Disclaimer: As one few the few who cling to the old ways like an infant clings to its mother for dear life in the presence of stranger I still feel the almost unnatural component to put disclaimers at the beginning of my fics. So here it is; I do not nor will I ever own ATLA. If I did there would be some sort of consistency regarding Toph's seismic sense as well as Zuko's abilities bending or otherwise.

"Why am I here!? What's my crime?!"

"Relax…just relax…"

Lee woke up with a start. He had the nightmare again with the strange little girl. It seemed oddly familiar and yet distant. Oh well, he had to get ready for work. He quickly dressed in his best clothes, otherwise known as his other outfit, and put o his apron. He couldn't be late nor did he want to be. Tea was his life. He exitied his room as the fresh smell of Jasmine and Dragonroot hit him. Hmm… and odd combination.

"Good morning, nephew." Said his Uncle Mushi as he poured two cups of tea and set it next to the morning jook. Uncle looked sad, maybe he scalded the leaves? That would be a tragedy.

"Good morning Uncle, everything smells wonderful." Said Lee as he took his place at the table. He took a spoonful of jook. It seemed a bit bland to him. Maybe with some sweet chili flakes…

"Try this new blend. It's good for stimulating the mind." Said Uncle Mushi as he slid Lee's cup closer to him. Lee smiled and took it gratefully. Uncle made great tea and had taught him all he new.

"Very good Uncle, I feel more awake already." Said Lee. He could see his comment moved his uncle because Mushi began to tear up. He drank his tea with gusto, it really was delicious. Soon it was time to depart for the tea shop. Lee smiled and waved to his neighbors not minding their stares at his scar. He got it when…the fire nation attacked his village in the north. Yes, that was it. His family was gone and Uncle Mushi took care of him. He glanced over at his uncle. Mushi was walking a bit more slowly and seemed to be glancing at the early morning shadows. He slowed his gait; sometimes he forgot how old his Uncle was.

"How do you feel today, nephew?" Said Uncle as they arrived at the tea shop and began their preparations for the day.

"Very good, Uncle. Would you like me to list that new blend of yours as a special?" asked Lee. Uncle nodded slowly and then began to brew. Poor uncle, he was getting too old to be on his feet all day. Lee hoped to open his own tea shop someday and take care of his uncle. The boss arrived and gave everything his approval. He remarked about Lee's improved attitude as well. He could remember being angry in the past but he couldn't remember why. It was something about the fire nation. Ah, what they did to his village. Well, he was grateful to be safe in Ba Sing Se away from the war.

"Nephew, we have our first guests." Said his uncle. Lee smoothed his hair and attempted to look friendly.

"Welcome, our special today is a blend of Jasmine and Dragon root." Said Lee noticing the glanced being given to his scar. It was alright, they were curious not malicious. At least, he told himself that. He thought a proverb to fit the situation was got himself so mentally tangled up that he almost missed the order. He'd have to ask his uncle about that later. He went about his day taking orders and assisting with the brewing. He liked taking orders better, he was still a novice brewer. His day was rather uneventful until she came in again. She came in a lot and he had to admit she was rather pretty. He felt nervous.

"Uncle, maybe I can brew for a while and you take the orders." Said Lee nervously. She seemed to be looking for him, no doubt anxious to be served as she had a limited lunch break. His uncle gave him a small smile.

"I see she's back again." Said Uncle Mushi looking over Lee's shoulder.

"Don't look!" said Lee as he not so nonchalantly turned his uncle around.

"Very well nephew, the brewing is almost complete on the leche but don't let the poppy over boil again." Said Uncle to a very relived Lee

"Thank you Uncle." Said Lee as he went to the back to brew. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the girl look a bit disappointed. It must have been his imagination. Aside from that his day progressed normally. By the end of the day he wanted nothing more than to go home and relax, maybe even work on his brewing. He was going to have to learn a lot if he was going to have his own tea shop someday. He and his uncle walked home through the crowded streets of the lower ring. His stomach gurgled as he smelled the sweet dumplings from a bakers cart. He felt the coppers in his pocket. He signed, sweet dumplings would have to wait until pay day.

"Here, take this." Said his uncle giving him a copper piece. Lee shook his head no respectfully. He couldn't take a copper from his hard working old Uncle.

"Uncle, you work so hard for your money. I can't just waste it on frivolities." Said Lee. His Uncle pressed the copper into his hand.

"Let me give you this simple joy my nephew." Said Uncle Mushi his voice hitching at that last word. Lee respectfully accepted it, his Uncle had been acting very strange recently. It must have been a combination of everything the loss of his family and the relocation. What did happen to Uncle's family? He'd ask when Uncle was less upset. He should have been happy, there was no war in Ba Sing Se. He handed the vendor the copper his uncle had given him and then one of his own. Now he and his uncle could enjoy them together with dinner when they got back to the apartment.

"Here Uncle, now we can both have one." Said Lee. Uncle took it wordlessly and stared at it for a while. Lee hoped he had gotten the right kind, there were meat ones took. He was about to say something when Uncle put an arm around his shoulders and they continued on their journey home.