The Tea Shop-(Zuko x Reader)

I need to tell you something...

I want to get in his head, what could he possibly be thinking about? Why is it so hard for him to talk to me? How can he be so cold but so sweet and gentle at the same time? My hands swing the shop's old, worn-out broom side to side, just going through motions to look like I'm working.

I can't help but have my focus only on him. That focused disposition, his narrowed angry-looking eyes. What made him into the boy he is today? Was it his past that he told me about? Or is there something he hasn't told me? Was our kiss the other day just a kiss? Or did he really mean something by it? I know I did, I can't even begin to say how crazy I am for him. Does he feel the same-

"Is that a new sweeping technique?" My thoughts are shut down by a gentle nudge from Moshi. "Usually I look at what I'm doing," He laughs when I turn red with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry I was just-"

"Occupied?" He interrupts me again. I don't know how someone can be so good at reading people. Maybe it's because he's spent years reading Lee's expression. Seriously does it ever change?

When Moshi steps away to talk to a customer, I look back at Lee, making sure to actually sweep as I do. He has had that same expression all day, blank, annoyed, angry, conflicted, but I can't tell what it means. I study the curve of his face, the sharp line of his jaw, the slight glint of his eyes. And that unchanged expression.

His deep frown starts to soften as his narrow eyes lock with mine. I watch as his hard expression suddenly changes to a calm, serene, happy look, for the few seconds that he looks at me. You're a special girl. I think back to Moshi's words when he so kindly walked me home from the market.

When I heard them then, my first thought was that I was special because I looked past Lee's angst and coldness, but I was wrong, that's not what he meant at all. I'm special to him because for whatever reason, I make him happy. Maybe it's because he has someone who understands the pain of having an unfortunate childhood, or maybe there's something else.

I try to focus on my work, but I can't help but make up more questions in my mind. Sure, we did kiss, but what now? I don't even know if he would ever be willing to ask me to be his girlfriend, maybe I need to be the one to ask? But if my suspicions are true, and it really was just a kiss, I may ruin any chance I had with him by asking.

As the sun sets I get ready to go home, I grab my things and lock up shop for the day, I look at Lee and try to meet his gaze again, but there's obviously something else on his mind right now. He looks conflicted, I hope he's ok.

When I get home I set my things down and walk to the bathroom, looking at myself in my mirror. It's been longer than I'd like to admit since I've bathed. I just haven't had time to, or at least I've had other things on my mind than showering. I look in my mirror again, at my oily, dirty hair as I pull it out of its tall bun. The (h/c) strands cascade down my shoulders, making me cringe as I brush through the thick knots with my light wooden comb. I slip my dress off and take a step into the tub before I hear a loud, heavy knock on the door.

"...Hey, it's Lee.." I hear Lee's muffled nervous voice from behind the door.

I gasp and throw my underwear and nightdress on before I sprint to the door. I open it slightly, just to uncover my face.

"What are you doing here so late, Lee?" I ask confused, it has to be around midnight. The usual expression that I'm so used to is gone. Instead, he looks at me with a nervous and concerned look, what does he have to tell me? It must be important.

We sit there for a second before his expression switches to his usual one, "come with me." He says, almost demanding.

"Huh?? I was actually going to get in the bath-" I'm cut off by his hand taking mine and gently pulling me towards him.