Under the City Lights
"I think you should ask her out," Iroh said plainly.
"What are you saying, Uncle? I thought we were keeping a low profile…" Zuko retorted. Iroh chuckled.
"Dating is what people keeping a low profile do. You would bring more attention to yourself being an angsty, grumpy, argumentative, lone wolf tea server don't you think?" he challenged. Zuko raised his eyebrow.
Well, Uncle makes a good point, he thought. Zuko blushed.
"I've never really been on a date before," he said. Iroh clapped his nephew on the back heartily.
"No worries! I'll show you the ropes, Junior." Zuko hated that nickname with a passion.
He knew it was wrong to call his uncle Mushi but he couldn't think of anything else at the time. This "Junior" however, was the epitome of the worst nickname ever.
Jin met Zuko at the tea shop just before sunset. His uncle had combed his hair into some strange "hip" configuration. He hated it. If Jin found his hair humorous she hid it well with her sweet smile and greeting.
"Good Evening Mr. Mushi, good evening Li." She said quietly. Zuko bit his lip. Iroh elbowed his nephew and he remembered.
"Oh right! Uh, I have some coupons for you? My uncle said they'd be nice to have." Zuko spat awkwardly. Iroh tried not to roll his eyes at Zuko's floundering. Jin smiled graciously as she took the coupons.
"Thank you both very much, I really do like coming here for tea. Are you ready to go, Li?" she asked. Zuko stood silently for a long moment. He had forgotten his alias. Iroh gave his nephew a harder than necessary jab in the back.
"Have fun, Li, Jin. I'll probably be asleep when you get back." Mushi said with a wink. Zuko thought to himself,
Don't worry. We'll probably be back in less than an hour…
The night was beautiful and Jin took Li all around to her favorite haunts in the city. Li made Jin laugh with his terrible juggling routine and strange hair. They approached a square where there was a fountain surrounded by lanterns. Tonight, however, they weren't lit. Jin's face fell.
"Aww, I was really hoping we could see the city lights tonight. Maybe next time." She said sadly. Li looked around. There was no one in the area. Maybe he could…
"Close your eyes, Jin. Don't open them until I tell you, Ok? No peeking," He said in a sudden burst of courage. Jin closed her eyes. She didn't know what Li was up to, but she cooperated. He got up close a moment later and whispered.
"Ok, open your eyes." Jin opened her eyes to the lights fully lit and glowing like low stars in the heavens. She realized then Li was a firebender, but she didn't care. Lighting the lanterns was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for her.