tushanshu | (no subject)

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[Iroh has a pot of tea and a teacup, obviously full]

I've heard that several Foreigners have opened businesses here. I wonder if you could advise me. The last time I ended up with a shop, it was simply a matter of serving the right man the right cup of tea.

Of course, if any of the local businesses want to branch out into tea, that would also be an option.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Uncle, you're thinking of starting up a tea shop again?

[ It shouldn't be that surprising, but Zuko's been so resistant to putting down any sort of roots here so far, that it's a little jolting to hear someone from home plans to. ]

Well, it is what I do.

[Well, not all of what he does, but it is what he loves.]

And if the Emperor insists on interrupting my retirement with his war, I can at least carry on as I was in Ba Sing Sei in between times.

[ Pacified... some. ]

This isn't the same as when we were in Ba Sing Se though. We know for a fact that we won't be staying here forever.

[ Not that Zuko really wanted to settle down and stay in Ba Sing Se forever when he was there though, but details. ]

That's right. If I start a business, i should leave instructions for the kedan for when I leave.

[ Oh... the exasperated sound Zuko just made. ]

That's not what I meant.

What did you mean?

I meant is there really a point in starting up anything like that in a place like this?

I don't want to waste my retirement, and it will provide some money for food and supplies once I open. Even if I have to leave it halfway done, I'll still enjoy the job and hope the next owner will as well.

[ He opens his mouth. Looks like he wants to argue on this one, but then seems to think better of and snaps his mouth shut.

Look at him. Growing up. ... ish. ]

It won't be as easy this time as it was in Ba Sing Se.

Yes, I've been here for two months and no one has offered me a tea shop yet.

[ Crossing his arms. ]

Even if you find someone to advise you, you'll need a few more people to help you set things up.

[ You know, a few people besides Zuko, because obviously he's already counting himself as part of this undertaking. ]

[Yeah, Iroh figured that Zuko would.]

As long as I'm not pulling you away from a job you'd prefer, you are welcome to be one of those people.

I don't have a job here, and didn't have any plans on getting one.

[ But if it's helping his uncle, maybe he'll make an exception. ]

I would appreciate your assistance, then. I seem to remember you haven't forgotten how to make tea.

My tea isn't as good as yours, uncle. I'm not sure you want me to be the one making it.

[ This isn't even him being down on himself right now, it's just the truth. ]

Well... yes, but one man's tea alone does not a successful shop make. And you've improved a great deal.

[Iroh won't say Zuko's tea is as good as his own. Because he would fool no one.]

[ What is that? What? Does Zuko almost look... pleased at the compliment? Yep, that's definitely almost a smile. ]

Thank you, uncle.

You're welcome

[ Right, well... ]

It'll probably be some time before I'll need to make tea for anyone though.

Not even yourself? I suppose the weather has improved enough that you won't be cold.

It doesn't matter how good the tea I make for myself is.

[ Though nine out of ten times he won't even bother and will just drink water anyway. ]

Well, you are the one who drinks it.

Exactly! So it's not like it mattered how it tasted.

[ Flawless logic. ]

Well, if it is how you like it...

[Seriously, this is an alien thought to Iroh. Why would you make tea that wasn't good to drink? At least Zuko knows his uncle has strong opinions on tea. ]

It works if I need something to drink.

[ But then again, so does water. ]