voice-testing

[feelinghothothot]

It's like you purposefully chose the dumbest name you could come up with. Do you want anyone to ever take me seriously?

It's not even a good song. Actually, it's awful. Is that the kind of stuff people listen to where you're from? You know what, never mind--you probably just have terrible taste. That at least makes it a little easier to accept.

No, don't tell me that you like it "ironically." That doesn't make it any better.

Comments

[idegaf]

It suits you.

[feelinghothothot]

Yeah, thanks.

At least I can always count on my girlfriend to be honest.

[idegaf]

It's fine, Zuko. You could have got something far worse.

[feelinghothothot]

You're right, I could have. It doesn't matter, anyway, it's just a stupid username.

[His expression softens.]

There are a lot more important things. Like… how you've been doing. Are you in any, uh, games?

[idegaf]

I used to be. It was ... eye-opening.

[ Saying anything else about it might just spark him off. Would, in fact. Not that being evasive will likely dissuade him from probing further, but she'll hold out as long as possible. ]

[feelinghothothot]

[Just based on that answer, he's not overly suspicious. He knows Mai isn't the kind of person who would just launch into all the details.]

Eye-opening, huh. So at least it wasn't too boring?

How long were you there?

[idegaf]

Months and months. Long enough for the dragon egg I found to hatch and grow up as big as a baby platypus-bear, we called him Li.

[ A mildly nostalgic half-smile, along with a shrug. ]

He used to take up your side of the bed.

[feelinghothothot]

[Well, she's selling it pretty well.]

Do you miss being somewhere, or do you prefer it like this?

[idegaf]

[ After a pregnant moment, she looks at him thoughtfully. ]

I miss it.

[ I miss you, doesn't quite make it out, but if it had then she'd be Ty Lee and that ... is a scary thought. ]

I learned all kinds of things about you.

[feelinghothothot]

[Unimaginably scary. Still, he gets the vibe.]

That's good. I mean, I don't think I have much to hide about myself anymore. I know who I am and what I have to do, and I'm done pretending.

[He gives her a smile.]

It feels good just saying it.

[idegaf]

Not only like that, stupid.

[ Have a poke on your nose. ]

I mean that I learned about you in private. Not every day was some grand adventure.

[feelinghothothot]

Alright, sorry. I guess that's the mindset I'm still in right now.

Anyway, that does sound nice, kind of having a break. Especially if it was just the two of us.

[idegaf]

It was us and ... a couple of others.

[feelinghothothot]

Some friends that you made?

[idegaf]

You could say that, sure.

[feelinghothothot]

Just wondering. You never know the kinds of people you could meet at those games.

[idegaf]

They were good men, Zuko. Ichigo and Sollux were pretty much my best friends.

[feelinghothothot]

I didn't say they weren't. Honestly, I'm just glad you made some friends.

[idegaf]

I didn't need tons of them, Zuko. I had you.

[feelinghothothot]

[You want a kiss, Mai?

Because Zuko thinks she deserves some affection after those words. He leans in to give her one.]

[idegaf]

[ W-Well, those are never something she'll turn away, even if she's delightfully surprised when he takes the initiative. Leaning into it, she nips his lower lip and nudges their noses together, a hand patting down the front of his clothes as the kiss softly parts. ]

You're being very sweet.

[feelinghothothot]

I am?

I thought you were being sweet.

[idegaf]

I was being honest, wise guy.

[feelinghothothot]

So am I.

And I think I'm allowed to kiss you when you're being sweet.

[idegaf]

How do you know I'm not just making fun of you?

[feelinghothothot]

[He rubs the back of his head.]

Uh, I guess I… don't?

[idegaf]

[ Taking pity on him, she bestows another light kiss, letting it linger. ]

You must be improving on your sixth sense, then.

[feelinghothothot]

[He doesn't mind the lingering.]

What sixth sense? Understanding girls?

That basically is like a special power.

[idegaf]

Wow, then you're developing a completely new ability.

[ Don't mind as she curls her fingers around your waist, Zuko. People can hardly see, what with her long sleeves draping as they are.

Feigning astonishment, she quirks a brow. ]

I can't say it's undeserved - or unappreciated.

[deadlydebutante]

[Snerk.]

[feelinghothothot]

Come on. It's not that funny.

[deadlydebutante]

If it has me laughing, it's got to be.

[feelinghothothot]

Maybe your sense of humor is just broken.

[Spoken half-jokingly.]

[deadlydebutante]

[Playful jab in the ribs.]

Won't be the only thing broken if you keep that up.

[feelinghothothot]

What kind of trouble do you think you'd be in if you injured the new Fire Lord?

[deadlydebutante]

Nothing that a few pulled strings couldn't fix. Besides, we all know what a klutz you are.

[She eyes him up and down for a moment.] It's a wonder you haven't tripped over your robes.