໑᱖ mina

ZukoFocused POV 𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆

“You’d seriously abandon me if I was a turtle duck?”

“Well, what would you want me to do?” Zuko frowned.

"I don’t know, maybe tell me that if I were to be turned into a turtle duck you would still like me. Keep me healthy and take me outside or something, I don’t know!" You rolled your eyes, tracing air quotes as you rasped, doing your best impression of his permanent scowl: "Just not, 'I'd leave.'", It’s mean!"

“Alright, alright,” he grumbled “If you magically turned into a turtleduck, i’d still like you. I’ll keep you in a cage or something.”

“That’s so much worse, Lee!”

Zuko buried his face into your shoulder with a defeated, loud sigh.

As he did, you repositioned yourself better against his chest and grabbed his hands wrapped around you to continue playing with his fingers — though with a pout on your face considering his bad, bad answers.

ReaderFocused POV ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆

If someone had told you two months ago you’d be sitting beneath a tree with grumpy tea shop boy wrapped around you, you would’ve laughed and said they had to be mistaken.

Before Lee, you’d never really been with a guy before. Sure, you had crushes sometimes and boys had them on you too but, it never led anywhere.

Frustrated you’d gone to your mother one day, feeling confused on how, despite how open you were, nothing had ever happened romance wise.

She’d told you softly that you’d just feel it. Feel when it was right and when you’d feel comfortable enough to truly open up in that, vulnerable, way.

At the time you were skeptical but now, you understood.

Though things had moved quite fast, you finally understood what she meant.

You felt it with Lee.

After the first non-date date that his uncle set up forcefully so — you got home so giddy it almost scared you.

How did this gloomy guy have you acting like that?

During your third date (now actually considered, an official date) it hit you.

The two of you were roaming the streets during an early morning — sun still rising — both still sleepy and yawning from time to time.

Sleepiness always made people more honest.

For the first time Lee had properly told you something about himself.

“I used to walk these streets with my mom.” He’d casually muttered. For some reason you felt it mattered that he told you that.

“You did?” You responded gently.

He nodded, shoving his hand through his hair once to fix the messiness that sleep had given it as he continued, “She used to bring me and my sister to places all the time. I liked traveling with her.”

“I like that,” A soft smile played on your lips. “I’d love to hear more stories, you know, about your travels? It seems like you did it a lot.”

And he did. He always kept everything a little vague, that for sure, but it felt like a treasure from someone like him. Sincerity always drew you in and despite what one would think when first meeting him, his full demeanor was sincere.

As a girl who wore her heart on her sleeve herself, what more could you want!

In your day to day life the dates became part of your routine.

Moon Bay -> Ferry ride -> Ba Sing Se with the refugees -> Date with Lee -> Back to your house, debrief with Suki.

All the dates had something about them:

May 17th, 17:38

The sea was mesmerizing. The rhythmic sounds of the waves always grounded you.

"Are you cold?” The boy to your right asked.

“Hm.. not really!”

“Oh.”

Only a few seconds later did you realize why he had asked you.

His jacket was already half shrugged off.

Your gaze dropped to the fabric for a second.

Oh.

Before you could stop yourself, your fingers twitched beside your leg, making a cool breeze curl around you.

“Actually,” you admitted, rubbing your arms dramatically. “Maybe a little.”

“Here." He said, now fully shrugging of his dark colored jacket and draping it over your shoulder.

“Thanks.” You thanked softly while looking up at him. His expression brightened with his ears a little pink as he looked away, setting his jaw tight and trying to fight a smile.

May 23rd, 21:19

“You kissed?!” Suki gasped, pacing up and down your room.

“We did!" You squealed happily — the skin along your cheekbones turning an even deeper shade of pink.

ZukoFocused POV 𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆

He actually did it. He kissed you.

Since you guys had been going out he was so confused on what to do — should I kiss her now? does she even like me? do friends just do this? is she blushing because she’s warm or because of me?

He’d never admit it but, he was fairly new to all of this.

When you asked him to go to a new festival in town, he deemed it the perfect opportunity.

His uncle had overheard which meant he spent an half hour giving speeches on how to act and that everything’s be okay plus helping him with his hair.

Looking into the mirror he saw the new hairstyle uncle had given him: his hair parted in the middle, all the sides slicked back — it looked nothing like his usual messy look.

“You look handsome, prince Zuko,” His uncle commented proudly. “Go, have fun.”

He did. After meeting him at the town centre you immediately laughed at his hair, “It’s so cute!” you commented while ruffling it back to its original messiness.

“It took my uncle ten minutes to do that..” he grumbled under his breath.

During the festival you dragged him to about a million places: watching the lanterns, seeing the live band create their melodies and feeding the turtle ducks by the tiny pond.

You were still rambling an hour later, now about comparing the Moon Bay era to the city and that they should really spread out the prettiness evenly, because the Moon Bay looked ‘gray and dead and sad’ in your opinion.

Zuko should have been listening.

He tried to.

Really.

But every time he looked at you, something distracted him.

The lantern light kept catching in your eyes.

Your hands moved every time you spoke.

The smile you gave him made his chest tighten.

Somehow, it also made you the only person worth looking at.

Somehow you managed to look at everything around you like it was worth caring about.

He didn’t understand how you did that.

Should I do it now? Should I wait until she’s done talking? Will she ever stop talking?

Answering ‘no’ to the last question, he decided.

As you were still rambling on about the exterior of the city he pulled you closer by the waist and pressed a tentative kiss to your lips.

You were dazed, eyes wide open — “Hi?”

“Sorry.”

He tried to turn back but you grabbed him by his collar and kissed him back, harder. The moment his lips touched yours he didn’t know if it was real life anymore.

How did he get so lucky?

The kiss became less hesitant — now with his hands on your face, your hands in his hair messing it up even more and both smiling against each other.

Breathless the two of you parted, both not knowing what to say.

On May 25th he’d danced with you on a random street corner in the light of the moon with the music of a random cafe. After having to convince him for several minutes, grabbing his hands and playfully shaking him back and forth with a “Come on! For me?” He finally gave in. He shuffled awkwardly in place looking fairly miserable. You’d grabbed his hands and put them on your hips while you moved your arms around his neck. Instead you started swaying back and forth and he followed your rythm. He wouldn’t admit it but he liked it and he knew that you knew that. The dance wasn’t anything extravagant but, it was intimate nonetheless. Holding you while moving to the nice rythm.

May 30th was the first time you touched his scar, or that he let anyone properly touch his scar at that. You’d stayed over for dinner with him and uncle Iroh. Eventually the two of you ended up cuddled on the couch. Silence filled the room until your hand started moving. From his shoulders to his face, to his scar. His first instinct was to tense. But your touch never came with pity. Never disgust. Just you. He didn’t move. You gently brushed your delicate hand over the crimson that shaped the left side of his face, not saying anything. You felt it was right not to. If he wanted to say something he would.

Back in the present, you were already planning the next time to see each other.

​☾ previous ————————————————————— next ⋆⁺₊⋆

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ReaderFocused POV ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆

Hm, what was the order again? 

“Can I have two plates of rice porridge, one moon peach cake… and… cabbages!” Right.

The vendor behind the dirt-colored stand nods and after a few seconds comes out with your order. “Thank you” you say, taking it from him and slipping the Earth Kingdom coins into his hand.

It was finally lunch time. After a day full of talking, talking and more talking – you could definitely use a break with some good food. 

Trying to find your lunch partner, you look around the Moon Bay where you’ve been for the past week now. 

After your last trip to Ba Sing Se there hadn’t been any passengers in need of your services yet so for now, it was checking IDs practically all day. 

Originally you were supposed to stand guard like the other Kyoshi girls but, one of the women who worked here fell ill. She needed someone to take over temporarily. That someone chosen to be you. 

Still walking and searching you see the familiar figure of the girl you’d been looking for. 

Woah! Who is she grabbing by the collar? 

“You mean you don’t remember?” You hear Suki’s voice above the noise. “Maybe you’ll remember this!” 

Was she gonna punch the person?! 

Stepping closer you see instead of your expectation she’s giving him a kiss on the cheek? 

That could only mean one thing.

“Suki!” Sokka yells out embracing her in a tight hug with a big cheesy grin.

“Sokka, it’s good to see you.” The girl declares happily.

A soft smile appears on your face at the sight. Before you can go to greet them a quick figure suddenly flashes past you until he stops right in front of you. “Hi!”

“Hi, Aang.” You greet, voice seeping of adoration as you give him a hug. He looks almost the exact same like the last time you saw him; same attire, the recognizable blue arrows and his smiley demeanor.

“We haven’t seen you guys in so long,” He says in his upbeat tone, slightly breathless “We should catch up!”

You nod happily and before you know it you’re sitting at the lunch table you’d reserved earlier with the whole team.

“You guys look so different without your makeup! And the new outfits.” Katara exclaims.

“I know. That crabby lady makes all the security guards wear them,” Suki sighs, then redirects her attention back to her Watertribe boy. “Look at you, sleeveless guy. Been working out?”

Sokka across from her, looking smug as ever, answers proudly: “Ah, I'll grab a tree branch and do a few chin touches every now and then. Nothing major.” He declares while cracking his knuckles.

You laugh at the silly exchange while Katara rolls her eyes.

For a few minutes you feel yourself warm back up to the group.

You give Momo some well deserved attention while scratching him under his ears, earning you a pleased lemur sound.

You properly meet Toph — the earthbending teacher they picked up for Aang.

“You’re badass.”

“So they say.”

Catching up with your old friends leaves something warm and pleasant in your chest, until a woman’s voice nearby startles you.

“Avatar Aang, you have to help us! Someone took all of our belongings; our passports, our tickets, everything's gone!” The pregnant woman shouts with her husband’s concerned face right next to her.

Turning to see Aang you see the young boy’s bright expression turn serious quick.

“I'll talk to the lady for you.” He says, the determination obvious in his tone.

Unsuccessfully. A few minutes later he walks back to the table with a stamp on his forehead instead of on a ticket.

He returns with the announcement that, “We’re going to lead them through the Serpent's Pass.”

Oh gosh…

Walking beneath the water should have felt terrifying.

Instead, it was beautiful. Very beautiful.

Multi-colored fish darted past the bubble Katara and Aang created, surrounding the group while sunlight filtered through the surface above, painting ripples of gold across the path beneath your feet.

Softly, you move your hands behind your back and add a little more air to the bubble. There were a lot of people to fit inside!

After Aang’s decision to help these people through the Serpents Pass, you and Suki had no doubt in joining. Both having changed into your Kyoshi Warrior attire (minus, the make up — no time).

You’re walking behind the group with Momo standing on your shoulder until he suddenly jumps off it, diving into the water to swim with the school of fish.

Cute!

Though after a few seconds he comes scrambling right back with big wide eyes.

“What is that thing?” You mutter, realizing why the little creature came back so quickly.

Everyone looks up and gasps fill your ears.

The once peaceful water now had a giant shadow tailing it.

The silhouette circled menacingly before swimming right through the bubble, causing it to burst.

Shrieks fill your ears from all around before Toph earthbents the ground underneath you guys, raising you from the surface.

Only now could you take a proper look at what it was that bursted your bubble.

“I think I just figured out why they call it the Serpent's Pass!” Sokka yelled out.

In front of you there was in fact, a large serpent emerging.

The gigantic teal sea creature looms over you, screeching loudly revealing the length of his body — he had to be what, over 30 meters tall!

“Suki, you” he says addressing both you and Suki “You know about giant sea monsters, make it go away!

“Just because we live near the unagi doesn't mean we’re experts!” Suki screams back at him.

Before the creature can charge again Aang blasts it back with a burst of air. “I'll distract it. Guys, get everyone across!“ He yells out and takes off on his glider towards the open sea.

Immediately you start getting into action. You scramble towards the woman traveling with you, Ying, trailing carefully behind her while Katara creates an ice path for all of you to cross on before leaving to help Aang.

While walking carefully but as quickly as possible you intuitively start murmuring reassurances to her.

“It’s okay.”

“I’m right behind you.”

“You can do this.”

You get across and notice… Toph still standing on the little island of earth between the two big islands.

“Toph, it’s okay!” You yell loud enough for her to hear.

She tries to step on the ice but backtracks almost immediately, “Actually, I'm going to stay on my little island, where I can see.” She declares.

That plan doesn’t stick for long as the serpent charges aggressively once again, taking out half of the island with it. “Okay, I'm coming!”

She starts crossing the ice in slow and careful steps, extra careful now without ground underneath her.

“You're doing great! Just follow the sound of my voice!” Sokka yells.

“It's hard to ignore.”

Just then the serpent slams down once again, now on the ice trail, dropping Toph into the water.

“Help, I can’t swim!” the dark-haired girl screams, arms thrashing as she struggles to stay above the surface.

Both yours and Suki’s instincts kick in immediately.

Help whenever.

“I’m coming, Toph!” Sokka yells, but before he can move, you and Suki dive in at the same time.

The cold water rushes around you as you swim toward her.

Then Toph disappears beneath the surface.

Oh.

You kick harder.

One second.

Two.

Three.

Your stomach twists.

She’s sinking.

Just one push of air.

One breath beneath the water.

No one would notice.

Right?

You angle downward, ready to make your decision—

But Suki reaches her first.

Relief crashes to you so quickly.

She catches Toph beneath her arms and starts hauling her upward. You rush forward to help, grabbing hold just as Suki accidentally elbows you in the side.

“Hmph!”

You nearly swallow a mouthful of seawater, but together you succeed, dragging Toph back above the surface.

The first thing she does is latch onto Suki.

“Oh, Sokka, you saved me!” Toph beams before planting a kiss on Suki’s cheek.

“Actually, it’s me,” Suki admits sheepishly

“Oh.. well…” the girl chuckles embarrassed “You can go ahead and let me drown now.”

Despite everything, you burst out laughing.

Before you back get up onto the rocky ground where the others are, you quickly grab onto your best friend, “Do you think I should help?” You whisper softly.

She looks up and spots the situation you’re referring to; the serpent is in a whirlpool created by Aang and Katara trying to get out.

“I think they’re good.”

“Okay.”

It was tough judging when you could and when you couldn’t use your bending.

No one knew about your gift, except for Suki and your parents. During dire situations you had to act quickly — do I reveal my identity which can get me in danger but help others or do I keep it hidden and let the others handle it?

Luckily, for now the dilemma wasn’t as big, seeing the serpent get slammed into the side of the mountain by the two’s bending, causing it to fall back below the water.

Upon seeing Aang and Katara return, everyone cheers happily at the succes.

By the time the walls of Ba Sing Se come into view, you and Suki stop to say your goodbyes.

“It was really nice seeing you guys again,” you tell them genuinely, a soft expression on your face.

It really was.

You wondered what adventure you’d get pulled into the next time your paths crossed.

“It’s such a shame you have to go,” Katara says, her smile dipping into a small frown as she pulls you into a hug.

“I know,” you laugh, returning the embrace tightly. “But hey, you’ll be in Ba Sing Se soon enough. I bet we’ll run into each other there!”

An idea strikes you.

“Actually, wait.”

Digging through your bag, you pull out an old marker.

“Hey—”

Before Sokka can react, you grab his arm.

“Hey!”

Ignoring his protest, you quickly scribble an address onto his arm.

“There. That’s where Suki and I stay whenever we’re in the city. If you need us — or just want company — you know where to find us.”

Sokka looks down at his damaged arm.

“You couldn’t have used paper?”

“Nope!”

After a few more hugs, promises to meet again, and well-wishes for Ying and her growing family, you and Suki head toward the city.

When you glance back one last time, Aang is waving both arms over his head. You wave back smiling.

ZukoFocused POV 𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆

What did that guy order again?

White jade? The white dragon? Ugh.

Seriously, why did tea names have to be so fancy and long all the time?

His uncle was way better at this.

While taking a guess on the guy’s order, the bell of the shop rings. He looks up from the clay stove where he was brewing the tea — deciding on a white Dragon — when he saw you come in.

Oh.

You hadn’t been in for a while. After the visit with your friend you’d come back one more time during a late night shift.

You’d happily ordered a Jasmine tea again and after that hadn’t come back. Until now.

Zuko didn’t know why he remembered you so vividly. He never really did with anyone. He rarely remembered customers.

Maybe it was because you’d talked with Uncle for so long.

Maybe it was because you somehow managed to get him to wave back before leaving.

Or maybe—

Shake it off, Zuko.

He focuses back on his task at hand but doesn’t lose track of you. From the corner of his eye he can see you sitting down in the same spot and waiting for someone to take your order.

He debates on taking it for a second before his uncle is a step ahead of him.

Fine, he didn’t wanna go anyway.

“Hi, Mushi!” Your voice fill his ears, now nearer as he’s serving the tea he’d been making.

“Ah, a familiar face,” His uncle commented in his grandfatherly tone. “What would you like today, dear?”

“A jasmine please.”

“A creature of habit, I see.”

He doesn’t hear much after that, only his uncle looking pleased at whatever you have to say and your laugh carrying through the shop, before he turns away to make your order.

“I didn’t order this.” A voice speaks harshly, snapping him out of this thoughts.

“Huh?”

“I ordered a white Jade”.

Ugh.

After a few days it became a pattern, you became a pattern.

Zuko would start his afternoon shift and around sunset you’d walk in. Either still in your port guard uniform or in garments that he was pretty sure were your pajamas. He’d see you chatting with Iroh, ordering the same tea and watching the place with a smile on your face over and over again.

Something he also noticed was: the staring.

After getting your tea you would quickly peek at him, smile and look back at your cup.

What was your deal?

Why did you keep looking for him? Searching for him?

Did you know something?

Did you figure it out?

Did you see uncle firebending the tea in the back?

Or did you see the scar and put one and two together?

“Uncle.” Zuko said urgently to the elderly man standing beside him.

“Yes?”

“What is it with that girl?”

“What girl, prince Zuko?”

“There.” He whisper-shouted while pointing at you.

You were sitting in the same seat again, drinking your tea. It had been the fifth time that week.

In your defense, it was the best tea in town! It was a reward after your work days.

“Ah, the Kyoshi girl.”

“I think she’s onto us, uncle.” He lowered his voice even more, serious as ever trying to get his point across. “She knows we’re firebenders.”

“Hm, you think so?" Iroh chuckled which annoyed Zuko, as he clearly didn’t understand the urgency of the situation.

“Yes,” he continued confidently. “She keeps coming in around the same times like she knows we’re going to be here. And when she is she’s always talking. Probably to find out more information! She’s always looking at me like she knows something I don’t. It’s seriously driving me crazy.”

“You know what I think, Zuko?” his uncle responded calmly.

“What?"

“I think someone has a crush on you." He said, wiggling his eyebrows.

What?!

“What?!”

“You have clearly not lived long enough to see when a woman likes you, nephew. Take this from me, the girl isn’t just visiting for the tea. My tea is incredible, but not so for her to visit so often.”

“You’re mistaking, Uncle.” Zuko declares stubbornly.

What did he mean you liked him? What did he even do to make you like him?

Uncle just had bad intuition, that’s all.

“Let’s test it out, shall we?”

“What!”

Before Zuko could argue, Iroh was already walking towards you. Zuko hid his face in his palms with a grunt, awaiting what his uncle was going to do.

You looked up from the book you were reading and smiled as the old man approached.

“Hi, Mushi.”

“Good evening.” You both greeted each other warmly.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I have a question for you.”

“Oh,” you looked mildly confused but your curiosity answered for you. “Sure, anything!”

“What do you think of my nephew?”

“W-what?” The question clearly caught you off guard. Zuko, looking through his hands now, noticed the flush climbing up your neck.

Hm, wait, you’re nervous because you’ve been caught!

“I’ve been seeing you gazing at him. Don’t be embarrassed,—“

“I-I, Uhm. I just zone out. A lot!” You defended yourself quickly and badly.

Iroh let out an exasperated puff of air. “Both so stubborn, truly, a good match.”

Zuko was now matching the crimson on your face. He marched over to the table, his boots clicking sharply against the floorboards.

“Uncle!" Zuko hissed, grabbing Iroh by the elbow to pull him back. "Stop bothering the customer. She already told you, she's just... zoning out. Let’s go!”

“We can’t, P- Lee. I have an upmost important task for you younglings. You can assist me, right?”

“What is it?" You can’t help but ask, curiosity spiking once again.

"The tea shop is running dangerously low on night-blooming white lotus roots," Iroh explained with a heavy, theatrical sigh. "They only sell them at the night market down by the lower ring canal. It is a long, dark walk. Not safe. Very dangerous for an old man like me."

Zuko frowned. "Uncle, I can just go get them after my shift—"

“No, no," Iroh insisted, shoving a coin purse into Zuko’s hands. "If you go alone, you might be ambushed by... rival tea merchants! And if that happens to I will have no idea on how to find you and get you back. Our young guard friend here has a free evening. Does she not? Therefore, it is best you go together."

"Hmph?!" Zuko and you made the same flusttered noise.

“It is the perfect solution," Iroh beamed, clasping his hands together. "You will accompany my nephew to ensure his safety and you," he pointed a finger at Zuko, "can use the long walk to thoroughly interrogate her in case you are still suspicious of her. It is a win-win."

"The market closes at midnight," Iroh said, gently but firmly closing in on both of you, urging you toward the front door of the tea shop. "And since the night market is hosting the summer lantern festival tonight, I suggest you grab some roast duck bowls on my expense while you investigate each other. Do not come back without the roots!"

With a surprisingly strong nudge, the old man pushes you both out the door, closing the shop with a cheerful ‘click!’.

Through the window, Zuko could see his uncle happily picking up a broom, humming a tune, completely satisfied with his matchmaking.

On the wooden walkway, Zuko and you stood a rigid three feet apart, staring down the street in mortified.

“Hi.” You said awkwardly, looking down at the ground.

“Hey.”

ReaderFocused POV ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆

Eventually, you both start walking down the street towards the night market Mushi had mentioned.

“So…” you started, subconsciously fidgeting with your hands. "How do you like town?"

“Fine.”

Not much of a talker, huh?

“How long have you been here?”

“A while.”

“Well, the tea shop is nice!”

“Yeah.”

Alright, nevermind…

You both continue walking side by side in hellish silence. After hearing his one word answers you felt way too awkward to continue. Maybe the silence was better!

Trying to redirect your focus you focus on the sounds around you — the footsteps of the citizens, the birds chirping and the vague sound of the ocean, or was it water fountains?

“Why are you in town?”

Wow. You stop in your tracks for a second before continuing your pace — did cute grumpy tea guy just ask you a question?

“I’m a guard!” you started excitedly before clearing your throat, taking on a more casual tone “Well, I usually work at the full Moon Bay but me and my friend also travel with most refugees. To ensure they find their place safely and all of that.”

“The one you were with the other day?”

Oh, he noticed? “Yeah!”

Finally, a conversation topic!

You feel a smile appear on your face as you continue talking, “I’m actually not from here. I’m a Kyoshi warrior. That’s where I met the friend in question. Her name is Suki.”

“Nice.”

And.. we’re back to one word answers.

The dark haired boy next to you, walking a bit closer then before clears his throat. “That’s cool.”

“Thanks. I really like it. Being part of a team like that, you know?” You answer. A soft smile appears on your face.

After a few small conversations back and forth — about town mostly — the market starts coming into view.

“Should we go eat first? Like your uncle said? We can get the stuff for him afterwards! Besides the tea I drank at your cafe I haven’t ate much today…”

“You haven’t?” He responds quickly.

“No, not really.”

“Let’s go.”

Your smile widens, he sounds almost concerned?

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The both of you walk towards the night market and it’s beautiful. You’ve always loved events at night and especially with the string lights illuminating above you — it was, “Wow.”

“What?”

“Nothing. It’s just really pretty. Look at the cute fairy lights and the stands. It’s so homey.”

“I guess…” he grumbles. “We should sit.”

He points towards a ramen stand and the both of you sit down on the best next table. It’s quite packed considering it’s a festival but there’s still a sense of calm.

When the waiter comes up you start, “I’d like the noodles. The one with vegetables please.”

“Me too.” Lee replies and the waiter nods, disappearing behind the stand.

Silence fills the atmosphere again and your nervous habit resurfaces: playing with your hands.

“Where’d you get your rings?”

Lee’s voice cuts through the waves of nerves that were washing over you.

“I got them from all different kind of places actually. They’re like little memory holders in a way.”

At that the boy chuckles. He chuckled? Well, it was really small and really light but a chuckle either way! Immediately you continue,

“These two,” talking about the pair on your ring finger. “One of them is a similar one to Suki. To signify our friendship,” you say in a dramatic tone though he can tell you’re genuinely talking “and the other is kind of a placeholder? I have another version of it but I didn’t want to wear both. I just thought it was nice and there was a sale."

Lee doesn’t comment on it but nods as you continue to ramble on. Then you point at the ring on your index finger — a delicate twisted ring with a tiny rose quartz stone in the middle — “I got it from an elements shop back in my hometown. My mom had gotten it for me saying it reminded herself of me which—“

“I like that one.” He interrupts, muttering his words.

“Yeah?” You smile and he looks up, probably the first time you guys make proper eye contact.

“Yeah."

Not long after that your dishes arrive.

During dinner you guys don’t talk much but, the silence transcended from awkward to comfortable. The silence didn’t have to be filled. Here and there you made a comment about the food or the outside and he’d agree or make a short comment itself. It was nice. The conversations weirdly enough made you curious about him, despite his closed nature.

Why was he so closed off? Was there more underneath it?

After dinner the both of you stand up after clearing your plates.

Now, you’re standing in front of each other for what feels like the goodbye.

“Uhm.. I had a good time.” You tell him, smiling.

“So did I.”

Gosh, were you really going to be the one to ask him if he wanted to go out again? You guess you could but still—

“Would you.. like to do this again?” He almost looks shocked that by the words that just came out of his mouth. “I-I,” he stumbles. “I mean if you want to, you know? If you’re in town. I’ve been here for a while now. I could show you some places. If you’d like.

“I’d love that, Lee.”

As you get the words out a genuine smile appears on his face. The first proper one since you’ve met him. A sense of pride and giddiness washes over you at the fact that you did that.

Before you lose your nerve, you lean forward and plant a quick kiss on his cheek. Merely for a second before you turn back and yell, “Bye!” while blushing ferociously.

Turning around one more time you see heat creep up his neck too as he still looks stunned by your action, “Bye.”

ZukoFocused POV 𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆

“So, nephew, did you get night-blooming white lotus roots?” Uncle Iroh asks as soon as he walks into their apartment.

Spirits. In the haze of nervousness and embarrassment the both of you had totally forgotten what he had asked you guys to get.

“We forgot uncle.” He mutters.

Uncle Iroh looks more pleased at that than someone should be in the situation. “That is fine. I guess the two of you will have to go out into the city again to get it for me tomorrow. How was your evening, prince Zuko?”

Out of habit Zuko slams the door of his room shut, not answering.

The apartment fell quiet.

For a moment, Iroh simply stood there.

Then his door opened again by a few inches.

“It was nice.”

The door shut immediately afterward.

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“Thank you so much for your help, girls,” The older lady in front of you said, the gratitude practically sparkling in her eyes.

You smile at her immediately.

“No problem, ma’am. We hope you’ll like Ba Sing Se.” You answer kindly, lowering your head in respect. The woman nods and turns to her newly found home.

“Gosh, I’m so happy we’re doing this.” Suki exclaimed.

“I know, right!" you respond while walking back towards the ferry port. “It’s so nice to see all these people find a new place after what happened to their homes.”

Suki nods in agreement, giving you an emphatic look.

Yesterday, while sorting families into ferry lines, you’d talked about it with Suki.

How strange it felt seeing so many people searching for somewhere to belong.

How familiar.

This had also been the reason why when this spot opened — besides guarding Moon Bay, also helping refugees settle in — you took it without a doubt in your mind. The girl beside you obviously joining in.

The daydream of your memories fade and you see Suki persistently tugging at the new uniform that came with this position. It consisted of a high-collared tunic, knee-length shorts, and a stupidly tight helmet. At least it kept your two braids from swinging into your face every time you turned your head.

“I miss our old clothes.” Suki murmurs with a pout on her lips and you nod in agreement.

As you’re walking the streets of the capital city of the Earth Kingdom, your gaze drifts upward and captures the sheer beauty of it — the warm shades of beige in the bricks of many buildings, the green roof tiles reflecting sunlight, the chatter of the citizens and water spilled from stone fountains. It was so… lively.

As you’re looking around, your eyes eventually land on a tea shop. The Pao Family Tea House. Oh! You could definitely go for some tea right now.

“Suki,” you say nudging her shoulder as you point your finger towards the cozy café.

“Ah, of course you’d want to go in there. Do you ever drink anything other than tea?”

“Water, but only when necessary.”

“Right.” You both giggle as you make your way to the shopfront.

The bell jingles as the two of you walk in. The place is packed. Mostly elderly men sat around low tables, steam curling from their cups. You can only imagine what they’re talking about — trading old stories of fighting in the war and how they got certain scars and—

“Let’s sit here,” Suki says happily, pointing towards a spot in the back.

“Mkay!”

You both settle into the warm, worn seats across from each other and wait for someone to take your order.

“Hello, ladies. What can I get for you?”

The question comes from a short, round elderly man with a warm, wrinkled face, a hearty gray beard, and long hair tied neatly into a traditional topknot.

“I’ll have a ginseng tea,” Suki tells him.

“Ginseng it is. What about you, dear?”

“I’ll have a jasmine.”

“Ah, a person of true culture. Jasmine tea truly warms the spirit… it is one of my favorites.” He says it eagerly, his gravelly voice carrying a warmth all its own.

“Mine too,” you say immediately.

The old man’s eyebrows lift.

“I drink it whenever I can. Mornings, afternoons. When I’m sick and when I’m cold…” You pause thoughtfully. “And when I’m not.”

The man laughs warm and deep, pleased by your response.

“A very wise policy that is.”

You smile proudly at that. The old man returns the expression before disappearing back towards the counter, still smiling to himself.

You let out a soft sigh when he leaves. Today had been a lot.

“Let’s take this in before we have to get back onto the boat.”

Suki smiles at that.

And for a moment, you both do.

The warmth of the café and the chatter of the customers. The scent of different teas mingling together into one grounding mix.

“Hey, what are these?” Suki asks, pointing towards two little ceramic lotus flowers with notes stuck to them.

Looking around the café, you notice every table has them. Maybe a cute ritual they have?

“Let’s take a look.”

You both grab a note from the polished ceramics and you read, out loud, what’s on the worn paper.

“111. New beginnings. A new path is opening for you. Trust where it leads.”

“That sounds promising.” Suki answers, her mouth quirking into a smile with a teasing tilt.

“I’ll keep it in mind,” You state in a mock-serious tone that makes the both of you laugh.

“What does yours say?”

“Mine says…” the girl in front of you starts “222. Partnership. Some paths are meant to cross again. Be patient.”

“Oh!” You exclaim even louder than Suki, because unlike yours, you immediately knew what hers could connect to.

“Well, Miss Suki, patiently await a reunion is what I hear!”

She blushes at your comment and you know exactly why.

When you’d met the Avatar last year, Suki didn’t exactly leave empty handed.

She met a boy, Sokka, who was helping the Avatar on his mission.

Ever since the group departed, the two of you found yourselves wondering what became of them and whether your paths might cross again.

It was very cute watching your oh so cool friend gush about the boy. No lies told, though. They were very very cute.

“Hm… well I guess I can hope that these fortune things are correct.” She murmurs nonchalantly, which isn’t that impactful because the red flush hasn’t left her face.

As you both settle in, the elderly man returns with the brewed tea. “Careful now, the cups can be very warm.”

“Ginseng tea for you,”

“Thank you.” Suki says with a sweet grin.

“and a Jasmine for you.”

“Thank you.” You take the — in fact, warm cup — from him with a soft smile.

“I noticed you two have been admiring the city ever since you walked in,” the old man chuckles. “First time in Ba Sing Se?”

“Well, kind of. We’re helping refugees get to Ba Sing Se and then help them get settled in.” Suki tells him.

“Ah, I see. How nice. You know, my nephew and I are refugees ourselves. We settled in Ba Sing Se not too long ago.”

Something softens in the old man’s expression.

“Though I suppose we got lucky. We found this tea shop almost immediately. It is delightful.”

“Delightful indeed,” you declare happily after a sip. You are absolutely coming back here.

“What are you and your nephew’s names?” Suki asks curiously.

“You may call me Mushi,” he says warmly. “And my nephew is… Lee.” At the name Lee he gestures vaguely towards the counter.

Peeking immediately, you spot the boy he’s referring to.

A boy around your age stands behind the counter arranging cups onto a tray. Dark hair falls messily around his face. A faded burn scar stretches across the left side of it. You recognize it immediately for what it is. A burn mark.

Wow, what happened there?

“He’s a very hardworking young man.” His uncle declares proudly.

Perhaps sensing he was being talked about, the boy finally glances up.

Your eyes meet.

Only for a moment.

Then he looks back down at the tray and grumbles something under his breath.

Hm.

“Well, I shall leave you two to it. Enjoy your day and your tea.”

“Thank you, Mushi.” You and Suki say in encore which makes the three of you laugh.

As you watch him leave your eyes fall back onto his nephew who’s now muttering something to his uncle while glancing back at your table.

“New beginnings, huh? Maybe he can be a part of it?” Suki says, snapping you out of your gazing haze.

“What, Mushi?!”

“No. His nephew.”

Suki’s smile widens.

“The one you can’t stop looking at.”

“I wasn’t! I was just… curious!”

“Hm, just as curious as I was when I first saw Sokka?”

“You are horrible.”

“You love me.”

You sigh.

You know you were never great at hiding your feelings. The other Kyoshi warriors say it’s good that you wear the make up, otherwise your moods would just be painted across your face for everyone to see.

While the both of you drink your tea you notice the suns going down, which means you guys will have to board the boat soon.

To speed up the drinking process you very casually swirl your finger above both of your cups and put your skills to use, cooling the tea off.

“Hey!” Suki starts but immediately lowers her voice to a whisper “No airbending in public.”

“Don’t worry no one saw it. Even if they did maybe I was firebending for all they know.”

Suki gives you the look and you realize that isn’t any better.

“Earthbending?” You try.

“Earthbending what? The glass cup?”

“Then, waterbending!”

Suki rolls her eyes at your antics, giving you a warning look but looking very pleased at the new temperature of her tea.

Sometimes you tend to forget how rare your skills are — you are very aware of it but, because it comes so natural to you it sometimes does slip out.

“We should go, it’s getting late.” Suki says when you both finished your drinks.

You nod in agreement and the two of you stand to leave.

The tea shop is beginning to thin out now, afternoon slowly surrendering to evening beyond the windows.

You smooth out your uniform and sling your bag over your shoulder.

Before stepping outside, you glance back one last time.

Mushi notices immediately and lifts a hand.

You smile softly and wave.

The old man returns it warmly instantly.

Beside him, Lee looks up from whatever task he’d been busying himself with. And again, his eyes meet yours.

You lift your hand politely.

He blinks once.

Then gives the smallest nod you have ever seen before returning his attention to the ground.

You aren’t entirely sure that counted as a greeting but, you’ll take it.

Still smiling to yourself, you follow your companion out into the streets of Ba Sing Se.

On the boat ride back, Suki eventually falls asleep beside you. Her head rests against your shoulder while the evening breeze drifts through your now-loose hair.

The Earth Kingdom city grows smaller and smaller behind you, its walls slowly melting into the darkening haze of evening.

Careful not to wake Suki, you reach into your bag and pull out the worn slip of paper from the tea shop.

111.

New beginnings.

Your thumb traces absentmindedly over the faded ink.

You aren’t entirely sure what path it was talking about.

Still, you find yourself smiling.

The paper disappears back into your bag.

Above you, the first line of moonlight bled into the sky.

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