AN: So sorry this took forever. I've been so busy, and it was hard getting back on track.
Enjoy. (Still do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender)
"I had never seen so many people leave so quickly," Iroh said with a deep sigh. "After that scene you caused today, I thought they would never leave!" Paying no attention to his uncle's remarks, Zuko lugged himself around the kitchen, making an effort to clean up. It was nearing closing time at the teashop, and he wanted more than anything to go home and sleep. After the "teacup incident" he took over kitchen duty, which was ultimately the reason for the departing of numerous customers. (Zuko was not at all an expert at making tea.) The extra work, added to the unnecessary fiasco Zuko endured this afternoon left him far beyond exhausted.
"I don't think I'm going to work at the teashop anymore, Uncle. All this, the customers, the teacups, it's too much,"
"Oh, but Prince Zuko! You were doing so well, and you have to admit, working at the teashop has its share of fun."
"If fun means waking up early, dealing with hundreds of customers, and being publicly humiliated, then yes, it's fun. I'm telling you Uncle, I'm done."
Iroh appeared reluctant. The last thing he wanted was for Zuko to quit working at the teashop; it gave him the perfect opportunity to watch over him, and it was his leeway of actually spending time with his nephew.
"But—"
"Done."
Iroh sighed. "Well, if you insist" he said in a downhearted tone. "Probably the best for you, actually. At least now you'll have more free time to spend with your friends."
Zuko was left in awe by this comment. "Friends? I don't have friends, Uncle. This city doesn't even have vegetables worthy to look at. I don't associate with people here."
"On the contrary Prince Zuko, while you were busy hiding away in the kitchen, I became well acquainted with a boy who believed he knew you. In fact, he had an uncanny interest in you, I just assumed—"
"Enough!" Zuko roared. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"That boy, was still there? Even after I… left?" Zuko became overcome with embarrassment as said these words.
"Oh! So you do know him!" His uncle exclaimed, gleefully. "I'm so glad you've finally opened up and made friends!"
Zuko was struck speechless. He had bolted out of the shop so fast he didn't see whether the boy left or not. He had never seen that boy before, and now his uncle claims that he was "interested" in him? He didn't understand.
Stammering, he asked "Uncle, what do you mean by… interested?"
Not noticing his nephew's uneasiness, Iroh scratched his head in attempt to recollect. "Well… he asked if you worked here regularly."
"And… what did you tell him?"
Chuckling, his uncle
replied, "Well, I wasn't too sure, really. I said it all depended
on your mood."
Zuko didn't know how to react to his uncle's
comment.
Being unable to distinguish his feelings of anger and humiliation, he made for the exit. Iroh was left in the teashop, with an inevitable look of confusion on his face.
Zuko did nothing but grunt most of the walk home. One minute, he was beating himself up for making such a fool of himself in front of that guy. The next, a rush of excitement came over him each time he envisioned his haughty—almost attractive—face.
Nonetheless, Zuko had that boy on his mind, plenty a reason to want a fire-blast straight to the head.
Losing his sense of direction, he decided to take a rest along the side of the road. For the second time today, he found himself thinking too much. He was just about to doze off when he saw a tall figure standing over him.
"Who are you!?" Zuko screamed, clumsily shuffling in attempt to stand up. This did absolutely no good for him, as the shuffling only caused dust and dirt to arise, obscuring the figure's face even more. Much to his surprise, and annoyance, the figure did nothing but laugh.
"Hi there" the man said. Judging by the deepness of his voice, Zuko had only figured it was a man, and hoped.
"Who are you?" Zuko asked again, clearing the dust away from his face (and trying to fight his urge to sneeze), he drew closer to the man, and suddenly it hit him.
"You!" shouted Zuko. It wasn't until moments later he realized his poor choice of words.
"Me?" the familiar young man asked, childishly pointing to his chest.
"Yes, you. Who are—Why are you following me?"
"Simple," a smile spreading across his face, "I never properly introduced myself."
With that, he held out his hand in attempt for a handshake. "The name's Jet."
"Lee" Zuko replied, grabbing Jet's hand. Jet's grip was firm, and shook strong. Zuko returned the gesture.
"Lee, Lee, Lee." Jet said. "That was quite a show you put on for me back at that teashop." Arrogant, he started clapping his hands as if Zuko was some sort of circus act. Zuko thought he was just making an ass of himself.
"I'm going home now." Zuko said, trying to suppress any emotion in his voice. He wasn't going to stand there and be mocked by someone he just met. He brushed the remaining dust off his clothes, and attempted to leave.
"No, wait." Zuko felt a familiar touch on his shoulder; there was a hint of desperation in Jet's voice. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."
"You didn't" Zuko replied, frigidly. His back was still to Jet.
"Either way, I really hoped you and I could be friends. I mean, it would be a lot easier to get to know this place from someone who knows firsthand, right?"
Zuko did nothing. It was though his stomach was doing back flips. He didn't know what to say.
"Say yes" Jet said, as if he read Zuko's mind. Zuko turned to face him; Jet's face grew closer to his. Their eye contact was steadfast; neither of them dared look away.
His eyes are so amazing"What do you say?" Jet spoke again. There faces grew even closer.
"Friends?"
Zuko closed his eyes and sensed Jet doing the same. His whole body was overcome with butterflies. He knew what he wanted; he was full of aware of what he was about to do. Their noses were touching now, their faces pulling towards each other and drawing close to a kiss…
Just as their lips were about to touch, Jet pulled away.
Breaking the silence, he let out a soft, sweet chuckle.
He whispered softly into Zuko's ear, "I take that as a yes."
Zuko opened his eyes, only to find Jet gone. He worriedly looked around, hoping this was another one of his childish tricks. No, how could he have gone?
He gave up minutes later, and decided that it was definitely time to go. With one last look for the hazel-eyed youth, he headed home.
All in one day he made a friend maybe more.