Zuko x Reader: Fire and Ice

Chapter 8: What Are We?

I woke up very easily the next morning, probably because I wasn't really sleeping. I walked to the kitchen area and looked out the window. Today is a new day. "Sleep well?" I turned around to see Katara. "Not really, no. I barely slept a wink." 

"Why is that? I thought you had fun last night."

"I did, but..." I let out a long sigh before saying, "It's just complicated."

"What exactly happened, Y/N? You can tell me anything. You know that, right?"

"Yes, Kat, I know, and I appreciate that. Look, last night...Lee and I kissed. Ugh, it feels so awkward and weird even saying that."

"What? What's wrong with it? I thought you liked Lee?"

"It's just that he and I don't--or didn't--necessarily get along before that. We were barely even acquaintances, and then...You see, it just complicates things between us, and I don't know how to feel about it."

"Well, did it mean anything?" I looked down at my feet. "I don't know, and we're just now starting to make amends--I just don't want things to be awkward between us, y'know?"

She nodded, "Y/N, you'll only get past this if you talk to him. I'm sure he will understand. Maybe he even feels the same way?"

"You're probably right. Anyway, I'm gonna head out now. I'll see you guys for dinner!"

~~~

I made it to Pao's and noticed it was fairly busy. I looked around and saw Zuko taking orders. I can't talk to him now. Maybe I'll just wait til lunch? Yeah, I'll procrastinate as long as I can until then!  I went to the back to put on my work clothes and get started. I took a few orders, cleaned a few tables, and made a few tips. The whole time I was so anxious--I don't wanna talk to Zuko! I hate confrontation! Still, I need to man up and do this. 

The building now only had five people inside--me, Zuko, Iroh, and a table of two girls. I held their tray of tea and made my way over to their table. I noticed Zuko cleaning the other side of the shop. He's changed so much, and I can't get over it. I really hope things aren't ruined between us. Just then, I somehow managed to trip over nothing and drop my tray, spilling the tea on my hair and clothes. One of the girls nearby said, "Oh, are you okay?! Let us get you some towels!"

"No, thank you. I'm so sorry, I'll be right back with your teas." Embarrassed, I picked up the tray and the now empty tea cups and bent the spilled tea into the cups. I brought them to the sink and walked to the supply room.

Zuko's POV

I noticed Y/N fall and spill all of the tea on herself. I was going to approach her when she hurriedly walked towards the supply room. I saw my uncle take out a new tray along with cups and prepare the teas himself. I decided to go check on Y/N.

I knocked on the door and waited for a response.

"What?" She sounded somewhat...sad?

"It's me, um, Lee. I just wanted to make sure you were okay." 

"I'm fine. Please go away now."

"You don't sound 'fine'. Can I come in?"

In a mocking voice, she replied, "I dOn'T kNoW, CaN yOu?" I rolled my eyes. I'm just going to ignore that. "I'll take that as a yes." 

I slowly opened the door to see her sitting on the floor out of uniform. Instead, she wore her casual clothing. I closed the door behind me and approached her. 

Without looking at me, she spoke again,"Geez, don't you knock?"

"I did."

"Oh."