A couple of weeks go by and he's hanging out with Toph and her rottweiler guide dog, Momo at his uncle's tea shop. The shop was mainly light wood textures with green and gold accents. It always smelled like flowers and spices. It was no wonder why it was a popular place for students.
"So how's your cry sessions going Sparky?" She teased as she took a sip of her tea.
He shakes his head and smiled, "They're going well Toph. Katara is really nice and helped me learn some other techniques to calm down."
Momo put his head on Zuko's lap asking to be pet.
"I really don't know what it is about you but he only does that with you."
"I feel honored," He pets his head, and ones he's had enough he goes back to Toph and lays down at her side.
"You mentioned some techniques."
"Yeah mostly breathing and meditation stuff but it's been helping a bit."
"That's good at least I won't need to worry about that broken glass again."
"I'm sorry." He put his head down and just stares at the table.
"And I forgive you. Stop acting so down about it. It's been years we should start to joke about it now." She lightly punched his arm.
"Nephew, I am down a couple of workers today would you be willing to help out?" Iroh asks as he leaned over their table.
"Sure Uncle," He got up, "See you later Toph and bye Momo."
"Catch ya later Sparky." Momo huffed as he moved to guide Toph out.
He puts on his apron and starts working the tables. It's busy but that is pretty usual for the tea shop. He welcomes people with his usual, "Welcome to the Jasmin Dragon, my name is Zuko and I'll be taking your order today." The patrons are actually nice and he only has to worry about Karens when they visit their kids at the campus.
Eventually, a couple of his friends come in, "Sokka, Suki I'll be with you guys in a sec!"
"No problem dude!" Sokka said over the crowd as he follows Suki to their usual table.
Once Zuko gets the other orders out he goes to them, "Sorry for the wait guys we're down two servers today."
"Don't worry Zuko, we get it," Suki said with a smile.
"Well, you guys want your usual?"
"Yeah, your uncle makes the best boba tea in the world!"
He smiles and grabs their drinks. They stay for a while and he takes care of the tables his uncle can't get to. Eventually, things calm down and it's only Sokka and Suki left.
"Hey, dude take a breather come join us." Sokka waved him over.
Zuko goes to join them and Sokka stands to sit next to Sukki.
"It's been a while what's new?" Suki asked.
"Not much still working for the master's program and still getting my fieldwork hours." He didn't want to tell them about his therapy. Yes, they were his friends but he just didn't want them to see that side of him.
Sokka grins, "Oh yeah, Mr. Future Social Worker how are the hours going?"
"They're going, I just got assigned to shadow a worker with this kid, Lee."
"Are you allowed to say their name?"
"Sokka there are literally a million Lees."
"Ok fair point."
"So what about you guys what's new?"
"Well, I'm still working the internship at the firm. Just a lot of paperwork right now but eventually I'll be able to work real cases and it's a guaranteed job so you know just trying to push past the boring stuff."
"Suki is going to be the best lawyer in the world!" He hugs his girlfriend. "Anyway I've started working on the manuscript I told you about. Oh! and my sister moved here!"
"You have a sister?"
"Uh, duh, we skyped each other like every week. Did you really not know?"
"Guess I was busy but nice."
"Yeah, I'm happy Kat's closer now. I tried to get her to come to school here earlier but she wanted to stay home and help Gran-Gran, so can't really blame her."
"You should meet her, I think you guys would get along." Suki chimed.
"Maybe one day. I'm really busy with work and helping here and school, in general, I have close to no free time."
"Oh come on dude what are your plans this weekend?"
"I have four papers due."
"Ok, what about when you're not here on Thursday?"
"You guys know weekdays I am either here or doing fieldwork."
"Sokka, don't worry about it they'll meet someday, this is your last semester right?"
"Yeah thank Agni." He was so tired of school he just wants to start really helping the families. He doesn't want any kid to end up like him.
"Ok, so worst-case scenario they meet after winter break."
"You're so smart Suki and that's why I love you." He grinned.
"Ok if you two are going to be all couply I am going to head home and start working on the papers."
"See ya Zuko." Suki smiled.
He finally hung up his apron and took today's pay from his uncle and headed home. He walked into his small apartment and did his usual checks. Ever since Azula broke in he's been a little paranoid. He checks rooms with his back to a wall turns on all the lights checks the stove and sinks and anything else that can cause some sort of issue.
Once he feels at ease he sets down all of his stuff and settles at his computer. He looks at his calendar to double-check due dates and makes sure that his therapy appointment hasn't changed. Tomorrow he would see her again, and he thinks he might be ready to tell her about the scar...