|•|W I T 卄 E R||•| Zuko X Reader ⚠SLOWBURN⚠

Prove It!

You immediately silenced the voice in your head. You weren't going to doubt yourself like that again!

"So someone's race determines the kind of relationship they can have?" You scoffed, "Sir, if you aren't going to order anything, please leave the shop. You're taking space an actual customer may need."

Zuko glanced at you in surprise, a smile growing on his face.

Pao stepped towards the table, but Zuko held out his arm, blocking the way.
"Let her talk." He said, the smile still on his face.

"Are you calling me a waste of space!?" Oka slammed his hands on the table, standing up.

"I'm saying you're causing a disturbance in the shop." You argued.

"C'mon, man! Just get outta' here! The shop just reopened!" A customer groaned.

"So now you're all saying I'm uncomfortable to be around!?" Oka shouted.

"Your nose is probably uncomfortable with itself, considering how big it is..." Zuko whispered.

"SAY THAT TO MY FACE!" Oka declared, getting closer to Zuko. He glanced at you,

"You... You're just like them! The whole reason I left the South Pole was because of people like you judging me, saying I'm in the wrong...!"

"Listen to yourself," Zuko muttered, "You told her that you all were meant to stick together, yet you left them? So it's alright for you, but not them? Not her?"

Oka began to hyperventilate, taking a step back. You were a bit concerned. He definitely didn't have a good mental state.

Zuko continued, "I think it'd be best for you to just leave and reflect on yourself. Maybe that'd help you-"

"SHUT IT! I bet she doesn't even actually care about you! They never do!"

You and Zuko glanced at each other, realizing what must've happened to Oka.

"I'm sorry about whatever made you believe that, but you're wrong." Zuko said.

"Prove it!" Oka yelled.

You froze. What if Zuko did something... Something you weren't ready for?

Zuko narrowed his eyes, "I won't do anything to her unless she wants it."

A soft gasp escaped your lips and you began to blush. He... was really willing to wait for you.

You held his hand, approaching him.

Zuko's eyes widened as you stood in front of him. "You want...?"
You nodded, looking into his eyes. "I do."

Zuko chuckled, caressing your cheek with his thumb. He pressed his lips against yours, pulling you closer to himself. You shut your eyes as warmth flooded into your body.

Once your lips parted, it took a moment for you to remember the annoyed "customer" behind you.

You turned around, "Oh, right. Um, if you seriously aren't going to order anything, could you please leave?" Your nonchalant voice snapped Oka out of a strange trance.

He furrowed his eyebrows and walked to the front door. Oka gave the two of you a final glance before exiting the tea shop.

"You... And Y/N...?" Iroh hummed, stroking his beard in thought. He began to laugh,

"Looking back, I suppose I should've seen this coming! Maybe I should give the two of you some relationship counseling."

Zuko hid his face and blushed as you giggled.

You glanced at Oka's seat, thinking back to your tribe. It had been a while since you enjoyed the falling snowflakes, chilly air, snow crushing underneath your boots, and the fuzzy warmth from the jackets sewn just for you.

Normally, you would've felt sad. Maybe upset or frustrated with yourself.

But... You were happy.
Despite everything, you were okay.

You smiled to yourself.

"One day, I have to tell Gran-Gran about all this..." You thought, putting a finger to your chin.

Your trail of thought paused as Pao stepped forward. What if he was angry about how you treated Oka!?

"You've all been put through so much stress as of late... I think we all need a break." He muttered, shaking his head.

"You... Aren't angry?" You mumbled, surprised.

"I'm angry that weirdos keep assault my valued employees and customers!" Pao winked at the leaving customers with a grin before immediately crossing his arms with a frown.

"Thank you for being so understanding!" Iroh beamed.

"Ah, and before I forget, have this." Pao put a large crate in your hands. "Uh, what's this?" You questioned, turning and tilting the box to hear whatever was inside.

"It's the wood from all those poor tables..." Pao muttered, looking away from you and clenching his fists with a sorrowful expression.

"Oh... Um, sorry for your loss. O-Of supplies." You awkwardly smiled.

"It's fine. It's fine. Maybe we should have security checks before allowing anyone in here..." Pao sighed.

The three of you exited the tea shop, glad, a flustered mess, and shocked.

You all eventually reached your apartment, both you and Zuko concerned due to Iroh's silence.

Hesitantly, Zuko touched the doorknob, but-!

"So no one will tell me how this happened? I've been waiting six years for this moment!" Iroh sighed.

"It was a piece... Of food." Zuko murmured, opening the door.

Iroh stood still, a blank expression on his face.

"You know what? That makes a lot of sense."