𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑬𝑪𝑹𝑬𝑻 𝑻𝑶 𝑨 𝑺𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑮𝑬𝑹 𝑻𝑬𝑨 , nephew , is not steeping it for longer , but rather , using more leaves ——— this creates a powerful flavour ; the more it sits , the more bitter it becomes . The words of his uncle danced around in his mind as he stared at the loose leaves of the camellia sinensis bush , stirring them gently into the boiling water . Over the last few years , each recipe and technique came to the young man a little more naturally . . . or , at least , he assumed , since Iroh was no longer dejectedly referring to it as hot leaf juice . Was this where he wanted to be ? No , not really . Was it better than being a homeless , weary traveller toting around a now useless degree ? . . . to be determined , he thinks to himself .
𝑴𝑬𝑻𝑨𝑳 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑾 . It wasn’t particularly common amongst the regular crowds , but especially not without the request of something to sweeten it . . . he wasn’t in any place to judge ——— so long as the patrons tipped , but this particular tea packed a punch that few favoured ; an acquired taste . Calloused fingers handled steaming pots of tea , and really , he’s used to the burning sensations that accompanied the work by this point . You have a real case of the hot hands , Zuko , his uncle’s voice lurks in the back of his mind , and it’s almost like he can hear his laughter . . . no , wait ——— that is his laughter . The old man was making his rounds to each customer inside their tiny shop , garnering new acquaintances and ensuring their experience in this corner of the city was the best it could be . He had such kind eyes , and a pleasant way about him that Zuko himself could never possess , not even if he tried . Customer service had never been his strong suit anyhow . “ Uh . . . Veronica ! ” he says , turning on his heels as he sets the cup of tea down on the pick - up counter , the boom in his chest just loud enough to capture the attention of the recipient .
⠀⠀⠀﴾ i. 𝑪𝑳𝑶𝑺𝑬𝑫 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹 ╱ @forgenotes . ﴿
