Some days Iroh wondered if Zuko had truly died in the Agni Kai against his father. While he wasn't exactly a ray of sunshine before, Iroh remembered him smiling more often, his soulful gaze, how he truly enjoyed spending time with people.

Today's Zuko did not smile, and his gaze was cold and hard. He spent most of his time alone, meditating or studying or finding a new way to catch the Avatar. It was as though Ozai had killed his son and replaced him with this cold, angry stranger, and the very thought broke Iroh's heart. Someday, he thought, the old Zuko would return. Maybe.

"Uncle?"

Iroh turned around to see his nephew standing in the doorway just then.

"Prince Zuko, what a surprise," he said. Zuko cleared his throat, looking mildly embarrassed for a moment.

"If you're not busy, you think we could have some tea and just talk?"

Knowing a shocked reaction or yelling with joy would ruin the moment, Iroh only smiled.

"I'm never too busy for you," he said. He poured two cups of jasmine tea and Zuko sat down beside him.

"You looked a little down about something when I walked in," he said, taking one of the offered cups. "Is anything wrong?"

Iroh sipped his tea, then smiled at Zuko again.

"Not anymore." His nephew was still alive in there after all. He was in poor condition, but he was alive, and that was all that mattered.