Zuko x Reader: Fire and Ice

Chapter 7: Tales of Ba Sing Se

The next morning, I woke up and decided to get an early start. I stretched, got off of my mat, and freshened up. I put on my tea shop uniform and fixed my hair. I heard a yawn and turned to see Katara walk in. "Someone's up early. I can't believe you  woke up before me!" 

"Well, I've never had an actual job before. To be honest, it's kind of fun." 

"I've been meaning to ask you, how was your first day?"

"It was okay. Not too many customers. Though, I did get a few tips!" I shook my pockets that held yesterday's change. I remember meeting Zuko, but I didn't dare mention that.

"Aww, good for you, Y/N! Anyway, have a good day. See you later!" 

"Ditto!" I waved to Katara and headed out to town. 

~~~

I hummed a little tune on the way. It was really quiet outside--only small amounts of people here and there since it was so early. I opened the doors to Pao's and walked right in. I saw Zuko sweeping while Iroh sat at a nearby table and sipped his tea. Zuko did a small wave as I returned the gesture. It really really feels weird that we're not trying to kill each other anymore.

Anyway, the day was fairly busy. The Pao Family Tea House became much more popular recently. People really like the way Iroh makes the tea. I swept under a nearby table and accidentally bumped into Zuko, who I wasn't aware was sweeping behind me. "Whoops, my bad." He gave me a half smile and walked to the other side of the shop.

While I cleaned a nearby table, I noticed a girl smile at me. I smiled back at her and continued cleaning. 

Zuko's POV

I noticed one of the customers kept looking at me. Why? I have no idea. She must know that my uncle and I are Fire Nation.

"Uncle, we have a problem." He came down to meet me. 

"Don't look now, but there's a girl over there at the corner table. She knows we're Fire Nation." Uncle looked towards her. I quickly grabbed his shoulder and faced him away from her. "Didn't I say don't look?"

"You know, Zuko. Maybe you should just talk to her." He told me as he sipped his tea.

"What? Don't be silly, Uncle, what if she calls us out in public? We don't want another incident like that Jet kid."

He simply said, "Well, you won't know until you ask her." Then, he went back to preparing more tea. I sighed. I walked over to her table and sat across from her. "Hello." 

"Hi. I'm Jin. What's your name?"

"My name's Lee. My Uncle and I just moved here. Anyway, I came over here to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"I don't mean to be rude, but is there a reason you keep...staring at me?"

"Finally! I was hoping you'd ask that! Look, you see that girl over there? The waitress?" She pointed to Y/N. "Yes, she's my coworker. What about her?"

"Well...you're not dating anyone, right?" 

"No...? Why are you-"

"Perfect! I think you two would be cute together!" She smiled. I was shocked. Me and Y/N? That would never work...for a number of reasons.

"That's not a good idea. We're barely even acquaintances as it is. We have a history of..." I trailed off, and she raised an eyebrow.

"We...didn't always get along in the past, and we're just now starting to 'make amends' if you will."