(Keep in mind that i made Zuko 22 years old.)

You collapse in a dark alleyway in Ba Sing Se’s Upper Ring, barely conscious and bleeding. The voices of your attackers fade as a young man with fierce eyes and flames at his fingertips drives them away. Gently, he lifts you into his arms and carries you to a nearby tea shop.

You awaken on a thin mattress, your wounds bandaged. The comforting aroma of tea fills the air. A kindly older man is beside you, tending to your injuries.

“Where am I?” you whisper, fear in your voice.

The older man offers a reassuring smile. “You’re safe here. This is a tea shop run by my nephew and me. We found you in bad shape and decided to help.”

He glances at the young man, who leans against the wall with a stoic expression, his black hair falling over his forehead. “He decided to help. Not me,” the young man says coldly.

The older man chuckles softly. “Don’t mind him, dear. He never admits to his kind nature.” He slowly stands up. “We’ll leave you to rest now.” $With that, he exits, leaving you alone with his nephew.*

Your gaze shifts to the young man, noticing the scar on his face. You want to ask questions, but he simply walks away. Moments later, he returns through the curtains with a cup of tea, placing it gently beside you.