Chapter Text
Mai was mad, really mad.
Today was an exhausting day at work. She was almost finished with the design that she had been working on for weeks when the customer decided to change their mind. So she spent half of the day arguing and the other half starting from scratch. Again.
The girl couldn't wait until the end of the shift to shove her stuff into her bag and go straight to the parking lot. She was expecting to find his black car but nothing was there.
In the morning, Zuko said he was working from home and he would pick her up after work. Now, forty-five minutes had passed but her ‘dear’ boyfriend was nowhere to be seen. Actually, this was not the first time he came late, Zuko used to be late a lot when they were teens. But at least, he would send her a message or answer her phone with some ridiculous but acceptable excuses.
“What in the world is he doing?!” she muttered under her breath, clicking the call button the fifth time.
"The person you have called is not available right now. Please leave the message after the beep.” The automated voice spoke up after a long silence.
Letting out a huff, Mai shoved her hands into the pocket of her coat. Fine, she would take the subway. She didn't care if he was on his way or not. He could come and freak out when he couldn't find her, that was his business.
Normally, she would be more patient, but not today, when the sky had turned dark and it was freezing outside. With that thought, Mai adjusted her bag and started walking.
Mai buried her face deeper in her scarf, walking slowly through busy streets. Winter had come early this year. As she passed the food street, her stomach started to rumble. The poor girl had been so tired from work that she had skipped lunch. Now her body decided to protest.
Absently, she wandered into whatever was calling for her tummy. It was Grandma Haa's Dumpling House, her and Zuko’s favorite place to buy dumplings.
“Welcome to Grandma Haa's Dumpling House! What is your order?" The female server asked with a warm smile.
“A combo 1 for take away, please,” Mai ordered without a second of consideration.
Ever since the first time Zuko took her here, they had revisited it countless times, almost weekly. She always ordered combo 1, xiaolongbao and shrimp har gow. He often ordered like her but sometimes he would challenge himself and pick Sichuan spicy wontons. Mai smirked slightly, so far the spicy wontons were still the winner and she would have to help him finish it.
“It will be 20 dollars. Card or cash?” The server asked.
"Card,” she gave her card to the young woman.
"Thank you. Your order will be ready in a few minutes. Please take a seat while waiting.”
A few minutes later, Mai stepped out of the restaurant with a warm box filled with dumplings. The steam brought the smells of shrimp and pork broth to her nose. Swallowing saliva, her mind was filled with cozy scenarios.
Curling up on the bed, watching the new series of her favorite TV show and having a bowl full of steaming hot dumplings all for yourself. She could imagine the taste of it, the chewy texture, the umami from meat dipped in the perfect combination of soy sauce, chili, garlic and vinegar! What a promising idea! When Mai got home, she would kick her stupid boyfriend out of their bedroom and lock the door. He could sleep on the couch tonight.
The thought really cooled down her nerves. Exhaling softly, Mai fastened her pace to the subway station.
Mai arrived home at 8 p.m. There was light from the living room, though the apartment was weirdly quiet. The woman didn't think much about it when she took off her boots.
She intended to go straight to the bedroom, but when she passed the living room, she stopped. She found him. Her boyfriend, sitting on the couch and… sleeping?
Something coiled up inside her. So this was why he had left her freezing in the parking lot? Falling asleep?!
“Zuko,” she shook his shoulder.
No response. She frowned.
“Zuko!” she shook harder.
To her surprise, he collapsed to the side, lying unconsciously on the couch. Mai froze, blinking at his limp body. Kneeling, she touched his face. Hot. It was burning hot.
“Agni!” she whispered.
He had caught a cold, probably because of his sore throat. She had told him to take the medicine when his throat started to feel itchy. But that idiot kept trying to convince her that he just needed warm water.
Mai sighed. Considering his condition, there was no way she could drag him to the bedroom. She guessed she had no choice but to let him lie on the couch. Maybe she could fetch a pillow and blanket to make him more comfortable.
She quickly headed to the bedroom. He grumbled as she slid the pillow under his head and tucked him in the blanket. After making sure her boyfriend was carefully wrapped, she went to the bathroom. Then she went out with a basin filled with warm water.
Using a soft towel, she dipped it in the water. Mai gently wiped his forehead, then from his face moved down to the neck and the hands. Soaking the towel again, she folded it and put it on his forehead.
“101.3°F,” she murmured, checking the thermometer.
Exhaling heavily, the girlfriend cuddled his face. Mai hated seeing him like this. His skin was so pale. The scar had reddened, more visible than usual. And he was too quiet.
Suddenly the man let out a small noise, turning his face to bury in her hand. Warm breath against her cool palm.
Looking at him, she murmured something sounded like ‘idiot’ as her thumb brushed his cheek. Mai carefully stood up, putting her hair up with a claw clip and took off the coat. Running back and forth made her sweat. Then she moved to the kitchen. He definitely hadn't eaten anything, she couldn't give him any medicine now. Better make something for him.
Opening up the pot, Mai stirred the chicken congee. The steam flew up, warming the cold apartment. She turned off the stove and scooped the soup into a small bowl. Its smell made her stomach rumble again. This dish always reminded her of those times when she was sick.
It was the worst time of her life, Mai could barely eat anything, so she would be even more grumpy. He had so much trouble trying to take care of her…
~~~~~~
“Chicken congee again…” Mai muttered with her raspy voice.
“It makes you feel like throwing up?” Zuko was concerned.
“Hm..” she shook her head slightly. "maybe… I can …eat a little.” she said, trying hard to make an audible sound.
“Okay,” he smiled tiredly, sitting down at the corner of the bed.
He loaded the spoon and blew it gently. He brought it to her mouth and waited for her to open it slowly. She had told him she could eat on her own but he insisted on spoon-feeding her, so she let him do it.
“It's just…. you always…. make this…” she added after swallowing the congee.
“Well…” he started, scooping another spoon for her.
“When my father kicked me out of his house, I had caught a serious cold. Uncle has made this for me. Eating it always makes me feel much better. I have never admitted it to him, but it's my comfort food in those dark times.” The man explained.
“Besides, it tastes pretty simple. Perfect for the appetite of a person who is sick.” He added, feeding her another spoon.
“Hm…” she responded with a hum of understanding.
“Now, let's focus on finishing this bowl, you have to take the medicine, Mai…”
~~~~~~
Taking the towel off, Mai could feel he had cooled down a bit. She didn't realise how much it made her body relaxed.
“Zuko…” she shook him gently.
“Hmmm…” he groaned, a sign of awakening.
“Zuko… wake up,” She encouraged him.
“Hm..mmm…” the man turned to face her, blinking to get used to the light.
“..Mai?” He was confused, eyes half opened.
“Yes, idiot. I'm home.” She brushed his messy hair.
“Now it's time for you to eat. Can you sit up?” She added, her voice softened.
“Hm… yea..” he started to move, trying hard to use his limp arms to sit up.
Mai didn't say anything, simply helping him then adjusting the pillow so he could lean on it. He murmured thanks for her actions.
She nodded, then blew the spoon full of congee before bringing it to him. Mai guided it into his mouth, spoon by spoon, slowly. The room went even quieter when the city ended its long day. Save for the sound of a spoon clattering against the porcelain. Sometimes he coughed and she had to pat his chest.
The bowl was quickly finished. He exhaled, leaning deeper in the pillow as she went to put the bowl in the sink. Mai came back shortly after with a cup of ginger tea and medicines.
“Here, I made you some tea.” She gave it to him.
The man took the cup in both hands, the heat of the liquid warmed his hands. He took a sip, his lips curled up slightly. Watching his tired smile tugged the corner of her lips too. Mai lazily drifted down the stool next to the couch, popping the pills out of its blister pack.
“I have told you to take the medicines…” she murmured, half scolding.
He said nothing, just taking the medicines from her and drinking it. After that she helped him to lie down and pulled the blanket to cover his neck.
“There, now sleep.” She said curtly, finally done tucking him in.
“I'm sorry…” he whispered in guilt, his eyes met hers.
“Zuko…” she bent down, kissing his temple.
“This is not your fault, go to sleep. You need to rest.” She cooed, her hand cuddled his face again.
His gaze fixed in her eyes, it looked so tired yet so soft. He made a sound of agreement then closed his eyes. The sickness made him easily drift back to sleep. In his half-consciousness, he could feel a cool hand brushing his bangs and putting a warm towel on his forehead.
The birds started chirping again, a peaceful morning. Zuko woke up, feeling like he had slept for eternity. His head felt much lighter now but his throat was sore. For a moment, he just stared at the ceiling, barely remembering anything.
It took him a while to realise he was lying on the couch. He sat up slowly, the towel dropped off his forehead. His gaze drifted to the side and there she was. Mai was sitting on the floor, her head resting on her arms at the edge of the couch. She definitely had fallen asleep.
The memories crawled back to his mind. Yesterday, he woke up with an itchy throat. Nothing too serious, he thought after all the weather had turned cold rapidly. But everything had worsened since he got up from a short noon nap, his throat was dry and his head felt a bit heavier. He thought his body was just being lazy after a nap so the man decided to go straight to his desk to finish off his work.
By the time Zuko was done with his work, it was about time to pick her up. A little too early, maybe he could buy her some snacks on his way. Then the headache hit him. He was only intending to sit on the couch for a few minutes till the headache went by. It didn't. Everything after that was a feverish haze.
Maybe Mai had fed him and given him the medicines, he was not quite sure. But he did remember her touches, it was soft and comforting. Also the warm towel, it had never got cold. She probably had stayed up all night by his side.
That thought hit something deep inside him. A mix of warm and guilty rose in his chest. His hand moved toward, gently tugging a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She just wore a turtleneck, it must be freezing.
Without another thought, Zuko slowly got off the couch. He bent down to slip his arms underneath her. Judging the sky, it was still early, at least she could rest properly on the bed for about half an hour.
Mai stirred awake. Her eyelashes fluttered before she opened it halfway.
“..Zuko…” she murmured, cupping his face with both hands.
His head leaned down as she pulled him slightly till their foreheads touched. She said nothing more, just closing her eyes and breathing evenly. He followed her, feeling her breath brushed his skin. So close. He might have leaned in to close their gap if she didn't pull back.
“You’ve cooled down, but better take a day off today,” she commented after checking his temperature.
“I will…” he let out a breathy laugh, couldn't help feeling a bit bummed out.
“Go wash up,” she said, her thumb lingering on his scar, “I will reheat the congee.”
He nodded and let her down, then went to the bathroom.
When Zuko came into the kitchen, she had just set down two bowls of steaming hot chicken congee on the counter. He sat on the stool next to her. They ate quietly, well only she ate, to be corrected. He was busy staring at her.
Although she didn't say a thing, he knew she was tired. Obviously, Mai liked an eight-hour sleep, and last night was barely half of that.
“Don't like it?” She spoke up, shoving another spoon into her mouth, her bowl was half-finished now.
“Hm… No!” He answered, quickly scooping a small spoon and eating it.
“It's really good, just how I like it.” He commented, feeling the blissful taste spreading out.
“Then speed up, lazy head.” The corner of her lips curled up.
He focused on his bowl for a while before his thoughts wandered back to her. He coughed, groaning as the pain in his throat.
“So…” he began.
“So?” She repeated.
“So… you took the subway yesterday?” He asked hesitantly.
“Yea… I thought someone had decided to stand me up,” she turned to him, her bowl was finished. “Turns out, he was just busy burning up on the couch.”
“Sorry…” he tried to laugh it off but failed miserably, his breath was full of guilt.
Mai looked at him for a moment, the soft forgiveness made him feel even worse. Then she headed to the kitchen entrance. Halfway, she turned her head.
“I need to get ready now, a stupid project is waiting for me to finish,” she said ironically, “Remember to take the medicines.”
Then she vanished beyond the wall.
After Mai went to work, he finally finished his bowl and took the medicines. Sitting on the couch, he looked around. Last night had turned this room into a mess, he should put things back in their place. Pillow and blanket to the bedroom, blister packs back to the medicine box, and the dumplings box…
“Grandma Haa's dumplings?” He picked up the familiar package. It was cold and unopened.
“Combo 1…” he read the receipt.
He didn't order anything yesterday. Then it must be her. Suddenly the small box felt too heavy to hold. He stared at it and let out a heavy sigh.
Agni! He wanted to burn himself alive.
Another grueling day at work was over. Mai lazily stepped out of the elevator. On her left hand, she was holding a bag full of mandarins. It was kinda heavy, she shouldn't have brought that much. He couldn’t eat all of it anyway, she sighed. Opening the door of their apartment, she kicked off her boots and stepped in.
“I'm home,” she announced.
There weren't many lights turned on like yesterday, the house was mostly lit up by the kitchen light. But the sound of clattering utensils made it feel like home again. Mai could feel her shoulders loosened. She wandered into the kitchen.
“Mai, you're home,” he greeted, busy slicing on the cutting board.
“Feeling better?” She reached her hand and touched his forehead.
“Yea, thanks to your congee.” He smiled warmly, putting ginger slices into the broth.
“Wonton noodles?” She asked.
“Quick version, I think you might want something to go with the dumplings.” Zuko explained, seasoning the simmering broth.
Dumplings? For a second Mai couldn't recall what dumplings were until she noticed the box of Grand Haa's. Right, those dumplings. A smile tugged on her lips as she looked at him, who was really focused on cooking.
“I buy mandarins, they are on sale.” She offered, nudging the bag toward him.
“Really? Sweet!” He exclaimed happily.
“Let me take care of it, you should take a shower, Mai. Dinner will be ready soon.” Taking the bag from her, he put it in the basket near the sink.
“Okay,” she responded simply before going to take a shower.
Nothing was better than a hot shower on a cold winter night. Mai got out of the bathroom, her mind at ease. She was so clean and the way the soft silk of her pyjama dripped down her skin was so comfy.
When she entered the living room, everything was ready. The table had been set, two bowls of wonton noodles placed side by side, in the middle was the dumplings dish and dipping soup. The TV had been turned on too.
“I thought you weren't interested in this florist’s show?” She teased, sitting down the cushion he had set for her.
“You said you wanted to watch the new season,” he answered with a smile, “maybe I can give it a try.”
She shrugged, picking up the chopsticks.
“Enjoy your meal,” she said.
“You too,” he replied and dug in.
Mai dipped the spoon into the broth and took a sip. The taste was mild, a perfect balance between meaty, salty and herbs. With a content hum, she put the noodles neatly on her spoon and brought it to her mouth. No one said a thing, save for the sound of the TV and slurping. Their bowls were quickly empty, he had given her a har gow, and she returned by letting him have the last xiaolongbao.
Now they were both warm and full. Mai took the small basket of mandarins from the table and leaned back on him. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. The scents of her shower gel intoxicated his senses, berry and myrrh. He put a soft kiss on her hair, her breath slowed down at the touch. They shifted their positions till she sat nicely on his lap.
The show went on and the sounds of the TV took over the room. Sometimes, he asked questions here and there about floristry, and she would casually explain it to him while chewing a slice of mandarin. Everything was nice, until it wasn't.
Mai tried to focus on the end of the show. But she could barely follow it. How could she when her boyfriend decided to have a nuzzling marathon. His lips traveled from her hair to the back of her ear and now down to her neck. He was still a little sick, she could feel it through his warmth and the sniffling breath. She sighed helplessly.
“Open your mouth,” she ordered, shoving a slice of mandarin into his mouth.
“Hm… thanks,” he said, chin resting on her shoulder.
“You should eat more mandarins, Zuko. It will boost your immunity.” She tucked him another slice.
“I know, that's why you've brought it for me.” He grinned, tightening his arms.
"Don't be flattered, it's on sale,” she said plainly.
"Still…” he continued nuzzling her cheek.
“You’re a bit too active for someone who is sick, Zuko.” Mai complained, turning to face him.
"Hm..m can't help it, you make me too comfortable….like a cure.” He leaned closer.
“A cure?” She raised her brow, almost laughing at his ridiculousness.
"Yea, they said, cuddling your loved one can cure your sickness.” He murmured, resting his forehead on hers.
"Superstitious,” she smirked
“Hey, believe it or not, when you touched me last night, I did feel better.” He protested.
“Really?” She asked, her voice softened.
"Uhm…” he responded with a hum, rubbing his lips against hers, inviting. "You can try…”
Mai sighed, but leaned in anyway.
The kiss was a mess. Their lips met in short pecks before it traveled around their faces. Her soft lips brushed the corner of his mouth and his nose against her cheeks. They parted shortly with ghosts of laughter and giggles, just to bury in each other again.
Then her arms looped around his neck, closing the small gap between them. He smiled, letting her ignite a slower kiss. Mai tilted her head slightly, fingers absently played with the hair at his nape.
The clock reached 10 p.m. The room was finally quiet, the end credits were rolling on the screen. Zuko leaned back on the cushion, breathing after a long kiss. He gently stroked Mai’s back, who was completely melted into him.
“Hm…” he started, shifting his posture slightly.
She responded with a low noise, barely a word.
“It's getting late,” he said, waiting for her reaction.
“So?”
She grumbled, burying her face deeper in his chest. Inhaling the scent of smoky wood and tobacco leaf, he would never know how much this perfume affected her when she found it on him.
“Uhm… maybe we should go to sleep,” he suggested.
“I'm…” she said plainly.
“I mean on the bed,” he let out a helpless laugh.
“Too far… this is fine,” Mai muttered.
With that, she exhaled softly, tightening her grip. After a few minutes, Zuko felt her breathing evenly. She definitely had fallen asleep or decided to.
He sighed, slipping his fingers into his messy hair, though his lips were curled up in pleasure.
“Fine,” he whispered, lifting her up
“Let me take care of you this time,” he cooed, putting a soft kiss on her head before wandering into their bedroom.