Asami stood on the deck of Commander Bumi's ship, where she and the others were staying while Air Temple Island was being rebuilt. General Iroh was also aboard the ship, as he had decided to stay in Republic City while his own ship was being repaired.
Everyone else was asleep by now, but Asami was wide awake. She looked out across the water, which shimmered under the moonlight. She was alone with her thoughts; thoughts of Iroh. She blushed when she remembered how handsome he was.
"It's a lovely night, isn't it?" Iroh's voice startled her, and she jumped.
"Yes, it certainly is," she said, regaining herself.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's alright."
"So, what brought you up here?" he inquired as he walked up to the railing and stood beside her.
"I couldn't sleep. What about you?"
"I just came up here to think about everything that's happened these last few days, among other things."
"Other things?"
"Well, more specifically, you..."
"Me?"
"What I meant is that I was impressed by you. You were really brave. Not only did you fight with us, you fought your own father. In that way, you remind me of my grandfather Zuko."
"How so?"
"When Avatar Aang and the others invaded the Fire Nation during an eclipse, my grandfather Zuko realized that he wanted to join the Avatar. Soon after, he did, and in doing so, he turned against his father."
"Oh, wow. Thanks. You know, you were pretty amazing out there, too. You really helped us out."
"Thank you. I was honored to help," he said bashfully. They were quiet for a few moments, content in each other's company. Suddenly, Iroh had an idea.
"Would you like to dance?"
"Hm?"
"N-never mind." When it came to a mission or an adventure, he had no problem whatsoever. When it came to a woman, however, he definitely had a problem; he was shy.
"You can tell me."
"Would you like to dance with me?" he asked, blushing slightly.
Asami smiled. "I'd be honored to, but there isn't any music."
Iroh smiled back. "Perhaps music isn't always necessary," he said, offering his hand to Asami. She took it, and they went to the middle of the deck, where she placed her hands on his shoulders, and he placed his hands on her waist. They began dancing slowly around the deck.
This is nice, Asami thought. She liked having his arms around her. He was warm, probably due to the fact that he was a fire bender. She felt different with Iroh than she did with Mako. When Mako was with her, he seemed to be distracted and conflicted. He was halfhearted in their relationship, and she now knew that it was because he loved Korra. Iroh, on the other hand, was clearly focused on her, and only her, as he was staring into her eyes contently. She found herself staring back.
"You're incredibly beautiful," he admitted.
Asami blushed lightly. "Thank you. You're very handsome yourself."
A warm breeze brushed past them, and she felt him shiver despite it. He seemed to be nervous about something, though one wouldn't expect a General to be nervous about anything.
"Iroh, are you alright?"
"Yes. I was just deciding upon my next action."
"Have you made a decision?"
"I have." He looked at her for a moment longer before he leaned in and kissed her. After the initial surprise she felt, she kissed back. It was a soft, sweet, gentle kiss, and it felt right.
The two pulled away and smiled. No longer dancing, they held each other close, and Asami laid her head on Iroh's shoulder.
"I kind of like you," he whispered.
"I kind of like you, too," she whispered back.
"Would you like to join me for some jasmine tea?"
"I'd like that."
With that, Iroh and Asami went back inside the ship together, arm in arm.
