"Hey Zuko! Why don't you come over and join me and your uncle for the next round of pai sho? It's a fascinating game and there's nothing like a great cup of hot black tea to hit the spot."
Zuko ignored Dale's grating voice and maintained his look out from the bow of the ship. Five days had gone by since Iroh first invited Dale on board the ship and every moment strengthened his resolve to murder the man at soon as his seven days to find the Avatar expired. They were nearing Ember Island now and well into Fire Nation territory. At this point any ship—any living thing—would be considered hostile.
"Mhm! I don't know what your secret is Iroh but this is damn fine tea!"
"Would you shut up about the tea already? My honour is at stake here. Am I the only one who understands how important this is?"
Dale picked up his tea cup and walked over to Zuko, putting his other arm on his shoulder.
"Zuko, I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just let it happen. It could be a new hair tie for your ponytail at the market, a catnap in your meeting room, or two cups of good hot black tea. Like this."
Dale held out the tea cup to Zuko who was now shaking with the effort to control his anger. In one quick motion he hit Dale's arm off his shoulder and knocked the cup of tea overboard and into the ocean.
"Now you listen and you listen close," said Zuko. "If you ever try to tell me that I need to take a break then you just remember something. No one, and I mean no one is going to get in the way of me and my honour. You know what happened the last time someone decided I needed to learn something new? I was taught a permanent lesson ON MY FACE. The next time you try to speak to me about the way I live my life I won't wait until the punch line to throw you off this ship."