AN: Sorry it's been a while, folks. This year has been pretty hectic for me. I'll try to add new chapters when I have time.

1.7

a waiter named li

/

"The boss wants a word," says the gangster. His tone makes it clear that it was not a request.

Katara is tense and ready to fight her way out of here if she has to, but Yue puts a gentle hand on her arm. Yue turns to the gangster calmly. "Can it wait until after I've had a cup of tea?"

He cracks his knuckles. "Afraid not."

Yue takes a deep breath and Katara can tell she's nervous.

Suddenly a hand taps the goon on the shoulder.

"Excuse me," says a dry voice with a bit of a rasp. "Two jasmine, extra-strong?"

The goon turns and Katara breathes a little easier when she can see the counter again. Mushi gazes at them in amusement. A young man stands beside the goon, wearing an apron and balancing a plate with two cups of tea. Katara draws a sharp breath when she sees his face. A horrible red scar covers his left eye, reaching all the way back to his ear like a comet.

The young man glances at her for a second, then at Yue, before his eyes go back to the gangster. His expression is somehow polite and terrifying at the same time. "If you're bothering our customers, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Watch yourself, waiter boy," growls the goon. "Do you have any idea who I work for?"

"Of course," says the waiter. "I'm sure those Guards at the booth over there know who you work for too, so if you don't want any trouble, I suggest you walk away."

The goon glances at the Guards drinking tea, who are eyeing him warily. His gaze turns back to the waiter, then finally settles on Yue. "I'll be back, Doc. You can't avoid the boss forever." With that, the gangster walks out of the teashop.

Yue smiles gratefully. "Thank you, Li. For the tea, and for that."

As the gangster leaves, the young waiter's expression softens to a smile. Katara blinks. He looks like a completely different person now, boyish and innocent. "No problem," he replies. "I just don't like gangsters. You have business with the Duke, doctor?"

"Unfortunately," sighs Yue, "I owe him a favor or two. Looks like he's come to call them in." She frowns. "I didn't think I'd ever have to deal with him again."

The waiter hums. "Be careful. The Duke is a dangerous man."

Yue nods. "I know."

"Let me know if you need refills," he adds. The waiter turns to go, but his foot catches on the leg of the table and he stumbles, nearly losing balance. Katara reaches out instinctively to steady him. He bites back a curse and settles for an irritated sigh, brushing her hand off.

"You okay?" asks Yue.

The waiter nods unsteadily, and Katara notices how he's swaying on his feet, the dark rings under his eyes.

"You should sit down," Katara offers.

He shakes his head. "I really should get back to work—Uncle?" The old man, Mushi, has walked over from the counter with another cup of tea. He pushes the young man by the shoulder into a seat next to Katara and places the tea in front of him.

"Take a moment to rest, Li," says Mushi. "Or you will fall over."

"But the tables—"

"I will take care of it." Mushi's tone is final.

Li sighs, and his uncle returns to work at the counter. Katara smiles quietly, reminded of how Gran Gran cares for her and Sokka when they're sick. The young man sits awkwardly beside her, his eyes half-closed in exhaustion. Katara understands how he feels. She too feels like she could fall asleep any minute now.

"Oh, I forgot to introduce you two!" says Yue. Katara blinks. She was so tired, she had forgotten to even say hello.

Katara smiles warmly at the young man. "Hi! I'm—" For a moment she wants to say her real name, but she doesn't quite trust this stranger yet, even if Yue seems to be friends with him. "—I'm Kat. I'm a nurse. I work with Doctor Yue at the hospital down the street."

"Nice to meet you," the waiter replies with a polite nod. "My name is Li."

/