Hey There,

Welcome back! I feel like I should warn that this chapter is fueled with fangirling a little more than most. Because I have been re-watching the series a lot, and I did watch the live-action series too. I know it's getting mixed reviews and feelings from die-hards like us, but I enjoyed this first season and hope they continue… YES most of that is because I want to see them tackle Toph too… but I was impressed by the group of actors and would enjoy seeing all of them take it that much further. But don't fret, whether you liked it or not. Has no impact on this tale, I've been writing in my head for years now. Nothing has changed about it… I just had to gush a little in my note. So I remember when I'm looking back on this later. When the live-action series premiered or came into play on the many storylines in my head. LoL! But enough of my yak-fest! On with the real story, and like I warned at the end of my last post… this one's gonna be a little more heavy.

Special thanks to anyone who favorited this tale, or placed it on you favorite stories list. Also special thanks to anyone who favorited me as an authoress or placed me on your author's alert. That is high and I hope you're all still reading and enjoying!

Special thanks to my reviewer:[and friend] Rose-Aki (Thank you so much for your kind words I can't even tell you what they mean to me. Yes, Zuko does know Mai's heart even better than she does herself. And I tried to let him show that just a little. Iroh's tent was where I would have been spending all of my time too. LoL! But thank you for saying you liked her idea and their tentfest Valentine's festival. Also your kindness regarding the Maiko tent, message and feels! God bless you, I had been so sweating with nervousness when I posted and your words put me right at ease. I hope this chapter was worth the wait. Hope you're having a GREAT day! Take Care and Much Love!)

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Avatar The Last Airbender, Nickelodeon, MTV, or any of the other trademarked things mentioned below. I am merely borrowing all of these things for my own twisted amusement. Most will be unharmed.

Dedicated to that friend of mine who needed a good dose of Maiko feels. You know who you are, and hope this does the trick.

Enjoy!

"They Forgot"

Chapter 27 - Hang Out Not Hideout!

(Mai's Perspective)

I think our make-up efforts for all missed holidays were a success. I even think that Zuko was excited to share these events with family when they arrived in a few days from now. But sadly I couldn't even let this spoiling spree get a chance to really stick. Before another disaster struck that needed our attention.

At least this time it wasn't Zuko's Fire Lord power that was needed. But my extensive knowledge of poisons… I wish I was kidding too.

Just as I was nodding off to sleep and Zuko was already out next to me. A frantic and panicked-looking pair of lady's maids caught my attention. They accomplished all of this impressively while not waking the Fire Lord. So I was able to slip out of his titan grip on me and back into my robe and followed them into the hall. As soon as the door had closed on Zuko, still sleeping peacefully. Both maids bowed apologizing for the intrusion. Before explaining, "The Avatar has just arrived and he's requesting your presence quite urgently."

My first question had been, "Me? Are you sure?"

But before they could even confirm this. Katara and Aang both ashen with fear came running both explaining a mile a minute.

Sokka and Iroh had been manning an outpost for the White Lotus innocently. When both had somehow been attacked and poisoned. Katara explained that they seemed to be out of danger for the moment. But that was only because she'd done what I had taught her for untraceable poisons. She not only needed me to confirm she'd done everything right, the way she should have. She was hoping I could figure out what kind of toxins were used. I'd need a closer look before I would even know what sort of tests needed to be made.

Aang even explained that a bunch of the older White Lotus members at similar posts had been dying like this lately. Since these people were so well matured, at first no one suspected anything but natural causes. But the last two guards to drop dead had been teenagers, barely of age to even enlist in the White Lotus ranks. All they were able to figure out was this method was untraceable so far. And seemed to attract a huge serpent spirit who was trying to attack Capital City now. So he blurted most of his half of the story before taking off flying back at the beastly thing was now trying to reach the palace.

After a glance it was clear to me that Katara's treatment had not only taken, but it's probably the only way both men were still breathing. But I didn't tell her that, she had been too hysterical over her brother and Iroh. It would have made her start crying again. Instead, I told Katara to go wake Suki and Ty-Lee. Suki would want to be here for Sokka, and Ty-Lee was good at assisting me in these sorts of moments. It would make this whole process go quicker. I begrudgingly told her to wake Zuko. Knowing that he would want to be here, even if everything turned out fine. But I requested her waking the others first, because I knew he'd just fallen asleep.

Aang ended up going into the Avatar state right in Capital City Square… To counteract with the beast he was facing. Waking the Fire Lord, who stumbled in all disoriented. My bed-headed sleepy-eyed fiancee came complaining. "WHY - DIDN'T - ANYONE - WAKE - ME - UP!?"

I didn't look up from my work, "I asked them to but you woke up on your own first."

"WHY's - AANG - IN - THE - AVATAR - STATE? AND - I'M - JUST - FINDING - OUT! NOW!" He shouted hoarsely because he'd been sleeping that well. But it had still been loud enough to rattle the windows.

I shushed him, but Katara was already back, rushing in the door with Suki and Ty-Lee. She explained again what happened and of course, Zuko rushed to his Uncle's side demanding. "WHY - DIDN'T - YOU - TELL - ME - ABOUT - MY - UNCLE - OR - SOKKA!?"

I shot him a dark glare and explained, "I was, when I had news to report. News that I'm still figuring out when you're not shouting directly into my ear."

He got in my face, "YOU - DON'T - THINK - THIS - IS - NEWS?!"

I turned my glare on Katara and it must have been pretty lethal. Cause she did a little jump, and made an "eep!" sound. Even as scared and grief-stricken as she already was.

As I ground out between my teeth, "Finish explaining things to him, I have work to do." Suki was holding Sokka's hands and helping explain to Zuko. That I was probably trying to help them even more than Katara could. And that I was probably going to come to him after I knew more about what had happened.

Zuko pointed out loud enough, for no one to miss. "WHY - DOES - EVERYONE - ELSE - GET - TO - BE - HERE - THEN? WHY - AM - I - THE - ONLY - ONE - LEFT - OUT!"

No matter how many times, people told him, "They had been coming to tell him." He kept asking that same question… SO loudly. I had to raise my voice on the word, "BEcause!" to gain his attention. Then I simply stated, "I don't have time to fight with you now, you'll have to wait till I know what caused this to scream at me about it."

Toph chose this moment to walk in and announce, "I knew Hothead would blow a gasket over Iroh's tea tainting. That's what it was, wasn't it Mai? It smelt weird enough to be foul play."

"I haven't ruled it out yet," I told her, since she wasn't yelling at me. "I'm still waiting for samples so I can test that theory."

And Toph presented the teapot in question. Which did smell tainted to me too, but those tests could wait till a little later. Iroh was worrying me more than anything right now. Even more than Sokka. Who had youth and so many other things on his side that Iroh didn't.

Making this a teaching moment, I showed Katara how I'd noticed that Iroh and Sokka also had almost the exact same small minor cut in the exact same place on their right palm underneath their pinkies. A cut so minor most autopsy doctors wouldn't even note that as strange. But I'd checked those teeny lacerations too. To see if any toxins had been introduced that way. If so, it could have taken a full day to feel the effects even for a pretty fast-acting venom.

Both men also appeared to have nose bleeds and ear bleeds. Which panicked everyone besides me and Ty-Lee. We both assured everyone, "No. It's a good thing. They have a better chance of survival whenever this happens with certain toxicities. Given the seriousness of these cases, I knew they both had a great chance. And even if it's untraceable, this blood could help me pinpoint exactly what contaminant we're battling here." I explained tucking tissues to collect as much evidence as I could and stop the bleeding as well.

Suki asked Ty-Lee, "How she knew so much?"

My long-time best friend explained to my newer one, "Hey! Who do you think was taking care of her whenever she was building up a new immunity or stopping another assassination attempt… It wasn't her parents! That's for sure!"

I explained, "Ty-Lee either took care of me or at least visited me whenever I was sick. Even when it wasn't poison and she took a chance of catching whatever I had."

"Because if I caught it, I could stay with Mai till I was better. We did that a lot too, to escape for a while."

I stepped away from collecting all the tissues Sokka had bled on. To collect Iroh's and I bumped into my fiancee by accident. We locked eyes for a split second, he even took my hand to prevent me from falling over. But in that glance we both saw, we were BOTH too mad to talk right now. So I yanked my hand outta his and got right back to work collecting the tissues plugging up Uncle Iroh nose and ears had bled on as well. Replacing the soiled ones with clean cloths. Keeping their piles separate on plate like trays I'd borrowed from the maids. I asked, "Ty-lee, can you ask the Fire Lord if we might borrow his assistance for a moment? In the nearest active fire-pit?"

Ty-Lee turned to Zuko and said, "Can you help us out, we're gonna need a big strong fire for this next part. If I remember right and having a firebender isn't mandatory… but it helps… a lot…" Whatever look he gave Ty-Lee had her saying. "Buuuuut, we can surely find another Firebender around here. It's the Capital of firebenders after all."

He theatrically said loudly, "Please inform Lady Mai that I will do ANYTHING to help her in this investigation. Even if SHE messed up, and really made me MAD. I will help."

Ty-Lee turned back to me and said, "YAY! He's on board! Field trip! Let's Go!" But then she turned back to the others and said quietly and quickly to the others, "Please! Step out with us! They're gonna be shooting barbs, asking me to talk for them this whole walk. And I really don't want to die this way. I wanted to go out with a little more dignity or romance… you know?"

Katara asked, "Can I tag along? I would like to see what you do, and what you're looking for?"

I did believe Katara here, even having heard Ty-Lee's plea. Katara was always so interested in learning anything that could help her treat possible future patients. But leave it to Toph to cut the crap in her own unique way.

Toph asked, "Can I speak for Zuko while they won't speak to each other? I feel like I can channel his sarcasm way better than Mai's brand of snark."

Ty-Lee breathed, "Oh thank the spirits! I was terrified I was gonna be stuck between them helping them yell at each other." She'd tried to say it quietly but I let her know I'd heard her and she said, "I'll do my best to channel that aura… all of it fluxing and darkness, Mai."

I told her, "Do whatever you want, but start by telling the Fire Lord. Whenever he returns to his room. He's going alone." I informed them as I left with Katara following me.

Katara said, "OOOOOOOOOOOOWW."

But both Toph and Zuko were saying together, "Good! That's Good!"

Toph even said for Zuko, "You're so concerned with him sleeping, sounds like a good call till you check that attitude."

Zuko complimented her, "Nice one."

"Told ya, I got cha." She assured while I tried to ignore the fact that he was letting the pint-sized girl speak for him. Good thing I value Toph far too much to point this out right now… but if she keeps pushing I've got that jab tucked away for later.

I tried to completely ignore the nagging headache I had. The no sleep I was going on, and to remain concentrated on my task at hand. Which was identifying the right poison so we don't think our makeshift family members are okay. We'll know because we've treated them for the exact thing that made them ill. But just as Ty-Lee had feared… we were fighting the whole length of that hall. I held my head high and let him dig himself deeper and deeper. Knowing his short fuse had been sparked and he would be reeling for a little while now.

I tried to remember that most of his yelling wasn't anything to do with me. That it was all shock and reaction at finding Iroh hurt and sick. A sight that ALWAYS shoves him over the falls. Sokka too, was one of his BEST friends. He had to be hurt and panicked… I had to keep telling myself… But I'm not perfect and I wasn't gonna take all of that. Especially when I know I didn't deserve it.

And on the inside, I was wondering what exactly had I been killing myself for all week. If this is the kind of treatment I'm to expect the moment he doesn't like a decision I've made. With a very huge and formal wedding for his sister coming up. A ceremony that I'd watched her plan over and over again since we were kids. He'd better realize soon how valuable my knowledge regarding Azula was. If nothing else… or he could be stuck stumbling to figure out all of these details with Lady Ursa. Both of which had to be absent from the princess's life for HUGE gaps and she's still processing her feelings about both of them… I knew a lot of Azula's answers before she even made them. Because of those simpler times… she hadn't changed that much… Not really, especially since she's been getting mentally treated and balanced too… It's been amazing seeing how much those simple things haven't changed. For her.

But all his majesty wants to do now is piss and moan. Berate me, and fist bump Toph when she offers it. Forgetting the spoiling spree I'd planned out for him this week. Where we made up for three major holidays and missing each other for months. Not days or weeks apart… but Months. I was angry, I was freaking furious… but more than anything I was hurt… Badly hurt.

But I didn't act on that feeling. I had to let him scream and throw all of his temper tantrums before I set him straight. So I put all of my energy into helping Iroh and Sokka. The two men who not long ago saved my brother when Ozai was determined to come after him and me. I owed them for so much more than this one rescue, I realize. But it was the first to come to my mind, tonight.

Finally we reached the biggest and nearest Firepit. It was already lit but the fire wasn't very strong. Thankfully I didn't need to explain what needed to be done because Ty-Lee was already explaining it to everyone, the Fire Lord included.

She said, "What's gonna happen is, Mai's gonna take those solid rags and toss them in the fire. We kept them separate just in case they were poisoned differently. Even though we're pretty sure it'll all turn out to be the same. But she'll throw them all in for one guy, then she's gonna watch them burn all the way to complete nothinginess. The fire will tell her the type we're dealing with if not the exact one by name. Since these rags have blood on them, it shouldn't be too hard to identify. We've had to do this with snot, puss, and other smellier samples before that weren't as straightforward. SOme of our test subjects were dead too."

Everyone was saying "Eew!"

While Katara refrained and shrugged, "You work with what you can, I get it. But Fire can really tell you things like that?"

I (Mai) answered her, "Better than anything else."

Ty-Lee went on explaining, the process to the laymen. "But we HAVE to watch it the whole time it burns because sometimes there's more than one or a mix in play. When every trace of the first guy's rags are completely dissolved and gone. ONLY then can she continue and burn the other guys samples. See if they're exactly the same. Because if even the smallest thing is different… we have to treat every part of every toxin. Got that, everyone?... Every One? …Great! Fire Lord would you please bump this fire up a little stronger for us so this can move along a lot faster? Cloth like this doesn't like to burn too quickly."

Zuko wordlessly bumped the fire, but I thankfully didn't have to instruct him on when it was right. Ty-Lee thankfully did that, and he dutifully listened, as I threw in Sokka's Samples first… They had been the ones collected on the top pile. And they slowly burned off revealing he'd been hit with a mix known as 'Serpent Swine Scythe' which explained the cut on his hand and tainted tea. Because half of these poisons are ingested while the other half need to be injected. I tested the sample from the cut too and it was all confirmed.

Thankfully when I tossed in Iroh's rags, the reactions in the fire were exactly the same. And I had to explain everything I saw to Katara as it was happening the second time. Even though this wasn't a commonly-used combination that one came across often. It was usually pretty rare these days,I only knew about it because I'd become immune to all of the parts of it separately through building other immunities.

The walk back to where Sokka and Iroh were resting was somber. Until Aang joined us explaining how White Lotus senteries had been on ALL aray for their fallen Masters. Most of them were still gathered outside sharing stories about both Sokka and Iroh with the palace guards. But that all flew by fast before Aang asked me directly, "How are they?"

I told him, "We've pinpointed the exact mix and I'm gonna treat them now. But it's certain, Katara saved their lives. I wouldn't have been able to get to them in time if she hadn't done what she did before you brought them here."

The others were all thanking Katara and congratulating her. While I was going right to work on what steps I needed to take next. Her antidote was only gonna hold out a little while longer. I needed to act quickly and treat them now. While their still unconscious this mix historically leaves survivors hallucinating and usually putting up a terrible fight when they come too. It has to do with the serpent slime, spit, and venom in the concoction. As well as the killer-swine contributions too, that are so taxing on the body. But when the guys came out of this they would be immune to five or six new poisons… so there's a silver-lining.

Katara was relieved, but she didn't linger with the others long. She was right back to watching and listening to Ty-Lee and me as we were doing our best to treat both men quickly. Suki helped Ty-lee as well. While Katara helped me, and Zuko watched. Aang and Toph hung around for a while longer but eventually they both fell asleep leaned against each other in the hallway. They've had to travel together so much, it probably wasn't even that out of the ordinary when I think about it.

After I had done everything I could think of, and they seemed to be looking better. I asked the maids to go down to the Kiyoshi Warriors gym and to bring back two of the strongest ropes they had. When I did this, Zuko did ask me directly for the first time in hours. "What do you need that for?"

I really wanted to say in my most condescending tone, 'Wow. Look who's talking to me.' But I didn't I just walked past him, glaring wordlessly.

So he said, "Hey? Why do you need strong ropes?"

Ty-Lee explained. "Because if we don't we're gonna have a whole other fight ahead of us." She even went into all of the detail about how usually people are VIOLENT when they're fighting against this toxin. Till all of the wildness is worked out of their systems. One surviving man famously beat up every man on his ship while he had been hallucinating from the actual Serpent's contributions to this poison. The ship almost sank when no one was steering it for too long too.

Once both Sokka and Iroh were tied down to their beds. All we could do was wait as they went through each phase. Fever, Heavy Sweatout, Dilerum, Violence, and finally Clarity. It was still gonna be a long night. But no matter how we both warned everyone… they all insisted on waiting around. Even when it was all of us sitting and looking at each other watching over both men.

When the fever spiked, I was more worried about Iroh then Sokka again. Because Sokka's younger, his heart can take the wear and tear of it. Iroh's a lot older and he'd gotten a lot hotter to the touch than Sokka too. But they both passed through this step rather quickly. By the time the heavy sweat hit Iroh (Sokka had started doing that a lot quicker) and I was changing out all of the cool rags on him. Zuko said, "Sorry."

When I kept to my work and didn't say anything. He said more, "I'm sorry I snapped at you, tried to fight with you, and kind through Toph… did fight with you. I know you're focused on helping them so diligently that you jumped right in. And planned on telling me when you had more info… You were probably trying to avoid a freak out too. I just-"

I let him know, "Always lose it so easily whenever it's Iroh. I know… but what you've gotta see too is that I am doing everything I can to help them both. And they're not just your family anymore…"

"They're yours too." He finished for me.

I turned and looked him in the eye, as I said, "Yes, they are. And even though I expected it… Even though I'm worried too. It's not okay for you to jump all over me like that, and I shouldn't expect it."

He agreed, "No, you shouldn't… Everything you've done for me this week. Everything your still doing for me right now. I don't deserve it."

I teased, "Well it's a good thing it's not you who got poisoned."

Our humors are so similar and dark, that he kidded right back. "If I had I could have saved myself from a whole tantrum."

"No, you couldn't…" I said still teasing, half serious. "You would have just freaked out that much more when you were in your violent phase."

As I went back to work changing out the cool cloths on Iroh. I felt him lean against my back and let out this big breathe as he admitted. "I guess I deserve that."

"You do." I went on not giving anything away.

So he asked me outright as his arms snaked around my waist. "Am I forgiven?"

"No… not yet." I informed him but when I tried to pull out of his grasp. His hold was steadfast.

"Are you at least considering forgiveness?" He'd asked giving my waist a squeeze. That had felt way too nice to my back. I had been bending over too much, and I'm still going on no sleep.

I twisted outta his grip and told him, "Maybe. Let me help them now, then we'll talk." He accepted this answer for now and helped me as much as he could. Whenever he could after that. Then there was still hours of sitting around and sick care. Everyone had to choose sides. Suki and Ty-Lee sat on Sokka's Side focusing on him alone. While I sat in the middle of their beds checking on both of them. Zuko and Katara sat with me in that small lane. While Toph and Aang were sitting on Iroh's side with some others. Mostly waitstaff and Kiyoshi warriors were in and out all night sticking it out with us. But Toph's job was listening to Iroh's heartbeats and making sure he was alright at all times. Suki was during the same with Sokka but Toph didn't even need a tool to hear it.

I saw them through all of the fever and sweat times. And then the next thing I know, I'm waking up in Zuko's room. Where I'd been put in bed and covered up… I was all alone and still wearing my nightgown I had been wearing all night, I was even still wearing my robe… but how had I got here? Why don't I remember it?

I jumped up, didn't even bother getting dressed or glancing at a mirror. I knew I'd be horrified if I did, and probably lose my nerve. And more time that I could be treating people, so I raced out of bed, and ran to where everyone else still was. Sokka and Iroh were both awake now and almost acting like themselves. They'd already fought mostly through their violent phases.

Sokka was sitting up against his restraints kidding with everyone and holding Suki's hand. While Iroh was sipping from two different tea cups. One was being held by Toph, the other was Zuko… and Iroh was the one laughing as they argued over him. And poor Aang was asleep somehow in the middle of all of this racket. But the first thing I'd noticed… besides our patients' improved state of being… was the ear-to-ear smile Zuko was wearing. Just being surrounded again in all of these people. Even though his tone of voice, arguing with Toph, sounded put out… that smile didn't dim at all.

And even though I had been the one telling everyone all night. That everything would be fine, that both men would come through this just fine and have new immunities to boot… This was the real first moment I knew that for myself too. And I had to sit down, I was so relieved. Iroh reached over and took my hand to thank me, and greet me. He also used that grip to pull me around Zuko and hug me strongly… he hugged with the strength of a sabertoothed moose-lion.

Iroh told Zuko, "I've had a chance to speak with you. Let me catchup with my niece."

Zuko's smile widened, and he shook his head as he said, "Sure, Uncle. I'll go check on Sokka, come on Toph."

She put down her tea cup and said, "Yeah! I bet you Sokka's forgotten we're even here. We can totally pull a prank now."

As they left I heard Zuko asking her, "Why is it always pranks with you two?"

Toph answered, "Is he dead? No? Then it's time to PRANK! Or he'll think I'm sick now."

She had a point.

Iroh started by saying, "I don't think I've ever gotten to see you look so relaxed before."

"Relaxed?" I repeated, before I realized my mistake. I was in a nightgown, a robe tied round me and my hair was down… Fire Lord's orders… Iroh had NEVER seen me dressed like ANY of this before. And I almost bolted to change and fix my hair.

But Iroh had caught my hand and said. "I didn't tell you so to make you feel self-conscious. I only brought it up because I liked it. No wonder my nephew always says how much he prefers to see you this way. I can't blame him." He'd winked.

I said, still sounding too self-aware. "I was raised by politicians… image is EVERYTHING to them. And letting anyone see me like this is… difficult for me. Even your nephew whos my fiancee, even though I'm mostly out from under their thumbs these days. I still have that mentality."

He chuckled, "Oh yes, our parents can impact us so much. Not always in a positive way either, but you have nothing to worry about here."

"Surrounded in friends and family." I thought I was finishing for him.

But he'd whispered, "No, because you're the loveliest thing here. My nephew knows how to pick em!" He elbowed me playfully from behind his ropes before he said. "But don't tell the other girls, I wouldn't want to hurt any feelings."

((Zuko's Perspective))

By the time I circled back to my Uncle. He and Mai were so relaxed talking together. She'd even let him take off his ropes and she was seated with him on his bed. Chatting away… Mai's not a chatty girl, and she doesn't usually smile so much either. She was going out of her way to make my Uncle happy. To help him relax and it was just the nicest thing she's done yet…

And I felt like even more of an idiot… for yelling at her earlier. When Aang woke me up, as he went into the Avatar state… Why had I started screaming anyway? I can't even remember now. I was cranky and sleepy. I wasn't thinking at all I just flew off the handle at her and everyone who had been here with her too.

After months of being apart and only a few days of recovery. Days where Mai has gone out of her way to make me feel better… THIS is how I treat her? STUPID! I'm just so STUPID!

At least she was considering forgiving me, that was good… I don't know if I deserve it, but it was better than her tell me straight out 'no.' Like she's done in the past.

Sokka looked back and forth between me and Mai. A few times like he was watching a tennis match, before he elbowed me and asked, "I know I've been hallucinating most of the night, but why do I get the distinct feeling you're suffering from some lady troubles too, my friend? Was tonight not complicated enough for you already?"

Even though he's right, I told him to "Shut up, Sokka."

But he'd said, "Oh! Come on! I'm still tied up and nobody wants to untie me. Can't you at least humor me here?"

I let him know, "No." And I told him to, "Focus on feeling better… and stop acting so crazy or else none of these girls will EVER untie you."

He'd gasped and realized, "You're right! This is the perfect opportunity they've all been waiting for. What I need is a back up plan. Zuko! Aang! One of you needs to sneak me a knife so I can cut my way out. Just in case, these women decide setting me free is too dangerous."

Aang and me were both too busy laughing, to help him out. And Toph was just making his panic worse, by thinking of all the ways she could torture him. While he was so nicely venerable, disarmed and at her mercy.

While Sokka's panic reached new heights and decibel levels. Mai came out of nowhere threw a single knife, that landed inches shy if Sokka's wolf-tail. It happened so fast and so swiftly it took longer for Sokka's ropes to fall away.

And she told him flatly, "Please keep it down, the both of you need your rest. But Iroh more importantly, his heart just went through a lot."

Sokka still stunned said, "You're right, thanks Mai. I'll shut up, now."

While Toph went, "Darn it Mai! Did you have to cut him free? Couldn't you have let me freak him out a little longer?"

"Not with all the noise he was making." Mai reasoned before she advised. "Everyone should let them rest, they're through all the bad stuff now. You guys should all try to rest too, maybe even sleep a little, before you have to all get back to what you were doing before all of this."

As everyone was deciding what to do and where to go. My Uncle grabbed a hold of my robes and pulled me down to his level. For someone, who's heart has just been through so much. He still had the grip of a bear tiger.

He told me, so only I heard him. "Whatever it is that has happened between you two Zuko. This is the sort of spats and scuffles that occur all the time between joined partners. And how you handle this, even if your union has yet to take place. Could have a lasting effect on future ones, it's very important that you show Lady Mai the way you plan to never let these scuffs leave lasting wedges between two."

I'd bit back, "And just how am I supposed to do that Uncle? I yelled at her, I was unreasonable and stupid-"

He'd tried to ease my nerves, saying. "It wasn't the first time you've done that and it won't be the last either."

I (Zuko) went on, "And she told me she would not go with me whenever I returned to my quarters."

He winced and appreciated, "I think most that was all spoken in anger. Before you apologized and carried her off to rest. It sure sounds like it was… and when she was speaking with me she was just as remorseful as you are, now. You know her better than anyone. See if you can persuade her to rest with you anyways. You're both tired and sorry… Don't let this snag unravel the whole rug. Show her she's still your queen and that you appreciate her… and I have no doubt she'll go with you." But he did press to the end of his advice. "Don't let her getaway from you, nephew. She's one hell of a good woman, and all I think she needs is to know that she's important to you… a lot more than any fight."

Then he'd given me a push and a wink. And I was across that room. Suki was staying with Sokka and Toph had slept most of the night, when she wasn't monitoring my Uncle's heartbeat. So they had both agreed to take this first shift of sitting with the patients. Nearly everyone else was heading off to bed. And heading in different directions. While Aang, Katara and several other guests were heading for their usual rooms in the palace. Mai was following the Kiyiosh warriors chatting away with them and disappeared before I could think of stopping her…

So I had to embarrassingly go down to the Kiyoish barricks and ask if Mai had come down there. The four warriors standing watch there weren't helpful at all. They gave me a healthy dose of attitude and guilt. Saying, "Gee boss, you wouldn't have anything to be ashamed of now, would you?" The first one said.

The second said, "I mean you did apologize for being a total pompous prick? Right?"

"We heard you," another confirmed.

And another said, "It would have been better if you'd used those words."

"You didn't let her leave with any unresolved hard feelings, did you?" The lead one asked me with a punk grin that made me want to scream.

I wasn't getting ANYWHERE with them, even if Mai was there! Aren't these supposed to be MY protectors? My Allies? So why are they all siding with my Fire Lady before she's even officially my Fire Lady? How does that work? Is it some girl code I don't know about? Or is it a Kiyoshi thing, I'm unaware of... Mai is technically one of them now. She's even worn the clothes and face paint legitimately for several occasions... AHHHHG! Why can't anything with these women (All of them) or my life, EVER be easy? Why does it all have to be like this?

I was about to give up… let Mai spend a night gabbing with the warriors and shooting me the breeze. It probably served me right for yelling at her. She was right, she shouldn't expect it and she didn't deserve it… But then I saw it… a tiny little light along the floor, coming from the private library… Where most of Mai's Valentine's decorations were still hung up and ready to be used when Azula's party arrived in a couple of days.

Mai had said, she felt more at home in that room than any place else in the palace. So I took my chance and opened the door… and there she was. She lay across one of the couches, reading one of the books I'd gifted her for Christmas. She had changed into a different nightgown, but her hair was still down, and her feet were bare. A fire was crackling away in the fireplace in front of her. It was the only sound in the peacefully quiet space.

I planned on trying to be cool or suave, as I let her know I was there. But she cut me no slack saying, "I know you're there Zuko, you might as well start talking."

So I came out from behind the bookcase I'd been sheathing behind and asked her. "Why are you here and not in our bed?"

"I told you, whenever you return to your chambers. I'm not going with you." She repeated, while I'd hoped she'd forgotten that little tossed comment... said in anger when I was being a jerk.

I sat as close to her legs as I could. There was still this gaping distance between us. But at least it was next to her... a little.

"I know you said that, before I apologized and before you were considering my forgiveness… doesn't that change things, at all?" I'd asked and thought it was a good question.

"No, because while I'm thinking about showing you grace and compassion that you didn't show me… I haven't ruled it out just yet. I think some time apart is for the best-"

"NO!" I said way louder in the deathly quiet room than I'd meant to. "No." I'd said more normally before continuing. "Too much time apart is where this all started. We've had too much of it, for months and months with no choice. And being the Fire Lord… I never know when it'll happen again. When I'll get called away someplace else and have no other choice but to be there for whoever needs me this time. I can never even guess at when that'll happen either."

Mai said, "You're telling me this like I don't already know that. Like it doesn't come with my job either… Zuko if you still want to marry me, and we actually get to do that. It's gonna be part of my responsibility too. I'm well aware of it-"

"If?" I repeated in shock. "You think I'm having second thoughts? About marrying you? Over this?"

She said, "Aren't you?"

And I told her, "Mai… I was panicked, cranky, and more than half asleep… I always get so scared anytime my Uncle's life is in jeopardy. You said that yourself, I overreacted and I messed up! Almost as soon as I realized it, I was apologizing, but even if that wasn't the case… That wouldn't make me not want to marry you, or make you my Fire Lady…"

She wasn't looking at me, she'd been staring at the same page of her book this whole time. So I pushed past her legs to sit closer, more against her hip. With her body trapped behind mine. I took the book out of her hand, bookmarked her page and set it on the low setting table in front of me. Before I took both of her hands and made her look at me.

"I love you more than anything, or anybody… no argument, misunderstanding, or stupidity on my part will ever change that… okay."

She let me pull her into a hug and she asked, "Are you sure you're not mad at me anymore?"

I said into her shoulder. "I wasn't mad in the first place, not at you. It was the situation, and I'm really sorry I shouted at you like that. That I picked a fight with you... and acted like a total prick."

Mai finally let me know, "You're forgiven…"

And I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

Then she ruined it and said, "But I think I should still stay here and read instead of sleep. I can't shut my mind off and I was way too scared for both Iroh and Sokka. I know I won't sleep and I don't want to disrupt you."

In my head I was screaming "NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! NEVER!" Because Uncle was right! This could be how we settle every tiff we ever fight from now on if I'm not very careful.

I had to ignore that mental screaming and handle this JUST right. Like Uncle had advised, he'd also reminded me that I knew Mai better than most. And screaming 'no!' or ordering her around, waking everyone up picking ANOTHER fight with her, wasn't the answer, for sure.

So I tactfully said, "So… This is your favorite spot in the palace officially, isn't it?"

"I think so." She agreed and it brought me joy. Because I wanted this to be her home, I wanted her even more comfortable here with me, than she EVER was in the governor's mansion. But I needed her to know something else that I needed this place to be.

I got down on my knees in front of her and asked her, "Then please... Come back to our room with me and let this place be your favorite place to visit… Not your hideaway, I don't want you to ever feel like you have to hide any part of yourself away from me. Not like you have to with your parents, your family… Let this just be your favorite hangout spot, place to visit, or the place I'll always find you in… Don't let it be a hideaway… Okay? Please?"

And after a long silence, she sat up from the lounged position she'd been in this whole time. And said, "Okay… I'll go with you… but I probably won't sleep… I don't want to keep you awake or bother you."

"You won't." I'd promised her and truthfully. It would have troubled me a lot more not having her beside me. If I thought this was becoming her new hideout and I hadn't gotten to tell her what I just had. That would have been terrible. When she stood up and I stood too, we hugged and kissed and I finally knew in heart, soul and BONES. That we were okay... we would be just fine.

We checked on Sokka, Uncle and everybody when we passed their room again. They were both sound asleep, Ty-Lee and Katara were both just checking on them too.

Even though Katara had been all business she had elbowed me and winked. "Glad to see you're all made up and heading back to bed together. That's great."

I had to agree, "Yeah, she doesn't think she'll sleep, but I hope she's wrong."

Katara said, "Well I crashed, hopefully you'll both rest too. Goodnight!"

Mai told her, "It's nearly noon, Katara."

"Yeah, but we were up all night." Katara reasoned, "Sleepytime."

Ty-Lee corrected, "Just say, 'Sweet Dreams' it's less confusing."

So they both waved, "Sweet dreams."

And Ty-Lee added, "You lovebirds!"

When we were inside of our room again. And there weren't any more guards or protectors giving us the eye. I couldn't take it anymore and I'd picked her up and kissed her. Begging her to please let me make things up to her this way too. Just for a little while... while we rested. I knew I wouldn't sleep either. But I could need this just as much as the shuteye.

Before I turned down the covers, placed her under them and on her side of the bed.

I didn't even bother walking around to my side, I just crawled in with her. And just wrapped her up in all of the love and support I should have been showering her in all day… We ended up making out for ages, before we needed to catch our breaths. Arguing always works us up like this, but when we were trying to breathe again…

I asked her. "What were you and uncle smiling about so much?"

And she'd explained, "He'd been saying I looked different with my hair down and dressed like I was earlier."

I smacked myself in the forehead and said, "Doh! He didn't!" I'd asked him not say anything. It'll freak her out, and he did it anyway?

"He did." She assured. And I just knew he'd made her feel self-conscious and weird.

So I just said, "I'm sorry for whatever he said. You don't even have to tell me for me to know it was probably the last thing you wanted to hear."

"No, it was okay." She'd even smirked before she explained. "I always think I look so strange and less approachable-"

"Because of your parents, the JERKS!" I said for her.

She went on, "I feel like I can't ever be this relaxed. I only looked like this because we had been about to sleep. Aang and Katara were both so scared, and I was scared too when I rushed in there… I completely forgot what I'd looked like and just got to work. But Uncle Iroh told me that he thinks I look not only more approachable this way… but he thinks that I'm more myself than normal… he said he thinks that's why you're a little obsessed with whenever I usually look like this."

He's right, of course, but that wasn't all of it. So I told her, "Well, that's definitely some of it but not all of it."

"Then what's all of it?" She demanded.

But I told her truthfully, "No, it would take days to explain it all. You'll just have to settle for that being one of the many reasons I'm obsessed with you. Whenever you let your hair down."

A knife appeared in her hand from thin air to press against the underside of my chin, she demanded. "Name one more reason, and I'll let it slide, Your Highness."

Spirits, I love it when she gets playful like this. I said, "Well, I would tell you how unbelievably sexy you are like that. But that's too obvious, let's see…" I made show of thinking about it. Just to make her as nuts as I already was.

And she'd threatened, "Think faster, Fire Lord."

So I told her what I thought of whenever I woke up wrapped in her hair or with it draped over the both of us, because she's on top of me. That it's, "The BEST extra blanket to wake up in."

And that had been good enough for another kiss. As the knife made a new knotch in the headboard. I hoped all of our fights ended this way. Wrapped together in our room making up.

That's all folks!

Well for this post anyway. But don't fret, I'll be back soon and it'll be time for the arrival of Princess Azula. All of the fun and anxiety that that visit will entail… as well as all of the formal wedding plans that have to be broached with the Fire Elders… Yaaaaaay! I may be posting a new one-shot (for Maiko) soon as well. That is in the works right now. We'll see which can get finished first. My next update or that! Winkwink! But hopefully this is all good news, something to look forward to. Hope you liked it, please review if you can, I would love to hear from you. Hope you're having a GREAT day! Take Care and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85!