Chapter Text
There were a lot of times Aang felt free. Airbenders always felt free, that’s normally the rule. This was not one of those times.
Being the Avatar has its perks. Constant adulation from the masses, free food almost always, and of course, invitations to events the world over.
By now, Aang knew which invitations to trash and which to attend. Sadly, this was not an invitation which could be ignored. The Season Opening Gala at the Fire Nation’s Royal Opera House was not an event any Avatar could miss, especially not with Zuko’s royal seal on it. Every single year Aang has received that letter, but only now did the Fire Lord himself want him there. Oh dear.
He remembered the time he went willingly to the opera once. Once.
He also knew that quite a few Fire Nation elites would gladly give life and limb to even spend a moment there at the Gala, and for once he wished he could take his burden and give it to another.
But no, it is down to his dreadful fate to be thrown into those stuffy seats with spirit-damned delegates, lords, ambassadors, generals, and officials alike, all clamouring for just a crumb of conversation with the Avatar. Damned social climbers. Worst of all, Zuko himself wouldn’t be there to share the burden, even with his Royal Seal on the invitation and all. Lucky bastard. Apparently, the Fire Lord wished for the Avatar to take his place while he is... indisposed.
But of course, the people who run the Fire Nation would be there, and they would be rather disappointed at both him and their Fire Lord were he to not show his face. Damn it, he was a spirit ambassador, not a human one!
Still, it was his duty to hold the balance between the nations, and an evening with Fire Nation elites would ensure they knew the Avatar was real and a close confidante of the Fire Lord. Representing the Fire Lord in official functions was highly coveted, of course, an honour given only to those in his closest circles. For this one evening, Aang almost wished he were orbiting just outside those circles.
A loud roar from Appa interrupted his invitation-reading. By now, the ten-ton sky bison could practically read his thoughts.
“I know, Appa. It’s just one evening though. It will all be over before I know it.”
Appa hummed in response.
“And who knows? Maybe something really special can happen at the opera.”
This time, Aang received no answer from his companion.
It is a testament to Zuko’s skill in finding him that the invitation reached his hands a mere three days before the Gala. It gave him just enough time to get himself ready. Most airbender monks would not dare to enrich themselves with formal clothing beyond their robes, but the Avatar needed to be ready for any social situation. Aang hated having to dress to the nines, but all the other guests would be too. Them seeing an Avatar dressed poorly would not bode well for his reputation. Or for Zuko’s, for that matter.
And so, he readied himself for an evening of complete boredom, and landed in the courtyard of the Royal Palace. He was a regular there, at least, and Appa could get some well-deserved rest. Aang made a mental note to make sure he buys an apple after the gala for Appa.
With the gala being an evening of spectacle over spectacle as every guest tries to outdo another in flaunting their wealth, Aang felt obligated to do something similar. He had little in the way of wealth, as befits a monk, but no attendee will forget seeing the Avatar fly in, that’s for sure. He needed to have his presence be known, even if he hated what that would bring.
Aang thanked the spirits for making sure he arrived just before the performance started. That way he could be spared the onslaught of greetings and well-wishes from the thousands of men and women in attendance. He may not be able to avoid the entire evening, but this does lighten the load.
As he ascended the stairs to the Royal Tier, Aang could feel every single pair of eyes in the opera house glued on him. Gossip travels fast amongst the Fire Nation’s elite, and none who heard it would miss an opportunity to get a glimpse of the Avatar. Plus, they could clearly see he was here alone. Some unscrupulous nobles may already be planning to accost him later with a betrothal to one of their daughters. Scratch that. They’re not just planning it, they’ll do it!
The spirits were kind enough to ensure he could make a straight beeline towards the centre box. He only hoped their kindness extended to having the Royal Box to himself.
This was not the case. Aang could feel the air currents tighten almost imperceptibly as he opened the door. Someone here had been expecting him.
“It is an honour to be in your presence, Avatar Aang.” A middle-aged man spoke. Aang had absolutely no idea who this could be, but certainly someone with connections if he found his way to the Royal Box. “I am General Yoshida, one of the Fire Lord’s advisors.”
That’s interesting, Zuko never mentioned in the invitation that he’d be sharing the Royal Box. Aang does his best to do a respectful Fire Nation bow. This general seemed nice enough at first glance, but further details remained to be seen. The least Aang could do was be respectful.
“Greetings, General Yoshida. It is likewise an honour to join you at this Gala.” Aang was never one for procedure and pomp, but he was a diplomat, and that meant learning how to sound as inoffensive as he could possibly be. “I know little about opera, but I hope it will be an excellent performance.”
“I know many of the performers myself. They never fail, especially when the Avatar himself is in the audience tonight.” Oh great, now everyone onstage would be staring at his box as they belt out ear-shattering screeches and yowls. “I cannot envision a world where they would falter under strain. If anything, I know the stress makes them even better, given that...”
Aang relaxed into his far-too-comfortable seat if that was even possible for a chair. General Yoshida had continued on about the virtues of the players, but his ears had long removed those extraneous noises from ever being received.
A jarring blast from the horns broke Aang’s semi-trance. Whoever the composer was, he loved a big splash. With the horn fanfare came the “singing”. As much as he admired the skill required to sing those notes, Aang also strongly respected the resolve it takes to dedicate your entire life towards sounding so very horrifying.
“This scene’s meant to resemble a riot, Avatar.” The reminder that there was someone next to him whisked Aang back to attention. “My troops had to quell many of them a long, long time ago. The composer does not capture the true chaos of it, though. Or the methods you need to do it right.”
And there goes Aang’s respect for this man.
“Is it true that the Avatar state makes you completely invincible?” The General seemed insistent on getting some conversation out of Aang, something he was very intent on keeping from this man now. “If it does, I can only imagine putting down rebellions like these would be easy for you.”
“I suppose it might.” Aang wasn’t about to give this warmonger any more information if his life depended on it. “But it depends.”
Aang thought he could hear some sort of scoff from the general, but the music drowned it out. It was time for some fresh air, he felt.
“If you will excuse me.” Aang got up as fast as he could without raising suspicion. Good thing too that Yoshida seemed more focused on the music.
Of course, the Avatar can’t just sneak out into the public areas without being noticed. There’s a reason why Aang always has a beanie on hand. Turns out that most people don’t recognise him without the tattoos.
For a gala where the entire Fire Nation’s elites would be present, the lobby was too silent, and the air too still. Not the best environment for an airbender, Aang knows. He made straight for the balcony, where at least he hopes to get some freedom during this evening.
The cool autumn breeze was a much welcome change from the opera house’s oppressive stuffy air. The balcony was well-lit with bright lights, but it was the full moon that made the difference. This is what it feels to have some freedom, he thinks. Much to his surprise, he wasn’t alone.
The first thing Aang notices about this mystery woman is her hair. It flowed freely with the evening breeze. Brilliant red flowers adorned her pitch-black sleeveless gown, bringing some warmth to the Fire Nation’s normally threatening colours. In other words, she’s gorgeous.
“Boring night at the opera?” He perched himself on the balcony railing, and admired the moonlight’s beauty.
“Abso-fucking-lutely.” The bluntness of her response elicited a chuckle from Aang. “You as well?”
“The screeching was hurting my ears.” Indeed it was, Aang remembered very vividly. “People pay for this sort of thing?”
“I think they’re paying for the honour to be near the Avatar.” There was a hint of disdain in her tone. “Wonder how that’s working out?”
“I honestly don’t know.” Aang shrugged. He really didn’t know, considering this evening’s been far too uneventful. “My name’s Kuzon, by the way. Nice to know I’m not the only one bored to death this evening.”
“I’m Mai.” Aang smiled at his newfound opera friend. “Why are you here tonight, if you’re so bored?”
“A bit of obligation, duty, and responsibilities, all that fun stuff.” He wasn’t wrong. Zuko did drag him into this by making it part of his Avataring jobs. “Friend of mine gave me his ticket, that’s all. He said it was my duty to take his place.”
“That sounds... nice.” Aang could feel the sarcasm radiating from Mai. “Must be a good friend though if he gave up his spot for this Gala.”
“He thinks he has better things to do than this.” He didn’t venture to imagine of what the Fire Lord was doing as they spoke. “He’s like that sometimes. Actually, a lot of times now that I think about it.”
“Jeez, it sounds like you’re friends with the Fire Lord or something.” Aang’s eyes widened at her insight. Spirits, she might be onto him.
“Something like that, yeah.” He tried to mask his surprise with a chuckle. It likely did not work. “He’s a good friend though. Saved my life a few times.”
“Sounds like the Fire Lord to me.” Aang could almost feel himself begin sweating as his newfound friend continued her interrogation. “The hero complex and avoiding duty is exactly like him.”
“Wh-whu-what?” So much for having class and elegance at this gala, Aang thought. “How would you know?”
“I’ve met him before.” Aang stiffened slightly. If she knew Zuko, he could very well be in trouble for shirking his Avatar duties. “I’m not on speed-dial with him or anything, just met him enough times to know the bigger details.”
“So how did you get to meet him?” Aang relaxed a bit. He was safe, or was he? “The Fire Lord doesn’t go out a lot, does he?”
“I have my ways. Or rather, my family does.” She’s well-connected, that’s certain in Aang’s mind. Likely a noble then. “Fire Lord Zuko is why I was dragged here, actually. Family duties.”
Aang raised an eyebrow at her comment.
“My family always needs someone to be at the Gala to maybe have a chance at seeing the Fire Lord, if not even talking to him.” Aang almost wondered why people would pay an arm and a leg to get a chance to say hi to Zuko of all people. But of course, they weren’t looking at the man, but the office. “My parents think it’s time for me to be representing the family so here I am. And then it turns out the Fire Lord’s not here and the Avatar is taking his place.”
Ouch. That stung. Aang didn’t have much of an ego, but that still hurt.
“It’s disappointing, I know.” He did understand her chagrin. He’d prefer Zuko being here, but such is life. “It’s even worse when you add in the... singing.”
“If you could call it that.” Mai’s scoff indicated just what she felt about the opera. “I can’t imagine myself training so hard just to sound like that. Ever.”
Aang smiled. Mai was not afraid to be blunt, something so rare in the Fire Nation sometimes. She’s a breath of fresh air to him.
“I don’t know how they do it.” Aang had never seen singers in training, and now he wished he never would. “I mean, the music hurts my ears, and all the stage stuff hurts my eyes.”
Aang heard Mai let out a small chuckle. It was a very practised and dignified laugh, but an honest one nonetheless.
“I think that’s what they’re going for.” Maybe this evening wasn’t as bad as it could have been, Aang thought as he listened to Mai. “Whenever I have to be here, I usually just leave after the first act.”
“I wish I could do that. Really.” Aang knew his disappearance from the opera house would not bode well for him. Can’t have the Avatar be seen disapproving of the Fire Nation’s crowning cultural jewel after all. “But no, I do have to be here for everything. Spirits help me.”
“How fast can you walk?” The sudden pivot from Mai was puzzling.
“Pretty quickly, I think. Why?”
“There’s this coffee place a few blocks away that I usually go to when I get bored of this dump. Beats the overpriced drinks here, that’s why. We can go there, get some coffee, and be back before first intermission, even.”
Is this an invitation for a date? Does she know who he really is? Aang was more than familiar with just how people would act around him, especially the more opportunistic of the ladies, but this was new. He hadn’t used a false name in a long time, and it showed.
“I’m game.” He dismissed whatever hesitations he had. Plus, what could go wrong with coffee and a new friend? “Where’s this coffee place?”
“It’s right this way, a few blocks down, I think.” She thinks? Aang files that down under interesting. “I haven’t been here in a long while so I might not remember where it is exactly.”
“Lead the way, my lady.” Aang tried his best at a Fire Nation bow. He thought he could see a hint of a smile on her face. Or a frown of disappointment. He would much prefer the first option. “To the coffee!”
The pair made their way down to the main doors, and quickly left the stuffy confines of the opera house. Aang had never felt more relief before in escaping a place. It was nice to have a newfound friend too. Always nice to have a friend.
The city was rather silent tonight, Aang thought, as Mai led him through the opera house’s plaza and towards the streets. Aang liked it, compared to the usual hustle and bustle. Sharing that quiet night with a new friend was even better.
“That’s funny.” Mai seemed a bit confused when Aang glanced at her. “I’m not sure where the coffee place is now. Do we turn right or left?”
“How about we just choose a way and go from there?” Directions never really mattered to Aang. Plus, he didn’t know the city as much as Mai likely does. “Maybe we’ll find an even better coffee shop!”
The minuscule but evident smile on Mai’s face brought no small amount of joy to Aang’s own mind. Sharing one’s own happiness always gives so much more back, he thinks. He didn’t even need the coffee at this point, just fun and companionship.
As they made their way down the grand avenue, Aang noticed the wind picking up. The seasons were changing now, and the autumn wind were getting colder. He wondered if Mai was alright in this wind. Her gown, as beautiful as he felt it was, would not be adequate at keeping anybody warm in the wind.
His guess was proven right when he saw her shiver just imperceptibly. Her moving her arms closer to her body confirmed that guess even further. The wind was not doing her any favours.
“Are you feeling a bit chilly?” Aang knew she was, but Mai might not even be thinking about it. “The wind tonight’s a lot colder than usual. I can give you my jacket if you need it?”
“I think I’ll b-be fine.” Aang almost didn’t notice her slight stutter. She was definitely feeling the cold bite into her. “I’ve handled worse.”
Aang shrugged and kept walking. He won’t be dissuaded from caring for a friend so easily though. It was a good thing that the wind decided to calm down a little right as Mai finished her answer. Perhaps she wouldn’t need to be warmed up after all.
That idea was proven very wrong just a few moments later when the wind decided it would return with a vengeance. His airbending techniques kept the cold at bay, but he knew that anyone else would be feeling the chill in their bones right now. Mai’s increased shiver showed exactly that.
“This wind’s getting worse.” He began taking off his tuxedo jacket. He could handle the cold in a dress shirt, and Mai needed it more than he does. “Here, it’ll help.”
“F-fine.” Mai eagerly received the jacket as she put it on. “That’s a lot b-better.”
Aang could hear the immediate improvement in her tone. His jacket was just a little too big for her as she huddled in it to regain some warmth. Aang thought it was absolutely adorable.
“Oh great, now I look like an idiot with this jacket on.” Mai looked to be trying her best to adjust the jacket to her size. Much to her chagrin, it was to stay permanently larger. “The spirits must be laughing at me since they want me to be seen like this in public.”
“My lady, I must disagree with you entirely.” Aang thought she looked wonderful with his mismatched jacket. It made her feel very human, and far more reasonable than the many extravagant gowns he’d seen at the gala. “You look like a supermodel, ready to set the trends for the whole Four Nations over.”
The streetlamps had cast a very warm, yellow light on Mai, but Aang swore he could see a blush appear on her face. She was cute when she could relax, he thought.
“If you say so.” Mai kept straightening the jacket, but she seemed to resign herself to its size. “Anyways, I think we might have gone in the wrong direction. Sorry about that.”
“That’s alright.” At this point Aang really did not care. As long as he had Mai to just relax with, he could be anywhere in the world for that matter. “Maybe we can turn left here and just find the first coffee shop we can get?”
“Lead the way, good sir.” Aang couldn’t help but smile when he heard that phrase. It’s good that he isn’t the only one to be silly this evening. “It’s coffee time.”
The pair carefully made their way across the road, as Aang felt a cool hand grasp his rather tightly. He made no comment. Her grasp loosened when they made it to the other side, and parted soon after. She was being careful, that’s all, Aang thinks.
It wasn’t long before they walked past a rather delicious aroma. Aang never turned himself around so quickly when he smelled it. To his joy and surprise, it’s a donut shop. He could tell Mai seemed excited too, even if she tried to hide it. Donuts conquered all, regardless of class.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Mai?”
“Did you even have to ask?”
Aang noticed that Mai had an extra bounce to her steps when she bee-lined straight for the donut shop. Everyone loves donuts, including elite Fire Nation ladies it seemed. Come to think of it, their walk did make him rather hungry.
The glorious smell of fresh donuts only got better when they entered. It was a nice shop, with a very friendly, warm feel and cosy little booths. Just the environment alone made him feel welcome. He looked over to Mai and saw her analysing every single selection on the menu. She’s having fun. It really does bring a smile to his face.
“What are you gonna have?” Aang thought he’d just broken Mai’s trance, if that were possible. “I think I’ll go for the classic glazed ones.”
“There’s so much to choose from... so much. I guess I’ll start with a glazed donut like you.”
Aang raised an eyebrow at her implication that she would get more. Makes sense, though, considering how good the donuts seem.
“Any drinks, Mai?” Coffee didn’t seem right for this time of the evening. Avatars and noble ladies alike need their sleep too.
“Well, I was thinking coffee before, but not anymore. How does hot chocolate sound?”
“Heavenly.”
It was Mai who made their orders at the counter. She quickly returned to their booth, tray in hand, with two fresh donuts and piping-hot chocolates. Aang was strongly looking forward to this. Firstly, for the food, and secondly to see just how a noble would eat a donut. After all, donuts aren’t the most dignified of foods to eat.
Aang saw Mai transform into a completely different animal as she surveyed her quest, the glazed donut. His newfound opera friend and her light-hearted side was gone. In her place was a cold, calculating machine. He could almost hear the gears in her head turn as she analysed every single way she could approach her quarry.
He bit into his own donut as best he could, and she seemed to notice too. The fragile glaze had already shattered into a million sticky pieces, and he was on a one-way trip to messiness now. Aang could almost see Mai steel herself for her own challenge. She knows she can do better than he, Aang thought, something he found adorable. If he wasn’t careful, he would be head-over-heels for her by the end of the evening!
Time almost stopped as he watched Mai focus her well-honed skills to attack the donut. He reached for his hot chocolate, as Mai began her donut disassembly. She’s going to do it. She’s going to do it. She’s doing it! She’s doing it! And she’s succeeded! Complete poise and grace, as—
Aang’s eyes peeled wide open, not from Mai’s stunning manoeuvre, but rather the way-too-large sip of way-too-hot chocolate he just had. This wasn’t hot chocolate! It was scalding chocolate!
“Pffffffffff!” was the next sound to emerge from Aang, as he struggled to expel the very, very hot chocolate before it burnt him even further. Serves him right for being distracted with a hot drink. “Whoo-whoo-hot-hot-hot-hot-hah-hah-hah-whoo-whoo-hot-hot-hot!”
So much for not embarrassing himself in front of Mai.
His abrupt hot chocolate geyser ended as quickly as it started when his eyes met Mai’s. If he was surprised, she was outright shocked. Aang swore he had used some involuntary airbending when he did his cocoa spit take, because the force of it was immense. It was right then that he noticed she still had just bitten into her donut. Uh oh.
He watched as every single measure of etiquette training Mai had crumbled, and as his friend burst into a laugh. This wasn’t a practised or diplomatic laugh. It was joy, bewilderment, confusion, and silliness rolled into one. It was one of those laughs one could not control. To most people looking at such a scene, they would stare in confusion. Aang thought it was cute. Very cute, in fact, when Mai could just be silly and free from all the restraints put on her. Uh oh number two.
It took Mai an entire minute of continued cackling before she managed to stabilise herself. Aang hoped this was a good sign. Can’t have a first impression be one of him being an idiot now, can it?
“Wh-wh-what? Are y-you alright?” He heard Mai ask as she released some residual chuckles. “What in the hell was that?”
“Hot chocolate was hot” was all Aang could say while he coughed. “Hot hot hot. Way too hot.”
“I could tell.” There was a clear smirk on her face. She’s almost enjoying his silliness outbreak. “What were you even trying to do? You know the hot chocolate is, well, hot!”
“I know, I know, it’s scalding!” The numb sensation on his tongue won’t let him forget that fact. “I was just distracted, I guess, by something even hotter.”
Aang could tell Mai had heard his joke based on her cheeks turning a rather interesting shade of red. Was it even a joke? Aang really didn’t know, and that scares him just a little.
“Whatever you say.” Mai’s slight nonchalance surprised Aang a little. “Be more careful next time, alright? Hot things need to be handled with care. It’s as simple as that.”
“Yes ma’am!” Aang did a slightly mocking tip of his beanie. He sorely hoped it didn’t fall out of place when he had his literal outburst. “Hot chocolate is hot. Got it. I think. Ma’am.”
There was a moment of silence as Aang approached his accursed drink again, this time with a bit more care. Had he not burnt his tongue, he would have thought it to be an excellent hot chocolate. This time, he was distracted by Mai again. Or rather, by the very large trail of sugar glaze left on her cheek. Whoops. Turns out interrupting someone while they’re handling a volatile donut causes a great big mess. Who knew?
“Hey, uh... Mai?” Aang reached for her with his open hand. “You’ve got something just right on your cheek...”
He wiped her cheek clean of the sugar glaze, taking care as best he could to be gentle. There. Mai’s back to her state of grace and elegance again. Job well done, he thought.
“Wh-what did you just do?” Mai’s blushing again, but this time Aang wasvreally not sure why. Uh oh number three.
“Oh, you had some glaze stuck on there.” What did he do to even cause a blush? “I did my best to get it off. Sugar’s annoying and it gets everywhere quickly, I know.”
“Wow, um, thanks, Kuzon.” She’s still blushing. And she looked rather confused, too. Aang’s now confused because he’s not sure what he even did. “Thanks for-um-thanks for getting that. I didn’t even notice.”
“Anytime! How was the donut though?”
“Far too delicious.” Aang saw her take a glance at the time. Was she getting tired of him? “Uh oh. We might have to get back soon. Just to get back before the opera finale.”
Aang looked at his own watch and realised the very same fact. He needed to be back by the end of it all, so that the Avatar can be said to have attended the performance. A disappearing Avatar means unfavourable reports for the Fire Lord and Aang wasn’t about to disappoint his friend like that.
“Yeah, we do. Might even have to run actually.” He got himself ready to brave the cold again. His jacket was still worn rather adorably by Mai, so he thinks he’ll let her keep it for now. “I’ll pay, alright?”
The dash that Mai made to the cash register belied the fact that she was in full formal dress. And heels, too, Aang noticed. Must be a miracle to be able to run in those. He goes straight after her.
When he caught up to her, she’s already getting the cashier to ring up their order. She looked just about ready to hand over her credit card when he brought out his own. It was a legendary duel of the credit cards at the cash register between them as they battled to be the payer.
“Mai, let me pay for it.”
“Don’t you dare.”
“Come on, I’ve bothered you enough that I have to pay.”
“Don’t. You. Dare.”
“It’s my duty, my lady.”
“I suggested the donuts, I pay for the donuts. OK?”
“It’s nothing. You can pay me back latER-!”
Aang felt his outstretched wrist get grabbed in an iron fist, as he was wrenched aside. She had him firmly in her grasp now, and for once he felt a small measure of fear as she looked right into his eyes. Mai was gone. A terrible force of nature was in her place.
“I offered. I will pay. Understood?”
He nodded weakly. Was it just him or was his hand turning white?
“Alright then.” Aang breathed a sigh of relief as he felt her let go of his wrist. “That’s all settled.”
He watched Mai triumphantly hand over her credit card. He had lost. Soundly, in fact.
And then he heard a chuckle from the cashier. He supposed that from an outside view, his loss is rather funny.
“You know, you two are like an old married couple. Your bickering is adorable.”
Aang could feel his cheeks audibly redden, if that was even possible. The same has occurred to Mai when he looks at her. They shared an incredulous and surprised look at each other. He could tell she is seeing him blush. And that he had easily noticed hers. Uh oh number four.
By now they have both noticed the time. Aang knew he would need to run to get back to the opera house in time. So did Mai, seeing as she’s grabbed his hand and is now dashing straight for the door. This is a race that he somehow doubted he could win.
“Will we make it in time?” Aang did his best to keep up with her frantic pace. “How much time is there until the gala ends?”
“Not much.” Even while running she still had that effortless grace about her. “I know I can make it in time. Can you?”
And so, their race began. Aang watched incredulously as Mai built up an impressive lead, no doubt aided by his sheer surprise at her speed. Her determination to win marked every step she took. Of course, he wasn’t to be outdone. He wondered how the scene would look to bystanders. Two very oddly dressed people running down the pavement.
They chased each other through the city streets, sometimes dodging cars, other times turning here and there as they make their way back to the opera. Mai was winning, and for a moment Aang thought he would use his airbending to gain on her. But no, that would be unfair. He couldn’t do that to any friend at all.
And then, Aang saw his objective. The opera house. It looked like Mai saw it as well, as she increased her pace. How that was possible, Aang could not imagine. He did his best to catch up, but it seemed impossible. She was fast. Was he faster? Their race would point to them being equally matched.
The spirits were in his favour tonight. To make it to the opera house’s plaza, he and Mai would have to cross the avenue that lay right in front of them. At that moment, the crossing light flashed, and then it turned red. He could tell Mai was weighing the options, but the stream of cars that followed meant no crossing.
He reached Mai not long after, absolutely exhausted. He could tell Mai was too, but she didn’t show it. A testament to her will, that.
“I definitely would have won if not for that light, you know.” Mai was gloating. Full-on gloating. She would never let him live it down, he knew it. “What took you so long?”
“I—was trying—to give you—a head start.” Aang took some time to recover his breath. He hadn’t needed to run like this for some time, and it showed. Next Avatar duty: get a gym membership, and fast. “Where did you learn to run so quickly?”
“I have my ways, don’t worry.” She let her smile curve into a smirk. “A lady must never reveal her secrets, good sir.”
The crossing light turned green now, and the pair made their way back to the opera. It was a more subdued stroll now, Aang saw, and he also noticed the distinct presence of a soft hand holding his as they crossed. He thought it to be a very comforting touch indeed. But again, Mai’s likely just being careful when crossing the road. Probably nothing.
They made it back to the doors and re-entered the stuffy lobby. Aang thanked the spirits again for allowing them just enough time to return. That, and for making sure they only needed to endure the very last minutes of it all.
“So, um... I’ll see you after the gala ends?” Aang looked to Mai, who was taking the jacket he gave her off. “I’ll make sure to be quick once it’s done.”
“That sounds nice.” She had that soft diplomat smile again. Consequences of a high-society venue. “I’ll wait for you, alright?”
Aang nodded. The pair went back to their boxes, and he could not wait for this damned gala to be over.
Aang crept his way up the stairs to the Royal Tier and made sure to remove his beanie. Can’t have the Avatar’s disguise be known now eh? He opened the door to his box and entered. If Yoshida were there, this would be a very long few minutes.
He was right. The same general appeared enraptured by the music. How does that happen?
He may need to stop constantly thanking the spirits by now, but it was a great coincidence that his opening of the door coincided with a massive swell from the orchestra. His entrance was masked by the eyesore of a finale and an ear-shatterer of a climax.
As the final chord resounded, the entire opera house exploded in a raucous applause. Aang joined in, of course, to at least celebrate the performers’ dedication, and their efforts. They did their best, he thinks, from what he heard, and it would be bad for him to disapprove. General Yoshida next to him seemed ready to jump into the lower levels and storm the stage. Aang didn’t want to question it.
Now, the real battle began. How was he to leave and then find Mai without revealing himself as the Avatar? After all, he was the guest of honour and nearly every other guest knew that fact. He will be wading through a sea of well-wishers, fans, enemies, and pursuers alike. Not good for a quick exit. In his head, he formed a rather brilliant idea.
He bid General Yoshida a formal bow and left as quickly as he could. He needed to hurry so that any attention heaped to him would need to match his pace.
“Avatar Aang! Avatar Aang! Avatar Aang!” Oh dear, there’s the attention.
“What did you think of the gala?”
“Was everything up to your standards?”
“Can you sign an autograph?”
“It’s an honour, Avatar Aang!”
And so on, and so forth. The chorus of attention followed his hurried steps to the plaza. Luckily, he had one very important item in his hands. A bison whistle.
One of the best things about Appa (aside from his Appa-ness) is that he always created some crowd dispersion when he landed with force. And so, Aang blew into the whistle with all his air.
It didn’t take long for the ten-tonne bison to rush to Aang’s aid. Rather fitting because he was really in dire need of it. The crowd was far too eager for his preferences, and only when they felt the air blast from Appa did they disperse slightly.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a wonderful evening.” Aang boarded his bison quickly. He had a friend waiting, and he wasn’t about to disappoint. “Sadly, I shall be off, but I thank you all for the wonderful welcome. Goodbye! Yip yip!
Appa’s familiar lift-off brought him above the clouds in mere moments. But now was not the time for a getaway. He had a promise to keep.
He did his best to be unseen as he returned to the plaza. His beanie on, he looked in the dispersing crowd to find Mai. He found her sitting near one of the many fountains in the area. It looked like she saw him too. He quickened his pace, bee-lining through the masses to his friend.
“So how were the last few minutes?” Aang asks as he reaches her. “I hope it wasn’t too bad.”
“The donuts were definitely better.” Aang chuckled in response. “The hot chocolate was definitely more exciting.”
“I aim to please, my lady.” Aang did a mock bow, as low as he could. “Where are you off to now?”
“Home, I guess. It’s just a few stops by the train.”
“It is getting rather late. Do you want me to join you on the way?”
He saw a kind smile appear on her face. This wasn’t the diplomat smile, but rather the smile of contentment. He was happy that she was happy. That’s all that really mattered. For his friends to smile.
“Yeah, sure. The subway stop’s right there, I think. Shall we?”
Aang and Mai went their way to the station, and down the stairs into the platforms. Their train quickly made its loud entrance, and they boarded. Thankfully, there were two empty seats for them.
“Why do you take the train home?” Aang did wonder why she needed the train. A noble lady would normally be content with a taxi, or even a chauffeur. Mai wasn’t a normal noble by any chance though. “You could just take a taxi.”
“It’s a nice finger to my parents.” There’s the bluntness in her. She’s straightforward when she’s relaxed, Aang thought, and he found it wonderful. “They gave me a car when I moved here, you know. Cars are a hassle though so that thing’s still been sitting in my garage brand new.”
Aang nodded. The loud noises of the train didn’t allow for any further talking. This was not exactly fun, but he wasn’t about to complain.
The train reached Mai’s stop soon enough, and the two of them hopped off. The night had grown cold now, not just cool, and Aang could tell Mai wasn’t enjoying the journey anymore.
“C-could I borrow your jacket again?”
He silently agrees and wraps his tuxedo over her shoulders, letting it embrace her. He could feel her shivering as he helped her put it on. Oh dear. He tried his best to keep Mai warm as they trudged on. Soon enough, they were there.
“You know, I haven’t thanked you fully enough today, Kuzon.”
“For what?”
“For turning a boring evening into something a lot more fun. Donuts and exercise. What more could I ask for?”
“Glad I could help, Mai. You were awesome too, you know. Awesome.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Not a problem. I’ll be off then!”
He turned around and began his return to the station. The walk didn’t bother him, really, not after the evening’s fun.
“Kuzon! Wait!”
Aang spun around to see Mai had run straight up to him. He took a slight gulp of air when he realised she had come very, very close to him. Her eyes looked ready to peer into his very soul, he thought.
“There’s just one last thing that I want to say before I go. Or rather, one last thing I want to do.”
Of all the things he expected to happen, this was not one of them.
Mai approached his face ever closer and closer, and shut her eyes. Time slowed ever more as she came nearer. Was she...? Aang forgot all of his defences, his restraints, and leant forward. Their lips met, for however short a moment in real time, but for him, it was an eternity. In just that sliver of infinity, everything felt just right. He was in heaven, or something close to it.
The two broke their kiss with pure surprise on their faces. Aang would not, could not even muster any words to respond. And neither did Mai, as they both stood in the presence of each other. Time stood still for Aang, as he tried his best to process what just happened.
Mai could still feel his lips on hers when they had broken their kiss for some time now. But the spark it set off, the effect it had on both of them, that she could never disguise or deny. The connection they both felt, that she hopes she never has to disguise. She couldn’t let herself do that. She could only hope Kuzon felt the same.
She knows she’ll have to explain this to her family and friends soon enough. Funny how she’s the one to fall madly in love with a complete stranger at a boring gala when she was there to do a job, of all things. Will this cause a huge mess later on? Absolutely. Does she regret any of it? Absofuckinglutely not. Never.
Kuzon still appears glued to his spot, his entire body stiff as a corpse. Did she really have this effect on him? Was he alright? She sorely hoped she didn’t trigger anything bad for him. That would not have been nice of her. When she heard the poor man take a very deep breath, her tension unwound itself just slightly.
“Kuzon, are you alright? You OK? Can you hear me?”
“Um-uh-um... yeah. Umm... y-yeah. I c-can hear you f-fine.”
Mai let out her own sigh of relief. He’s alive. Shocked, but alive.
“I-I-I-uhhh... I must go. I have to... g-go. Goodbye, Mai. I-I’ll see you around?”
Perhaps she was wrong to surprise him so soon if he had to respond like this?
Kuzon seemed to muster enough energy to turn around and begin walking back to the train station. There was a clear spring to his steps, and some freedom to his gait that she didn’t notice before. He felt... fluid... in a way? As if he moved not by exerting control over his body, but rather by letting something else guide him along. It was a strange walk for a stranger man.
None of this, however, prepared her for his next move.
Kuzon seemed to step into a stance. Not just any stance, but a bending stance. Was he a bender and she just never noticed? He wasn’t a firebender, that she could tell from his form. Nor was he a waterbender since they were nowhere near any water at all. An earthbender, perhaps?
Mai was wrong. So very wrong. Kuzon readied himself for a move and bent the very air around him into a sphere of wind. She watched as he bent that ball so very effortlessly until it could lift him from underneath, and as he bent his legs into the lotus position. This was the airscooter, invented by none other than... oh dear. As this “Kuzon” rode away, everything just fell into place.
The beanie to cover his tattoos, the links to the Fire Lord, the airbending, and the false name?
Spirits, she just kissed the Avatar.