Hi everyone! So, I realized the other day I haven't really written anything on Iroh. Which I found odd, because he's one of my favorite characters! So I decided to do a short one-shot. I hope you enjoy.
Iroh sighed in content as he poured himself tea. The sun was set and he had just finished closing up The Jasmine Dragon. He loved running this tea shop and enjoyed the contact with his customers. Many of them accepted who he was and why he had kept his identity a secret when he opened the shop.
Thinking of those days made him smile, as he remembered watching Zuko transform. He had humbled himself to serve tea and had even allowed Iroh to train him in the art of tea, although his brews were often barely drinkable. He was proud of the young Fire Lord, who had become such a respectable young man.
The old man yawned. He still had to clean the shop up and prepare everything for the following day. He always took his tea before doing this so he could recharge and clean with a content spirit. As he finished his tea and started to clear his own mess, there was a knock at the door.
Iroh opened the door, unafraid of anyone in the city. He gasped in surprise when his nephew hugged him. "Uncle! I'm glad I caught you!" Iroh smiled at the young man and urged him into the tea shop.
Zuko looked around and smiled. He enjoyed the times he could visit his uncle in Ba Sing Se. The visits weren't uncommon as the world was being rebuilt, but each one was a reminder to Zuko to never forget the reasons he became who he was. He noticed his uncle had not yet started cleaning and grabbed a broom for himself.
"What are you doing in Ba Sing Se, Zuko?" Iroh cleared the tables as he spoke. It was like before when they had both worked in the shop together.
"King Kuei and I had to discuss the future of some of the out-lying colonies. They are a mix of Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom traditions and aren't sure which they ought to be considered a part of. He and I are working out the specifics of this." Zuko didn't look up as he focused on removing the dust from the floor.
"I am glad you decided to visit your old Uncle." Iroh stopped cleaning to smile at his nephew and Zuko smiled back.
"I wouldn't pass the chance. There are few things more important than family." Zuko felt this in his heart, despite the awful family he came from. He had learned that family is not about blood, but about love. "And, I wanted to invite you in person to the wedding."
The old man smiled, wondering when that was going to happen. "Congratulations, nephew." The two hugged and continued cleaning in silence. After they finished, Zuko excused himself to allow his uncle some rest, promising to visit the next day before he left.
As Iroh prepared for bed, humming to himself, he glanced at the two pictures on his nightstand. One was the son he had lost, the other of the son he had gained. "Thank you, Agni, for giving me a second chance."