The Tea Shop-(Zuko x Reader)

To Make Up For It

I wake up early in the morning, but not nearly as early as yesterday. The soft sun kisses my skin, I lay in my bed and relax, until I remember what I have to do today. I get up and groan as I throw my clothes on and put my hair up.

I walk to the shop early, hoping at least Mr. Pao is there. I open the back door to see all of them sitting at a table with tea, this probably isn't the best time to apologize. I don't know what to do so I start to sweep the back room, waiting for them to do something else so I can get Lee alone. As I'm sweeping Lee walks through the door, without thinking I blurt, "Lee I'm sorry that I slammed the door on it's just uh...I felt so embarrassed and-" "I said it's fine." He says coldly, not looking up from what he's doing.

"Well, I was thinking we could go out to dinner to make up for it.." I hold my breath as he looks at me confused, "When?" He asks, "Well since we are closing early tonight...How does tonight sound?" I stare nervously, "Sure." He says calmly, but I can see a smile peeking through. I smile and continue sweeping, trying to act cool. I think all day about what I'm going to wear and where we are going to go. I blush heavily and I can tell that Mushi noticed, he doesn't say anything but he smiles at me and laughs to himself.

I rush to help close up shop, "You should go get ready for your date, we can handle closing up on our own." Mushi grins at me, "Wait no-its not" I get embarrassed and think about it. Is it a date?? Mushi just laughs, "You should go get ready." I wave and walk out the door as I think. Do I want it to be a date?

The sun starts to set as I make my way back home. The horizon is a gradient of yellow, pink, and orange. Usually, I would be occupied by the beauty of the quiet street and sky, but right now all I can think about is his face, and the smile he gave me today. I couldn't stop thinking about the soft blush of his cheeks as he tried to act indifferent, I could tell he was faking it, I can tell he wants this outing to be a date as much as I want it to be.

I quickly walk through my front door and draw a bath as I pick out a (f/c) dress, I quickly bathe, making sure to give myself enough time to get ready. I put half of my hair in a bun and let the rest cascade down my shoulders. I put some light makeup on my face, and slip into my dress.As I'm throwing on my shoes I hear a knock on the door, I do a quick face and hair check before rushing to answer the door. I open it to see Lee, I notice a shocked expression on his face and I laugh, "You look great." He says awkwardly, "You do too." I say as I take his hand and walk with him, I lead him down the dark and quiet path. We stare at the full moon as we walk into a small restaurant. If I had more money we probably would have gone somewhere nicer, but he looks happy with where we are, so it's fine by me.

We both order noodles and talk about our lives, interests, and how we've been. The more we talk the more I like him, and the more I wonder why he was so angry when we first met.When we're done eating we take a little quiet walk and stare at the stars, or at least that's what he's doing. I'm too busy staring at him, his beautiful golden eyes and his soft, happy smile as he gazes into the stars, his hand is warm and his fingers interlace with mine, making sure our clasp never breaks.

I feel my heart pound as I struggle to find the words to say. Instead of saying anything I decide to take him somewhere, he notices me leading him, "where are we going?" He asks, "you'll see, I think you'll like it," I smile.

I take him to my apartment building and climb up the fire escape to the roof, he follows shortly after. "The perfect place for stargazing, what do you think?" I ask as I sit down and he follows behind me, "It's nice." He says looking up at the sky. I stare at his eyes, glistening from the lights of the stars, his soft curved lips upturned into a soft smile. Without thinking I lean in to kiss him, but before I do I see his expression change from happy, to fear. I quickly redirect into a hug.

This wasn't a date. I feel embarrassed but hopefully I played it off good enough so he didn't notice. After a few seconds of me hugging him, he hugs me back. "I think I should be heading to bed since we have work tomorrow." I say calmly, "oh, right, yeah." He sounds a little upset but I can't tell why. We quickly walk back to my apartment. "I had fun tonight..See you tomorrow." I smile, "Me too..Goodnight." He says in a hushed tone, "goodnight" I shut the door and hold my face with my hands, I'm so stupid.

I fight with myself on whether that was a date, or if we were just hanging out. I flop down on my bed, not wanting to even wash my face. How could I be so stupid?