𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍 ꩜ prince zuko

⁰²

CHAPTER TWO

        "IS THAT MY BEAUTIFUL daughter I see?" Fengge's voice rang out warmly when his daughter came into view. The earthbender girl entered the tea shop with a soft smile, her eyes lighting up as she spotted him. She waved enthusiastically as she walked toward her father, her footsteps light after the short stroll through the bustling streets of the Upper Ring. The familiar scent of tea leaves filled the air, mixing with the comfort of home and hospitality.

        "Good morning, Bàba," Yan greeted with a playful smile. "Sorry it took me so long to get here; Māmā insisted I wear this fancy clown suit." Fengge's eyes softened, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips; he couldn't help but admire how beautiful his daughter looked. Without a word, he opened his arms, Yan stepping into his embrace.

        "You look as stunning as the magnolia blossoms that bloom in spring," Fengge complimented her with an affectionate grin. Yan chuckled, her eyes sparkling as she playfully rolled them at her father's compliment. Just then, an elderly man approached them, carrying a metal tray with delicate porcelain teacups balanced carefully in the center.

        "Good morning, Mushi," Yan waved as she took a seat at one of the tables. The elderly man before her was Mushi, the wise and kind-hearted owner of the Jasmine Dragon tea shop where her father worked. Though he rarely spoke of his past, Mushi was always ready to offer guidance or a piece of advice whenever it was needed. Yan had often wondered about the stories he kept to himself, but out of respect, she never pressed him with questions that swirled in her mind.

        "You as well, Yan. How is your mother?" Mushi asked, his weathered hands offering her a teacup. Yan accepted it with a grateful nod, wrapping her fingers around the warm glass as the fragrant steam rose from the hot tea.

        She smiled and took a slow sip of the refreshing hibiscus tea. "My mother is doing well," she answered, the warmth of the drink soothing her. "She's been itching to get back to work, but since the shop has been closed for so long, she's been keeping herself busy around the house." Lian worked at a local dress shop where she used her earthbending to mix pigments for dyes, creating vibrant colors for the fabrics. She also helped young women and girls get fitted for their ceremonial hanfu which was why their home was always stocked with so many. Ever since the Dai Li and the Fire Nation took over, the shop had remained closed, leaving her mother with nothing but the walls of their home to occupy her.

        "I see. Well, let her know she's always welcome here if she's ever looking for work. She could help me brew tea or charm the customers." he offered a warm smile. Yan returned it and nodded appreciatively, thanking him for his kindness. Mushi let out a soft hum as he turned, then paused to slide a small object onto the table: a White Lotus Pai Sho tile. Yan's brow furrowed as she stared at it, puzzled; before she could ask, the old man gave her a playful wink and quietly slipped back into the kitchen.

        "Bàba, do you need any help today? I could sort the tea boxes for you," the earthbender girl suggested, finishing the last sip of her tea before rising from her seat. At her suggestion, Fengge simply shook his head with a small smile, waving his hand dismissively.

        "Nonsense. Your mother's always doubting me," he said with mock indignation. "Look at you; you're dressed far too nicely to be hauling tea boxes. You'll end up staining your hanfu! I've got it covered." Yan snorted, crossing her arms as she watched her father disappear into the back of the shop. She gave it five minutes — maybe ten — before he'd come limping back in, asking for help after throwing out his back. As always.

. . .

        "Thank you for the tea, Mushi. I'll make sure my father gets home and actually rests this time." Yan waved goodbye as she guided her father toward the door, his steps slow and stiff. He was hunched over with one hand pressed firmly against his lower back, grumbling under his breath as they left the tea shop.