Dedicated to the one person who's gonna get really into Maiko in ten years and voraciously try to read everything about them. I await your arrival, dear friend.
My Works on Ao3
Maiko Week 2024
The Wedding Weaver
Separation Anxiety
Best Friends
The Promise of Dessert
Other Maiko Fanfics
Put a Ring On It: Part 1, Part 2
You're My Peace
A Dirty Chai and a Black Tea with Cardamom, Part 1, Part 2
A/N: This is essentially a crack fic. I've been reading a lot of social media au's lately for other fandoms and one of my favorite tropes is the accidental confession. Enjoy this super late and super late and super silly contribution to Maiko week.
Also this is yuri Maiko so Zuko is a girl! I wasn't sure if that would be clear since it's in the text style :)
TW: strong language, use of the middle finger emoji, and perhaps some out-of-characterness
Summary: Mai has the first year teaching sickness! Maybe Zuko can make it a little bit better. Super late submission for Maiko Week with the prompt Teacher Mai.
Author’s note: This is the first thing I've written in a long time and it's not as polished as I hoped. Please enjoy! I'm actually a teacher myself so this concept was inspired by the fact that I had a cold or stomach bug every time my school went on break. Mai and Zuko are still just friends here but I like to think they’ve been seeing more of each other since Ashes of the Academy.
TW: None that I can think of?
WC: 879
Zuko heard Kiyi’s approach before he saw her. She was just a kid, but she stomped through the palace like a Komodo Rhino on a mission. And it always brought a smile to his face. Sure enough, she threw open the door to his office a moment later.
“What’s something that Mai would like as a gift?”
“Oh! What’s the occasion?” It wasn’t quite Mai’s birthday. Zuko had been internally debating whether or not he should get her something.
“She was sick today and I want to get something to make her feel better. She’s my favorite teacher so I need her back in action. She said she can’t take us outside until she’s healthy and it’s like totally boring now.”
Zuko smirked at Kiyi’s word choice, and then he frowned. “Wait, Mai’s sick? And she still went to school? Surely Headmistress Shihan would let her take the day off?”
Kiyi shrugged. “I don’t know. I try not to talk to the Headmistress unless I absolutely have to.”
“Fair enough. Mai really likes fruit tarts. If you ask the cook nicely she’ll probably make you some for tomorrow.”
“Okay. Do you think they’ll make her better faster?”
Zuko smiled, “I can’t guarantee it but I think that will work better than anything else.”
“Okay, perf.” Kiyi leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “Perf is short for perfect. The older girls think it’s annoying so I’m saying it a lot.” Kiyi giggled in a slightly evil way.
“Noted.” Zuko replied, and Kiyi skipped off down the hall.
Zuko leaned back in his chair. A sick teacher really was a health hazard to the Academy students. Perhaps he should intervene. He could always drop by in person and ask the Headmistress to let Mai off the hook. And then he could possibly– if she happens to be there– stop by Mai’s office. And he might as well bring her some of her favorite tea. It would only be the courteous thing to do…
He checked the time, and he still had an hour before the teachers left their offices for the day. Before he knew it, he was moving toward the door.
— — —
Mai coughed into her voluminous sleeve. When Zuko approached her in the shop and asked her to teach, she had conveniently forgotten that her teachers were constantly sick. Children are gross. They don’t have a good handle on germs and hand washing and personal space yet, so diseases spread like wildfire at the Academy.
No, illness was the furthest thing from her mind. She was too busy trying not to lose herself in Zuko’s charmingly besotted grin as he leaned against the counter. She shook her head and sighed to bring her back to the present.
She is faced with an uncomfortably large stack of assignments to grade. Despite finding student life rather dull, teaching is always an adventure. Her classroom is full of movement and life and rowdy children. It only gets boring again once they all leave for the day and she’s left with the grading. She has probably handled more pieces of paper than the imperial scholars at this point.
She gets through three worksheets on the life cycle of cicada beetles before a sneeze breaks her focus. She turns away to avoid contaminating the papers. Oh good, now she’s just as gross as the children.
With her back still turned, she hears the door open. “Hey Headmistress. I’m making my way through these assignments. I promise.”
She hears an unmistakable gravelly laugh. “I actually came to relieve you from your post for tonight. Tomorrow too.”
Mai stands up straight and turns to see Zuko leaning against the doorway of her classroom. She raises an eyebrow. “You’re pulling me out of teaching so soon? I thought I was your best ally.” She means to sound teasing, but she’s not sure she’s pulling it off with her congestion-distorted voice.
“Exactly,” Zuko agrees. “You’re my best ally and I need to keep you in good condition so you can mold the mind of the future generations or whatever.” Mai barks out a laugh that quickly dissolves into a cough. Zuko’s eyes soften in concern. “Seriously, you should take a day or multiple days if you need them. The school will still be here when you’re feeling better.”
“But my enemy will grow bigger and stronger,” Mai says, indicating the stack of papers before her.
Zuko eyes the papers warily as if they truly are a vicious opponent. “It’s too late to argue. I’ve already arranged with Shihan that you’ll have a substitute for tomorrow. As for these, couldn’t someone help you grade them?”
Mai shrugs. “I don’t know if that’s allowed.”
“Well it has to be allowed if that person is the Firelord, right? I don’t know if you know, but I make the rules.”
Mai shuddered. “That was so cheesy. After that I might rather work alone.”
Zuko chuckled. “I brought you some of Uncle’s tea. Does that change your mind?”
Mai nodded, “It absolutely does. I’ll go steal a tea set from the faculty room. Get to work Mr. Firelord.”
“Yes, teacher,” Zuko teased as he made his way to the desk. Mai rolled her eyes and didn’t let herself smile until she was in the hallway.
Hi! I hope you’re doing well … Honestly, I don’t want to ask something, I just worried cuz you haven’t updated anything and I only knew you from AO3 and Tumblr so here I am. I wish you the best and I miss your work too! 🥹💕
You are so nice!! I'm sorry to worry you🥹. I started a job last summer and my hours were crazy. But I'm working a different job now so I have a lot more free time and I hope to get back to posting and reading. I hope you're doing well 💖
Finally! I can contribute to making my own Maiko content. Just posted my first Maiko Fanfiction for this Fandom who has always been so kind to me since the D-1 ✨
I am kinda nervous. Since all the Maiko Fanfic that I’ve read are beautifully written. I wasn’t confident enough at first, but eagerly wanted to write them since they were my comfort couple at this moment. I hope you enjoy it! ♥️
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Summary:
Maiko Modern AU. It’s been 3 Months since she broke up. Ty Lee encouraged Mai to go on a date with someone new and she thought maybe the bubbly girl was right. At first, she thought that would be easy moving on from Zuko. Little did she know that silly little things would remind her of him.
Inspired by Red Velvet’s Wendy – His Car Isn’t Yours.
we don’t talk enough about Mai being a comedy icon. she was spitting bars like “maybe stupid girls”, “please tell me you’re here to kill me”, and “fire flake?” and people still call her a dud 😭🤚
headcanon: Kiyi and Tom-Tom help Maiko get back together after Smoke and Shadow
(this post doubles as sort of a director's commentary on my latest fic that literally no one asked for, but I thought it would be fun to do! LOL)
So we all know that Mai and Zuko broke up in the comics... but their last panel together in Smoke and Shadow Part 3 is them holding their younger siblings, which we can argue leaves things on a pretty hopeful note
(and if we REALLY want to push the Maiko agenda, dare I say it's a foreshadowing of some sorts?)
Additionally, at Emerald City Comic Con 2017 (timestamp 17:52), Gene Luen Yang implied that the breakup is only temporary.
Anyway, shipping aside, I love this part in Smoke and Shadow where Zuko worries about Tom-Tom losing his innocence after getting kidnapped by the 'Kemurikage'. We also find out that him and Mai babysat Tom-Tom on one of their picnic dates.
Going off of this, I have a headcanon that the abducted kids would occasionally gather at the palace after the Kemurikage incident to essentially have group therapy sessions (an initiative by the Fire Lord, because he's worried that the kids might be traumatized). This is how Tom-Tom and Kiyi became friends.
One day, they heard that Mai and Zuko are 'boyfriend-girlfriend'. Here's how it went down on my fic:
“You know, I heard from Dad who heard from other guards who heard from the kitchen ladies that the Fire Lord and Tom-Tom’s sis are boyfriend-girlfriend.”
Hearing Guri, Constable Sung’s son, join in on the conversation made Tom-Tom hyper-aware that he probably shouldn’t say anything bad about Zuko, especially now after knowing that he’s the Fire Lord.
Between the events of the ATLA finale and The Promise Part 2 (which is where Mai breaks up with Zuko in the throne room), I think it's safe to say that Mai would be at the palace for a considerable amount of time. I think it would be funny if the news of their breakup didn't reach ALL of the palace employees---so Kiyi and Tom-Tom took it upon themselves to have their siblings spend more time together.
Another thing I had so much fun writing is this interaction between Mai and Kiyi:
“We already met before. That night in the graveyard,” Mai stated matter-of-factly, causing Kiyi to whip her head up with stuffed cheeks, noodle broth dribbling down her chin. She felt her previously strained smile give way to something more genuine, imagining her younger self.
Instead of scolding her for poor table manners like what her own mother would have done, Mai took out a handkerchief. And, driven by instinct, she wiped the girl’s face—the movements gentle and unhurried.
Meanwhile, here's my favorite exchange between Zuko and Tom-Tom:
“Do you like my sister, Mister Fire Lord?”
The question took him by great surprise, the fact that Tom-Tom still refused to drop his title never even registered. But despite the unprompted nature of the question, it was one that he could give an answer to at any time of day—and at any stage of his life.
“I like your sister very much,” he declared, staring straight into Tom-Tom’s eyes. It was a truth that he has stood by since he was twelve, deeply rooted in the fiber of his being. It was an innate warmth that he believed he would carry forever—one that beats in tandem with his inner fire.
Near the end of the fic, Mai and Zuko also have a conversation about Azula, and how their messed-up nation didn't give her a normal childhood, while Kiyi and Tom-Tom happily chase glow moths in the background:
“Do you ever look at Kiyi and wonder whether Azula would have been as happy if this country wasn't so messed up?” Mai asked, her gaze curious.
“Every day,” he replied, and generations of siblings being pitted against each other flashed through his mind. “That's why I'm doing my best to give her a normal childhood—with a country that hopefully isn't as messed up.”
“I’m glad that kids today can at least have that much.” She looked at Kiyi and Tom-Tom who were laughing as they continued to chase glow moths, then turned to Zuko with a smirk. “Era of love and peace and all.”
If you've read my rambling all the way to the end, thank you! Here's the link to the fic if you wanna read (please give it some love)
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
There’s lots of ways to interpret The Boiling Rock but I personally choose to believe that Mai was like “Zuko I cannot believe you committed treason without me. You couldn’t have taken me with you? Do you know how freaking boring it is in the palace? Zuko, Zuko I have knives. You didn’t think that would help you with your escape? Zuko why couldn’t you have at least broken up with me in person so I could tell you that you were being stupid and then come with you anyways?”
A Dirty Chai and a Black Tea with Cardamom, Part 2
A Maiko Modern AU
Summary: Aang, Katara, and Iroh have all decided that Mai and Zuko should be together. But will Mai and Zuko be able to overcome their own insecurities and pursue a relationship?
Link to Part 1 here.
Author’s note: I wrote the last section of this in a coffee shop and someone ordered a dirty chai. I think it’s a sign that this fic is approved by the universe XD XD
As I said in the last chapter, this idea was gifted to me by the absolutely amazing @cowpoopies ! Thank you again!! And– again– thank you to whoever’s reading this. Lurkers, likers, commenters, I love you all and I hope you have an awesome day <3
This one is a bit more unhinged than the previous installment I think. It’s super long for no reason and I fear it may be more ooc and self-indulgent than I originally intended. But I had a good time, so I won’t apologize, lol. I hope you all enjoy it regardless. <3 <3
TW: Curse words.
WC: 5,809
The tea shop was nestled serenely between the neighboring businesses, neither of which were open at this hour. Cars drove by occasionally, but the only other sound in the building was the hum of electricity through the many appliances. The green tables reflected onto the walls, creating a soothing effect.
Despite the calm, Zuko despised early morning shifts. He would never understand how Sokka managed to be so alive and cheerful at that hour of the day or what Uncle saw as the benefit of early rising. Yearning to walk up to his apartment and crawl back into bed, he slumped into the seat by the register and let his head rest on his palm. The ritual was almost meditative at this point, but that didn’t mean he enjoyed it.
The bells on the door jingled, and pulled him back from the brink of slumber. Mai walked in with her friend, and Zuko straightened. His morning was instantly improved. He just hoped she didn’t catch him dozing off again.
The friend– Ly Chee or something– stopped to admire one of the pictures on the wall, and Mai approached the counter. She bit her lip, almost nervously, and Zuko suddenly became very aware that he was looking at her mouth. “Hey,” she greeted him. “Can you make me a black tea with cardamom, again?”
Zuko felt giddy. “Of course, you liked it?”
Mai blushed. “I didn’t hate it.”
As she handed him her credit card, Zuko asked, “How’d the exam go?”
“I think it went really well. You’ll have to help me with my final too.” Mai gave a small smirk and shot him a wink. Zuko’s heart beat faster. Maybe Katara and Aang were right. He did have a chance!
Sokka materialized, drink in hand, and said, “Here you go, lovely lady.” Zuko frowned. He must have made the drink while Mai paid. It really wasn’t a big deal, but–
Mai sighed. Zuko went rigid. “Is something wrong?” he asked.
“It’s stupid. I was actually kind of hoping you would make it for me.” Her eyes met Zuko’s, and he was transfixed. She extended the cup to him, and he folded his hands around hers. “Will you take this back, and make me one of yours?”
He felt sparks where their skin met. “Baby, I’d brew your tea every day for the rest of our lives.”
“Really?” Mai gave him a rare smile and leaned across the counter. She was going to kiss him! Zuko closed his eyes, and leaned forward.
And forward.
And forward, until he was falling. His face collided with the counter with a resounding bang. Uncle rushed out of the back room.
“Nephew! Are you okay?”
Zuko looked up, dazed. There was no Mai. Or Ly Chee. Or Sokka. It was just him and the old man. He pinched the bridge of his nose. It was sore but nothing felt broken, and he’d gotten in enough fights as a teen to know. “I’m fine. I just… dozed off.”
Iroh sighed and examined his face. “I know I don’t normally advocate for this, but maybe you should have a coffee to wake yourself up today.”
Zuko nodded. “I think maybe I should.” Uncle clasped a hand on his shoulder in a silent gesture of affection before returning to the back room. Zuko actually decided to make himself a chai with a shot of espresso. It was what Mai had ordered for himself on her first visit, and he’d never tried one.
She stopped by the shop almost daily now, sometimes with her friend, but she never lingered. Sokka would occasionally make small talk with her, in a way that Zuko envied but couldn’t quite replicate. His attempts always felt stilted and awkward. He knew that it was ridiculous to feel jealous of those mundane interactions when he hardly knew Mai, but he felt drawn to her. It had been a long time, maybe since Jet, that he had crushed so hard. A small dark part of him hoped that Mai was already in a relationship, so that he wouldn’t have to open himself up to potential rejection.
He was so lost in thought and the making of his own drink, that he missed it when Mai actually walked in. She was standing by the register, observing him, when he finally noticed her.
“Oh! Mai, sorry, I didn’t see you.” He rushed over, but her face didn’t change. He would pay any amount of money for a window into her thoughts just then.
“No problem. I was debating what I should order.” She brushed a lock of dark hair behind her ear, and Zuko realized he hadn’t seen her with her hair down before. As expected, it looked really good.
“Well, you already know my favorite thing on the menu,” Zuko replied. Then he remembered his dream and felt a blush tint his skin. He prayed it wasn’t noticeable.
“That’s right, but I never found out your Uncle’s.” She smiled teasingly. “I’m guessing Jasmine.”
Zuko’s jaw dropped. “How’d you know?”
Mai blinked, like she didn’t know what to say. “Are you… kidding? Your shop is called The Jasmine Dragon.”
At that moment, Zuko wouldn’t have minded if a chasm opened up beneath him and reclaimed him for the earth. The shop had always been called The Jasmine Dragon for as long as he was alive. He knew logically that his Uncle was the founder, but he had never pondered the implications before. His cheeks were now burning with twice the intensity and he knew it was definitely visible.
“I’d… never thought about it,” he croaked out.
Mai laughed, and– even though it was at his expense– it helped ease the tension in his chest. As far as he could recall, Sokka had never made Mai laugh.
“Well, in honor of your Uncle, I’ll take a Jasmine tea.” Mai pulled out her wallet and Zuko rang her up.
“Are you sure that will be enough caffeine to keep you going? We use a green tea base.” Zuko teased. Normally Mai ordered black tea or coffee, and she often added espresso shots.
“It should be fine,” Mai replied. “My midterms are finally over so I’ve actually been getting sleep. What about you? Do you have any exams left?”
“Nope, a lot of my professors went with papers or projects this year instead, but I turned in my last one yesterday. So I’m really looking forward to going out this weekend.” Zuko decided to do some reconnaissance. Katara felt confident that Mai was single since she hadn’t mentioned anyone, but Zuko wanted to be sure. “Aang and Katara are really chill, so I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you wanted to bring someone.”
Mai rubbed her arm, “Oh, well… Ty Lee is going out with her new girlfriend this weekend.”
Zuko looked at her blankly until he realized that Ty Lee was Ly Chee’s real name. Then, he smiled, “I see. Is that why you’ve been flying solo? She doesn’t need to stare at Sokka for eye candy anymore.”
Mai’s eyes widened. “You all knew about her crush? I’m so embarrassed.” She ran a hand through her hair and Zuko tried not to be mesmerized.
He chuckled. “We didn’t know for sure, but Toph had a hunch. And for the record, I don’t think it’s embarrassing. Maybe a bit for Ty Lee, but not for you. You were just a bystander.”
Mai shook her head. “Toph’s hunches are always right. Anyway, I hope you're not expecting me to stop coming in. I’m officially hooked.”
Mai was never this talkative, and it filled Zuko with confidence. Maybe he could borrow a line from his subconscious. “I’ll brew your tea any day. You’re way more interesting than most of our customers.”
It was Mai’s turn to blush. “I– oh– thank you.”
And then Zuko realized he had not, in fact, started brewing her tea. As he fetched the tea leaves, he kept up his conversation with Mai. “How was Philosophy of Law?”
Mai sighed. “It was just as awful as expected. But I think I did okay. Jeong Jeong takes forever to post his grades so God only knows.”
Zuko hummed sympathetically. His concentration was on pouring hot water into the small personal kettle. Mai leaned over the counter, and watched with interest. “I’m impressed. I was lowkey expecting a tea bag.”
Zuko laughed. “Oh no! Uncle prefers loose leaf. He’s also especially particular with Jasmine, since flowers are involved. And don’t get him started on brewing times. When you hand people a to-go cup with a tea bag, they leave it in there all day. If you over-steep, it gets bitter and–” Zuko stopped. “I sound like him, don’t I?”
Mai smiled. “You really do. But that’s not a bad thing. There are worse people to emulate.”
Zuko smiled and went to grab a paper cup for the tea. The store had a few different branded designs, but he always gave Mai the red dragon one, since it was his favorite. Soon enough, the tea was done steeping and he poured it and snapped the lid into place. When he turned back to Mai she was fiddling with a small piece of paper.
“Here you are,” he extended the cup and she offered him the paper in exchange.
“Thanks. Umm. I thought you should have my number. In case anything comes up before we hang out on Saturday.”
Zuko accepted the paper and forced his voice to stay casual. “Thanks. You’ll have to let me know how you like the tea.”
“Of course.” Maybe he was imagining it, but Mai’s cheeks seemed pink as she made her way to the door.
Against his better judgment, Zuko felt hopeful.
— —
Zuko: Zuko here :)
Mai: Hey. I liked the jasmine
Black w/ cardamom was better though
Zuko: Yes! I can’t wait to tell Uncle
He’ll say I brewed it wrong, but that’s bs
Mai: Don’t get too big of a head. He’s still my fav barista
Wait, actually it’s Sokka, lol
Zuko: -_-
Talk about a big head. Don’t tell him you said that
Mai: Jk jk. You’re pretty cool ig
You did help me get an A on a JJ exam
Zuko: NO WAY
The grades are in? Congrats!
Mai: It’s all thanks to you and Katara. Seriously.
Zuko: I’m always happy to help
You know where to find me
— —
Mai leaned against the wall of her dorm, waiting for Aang to pick her up. He offered to be the designated driver for the evening. Mai wasn’t going to drink, but she was more than happy to not have to deal with parking in the city.
She wondered if Zuko would be riding with them. Oh Zuko. She’d thought about him much more than was normal to think about your barista/tutor. She read and re-read their text exchanges, looking for evidence of flirting. Every time he messaged her, Ty Lee could immediately tell from her face, which was not good. Mai and Ty Lee had known each other since childhood, and yet the other girl had never known what she was thinking. Until now.
And Mai, who considered herself decent at reading people, had no idea where to begin with Zuko. Most days when she went to the shop, Sokka and Uncle Iroh were the talkative ones. On the day she gave Zuko her number, he seemed much more open. But he had also asked her if she wanted to bring another person to the hangout, and that could only mean Ty Lee. Mai couldn’t shake the feeling he had a crush on the pretty gymnast.
Then again, he seemed to know about her feelings for Sokka. And he called Mai interesting. And offered to brew her tea anytime.
But brewing tea was his job. He was constantly offering to brew people tea. And what if he saw Mai as an opportunity to get closer to Ty Lee? It wouldn’t be the first time, but normally Mai could sense such buffoonery before the guy even opened his mouth. Maybe Zuko's hotness was blinding her to his ill intent.
She was over-thinking in circles. Maybe Zuko was normal and didn’t like anyone in particular. Or maybe he had a partner.
Mai ran a hand along the brick building. A memory came to her mind, unbidden. Her and her parents here at accepted students weekend. Her mom pulling her aside. Giving her one of her talks.
“Mai, you really should be making more of an effort to smile. You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”
Mai rolled her eyes. “You made me change out of my skirt this morning because it was too short. I thought I wasn't supposed to be catching flies.”
Michi stood imperiously, not even glancing in her daughter's direction as she spoke. “You don't want that kind of a man, darling. You want a husband.”
Mai wanted neither in that moment, and couldn’t quite tell the difference between the two. “I’m going to this university for a reason. So I won't need a husband.”
Michi arched her brow. “This is not the caliber of institution your father and I imagined for you.” Mai knew that well. It was part of the appeal. “Besides, you said you want to study philosophy? You’ll need a husband.” With that, Michi decided the conversation was over and went to walk through the dorm open house.
Mai contemplated staying at the side of the building and moping, but that would only hurt her and not her mother. She could point out that Political Science would be her primary major, and philosophy her secondary course of study. But her mother wouldn't remember no matter how many times she said it. Mai sighed. She donned disinterest and trailed after her parents at a distance.
Here she still was. A college sophomore with a decent GPA, one close friend, and no self-esteem. She didn’t want a husband, but she wanted… something. Something that she had lacked in her previous relationship with Kei Lo. And she didn’t know how to untangle those desires from the pre-programmed path her parents wanted her to follow.
Aang’s car pulled up– just five minutes shy of saving her from an existential crisis– and Mai saw Katara in the passenger seat and Zuko in the back. The thought of sitting next to him now made her slightly nauseous, but she had decided to be social today.
She composed herself and marched to the car. Aang greeted her as she sat and clicked her seatbelt. “Hey! It’s really nice to see you again.”
“Oh, yeah. It’s really nice to see you too. Thanks for inviting me out.”
Aang gave her a winning smile. “Don’t even mention it.” He knocked on the dash twice. “Yip yip!”
Mai opened her mouth to ask, but Katara explained: “It’s for good luck. Aang’s car is like a hundred years old, so it breaks down sometimes. I’ve been telling him to just get a new one–”
“Aww,” Aang cooed. “Don’t listen to her, buddy. I’d never replace you.”
Mai found herself somewhat taken in by the bald man. He was quirky, but in a charming way. She could see why Katara liked him.
Zuko cleared his throat from the seat beside her. “Umm… hi. Uncle wanted me to give you this.” He extended a hand and offered her a small paper.
Mai noticed it was a voucher for a free drink. “What’s the occasion?”
“Oh!” Zuko scratched the back of his neck. “I might have mentioned that you got an A on the exam and he said you should celebrate.”
Mai accepted the paper hesitantly. “Aren’t we… celebrating now? With dinner?” Zuko shrugged. “Okay, well, thanks.”
Mai didn’t want to appear ungrateful, but now that the exam was over it didn’t seem so monumental. Maybe Zuko did like her after all and it was an excuse to get her to come back to the shop! No, that was reading too much into it. Besides, she went to the shop everyday now, so his uncle was probably just being kind to a loyal customer. Her crush was clouding her mind an almost concerning amount. Maybe she should take a break from seeing Zuko after this.
Silence filled the car for just long enough to be awkward, and Aang turned on the radio for the rest of the ride.
They had settled on a Mexican restaurant that Aang and his friends apparently went to quite a bit. The server recognized the group, and led them to a booth in the back.The location was quieter than the tables, but it was directly under a vent. Mai cursed herself for not bringing a jacket. Aang and Katara sat together, naturally, which left Mai next to Zuko. She was hyper aware of his proximity, but not unpleasantly so. In fact, with the chill she wished she could slide closer.
The server took their orders almost immediately since everyone else knew the menu. Mai– not wanting to make everyone wait– copied Zuko’s order and hoped for the best. And there were chips and salsa if Zuko secretly had terrible taste.
Aang piped up, “You’re in your second year, right Mai?”
“Yeah. Same as Katara,” she replied. “What year are you?”
“I’m a Freshman.”
Mai was surprised. She could have sworn she’d seen Aang around last year. “Does that mean you all just met in the fall?”
“Oh no,” Katara said, leaning into Aang’s side casually. He wrapped an arm around her, smiling. Mai felt her singleness acutely. “Aang went to high school with Sokka, and I. And he’s been living with us for a few years.”
“And Sokka’s a junior?” Mai asked.
“Sokka and I are both juniors,” Zuko explained. “I met everyone when he started working at the shop.”
Mai nodded, trying to absorb all the new information.
“How did you meet Ty Lee?” Aang asked.
Mai took a moment to consider the question. “I honestly don’t remember. Our parents were friends, so we’ve known each other since we were really little.”
“Aww! And after all this time you’re still friends and you decided to go to the same college? That’s really sweet,” Katara said.
Mai hummed noncommittally. “I’m glad Ty Lee decided to stay close but I think the reason she chose to go where I wanted is because she doesn’t care about college at all. If she had her way, she’d run off and join the circus.” Aang laughed, but Mai’s expression remained unchanged. “I’m serious. When we were little we made this whole plan. She would be an acrobat, and I would be a knife thrower.”
“That makes sense since Ty Lee’s into gymnastics. But why did you choose knife-throwing?” Katara asked.
“What do you mean?” Zuko interrupted. “Knife-throwing is like the most badass part of the circus. What else would she do? Juggle?”
Mai laughed. “No, Katara’s right. I actually do have a reason. I’ve been taking knife-throwing lessons since I was seven.”
Everyone at the table stared at her, until Zuko burst out: “That’s so fucking cool!”
Katara agreed, “That’s– like– amazing, can you teach me?”
“Wait a minute,” Aang held up his hand. “That’s awesome, but why did you start taking knife-throwing lessons?” Zuko made to speak and Aang pointed at him, “Other than generally badassery.”
Mai blushed. She was always slightly embarrassed to tell this part of the story. “I loved this comic series as a kid, and the main female character was a knife thrower. I hated school, so my parents made a deal with me that if I got good grades I could keep going to my knife-throwing lessons.”
“Hang on,” Zuko grabbed her arm. “Are you talking about Nanami from The Adventures of Piandao?”
“Yes, wait, you know the series?” Mai asked.
Zuko smiled. “It was my favorite as a kid! My sister and I used to have fake sword fights all the time. But nobody I’ve met has ever read it.”
Mai sympathized. “I know! I tried for ages to make Ty Lee read the first volume but she never would. I think it’s the art style. I should check it out from the library and give it a re-read.”
Zuko looked smug, and Mai raised an eyebrow. “What if I told you that I had the whole collection and you could borrow whichever ones you want?”
“Then maybe you would be my favorite barista,” Mai smirked.
Zuko rolled his eyes. “Nevermind,” he teased. “Anyway, I think you should start your reread with the blue spirit arc. It’s the best one.”
“You have got to be joking!” Mai noticed that Katara and Aang had grown bored of the conversation and were having their own. “Nanami is the best character and so the best arc is the Lady of a Thousand Blades, where she’s introduced.”
“But she has that whole fight scene with the blue spirit!”
Mai rolled her eyes. “Yeah, and he wins because her dart holsters jam. Then, Piandao has to rescue her. Like that would ever happen. The author is a coward and a misogynist.”
“Oooooooooor she actually lost because her focus was compromised…”
Mai groaned. “You ship the Blue Spirit and Nanami? Who even are you?”
Zuko’s jaw dropped. “What do you mean? Of course I ship the masked vigilante and the knife-throwing warrior. They would be such a power couple.”
“This is why Sokka–”
“If you say Sokka’s your favorite barista again I’m gonna scream.”
Mai laughed. “I overplayed the joke? I’m sorry.” She felt a cold rush of air from the vent and shivered.
“Are you cold?” Zuko asked, sounding slightly concerned.
She rubbed her arms. “It’s fine, I just normally wear long sleeves.”
Zuko took off his zip hoodie and extended it to her. “Here, take this.”
Mai accepted it, but made no move to put it on. The fabric was softer than she had imagined, and still radiated Zuko’s warmth. “Are you sure?” she asked. The gesture felt momentous somehow.
“Of course,” Zuko assured her. “I run hot.”
“Oh really?” she deadpanned. “I’d like to see that.”
Zuko nudged her lightly. “Shut up and accept my kindness.”
Mai snorted. “You are a true gentleman. I can see the influence of Master Piandao within you.” She slid the hoodie on. Their food arrived shortly after. While Zuko was distracted, Mai discreetly inhaled the scent of the garment. It smelled a little bit like the tea shop, a little bit like the library, and strongly of Irish Spring soap. She liked it. A lot.
— —
Mai: I still have your hoodie
Zuko: That’s okay. I have others
You can bring it to the shop sometime
Mai: Ok. I’ll probably come in later today
I can’t study without tea now
Zuko: If you need a break from studying, you can borrow a Piandao comic
I’m not working today, but I’ll be in the building
Mai: I don’t want to bother you on your day off
Zuko: You’re not a bother. You’re my friend
Mai: I’m friends with a Blue Spirit x Nanami shipper :0
Zuko: Guess so :P
I only lend books to friends
Mai: Valid. Acquaintances can’t be trusted
Anyway, I think I’ll take you up on your offer
Zuko: Great! Text me when you get here
— —
Zuko paced his room, occasionally reorganizing the knick-knacks on his desk. Yesterday’s “double-date” had gone better than he imagined. Mainly because he kept imagining worst-case scenarios. But thankfully, none of them had come to fruition. Instead, he and Mai had talked the whole night, about their favorite comic series, their shared major, awful professor stories, and favorite foods. He fell asleep replaying the conversations in his head.
He needed to ask her out soon, before he lost his nerve.
And it seemed would get his opportunity when she came for the comic.
He scanned his room for the nth time, hoping that it looked presentable. He kept the space neat, but it was fairly small. When he leaned back far enough in his desk chair, he hit the edge of his bed. On the wall in between the two, he wedged a secondhand bookcase, home of the aforementioned comics and his other favorites. He purposely stored his school books in a bin at the bottom of his cramped closet so he wouldn’t have to look at them unless he needed to.
He used to have a much larger room when he lived with his father, but… well… this was preferable by far. He had some family pictures on a shelf above his desk but none of them featured that man.
His phone buzzed.
Mai: I’m here
Save me. Sokka’s making a joke about boomerangs
Zuko laughed, and made his way down the stairs and through the back room. By the time he arrived on the scene, however, Mai was speaking with Uncle instead of Sokka.
“-- and he had the cutest little fascination with ducks. He used to beg me to take him to the park to feed them. He named them all too!”
She laughed demurely, and Zuko’s cheeks flamed.
“UNCLE!” he ran up to them. “Do you have to tell everyone that story?”
“What?” Uncle put on his best impression of innocence. “I think it’s cute.”
“That’s not–” Zuko’s voice cracked. “That’s not the point.”
Mai, still smiling, came to the old man’s defense. “It is kind of cute.” Zuko noticed she was holding his hoodie with both arms crossed around it in a form of embrace.
“I-I guess so, yeah,” He found himself agreeing impotently.
Uncle chuckled. “You two have fun!” Zuko could see the gleam of mischief in the tea-maker’s eye. If embarrassment were lethal, he would be in critical condition.
He escorted Mai behind the counter and back to the safety of his room. “Sorry about Uncle. He’s…”
“He’s lovely,” Mai cut in. “You don’t have to apologize.” Zuko felt himself fall a little bit harder.
Mai took in the small room for a rather long time, expression impassive, and Zuko worried that it had failed her test. She looked at him with expectation, and he realized she was waiting for him to take the lead. “Feel free to sit anywhere.” He gestured awkwardly at the chair and the bed. She opted for the chair, so he sat criss-cross on his sheets.
She tossed his hoodie at him and it landed in his lap. “Thanks for letting me borrow that.”
He recalled how she looked wearing it, and he swallowed. “Oh, yeah, anytime.”
She swiveled the chair to face the bookcase. “So this is your collection? I’m jealous.”
Zuko smiled, “Well, I’m giving you unrestricted access, so don’t knife me down.”
Mai chuckled. “I’m pretty sure the term is stabbing. And I don’t stab my friends.”
“Good policy.” Zuko watched her run her fingers over the spines before choosing a volume to flip through. He had referred to them as friends earlier in the day, but the word felt like an obstacle now.
Mai turned her scrutiny to the shelf above the comics, and Zuko bit his lip. It felt strangely intimate to be sharing the contents of his personal library so openly. Mai selected one and Zuko recognized it immediately as Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. “Did you read this for Prof. Pakku’s Mass Incarceration class?”
“No, actually,” he replied. “I read it in high school. It’s actually part of the reason I chose to study political science.”
Mai nodded. “It’s very inspiring. Do you want to work as a defense attorney?”
“I think so. I’ve always thought about going into law because my dad is a lawyer. But when I read this book, I realized that he has never once used the power he has to help people.” Zuko could taste the bitterness in his own voice. His scar itched. “When I discovered that there was a different way of doing things, it kind of frightened me at first. I truly didn’t know that kindness was an option. God, that probably sounds so fucked up.” He winced and looked away.
But Mai reached out and rested a hand on his shoulder. “No… it’s more relatable than you think.” Her touch was light and she removed her hand too soon.
As she put the book back on the shelf, Zuko cleared his throat. “Anyway, why did you choose poli sci and philosophy?”
She sighed. “Honestly, my high school guidance counselor told me I had an aptitude for philosophy. And political science sounded like the kind of thing that my parents would approve of.” She rested her chin in her hand, and she looked like the sculpture by Rodin. “I know it’s callous, but my parents are more into image than impact.”
Zuko shook his head. “I promise you, I understand that completely. But maybe we can do something better, right? Ever since moving in with my uncle, I’ve seen the amount of good that actually exists in the world.”
Mai smiled. “You sound like a hero. Seriously, you sound like you could be in a Piandao comic or something. I think you, and Katara, and Aang are all going to do amazing things one day.”
“What about you?” he asked.
Her expression returned to calculated calm. “I’ll probably be drinking tea somewhere.”
“All right then.” He nudged her foot with his own. “I’ll brew your tea while you write groundbreaking legislation… or philosophical treaties.”
Mai chuckled, and reached for another comic.
— —
Ty Lee: Are you still alive?
Mai: Yes?
Ty Lee: Again, but with confidence
Mai: Yes! I’m alive
Ty Lee: Good
I was starting to think Zuko murdered you
Do you even know what time it is?
Mai: Oh shit
I actually didn’t
Leaving soon
Ty Lee: Take your time ;)
— —
Mai swore that time passed differently in Zuko’s room. She felt like she was only there for an hour at most but she checked her phone and realized it was 8:30 and the tea shop was closed for the day. So much for her homework.
Her conversation with Zuko about the future had deeply affected her. He and his friends had such a passion for the world. It was a skill she was only just learning about for herself. A dull blade in her arsenal. For so long, she had walked through life with numbness and composure, believing it was enough.
She didn’t want that anymore. Could she do something useful? Like write ground-breaking legislation?
Maybe being around Zuko and his friends would… help.
Zuko let her choose a few of her favorite Piandao volumes, and before they went downstairs he tried to offer her his hoodie once more. “It’s probably cold outside now that the sun is setting.”
She’d been lying if she said she wasn’t tempted. “Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of my returning it today?”
Zuko shrugged. “You can just bring it back with the books. Like I said, I have others.”
Mai accepted it after some consideration. “I’m starting to think you just like seeing me.”
“Yeah, yeah, come on,” Zuko blustered as he led her down the stairs and out into the empty shop. Iroh was the only person who remained, as cleaned the machines and tidied up for the night.
Mai paused at the counter. “Thank you for inviting me over. I’ll see you both soon.”
“Of course, enjoy the comics–”
“Wait!” Uncle Iroh held up a hand. Mai jumped, not expecting an outburst from the sweet old man. “Aren't you going to walk her home, Zuko?”
Zuko’s face reddened. “I– Umm– Well– Uh–”
Mai came to his rescue. The poor guy had just spent all day with her, and he was probably done. “That’s okay. I’m trained in self-defense, I don’t need an escort.”
Iroh nodded, “That’s great! I’m glad my nephew will be safe with you. But honestly, I wasn’t thinking about practicality.”
Mai tilted her head in confusion, and she was going to ask what he meant when Zuko sprang into action. He grabbed her hand and led her to the door. They moved so quickly that the familiar tables became a green blur. “You’re right, Uncle, we’ll be going now.” The bells rang loudly as he swung the door open and let it slam behind them.
He marched her out of the shop and all the way to the end of the street before releasing her hand. He looked away and scratched the back of his neck. “I’m sorry about that. Uncle, isn’t exactly… subtle.”
Mai pulled Zuko’s hoodie tightly around herself. It was cold and Mai was glad she accepted it once more. “Don’t mention it. And you don’t have to walk me all the way to my dorm. I know it’s late and you probably don’t want to be out here in the cold…” She caught herself rambling, an unfortunate habit that she believed to be a relic of her youth.
Zuko looked at her and narrowed his eyes. “Do you really not know?”
“About what?”
He took a deep breath, like he was steeling himself for something. “I like you.” Mai blinked. “I have a crush on you.” Mai blinked again. “But, uh, you probably don’t feel the same way and I totally get that. You can keep the books and the hoodie and I can get you the schedule for when I work so you can avoid me but still go to the shop–”
Mai snapped out of it. “I like you too.”
“Really?” Zuko asked in a small voice. Beautiful Zuko. The hot barista. The brilliant upperclassman. The boy who wanted to change the world. He liked her. And he was looking at her with such joy on his face.
Mai felt giddy. She laughed. “Yes, of course.”
“Wow,” Zuko breathed. “You're so cool, and so hot, and so smart. I thought I never stood a chance.”
“Shut up and kiss me right now.”
He obliged, caressing her cheek and leaning in. It was awkward at first. Mai’s hands were full of books, and Zuko’s nose brushed against hers. But when their lips fit together, it felt right. It tasted like black tea, and espresso, and the spices in chai.
They pulled apart, reluctant and shy once more. Zuko, still leaning close, whispered, “You’re just so out of my league. How do you not see that?”
Mai felt her pulse flutter. “Hey, that line only works once.” Zuko blushed and Mai laughed. “Besides, don’t sell yourself short. You’re really kind to your uncle and you’re good with school. And, as I said, you’ll be a hero one day,” she teased him lightly.
Zuko smiled at her. “Oh please. If anything, I’m your sidekick. The butler to your Piandao.”
Mai laughed. “Okay then. How about we ride off into the sunset now?”
Zuko wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Gladly.”
[cracks knuckles] that's it. I'm gonna start writing fics. The last time I read a novel was two years ago so my language is gonna be rusty but fuck it.
Because if I don't I'll break my back trying to draw comics in one sitting.
includes a little bit of Fire Nation lore (i.e. brief mention of the Camellia-Peony War, Fire Lord Chaeryu from the Kyoshi novels, and I tried giving Mai's family a backstory)
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