Traitor - Zuko X Reader

Chapter 19

Iroh cut him off, "You're mistaken it's your break time now. Why don't you and (Y/N) chat for a bit." He made him sit down in the chair beside me, "Besides, it'll give you a chance to get feedback on your tea making skills from someone besides me."

Before Zuko or I could protest, Iroh quickly walked away to tend to another table. Zuko huffed, placing his head in his hand as he watched me pour my tea. The tea smelled right, but smell and taste were two different things. Usually, with Iroh's tea, no honey or sugar was needed for it to be enjoyable and I hoped Zuko's would be the same. I brought the cup to my lips and took a good gulp before immediately regretting my decision. I looked up from my cup, Zuko was studying my expression from across me and I tried my best to conceal my disgust. I forced the hot liquid down my throat and gave a wry smile as I placed my cup down.

"It's bad, right?"

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no," I hesitated, "It's super good."

Zuko deadpanned, "(Y/N), I've known you since we were kids. I know it was bad. You can tell me it was."

"Fine, it's pretty awful," I hoped I didn't offend him too badly but he didn't seem hurt in the slightest.

He shrugs, "Uncle says I'll improve, but I've been at it for nearly two weeks with no progress."

"Well, I mean a little practice can't hurt. If you want my opinion-," I waited for him to nod before continuing, "It was a little too hot, maybe let it cool down a bit next time. I think it burned my tongue."

I stuck out the tip of my tongue and tried to feel the burn with my finger. Zuko scoffed, "I believe you. Don't do that, it's gross."

I put my tongue back in my mouth, "Says the boy who once ate a cookie he found on the ground in the courtyard, right by the turtleduck pond might I add, just because I dared him to."

Zuko laughed. He actually laughed. It wasn't a little inhalation through his nose, it wasn't a scoff, it was a barking laugh. But it ended as quickly as he let it slip out and he resumed his cold facade. Despite its abrupt end, that didn't stop the weird feeling I got in my stomach and the swift heating of my cheeks. I never realized till now just how much I missed his laugh. I wanted to hear it more, wanted him to finally show some emotion other than annoyance, anger, and contempt. I knew I was in trouble, I knew I wouldn't want to leave the company of Zuko and Iroh until late again, and knew it was futile to try and pretend I didn't want to.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That was how I ended up spending the rest of the days that week at Iroh and Zuko's workplace. I would wake up everyday, make the kids breakfast, and then leave to visit the tea shop. While at the tea shop I would sit at what was now my usual table and chat with Iroh or Zuko whenever they got a break. Me and Iroh discussed what kind of teas he could add to the menu and brainstormed ideas for small desserts the shop could serve.

On the other hand, Zuko and I awkwardly talked about how he could improve his tea-making and recalled memories from when we were younger. It was so weird how easy it was to return to our old ways. Sure, there was still an undertone of awkwardness and wariness between us, but we were able to banter and joke like we did as kids. He was slowly coming out of his shell, letting his smile (even though it was small) break through whenever we spoke. Meanwhile my walls, which were put up because of him in the first place, began crumbling down. I felt myself beginning to trust him again.

After I would spend the majority of the day at the tea shop, I would return home and make the GAang dinner. Once we finish dinner, we all gather in the living area to play a game or just talk about our past adventures and our plans while in Ba Sing Se. The first day I visited the tea shop, Sokka and I reconciled when I returned later that night.