This is to SleepyReader13; her birthday present!

Yeah, I know… it's late. Sorry, Sleepy.

But I just want to say… I love you, Sleepy. You're such a good friend; I feel as if we're sisters. You have helped me and motivated me in more ways than one, and I thank you endlessly for that.

And to other people that are reading this: SLEEPY IS AWESOME, MAN!

Alright… this is just a short, fluffy drabble. Hope you like it. XD

Xxx

Nonchalant

Zuko was in the parlor, sipping Uncle Iroh's tea. Mai was beside him, doing the same. It was late in the evening, and the couple was tired from a completely constant schedule of going to all different sorts of meetings, banquets, parties. They were relaxing, resting their feet. The room was filled with a comfortable silence, Zuko's hand wrapped firmly around his girlfriend's waist. Mai was pretending to read a scroll in her hand; some new stupid proposal for rebuilding.

She felt Zuko's hand sneak tighter around her abdomen. Mai smiled at the insignificant, but loving gesture.

As much as Mai hated to admit it… she loved the feeling. The feeling of being truly wanted.

She flicked her eyes over to her boyfriend. He had the small porcelain cup to his lips, tipping the dark liquid down his throat. She could tell that he loved his uncle's tea… but she also knew he would never tell anyone that. His pride banned him from it.

Mai looked down at her own cup of steaming brew, lowering her scroll in her lap. It was hot in her hand, the warmth seeping through her pale fingers. She knew the feeling of pride. Of course she would never admit to having the glorious feeling of being loved, even from Zuko. Because she was stubborn, and she knew it. Zuko knew it.

And he loved her for it.

Mai was unbearably pleased by this. This was one of the reasons she adored him; he loved her the way she was. He didn't make one effort to change her; maybe to question her of her actions, but not to actually transform who she was.

She couldn't quite put a finger on how she, herself acted… it wasn't just pride… what was that word Sokka used? Aloof?

She tried not to snort. It was such a ridiculous word. Such a… Sokka word.

Mai settled her head on Zuko's shoulder. She could tell Zuko was surprised by this, but she didn't really care. She was too busy racking her head for the one word that would describe her.

Then, a spark lit up in her agile mind.

Nonchalant.

She sighed in satisfaction, and closed her eyes. That was the word. It was perfect. That was what made her who she was… and who Zuko loved.

As tiredness enveloped her, and she started to drift off against Zuko's collarbone, she felt satisfied. Nonchalant was officially her new favorite word.

Xxx

Heh, heh. I had to put some kind of reference to reading and sleep in there. Sound familiar? XD
Well, I hope you liked it, Sleepy! Happy Birthday!

If anyone review, I request someone wish Sleepy a Happy Bday! 'Kay? :D