~ The Guru~
Ryuu POV
Morning came to fast. I turned over on the blanket lain on the floor - my face to the sun. Zuko had my mat, so I had to lay on a relatively thick blanket. Stretching, I pushed myself up and moved towards the staircase in the corner of the spacious room.
The smell of fresh Jook and Tea wafted up the stairs. It made my stomach rumble. My tunic was still with Zuko, so I only wore my top and trousers - it was a warm morning so I was actually glad for it.
I bounded down the staircase and ran my hands through my hair to organize it a bit. Iroh handed me a bowel and slopped some Jook into it. I took a wooden spoon and crouched down infront of a cupboard and leant my back against it. I munched the rice porridge eagerly.
"How's he been?" I pointed at Zuko with my spoon - mouth full of Jook.
Iroh took a gentle sip of his Jasmine tea and turned around to face me. He had a gentle smile on his face.
"He's getting better... much improved. "
He wore a new set of clothes Quon had obviously given him. Beside Zuko lay a new change of clothes, fancy green ones. I gritted my teeth - today was the big Tea House opening. Taking another mouthful of Jook, I watched the sleeping Zuko until his eyes shot open. They were somehow clearer than before. He scanned the room and sat up - massaging his head.
"What's that smell?"
Iroh set his jaw, "It's jook. I'm sure you wouldn't like it."
True. Zuko didn't like anything apart from a simple banana for breakfast. But this somehow new Zuko smiled and pulled the blanket and tunic off of himself; exposing his bare chest. I pressed my teeth together firmly. Zuko chuckled lightly and pushed himself up on his elbows.
"Actually, it smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle."
Iroh slipped some Jook into a bowl and gave it to me to pass to Zuko. He took it and a spoon - eating ravenously. Perplexed by his new attitude, Iroh drained his Jasmine tea and watched the tea leaves swirl into different shapes.
"Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow."
Zuko gulped his porridge down, "It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle."
He moved to a nearby table and sat down. Never one for tables, I stayed by the cupboard. Iroh smiled genuinely at his Nephew's happy attitude. I downed the remainder of my Jook.
"What have you really done with the old Zuko?" I joked. Zuko snikered and took a bite from his porridge.
"Don't worry, My Flame, I'm still the Zuko you love - only better."
For some reason, that made my heart hammer in my chest. Iroh heartily laughed and clunked his cup onto the side. I focused on eating as Zuko raised a suggestive eyebrow at me. His chest was noticeably still bare as he leant back in the chair.
"You two need to change. Openings only an hour away."
Grudgingly, I got up to go get changed into the *shudder* dress.
...
"Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop? Follow your passion, Zuko, and life will reward you."
The Jasmine dragon did, indeed, reek of Jasmine. It was heavily perfumed with billowing clouds of Jasmine among other scents. I coughed and clapped a hand over my nose. Zuko and Iroh were unaffected. It was reverse situation when we first arrived at Ba Sing Se. I came from Omashu - from a poor family, used to stinking places. Whereas Zuko and Iroh were royalty - therefore more used to perfumed air.
"Congratulations, Uncle."
I stuck my head out of a nearby window and heaved in a lungful of relatively less purfume-ifyied air. It was also an excuse to stay out of the private family moment between Zuko and Iroh. The street outside was lined with posh toffs in fancy clothes waiting for the thrill of being served tea by poor people who worked their way up. I knew the sort. They loved a good rags to riches story.
My fancy clothes constricted movement as I desperately tried to stretch my arms above my head - preparing to carry heavy trays laden with tea.
"I am very thankful. "
Zuko beamed - his chipper mood Infectious, "You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city."
The two hugged in a blissful moment of peace.
"No. I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. It means more than you know..."
Due to those words, I felt like I was intruding on something not meant for me. Like I wasn't even supposed to be there, which, in all truth, I probably wasn't. It was only due to Zuko I was off that boat and Iroh for the kind hospitality.
I had been staring out the window, lost in thought, when someone touched my shoulder from behind. I squealed and leapt around; I fell over but was caught in Zuko's arms. He giggled and stood me upright - brushing my hair into place with a finger. He whispered softly:
"You're as beautiful as ever."
He leant in and kissed me carefully on the lips. They tasted the same as the first time - like Spiced Tea. He pulled away and hugged me close to him. He hugged me so close, it almost crushed me. I gasped and Zuko sheepishly let go.
"I- I don't know my own strength sometimes..."
Screwing my nose up, I gently punched his shoulder, "It's fine; neither do I. Now, Tea Time!"
A genuine, brilliant smile painted his lips. He bounded away towards the counter. I followed and shrugged to myself. Self-doubt could come later. As long as I was with Zuko, I would be happy. His new puppy-like attitude was amazing. It made me fully happy for the first time in ages.
..
According to Quon, girls didn't serve tea - unladylike. They were the greeters and seaters. The sun was roasting me alive as I stood outside the door, menu in hand, foot tapping impatiently. Occasionally, I would get a tip - so that was a perk. But occasionally. Most of these posh toffs looked down at my from behind thier noses. One guy hit on me... until Zuko saved me.
I leant against the door frame, fanning myself with the menu. Through the sunlight, I saw a girl approaching on her shoulder was a monkey. Or so I thought. As the light filtered and she came fully into view, I gasped. Water girl... Kya...Korra... Kait... Katara! That was it, Katara.
"What do you say, Momo? A cup of tea before we get back to the king? Table for two, plea-"
Inside, Zuko came into view. He called over to his Uncle about an order. The girl darted her eyes between the unknowing Zuko and I.
Nervously, I waved my hand, "Howdy?"
It made he run away faster than anyone in the history of running away fast. Mentally, I made note to never say howdy again. Zuko laughed at some customers joke and caught my eye. He stuck his jaw out and made an excuse to leave the table.
"Hey. What's wrong? "
I gazed after the way Katara ran, "Nothing... nothing."
Zuko stared into my eyes with his brilliant golden eyes. I let a smile slip onto my features and returned the stare. Zuko chuckled.
"Fine. If you're getting heatstroke, tell me, My Flame."
Nodding, I quickly kissed Zuko's scarred cheek. He bounced away to serve more customers after returning the favour. A rich couple marched ceremoniously towards me. I snikered but managed to catch myself before they heard me.
"Welcome to the Jasmine Dragon. How may I be of assistance?"
...
A man, elegantly dressed, pushed past me, proclamation in hand. He instantly drew attention as we were clearing up after the second day of work. Only two days and business was booming. Iroh took the scroll from Captain Poncy Messenger and read it through. I watched from the doorway as his expression changed to pure excitement.
"I ... I can't believe it!"
Zuko, who had been sweeping, stopped and read over his Uncle's shoulder. He glanced over at me - uncontrollably joyus. It was delightful to see Zuko that way. He calmed himself and went back to sweeping - a smirk still clear on his face.
"What's the fuss about? " I quizzed.
Iroh handed the scroll back to the messenger, "Great news! We've been invited to serve tea to the Earth King!"
