In the still of the night (Narook's)

[Sarika]

The air was warm and sticky with the stench of stir fry, the dark terryaki sauce pungent with it's layers of soy and salt. The dim saffron colored lights illuminated the Noodlery with a warm glow that seemed to only accentuate the dark sepia toned tables that were still sticky with soy sauce from the dinner rush. It was late evening, not quiet closing time yet and the two lingering cooks and a bus boy had turned up the radio to listen to the latest Pro Bending match. Narook himself had gone home hours ago, and Sarika was the only waitress on staff at the moment.

In one arm, she balanced a couple of dirty, wide bowls, noodles hanging off the side of one as a half eaten octopus tried to escape. She had rolled her sleeves up to try and save the powdery blue fabric from being stained but it was of no avail, she'd smell like soy sauce tonight. She reached across and grabbed another plate, just as the Harbor Town Hog Monkeys knocked the last of the BoarQ-Pines into the moat surrounding the field to win the match. Sarika yelped with joy, jerking her body upward as she quickly pointed at the two cooks and lazy busboy sitting at the bar, the radio inbetween them.

"That's 10 yuan boys! Home town heros bringing it once again!" She exclaimed jubilantly, her grease splattered bangs flopping into her eyes. "That's right! My Hog Monkeys are gonna win this one!" She set the last bowl on the stack and sauntered her way towards the bar, swinging her hips with each confident step. The boastful girl threw her chin in the air as she passed the men. "Uh huh, that's right. Never bet against a Sadik, gentlemen. Or a Xiang for that matter." She stepped into the back, still able to watch them from the pass through to drop the dishes off at the sink. At the sight, she raised her upper lip into a sneer and practically recoiled.

"Spirits! Sudhir, you need to clean this up! I swear we're about to create a 6th nation back here." Backing away from the sink, she flicked her hands as if trying to rid them of grime and came to the front where the guys were grumbling between themselves. She slided up next to the burliest cook, an older man from the Southern Water Tribe who had a thick beard. She elbowed him with a sly grin. "So where's my money, Ahtahka?"

[Chen Li]

Chen walked down the darkened street, nervously glancing around. He hated working late shifts, because he always ended up walking home in the dark. Alone. And the gangs hadn't gotten any less bold than they were years ago when they beat him half-senseless. So he was always watching over his back, looking for anything that might indicate trouble.

He was wearing his knickerbockers today... Green shirt over brown pants, and his brown vest. He looked as tired as he felt, since he'd started early that day and worked late. Thankfully, tomorrow was an off day, so he'd have time to recover. But right now, what he really needed was food, and some rest.

He turned his blue eyes on the sign of the restaurant. Still lights on- it must be open late, he decided. "Narook's", it said. A noodlery? That'd be decent, he decided. He liked Water Tribe grub, usually. This close to water, the fish were fresh caught too. He walked inside, closing the door quietly behind him. He looked around for a waitress or anybody to seat him, but it seemed that she was busy bragging about some pro-bending team that had won. He wondered how Shen was doing, suddenly... training, more than likely, or awaiting his next match. And Nanuk... he'd have to see them tomorrow at the bar, if they were around. This late, though, they didn't get together to do anything. They were likely already sleeping.

He gave up waiting on the waitress, and sunk into a seat, scratching at his stubble. He guessed that she'd get there when she got there, and that until then he'd wait. He sighed and stretched, his muscles tight from sitting most of the day... he really needed to get out and do something, or he'd not stay in shape. He turned his sunken eyes to see her walking into the room. Finally. He could get some food. He ran a hand through his hair tiredly, waiting for her to walk over.

[Sarika]

Ahtahka the wizzed older man feigned an off sound, dropping his buckled shoulders and letting his dragon cap fall off his balding head. He caught it in his large, taupe hands and flipped it over, looking at it while frowning underneath a thick, brushy beard of salt and pepper. "You'll get your money, Sarika. In time.. in Time. The game is not over yet." He mused quietly before popping his pale slate blue cap on her head. "Now.. you've got a customer."

Sarika straightened up and rolled her eyes at the men. Sudhir, a very dark skinned Earth Kingdom youth was chuckling behind his hands at her, trying not to make eye contact. Sarika, a pretty young woman with vibrant mint eyes, glared at Sudhir. She pointed jerkily at her eyes with her two fingers then flipped the gesture around on him as she side stepped away from the bar. The woman, still wearing the simple and plain dragon cap, a half-sphere shaped cap made up of 8 panels of powder blue silk sewn together, approached the young man who had seated himself. Her thin bangs, slashed diagonally hung to the right of her face to her chin, the thick body of hair divided between a large fan-shaped topknot and three long braids.

Her lips spread into a toothy grin, showing that missing canine as she fished a small pad of parchment out of her crisp half-apron. Now one would normally think a waitress would stop politely at the table and inquire as to the guest's request. Not Sarika and not this late in the evening. She stepped around the table and slid right into the booth right up next to the young man. Rubbing shoulders with the clientele, Sarika held her parchment pad out infront of her.

"Heya. I'm Sarika, that's Ahtahka, Seok and the short one." "Hey!" "is Sudhir. " She blinked at him, thick lashes fluttering as she took a moment to let it all sink in. She was dressed in the typical uniform of Narook's a buttery cream blouse with a fluted collar, and a soft blue Shen-yi jacket. Decorative knot work held the jacket closed with darker, royal blue ribbon. 'Never seen you around here. need a menu?''

[Chen Li]

He did indeed expect her to pull out a bit of paper and take his order. Or at least, he'd expect her to sit down across from him, and talk a little about how hard it was to work this late at night, talk about how good certain entrees were, maybe even, if she was so tired or bold, join him and eat dinner on her break.

No, she had to violate his personal boundaries far past that. She came up and sat down RIGHT beside him. Not even on the same side of the table, but so close their shoulders touched. She seemed completely unfazed by it. Compared to him, drained, tired, and nervous, she seemed energized, confidant, ready. And the way she looked at him made him particularly uncomfortable. His cheeks colored brightly. When she spoke, he could only stammer out "H-hi..." She had spoken too quickly for him to protest her presence so close to him- perhaps she had intended that.

At her question he nodded quickly. "Yes, I'm hungry." He suddenly was. Anything to get his mind of the subject of this woman. He shifted a little away from her. This was not the kind of attention he relished. He much preferred quiet conversation with his friends. Situations like this made him nervous and twitchy.

While waiting for a menu, he glanced at her. He usually took time to think through what he was going to say before saying it, because that's just how he was. She was violating his personal boundaries faster than he could think of ways to tell her to leave or get away from him. At this point, he was too tired to care too much about it. She was making it difficult for him to think or respond in time to do anything, even if he wasn't this tired.

[Sarika]

Her eyes narrowed bemusedly at this young man who shined away from her. Sarika took this as a bit of a challenge and leaned even more into him for a moment. However, as he stammered, she relaxed and took on a more proper sitting position. So he was hungry, of course, Makes sense. She closed her eyes and nodded, almost sagely as she leaned her head against her arm, supported by her elbow.

"Mmhm.. Sure. Sudhir!" Suddenly, she turned to shout at the busboy who was still with the cooks, gathered at the bar listening to the radio. The dining room was bathed in a warm yellow glow from the authentic whale blubber lamps - the electric lights were dimmed for effect. The young man, dressed in the male's version of the Narook uniform, but with a full white apron, turned to glare at her, his dark spiky hair falling just gently into his eyes. He did not take kindly to his late night pro-bending match being interrupted.

"Throw me a menu." She commanded with a sharpness to her voice that clearly indicated she was respected, if not had one of those good relationships with her co workers where they could knock each other about. The older teen sighed heavily and reached behind the radio to grab one of the stiff card stock menus that was propped up at the bar. He tossed it to her, whizzing it through the air like a discus.

Sarika lept up from the table, knocking the table with her hip as she did so but she caught the whirling card and in one smooth motion slapped it down on the table. "Here's our staples, of course the guys are always happy to customize or make some more traditional meals that aren't listed. They can also cook varieties more suited to Earth Kingdom or Fire Nation pallets. I like the Chawanmushi myself.." She trailed off, pointing to the egg-custard that was listed as containing grilled shrimp and fish cake in it.

"Now.." Turning towards him like a proper waitress, she held up her little notebook and looked down her nose at him, all with that pretty little grin of hers. "Can I get you a drink? Rice wine?"

[Chen Li]

He watched with a bemused expression as she called to the boy, who seemed none to happy about it, for a menu. He remembered those days. He used to work at a place rather like this... he could hardly remember what they even served. Some kind of mixture of various cooking traditions, perhaps? Nothing memorable, like this place, focused on one tradition, not melting into a conglomeration of confused tastes and smells, but becoming a part of the whole by offering up it's own unique flavors and decor.

As she got up, he winced, half expecting the menu to fly into his face. It didn't though, but he still had a wince on his face as she turned. He hadn't expected her to slap the menu down- she'd almost taken off his nose. He put his elbows down on the table, and supported his head with his upturned palms, scanning it with tired eyes as she went through the various menu items, and gave her recommendation. He looked over some of the items, not particularly familiar with them. He had never made it his goal to eat at specialty restaurants, and so this would be new for him.

As she turned to him, he looked up at her, and she gave him that cute smile again. His cheeks colored mildly- he was ready for it this time. He smiled back at her, a tired, half-smile, but a smile nonetheless. "I'd take the wine, but I think it'd put me to sleep. Just water please. And, uh..." He looked back down at the menu, looking through it for something SIMPLE... "Just some udon and fish please. Light on the seasoning." He had remembered just in time for that last comment. He HAD heard a little about water-tribe seasoning, and he didn't want to spend his day off with an upset stomach because of strong seasonings.

He then, expecting her to go off and help with the order, laid his arms down, almost like a pillow, and rested his head on them, closing his eyes. He let out a breath, relaxing. This was his time to unwind, he thought. Maybe if he napped a bit while the cooking was being done, he'd take her up on the rice wine later. Maybe. Maybe he'd just sleep through dinner. His thought process and senses slowed and dulled, and he neither heard nor saw...

[Sarika]

She perused her lips off to the side, making one of those faces that clearly said 'Not Impressed'. It seems Sarika wouldn't be able to pour herself a little glass of the rice wine. None the less, she nodded and put her writing pad away as the request was so simple she would remember it. The cooks would be happy with a simple meal request, infact Seok, the younger of the two had already headed back into the kitchen and was heating the water for the noodles.

"Udon with Fish and water it is. Light on the season" She confirmed the bland order, commenting in her mind how dull the food would be. Of course her own experience with Water Tribe food was her Mother's cooking which was strongly Earth Kingdom leaning due to her father's preference and the area of the world they lived in. Sarika turned back towards the staff, still gathered around the radio - just in time as Shiro Shinobi annouced with his usual glee that the Harbor Town Hog Monkeys had won the game.

Sarika shrieked a war cry, throwing both arms into the air, her her fingers flashing a two fingered V-for-Victory sign as she leaned back on her heels. "Woo! That's my team!" She jogged up to the bar, quickly pushing Sudhir out of the way as she grabbed a seat next to the radio to hear the crowd in the arena celebrating. She was smiling from ear to ear as she nudged the bus boy and leaned close, cackling gleefully. "I'll be able to rub this in Ai Fen's face tomorrow like nobody's business." Sudhir was silent as he gave her one of those 'Okay, you crazy.' sort of looks, Nodding his head only once as he put his chin on his hand. Continuing grin, Sarika spun off the stool and sauntered around the bar, her heels clicking on the wooden floor. Quickly grabbing a glass from under the bar, she twisted the faucet on as she knelt.

She then pointed at the water that was streaming out of the iron faucet, conjuring the water stream to curl upward and stream around her fingers to pour into the glass in her hand. As she turned off the faucet, she spun around to speak to Seok and Ahtahka who had joined in by the fish frying station, "Don't forget, light on the seasoning." and continued to backwards walk her way out and around to the lonely man sitting in the corner. "There you go." She said with a clink of the glass, not expecting him to lift his head. He seemed like a bummer of a good time.. or maybe he was just tired. Either way there was the briefest of sympathetic glances before she strolled back to join the others as the Probending Arena was cleared and prepared for the next game.

[Shen Fàn]

Why had he left so early? What had been going through his head when he'd made this decision? Walking in a somewhat reluctant manner, and looking back every so often as if someone were following him, Shen had decided long ago that he had made a mistake in closing shop for the night, and leaving the arena. It likely would have been more responsible of him to keep the stand open, considering one of the biggest games of the week was set to take place, but he couldn't help it. Regardless of how many fans they brought in, Shen couldn't stop the constant retching that overtook his being every time the White Falls Wolfbats took center stage. It wasn't so much the over the top manner in which they presented themselves to the fans, or even the arrogance they exuded so as to stunt their opponents psychologically. No, it was simply the presence of their team captain, that bastard called Tahno, that made Shen nearly toss his cookies in the broth each time they were on the field. Tahno. He was so very lucky to be given the chance to compete in the big leagues, and yet he wasted it by relying on cheap tricks and flashy play to get by. Not only that, but without the support of the fourth man, the Wolfbats might find it a bit more difficult to maintain the confidence that was so important to them. Why is it that people are such sheep? Shaking his head and running a cold hand over his features, Shen lamented the state of the typical pro-bending fangirl that made sure Tahno was a celebrity wherever he ventured.

Regardless of his reasons for leaving, however, Shen regretted that he could not see the end of the Hog Monkeys game. It had been quite the nail-biter, and he knew Nanuk had some money riding on the game, but he just couldn't risk seeing the beginning of Tahno and company's display of absolute overcompensation. Deciding to stop in somewhere in the hopes that someone may be able to update him on the state of the game, Shen began to look of to the side. He would be willing to waste a bit of money if it meant putting his mind at rest, and knowing how the game had ended. Seeing that the only candidate for a place to sit down was some Water Tribe joint, Shen sighed and braced himself for a night of crappy food and creepy fishies. Narook's. He felt as though he'd heard of this place from someone, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Assuming that it was merely the result of him having walked past the place and then immediately documented its name in the recesses of his mind, Shen didn't think this phenomena odd at all, and began to walk toward the door. Spying through the window to check out the interior, he saw something of a welcome sight. His good friend Chen was sitting at a nearby table, and had just been served his food by a waitress that he had to admit didn't hurt the place's chances of earning his business. Walking in as the non-responsive Chen was served a drink, he smirked at his lack of interest in the situation, and noted that the radio was broadcasting the wonderfully familiar voice of Shiro Shinobi. Seeing this as something of a triumph, he slowly made his way over to where Chen was seated before relaxing his hands and pounding on the man's table with his open palms so as to shock him to alertness.

The words he spoke bursting forth as if they were part of his laughter, themselves, Shen exclaimed "Chen! It's been way too long, how you been?" He knew that the non-bender wouldn't appreciate Shen's display of his lack of common decency toward anyone but his customers, but he couldn't pass up an opportunity to brighten Chen's night like this. Not to mention, his friend's presence meant he could refrain from ordering any of the previously mentioned seafood without being seen as rude or, more than likely, kicked out of the place. Sliding and plopping into a seat across from his friend, Shen couldn't help but notice the distinct smell of stir-fry in the air. He could always tell the authenticity of Water Tribe food by how much seasoning it forced him to use. If he had to empty damn near all of the nearby shakers onto his plate, he knew that the food may as well have come from the poles themselves.

Knowing that with Chen, he often had to initiate the conversation before things really took off, Shen took the initiative and launched into a topic he knew would only lead to further hilarity as it developed. "So who's the girl? Looked like she was getting pret-ty close to you, my dear En-Brother. Maybe tonight's your lucky night!" He glanced over to the girl, who seemed to be winding down from celebrating results that had recently been broadcast. "Or maybe she just wants you to empty your pockets." He shrugged. "Either way, I hope you're making her work for it." Shen chuckled once more, the laughter erupting from him in the playful manner that Chen would be so used to, at this point. Chen and Shen had known each other for quite a while, and it wasn't so much due to a lack of familiarity that they hadn't spoken recently as it was a lack of opportunity. Shen knew Chen was working hard, as he had always been a rather responsible guy, and he himself also had his hands full being at the arena almost every night. What a pair of boring adults the two of them had turned out to be. Regardless, Shen tried his best to spice up their interactions when he could, and Chen was generally far more loose once he was around someone he knew.


Moving his attention from his friend for just a moment, Shen craned his head and called over to said waitress in a rather blunt, direct manner. "Hey! What's the story?" He asked, gesturing over to the radio and clearly asking to know what happened with the Hog Monkeys.

[Chen Li]

Hearing his glass being filled somewhere in his dream, he waited motionless as he counted her footsteps towards his table. One, two, three, four, a fast sauntering motion, probably waggling her hips again. He couldn't tell if it was for his benefit or to get at his coin, but then this was a dream... a half dream. Don't put airs on yourself young man. Advice from his youth came flying back to him, and he smiled at the table, where nobody could see. That time... so much simpler. The glass clinked down on the table, and he heard the steps as she sauntered away after her comment, echoing into his consciousness slowly.

He drifted off after that. Not really awake, not really asleep- just exhausted. He didn't see or hear, not really. Just callings and echoes of the present. At least, at first. Then he heard something that woke him right up.

He cried out "Ahh!" and jumped up, falling over backwards in his seat. He moaned for a moment before hearing Shen's rejoinder, and jumped up, glaring at him. Of course it was Shen. It was always Shen. But no matter what, he couldn't find the will to stay angry at him. He always tried to put the drive back into him, even when he was run down- no pun intended.

He spoke quietly. "Well, I WAS sleeping." He rubbed his head- it ached a little after he had fallen over, and his clothing was in slight disarray- no matter, he never had looked very professional. He looked over at Shen- the picture of energy and drive to succeed. Always the firecracker of the group... Chen sighed, and rested his head again as Shen looked around, taking in the sights. Chen was used to being the quiet one who waited for his turn to reply- he hardly ever spoke out of turn.

In keeping with this, he chose not to reply to either of his comments, and just gave a skeptical grunt, rolling his eyes at him. Shen had always liked to make fun of Chen that way... then again, Chen sort of invited it. And he had a thick skin. He watched with interest as Shen asked about the news. Pro-Bending wasn't a passion for Chen. It was just something to listen to on the news sometimes, or to talk about. It wasn't really something that drew his interest as much as, say, cars, or food, or women (the right ones, anyway). And even on those subjects, he spoke only rarely. On subjects like this, he hardly spoke at all... and so he remained silent as the conversation continued, his eyes watching the two as the rest of him rested and waited for his food- and Shen wasn't getting any this time. He was HUNGRY.

[Sarika]

Sarika had gone back to the bar with the dark skinned busboy, while the two cooks were busying themselves in the back of the kitchen, visible through a pass through. The pass thru had a warming shelf in it, flames powered by decorative trough made up of medium sized, whale blubber candles. The candles had burned down from the day's use and only a few were actually lit at the moment. She had just resumed her seat next to the radio with Sudhir, stretched out across the top of the bar, gripping the other side of the bar. She had heard the other young man enter, but had only given him a glance over her shoulder as he seemed to know the dozing patron. Raising an eyebrow she glanced at the man speaking softly to the one known as Chen.

She could hear him speaking softly but making no effort to hide his comments. At first, she sat up straight while giving Sudhir a knowing glance. After all, she was being noticed! It didn't happen every day, especially when Ai Fen was around with all her fine silks and linens, her expert makeup application and her coiffed hairdos. It was a damn shame she had to work tonight.. Ai Fen probably could have scored them tickets to the games. Feeling flattered, she pulled one of her braids around over her shoulder and was smoothing it with a sly smile when she heard..

"Or maybe she just wants you to empty your pockets."

Her head shot up, that little smile quickly becoming a sneering frown. Turning her head shortly, Sarika's expression was rather flat and blunt as the two men talked briefly. As if she needed his yuans! She worked hard for her own money! ...And with Ai Fen as her best friend, she had everything she could ever need (except her own Satomobile.) Like she'd work for anything that guy could offer, Sarika thought as she turned her button nose up. Sudhir snickered wheezily beside her, his scraggly hair falling around his face like a sheepdog. Oh she'd show them! Sarika propped the fluted, cream colored collar around her neck and spun around on the bar stool to slide off and onto her heels. The smell of undo egg noddles and weakened, but still insanely strong spice filled the air as Seok set the deep bowl onto the warming tray, "Thanks, Seok" She mumbled, grasping the warm bowl with a woven reed pad.

With sass, Sarika turned to the two men carrying the bowl of undon and fried fish. The man with the messy topknot had turned to ask her about the game.. the one who had suggested she was after their money. Which she was.. but not in that way. Quirking one eyebrow, She strolled over with a deliberate coldness in her step compared to the saunter she had earlier. "Hog monkeys won with a spectacular finish, knocking all the 'Pines into the drink." Stated with a superior tone. Obvious neither of them men were Pro-benders.. at least not professionals. Probably just fanboys.. she smirked as she turned her profile and silhouette to them to place Chen's steaming udon in front of him. "Wolf bats are up next. "She commented, raising her eyes to nod just in the direction of the Memorabilia Corner of the dining room. The walls of Narook's were covered with traditional Water Tribe gear and skins, except for one corner.. Plastered with the Water Tribes 'home grown' team, the White Falls WolfBats.. and their team leader, a Narook's regular, Tahno.

[Shen Fàn]

Taking note of the fact that Chen did not seem to appreciate his rather abrupt wake up call, Shen allowed a mischievous smile to make its way onto his face. Chen, Nanuk, and Shen; the three friends had been together since Nanuk had pulled Shen out of the way of that Satomobile all those years ago. Thinking back to it, it hadn’t been that he didn’t understand the way such machines ran. Rather, he had been somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer size and activity that Republic City presented, and had let his mind wander. Had it not been for Nanuk, Shen would not be standing here. However, Chen also provided Shen with a valuable friend; one who listened to him with a sort of quiet understanding and patience, and for that he was absolutely grateful. Shen cast a wandering eye over to the kitchen, looking for Chen’s order. He had something of a habit of munching on food from other people’s plates – a tendency, no doubt, that Chen was considerably aware of in this situation. Shen knew he would have to be sneaky if he wanted to catch his friend snoozing; he’d likely make use of some sort of distraction, or flanking maneuver. This was all entirely dependent on how the food looked – anything too fishy would have Shen ducking for cover before he’d willingly take a bite.

Turning his attention once more to their waitress, he saw that she was rapidly approaching, and most definitely did not look happy. Inquisitively raising an eyebrow, he listened as she described the win for the Hog Monkeys, filling him in on everything he needed to know. Nodding with a wide grin, he allowed himself a certain satisfaction at his successful pick this week. Although many had called for the Boar-q-Pines to take it based solely on their experience, Shen thought he saw something in the slightly younger Hog Monkeys. They had both potential and drive, and he’d spent the majority of the week trying to convince avid ‘Pines fans that their victory may not be completely sealed. ‘Convince’ in this case being something of a euphemism for ‘loud smack talk’, but it was all the same thing to Shen. When it came to pro-bending, there was no getting around it, Shen was a fanatic. However, he hoped someday that he could be more than that.

However, hearing the woman mention that the Wolfbats game would be playing next, Shen immediately groaned out loud, and entirely lost his appetite – a fortunate turn of events for Chen, as his dear, fire-bending friend was set to obliterate those noodles. Having his gaze redirected to the monument to the White Falls Wolfbats present on the wall, Shen realized that there was a good reason he had never come to this place. Sighing and putting on a polite, wide smile, he once more directed his attention to their waitress, addressing her directly once more in an overly nice, even mocking tone. ”Excuse me, miss. While I know you water-tribe folk like to embrace anything and everything disgusting, Tahno included, I don’t think I can handle listening to the Wolfbats cheat their way to another victory. Any chance there’d be a more pleasant alternative?” His eyes widened as though he’d had a wonderful idea. ”Say, you get off anytime soon? Maybe we could be the pleasant alternative.” He gave her something of a coy wink before laughing once more, trying not to let the Wolfbats dampen his spirits entirely.

Chen would likely be embarrassed by his unreserved nature, but one of them had to be outgoing, and Shen was determined to be it. Though he was the youngest of the three, Shen wasn’t trying to make up for anything, or emit an aura of confidence so as to make sure he was heard. Nanuk and Chen never thought less of him, regardless of his age. This was merely the kind of man Shen was; he’d joke about nearly anything, regardless of how much trouble it might get him into. Naturally, things were different at the arena, when he wasn’t backed up by people he knew, but whenever he got the chance he’d metaphorically let his hair down and live in the moment. Shen wasn’t so naïve as to expect this girl to just leave with him because he mentioned it, but at the same time it was worth a shot. Not to mention, if she was willing to leave, it meant she didn’t want to listen to the Wolfbats either. That was a major plus in his book.

Hearing Shiro Shinobi begin to introduce the Buzzard Wasps, Shen knew that the very next team to be introduced was the subject of his hatred. Resting his head in his hands and covering his face, he shook his head and tapped a foot impatiently. It wasn’t that hearing the game would cause any lasting damage to him, but something about Tahno just drove him up a wall. If he had to comment on this, he’d probably point out the fact that Tahno had been given so much in his life. Talent, confidence, and the opportunity to succeed. At only 19 years of age, the Wolfbats captain had already made his mark on the world of pro-bending, winning the championships several years running. Why should someone like that be given the opportunity to con his way to the top, when there were so many others who were more deserving than he? Shen didn’t want to sound presumptuous, but he honestly believed their positions should be reversed. Sighing, Shen rose his head once more, all smiles again. He glanced back up at the woman, anticipating some sort of a response.

[Chen Li]

The footsteps he heard echoing towards him were faster, sharper, different this time. He postulated that Shen had already pissed her off. Well done, he thought wryly- it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Shen was always up for brash, callous sorts of activities or statements. Or at least, he seemed so to Chen, who was rather reserved about such things. He however, immediately and reflexively grabbed his chop sticks and slammed them down in front of his food as she set them down, and lifted his head, staring at Shen. He saw no movement to get at his food. "Hm." If the waitress noticed, Chen was too tired and hungry to care- it was banter between old friends- she'd understand.

He started eating, the udon first. He wanted substance, something filling- and udon was definitely that. This was still far more spicy than he would have made it, but he enjoyed it every once and a while. It was the Earth Kingdom in him- his family and his Grandfather had never had loads of money, so they often ate plain, simple meals. Or if they added any kind of spice, it may have been salt. In any case, this was, what you might call, gourmet in his opinion. It was very good. He ate like a savage, slurping up the noodles and not caring who watched. He was hungry.

As he ate, he listened to Shen speak to the waitress. Oh boy. He was going to piss her off even more with talk like that. He did his best to look disinterested, but if particularly cognizant, either of the two involved might notice his ears perk up, almost like a dog interested in a sound somewhere. The majority of his attention, however, remained on the udon and the fish... and the fish... OH the fish... it was so good. His face broke out into a wide smile as he swallowed the first bite. Mmmmmmmm... he might have to order another one.

[Sarika]

"...Disgusting..." Did he just call her Disgusting?! And Call Tahno Disgusting?! A twitch started began to throb just above her eye. Sarika shifted her weight to her further foot and leaned slightly away, crossing her arms with their large sleeves across her chest. Though she wanted to frown, she kept a nuetral look on her face while she listened to him. What did he think he was doing in a Water Tribe establishment if he thought they were.. disgusting? And to insult Tahno as well! Not only was he the greatest Water Bender in Probending, but he was a valuable and regular patron of Narook's! If he kept this up, he'd never eat here again.. let alone get that pleasant alternative he wanted.

Sarika cantered her head to the side, putting on a deliciously fake smile while she stepped around the table to the long haired man who had just ran his hands acoss his face in despair. She glanced across the way to Sudhir, who was watching her carefully and gave him a knowing wink. The youth turned up the radio just as Shiro's voice began to flickerer back. "And stepping up to the field is Pro-Bending Champions, The White Falls Wolfbaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaats!" Then, she leaned dowan, placing her head next to the young man's. The wolfbat fans didn't see Tahno as a cheater, but rather someone who took advantage of the system. He was rarely yellow or red fanned, and constantly brought a taste of victory home to the Water Tribes. Her response was simple. "While I'd love to do something fun and exciting after I get off work here... You're not nearly disgusting enough for my tastes."

Now his friend, might be another case. Sarika's eyes narrowed with her fake, happy happy smile as she saw the other man was very content eating up his udon, slurping noodles. That was always a good sign. What fun were noodles if you couldn't slurp them. She straightened and tapped the table with her hand gently as she walked away. "Call me if you need anymore noodles. And You.." She turned around as she walked with a little floruishing step that her long braids added. She raised a hand and pointed at Shen, smiling that fakey-fake polite smile once again. "Don't call me."

[Shen Fàn]

Groaning as the radio was turned up, and he was forced to hear the cheerful voice of Shiro utterly misrepresenting exactly how much of a disgrace the Wolfbats were to the game, Shen tucked his head down further, clearly showing his level of contempt for the trio. Some might see this type of reaction as a sort of result of one’s heritage, however, this was most certainly not the case. While he was in a Water-Tribe joint, and the team captain Tahno was most certainly a hero of water-benders, Shen did not hate him because of his race or bending capabilities. Far from it; the discrimination of the Fire Nation was deemed obsolete by radical-minded youths such as Shen long ago. Perhaps his father continued to harbor such reactionary views – he could afford it, after all – but this made it all the more unlikely that Shen would ever feel in such a way. No, Shen’s disgust in the face of Tahno and the Wolfbats stemmed simply from his desire that things be kept fair, and that the playing field be level.

It was for this reason that he didn’t understand why Tahno, of all people, should be considered a hero by people such as the waitress nearby. Surely, one should choose their idols a tad more carefully – or at least, that’s what Shen’s conscience told him. Feeling the girl’s head come close to his, Shen was somewhat taken aback, and he reddened somewhat as he continued cradling his head near the table. Though he was consistently the pinnacle of false confidence, and while some women were attracted to a man with such attributes, he never in a million years expected such an introduction to actually work. Hearing her begin speaking, Shen raked his mind for things to say in response to her proposition, until finally she reached the end of her declaration. Not disgusting enough, eh? Shen’s face returned to its normal shade, and the cocky smirk returned to him. It was like that, huh?

Raising his head as she continued to flirt with Chen, while seemingly shunning him, Shen chuckled slightly, shaking his head. ”Man, she doesn’t know what she’s missing…” He remarked to Chen, winking at him ever so slightly. ”You know what they say about fire-benders: once you go flame, you’ll be glad you came.” He knew Chen wouldn’t approve of his antics, but that was part of what made it so great. Not to mention, if he’d already struck out with this girl, then he may as well have a bit of fun while he was at it. Eyeing Chen’s noodles, intent on nabbing at least a few of the morsels. Not to eat – oh no, if he wanted to grill up slop, he could do it on his own time. Maybe he would…toss them across the room? Or perhaps he would just go with a timeless classic, and stick them on the walls at various points throughout the establishment. Still he wondered if that waitress would even notice if he managed to sneak a noodle into her hair. He sat, biding his time, as Shinobi informed them that the match was now underway…

[Sarika]

As she walked away, Sarika smiled to herself with a cat-like smirk. She slapped together her palms as if cleaning them of some dirt and grime, grabbing the attention of Sudhir who had been perched at the counter. He glanced back at her with a raised eyebrow, half his face hidden under shaggy, dark brown hair with a couple of braids hanging from the side. Disgusting.. she'd show him disgusting. Sliding up on the barstool next to the younger boy, she gave a flippant toss of her braids though they weren't even hanging over her shoulder.

"Wise guy over there thinks water tribe is disgusting.." She muttered under her breath, pushing her shoulders up near her ears as she leaned forward on her elbows. Sudhir reached across the way, having to lean practically his whole upper body on the counter and turned the radio up. The cheers raised in volume, Shiro shinobi's voice cutting through it like a hot knife thru butter and yet none of it reached Sarika who now sat there scowling.. ignoring her precious Tahno. What he had said had stung. She was looking to embrace her Water Tribe heritage here, to return to her mother's home cooking here. Sarika stretched an arm out in front of her and began to drum her fingers on the bartop, furrowing her brows.

The white falls wolfbats scored their first knock out and Sarika didn't even whoop. Instead she sat up, back straight as a iron ramrod an, and called back to the kitchen "Ahtahka! Whip me up the special." There was grumbling from the back, the clash of a wok being dropped on a stove and the larger man with the beard poked his head out of the door way. He had one large bushy brow raised, mouth agape in a sort of 'what are you saying, girl?' But after a moment of silence, he rolled his eyes exaggeratedly at the girl he had come to think of as a daughter who now stared at him with those puppy eyes of her in brilliant mint julip green.

"They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I'm gonna give 'em the best the water tribe can offer." She snidely remarked to Sudhir as the sizzling sound of shrimp hit the skillet and sweet, sticky, spicy flavors began to fill the musky den.