"Okay, breathe Bolin," the earthbender says to himself. He looks at his reflection in the gilded mirror. "Not too shabby," he mutters, straightening out the lapel of his jacket.
"What do you think, Pabu?" he asks, turning towards the fire ferret who is currently lounging on the plush bed. "Do I look ready to meet the Fire Lord?"
Pabu scurries to the end of the bed where he stands up on his hind legs to get a better look at his owner. He lets out an affirmative-sounding chirp as if to say he is quite pleased with Bolin's appearance.
"Everything needs to be perfect," Bolin tells him. "I want to make a really good impression on Iroh's mother."
Pabu cocks his head to the side as if to ask why are you so worried?
"I just…I really love him, Pabu," Bolin says, admitting it aloud for the first time. "And if things don't perfectly tonight, I don't know what I'll do."
Pabu gives a chirp of understanding and settles back down on the bed.
"I didn't know Pabu was such a conversationalist," says a voice from the doorway.
Bolin can feel his face flush, immediately recognizing the voice as Iroh's. He spins around the face the door.
"I-Iroh! So uh, how long have you been standing there?" Bolin asks, fidgeting with the hem of his jacket.
"Long enough," Iroh replies, stepping into the room. He closes he door behind him. "Did you mean it?" he asks.
"Did I mean what?" Bolin asks, feigning confusion.
"You know what I'm talking about," Iroh says softly. He approaches Bolin and takes the earthbender's hands into his own.
"I meant it," Bolin replies quietly. "Iroh, I - I love you," he says, meeting his gaze. "So much. I didn't know the right time to tell you."
"I think this is the perfect time," Iroh says. He leans in and kisses Bolin on the lips. "I love you, too," he whispers when he pulls away.
"You do?" Bolin asks.
"Of course I do, Bo. I wouldn't bring just anyone home to meet my mother."
"About that, I - "
"Don't be nervous," Iroh says. "Bolin, you're smart and funny and positively charming. My mother is going to love you just as much as I do."
"Say it again," Bolin says.
"I love you," Iroh says.
"I love you, too. I don't think I'll ever get tired of saying it."
"Are you ready?" Iroh asks.
"As I'll ever be," Bolin responds.
Iroh takes Bolin's hand and squeezes it gently.
"Come on," he says. "She can't wait to meet you."