My little Fire

Emotional

Zuko
It's been 5 months and Mai was 8 months pregnant. At this point she looked like she could sneeze and the baby would pop right on out.

I still remember the first time the baby kicked.

I was in a meeting and when it was over a maid pulled me aside and said, 'her highness said she needs you see you. Something about the baby?'

I took off without a second thought. I found her in our favorite lounge room. She was leaning back on the couch with her feet propped up on the coffee table with a book on her stomach that wasn't covered by clothes. Mai's been wearing less clothing as she got hotter even though it was getting cooler outside.

Mai hadn't quite being queen of the nation even though me, the Council, The Nation, Katara, Iroh, her Ma, my mother even Azula told her it was best for her to just step back. She said she'd stop when all was right with the world. But as she got bigger she also got tired so she did stop and take a nap - often. This now was probably one of those naps.

"Zuko! Look at this new trick!" Mai was completely amazed by the book staying completely still on her stomach, "huh? Ahh!"

"Th-this was what you meant with the baby?" I gasped still out of breath.

Mai rolled her eyes, "no-oh! Come here! Quick! It's kicking again."

"It is?" I ran over as Mai set her feet down.

I sat down by her and as soon as I did, I saw Mai's stomach move as the baby kicked Mai stomach and the book wable a bit.

I laughed and looked up at Mai, "does it hurt?"

"No not really," she said, "sometimes but it kinda just tickles. Put your hand on my stomach." She told me as she took the book off her stomach and set it down.

"Where?"

"Anywhere."

I put my hands on both sides of her stomach and my head in front. Mai started to play with my hair as we waited.

Then, I felt the baby kick on my left hand then a little farther away. It was a tiny kick but at the same time it was strong.

I laughed again. "We're going to have a little fighter on our hands," I said looking at Mai's belly.

"Of course we are," Mai said smugly, "it's my kid. And I guess a little of you in there too."

I chuckled, "your right."

"Of course I am. Ichiro said so."

I laughed. "Hi in there," I said looking at Mai's belly, "it's your daddy and he can't wait to see you and hug you and kiss you tell your so spoiled that everyone else teeth are ruined."

Mai chuckled as she played with my hair, "and that's when mommy comes into view to make sure your nothing like your Aunt Azula."

I laughed again and got up and leaned into her, "your amazing, you know that right?"

Mai smiled, "some days," then she kissed me and the baby kicked Mai hard enough to make her grunt.

I chuckled and Mai giggled, "I guess it doesn't like us kissing."

"Now I really do have any excuse not to kiss you," Mai laughed.

That night, with both Iroh and Sokka, Mai showed them her new trick with the book. It took a little while for the baby to kick again but when it did, both of them nearly lost it. Sokka got it all on his camera and couldn't wait to show people.

A couple weeks later Sokka came and told me this story from that morning.

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