AN: This is entirely Iroh and Zuko's point of views; I thought you guys would get to see their thoughts.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the last airbender or its characters.

Chapter 4

Iroh's point of view

To socialize with Zuko's nice friends was not as complicated as I thought. I explained the different tea types and their effects and consistencies. I had a strong interest in tea, and how much it could help during stressful situations.

Eventually I came to the conclusion that the jasmine tea was a sweet kind of green and white tea was calming and definitely my favorite. I also added that I always used it on Zuko when he chased after the avatar, which is totally proved that it worked.

My joke got the entire group to laugh, which delighted me. The kids had humor. I chuckled and looked at each one of Zuko's friends, and waited for Zuko to return. Suddenly a very annoyed Katara stomped into the cold igloo. I smiled; he had not formulated the right way, which was clearly visible based on how acidic Katara seemed to be. She sat down with a thud and crossed her arms.

The avatar of course gave her worried look, and then looked at me. I gave him a calm smile and nodded to emphasize that he did not have to worry about. He nodded back and looked down instead.

Sokka other hand, opened his mouth immediately. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Katara glared at him – if only looks could kill - I decided to save him, he looked a little scared.

"He doesn't mean it like that; he meant it in a concerned way." I added before she could answer him.

Katara looked at me, and then back at Sokka. "I'm just upset with Zuko if you have to know."

"Ah." I said, and people's eyes got stuck on me, I looked back at Katara. "I can talk to him."

Katara nodded, I guess she's figured out I'm also behind this, and I stood up. My back hurt slightly as I stood up. Oh I was getting old. I walked in the cold, and saw fire balls shoot up in the sky and immediately recognized it as Zuko.

I walked towards the light and found him, furiously bending fire everywhere. "Zuko."

As I tried to make contact with him without getting harmed myself, he started calming down. Then he noticed it was me and stopped immediately. He hang his head down, as if he was disappointed and sad. I walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"I assume it didn't go too well."

There was a silence for a short while, and I knew I was right about this one, Zuko then opened his mouth to speak.

"She said no, because I love Mai more than her." Zuko said, he looked up, but not at me. He looked to the side, almost like he couldn't meet my gaze.

"Of course she's hurt by it, a woman wants a man who can love her with all his heart and take care of her, one who priorities her over any other girl. Currently, that man is the Avatar. Currently, he can offer his heart, which you can't." I replied to him, trying not to sound too judging. I honestly thought that was a bit stupid.

Zuko sighed. "I can offer Mai my heart." He said.

"Is that the girl you're aiming to marry right now Zuko?" I asked a little harshly.

"No, but…" Zuko trailed off for a few seconds, he was thinking though his answers. "She's not my first choice."

"Yes, but Mai rejected you, didn't she? You need a fire lady soon, the fire nation needs some hope, so they can get back up on their feet, don't you agree?"

"Can't I renounce the throne and give it to you?" Zuko asked.

"No, the fire nation was never mine to rule. It's your responsibility; do you want to put you or your people first?"

"My people." Zuko said, without any hesitation. I smiled encouraging to that.

"Then you have to make Katara want to marry you."

Zuko looked up. "Uncle, what should I do? She's so angry with me."

Iroh nodded, and sighed. "Hm, I think you should ask Hakoda for her hand, he might help some."

Zuko nodded in agreement. "Yeah I probably should… what should I do for Katara?"

Iroh thought for a few minutes. "Give her tea?" I said as if it was the best idea I've ever had.

Zuko stared at me for a few seconds, and then he face palmed himself and turned around, groaning in irritation. "I'll fix it myself."

With that, he left, and I smiled proudly to myself. 'Good Zuko, I think it's better if you learn to formulate in these situations yourself…'

:_:

Zuko's point of view

That water bender peasant! Why did she have to make everything so very complicated, and not just say yes and come back to the fire nation with me? Just a little 'yes' would've made her come with me. But girls were of course so complicated. I don't want to have to admit my feelings for her just so she can come back with me and help me save the fire nation from starvation. Every second she waited with answering, a child walked around asking for food, but not receiving any. A person died at least every day from an illness or the starvation. It wasn't fair towards the fire nation. It wasn't fair to any human.

I decided to ask Hakoda tonight, though I knew I'd probably ruin her birthday if her father got furious. I probably had ruined her birthday already anyway… she got so angry with me before. I should apologize to her, and I have to convince her that I do care about her.

But now I have to focus on Hakoda. I think should explain the fire nation's situation before I ask him properly for her hand. That might be a good way to build it up. He might also be able to help me convince Katara… if he wanted to help my people that is…

I stopped outside the igloo that Hakoda lived in, and took a deep breath.

"Chief Hakoda? It's Zuko, may I come in?" I asked politely. I heard some sounds, like he was cleaning up a little bit.

"Y-Yeah, sure come inside."

And with that, I inhaled air, which I hoped would give me courage and strength. Then pulled away the animal skin and walked inside.

:_:

I explained closely the situation of the fire nation to Chief Hakoda, he nodded, understanding what I was talking about. I was trying to look relaxed, but still very serious. He was frowning at times, not quite understanding why I told him this, which I understood was hard to understand just like that.

Chief Hakoda nodded one last time, after I'd finished my speech. "Why are you telling me this fire lord Zuko?"

"Because I believe that your daughter may be able to help the fire nation restore its former self and its pride." I explained.

"How?" Chief Hakoda asked, I got hope that he might want to help.

"You see, if your daughter marries me-" I was cut off.

"Marries you?" Chief Hakoda started hesitating.

"Sir, please let me finish." I begged, he nodded and made a gesture for me to continue. "I think I put it the wrong way; If Katara became fire lady she could have great opportunities. She would be able to help me convince the north pole to trade with us, even the earth kingdom. That'd get the economy running, and the fire nation would be able to afford providing for its children."

"Why can't she do that without becoming fire lady?"

"Because, if she's seen as part of our nation, they might see the whole nation the way they see her, as caring people. She will represent our nation along side with me."

Chief Hakoda nodded, understanding what I meant, which I appreciated.

"That's why I want to ask for your daughter's hand, she has a capability of helping my nation, but her feeling for me makes her hesitate."

Chief Hakoda now thought for a few seconds. "I accept that you marry her. You are a fine man that could take care of her. Though I was hoping for Aang to be her husband." He said and chuckled. "I do though care for my daughter's happiness, so it's up to her now."

Zuko nodded. "I think she can be happy with me if she only gives it a chance. Will you please help me convince her sir?"

"I might as well try, but Katara is stubborn. I don't think my opinion will do much difference." Chief Hakoda replied.

I stood up, and bowed to him in respect. "Thank you very much for listening."

"No problem." Chief Hakoda replied, and bowed as well.

I walked out of the igloo and sighed in relief, I felt like I'd finally accomplished something. 'If only convincing the earth kingdom to trade with us would be as easy' I muttered in my thoughts. I put my hands in my pockets and looked at the ground as I walked through the small village, this was kind of tiring, I was wondering if it all was worth it in the end. I went through so much trouble for this one girl.

This one water bender, couldn't I just pick out another one from the north pole instead and just make her marry me? No, of course not, because then my uncle would get disappointed in me.

I sighed in frustration, why couldn't she just have said yes?

"Yeah, but he wants Mai." A familiar voice said, and I looked up, looking around, not knowing where it came from.

"Katara." Toph's stern voice said. "Stop behaving so selfish! You said it yourself; the fire nation needs a fire lady to restore to its former self, and still you refuse to help. You know what difference you could do if you just went there for a day! You're such a greatly respected bender in the world; you'd probably make the North Pole trade with them after a few words of convincement."

"But what about Aang?" Katara asked.

"Now you're trying to slither away from this again. This is the first time you considered Twinkle toes feelings in this conversation. Do you honestly love him more than Sparky?" Toph asked, I stayed where I was, scared that if I moved the Toph would notice him, and they'd go silent.

Katara was silent for a few seconds, and before Katara could answer the question, Toph did.

"No you don't. You're just using him so you won't be alone after Sparky dumped you." Toph said harshly.

Katara sighed. "You're right, it's not fair towards Aang…" she said, sounding kind of sad.

"Damn right it isn't. And Sparky uses you the same way you use twinkle toes." Toph said. "So it isn't right by him either. Give it a little time, think about it, and tell him your answer in the morning." She suggested.

I never realized how good Toph is at giving advice, now I thought I'd heard enough so I sneaked away, trying to keep Toph from noticing me, and I sneaked to the guest igloo I slept in, lay down in bed and closed my eyes. "Happy birthday Katara. Sorry for ruining your night."

And that's the end of this chapter. Reviews would be awesome! :D