The circlet rests in his pocket, the weight of it heavy against Iroh's thigh as he paces back and forth across the grass. He tries to distract himself by watching the turtleducks swim across the water, but all he can think about is what he is about to do.
This morning he was confident that his proposal would be accepted, but the longer he waits for Bolin the less sure he becomes. He tries to convince himself that he is being ridiculous. After all, they have been together for nearly five years. Bolin uprooted his entire life in Republic City and joined the United Forces just to be with Iroh. He knows how much Bolin loves him, but that doesn't make the experience any less nerve-wracking.
His thoughts are interrupted by Bolin's soft footfalls on the grass.
"I got your note," Bolin says. "But you know, you could've just asked me to meet you out here. You didn't have to be so secretive - Iroh, are you alright?" he asks, noticing the ashen look on the other man's face.
"I will be," Iroh says, taking Bolin's hands into his own.
"What's wrong?" Bolin asks worriedly. "Is this about Pabu getting into the garden again? Because I told you, he's just really excited to be back on land and - "
Iroh hushes him with a soft kiss. "This isn't about Pabu. Although, the palace gardeners would like a word with you tomorrow." His face tuns serious. "I have something I want to give you."
He pulls away from Bolin and reaches into his pocket. He pauses for a moment as his hand closes around the warm metal band, then takes a deep breath and presents it to Bolin.
"Iroh…," Bolin breathes as he accepts the gift.
"It's a - "
"I know what it is," Bolin says softly. He runs his fingers over the intricate flame designs, following them around the ring of gold. "A devotion circlet - you made this? For me? Does this…Iroh, does this mean what I think it means?"
"If you think it means that I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you, then yes." Iroh says. "I'm yours, Bolin, if you'll have me." He looks at Bolin expectantly.
"If I'll have you? If - are you crazy, of course I'll have you!" Bolin exclaims as he throws his arms around Iroh's neck and kisses him full on the mouth.
"You don't know how happy I am to hear you say that," Iroh says, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Bolin can't stop grinning as Iroh takes he circlet from his hands. "May I put it on you?" he asks.
Bolin nods and hands Iroh the circlet.
Iroh reaches for his hand, pressing a gentle kiss to Bolin's knuckles before slipping the circlet over his wrist and past his elbow, setting it snugly on his upper arm.
He stands back to admire Bolin. The sight of the circlet on Bolin's arm, golden flames gleaming in the moonlight, makes Iroh happier than he has ever been. He can see each individual flame-forged detail and can't help but be proud of his handiwork.
"It's beautiful," Bolin says. "I love it. I love you."
"I love you, too," Iroh says. "I'm yours," he whispers as he presses a soft kiss to Bolin's lips.
This is how I imagined the circlet, only a little thicker and made of gold instead of silver.