Everyone was pouring into the Jasmine Dragon for tea, seeking relief from the massive heatwave gripping the city. It was still the first week of June, and the tea shop's air conditioning was a much-needed escape.
Aang and his best friend, Zephyr, arrived mid-morning to find the tea shop swarming with patrons. Their friend Zuko and his family were working hard to accommodate everyone. Eventually, Aang and Zephyr managed to get a small table in a tight corner.
When Zuko's companion, Akira, came to take their order, Aang had to translate for Zephyr since most people didn't know sign language. One look at Zephyr told you they were an exceptionally unique individual. They had a petite build, angular characteristics, and heterochromatic eyes. They wore vivid green and pink androgynous attire with greenish-black hair styled in an undercut and an enormous gold earring in their left ear.
Aang noticed Zephyr looking uncomfortable with how congested the place was. He knew Zephyr well enough to understand their discomfort with judgmental stares. It wasn't often you encountered someone who was both deaf and genderfluid. What bothered Zephyr the most was the lack of respect they frequently received. Aang quickly signed, "Calm down and take deep breaths, Zephyr. You know Akira wasn't intentionally disrespecting you."
Zephyr narrowed their eyes before signing back rapidly. Aang had to stop them and sign for them to slow down. "Apologies, Aang. I know our friends aren't judgmental or trying to be rude. It's just frustrating not being able to communicate with others! You're the only one who's learned sign language and can tell when I'm male or female."
Aang took a calming breath before signing, "That's not entirely true. My mom, Akanke, made sign language a mandatory class at school. It's just that people haven't gotten the hang of it yet. Furthermore, switching between male and female is a subtle change. Give them some time." Aang encouraged his companion.
Their tea arrived, and this time, Akira attempted to sign an apology to Zephyr. He got it incorrect, but Aang helped him get it correct. Zephyr nodded, showing they admired the effort. As they sipped their favorite teas, Aang grinned. "See? Akira tried to apologize. Even if he accidentally signed 'I'm farting' instead of 'I'm sorry,' he made the effort."
Zephyr played with their earring momentarily, then signed, "Okay, you have a point. Some people do try. I guess I need to be more patient with those who don't fully understand what it means to be genderfluid. I don't want to be judged or disrespected. I can't do the same to others. That would make me a hypocrite."
"Yes, it would, Zephyr. We'll work together to help our friends understand you better. So you can be truly heard and accepted. That's a promise."
Zephyr then stroked Aang's thigh under the table, making Aang blush. "I knew I could count on you, lover boy," they signed with a grin. Aang looked a bit embarrassed before signing back quickly.
"Zephyr! We agreed you wouldn't do that in public! I like you more then a friend, but I'm not ready to admit it to our friends yet."
"Are you embarrassed about being pansexual?" Zephyr signed, crossing their arms in displeasure. Aang took a moment to collect himself before signing back.
"No, I'm not comfortable announcing it to our friends yet. My mom says I should practice before telling everyone you're more than my best friend. I want to be accepted for who I am, too."
"Then we'll work up the courage to show the world who we really are!"
"Yes, but let's finish our tea first." The lovers enjoyed each other's company and some fantastic tea.