AUTHORS NOTES; So yeah, you're getting this chapter this week, however if I haven't finished chapter 15 by next week, I will not release chapter 5. I then plan to break an extra week after that to give a head start to chapter 16 before posting another chapter. I am glad to hear however that everybody is enjoying the story so far and I promise I will not leave this project until it is completed. Without further ado, Chapter 4, I am not in Love.

Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not.

Sensu really did deserve the title of the 'Tea Weevil'. In the day following Lee's appointment as waiter or the shop, he had stopped Sensu in some very, interesting experiments with his brewing. Lee had purposely obstructed Sensu to save the shop from exploding peanut sauce fire starters and his obsession with dangerous teas such as white jade and cactus extract.

Keeping his employer focused had greatly helped the restaurant, as well as Lee's training in tea service. In the few days, the dark and depressing people who frequented the establishment were either lighter to drowned in the flood of new customers, some of who had tried to poach Lee already to their family tea shops. All advances were declined if not by Lee but by Sensu, who would find some way to deviate from the topic of corporate espionage even if that did mean actively throwing out patrons.

Zuko had not gotten to far however on deciphering the inner mechanisms of the city. In the short conversations that he had overheard and others he was actively involved in, there was very little he could piece as of yet. This was his only goal, all other effects where simply a bi-product of trying to fit in, which seemed to have a counter-productive effect.

A bi-product producing a counter-productive effect. Almost another cosmic intervention against this plan that Zuko didn't even want in the first place.

/New Scene

It was the fourth day for Lee in Yu Dao. The markets were winding down after a successful day and Lee was collecting food for the next few days. Vegetables, Rice and a small selection of salted meats protruded out of his bag. His path through the closing markets was met with residents acknowledging Lee as they passed. Their smiles met by a phasing nod from Lee's obviously absent attention.

Fire-benders walked the streets, lighting the lamps on the pathway and suddenly the dull brown was illuminated into a dark, pumpkin gold. Their flame was weak compared to Zuko, but their radiant light would not go unnoticed. His trodden path grew closer to the end of the markets as a person walked closer to him. Startling Lee, he readied himself, taking slower steps and preparing for a knife to his throat.

"Hello", said an awfully cheery girl, she looked slightly younger than him though, "Nice to meet you Lee."

Lee stumbled over his words, "Umm, Hi?"

The girl smiled genuinely and laughed, "Do you need any help at the moment?"

"No." Lee trailed until collecting himself a bit more, "No I am fine, thank you." He bowed before her and walked past her. He had a quick look as he was leaving, and noticed she had rather short hair, rather unusual for an Earth Kingdom peasant to have short hair, normally it would just grow out. Lee shook the thought out of his head. Why did that stand out to him?

/New Scene

Dawn's light had not blessed the world yet before Zuko's fifth day. The Lotus courtyard, shielded from both moon and sun, Zuko sat vulnerable to the elements with careful thought to his fire breath. The Darkness breaks with pink reaching across the black and white above, and Zuko could already begin feeling its cast upon the world. This light feeling became stronger as the great source began revealing the courtyard. Zuko could feel his power building. Being a Tea waiter and an information gatherer wasn't giving Zuko the training he needed, he was now just as busy as he was before Ursa had this idea.

Calming down again, the sun had risen to a substantial height and it was time for Lee to head off to work, again. The hours fly by when meditating but why did work always seemed so long? Returning to his apartment, he filled up on a quick breakfast and changed into a more suitable work outfit before leaving to start his second week in Yu Dao.

"Only two weeks, you have two weeks to get this information Lee, better make this worth it." muttered Zuko.

The Tea Weevil was nowhere near opening when Lee heard an explosion through the front door. Bursting into the shop, he was disappointed to smell peanut sauce. Traipsing slowly to the kitchen, there stood Sensu, face and apron covered in peanut residue and still with a very shocked look on his face. The insane tea conjurer turned to Lee with an unusual grin on his face.

"No Sensu," Lee tossed him an apron from behind the counter, "I told you this is not the place for that sauce."

"Naw, Lee. I am the chef around here," Wiping his face clean with the dirty apron and discarding it, "Why can't I do what I want to in the pursuit of exotic teas?"

"Because, I don't earn you enough to pay for a new shop." Swiftly replied Lee.

"Well, we could change that, I've got ideas."

"No Sensu, I am not wearing a Weevil costume..."

/New Scene

The day seemed to be going very well for Lee. No-one had bothered him much. There was a few conversations that interested him, such as two guards talking about trouble makers on the outskirts of town, and a couple of retailers speaking about sales and people's attitudes. Lee was also becoming a somewhat known face in the area. The people in Yu Dao were nice and accepting enough on the outside.

Two Jasmine, four Green, a Ginseng and a Lychee.

Lee searched the room looking for the Tea's recipients. The midday rush was coming to an end and the Lee could take a quick respite for his own lunch while no-one is entering and the customers are happily sipping their teas. Sensu humming in the kitchen, Lee enjoying his lunch and the tranquillity of happy customers was a nice change of pace for the moment. The scene of innocence was, in a sense, perfection in simplicity.

The door opening sounded like shattering glass, as three girls entered the tea shop, and one Lee recognised. It was the short haired girl who talked at him last night. Things were about to become complex again.

"Welcome to the Tea Weevil ladies, what will it be today?" Lee said, forcing out enthusiasm.

"Hello Lee, could we please get three Lychee teas." said the short haired one.

"Certainly", Looking around the room, Lee found the table as far away from the counter as possible, eager to not be involved with them as much as possible, "A table for you ladies."

"Lee... I don't think so, I came here with my friends so we can watch your skills closer." The two girls behind her gave off smiles.

"Well, if you are seated here, you'll see more of the store and watch me without trouble." Lee couldn't believe he was saying this, this was disgusting.

"Umm, what about these seats?" She mentioned to some of the closest seats to the front. She looked at him with one eyebrow raised, knowing he had no choice but to accept.

"Hm, if you wish, you tea will be ready shortly" Lee quickly took his leave, wanting to get away as fast as possible. Walking to Sensu in the kitchen, to tell him to order, apparently he heard the entire conversation.

"So, familiar with the ladies are we Lee?" Sensu teasing and poking at his chest.

"Not funny Sensu, since you heard that, you know what the order is?" Sensu looked at him puzzled and Lee sighed in turn, "Three Lychee. Why are you interested Sensu, I don't know them."

"You're getting known Lee, that's what happens. A strapping young man such as yourself should be used to it by now, especially if you travelled in a circus..." Sensu trailed off.

"Oh please don't Sensu, this is embarrassing as it is."

Sensu looked at Lee, deep in his eyes with manic intent. Which warranted a punch in the arm from Lee.

"Sensu, I am not going to be here for very much longer, I don't want to get tied down. This attention is not good."

"I agree with you on that", Sensu moved away from his current project and started to boil the Lychee tea, "but, this attention is giving me a business. I am never going to tie you down here, you would be more than welcome back any-time but an Earth kingdom man such as yourself is not common in these parts, not now at least anyway. They just want to grip onto something that used to be possible."

"Hm" was all Lee could manage from that. He was neither from these parts nor Earth Kingdom.

.

.

.
"Three Lychee teas", Lee bowed before the three, "Enjoy."

More customers were starting to come in now, mostly younger or older customers. But the three girls sat in their spot and grinned, they continued ordering unfortunately so Lee couldn't get them out of that spot. A decent time had passed before they left, probably gone through 5 or 6 serves each before leaving, still eye balling him. Other than that, nothing more interesting filled the day. No new chatter or interesting news, much to Zuko's dismay.

/New Scene

Closing time was upon him, and Sensu let Lee out early, saying that he would shut the shop today. Worried but no less relieved, Lee took the extra time and started his trip to the restaurant district. He didn't have anything in his apartment to eat and the markets were long closed. No other choice was given to him. Wondering around the district, there were a few shops that interested him including a fire-nation spice house, 'The Blazing Tongue' if he caught the name correctly. Zuko could use a bit of heat in his days.

Zuko approached the shop when a figure appeared from behind him. This startled him and he prepared his hands, turning quickly to combat his opponent. Once again it was the Short haired peasant and Lee relaxed.

"For a second there I thought you were going to attack me, I am glad I can trust you." Keep giving up like this was sure to give her some satisfaction, "Oh how rude of me, I've met you many times already and I've never told you my name, my name is Lian."

"Alright Lian, how long have you been following me." Lee asked in a stern voice.

"I am not telling, but not long." She said in a cute almost domineering voice, which greatly aggravated Zuko, he was not in the mood to be lied to, "So dinner is it, I wouldn't have though you have the tongue for Fire Nation spices. They do the best spiced tea here, since you guys don't do spiced tea. Quite an untapped market in my opinion." She had already started walking into the restaurant when she noticed Lee wasn't following after her. "What, are you not hungry?"

"No", now it was Lee's turn to lie, "I am not, I was just checking the prices in this district. I've got nothing better to do at the moment and I thought it would be a good idea."

Lian looked confused, "Well then, where are you going now?"

"I am going to go back to my apartment and get ready for tomorrow." Lee was adamant now to head home without Lian. Even if he had nothing to eat to avoid her.

"Well, I could walk you back, I would like to get to know you over a cup of Jasmine, Lee." Lian's eyes honed on her target.

"No thank you, maybe another time but I doubt it." With that, Lee swiftly took his leave, making as much ground from her as possible.

"Another time then Lee." Lian spoke into thin air but Zuko still heard. Lee will have to be a bit careful around this one.

/New Scene

The once quiet apartment was now raided by Zuko, who proceeded to quickly shut the door and all windows. Once content with his security, he scavenged through the cupboard for anything to eat. He was lucky to find a small amount of rice, vegetables and meat for his breakfast the next morning and cooked and ate that in a hurried frenzy.

"Well that was one of my worst days."

Tired and stressed from being baited all day, it was an early night for Zuko. Lian saw in him an Earth Kingdom tea waiter with an interesting story but he was more than his cover. Oh, how she was out of her league. With those calming thoughts, Zuko sleep peacefully.

/New Scene

The morning was an early start. To make up from last nights unexpected dinner, Lee went out to the shops as early as possible to re-stock his cupboard and have a meal. No sign of Lian. After his necessary catch-up, Lee rushed over to the Tea Weevil as not to be late, not knowing what Sensu had in store for him.

Lee stumbled through the door to find his worst nightmare had come true. Lee should had listened to his instincts yesterday and not have let Sensu lock up. There he stood, Sensu grinning from cheek to cheek with a modified version of his usual work outfit, Sleeveless, low V neck and poorly integrated apron, freshly sewn. Not entirely revealing but none the less intent to seduce pouring from the seams.

"No, I am not wearing that, where is the spare uniform Sensu?" Lee's integrity at the mercy of Sensu's crazy genius.

"I don't know Lee. It might be currently being delivered to Ba Sing Se or to my apartment here in the city. Either way, I wouldn't expect it to be here today." He held the garment higher above his head with a smile. Lee, completely stripped of his integrity, especially after yesterday, simply sighed and snatched the robe from Sensu's hands.

"Just this once, you better have a regular robe in tomorrow or I am not coming back." Lee's eyes looking sharply into Sensu, not piercing his humour unfortunately.

"Just this once..." Sensu repeated.

/New Scene

I amount of women and young ladies that entered the shop with a keen eyes was astounding that day. In between orders and payments, Lee would often get compliments such as, "Get the water-benders over here", and "Is all this steam coming off you? Cause I swear it isn't the tea." All Lee could do was to ignore all the attention. The problem was, the only people who weren't getting the humour were the young men.

These men almost looked at Lee with murderous intent. In between the death gazes, the odd chuckle and the 'compliment' there wasn't much to fall back to except Iroh's breathing exercises. Even that failed when Lian and her friends entered once again. Today was not going to be a good day for Lee. Greeted him with the same sly tone, they began calling him out every-time they wanted another order. This amused most of the other patrons at the expense of even Zuko's dignity. Behind even the deepest of charades, this was beginning to stretch.

The best part of this day for Lee, was when they finally left with the rest of the lunch customers. Once again the shop was quiet and Lee could return to his thoughts.

"Excuse me, waiter."

Maybe not.

Lee got out of his slight trance and walked over to the table who called him, sitting at the table was two, middle aged men, one dressed in a bit more formal attire and the other in a guardsmen armour.

"Do you wish for another tea, Gentlemen?"

"Yes, could we get one Green, a Ginseng and what would you like? I pay." The formal man insisted on the last few words.

"Excuse me? What do I want?"

"Yes, what tea would you like, the two of us would like to talk to you as equals."

"Umm ok, a Green and a Ginseng, I'll be back."

"Much appreciated." the guardsmen added as Lee left the table.

/New Scene

Around the table sat three men. Lee, a business man and a guard each with a Jasmine, Ginseng and a Green respectively. This could be a big break for Zuko, as with two knowledgeable men sitting next to him, wanting to talk.

"So, Lee. How long have you been in Yu Dao?" inquired the guard.

"Umm, I've been here for a week now."

"A week!" The businessman's eyes almost bulged out of his head in surprise, "You're already the talk of the town. The Tea Weevil, one of the best tea shops in the kingdom."

"I wouldn't say that, it had the potential to be great before."

"Well, off the small talk, this rapid fame seems to be giving you the wrong type of attention isn't it?" Lee acknowledged this without words and the Businessman continued, "Do you know who Lian is?"

"No I can't say I do, she has been following me for a couple of days now, mostly in the market if not here."

"Then you're already in the deep end Lee." The Guard powering over him, "Lian and her generation around here have been subjected to a lot of grief and turmoil. They lost loved ones in the war and their trust of the Fire-Nation support is minimal due to rumours of a civil war in the nation."

"I haven't heard of these rumours, but still, how is that affecting the life of the people here?" This peaked Zuko's attention, The Old Ozai's resistance was being felt this far into other territories, no wonder people are scared again.

"Even though the city has the Fire-Lords support, many are worried about the extensive security on passage to the Fire-Nation, Limiting our trade options." The Businessman voice was calmly annoyed on the topic, "Most off the young men have moved away from Yu Dao trying to find work that pays more. The people who are left, are... Less interesting to Lian. You, in her eyes, are fresh, spiced meat. You're new and different and she's trying to test your boundaries."

"That's... Creepy", Lee's mind start to piece the puzzled together, "What about her friends?"

"Nothing to be worried about, her close friends are similar, but not as smart as her. Her more distant acquaintances just don't want too much grief with the matter. Just be a bit careful around her Lee, she can be bad news."

"I will try. Thank you gentlemen for the tea." Lee got from the table and bowed before returning to work.

/New scene

After work, Sensu took back the altered outfit and showed that he, in fact, had kept the spare robe on standby ready for tomorrow. After getting back to his apartment, Zuko quickly wrote down all the information the two gentlemen gave him at the shop and started a small meal. Today had opened Zuko's eyes a bit more to the nature of the relationship between Yu Dao and the Old Ozai resistance.

At least Lee had gained some useful information now. This trip wasn't for nothing after all.

Lee looked around and made sure all of his equipment was in the right place, putting his knife with his other necessities now, He needed the protection at least. Looking into the bedroom, all his portraits where untouched. Zuko needed to be a lot more careful in the town otherwise he would fall prey to Lian. This meant protection of his home and protection of himself. If Lian found out who he really was, she could have a Nation in her pocket.

He started a brew with his spark rocks and continued his cooking. A good meal would calm him down for tomorrow, if a pattern was beginning to emerge. Lian would try something a lot bolder at the Tea Weevil tomorrow.

/New Scene

Lee's workday started ordinary today. Sensu hadn't experimented or sewn up a new work outfit for Lee. He even was slightly apologetic about yesterday and offered to take care of the remaining outfit till another arrived. The first wave of people came around and left without any hassle at all. No call-outs, no compliments. There were still a few laughs but that was most likely from reminiscing about yesterday and Lee could laugh half-heatedly with them.

The two gentlemen that Lee spoke with the day before, arrived in the midday rush. They asked him if Lian had come in yet, but the day had been too boring that it would have been impossible for her to hide in the crowd. The day was sailing along and got into a good rhythm of serving and cleaning. Today was the first day that Zuko felt he made work on his goal and it was obliviously showing in his step. Midday rush over and back on his own, Lee was cleaning up some of the more used business tables when Sensu moved out of the kitchen.

"No problems on this side Lee?" Sensu washed his hands with an apron.

"No, none at all, I expected Lian to come in a little earlier but she didn't show. I am glad for that but it's not right."

"Maybe you got lucky and someone else got her attention. She is a very unusual girl."

"No. People like her can be predicted, I'm just not a fortune teller. She hasn't forgotten me, but something is going to happen, sometime." Zuko didn't like this, the last time he misjudged a storm it almost cost him his helmsman. The calm is too out of place, to many things are telling him to run. But he can't run, because the storm will follow him this time.

"Well, when it does Lee, we can help you. You're not alone in this city, you got me."Sensu's wide grin pointing at the door.

"And what am I to do with you Sensu, make her some calming tea?" Lee's question only made Sensu's grin wider. The two stood idle or a while. The quietest part of the day was just after lunch but since Lian hadn't spoiled his mood, Lee took the quick luxury to smile. He needed more information to make his report, but he had started and there was nothing wrong with his cover as Lee.

Business started to pick up again after a short while. Back to cleaning tables and serving tea. The afternoon had just started to settle until a few of Lian's friends arrived. This started to peak Lee's suspicion but there was nothing out of the ordinary, only the fact that they sat at a table with more chairs then people, meaning, Lian would be coming soon. For a little while, friends continued to trickle in, ordering and talking.

There was nothing wrong with the scenario, apart from the fact that Lian was sure to come, she wasn't the type to not show up, even more so with this many of her friends here. So preparing himself, Lee notified Sensu of the situation in-between conveying orders. Even Sensu smelled the rat. Back in the kitchen, Lee hadn't heard the serving bell ring, so he continued to washing in the kitchen. Lee had prepared himself for Lian, breathing exercises, mental detachment and everything he could do to help ignore her.

"LEE!"

At least he knew she was coming.

/New Scene

Lee peaked his head into the front room of the restaurant, there she stood, wallowing in all her pride. Lian stood in the middle of the room looking intensely at him, waiting for some form of answer. He was prepared this time, and she won't better him this time.

"How may I help you Lian, do you wish to order?"

"I thought you'd be able to show me a seat Lee?"

"Oh, your friends here have a seat for you, they've already established your arrival. The usual?"

"Um no, a green." with this final exchange, Lee left for the kitchen to process the order leaving her to take his word and join her friends.

Once Lee was out of sight from the customers and in the sight of Sensu, he immediately put his attention to Lee.

"How did that feel? I heard green so is it green?" Sensu proud in his disciple.

"That felt good, but she will keep trying so I must try harder, and yes green." Lee was enthused now, to beat Lian today would make his week.

After getting Lian's green tea, he forged on through the rest of the shift. The customers kept Lee consistently busy, with new orders and old cups on tables, Lee's spare time was occupied by ignoring Lian's cat-calls and exploiting any fault that she made, which was few. Some of the friends had started leaving which helped him. He made it a goal to start collecting the money and cleaning the cups form that table as soon as possible, making it almost a game. Lee had already processed the table before Lian could get a chance to annoy at him.

Lian was getting frustrated, he could tell by how she stared at him. Slightly down-turned smile with an intense gaze. Lee couldn't fault at any-time, otherwise she would be on the offensive. The day turned into late afternoon and the earliest of friends had moved on, leaving Lian and a select few behind to watch Lee in his perfection.

Eventually Lee found himself pouring a special Jasmine brew for an older couple. With this, he personally brought the teapot out and poured the lightly pink Jasmine before them, this occupied all of his concentration as he needed to get the right amounts in the cups, or it would be not be customary. Through the corner of his eye, he noticed the door open and one person come in, Sensu greeted the person so Lee would not have to forgo his focus, though a sweet voice came through the room, definitely a young woman. Perfecting the pour, Lee bowed and left them to return the Teapot to the kitchen.

"Lee, we have another customer," said Sensu, "and I think you might like her."

"Ha-ha Sensu, I know we have another customer, and I know she is a young lady." Lee placed the teapot back on-top of a weak flame.

"Well, you should be able to tell who she is, she is the new one at Lian's table. Although she doesn't ring any alarms, she is rather sweet."

"Ok, I'll take your word for it Sensu." Lee returned out the door to continue his game with Lian. If Sensu said this woman is alright then Lee should put some time with her at least, put Lian in her place.

Walking out to the kitchen he checked every table other than Lian's first before walking over to the new customer. A sweet laughter echoed through the shop, that was definitely the same voice from before, but oddly familiar. He moved towards the table focused on not flinching.

"Lee, is that you?" said the voice. Her happiness deflating with every word. Lee turned to face the woman and the shock on his face matched hers.

"Jin?"