Chapter 4: The Jasmine Dragon

Zuko opened the door once they arrived at their destination, the ring of the bell filling the shop. He nodded for Mai to go inside, closing the door after her. Mai looked around, taking in the simple atmosphere.

An older man came from the kitchen, drying a green cup with a towel. Once he noticed his nephew was standing in front of the counter, a smile lit up the man's aged features.

"Zuko! My boy! I didn't expect you to come this early!" he smiled, setting the cup down.

"Mai and I took the earlier ship. We got here only an hour or so ago. It's good to see you, Uncle." Zuko told him, wrapping his arm around Mai's waist.

"Good news, good news…" Uncle Iroh came around the counter, the charming smile still on his features.

"Mai! Good to see you too. I trust my nephew is taking good care of you?"

"He has," Mai nodded, and looked up to Zuko with a wink. "so far."

The three of them laughed. Once the chuckling died down, Zuko looked around, surprised by the few people that were in the shop.

"Uncle, there aren't many people here…don't tell me business is going down..?"

"No no, it's just early morning. Most people will arrive soon." He assured, and gestured to a table.

"Why don't you two have a seat? Surely you've had a long sail." Iroh offered, and went behind the counter.

"Thanks Uncle, but you don't have to-"

"It's on the house, for the Fire Lord and the pretty lady." Iroh chuckled, and disappeared into the kitchen.

Zuko shrugged, and took Mai's hand, leading her to the table. Once they were seated, Zuko took the opportunity to strike up a conversation.

"So. You like it here so far?"

"It's nice. Although the busy market isn't really my kind of thing." She told him bluntly, resting her elbow on the table.

Zuko nodded.

"You'll get used to it. I'm sure you'll enjoy it here. I got a really nice suite for us and everything. I mean, it's a few blocks away, but it's worth it."

"I see." Mai nodded.

Zuko gave her a puzzled look.

"What's wrong?"

"I just hope my father doesn't get to upset about my sudden departure. I mean, a month? That's a long time, Zuko."

"It's not long enough." Zuko reached for her hand across the table.

Mai looked up, meeting his amber eyes.

"Zuko, I-"

"Mai, we're going to have a great time in Ba-Sing-Se. Trust me. I'll make it a vacation you'll never forget. Uncle's coming back with the tea, and he can tell us all about the city." Zuko nodded.

Mai couldn't help but smile, acknowledging his care for her.

"Alright. What tea is he even getting us? I hope it's not some mystery concoction that I'll gag on the first sip…"

"Nah, Uncle wouldn't do that. Besides, none of his teas are bad."

"So you've had all of them?" Mai raised a skeptical eyebrow at the Fire Lord.

"I…"

Uncle Iroh came in from the kitchen, ducking his head under the entrance beads that were designed to read the kanji for dragon. He carried his tray with the steaming tea cups, setting them down in front of Zuko and Mai before pulling up a chair to join them at the end of the table.

Mai sighed in relief; green tea.

Iroh cooled his tea between the palms of his hands, the steam rising to his nose. He sighed, and took a simple sip of his own brew before turning to his nephew.

"So, how long are you staying again?"

"A month." Zuko responded.

Iroh nodded, looking to him.

"There's so much to do in the city…I really hope you can do as much as you'd like to."

"What kind of things are there to do, uncle?" Zuko asked. As he took a sip of his tea, he couldn't help looking at how soft and puckered Mai's lips were as she cooled her tea.

"There's the market, and the fountain. Don't forget the spa. The spa is a wonderful place. But really, the best part, besides the Jasmine Dragon of course, is just walking around the city. I'm sure that'll give the two of you plenty of time to have romantic strolls in the afternoons." Iroh hinted to his nephew, seeming to throw obvious date suggestions, smirking into his tea.

Zuko, distracted from looking at Mai's lips, immediately blushed as he looked to his uncle.

"Uncle! I-uh… yeah. Those are some really neat things to do here in the city." He cleared his throat nervously. "What do you think, Mai?"

Mai took a sip of her tea, staring at her green-toned reflection in her cup.

"Walking sounds fun." She responded after she took her time with her tea.

Uncle Iroh smiled.

"You seem exhausted. Was the sailing really that tiring?" he asked with concern.

Mai shot the older man a somewhat irritated stare.

"Uh, how have things been with the shop?" Zuko broke from the subject, and immediately faced his uncle with forced small talk. He normally wasn't like this, and had recently grown very close to his uncle. But the way Mai was acting, set him on edge.

"Things have been very peaceful. Business is going well, the customers are all very nice, and of course, now that you're here, I couldn't be more happier." He told him. "Oh! And I also came up with almost a dozen new teas! I have my own herb garden in the back…it's a dream come true, really." Iroh beamed into his tea, accomplishment giving his excited conversation overtones of joy.

Zuko smiled, proud. "I'm glad to hear that, uncle."

Zuko had known his uncle to be very cheerful and to always had the benefit of the doubt, being a happy and positive man. And now that he had gotten the tea shop he had always wanted, Zuko truly was happy for him. He deserved nothing less, for everything he had sacrificed, and the way he had guided those who stumbled upon the wise man's path.

"How are things back home?" Uncle Iroh questioned, taking another sip of his tea.

"Fine. Very busy, and overwhelming, seeing that I've had to take over my father's duties. But all is going well."

Iroh smiled. "You have the maturity and guidance of the good choices your father made. You're making an excellent Fire Lord, Zuko." And with that, Uncle Iroh bowed his head respectfully to his nephew.

Flattered, Zuko watched his uncle, and turned to Mai, who gave him an approving smile.

"He's right, Zuko. The Fire Nation trusts you… I trust you."

Zuko found himself staring into his tea with praise.

"Thank you. I… I'll be sure to do my best." He took another sip, feeling humbled.

"But for now-!" Iroh slammed his hand onto Zuko's back, causing him to spit out some of his tea back into his cup. "You can enjoy yourself. Relax in Ba-Sing-Se. It's a city of wonders." Iroh sipped his tea, sighing contentedly.

"Ah, morning tea. Nothing is better." He seemed to ignore Zuko's coughing and sputtering, a relaxed grin plastered to his face.

Mai gave a small laugh, before finishing her own tea.

"Zuko, why don't we go to the suite. If you're finished, that is." She offered.

Zuko nodded, finishing his tea once he had regained his breath.

"Thanks for the tea, uncle." He set his cup on the tray, as he rose from the table.

"Anytime. If you ever want to come here, please don't hesitate. Everything is on me." Iroh nodded.

"Actually, we'd really like to see your herb garden. But for now, Mai and I should probably go to the suite. You know, to make sure our bags arrived."

"Ah. I see. Come again, Zuko. And enjoy your stay in Ba-Sing-Se." he waved to them, as they got up.

"We'll be sure to, uncle." Zuko helped Mai from her seat, grasping her hand as they made their way to the door. Zuko opened it, allowing Mai to step outside. The two shared a kiss, before the door shut behind them, ringing the bell once more. Uncle Iroh chuckled into his tea, taking another sip in the now empty tea shop.