AN: So, I'm super sorry for making you wait this long for a chapter. Life got in the way and I got a bit of writer's block. I tried making it longer but it was all awful...
Hope you enjoy :)

The second day I went to "The Jasmine Dragon" I took a little longer examining the small establishment. The serving desk was at the opposite end of the room, with a small jasmine dragon placed next to the display of cakes and pastries on offer. Armchairs, sofas, and, oddly, beanbags were placed around low tables. Iroh had told me they were a joke made by his nephew, and he had bought some to infuriate him. Iroh owned the place and worked the counter, but was currently leaning against the granite fireplace at the right of the room.

"Katara, how wonderful it is to see you again! And so soon, my dear!" He walked towards me with a beaming smile splitting his face almost in two.

"Well, I couldn't resist coming back for some more of those cakes. Normally Fire Nation food is too spicy for me, but that tea complements it perfectly." There was something about him that made me cheerful.

"Near the counter? Lunch menu?" He led me over to a table without waiting for an answer, he could read me like a book.

"How's that nephew of yours?" Iroh had told me that his nephew was really grumpy at the moment the day before.

"Unfortunately he is still the same, I was hoping he would help me but apparently he is working on something for school. I don't believe him." He grinned. However much Iroh complained, he did love his nephew like a son. It was evident in the way he spoke about him.

"He'll come around, you'll see. Guys are too lazy to stay grumpy at the same person for too long." I returned the man's smile while shaking my head with amusement.

"I will assume you mean younger men than I, my dear." His eyes twinkled with humour.

"I doubt you would be able to be grumpy." I stared at him, struggling to keep a straight face as I imagined it.

"Well, thank you. Now, what would you like to have today?"

Most days passed in a similar fashion. Eventually I started getting bored of mornings at home. This made my daily outings even longer, but I never went straight to "The Jasmine Dragon". Occasionally I would window shop, but the majority of the time I spent at an enormous second-hand book store. Most days I would head for my usual lunch with a book or five tucked into my handbag. Iroh and I would talk about my purchases every day, sometimes ending up with me relinquishing a book to him.

"I have good mornings, great lunches, but my money is running out and I have really dull afternoons. I don't suppose you have any suggestions as to what I should do, do you?" I hinted a few weeks after our first meeting.

"You could work here sometimes. A steady income, a great discount, and the pleasure of my company." His tone told me he knew exactly what I was asking, and that he was thrilled.

"When can I start?" I think I was a little overexcited, several other customers turned to stare.

"I'll do your orientation now, give you an application after, then hand it in at 10 tomorrow morning."

"Great!" I spoke a little quieter, but still struggled to contain my excitement. "I'll also be a lot calmer, so I won't spill the tea everywhere."

Iroh laughed, then proceeded to show me around the kitchen, the counter, and the break room. There was one door we didn't go through which led to his flat.

"I expect he's still brooding. He won't talk to me about it. I'd him to help so he could take his mind off whatever's bothering him, but his tea tastes disgusting." He smiled as he spoke about his nephew, warmth and laughter dancing across his features.

A cup of tea later and I was on my way, contract in hand.