I wonder if he knows or not. I didn't really tell him did I? I just mentioned it one night but that was before we started going out... It was a brief sentence and that was all I said about my birthday.

Of course birthdays were never of much importance for Mai she had spent her last fourteen birthdays not making to much of a bother. Just take a day of and hang with some friends somewhere. her normal choice was to go see Ty Lee perform but she wasn't in the circus anymore but instead prancing around with fans her hands. There was always one time where she entered a martial arts competition for her birthday and got disqualified for using weapons and another time where she bought herself a new packet of knives. But this year was going to be different. Had to be different.

Because now she had a boyfriend. She wasn't with Zuko on her last birthday. In fact her last birthday was 'celebrated' with her baby brother and herself. Though she didn't mind. Birthdays were necessarily important. It just signified that you managed to survive another year of your life didn't it?

But I can't get it out of my head! I keep thinking is he going to do something? If so then what? Did he remember? Does he know? Did I tell him? When is his birthday anyway? Ever since I hooked up with Aang I have so many thoughts that I never had before! I'm sure somehow this isn't healthy for me...

"Miss Mai would you please answer the question? What was Fire Lord Chow Mein's dragon called and what promoted him to build the Dragon Temple?"

Mai flicked out of daydreaming (something that was definitely wrong with her) and turned to her history teacher.

"His dragon was named Rajji and his soul was intwined with his own dragon's. As most Fire Lord built a special place for themselves being a spiritual part with his dragon Fire Lord Chow Mein dedicated a temple to the dragons which was then destroyed but isolation and decay"

Her teacher 'humphed' and went on to read another passage of some other boring part of fire nation history. Other girls stared at her but when she glared they looked away and whispered (loudly).

"Did you see that she was actually daydreaming"

Like I haven't caught you doing worst.

"She was probably thinking about her boyfriend... the avatar"

I'm sure none of you girls ever think about guys during class.

"Yeah. And it's her birthday soon isn't it? I bet you she was thinking about what he would give her"

What are you people mind readers?

"It makes me wonder how far they've gone. Isn't he younger than her? More easy to take advantage I guess..."

What! I don't want to know what you're referring to.

"She doesn't deserve him. She's probably just threatened if with her knives to go out with her. I mean after getting dumped by Zuko for that pesky water tribe peasant she would've wanted to get back at him. What way to do that to go out with the world's saviour?"

Hmm... What's your name cause you're gonna get pummeled in the next break.

"The avatar is cute though. He's been growing so fast! I'm gonna cry when he leaves the Fire Nation. His fan club is absolutely awesome! They were giving out free posters of his smile a few days ago!"

I think I got one of those...

"But most certainly Mai is just using him. She probably doesn't even see his worth. I bet he'll dump her- daggers or no and go for another girl instead. Maybe one that is not so old for him"

hehe... you're going down girl...

Mai felt the heat rising to her cheeks. Anger, frustration... was that really what people thought about her?

They're just jealous! Besides when did gossip affect me anyway?

The bell rang clearly and a sea of girls picked their books and exited the room, their voices still loud enough to hear.

"And her hair? Ew! I seriously wonder why she keeps it that way! It looks like a wig for Agni's sake!"

My hair?

Mai subconsciously twirled her fingers through her hair.

I haven't changed it for years. It is a bit too long. I wonder if Aang likes girls with short or long hair...

Mai shook her head and went to her locker packing for the day and heading out the Royal Fire Academy for Girls' gates. She thought more about her hair. The way it looked, how she did it in the mornings, what she had to do when she had a bad hair day and how long had she had the same hairstyle for. She walked home frustrated entering the door to find her mother sitting down reading 'Fire Nations Home Style'.

"How was school dear?"

"Same as usual"

Mai put her drawstring bag on the table and took a piece of fruit from a bowl.

"Mum?"

"Yes Mai?"

"How long have I had this style of hair for?"

"Well- I- Honestly I can't remember you've had that dear style for so long- oh wait! Yes I remember now! It's when that dear Zuko was over when you were little a complemented on your hair! Such a sweet boy but to think he chose a water tribe girl over my daughter... such a mistake. I never really..."

Her mother's voice droned on but Mai had made a decision.

That's it! The hair goes!

"Well Mum I was thinking of changing it. Might as well do it now. Bye!"

She left without a word closing the door behind her as she heard her baby brother start to cry and her mother rushing to help him.

There was only one hair dresser that Mai and that was the one that she had gone to since she was born. She had never made an effort with her hair. It wasn't important but ever since she started to date Aang... well she thought of herself differently and she couldn't determine whether these were good or bad things.

"Ah Mai! The same as usual I presume?"

Mai shook her head.

"I want a bit of a change"

The lady at the desk looked at her quizzically but then showed Mai to a chair for her hair to be done. A man was serving her this time and from the way he spoke he didn't seem to be so... manly...

"So how would you like it to be done?" he asked taking out the little buns in Mai's hair which made it go straight down the chair.

"I don't know! Cut it. Just make it short or whatever you think looks good- please"

He ran fingers through her hair and held a piece that was halfway down her back.

"This much?"

"More"

He held a part just below her shoulders"

"This?"

"More"

A bit above the shoulders.

"Enough?"

"More"

A few inches below her ear.

"Here?"

"Yes"

The man looked at the length of her hair.

"Are you sure? It will take a very long time to grow back"

"I'm sure just cut it anyway you think would look best"

"There are some paintings of hair styles would you like to browse first before you make a decision?"

"Cut it now"

And he obeyed. With the scissors in his hand he cut her hair which fell to the ground. She watched it fall. It felt immensely good. He cut around her head for a bass and then pinned some hair up so he could do it more carefully. He restyled the fringe and Mai had to close her eyes so hair wouldn't fall into her eyes. When he was done he brushed off hairs that had fallen on her shoulders and Mai looked at herself in the mirror.

"There it's done" he said happily. Mai gaped at her image. It was so short.

Well what did you expect Mai? You had really long hair before.

Her fringed was more angled her hair was basically a short straight cut that was slightly longer at the front to frame her face. She looked so different. She looked more of a person who enjoyed herself. She looked like she really had changed.

Mai what is wrong with you? When did you start acting like this? This isn't you. Not the you before. You never worried about these things.

"Thank you" she choked out. She payed and left walking slowly thinking about how she had changed.

You never thought about yourself this way. You never cared Mai. It's all because of Aang... But I really like Aang!

She past a few stalls and found one that was selling hats. She bought one that had a large brim to hide herself away in her thoughts. Putting it over her eyes she walked on clumsily not able to see where she was going that well.

"Mai? What are you doing you're barely able to see with that hat?"

Oh no. That's Aang I know his voice. He'll probably laugh at me.

She felt hands take off her hat and she looked into Aang's grey eyes which looked at her in surprise. Mai sweared he had grown again. He looked a bit taller than her actually.

"I...Hi Aang. I cut my hair a bit..."

Aang's face spread with a smile.

"It looks great!" he said running his fingers through her hair.

"Really?"

"Yeah!"

Mai smiled.

When did I start being like this? Ever since I met Aang I've been more feminine. I've had weird thoughts. I've changed. But how can i tell if I like these changes.

Aang wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. Mai hugged him back feeling the warmth of his body. She felt happy even though she didn't know what she really was feeling with the mess in her head.

Oh well! If these are the feelings that come with Aang I don't care. He's worth it.

Aang let her go and put his hand in hers.

"I heard it was your birthday in two days! How come you didn't tell me? I'm the Avatar but I wouldn't have been able to plan something if I found out any later!"

"I told you before. I said that it was my birthday in a fortnight or two weeks or so didn't I?"

"You never thought to remind me?"

"It's not too important you don't have to do anything special or anything. I've have a boring list of birthdays I've had"

They both started to walk hand in hand. The evening sun was setting beyond them and a few people looked at them and whispered things when Mai could see and hear them. It made her slightly uncomfortable but she was more interested in what Aang was saying instead.

"Well change is always good. I can plan something in the next two days. Some of the meetings I attend are boring anyway. This is a good excuse to think about it during then..."

Yes he's definitely worth all the changes in the world.

Author's Note:

Disclaimer- I don't own Avatar other wise the story would've ended in Zutara and Ozai would've died.

Finally it's done and finally I updated! Yay! I feel so proud.

I'm so sorry I've had assignments after assignments (and I still have two that are due tommorow...woops). Blame my teachers not me.

Well I always wondered what Mai would look like with short hair. I'll draw her with it now and then give you guys a link when I'm done but for now use your imaginations instead.

I always thought Aang would give a growing affect on Mai and changed her in a few ways. Aang's definitely a good change though.

I hope you all enjoyed please review and all.

Ephesians5.19