ruining her birthday trip. I really didn't want her to get her feelings hurt again or anything. Especially by any of us."

Zuko told her, "Don't worry. She'll still love it, she may even say this raincheck was her favorite part when this trip is over. But thank you for caring so much. Not everyone would."

"Of course," Katara perked up. "She's become one of my best friends too. The last thing I would ever want to do would be to hurt her."

"I know, and I'm sure she does too." Zuko smiled. Even sharing, "You know what she told me on the way here the other day? The way that she survived this treatment from her family, was letters from her friends. She said it all started with letters from me, Azula and Ty-Lee. But it's become just as much about the letters and cards all of you have sent her too. She has a box with her where she keeps them all safe."

Katara covered her mouth and looked at me as she gushed, "That is the sweetest thing. I'm even more glad I didn't let Sokka send a card we'd all signed like he wanted to either."

I had to agree, "Not to mention you know his card was ridiculous and funny too."

"He is our self-proclaimed comic relief," Katara rolled her eyes.

Zuko suggested, "You guys rest up today, tomorrow we'll get things back on schedule. Don't worry, just leave the birthday girl to me today." He said like he was trying not to smile too much. As he went back over to the front desk and arranged for breakfast to be brought up to him and Mai. As well as the newlyweds in the room that was supposed to be his (Somehow knowing they likely hadn't thought of food yet). How can someone not think about food, even on a honeymoon?

Katara turned to me when he was gone and asked, "What do you think that was about?"

I shrugged, "Guess the Fire Lord is only too happy to not have to share Mai today."

Toph had been quiet for far too long, and decided now was the time to join in the conversation. "Well, he is the one who asked Mai to marry him yesterday. And he had all that trouble holding it in that long. They're probably being all mushy together, and if that's true. I'm glad we got rained out too. Let them get it all out of their systems in private. Where I don't have to see it."

Sokka reminded her, "You can't see it anyway Toph. Even if it is happening." His words were distorted because he was laying his head on top of his crossed arms on a table nearby. "So why complain?"

"Be-CAUSE!" Toph began angrily, "I would just prefer it if all of you couples would keep the face-sucking, mushy talk and steam to a minimum. And if you can't, get a room like Zuko."

When Sokka yawned a laugh, and accused Toph of "Just being jealous because she's not in a pair yet. Wah-Wah-WAH!"

He was ejected from his seat by a rock formation that launched him high in the air. He crash-landed on another table at the back of the room. While Toph left and said, "I'm asleep! No one had better interrupt me. Or they'll be hell to pay."

Maybe it was good we were all getting a day to rest after all. It may take that long for Sokka to be able to stand up again.

Katara shared, "Somehow I don't think Toph is gonna let me back up in our room. Even if I promise only to sleep now."

I scratched at the back of my neck as I drew out, "Weeeeeeell… You could always come back and rest with me. See if we can make Sokka even more nervous about us being alone together."

Katara asked, "Are you sure you don't mind sharing."

I had to remind her, "Katara. How many years have we all shared tents, bed rolls and anything else as we traveled together? Come on. All of us could use some more sleep… or in our cases ANY sleep."

Then I got to fall asleep, holding onto her. I can't remember sleep ever being so easy before. Maybe Mai wouldn't be the only one claiming this stormy day to be the highlight. If I got to keep holding my girlfriend like this.

((Ty-Lee's Perspective))

I know my track record of sharing rooms with Mai was a messy one. That they even gave her her very own room this trip being her birthday and all. I know why they did that, and a lot of it is my fault. But what people don't realize about this setup, is that I worry about my friend. And not having the shared room thing to fall back on makes it harder for me to check on her. Regardless of this complication, I set out this morning to check on Mai as soon as Zuko left to attend some jam session Katara was all about.

I skipped that to sneak in and check on Mai who was still asleep and still in bed when I entered. But Mai is a very light sleeper, so as my footsteps sounded against the plush carpet. She must have recognized my pattern. Because not even opening her eyes she sighed, "Can't you see, I'm sleeping Ty-Lee?"

"Yeah." I answered, trying to cover my shock at her knowing it was me so easily.

"Then why are you talking to me?" Mai asked flatly.

"Because I wanted to check on you, did you know all the activities planned for today were tailor-made for your twisted humor and outdoors?" I asked, I thought it was a good question.

"No," Mai admitted before saying, "Do you wanna see how many knives it takes to hold you up?"

"You already figured that out and it's eight!" I reminded. "Now pay attention!"

"If it was any repeat of the sports from yesterday's distractions count me out anyway." Mai groaned like a grandma rather than a twenty-year-old.

"No no no!" I said in a hushed tone. "You're missing the point. All activities have been rained out by a freak storm and everyone's meeting up right now to see what can be done."

"Then why aren't you talking to them?" Mai asked again. "Why are you here trying to wake me up?"

"Because I wanted to check on you. How did it go last night, how were things after we all had gone to bed?" I asked making myself comfortable for a gab session. By laying on my stomach across the foot of the bed and crossing my feet above my head.

Mai sighed loudly before saying, "It was… nice… very nice…"

"Very nice?" I repeated, "That's all you're gonna give me?"

"Yes, everything else that happened is between me and Zuko. As it should be." Mai said, as she always did whenever things got interesting between them. She couldn't fess up the easy way, she had to make me work for every tidbit I got.

"Mai, he asked you to marry him last night," I reminded her.

"He did." She confirmed.

"You accepted, and you even took your hair down for him. You never even do that at sleepovers with just us girls. You always say it makes you look weird. You gotta give me something here. Something better than 'it was nice.'"

"No, I don't," Mai maintained stubbornly. "Because I'm sleeping, we'll talk later. But right now, goodnight."

"But it's morning." I insisted.

"Then good morning, happy?" She asked, still not opening her eyes and still refusing to get up.

I could see there was no reasoning with her like this. So I allowed, "Alright. Fine. You don't wanna talk now. That's fine, it was your birthday yesterday. I'll let you sleep-"

I hardly finished before Mai said, "Good."

"But know that this isn't over," I warned. "I will be expecting more the next time I see you."

"You're a dreamer." She told me as I walked back over to the door and was letting myself out.

Before I closed the door I let her know, "I will get answers too, even if you and Zuko try to live the rest of your lives in this little engagement bubble. You're both living in right now."

She told me to, "Beat it."

But I would get more out of her the next time we met. Be it tonight or tomor- Hey! Who was he? Does he work here or is he a guest? He's cuuuuuuuuute. Wonder if he has a girlfriend?

Only one way to find out.

(Zuko's Perspective)

So, Mai's birthday was a Friday, and we had planned to be here for a long weekend. Not leaving this island till Monday or maybe even Tuesday. Then Saturday began and our all-day outdoor plans were rained out for at least today. Since it didn't look like the rain would be letting up anytime soon (the storm wasn't moving on). Katara tried to have a meeting about what to do.

Thankfully everyone was still so tired from the party last night.

So those that had shown up had agreed to try and meet back up tonight. In the Ballroom for dinner. Let everyone recover and rest all day today. I had gone down for the meeting, and let Mai sleep a little longer. All of Aang and company were so concerned about this rain ruining Mai's day. Even if Katara was taking this the hardest. I assured them all that she not only loved the rain. But she could love this part of the trip best of all. That she would probably need the recovery time just like most of the partygoers had.

But really, I knew my new fiancee would see this rain as another birthday present. Not just because it canceled lots of games and outdoor time. Or even because she really loves rain, but this was something we always talked about. Whenever one of us planned big events with all of our friends. Having a day or two during that time, where it was just her and me. So I was glad to be walking back to her with this news.

I was tired myself, I was so glad that I could go back to the room I was sharing with Mai. Climb back into bed with her and sleep. Not having to worry about missing anything that had planned for her. But when I got back to the room, the bed was empty. Of course, Mai was out on the balcony, watching the rain. She was still wearing her nightgown, under a robe and slippers. Her hair was still down and she was all wrapped up in a blanket, but she looked like she was enjoying it. Thankfully the direction our balcony faced, managed to allow Mai to stand out there and remain dry for the moment. Even though the rains and winds were no joke.

I snuck up behind her and placed a kiss on her cheek. She asked me, "Can you smell it?"

I chuckled "The rain? Yeah, it's great… I never even noticed rain smelled till you were so obsessed with it all the time."

She went on, "It smells so different here, I guess because tropical storms usually have to carry this smell so far. It's not the same when it reaches us back home."

I had to agree, "Even I can smell it… it's a lot cleaner."

"It'll be gone tomorrow, but if my nose is correct-" She hinted.

"And it always is." I complimented kissing her shoulder.

"This is a looming storm, it's not in a big hurry to leave." She predicted.

I asked, "How are you awake, right now? You were out like a light when I left."

"That's the problem," she told me pointedly, "You left."

"All of our plans for today were outdoors," I informed her. "Obviously they're rained out now. I had to check with the others. See if we could take a rain check. Thankfully, they're all just as tired as us-"

She glanced at my face over her shoulder and asked, "So what does that mean exactly?"

"It means we don't have anywhere to be or anything to do … until this evening, and that's a maybe." I said, as I continued to nuzzle her hair. It was so soft when she left it down like this. She turned to face me and when the wind caught her hair out there. I didn't know how she could ever think of herself as anything but beautiful.

She said, "Well, we always talk about getting a moment like this. Now that we finally have one, what do you want to do with it?"

I told her, "Your birthday was yesterday, but this whole trip is about you. So I think the decision should rest with you too."

"But if you do that, I'll just get us to go back to bed." She warned like that was a bad thing.

"If it were up to me, right now that is exactly what I would want to do too." I told her as I pulled her closer and tried to kiss her. But she was still worried about this course of action.

"Really? You're not just saying that to make me feel better?" She asked, in that tone that let me know she wanted honesty.

I gave her what she wanted, "Yes! I'm being honest. I'm still so tired from yesterday and it felt way too good under those covers with you. I didn't want to leave, I only went because I had to."

She let me hold her close and she hugged me tightly, pulling me even closer. When I finally stole a kiss, she rested her forehead against mine when it ended. I asked her, "Am I forgiven?"

"Only if we really can sleep a little more." She conditioned, and I had to agree.

"Fair enough," I concurred. "Let's head back inside before these winds shift again. I don't wanna get soaked."

She realized, "Me either."

As soon as we were safely behind our closed door. The rain shifted and began to pound against the windows next to the door, where we had been standing moments ago. It was like the moment we left, the safe bubble we'd been standing in, it had burst.

Mai seemed to realize, "That bubble theory may not be the only bubble we're in."

"What do you mean?" I had to ask.

"The others-" Mai began.

But I corrected, "Meaning Ty-lee."

She made a face at me but continued, "She seems to think that you and me are in a little happy bubble over what happened last night."

"Do you mean the proposal or… after the proposal?" I had to ask playfully and she blushed so hard.

"Of course, I mean the proposal." She said all worked up and flustered. "I didn't tell her anything after that."

"Really? Isn't that what all girls do?" I asked her. Knowing I'd heard a little more than I should have in several of Ty-Lee's conversations with my sister as well as Mai.

My fiancee let me know, "Not all of us… do that. Not me… anyway. Do you do that?"

"NO!" I said louder than I'd meant to. "No, I never tell the guys about that stuff."

"Good, I kinda like that it's just between you and me." She flirted, stepping closer to me.

I had to admit, "Me too… especially things like last night."

She smiled so blissfully when she agreed. She admitted, "That was probably my number one favorite sleepover moment with you. Which says a lot about how good it had to be. Given the heavy competition, it overcame."

"One of mine too, it was definitely top three for me." I said as I distracted myself with helping her out of her blanket and robe she was wearing, so we could climb back into bed easier.

"Really?" She questioned stepping out of her cushy footwear one foot at a time before helping me remove my robe too. We were both still dressed in nightwear underneath. "What could possibly beat last night, after getting engaged, right before it?"

"You can't think of a few moments that I may claim to be better?" I challenged and she affirmed.

"No, I can't think of anything better." She said stubbornly, before softening and admitting. "Last night… laying here with you… and knowing you wanted to keep me, enough to marry me…and I wasn't even dreaming it, it was all real… that was heaven to me. Pure heaven, that I never thought I'd see or have…" She sniffled suspiciously and said a little more firmly. "So no, I can't even imagine anything being better than that."

I reminded, "Then you made me earn a few more yeses before we fell asleep. That was pretty good too, right?" I checked, even though I had really had a blast gaining all of those yeses.

She smiled, "That was the perfect ending to a night like that."

I picked her up and climbed into bed still holding her. When we were both laying down under the covers again. I kissed her long and slowly, till I felt her nails digging into my back. When I pulled away to catch my breath, I told her. "Of course… I want to keep you… and marry you. Of course I want to- to build my whole reign around you… and rule together with you. I can't imagine any of it without you… I love you… I need you… and I want this with you forever. Not just this trip or this week… but for life, Mai."

"I love you too," she said first. "So much that it scares me sometimes. But only because I want you and need you the same way you do. I just can't believe it's reciprocated."

"It is," I assured. "And I can't believe that you don't know my 'Best Nights With YOU' list better."

"Sorry but last night tops my list, what do you falsely believe was better?" She challenged and I never back down from a challenge… especially when she's giving me that look. Where there's a flicker of fire in her eyes even though she's a non-bender.

So I got comfortably closer before beginning. "Okay, my number two spot that top's last night… Is that Midnight Dip we took before bed during our last solo trip to Ember Island." I told her before I was treated to getting to watch all of the reactions and emotions cross her face as she realized just what night I was talking about.

"Zuko, that was a terrible idea. One of our worst!" She tried to convince me while I tried to hold back a few laughs. Not knowing there was no use in trying to change my mind about this. Regardless, she went on, "The shore was rocky as a cliffside, so you couldn't walk barefoot for long. The water was choppy and rough, freezing cold and both of us lost our suits in the undercurrent." She remembered.

"Yeah, but when we left the water, you went first." I reminded her.

"And you promised to keep your back turned and that you would keep looking up." She reminded me as my smile turned sheepish. A blade was to my throat in a blink. "You said you were looking at the stars… you didn't sneak a peek did you?"

I shrugged at her, "Maybe I did… maybe I didn't… but would it really have beat last night if I hadn't seen something I liked?"

I was against a wall and surrounded in knives in record time. Even for her. I was still trying to figure out how she'd managed to do it all so seamlessly. I know that I should be more concerned for my life, but I was just having too much fun. The blush on her face… was SO Deep! She'd never done this to me while her hair was down before either. She practically glowed from that blush as she demanded, blade in hand. "What. Exactly. Did you See?"

"Oh come on Mai," I teased. "You see yourself all the time. You can guess."

"No." She growled and it could have made a burly mercenary wet themselves. But for me, it just sounded sexy when she commanded again, "What did you see?"

I questioned, "Is this supposed to be a punishment? Because I can try to not enjoy it so much if it is." I offered, but she wasn't appreciative of me trying to be cute.

She urged, "Tell me! What did you see?"

"I just caught a glimps of the back of you as you walked towards the shore... It was enough to nearly top my list." I teased. Before adding, "Why does it really matter, when we're married you know we're gonna see it all anyway. Does it really change things knowing I snuck a peek?"

"Yes!" She insisted. "Because when you told me not to look, I didn't. And you should have shown me the same curtsy."

I reminded her, "But I saw you peek too."

"No, I didn't." Mai said seriously. "I really didn't and if I had, most likely, that night would have made my list too. Since it didn't, clearly you're wrong."

"What nights do make you're list?" I asked curiously, but Mai wasn't in a sharing mood.

She bit back, "This isn't about my list. This is about yours. Now come on, what's your number one spot? Or do I even want to know? After hearing second place, and being completely mortified?"

"Honestly, you really don't know?" I had to marvel, I thought it was SO obvious. Even hanging suspended on her knives.

"No, now what is?" She demanded.

So I relinquished, "It was that night Ty-Lee locked you out of your room you were sharing with her in Ba Sin Se. You had to share with me again. But all of the hallways at that inn were outdoors. And it was raining that night almost as bad as it is here. By the time you got to me, you were completely soaked from head to toe."

"That Night? Beats Last Night?" She asked mystified. "How?",

A couple of the knives holding me up were starting to dig into my hips and shoulders. But I still managed to grit out. "What do you remember about that night?"

She reminisced, "I showed up at your door looking like drowned death. I was cold, miserable and I had to borrow your tub, toothbrush and one of your shirts. Which almost made it past my knees." She recalled. "How could anything from that night be that good?"

I reminded her, "That was one of the very first times I'd even seen you with your hair completely down. While I remember worrying and fussing about you possibly getting sick after… that shirt that you borrowed had never looked that good on me. You were just… breathtaking and I'll never forget it…"

She came closer and pulled two of her knives out of the wall, then two more. While she tried to pretend she wasn't blushing so hard that whole time. As soon as I was free I wrapped my arms around her and let her know. "That night was my absolute favorite night to be alive…. so far… but you know something I will say about last night? I can't wait to experience all of the new nights with you, that will smash my current list to dust."

"You…" she cleared her throat to conceal her struggle. "You really liked that whole nightmare that much, because you got to see me wear your clothes?" She finally said when she could form words again.

"Like I said, that shirt had never looked that good on me. And I couldn't behave all night, couldn't keep my hands to myself at all."

She smiled dreamily, "No, you couldn't… and I didn't mind so much. I was freezing cold all night and you were so warm… as always."

"Firebenders are good with heat." I smiled, "Who knew that meant more than one kind of heat?"

Mai tugged me closer to her and asked, "How could I ever think of a way of thanking you for taking such great care of me?"

"I'm sure you'll think of something." I encouraged. While dark and twisted in all the best ways. Her mind has always been creative too.

She suggested, "How about sense you're staying with me this time and you've arranged everything. How about I surprise you, some time? By borrowing another one of your shirts again?" She asked me, while I tried to hide my reaction now.

I somehow managed to say calmly, "See? The perfect solution. I knew you'd think of it."

I tried to steal a kiss but she stopped me just a breath away to say, "But not right now."

"No," I agreed, "Not now, we both need sleep too much right now."

"But during a time when we're not so tired?" She asked and I had to tell her.

"And already you're trying to make me re-write my list." I shook my head at her before admitting, "I love it."

There was a lot more teasing and flirting until Mai finally fell back to sleep. Her head resting on my chest, a slight smile turning up the corners of her mouth. I found myself wondering for the millionth time how I could ever be so lucky. Before I too, drifted back to sleep... I hoped I would remember to ask Mai to share her personal 'favorite moments with me' list later. While also realized that this rain check could have a place on my updated list too... Could this day possibly get better when we woke back up?

That's all folks!

But don't worry I will be back with a new chapter in a day or so! Please review if you can, I love hearing from you. Hope you're having a great day! Till then, hope you're having a great day and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85