Maiko Headcanon

Maiko Headcanon

The “I don’t hate you” “I don’t hate you too” exchange we see in “The Headband” is a relationship in-joke for Zuko and Mai. It starts because they’re both severely emotionally repressed and aren’t sure they’re ready to verbalize their feelings in such a weighted, concrete way as saying “I love you”. Then they find humour in it, aware that they’re both percieved as not really loving anything. It quickly becomes a game between them to find new ways to not-confess: “I don’t particularly dislike you”; “I’m not sick of you yet”; “You’re the least annoying person I know”; “I can stand you”; “You’re my most tolerable friend”. Dancing around it, stepping closer each time. Zuko is habitually active and Mai is habitually quiet; for them, actions have always spoken louder than words. They don’t need to say those three. They both know it, what more would stating it aloud accomplish? That’s what they tell themselves, anyway. 

After Zuko leaves, Mai uses this to try to convince herself it wasn’t a real relationship. That he’d never cared about her that much. It was all just wishful thinking. Right?

When she looks Azula straight in the eye and proudly declares, “I love Zuko more than I fear you”, it’s the first time either of them has ever said that they love the other. It’s possibly the first time she’s said that she loves anything or anyone. And it sounds so right, so perfect. That was the moment they both knew that this was far more than a teenage fling. 

Hot take: Mai might not have a flashy backstory but she’s still an incredibly strong and complex character. As someone who’s grown up with pressure and high expectations I relate to Mai refusing to feel anything.

I love Maiko because Zuko helps Mai learn that expressing herself is ok and Mai helps Zuko understand and control his anger. Zuko wasn’t paired with a “depressing” or “flat” character who would “drag him down,” he’s paired with another nuanced character who helps him grow and is a good narrative foil for him.

Little Izumi painting her face to look like the one she admires the most

"Look daddy, i I have a mark like you"

"oh..."

so what and who do we have to sacrifice to see this concept happen….