ATLA: Book Two: Earth {Makki}

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine: Pao Family Tea House

Makki |~|

Our first night in our new home in Ba Sing Se was... nice. The place we were staying at was barely furnished and very cramped, but it was still nice.

At least I have a cot to sleep on instead of just the ground.

The following morning, Iroh convinced me and Zuko to walk with him through the city, which I learned was a part of the lower ring of Ba Sing Se where all new refugees live. Zuko and I walked silently through a merchant area of the city as Iroh window-shopped behind us. I didn't think we were buying anything until Iroh caught up to us, holding a large pot with orange flowers. Zuko and I glanced at him curiously.

"I just want our new place to look nice in case someone brings home a lady friend," Iroh nudged Zuko and I lightly scoffed.

That'll be the day...

"Or even a nice gentleman," Iroh looked at me and I rolled my eyes.

"This city is a prison," said Zuko. "I don't want to make a life here."

"Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not," said Iroh. "Now come on, I found us some new jobs and we start this afternoon."

"Already? Where?" I asked.

"It's a surprise."

...Should I be worried?

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After dropping our new plant off at home, Iroh led me and Zuko to a small tea shop not too far away. It was cute. It had a simple sign that read, 'Pao Family Tea House', and was decorated with some green lanterns.

"I should've known," I sighed.

We walked in together and were greeted by our new boss, Pao, who each gave us our own uniform of just a simple apron.

"Well, you certainly look like official tea servers," he said. "How do you feel?"

"Ridiculous," Zuko growled.

"Um, normal," I shrugged.

"Uh, does this possibly come in a larger size?" Iroh asked as he struggled to tie his apron.

"I have extra string in the back. Have some tea while you wait," our boss said as he poured three cups of tea before leaving.

Iroh took a sip before loudly groaning in disgust.

"This tea is nothing more than hot leaf juice!" he exclaimed.

"Uncle, that's what all tea is," said Zuko.

I playfully gasped.

"How could a member of my own family say something so horrible?" Iroh frowned.

"I can't believe you just said that to your uncle. Have you no shame?" I teased.

Zuko gave me an annoyed side glance and I just brightly smiled up at him.

"We'll have to make some major changes around here," Iroh said as he grabbed the teapot and dumped the tea out a nearby window.

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We worked in the tea shop for the rest of the day. Learning where everything was, how many types of tea we had, etc. It actually went by very fast, probably because I'm kind of excited to start over in Ba Sing Se. I think things could really work out here.

"Would you like a pot of tea?" Iroh asked.

We've been home for a few hours now. Iroh and I were in the kitchen area of our home where I was cleaning up after dinner and Iroh was making some tea. Meanwhile, Zuko was lying on the couch... doing nothing.