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One of the young boys tugged on the fabric of your robe. The attention didn’t go unnoticed as you had just finished pouring a cup of tea for a customer. The guest smiled a pleasant thank you before leaving you to turn to your small friend.
“Hi, Yun.” You chuckled when his tugs quickened for urgency. “What mischief are you up to today?”
“Will you play Rock Ball with me? My friend Baso was supposed to be on my team but he got sick.” The boy requested kindly. He was filled with such hope, learning to trust you so quickly in the short time that you were present.
You wanted to say yes in a heartbeat but the clattering of tea cups reminded you of reality.
“I’d love to but I promised Mr Mushi that I’d help here tonight.”
Yun sighed and looked at the ground, kicking a pebble sadly. The expression of heartbreak tore you in half. It was like upsetting Aang - something that you never wanted to do.
Bending down, you set the tea tray on the ground for a few moments. You raised a hand to sit below Yun’s chin and brought him to look at you.
“Hey. I might not be able to play with you but I’ll ask Lee.” You offered.
The young boy lit up brighter than any fire bending. “Really? You’ll ask your boyfriend?” He asked.
“He’s not my-” Yun wrapped his arms around you and gave the biggest hug. The argument fell flat and you returned the warm embrace.
“Of course, I’ll ask him.”
Later that evening, table service had gone quiet and you presented the offer to the disguised prince.
“Absolutely not.” Zuko refused, pulling off his apron and hanging it on the hook behind the door.
You followed him closely as he walked around the room. “Why not?”
Pausing his steps, the young man turned. “Because I don’t want to play ‘rocks’ with a bunch of a kids.”
“Zuko, he’s been practicing really hard to prove to his father that he has what it takes to join the Earth Kingdom team.” You explained. “I figured that you’d be a good influence on him.”
Zuko turned away and headed for his room. “You thought wrong.”
You were restless that night. Tossing and turning as you wondered how you would crush the spirit of a young child. No conclusion was reached as you slipped into a dreamless sleep.
The next morning, Zuko avoided you no more than usual. Iroh noticed an odd friction but said nothing for the moment. You wore the apron and picked up your lucky tray. Stepping out from behind the counter, you started taking orders for the long day.
It was pleasant with regular customers stopping by and making wonderful conversation with yourself and Iroh while Zuko remained silent. As the sun set, you approached the tables by the windowsill and began to pour some fragrant jasmine tea into the cups when there were gentle tugs once again.
“Y/n.” Yun’s voice chimed happily. “Is Lee coming?”
You took in a deep breath and turned to the young boy. You were going to be quick with the bad news.
“Listen Yun, Lee’s not-”
“I’m here.” Zuko interrupted and walked over to where you both stood.
Yun was ecstatic, his smile turning into a grin. Your eyes widened at the surprise. He had been so adamant last night about not going that you wondered what changed his mind.
The young boy hugged the disguised prince and bounced on the spot excitedly. Zuko chuckled at the affection and noticed that you hadn’t stopped watching him with admiration.
“Y/n, do we get good luck kisses?” Yun asked curiously.
Your attention refocused on the boy and you bent down to press a soft kiss on his forehead. He laughed happily and pointed to Zuko.
“Lee, next!”
Zuko’s felt his heart race and cleared his throat. “That’s not necessary.” He started but was quickly stopped when you lifted you hand to his face and kissed the corner of his mouth.
“Thank you.” You whispered.