After some time, you were in proper shape. It was back to the normal routine, get ready for the day, get to work at the tea shop, come back home, clean up and cook a bit, share a cup of tea with Iroh discussing philosophical topics—or play Pai Sho—and have some freetime.
You were currently taking care of the second part of that list, painstakingly searching the tea shop for any potential trouble makers.
Because of a few events taking place in what was now called "District C", due to the illicit behaviors of its residents, the Dai Li agents would show up and linger around the block.
It was extremely unnerving for you, considering the way you could always feel their eyes on your back.
Consequently, you took it upon yourself to prevent any evil-doers that lurked within the shop.
You were somewhat relieved that it was a rainy day, knowing that the Dai Li came around the area later during days with what was considered bad weather.
Even then, when an ensemble of customers randomly stood up and began approaching Iroh, you were on guard.
"So you're the genius behind this incredible brew! The whole city is buzzing about you. I hope Pao pays you well." One man said. On his clothes was a tag which read "Quon."
"Good tea is its own reward." Iroh hummed.
"But it doesn't have to be the only reward. How would you like to have your own tea shop?"
...You could hear the sound of Pao dropping a kettle.
"My own tea shop? This is a dream come true!" Iroh exclaimed.
Pao waddled towards the men, "Wh-What is this? Are you trying to poach my tea maker?!"
"Sorry Pao, but that's business for you. Am I right, lads?" Quon glanced at his assemblage.
"You are right, lad!" Cheered the assemblage, all wearing tags with... Well, "Assemblage" written on them.
"Mushi, if you stay, I'll make you assistant manager. No—Senior assistant manager!" Pao cried.
"I'll even provide you with an apartment in the Upper Ring. The tea shop is yours to do whatever you want." Quon grinned and eyed Pao, "Complete. Creative. Freedom."
The two men in question—along with the assemblage lads—glared at each other.
"I even get to name the tea shop?" Iroh inquired. "Of course! It's all yours!" Quon smirked.
"S-Senior executive a-assistant manager?" Pao stammered.
Iroh set down the pot of tea and bowed, accepting the terms. Defeated, Pao waddled over to his corner of shame and wiped his tears with his sleeve as customers began to leave.
"Did the two of you hear? This man wants to give us our own tea shop in the Upper Ring of the city!" Iroh beamed.
"That's right, your lives are going to change for the better! Right, lads?" Quon asked.
A loud, "You are right, lad!" Echoed through the shop.
"I'll try to contain my joy." Zuko scoffed, exiting the building.
You awkwardly laughed, waving both your hands as you followed after Zuko, "Thank you, sir! We really appreciate it!"
You gently closed the door and sighed, "Do you really have to be such a downe-" A poster landed on your face, preventing you from speaking.
Upon inspection, it seemed to be a missing poster. And on it was...
"Appa...!" You whispered. Despite all the time that had gone by, they still hadn't found out his whereabouts?
YOU ARE READING
|•|W I T 卄 E R||•| Zuko X Reader ⚠SLOWBURN⚠
FanfictionYou know the four elements. But... How exactly were they brought into existence? Found in the Water Tribe and sent to the Fire Nation, you'd run into a few interesting situations and people. Maybe even... A few very special ones. The void is no laug...
