Traitor - Zuko X Reader

Chapter 18

He overreacted making a loud 'yeowch' sound before complaining, "Spirits, (Y/N) what was that for?"

"I'm heading to the lower ring to buy some food at the market. I shouldn't be long. Will you watch everyone while I'm gone?"

"Yeah sure whatever," Sokka replied before going back to sunbathing.

I rolled my eyes and yelled to Katara and Aang, "I'm heading out to the market! I'll be back soon!"

"Okay," Katara yelled back.

Aang ran up to me, "(Y/N) can you look for some egg-custard tarts while you're shopping, please?"

"I'll do you one better, how about I get the ingredients and make them fresh for you. How does that sound?"

"That sounds great, thanks!" Aang smiled before running back over to Katara.

I left the house and made my way to the train station, waiting a few minutes before boarding. When I finally made it to the Lower Ring, I remembered how different it was from where the GAang and I were staying. I would've went shopping in the Middle Ring, but we were low on money and I knew I'd get the same products for a better price in the Lower Ring. I grabbed a small snack from a vendor who was selling dumplings before I began my shopping, looking for the best ingredients for the dishes I wanted to make.

Zuko POV:

"Uncle, I don't understand why you had to drag me to this stupid market with you," I crossed my arms as I followed him through the busy crowd.

"Because, it's nice to spend time together shopping and, who knows, maybe you might meet a new lady friend while we're here," he nudged my side and I scoffed, "We also are running low on food at our new home and we are in desperate need for a new tea set."

I rolled my eyes, not seeing how a tea set could qualify as a 'need' to anyone but my uncle. The market was bustling with people, all of them having that same dull look in their eye as everyone else in this city. To say I hated living here was an understatement, I went from living in luxury in a palace to living in the Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se. The change was unwelcome and unpleasant, but I knew it was the best option for me and uncle right now. That, however, didn't stop the distaste I had for our surroundings as children wailed and customers argued with vendors over prices. The overlapping of voices was beginning to make my head pound and the amount of people made me worry about being recognized.We had already almost been outed by that Jet guy a few days ago and I did not want to risk being discovered again.

"Nephew, look at this," Iroh held up a teapot. It was white with an intricately designed green dragon decorating it. "Isn't it beautiful?" I shrugged and he checked the price tag, widening his eyes, "But surely not beautiful enough to warrant this price!"

"Well, I don't think there's anything we can do, so we should just keep moving," I took a step forward but he placed a hand on my chest, stopping me.

"Now, don't be so hasty. I'm known to be quite skilled when it comes to convincing people to lower their prices," Uncle smirked, "Now, why don't you go get the rest of the items on this list while I have a chat with this gentleman."

I groaned before snatching the list from his hands, "Whatever."

"I shouldn't be long!"

I walked away and glanced over the list in my hands. The first thing I needed to get was some tea leaves that my uncle insisted we purchase for the tea shop we worked at to 'improve the quality' of the tea we served. I had no idea what kind of leaves to purchase though, so I figured I'd wait till uncle was done and instead moved on to buying some fruit.