Chapter 4: The Job

Disclaimer: Avatar would have a lot more fluffy, angsty drama if I owned it… sadly; the story is not mine, nor are the characters…

Zuko strode into the tea shop the next afternoon, his anger like a black cloud hovering over him. Iroh was just coming out of the kitchen with a pot of tea and two earthen ware cups.

"Ah, Li! You have just enough time share a bit of tea before our guests arrive."

"Uncle? What guests?" the room was devoid of any people. It was the middle of the day, and most of the people of Ba Sing Sei had work to do. However, Iroh smiled that knowing smile, and Zuko knew from experience that he ought to trust his uncle.

"Did you know that today the temperature dropped almost thirty degrees? Many people will want to stop to have a nice, warm drink, my nephew. I only wish we had another server to help with the rush that will be here in moments." The old man sat down at one of the wooden tables, sighing dramatically as he deftly poured fragrant jasmine tea into the cups. The Fire Nation Prince rolled his eyes.

Uncle, there are days I would swear you were senile…

After throwing back his tea, Zuko went to find his damned apron. He wondered for the thousandth time when he and uncle would finally be able to shake the dust of the Earth Kingdom from their boots and move on. He was tired of serving tea and taking orders like a peasant. He grumbled to himself as he slipped on the worn material and shuffled back out to the front.

When he returned to the serving area, it was packed with hot, sweaty people who ranged from frozen to freezing. The Fire Nation Prince balled his fists and ground his teeth to keep from screaming. Iroh came to his side and gently patted his shoulder.

"Humility is the first step to inner peace, Nephew. Remember that." Iroh's words calmed Zuko, just like they always did.

"Thank you, Uncle," he said humbly. "And you're right. We could use more help."

Meanwhile, Aang, Katara, Toph and Sokka were just landing in front of their apartments in the higher district of Ba Sing Sei. Aang stayed atop Appa as everyone clambered down.

"Where are you going, Aang?" Katara asked as she lifted a hand to Momo. The lemur skittered down Appa's leg and glided to her hand. She smiled as the little creature trilled and curled himself around her shoulders.

"Well, the zoo keeper asked me to come and help him take care of the animals. Since the Fire Nation isn't causing a bunch of trouble right now, I agreed to help him. Besides, I love the animals!" with that, the Avatar called a happy "Yip-Yip" to Appa, who grunted and began to lift off the ground.

"Aang, Aang, wait!" Toph, who had been unloading her bags, began waving her hands back and forth. The Avatar stopped the Bison and turned back to the Earthbender. "Would you be willing to give me a ride to the middle district? The king asked me to help build houses and barriers. He said my bending would come in handy."

"Sure!" Appa lowered himself back down to the ground and waited patiently as Sokka was helped Toph up onto his back. The water boy grabbed his pack and clambered up to Appa's saddle as well, asking if Aang would drop him off at the great wall of Ba Sing Sei.

"The king asked me to go to the Eastern Wall and help organize and train the soldiers for battle. He invited me to become an Earth soldier." Toph giggled.

"You? An Earth soldier? That I gotta see! I'll drop over on my break." They traded jokes and good natured insults as they waved goodbye to Katara. The young woman realized just then that she was the only one with no place to go.

"Wait you guys! What am I supposed to do? Am I the only one without a job?"

"Uhhh…." Aang wasn't quite sure how to answer.

"Well, Sis," Sokka scratched his chin, " there's gotta be someplace that needs help. Why don't you try the food district? They always need another cook or server or something!"

"Yeah, Princess. I could definitely see you serving tea or steamed rice," said Toph. With that, Appa sped off into the blue sky.

"I guess we're going to the food district, Momo." The Lemur-Bat nuzzled Katara's ear, then gripped her hair, ready out go out and explore. The Waterbender had no experience in serving or cooking, but there was always time to learn new things. Besides, she wanted to keep busy. It wouldn't do to be the only one in the gAang to not have something to do besides lounge around the house and search for rogue Firebenders.

"Let's just go and put the mask somewhere safe." Katara fished the mask out of her bags and searched her room for a good place to store it. After deciding to stuff the ugly thing under her bedding, Katara put the away camping gear and clothing that the others had left. She then picked up her water pouch, filled it with water, and left the apartments to begin her search.

Katara had always loved to go out and meet new people and explore new cultures. The marketplace was teeming with both. Booths and shops were set up along the crowded and winding streets of the Earth Kingdom. People rushed to and fro, hawking wares, bartering, and attracting as much attention as possible. It was noon when Katara finally managed to get to the little tea shop in a quieter part of town. She had gone to many places that offered jobs such as a cook, a cleaner, a babysitter, a concubine… that last one would have been sticky had it not been for Momo.

"Ug! Let's never go back there again, Momo." Katara shivered at the thought of the greasy old man who'd tried to rope her into a life of prostitution. The feeling of disgust was replaced with fatigue as the door of the tea shop opened to expel the scent of jasmine and ginger. Katara sighed in bliss and patted the Lemur on the head.

"Let's go in for a rest. Then we'll head for home." Disappointment was evident on her face as she sat down in a chair. She was lucky to be able to do just that, for the place was crowded with people. The worst part was that there seemed to be only two servers. One was an obviously young man, but his back was turned and she was unable to see him properly. The other was a large old man who very much resembled Iroh, a Fire Nation General and the Uncle of Zuko, that spoiled Fire Nation brat who was always trying to capture Aang. Katara decided to come back later when it wasn't so crowded. She was just about to leave when she saw the old man trip.

Her quick instincts set in and she snatched the tray of cups and a teapot before they fell to the floor and shattered. The old man looked up in surprise and Katara offered him a hand. She grunted sharply as she helped his massive frame to his feet, and then smiled at his grateful expression.

"Sir, please allow me to help you," Katara pleaded as she gingerly placed the tray back into the man's hands.

"Oh, thank you, young miss. However, I really do not need-"

"Uncle! I've got seven other orders! Could you help me please?" The harassed voice of the younger man sounded familiar to Katara, but she was unable to place the voice with a face. She was distracted by the tired look on the tired man before her.

"Sir, if you would only let me, I could help you."

"All right, child. Go to those men in the corner and pour the tea. When you are done, come back and I will give you another order. Oh," he took her arm as she was about to leave, "Bless you, my dear, bless you."

Zuko could not believe his eyes! It was that blasted Waterbender who had taken his mask. The irrational side of him demanded that he make a scene, grab her arm, and force her to return the precious item. However, reason soon returned and Zuko realized that his hands were tied. To make matters worse, uncle began to sing her praises, thanking her profusely and watching over her, not giving the young prince a chance to do anything outright.

He settled for punishing her in any way possible. He spilled water onto the floors just as she passed by, he poured tea into the pots until they over flowed and she had to step carefully. The day passed like that. He always made sure she never saw his face and never knew he was the one making her miserable. In the end, though, he had to admit that she was hard working and never complained.

It was dark when Iroh finally closed the door to the shop and put out the lights that flanked the outer door.

"Well, Katara! You have worked so hard today. I would like to ask you a question." Katara looked at the old man and smiled. He had been so kind to her, helping her along with orders, praising her work, and never getting upset when she spilled tea. That thought brought out every sore spot on her person. She had never fallen so many times. It seemed like someone had it in for her. She shot a glance at the brooding young man who sat in the shadows. He refused to speak to her and had jostled her on occasion, making her spill her tea. She ignored him and turned to the older man.

"Yes, sir?"

"How would you like to come and work for me?" Katara was so surprised that she ignored the choking gasp from the corner.

"Really?"

"Uncle!"

"Hush! You know we could use the help!"

"Well, I-"

"I would pay you well. You think the eight gold pieces you earned today was something? Perhaps I could give you ten to stay on."

"I accept!"

"I object!"

"I overrule you, nephew. Katara, you are hired!"

The next chapter. How will things progress with Katara working so closely with Zuko and Iroh? Keep reading!