A/N: Meh, a tentative alert for sappiness.
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The Jasmine Dragon was more than just a tea shop now. It had, over the years, become an icon in Ba Sing Se and even throughout the world. Iroh had resisted expansion at first, not wanting to let go of that hands on approach he so enjoyed. After all, he could only run one tea shop in one city efficiently and with the love and care he gave to every endeavor.
But people, Zuko and his wife, Mai, among them, had eventually convinced the old man to give it a try.
"Why shouldn't people all over the world have the chance to enjoy your amazing tea and those moon cakes we love so much?"
"But who will run those other tea shops, nephew? What if the quality deteriorates? I couldn't bear that."
"You'll find people you trust. You have Ping here, right? You've left him alone for two weeks at a time. Come on, Uncle, maybe it's time to relinquish some of the control."
"Are you trying to tell me that I'm old?"
"I think you have a lot of years left. But there's nothing wrong with thinking about the future."
"And when did you become so wise? Seems are roles are reversed today, nephew."
~~~~0000~~~~
The famed tea maker, crisp white apron on, supervised his apprentice along with the rest of the kitchen staff in the second Jasmine Dragon. This new tea shop was located in the Fire Nation's capitol, within walking distance of the palace. He shook his head and wondered if the young man would ever really understand the process of tea making.
Mai poked her head into the kitchen area and gave Iroh a smile. "Maybe all the hovering is making the guy nervous," she suggested with the hint of a smirk. "This cup of tea is very good." She took another sip from the cup she held and nodded.
"Good is not good enough." When it came to tea, Iroh was almost a tyrant.
"I did say very good," Mai quipped.
Zuko approached his wife from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. "I wouldn't tease him now," he whispered.
"Yeah, he gets pretty intense." She sighed happily as the Fire Lord's lips moved up and down the column of her throat.
"Intense," Zuko echoed, no longer thinking about tea or his Uncle Iroh.
"You two have a bedroom for that, don't you?" Iroh's amber eyes twinkled with humour and affection and something much deeper, a love so strong that its power humbled him.
"I think there is one or two in the palace," Mai retorted with equal good humour.
"Can we help, Uncle? What about the kids? They can't wait until the shop opens."
"Well, I'd like to give this place more of a Fire Nation flare, a Capitol City flare. Do you have any suggestions?"
Mai and Zuko exchanged a look, both of them shrugging.
"What about some fire cakes?" Zuko offered.
"Or a new tea, only served here, something with Fire Nation spices?" Mai slipped her hand into Zuko's and gave it a squeeze.
"Yes, yes, those are good ideas. But I was thinking more about the décor."
"Um," Mai mused. "Are you hinting at something?" Then it hit her. "Oh, you're looking for Fire Lord and Fire Lady stuff, am I right?"
"I was sort of hoping," the tea maker responded with a sheepish smile. "Surely you have some older robes, or hair pieces or weapons that we could display here. The shop would be a kind of museum too. What do you think?"
"We'll pick out some items and have them sent over tomorrow, Uncle."
Pleased, Iroh pulled both his nephew and Mai into an embrace. "Thanks for making an old man happy."
~~~~0000~~~~
One month later, the second Jasmine Dragon opened amidst great fanfare. Crowds filed in and out all day to sample the free tea and free baked goods. And the people examined the memorabilia too, taking great delight in old twin dao, a set of shuriken, armor Zuko had worn as a teenager, one of Mai's favorite outfits from years ago, and portraits of a young Fire Lord and a young Fire Lady and their growing family.
From the kitchen, Mai and Zuko watched Iroh mingle with the people. He chatted happily and proudly pointed out his family's things, telling stories about each item. Men and women, old and young were charmed alike and it was already obvious that this new Jasmine Dragon would be a roaring success.
Another week later, Iroh prepared to travel back to the Earth Kingdom.
"We'll miss you," Zuko stated simply. He blinked back tears.
The past month and a half was the longest period of time they had spent together for years. Zuko was just getting used to having Iroh around again.
"You know that I'll miss you as well." The old man didn't bother hiding his tears, instead allowing them to roll down full cheeks. "Look in on the place, would you? I'm still not certain about him." He pointed to the novice tea maker.
"He's doing fine," Mai sighed. "Don't worry."
"And come visit me in Ba Sing Se soon, all right. I don't want to miss too much time with the little ones."
"We will, Uncle. I promise."
"All right then. I had best get going."
The royal couple watched as Iroh stepped into the carriage that would take him to the harbor. There a ship awaited him. He gave them a wave and his expression was wistful.
"Are you okay?" Mai asked once the carriage was out of sight.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go home."
There was already a line up outside the Jasmine Dragon II. Both Mai and Zuko smiled.
