Hey There,

Happy Valentine's day for real this time! I thought my last post was being posted on the day, turns out I was a day early. Then I got this chapter finished literally today! So...Yay! Bonus!

Special thanks to Rose-Aki for her awesome review! You gave me so much peace of mind, god bless you. And to the new people following this story, or me as an authoress. Welcome, and hope you enjoy!

Dedicated to my dear friend who is still reeling from that Super Bowl and last season of Pro Football! This one's for you!

Enjoy!

"They Forgot!"

Chapter 10 - Unexpected Free Day Fun

((Suki's Perspective))

Due to partying too hard last night (during Mai's birthday party), catastrophic cactus juice consumption and a freak storm hitting our current location. A full free day was in effect for all partygoers from the evening before. But I had been prepared for this, even while Katara's plans hadn't. I had planned for everything…EVEN this unlikely possibility… I just hoped my plans worked.

As much as I wanted to go back to bed too, like everyone else had. I simply had too much to do, ensuring everyone's health and safety. And we still had a full flock of dedicated warriors protecting our resort in shifts.

I had to make sure that the girls who could work weren't spreading themselves too thin. I had to check on all of the cactus juice victims, Iroh's chef friends, the Inn's friendly staff, Iroh's bandmates, and all of the normal (non-ill) people too. While also overseeing that Zuko, Aang and now Azula's detailing teams were on point. Keeping Fire Lord, Avatar, and mentally ill princess with extra care while keeping everyone protected at all times. While I was at it I even made sure that a fresh supply of food was brought to Appa, and that the airships were being kept someplace safe from the elements.

It's very important that we'll be able to fly outta here when it's time to leave for home. None of us could afford to get stranded for longer than this long weekend stay.

There was no way I could do all that and catch a nap with my boyfriend. No matter how tempting the idea was to either of us. So I told Sokka to go ahead and go get some sleep, like everyone else was doing. When was he ever going to get another chance like this to rest up and goof off? Especially since he's planning to become a White Lotus sentry. On top of having nearly no sleep and starting to make no sense. My boyfriend really did look like he was going to fall over if I breathed on him the wrong way.

I managed to keep busy all morning into the early afternoon. Till Marta, (My best student) could come and relieve me of duty. When Marta did show up to relieve me, I had not been expecting her to show up with my boyfriend. Looking even more tired and restless than he had the last time I'd seen him. I somehow managed to hand off the leadership duties to Marta even though I was way distracted. As soon as I was cleared officially, my Sokka put his arms around my waist and leaned heavily on my right shoulder.

So I asked him, "What happened to you? Haven't you gotten any sleep?"

"SuuuuuuuuuKKKKKKKKiiiii," He drew out, before asking. "Can we sleep now?"

"Sleep sounds nice," I had to admit. "But there's still too much to do." I began to go through all of the other things I still needed to do. Going off of a list I had thought up last week and another Sokka's sister had thought up too. Which had a whole lot of things I hadn't thought of on it.

Sokka told me, "Katara has slept since last night. I'm not convinced you have and I know I haven't at all."

Marta sided with my guy, "He's right, boss. You really look like you could use some rest too."

Before I could convince anyone that they were all being silly. My scrolls and lists were snapped out of my hand by a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Ty-Lee. Who promised, "I'll help all these young warriors and newbies get whipped into shape for you Suki. You two go get some shut-eye, I'm your perfect candidate. I need a distraction from how LACKING this island is of dating potential and you need a break like yesterday. You both need it."

Before I could say anything at all, Aang and Katara were helping Sokka shoe me toward our rooms. Aang winking, "We'll handle it from here, chief."

And Katara said, "Please go with Sokka so he'll stop whining."

When I wasn't being shushed and pushed, Sokka was carrying me till we were back at the room he was supposed to be sharing with the Avatar. I asked him, "Why did you bring me here and not to my own room?"

Sokka revealed, "Because for One, you're sharing with Ty-Lee. Who is known for not being a great roommate. Two, I haven't been able to sleep at all since we got here and Finally, I think I found out why."

"Okay, well don't keep me in suspense." I nodded, "Why?" Hoping to goodness he hadn't made himself sick on cactus juice again. He thinks he's immune now, but I'm not entirely convinced

Sokka surprised me with one of his serious moments as he said, "It's because you haven't stopped since we got here either. Not since we arrived and you know how I struggle to sleep when you're not with me."

I could feel my insides melting, "Sokka…" I shook my head. "I thought you were kidding...You still haven't slept? Not at all?"

"Not a wink, so please let's just rest together for a little bit? Please?" Sokka pouted.

How could I turn that down? When I didn't answer right away he added. "I promise I won't bug you or anything. I just want to rest… and maybe hold you for a little bit, I promise."

"Okay," I agreed, but I asked him, "But could we have something brought to us, to eat? I haven't eaten anything since that toast we shared this morning."

He agreed, "Me too!" But then he gushed, "But I'm WAY ahead of you, baby." Then he pulled me further into the room and showed me that the small round table in the corner of the room was loaded with food. All for us. Sokka explained, "I figured you hadn't eaten either. Now, all we gotta do is eat and sleep and we won't miss a thing."

I just said what I felt in that moment. "I love you… so much."

He boasted, "I know," puffing out his chest plate like a knight. Taking my hand and kissing it, but when he was about to let go. His eyes got all gentle and warm and he held my hand a moment longer. Saying, "You've been taking care of everyone else who inhabits this tiny island… let me take care of you for a change."

So I surrender to his will and let him pull out a chair for me. He can be such a gentleman, I made him sit in the chair first and I sat in his lap. After eating as much as we wanted, we both fell asleep peacefully after a very long twenty-four hours. But honestly found myself hoping that Sokka could always take care of me like this. For the rest of my life.

One glance at my face told him I was thinking too much and he told me. "Nope, no more overthinking or overprotecting today, young lady. The others have got it for a little while." Then he made his voice softer and told me, "Just close your eyes and let yourself fall asleep… I'll be there too... keeping the nightmares away."

That was the last thing I heard before I finally fell into a deep blissful asleep. As promised, I dreamed of Sokka the entire time we rested. And there was never even a shadow of a nightmare.

(Zuko's Perspective)

When I woke up, again it was afternoon, but I had no way of really knowing that from looking outside. If I bought the looks of that murky scene I would think it was the middle of the night!

I only knew that when I looked at the time. It was still very dark, besides the flashes of lightning, with no signs of the sun, moon, or any stars. Rain was still pounding on the windows like it could break the glass, the thunder still sounded too close for comfort. Just a lurking murkiness and an ominous coldness gripped the air… even inside of our room.

Until I looked back at Mai. Who was still sleeping soundly… It was hard to believe anything could be wrong in the whole world.

She's always been one of those strange people who find rain and storms oddly comforting. You would think that such a light sleeper would hate all of that racket. But looking at her, I was almost glad for the - No! Scatch that! I was glad that today's activities got canceled. I would trade just about anything for more days like this one with her.

She was so at peace and so relaxed I didn't want to ruin it. So I tried to creep out of bed and not make any noise. I was just heading to the door to see if lunch had been sent up yet. Like it was supposed to…

It had been left in the hall just like I'd asked (we weren't to be disturbed) and I tried to bring it in soundlessly. But the wheels on the cart holding our food squeaked louder than gorilla-mouse. So Mai was up before I could even get the door of our room closed again. Asking me, "It's lunchtime, already? Did we really sleep that long?"

"I was trying to NOT wake you-" I began.

She interrupted, already knowing what I had been doing. "I know you were, but I really don't want to sleep our whole free day away. When are we ever going to get another chance like this?"

Her reasoning was sound, and before I could tell her as much. My stomach let out a loud noise. Mai teased, "That stomach sure sounds empty."

"It is…" I said just a touch embarrassed. Till I shook my head and remembered my initial plan. I shared with Mai, "I had been planning to set up a picnic here on the floor. Using blankets and the fireplace to make it all cozy. Not just because the wind and rain have made this room very chilly. But also because I seem to remember you claiming that you had always wanted to do a late-night version of this with me. During one of our sleepovers back home. Since we started having sleepovers… just the two of us."

"I did," she smiled, I could tell that she really liked that I had remembered her saying so. She offered, "Since I woke up too soon can I help set it up?"

"Sure you can, I'll spread the blanket and start the fire. You work on setting out the grub." I told her, gaining a couple of greeting kisses before we both got to work.

I was expecting her to head for the service tray and start looking at the food. But instead, she walked over to the wardrobe and started to pull out her customary dress she wears all the time. I asked her, "What are you doing?"

Mai said, "I'm getting dressed first. We can't sit around in our sleepwear all day?"

"Who says we can't?" I asked her, even adding. "Have you ever taken a free day before? Sleepwear is usually required."

She ignored me, but I saw her pull out a small bag that had things in it so she could put up her hair too.

I snatched it away, "Please, if you insist on wearing something else, at least leave your hair down."

"For real?" She questioned me, "Zuko. Do you know how strange I'll look if I leave it down?"

"I wouldn't use the word strange," I said before reminding her. "This is all part of what I said last night. Please, leave it down… for me?"

She put back the little bag and said, "Okay, I'll leave it down… for you… weirdo. But I'll only be gone a minute."

"I'll be waiting," I promised before I got to work, and she disappeared.

After selecting the perfect cushy blanket and smoothing it out on the ground. I didn't quit after lighting the fireplace, I walked around lighting a few candles and lanterns too. The room needed more light, just because of all of the dark and gloominess creeping in through the windows… We needed all the heat we could capture and I really wanted to go for a more romantic feeling. While I was all over the room lighting things.

When Mai returned she was wearing her customary burgundy dress. Her hair was still down as promised, and she began setting out the food, saying, "Do you remember some of our first dates being picnics, outdoors, like this? In the Fire Nation?"

"Yeah," I smiled, "I even recall the first time I planned a picnic like this with you. That I had invited you as 'a friend' saying it would give us time to catch up. You know after being banished all of those years."

"Yes, you did," Mai recalled, but she also remembered. "At the end of that little meetup, I think I even asked you. 'Zuko was this a date?' Do you remember what you said?"

I did, so I repeated what I had said to her that day. "I'd said, 'Oh no. When it's a date there'll be no question marks. You'll just know.' … I think that was what I said."

Mai accused, "It was. So I stated outright, 'So this was a date.' Then you admitted, 'Yeah, I was really trying to be smooth about it. But it didn't work out.' Smooth moves, Fire Lord."

I asked her, "How do you remember all of that? That was years ago."

"You remembered it too," she accused. "You just probably wish you didn't. While I hope I never forget it." I couldn't concentrate on lighting anything else. I was too drawn to her, like a magnet to metal. As I soundlessly joined her on the blanket where she was kneeling and arranging the plates, cups and sectioned off platters. I got up right behind her as she went on saying, " It was how you asked me out for an official first date, our official first date ever since that picnic was more of an ambush and I can't remember a time I was more happy… well, before that moment."

I teased, "I hope we've given that awkward moment some healthy competition since then."

She teased back, "Yeah, if only your game had gotten better too."

"Ohhh! Good one!" She wasn't fighting fair, so I kissed her right cheek then her right shoulder while I was there.

When she glanced back at me over the offending shoulder, she gave me this little smile and said. "I had never really liked eating on the floor till then… that's all your fault."

I wrapped my arms around her and assured, "I'll take full responsibility for that blame. But I think you need to own up to something too."

Her fist went to her hips and she challenged, "Oh yeah? What would that be?"

I reminded her, "While I'm fully liable for making you like picnics. You're the one who taught me to always plan these things on a comfortable surface. Like this blanket-"

"I was? How is that?" She played innocent, but I could tell she knew what I was getting at. It was all in the smirk she was trying to smother. How could anyone call her hard to read?

I went on with my story regardless, "The first time we ever made out, EVER… do you remember that day?"

"Refresh my memory." She asked with a dark glint in her eye. A glitter straight from her more twisted side… that I adore.

So I did as she asked and relived, "I was pinned to the ground with your knives on a blanket similar to this one. You told me 'That my problem was that I always initiated and took control of any kiss we'd shared up to that point. I never let you do just as you pleased.' Then you told me, 'That ends now.' And while I was still stuck and completely incapacitated between those blades. You climbed on top of me and made out with me for the very first time. If I had known that was gonna happen, or kissing could be like that. I would have let you have your way LONG before that."

"I tried to tell you," she shrugged and kissed me one more time. But I drew it out for as long as I could.

When we stopped she asked, "Was that really our first make-out? Because I could have sworn that was our second one?"

"No, that was first! The second was during that party neither of us wanted to attend. The one where we spent the whole night hiding out in the gardens. Down by those benches along the side of that creek in the backyard of that dignitary? You had been feeding the turtle-ducks and got me all cranked up." I reminded her, but there was something in her expression. Something almost smug. So I asked her, "What's with that face? That is how it all happened."

I knew I could have possibly screwed up when she started out saying the word, "Funny." But I listened intently anyway as she shrugged. "So all of that face smooshing while we hid from Ty-Lee and Azula in the palace gardens that day before those other times. That wasn't making out?"

"Mai." I said very firmly, "You know I never count any of Azula's or Ty-Lee's plots as a rule. They were clearly plotting to get us out there alone together."

"Even when they told us to hide, never found us and we ended up making out our real first time?" Mai had to tease…

I maintained, "Even then, I don't appreciate their brand of comedy. Especially when it comes at both of our expense. I was so angry and confused and I felt like I took that out on you that day." I tried to help her understand my reasoning.

"I didn't mind," She flirted and I couldn't help but smile.

"I did." I had to stick to my guns. "I was just starting to deal with all of the guilt and aggravation I still carried inside of me. Over Uncle going to prison, being treated like a hero who ended the Avatar cycle… when I pretty much knew Aang was still alive… I was struggling so much that I was just starting to make myself sick. You called me out on it too, that day… but when you offered to help me… I knew you meant you would listen if I wanted to talk. I just kept kissing you and I… shouldn't have done that."

She maintained, "I really didn't mean any specific means of sharing. I was just letting you know I was there for whatever you needed."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better." I accused her lightly, it was sweet of her to try. I just already knew I shouldn't have done that to her.

Mai went on claiming, "You talked to me too. Just when the kissing started, the talking stopped. When you broke it off, you ran off apologizing as you literally ran away."

"I was embarrassed," I said, blushing even now. "I didn't even know kissing could be like that. I was afraid I'd hurt you or scared you." I felt I had to tell her.

I had been saying all of this not able to even look at her. She turned around on her knees to face me, took hold of my head and made me look at her. "I wasn't scared or hurt that day. I needed that contact and assurance just as much as you did. I don't like that it was Ty-lee's plot, Or Azula's artless attacks any more than you do. But please know, I'm still glad it happened… because of that moment. ALL of those others were able to follow… okay?"

I did say. "Okay." Before I kissed her, drew it out for as long as I could. Needing a little more of that contact and reassurance right now. But Mai reminded me. "If we keep this up we won't eat today."

"No, you're right." I said sounding sad to my own ears.

But Mai perked up. "Okay, I know this spread doesn't look nearly as good as those first picnics did. When we had servants at our beck and call. But I still like this private set up too much to ask for waitstaff."

I had to tell her, "No I think this is even better than any of those old dates. This is perfect because we've really got all we need. Food and each other."

"My thoughts exactly," she agreed while handing me a plate.

As we both went on selecting things to eat. I felt like I needed to tell her, "I used to get so nervous and snippy before our dates. Until I was actually with you then I didn't even notice other people at all. Or really notice anything happening around us, I didn't want to be any place else."

"Me either," She smiled, before she added. "I used to get really anxious too. Back then, but I hope I've relaxed and gotten better about it now."

"I hope we both have," I said, before we both finally dug in and ate.

We'd eaten breakfast, I know we both had. But neither of us realized how hungry we'd gotten till we started eating. We didn't even talk a whole lot because we were both shoveling it in.

As soon as we were finished and everything had been cleared away. Put back on the rolling tray table and left in the hall. I coaxed Mai to sit with me on top of the blanket for just a little bit longer. While I had her happily sitting on my lap and wrapped in my arms, I asked her. "So when you suggested these picnics being something you wanted to do again with me. Was eating together like those first dates all that you were thinking about?"

She said a bit mischievously, "No."

"No, huh?" I said, not surprised at all. Before asking her, "What other activities did you see happening on these spread-out blankets?"

"Well, I was thinking we could play some games, or maybe read together too." She said innocently enough. But she was turning in my grip to face me and one of her hands was sort of playing with the line of buttons going down my shirt.

"Well, you look like you already have a certain game in mind." I asserted, and she smirked at me. I asked her, to clarify her plans. "Do you mind clueing me in on what game we're playing?"

"I'll save those plans for maybe tonight, after dinner. If that's okay." She surprised me a little.

"Sure, this weekend is all about you, afterall." I reminded. "Your birthday was yesterday but I planned this entire weekend around you."

"I still keep thinking I'm gonna wake up and still be locked away in my hideaway," Mai said, not meeting my eyes. "So much of this has felt too good to possibly be real."

I had to know, "Even the part when I asked you to marry me?"

She stressed, "Especially that part."

"Well, it's all real, it really did happen, and you really did say yes. Technically more than once." I smiled as she swatted me. So I suggested, "How about we play a new game I just made up called, Convincing Mai She's Awake?"

"You made it up just now?" She questioned, before confiding, "I'm almost afraid to know what the rules of this game are."

"The rules are all very simple," I was still making this all up as I went. "You get to sit here with me doing everything I can think of to prove to you that none of this is a dream. Not a single part of it. That I'm real, you're real, AND we really are engaged as of last night. Your birthday, that we actually celebrated together. While partying all night with our friends."

After a long thoughtful silence, Mai said, "Nope! Still feels like a dream. I think I need this game to convince me."

So I started off giving her arm a quick pinch. She didn't jump, smack me or yell "Ouch!" Instead she looked me in the eye and asked me, "Are you pinching me?"

"Did it hurt?" I answered her question with another question.

"No." She claimed still looking at the place I'd pinched like she couldn't believe it.

"Hmm," I said thoughtfully before a better idea hit me and I said, "Maybe I picked the wrong place to pinch." Then I pinched a lower place, just below her back (wink-wink). She yelped my name in shock. I asked again, "Now do you feel more awake?"

"No," she said trying to hide a smile ineffectively.

"Hmm, I was sure that would do it." I said gripping my chin thoughtfully. "What else is there besides dousing you in cold water? Kinda drastic for this cozy setting."

"And way too messy." She complained.

I playfully scooped her up and said, "We could drop you in the tub."

"New plan please." She said flatly, making me put her down again. I let her slide slowly down my body till we were eye level again.

I was fresh out of ideas so I asked her, "What would you do if you had to show me I wasn't dreaming? Besides surrounding me in knives and making me WAY too happy?"

Before I could even fully process what was happening. I was on my back completely pinned down to the area by my fiancée's body and she was somehow still right at my face telling me. "I'd probably keep it simple… like this."

I nodded my approval and said, "Who could argue with this? It's foolproof."

"I think so." She said triumphantly.

So I asked her, "Is it my turn to try this yet?"

"Almost," she let me know before she finally kissed me. It felt like she had been storing this up, all day.

It was a lot to live up to. But I was never a quitter, so as soon as I felt Mai go limp on top of me. I flipped us so that I was the one pinning her to the blankets, I was the one kissing her like there was no tomorrow.

When we finally did stop, I asked her, "Still think you're dreaming?"

She took a little bit to answer, because she was so out of breath, but when she spoke she told me, "If this is a dream, I hope I never wake up."

I could feel my heart breaking for her as I promised her, "You're not dreaming, you really are awake... I hope I can help your life feel more like your dreams from now on. The good ones."

As she pulled me back down to her, she let me know. "You already do."

Effectively ending the conversation for a while. But I really took that promise to heart, I want to be able to make Mai happy... I really hoped that I could.

That's all for this chapter!

But don't worry more is already on the way! Please review if you can! Hope you're having a great day! Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85