That Lee kid has some nerve telling you what to do. First, he practically assaults you and tells you to never come to the tea shop again. Now, he wants you to stay away from Jet? Maybe he's jealous of your new friend.

You know just the thing to irk him off. You'll disobey both of his requests at once. Go on a date with Jet… AT the Pao Family Tea Shop. Well not a DATE date, because you and Jet are just pals, even if he is a bit presumptuous and flirty at times. For all you care, let Lee think that you're 'dating' this new guy. Let's see how he reacts.

The plan for today is to meet Jet at the Warehouse Wrestle Earthbending' arena to watch the tonight's earthbending fight. After that, you intend to head over to the Tea Shop.

You're already at the arena entrance, a large stairway that leads under an old soap factory, despite the name "Warehouse Wrestle Earthbending". (The name still reflects the location of the old arena, before it got found out by the enforcement.)

You're waiting for Jet at the agreed meeting spot, looking around. The battle arena is not nearly as 'underground' as the Thursday market (figurative and literally), it's still one of more known street secrets of the lower ring. From all around the lower ring, all kinds of people gather to watch earth benders bodyslam each other and hurl rocks in an impressive fight. Tonight's matchup is the 'Do-Ein The Rock' v.s. 'Jun Shina'; a matchup you've been dying to see, since you're a big fan of The Rock.

At the moment, you're leaning casually against a stone pillar near the main entrance, waiting for Jet. Alone with your thoughts, your mind wanders. You begin to realize that Jet is the first friend you've made that's about your age. All of your acquaintances, many being frequenters of the Thursday Market, are either much older, or much younger. Gopan has always been a father figure, and Hula, the odd time she's in a good mood, can act kinda motherly, becoming the second half to their parental dynamic. Then there are the street kids; almost like your younger cousins in a way. They look like a cute little 'gang' of hoodlums, and you keep them out of trouble when you can. They're kids from the roughest parts of town, and you often see them playing in the streets. They remind you of your own childhood.

None of the aforementioned are your age group. Until Jet came around. Speaking of Jet, where is he?

"Oi, hello there lil' lady, what's a pretty flower like you doin' round these part?" came a voice from behind you. And it did NOT sound like Jet. Unamused, you don't even bother to fully face the stranger. You give him a glance over your shoulder.

"Not interested, buddy."

"Awwww, that's no fun. Why don't we go have some fun?" Ugh. You hate having to deal with creeps, but you do enjoy beating the shit out of people. You're about to kick this guy in the shins when an arm drapes gently around your shoulder.

"She said she's not interested," says Jet's confident voice. "Beat it."

Jet's presence, plus your stare of death, is enough to get this guy to lay off. Jet doesn't demand that you thank him. Although you're grateful for his help, he and you both know you technically didn't need it. The two of you make your way down the arena stairs.

Together you snag great seats and enjoy the show. You, obviously, are cheering for Do-Ein The Rock, but Jet seems to be rooting for, the clearly inferior, Jun Shina. The two of you get into a big bet while watching the match, agreeing that the loser pays for tea.

When you're not screaming at the match, or pushing Jet around in excitement, you're gaping wide-eyed at the competing earthbenders. Your whole life, you yearned for earthbending abilities or ANY kind of bending. It would've made your childhood a lot easier; alas, you were born a non-bender. You're impressed by the raw power displayed by the fighters, as they kick up massive dirt clouds, catapult hefty rocks, and raise their own earth podiums to gain the higher ground. These arena matches are by no means deadly. There's (usually) no serious injuries, and it's widely known that these matches are just for show; there's even acting bits that they throw in here and there. Even you love hearing the cheesy one-liners, especially Do-Ein The Rock's nonsensical catchphrase: "Can you smell- what Do-Ein The Rock- is bendin'?!"

Jet seems to prefer the line uttered by the other fighter, Jun Shina, "You can't see me!"

He yells this after kicking up a blinding cloud of sand, bending it into his opponent's eyes.

The match finally ends, and Jun Shina comes out victorious. You feel defeated as Jet teases you all the way back to the tea shop. It's dark out now, and you're surprised at how fast the time flew by. You can only hope the teashop is still open since you don't know their exact schedule.

You see the tea shop in the distance and sigh a breath of relief when you see the lights are still on. You reach the door, about to press inside, but Jet is no longer beside you? Looking back, you seem him a few feet behind.

"Uhh, you… okay?" you question. He's staring intensely at the tea shop.

"Yeah, yeah…. let's go in."

That was weird. Whatever, you're just excited for the chance to see Mushi again and try his tea. Together you open the doors to the tea shop and waltz inside. It's pretty late, the only people inside are an elderly couple and a younger looking girl. You recognize all three customers as locals from the area.

You lead Jet to a familiar table in the far right corner; the same table you've sat at on your previous visits. You slide into at chair and Jet takes a seat across from you.

Letting out a big sigh, glad to finally rest after today's excitement. Across the table, Jet is looking around restlessly, with shifting eyes... Impatient much? You also look around the tea shop for the two employees who you know. Uncle Mushi is nowhere to be seen, and you don't hear the sound of someone working in the kitchen.

Lee, however, is across the shop, busy speaking with that brown-haired girl. How long does it take someone's order? Now you too are becoming impatient. Turning back to Jet, you see him continue to watch Lee intensely.

"Ughh," You grumble. "That's just Lee. Probably the worst employee they have at this joint."

"Wait," Jet give you a tentative look. "You know that guy or somethin'?"

"Yeah, I know him, and his uncle too. They both—"

"Oh no, [Y/N], you need to stay away from them..."

Wait, what? Previously, LEE had told you to stay away from Jet. Now your pal Jet is telling you to avoid both Lee and Uncle Mushi?

"Jet, is there something you're not telling me?" How had you not noticed it before… something fishy is going on between Jet and this family who works at the tea shop.

He ignores the question, looking around the shop one more time before speaking.

"You know what? We should just get out of here." He stands up to leave, but you grab his hands and pull him right back down, looking him in his brown eyes.

"Ohhh no. Lee might be the most infuriating person I know, but that won't stop me from getting my delicious tea. Sit."

Before Jet can press this any further, Lee approaches your table. You look him up and down, and can't help but laugh to yourself, taking in his tea boy apron, goofy hair and- his mysterious scar... You're still curious to know how he got it.

Lee sighs, obviously not happy to see you. But when he looks over at Jet he stiffens up, eyes wide.

"You again?" Lee hisses at Jet. The two of them glare at each other, like two alley cats preparing to attack. Jet stands up aggressively; you don't try to stop him this time.

"Don't think I forgot about your little secret." He's out of his seat and making his way towards Lee, pointing a finger in his face. "I know what you are."

"Get out of here," Lee commands, crossing his arms. You're rather impressed that Lee has kept his cool so far. "I don't want to fight here."

Jet reaches for his hook swords, but you rush in between them. "Jet! What are you doing? Let's just go."

He scowls menacingly at Lee, but when he looks over at you, his expression softens. "You're... right. Ugh, come on." he resolves and makes his way for the front door.

You follow him, then something catches you by surprise. You're halfway out the teashop when Lee... shouts your name.

"[Y/N]! Don't go with him, he's dangerous!" You freeze at the sound of your name coming from Lee voice.

You've paused before the doorway.

"Don't listen to Lee." Jet tells you, then he yells into the shop, "If that's even your real name!" He leans toward your ear, grasping your hand as he whispers: "Let's get out of here."

No. It's ticking you off to hear commands barked at you from either side. You don't want to listen to either of these boys. Your whole life, you never let other people tell you what to do. Not at the wretched orphanage, not on the streets, not even in the market. Growing up alone with no parents, you've always played the role of your own guardian. And now, at the age of 16, you sure as hell don't need some guy telling you what to do. Follow orders isn't your style.

You pull your hand out of Jet's grasp. "Tell me what's going on."

"I will, I promise, but just come with me." You hate being told what to do, but the three of you have already caused a big enough scene. Unwillingly, you leave the tea shop with Jet. The two of you head for the stairs behind the building.

"All I wanted was some nice, hot, comforting, preferably White Jade tea. And then THAT happens. You better explain everything! How do you know Lee? What's this— secret, you know? Why are you- "

Jet gently presses a finger on your lips. "Shhh. There's something I haven't told you, and to be honest, it'll be hard to explain."

He pauses and thinks for a second.

"How about I show you instead? Meet here, late tomorrow night. I'll explain everything."

Before you can complain, he leans in to kiss you on the cheek and runs off into the night.

You're stunned, left in the darkness behind the tea shop, confused as hell.