Between Fire and Water

Another Customer

"No, really, Dad, I don't mind working tonight,"Zishi repeated as she tied on her old apron. Her father weakly protested, but the young woman brushed off his concerns. Serving tea was much easier than her military training. 

There was a pleasant ding as someone entered the shop. "I'll get it," Zishi announced, practically bolting for the table before her father could swaddle her some more. 

"Welcome," she trilled as she approached the customer. He was a young man, roughly the same age as her, with jet black hair and hard golden eyes. His military garb was spotted with drops of water, as if it had drizzled just before he ducked into the tea shop. Zishi noted the uniform's distinct design, and shock jolted her back down to earth. About her age, but already three ranks above her! And she had graduated top of her class and straight into a captain's rank. 

He probably was born into the military and was just handed his rank, she decided. There's no other way he could have gotten that far that quickly otherwise. 

The soldier ran a hand through his hair, ruining the pulled back style. It made him look more his age, and despite herself, Zishi decided on the spot that he looked much better with his hair like that. "I was not expecting it so start raining like that," he said conversationally as he took in his surroundings. Saw the powder blue walls, decorated with symbols for each of the elements, saw the low wooden tables and cushions, each one gently worn for a homely feel, saw the the high counter, backed with meticulously handwritten signs for each product offered that day, and saw her, sporting a blue tunic, white leggings, and dark brown hair split into two thick Dutch braids. 

Zishi nodded as if she cared what he had to say. "I didn't even realize it was supposed to rain until I saw the clouds gathering. Perks being a water bender I guess."

The man started, taking a better look at her face, noting her light brown skin and blazing blue eyes. He gave her an awkward smile before turning to look at his menu. "I doubt rain would stop any water bender from walking around outside," he commented offhandedly as he studied his options. Zishi had to suppress her giggles as his eyes glazed over when he saw the list of various types of tea.

"Our jasmine tea is amazing," she offered. The smile he offered was grateful, much more sincere and warm. 

"I guess I'll try that then," he announced. Zishi flicked a braid over her shoulder, a slight laugh escaping her as she walked away to get the tea. 

She returned a minute later with two gently steaming cups. "Do you mind?" she asked as she set his cup down in front of him, nodding to the seat across from him. The young man shook his head, picking up his cup and blowing on it. "Let it seep for another minute," Zishi instructed. "It will taste much better if you actually give the water some time to draw the flavor from the leaves."

The soldier set the cup down and extended his hand. "I'm Iroh."

"Zishi," she said with a nod and a smile as she took his proffered hand. 

Outside, thunder slammed into the sky, raging and threatening to break into a full scale storm. 

"Oh, I hope it doesn't rain too much," she fretted. "I would hate for the garden to flood just before I have to leave."

Iroh leaped at the nugget of information. "Where are you going?" he inquired. 

Zishi ducked her head, slightly embarrassed. "The Republic Forces fleet. Where better for a water bender than on a boat?"

He shook his head. "Most of the time, water benders do not do much more work than anyone else. Sure, they are great at putting out fires, but it's earth and fire benders that have to man the cannons."

"You speak like you know all about the fleet," Zishi noted, her tone transforming the statement into a question. She pointedly reached for her cup and took a sip from it. 

The young man smiled. "I better know about it. I've already made it to colonel."

"Colonel Iroh," she muttered. "Guess that makes you my superior officer."

"I guess it does," he replied easily, taking a long sip from his cup. His eyes widened slightly, and he continued to drink the rest of the cup. She chuckled a bit at his reaction.

"Most people claim tea is just leaf water. If it was, I could put leaves in a cup of water and bend it into everyones' cups. There's a subtle art to making a good cup of tea," she said in a conspirator's whisper. 

Thunder rumbled again outside. Zishi frowned. "Colonel, unless you live nearby, I'd suggest that you leave now before this breaks into a full storm."

"Will it? Break into a storm, I mean," he hastily added.

"I'm not sure, but I'm not keen on the idea of anyone walking around in that kind of water. Even I don't fancy the idea of walking through that, and I wouldn't even get wet the entire walk," she admitted. 

"Are you staying here then?" Iroh asked. A split second later, he blushed, as if he had asked without thinking. 

Zishi laughed, a clear and musical sound compared to the raging thunder outside. "Colonel," she teased. "You already care about your underlings, and we haven't even officially met yet." Iroh's face reddened further. "I don't have to walk through this. I live on upstairs," she added."But it was sweet that you asked. Normally men will try to offer something much more crude, intentionally, so thank you."

Iroh awkwardly ducked his head and stood. "What do I owe you?" he inquired as he reached for his wallet. 

Zishi waved her hand. "Don't worry about it; just go home before the weather worsens."

The man gave her a genuine smile. "Well then, thank you for the tea. I hope we meet again," he said as he opened the door to leave. 

"Likewise," she called out as he left. 

"Zishi, can you close the shop and bail out the garden?" her father yelled from upstairs. 

"Yeah, give me a minute!" she yelled back. She downed the rest of her cup and placed them in the sink in the kitchen before setting off to do as her father had requested.