The Tale of Iroh

It had been more than a handful of days since the incident with Jet at the teashop. Presently Tsai was trying to decorate the apartment with cheap colorful bouquets of flowers and had hung some poorly paper crafted figurines of red dragons stretching from wall to wall. As well as a row of small maroon flags made out of cheap paper stretching from one side of the room to the other.

She wasn't very handy in the kitchen but was attempting to bake a fruit tart just like the ones they did back home. On the table were some sweet mochi and extra spicy fire noodles as well as some pork dumplings. She was stressing out unsure if you put the fruits in the tart before or after you bake them. Iroh and Zuko would be home soon. It was then that the door opened and Zuko walked in.

He looked at the colorfully decorated room in surprise.

"Woah," he said very clearly not expecting this type of elaborate set up.

"Surprise!" Tsai said sheepishly as she was putting the tart in the oven.

"What's the occasion?" He eyed her curiously. Had he missed something? It wasn't his birthday or anything.

"No occasion," she chirped happily approaching him. "Just thought we could do something nice for Uncle Iroh," she said taking the bag he was carrying with him. "Considering how he's done so much for us. Did you bring the jasmine tea that I asked you for?" She dipped her hands inside of the bag reached out for it and took it to the kitchen counter.

"Also-," she said after pivoting. "Today is your lucky day. Today I will teach you the secret behind brewing the perfect jasmine tea." She spoke in a wise tone that sounded almost comical.

"I thought my tea was fine." Zuko said referring to that time he made both her and Iroh tea. The edge of Tsai's eye twitched. This is what happens when people lie. "I mean it's… fine…" She said after a while which sounded like a blatant lie. "But it can always be better," she added optimistcally.

"It's terrible isn't it?" He deadpanned and she couldn't help but laugh.
"Come here," she said waving him over.

He smiled a little as they stood together in the kitchen.

"Look," she said signaling to the tea pot sitting in the kitchen counter before them. "Intimidating isn't it?" She said with her eyes wide. He scoffed a little and rolled his eyes. "It's just a pot."
"But is it?" She mused mysteriously as she tapped the side of her cheek.

"The first step in making tea is knowing the properties of the tea that you are brewing," she said with an index finger up. "In this case we are brewing jasmine which is a type of green tea. You can't brew it too hot or allow it to steep for too long because it will turn bitter. Which was your mistake last time," she explained with expert knowledge. "Oolong and black teas on the other hand are always steeped in hotter temperatures."

He listened attentively as she filled the pot with water and kept it at a low temperature in the wooden stove before them.

"Second, keep the water at a medium low temperature."

She continued by reaching into the bag of jasmine tea and explaining how he had to become acquainted with the scent of the tea herbs. She instructed for him to inhale the herbs and they both embraced the delicious smell of the dried blossoms. They brewed the tea and a couple of minutes later it was ready to be served.

"This is the most important part," she said pouring two cups. "When you take a sip of your tea, breath in at the same time, then breathe out through your nose while holding the liquid in your mouth. Savor it. Doing this you will have a greater appreciation for the tea's full flavor profile." She nodded and brought the cup to her lips. He did the same and followed her instructions. She was right! It was a completely different tea from the one he had brewed that one day. It was as if he was tasting tea for the first time and it didn't taste just like wet leaves.

"This is.… nice," he said after a moment. He put his cup down on the counter. She nodded with a smile and continued to enjoy her tea. It wouldn't be long before Iroh got back from whatever errands he had mysteriously left to run this morning. She hadn't noticed the way that Zuko had been intently starring at her. How they were standing so close together. The tension between them was at an all time high since they had arrived at Ba Sing Se so rare moments of peace like this were appreciated. Specially after he had failed to successfully keep his feelings for her locked away. Her rejection had been hard on him, but he had grown from it and seeing her get hurt by that bastard Jet the other day...

He swore he would've killed for her.

But- would she have him this time? Was it possible for a girl like her? She was too good for him, too pretty for his scarred face, too jovial and noble to even consider going out with someone like him. He suddenly felt uber self conscious about the ugly mark on his face.

But then again she had had the Blue Spirit. Did she know it was him? Did she suspect it? He wondered if she thought about the day that the Blue Spirit kissed her. Or if she thought about him at all. He was far to distraught that he was unaware of the shy expression on the girl's face as he pulled her in closer with an arm around her waist.

"Zuko?" She asked snapping him out of his daze. He couldn't deny it to himself anymore, to her. He care about her. He cared about her more than he had cared for most of the people in his short, miserable, banished prince life.

"Tsai." He responded. For once in his life sounding certain about something.

They looked into each other's eyes. His full blown gold ones starring at her warm caramel ones. She could feel her heart jumping at her throat. The caged butterflies in her stomach fight for a way out as her fight or flight reflexes kicked in. And for one moment everything about the two of them made sense.

He leaned in. So did she

"I'm back!" Tsai must've jumped three feet in the air when she saw the door open and Uncle Iroh step in. His tone sounded a bit more mellow than usual but upon seeing the colorful scene and flowers his serious expression bloomed into a wide grin.

"What's all this?" He said in awe at the 3-D paper crimson and golden dragons that decorated the walls. He noticed that Tsai's face matched her hair color and the redness spread all the way down to her neck. His nephew's expression was similar. Unreadable, his ears were the same tone of red and he was glaring daggers at the older man. Zuko fought the urge to rip his hair out of his scalp in great frustration.

"Surprise!" She squeaked after letting out a nervous chuckle. "We just wanted to do something nice for you," she said running a hand through her hair nervously a cheesy grin on her face.

Iroh had been dragging his feet back to the apartment. Today had been his late son, Lu Ten's, birthday. It was a dark day for him. It was the day that changed everything for him, including his life and destiny.

He opened the door to find the two teenagers welcoming him home to a lovely surprise. Even Zuko had the slightest of smiles on his face. Suddenly smoke filled the room.

"Ah! The fruit tart!" Tsai cried out as she attempted to get the tart which resembled a lump of coal out from the wood oven.

Zuko helped her, both of them now bickering back and forth over how to make the proper fruit tart. Tears pricked the corners of Iroh's eyes, this was his family now, his life, and he loved it and them.

"I'm so sorry I burned the tart. But there's also some dumplings and-" Tsai fell silent as Iroh embraced her like his own.

"Thank you!" He smiled taking her face in his hands. "I think this is the loveliest surprise I've ever had. We should eat. I'm starving!" he laughed graciously.

The three sat and ate in the small room, but suddenly it didn't feel too small. They shared food and tea and each other's company and it was fine and just plain lovely.

This was his life now and he loved it…

The Tale of Zuko

A couple of days had passed since the dinner party. Both teenagers had stopped arguing and teasing each other and now appeared to be egg shelling around each other. Taking turns doing their timely tasks so they wouldn't have to interact with the other in this pathetic dance of avoidance. This had not gone unnoticed to Iroh. He noted the way they would both become stiff, turn red and stammer around the other.

'Those two..' Iroh thought to himself with a small smile. 'So oblivious.' He grinned to himself. Speaking of oblivious…

"Uncle, we have a problem." Zuko hissed lowly as he walked towards the back of the shop, where Iroh was standing on a ladder and stacking things on a shelf behind the counter. Tsai was currently serving tea to some customers. As always she flashed each one of them a charming smile and showered them with her attention and care.

"One of the customers is on to us. Don't look now, but there's a girl over there at the corner table." Zuko explained quietly as he subtly nodded towards the corner table near the front of the where a girl was drinking a cup of tea, "She knows we're Fire Nation."

Tsai had returned to hear this last part and peered over her shoulder curiously to see a cute girl around their age with two long braids that was sitting by herself ogling not the three of them - but just Zuko. She quirked an eyebrow at this. Iroh turned around to look at the innocent girl, only for Zuko to grab his arm and turn him back around.

"Didn't I say don't look?!"

She could begin to feel the edge of her eye beginning to twitch slightly. As a girl she instantly knew what this was all about. "Quit being so paranoid," she said sourly before snatching the tray from his hands and going to attend the girl the two males were talking about.

Zuko scowled at her girl's back as she crossed to the other side of the room, leaving him with his uncle behind the counter.

"You're right, Zuko." Iroh commented as he sneakily glanced at the girl over his shoulder, and then at Tsai.

Iroh knew that his nephew had a knack for jealousy. He had seen how unsettled he became when Tsai was around Jet. But Tsai… Tsai's jealousy was worse. Way worse. Maybe this was the little push they both needed. Iroh grinned slyly.

"I've seen that girl in here quite a lot. Seems to me she has quite a little crush on you."

Zuko raised an eyebrow. Somehow perplexed by this.

"Thank you for the tea." A voice suddenly said.

Zuko jumped slightly and turned around to look at the girl who was now standing before the counter holding out some coins. The banished prince ducked his head awkwardly and took the coins then turned around, placing them on the counter.

"What's your name?" The girl asked sweetly and Zuko tensed slightly.

Iroh smiled faintly and glanced up to see Tsai glaring daggers at the girl standing in front of the counter as she returned with some empty tea pots and cups.

"You're welcome," Tsai responded in a snappy tone her glare fixed on the girl who appeared oblivious to it. Things like this… She clenched the tray she was holding hard.

"My name's Lee." Zuko replied slowly as he looked at the girl, "My uncle, friend, and I just moved here."

Tsai felt the corner of her eye twitching even harder and more evidently. Iroh noticed and fought the urge to laugh, it was almost comical. 'Friend?' She flashbacked to the other night when they were tasting tea before the dinner party and became agitated. In an attempt to calm her crazy and ease her nerves Tsai poured herself a steaming cup of tea. She sipped it slowly, controlling her breaths as she did. She closed both of her eyes in an attempt to remain calm but kept a narrowed eye open as she peeked at the interaction before her.

"Hi Lee, my name's Jin." The girl, Jin, replied sweetly then she blushed faintly, "Thank you and...well, I was wondering if you would like to go out sometime."

Zuko was stunned he looked at Jin with slightly wide eyes. Tsai then did something she never thought she would do. She spit out her tea, spraying it like a fountain. Her eyes wide as she automatically turned her head to eye the girl. Eyes wide with shock.

"He'd love to!" Iroh agreed eagerly as he sidled up beside the still stunned Zuko, a wide grin on his aged face.

'And since when are you so helpful?' The red-head thought bitterly.

"Great!" Jin exclaimed happily as she smiled at Zuko, "I'll meet you in front of the shop at sundown."

Tsai felt a pool of jealousy boiling in the pits of her stomach.

'Okay- so maybe he looked really handsome with his growing hair, but this-' She suddenly flashed backed to the time they had had dinner with that Earth Kingdom family who's daughter had been oh so welcoming.

Zuko stood still, staring at the spot Jin had been standing in a moment ago with a bewildered expression on his face. Completely oblivious to the internal hell that Tsai had unleashed inside her hot-head. Iroh grinned and threw his arm around his nephew's shoulder, which caused Zuko to snap out of his stupor and glare at his uncle.

"So you've got a date, huh?" Tsai spoke with a strained voice. There was a painfully forced smile on her face as the edge of her eye twitched aggressively. Zuko had never seen such a strange expression on someone's face before.

No it wasn't possible. He wondered obliviously… was she jealous? Of that girl?

She retreated before he could answer as a client called for her attention. Zuko wondered if this was fair. He looked how Tsai interacted with customers. Specially with the male ones. There it was, the eyes, the smile, the little giggle and then the playing with her hair. It was only fair, she did this all the time. And the last time she had flirted with someone he had almost exposed them and hurt her in an obsessive rage. At least he knew Jin wouldn't hurt them. Well or so he hoped.

It was time to give her a taste of her own medicine.

Xxx

It was officially sundown. Tsai had finished cleaning some tables and sweeping. She presently sat on a chair in the teashop with her arms crossed over her chest and her legs one over the other as she sulked. Iroh had been gushing about Zuko's date all damn day long. He was so damn proud. It was almost as if he was doing it on purpose. Rubbing it in her bitter face.

"Hold still," Iroh said as he attempted to comb Zuko's messy dark hair. He was done and a couple of minutes later Tsai caught sight of him. For a moment she forgot her bitterness and doubled over in laughter when she caught side of his neatly slicked hair which was exactly parted down the middle. It was terribly old-fashioned. She didn't even bother hiding her laughs.

"What's so funny?" He glared at her as he was on his way out of the teashop.

"I look ridiculous." Zuko growled and he crossed his arms, almost pouting as he stared at the ground petulantly. He wore his hair like that and a pair of nicer emerald green clothes which were more traditional of Earth Kingdom fashion.

She stood up and approached him with a smile. "You look very handsome," she laughed lightly as she brushed an unslick hair strand into place.

He felt his face grow hot and he swatted her hand away before messing up his hair. He knew she didn't mean it. He looked like an idiot. It was then that he noticed that she had also changed her clothing. She wore a mustard colored kimono dress, similar to the one she had been wearing when they first met. She had reapplied her make up and had brushed out her hair in waves that barely reached down her shoulders.

"Have fun on your date," she huffed and said over her shoulder as she stepped out of the teashop.

"Where are you going?" He chased after her.
"For your information, I have a date too," she stung her tongue out.
"Yeah?" He didn't believe that for one second. "With who? Your crazy ex-boyfriend Jet?"

She felt her face turn red this time in embarrassment, again that familiar stressful twitch on her right eye.

"Ha! I don't kiss and tell." She said cooly. In an attempt to appear calm, cool, collected and specially mysterious.

Stepping out she saw the girl approaching the tea shop. She now wore her hair up, a green kimono dress. The red-head hated to admit it but she looked really pretty.

"Oh hey!" Jin greeted politely.

Tsai scowled at her and turned the other way "Hm!" She said stalking off not wanting to engage in conversation. Besides, she had more important things to do.

Zuko grumbled to himself and shuffled towards the door of the teashop, stepping outside a moment later. He walked out in to the middle of the street and looked around for Jin.
"Hey. Well, look at you." She greeted with a small smile as she reached him then she reached up and ruffled his hair even more, "You look so cute."

Zuko swatted her hand away from his hair gently and began trying to fix his hair, "It took my uncle ten minutes to do my hair."

Jin just smiled and grabbed his arm, dragging him down the street. Zuko glanced behind, his gold eyes seeking for a flash of red on the streets. Zuko shook his thoughts away and turned his attention to Jin as she led him to an open restaurant in the town square, where several people were doing various activities. He kept an eye peeled for any signs of red in the urban environment. Tsai had also said she had a date tonight. Maybe he'd run into her?

"So, how do you like the city so far?" Jin asked curiously as she took a sip of the tea she after they had ordered their food. She leaned over the table in interest.

"It's okay." Zuko replied blandly as he stopped poking the meatball on his plate with his chopsticks without looking up at her.

Jin took another sip of her tea and gave the scarred teen in front of her an intrigued look, "What do you like to do for fun?"

"Nothing." Zuko muttered without looking at her. His thoughts clearly and very obviously elsewhere.

"Sozin's Comet... This has got to be the worst date in history." Tsai said to herself as she eavesdropped from the table behind them slightly concerned at Zuko's horrendous social skills. She almost felt bad for Jin. Also- what a liar. He likes theater even if he'll never admit it, after all the boy had a flair for dramatics. She rolled her eyes and called the waiter over whispering a special request to him and slipped him some coins.

She would die if he found out she was there. But there she sat behind them. Wearing a dull colored shawl over her shoulder's and a bamboo conical hat that hid her unusual hair color.

He coughed quietly and shook his head slightly to rid himself of thoughts of her. The waiter approached and bent down slightly to address Zuko.

"Dessert for you and your girlfriend. On the house." The waiter said delivery a plate of a marble cheesecake with a blue-raspberry reduction.

Tsai sighed a little. She was confused. Conflicted with her inner demons. On one hand she could not stand the thought of him being with another girl, but on the other hand he wanted to save the girl the pain of his painfully awkward social skills. At the end all she really wanted was for him to be happy and-

"I'm never happy." She could still remember his painful words.

Maybe if she couldn't make him happy, maybe Jin could? She thought sadly lowering her head.

"This is so sweet!" She could hear Jin clapping her hands together in excitement. "Did you plan this?"

"She's not my girlfriend!" There it was. He barked loudly in an assertive tone and he slammed his fist on the table, glaring angrily at the waiter as the whole restaurant went quiet, their attention focusing on Zuko and Jin. Tsai face palmed behind them.

The waiter stared at him curiously for a moment then walked way. Zuko sighed quietly and laced his fingers together, turning his attention towards Jin. He watched her in surprise as she destroyed the cheesecake that had been placed in the table, his brow quirking slightly at the sight. She was still hungry? After wolfing down all of those noodles?

"You have...quite an appetite for a girl." He commented awkwardly and began to twiddle his thumbs uncomfortably. Tsai could hear the rude girl's chewing from behind him.

'Commoners.… Absolutely no etiquette…' She said as she eat one of her meat kabobs.

"Um...thanks?" Jin replied just as awkwardly and she glanced around for a moment then looked back at Zuko, "So, Lee, where were you, your friend, and uncle living before you came here?" She asked with interest. "That pretty girl with the red hair, she's not your girlfriend is she? I don't think she liked me very much," Jin chuckled lightly.

'You're damn right about that,' the colonial girl felt her eye twitching once again.

"Um..." Zuko faltered as he thought of something to say, "Well, we've been traveling around for a long time, and no. She's not my girlfriend." He added the last part much more quietly.

His mind suddenly drifted to the other night. The night in which she taught him how to make tea. He had been so close to telling her how he really felt about her. Maybe then the past few days wouldn't have been as painfully awkward. Maybe he wouldn't be sitting here wasting Jin's time.

"Oh. Why were you traveling so much?" Jin asked with genuine curiosity as she rested her elbows on the table and looked at him with an intrigued expression.

'Why is this damn girl asking so many questions?' Tsai panicked as her eyes went wide. Maybe Zuko was right and she really was onto them!

"We were...uh, part of a traveling circus." Zuko responded and mentally slapped himself in the forehead for such an idiotic answer, even if it seemed that Jin believed him.

"Really? What did you do? Wait, lemme guess!" The dark haired girl questioned eagerly and she thought for a moment then pointed at him, "You juggled!"

Zuko looked at her with a deadpanned expression as he folded his arms on the table, "Yes, I juggled."

Tsai had to stifle her sudden laughter and instead began coughing to cover it up.

"I've always wanted to learn how to juggle." Jin remarked and she held out a few objects she had grabbed from the table towards Zuko, "Can you show me something?"

This was way too good not to look. The red-head looked over her shoulder as conspicuously as she could. She eyed the couple carefully.

The banished prince took the objects and stared at them unsurely for a moment then threw them into the air one by one. He tried to catch them, but missed all of them and one object, a piece of food, fell onto his head and broke into a bunch of pieces.

It was official. Tsai couldn't breath. Her eyes were almost popping out of her head from having to contain her laughter. She was making odd noises. She was making such a scene that the waiter even came and asked her if she was alright.

"Are you alright miss? Are you choking?" he asked.

Instinctively she sat up very straight, her back erect as an arrow. "Oh, no, I'm fine, thanks," she said quickly in a voice that was much deeper than her own.

Zuko turned around hearing the commotion, he looked over his shoulder and saw an old lady with a shawl sitting behind them. However, her posture the way she was sitting. It was unmistakable- nobody that he knew ever stood up that straight, but no, there was no way.

"I haven't practiced for a while." Zuko muttered in explanation at the amused look on Jin's face and he wiped the food from his face and hair.

"It's alright." Jin said with and understanding smile then she stood and grabbed his arm, "Hey, I want to show you one of my favorite places in the city."

'Oh no!' Tsai panicked. "Check please!" She almost jumped out of her seat.

"I'm so excited for you to see the Firelight Fountain." Jin stated happily as she led Zuko down a dark street, "The lamps make the water sparkle and reflect in the pool in the most beautiful way."

'The lamps make the water sparkle and reflect in the pool in the most beautiful way,' The other repeated mockingly in an annoyed tone as she stalked behind walking in the shadows. 'This better be good.' It was then that she took a short cut and rounded around a building hiding behind the fountain which she knew Jin had been referring too.

Tsai saw Jin led him into an open area with a large fountain in the middle and several posts with candles on top of them surrounding it in a circle, but the candles were unlit, leaving the small square dark.

"Aw, I can't believe it!" Jin complained in surprise as she looked at the dark area disappointedly, "They aren't lit."

Zuko looked around then he looked down at Jin, taking in her disappointed face briefly before looking back at the fountain.

"Close your eyes," He ordered quietly, ignoring her surprised look, "And don't peek."

He waited until she had covered her eyes with her hands then he took a few steps forward, holding his hands together. He closed his own eyes and inhaled deeply, opening his eyes a moment later as he began Firebending. Using his pointer and middle fingers on each hand, he shot small bursts of fire at each of the candles on the posts and the candles that were floating in the fountain, lighting all of them. Once all the candles were lit, Zuko straightened and turned to look at Jin, who had her hands over her eyes still.

'DID HE JUST FIREBEND IN PUBLIC?!'

"Okay, now you can look."

Jin lowered her hands and gasped as she looked at all the lit candles, "Oh, wow!"

She stared at the candles then walked up to Zuko with an amazed expression on her face. Zuko stared back at her quietly, feeling only slightly uncomfortable as she looked between him and the candles.

"What happened? How did they get lit? What did you do?" Jin asked in awe then she shook her head and smiled happily at him.

Zuko just smiled faintly and the two turned to look at the fountain again. Jin bit her lip and glanced at the scarred teen at her side as he stared at the fountain then she casually brushed her hair through her hand through her hair and she smiled up at him as she took his hand in hers.

Tsai peeked from the edge of the fountain and slowly rose to her feet when she heard the tones of their voices becoming lower and lower. She looked at them from across the fountain. Her heart breaking as she saw the girl biting her lip and leaning in forward to kiss him. Tsai didn't realize she had found herself also leaning forward subconsciously.

"I've brought you something." He said when Jin looked at him in surprise, "It's a coupon for a free cup of tea." He said putting the coupon as a barrier between their faces.

Jin smiled slightly and took the coupon, "Lee, this is so sweet."

Zuko shrugged slightly and took a few steps back, "Don't thank me, it was my uncle's idea. He thinks you're our most valuable customer."

By now Zuko realized this had been a mistake. He didn't want to be here with Jin. There was only one girl on her mind, but- the insecurities in the back of his head brought out the worst in him. Whispered thoughts he didn't want to be true. What if she would never want him back? Jin had had the courage to ask him out why hadn't Tsai? That door of emotions he had tried so hard to keep shut had spilled open. There was no use in denying them now, but what if they would never be reciprocated? Maybe... Maybe if he had someone else he could forget about her.

"Your uncle is a good teacher." Jin commented and she walked towards him, placing his hand gently on his cheek and turning his head towards her, "I have something for you too. Now it's your turn to close your eyes."

The scarred teen hesitated a moment then closed his eyes, Jin leaning forward and pressing a chaste kiss to his lips before pulling back slightly. Zuko moved forward slightly and kissed her back.

Tsai's heart broke. She felt something inside of her shift and lost her balance fell into the fountain with a loud splash.

Zuko stepped back, his eyes wide. Both him and Jin turned to look at the fountain and saw that same person that had been wearing the bamboo hat and shawl at the restaurant sitting in the fountain pathetically. The hat shielded the person's face, but Zuko knew. He recognized that ochre colored dress and the tips of red hair creeping from underneath the hat.

"Ts-.… He choked back the name. Unable to disclose her identity. He saw rise to her feet and stand in the fountain dripping water from head to toe. Tsai wanted to run, she wanted to cry and sprint the other way but her legs wouldn't move. Her pride wouldn't allow her to run away like a coward.

"Its you!" Jin gasped as she saw the girl in the fountain.
"Yeah," She said extremly embarrassed holding the back of her neck in terrible shame. Where had her jealousy taken her? He had been having a good time. Bonding with somebody that wasn't her and she had sabotaged that moment.

"It's me," she added lamely.

"I'm sorry, I just got a little jealous," it took every fiber of her body and pride to be able to admit it, her face burning with that embarrassment that seemed to be dripping from her.

Jin stepped away from Zuko. Her eyes wide at the shock. It took a moment for her to realize what was happening.

"Er- you two have fun," Tsai offered with a sincere smile that brought pain to her heart. Regardless she walked with her back straight, not slouching as she left the fountain plaza.

"I… I had a feeling I was coming between you two," Jin said looking in the direction in which the girl had left.

"It's complicated," Zuko replied quietly without meeting her eyes.
"She's very lucky," Jin said after a moment. "I can tell she cares a great deal about you," she offered Zuko a sad smile folding her hands in front of her.
"I-I have to go," Zuko suddenly said turning to face his date.

Tsai was almost dragging her feet back to the apartment. She felt like crap. She still couldn't believe she had pulled that kind of stunt. Stalking Zuko and his date around the city. What kind of psycho was she? Had she gone mad? What kind of person would do such a thing? She was mentally beating herself up and had already discarded the shawl and dumb bamboo hat that she had been using as a disguise.

"Hey," a cool voice said suddenly making a chill run up her spine. For some reason it was the voice she imaged belonged to the Blue Spirit. She flinched turning to the side and was surprised to see Zuko walking next to her.
She let out a yelp and straightened out her back like she did when she was either nervous or doubting herself.

"Oh, H-Hi," she responded weakly.

She was about to retort if he should be with Jin but he interrupted her.

"Are you crying?" He asked concern on his voice.
"What?" She panicked and wiped away her dry tears and smeared eye make up. "No," she laughed sheepishly. A laugh which he identified as being too perfect to be authentic. He recognized it now. It was the same laugh she gave her clients whenever they made comments at her.

"Listen Tsai," He took her bandaged hand in his, yet she pulled it away. "Just go. I don't want to hold you back. Jin is probably waiting for you." She also withdrew her emotions. "I don't- I don't even know what to think anymore- what to feel." She turned away ready to run back to the apartment.

"I like you." He stated boldly.

She froze in her steps and turned to face him. "I only went on that date because my uncle set it up, and I also thought it might make you jealous," he admitted. "Since you're always flirting with our clients…" He murmured under his breath.

Wait- So he planned this? Tsai quickly shedder her sadness and embarrassment and it instead turned into anger.

"You think I- Ugh" She ran both hands through her hair exasperated.
"Of course I flirt with the customers!" She admitted. "Why do you think I get such good tips? How do you think we can afford the apartment?!" She exclaimed. "And Jet- he was so cool. And he paid attention to me and he called me nice names while you were only rude to me. Of course I was going to pay attention to him!"
"What about you? Did your lips accidentally fall on hers?" She retorted crossing her arms over her chest.
"Dammit Tsai!" He exclaimed and reached for her holding both of her upper arms tightly holding her in place. "How many times do I have to tell you? I like you. You." He exclaimed. "The other day- when Jet hurt you, I would've killed for you. I walk paranoid in the streets because I think I see you, because I want to see you. It kills me with jealousy when you flirt with other men, or when you pretend not to care and play it cool-" he admitted.

"Then-," she scowled. "Why- did- you-kiss her?" She demanded to know. Even if it was the most innocent kiss. "Because I was trying to forget about you," he confessed in a low tone. "I figured- maybe it I kissed another girl I wouldn't have these feelings for you, but I do. I thought it would make them go away, but it didn't."

"Why- Why did you want to forget about me?" She asked softly looking at his hurt expression.

"Once you said you couldn't be with me until I was a changed man, and I still have a long way to go."

Her heart melted. She wanted nothing more than to jump him right here and right now. She looked into his eyes and realized he was being sincere. He really meant everything he had said. And it was true- she wanted a changed man, but the first step to change was accepting it. (Also, he looked so handsome with his new hair.) A light blush dusted her cheeks.

"Fine then," she removed his hands from her person and gave a step back assuming a composed and collected post. He was then taken aback by the flirty smile that made way to her face. "I guess you'll just have to prove it to me then."

He raised an eyebrow looking at her with a bewildered expression.

"We have a date tomorrow. Be ready before sunset we'll leave and make sure you take me somewhere really special." she winked at him before walking ahead.

Tsai walked into the apartment and closed the door behind her making Iroh who had been peeking out the window pretending to trim a bonsai look at her. He took in her disheveled appearance and soaking wet clothes. Regardless she wore an ear to ear smile on her face.

"Tsai? Where have you been?" Iroh asked with the slightest of grins.

"Uh, nowhere," she said nervously with a coy grin before running up to her makeshift room.

'Hmm.. Very odd indeed…' Iroh thought to himself as he scratched his chin wisely.

Some moments later Zuko walked inside, he closed the door behind him quietly. Iroh noted he had a small smile on his face.

"How was your night, Prince Zuko?" Iroh asked nonchalantly he tried to hide the grin on his face.

He didn't respond as he walked into the room he shared with his uncle, slamming the paper doors shut behind him. Iroh turned to look at the closed doors with a confused expression. The doors to the bedroom suddenly opened a crack, causing Iroh to look over at them just as part of Zuko's face appeared in the crack between the two doors.

"It was nice," He muttered and he closed the doors, softer this time.

Iroh smiled and resumed his work happily. He shook his head slightly his smile widened slightly in amusement.

xxx

The Tale of Tsai

Zuko gazed at his reflection in the mirror. He combed his hair down with his fingers in an attempt to make it less messier make it seem more suitable for a date. One that he was actually very nervous about. His palms were sweaty. His clothes felt itchy. Nothing felt right, nothing fit right and why wouldn't his hair sit right? He paced around the room he shared with his uncle nervously.

"Something on your mind Prince Zuko?" His Uncle suddenly rounded around the corner and in the most sly way slid into the room. He wore a Cheshire smirk on his face. There was something about his expression that made Zuko think he knew what he was about to do with his afternoon.

"I-I have a date," he admitted as he paced around the room anxiously. He had been walking inside the small room in circles for so long he wouldn't be surprised if there was a marked trail at this point. He had absolutely no idea where they were going to go or what they were going to do. What do people even do on dates? Eat together? Him and Tsai ate together all the time? Ugh!

"Two days in a row? Well look at you ladies man," Iroh laughed as he elbowed his nephew playfully. Zuko turned away mortified. "Well who's the lucky lady that has you all fussed up?" Iroh questioned. "Is it that lovely lady from last night?" His grin stretched slightly wider.

Oh he knew already. He had ran into the red-head going through a similar nervous melt down in the kitchen some time earlier.

"It's- umm.." Zuko grumbled under his breath the name that kept him up at night that sounded inaudible.
"Well about time," Iroh laughed. "See, I told you that she liked you," he winked at him.

'No you don't get it!' He wanted to shout. 'I only have this chance to prove myself to her.'

"She left a while earlier and may I say she was looking quite beautiful, like a red rose in bloom," Iroh said wisely.
"She always looks like that," he grumbled bashfully.

"So where are you taking her?"

Zuko panicked. "I don't know!" He exploded. "She said to take her somewhere special, but I have no idea where! I don't have money to take her to a nice restaurant or to watch a theater play or to a spa resort," he threw his hands in the air exasperated.

Iroh chuckled at his nephew's behavior.

"You don't need any of that to have a good time. Think, what does Tsai like?"

Zuko sat on his bed for a moment.

'She likes.…' he thought for a moment. 'Tea, very obviously. Food? Hmm… Plants? She didn't seem to like the flowers that Jet got her that one time. Bugging me… Sunny weather?' Looking at his nephew's stressed obsession Iroh decided to give him a hand.

"I have an idea," Iroh said with a smile as he leaned in and whispered an elaborate date plan which made Zuko's face go from pink to bright red. "I'm not going to say those things to her!" He exclaimed completely flustered. Iroh chuckled. "Alright, maybe not tonight." He added with a grin.

"And Remember Prince Zuko if you start to feel an unusual feeling it's completely normal. It's just your body's way of reacting to passion and when that happens-"

"ENOUGH!" Zuko bent over and buried his face in his palms.

This was humiliating.

xxx

Some time later it was time to go. Iroh pretended to be preoccupied sipping tea in the living room. Yet his side glare and sly smirk did not go un missed by his nephew. Zuko could hear Tsai shuffling around upstairs as she got ready.

"Would you stop making that face?!" Zuko hissed in a low voice at his uncle. Who only chuckled finding this to be way too amusing.

"What if she comes down and-" He was interrupted.

"What if I come down and what?" Both heads spun to see the girl standing in the living room. She stood next to him wearing a fashionable ochre colored kimono dress that reached just to her midthigh. It was fastened at the waist with a lighter shade of the same tone. Her hair was combed in full waves and the little make up she wore was applied flatteringly enhancing her best features.

"Tsai," he was speechless.

"You're a lucky man Prince Zuko," Iroh complimented as the other stammered with embarrassment. "We're going to go, now. See ya!" Tsai called over her shoulder as she locked her arm with Zuko and dragged him out of the room.

"Have fun!" Iroh called after them before they slammed the door. Once out of sight he chuckled. "Ah, young love," he smiled happy that those had finally decided to do something about their emotions.

Xxx

"Sorry, you know he would've never let us go," Tsai apologized at their brass exit.

"You look-" he scratched the back of his neck nervously.

Zuko wasn't good at being good. He wasn't good at romance. And most specially he really wasn't good with words.

What had Iroh said to say?

"You look like a rose, red and perfect," he quoted.
"Thank you," she batted her eyelashes at him. "But I know those are your Uncle's words, not yours," she called him out.

This was not the best start.

"Yes," he admitted still a little nervous. "I told him you always did," she smiled at him and hugged his arm a little tighter. He couldn't help but smile back at her.

"So where are you taking me?" She asked as they made way to the streets. There was still plenty of daylight and the city was bursting with life. She really was curious to what he had in mind.

"To the market," he said. She blinked twice surprised. He was taking her shopping… for their first date? She had been expecting anything but that. The concept was intriguing. He attempted to decipher her expression but she just nodded and said it sounded good. As they walked to the market he seemed to becoming more relaxed, so did she, more used to their new normal. Lowering her hand so simply holding his in hers.

They walked around the market curiously looking at the trinkets and curiosities the merchants had to offer.

"Here, try this," He said taking a colorful round pastry and feeding it to her. "I know you like sweet stuff."
She took a bite out of it, slightly embarrassed that he was still holding it. The wagashi deserts were great. They tasted almost as good as the ones she had back home.

They continued walking around the market hand in hand, buying some tea leaves, bao buns, fruits and nuts. Both had had a really good time. "Where to now?" She asked as they exited the market.

"Trust me," he said with the lightest smirk on his face. 'Alright,' she was liking this new attitude.

He took her through the crowds and it seemed like they had been walking for a good while before they reached the bottom of a small hill. He helped her climb up and then they reached the top she saw that that there was a single tree at the top. It seemed like he had bothered to come up here before and set up. There was a blanket spread out and a small basket with a tea pot and two cups for tea. Turning she realized that the sun was about to set, a perfect view of the city of Ba Sing Se. The city glowed golden under the bold sunlight. You could see the hundred of houses stretching beyond the horizon. As well as the bridges and rings that divided the city. The palace looked miniscule in the far away distance. She was in absolute awe. And he thought he was bad at romance? Unbelievable.

"I know you love tea, so I'm going to brew some for you," he said as they took a seat on the spread out blanket. He took the pot in his hands and firebended the water in it warming it up as he focused. It was crucial that he got this jasmine tea right. "There," he said when he felt he was done and poured the two cups of hot tea.

He eyed her carefully as she took the first sip the crucial one. He analyzed her eyes for any micro expression that would give away any signs of distaste.

"It's perfect," she said with sparks in her eyes.

He sat with his back leaning against the tree feeling much more relaxed now that he had successfully brewed the perfect cup of tea. He couldn't wait to make it for his uncle too. She sat next to him. He had draped his arm around her shoulders holding her close and she leaned her head on his shoulder's nook. Her eyes were half closed as she looked at the scarlet skies and at the clouds above turning shades of fuchsia and pink over Ba Sing Se. It was beautiful. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. He was looking at her warm eyes at the slope of her nose and the way the sunlight hit her face. He entwined his fingers with hers and pulled her closer.

"Today has been so nice," she said to him. "Thank you." She nuzzled in closer.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered into her ear. She felt shift and bury his nose in her hair before planting a kiss on top of her head.

She felt giddy and light headed further relaxing into his gentle touch.

"You've been so nice lately, it's hard to believe you were once a royal prick. Even calling me names and what not," she laughed nudging him. "You can be so rude!"
"Hey! You are just as bad. You threw a bowl of fruits at me once!"
"I thought you were in my room!"
"It was my room!"

They both continued their walk down memory lane laughing at the ridiculous antics they had plated on each other in the past. And for a moment both were completely disconnected from the chaos that usually surrounded them.

"I think its so cool that you know how to fight," he said. "The way that you flipped Jet over like that. I thought I don't think I've ever seen uncle so impressed." He laughed slightly

Maybe he really had changed. There was no talk about capturing the Avatar. About regaining a lost honor or anything of that sort. She was eyeing him from the corner of her eyes. He looked sincerely happy. Maybe he had finally let go of these inhibitions and his inner demons. Maybe he did all of this growth when he went rogue that one time and left his uncle and her. He was about to ask when she was starring at when she kissed him.

She kissed him hard, turning and sitting up in her knees. She leaned into him. Her palm resting over his heart as they kissed before the witnessing sun setting. She felt lightheaded. She could feel a foreign fire burning inside her and she was sure he felt it too. He was sweet, way sweeter and than she could've imagined. He wrapped his arms around her all tensions and insecurities that haunted both melting away.

Wait-

She pulled away for a moment. 'This feeling.' Her eyes narrowed in terrible suspicion. Why was there something so familiar about this? The way he kissed. Why did she feel like she had kissed him like this before?

"What's wrong?" He asked concerned. The smile wiping off his face.
"Nothing," She smiled at him. There was absolutely nothing wrong. She returned the smile and he kissed her harder, grabbing her face in his hands.

Xxx

Iroh was sitting calmly on the sofa reading a scroll enjoying his tea. It was late and he had a feeling his nephew and Tsai would return soon. He wore a small smile on his face knowing that everything was going to go well. He wasn't poking his head out of the window nosily like the other night. He had nothing to worry about.

It was then that he heard giggling, steps approaching the door and finally silence. He chuckled lightly before the two entered the living room. "Well, I'm going to call it a night," she said nervously. "Goodnight," she said pulling the prince down and placing an innocent kiss on his cheek. "Goodnight Iroh," she waved as she retreated to her room still giddy bumping into a side table when she did.

"So?" Iroh asked pretending to appear cool and collected. "Did the two of you have a good time?" He asked as that dumb grin he had been wearing all day stretched across his face.
"Yeah," Zuko said cooly. He had been rehearsing this conversation in his head on the way back. He wasn't going to let his uncle embarrass him twice in one day. "It was nice," he added non challantly attempting to play it cool.

"I see," Iroh said before taking a knowing sip from his tea.

"And did you kiss her?" Zuko's blood pressure went from zero to a hundred as his face turned bright red.

"What kind of question is that?!" He retorted flustered.

"The nosy kind," Iroh laughed.

It took him a moment to regain his cool composure which you bet his uncle saw right through it.

"Actually, she kissed me," he added with an unusually cocky grin .

Iroh couldn't help but laugh. Proud of his boy.