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@oldgreydragon
A new building has appeared just off the main road, tucked behind the larger, nicer stores, where it can only be found if you happened to look.
An old man with long grey hair and a beard hums a song as he sweeps his front step, dressed in simple green robes.
Sunlight shines off the sign hanging above the door.
The Jasmine Dragon.
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"Uncle... It's been some time. How has business been?"
@firelord-hotman-zuko - 17 year old Zuko
"Zuko!" Iroh beams with joy and hurries to embrace his nephew. "You did not tell me you were coming to visit. How wonderful to see you again."
"I wanted to suprise you. I hope you're not too busy for some tea together."
Zuko hugs Iroh right back, smiling into the older man's shoulder.
"I am never too busy for you, nephew!"
Iroh guides him to sit at a table, moving to prepare a pot of tea and some cups for them.
Despite his words, it's obvious business is booming. The shop is plenty busy, and he's hired a few people to help him out.
"I hope you have been taking care of yourself as well? Remembering to eat and rest?"
"I've been... doing my best. It's difficult, preparing to be Firelord and all that. And..."
Zuko trails off, fidgeting with his teacup, trying to gather his courage. He wasn't afraid of his uncle, he just... it was different, speaking to him avout stuff like this.
"...I have a boyfriend."
Iroh's smile gets somehow wider and he reaches across to hold Zuko's hands.
"I am so so happy for you, nephew! You must tell me everything, how did you meet, who is he?"
Zuko blushes, feeling bashful about how excited Iroh seemed about this.
"Well, it's- it's Sokka, Uncle. You've met him. We talked for a while and things sort of just... developed from there. He'd like to formally introduce himself as my boyfriend sometime and... well, ask for your blessing."
Iroh nods knowingly, coming back to his tea cup with a twinkle in his eye. "Hm, I had a feeling," he says.
"Well, you certainly have my blessing, both of you. I'm incredibly happy for you, my boy. I hope you bring him around soon, I will need to make sure he properly understands how to treat my beloved nephew!" His words are intimidating, but he says it with a wink.
"Uncle, don't scare him off! He's already nervous about it. Wait- what do you mean you had a feeling?"
(Sokka blog is @/wolftailwarrior btw)
Iroh waves him off. "Your young man is very brave, he won't be scared off. But I want to make sure he knows to treat you right. You deserve someone who will cherish you wholly."
"And, well, it was just a hunch. I've seen how he is around you, the boy has been smitten with you for ages."
"Did he come to Ba Sing Se with you? When will I get to meet him officially?"
"You mean you want to make sure he's not like Jet."
Zuko grumbles, remembering his very first boyfriend and how poorly that relationship ended up. He looked down into his tea, swirling it around in the cup.
"You told me that he was no good for me. I didn't listen. I'm sorry, Uncle. But Sokka will be much better. He came with me. He follows me everywhere, I swear. Protective alpha."
(//this Zuko is omegaverse btw, but nothing nsfw!)
Iroh hums as he sips his tea. "There are some mistakes that must be learned from experience." He admits. "I had hoped to spare you that pain."
"But I know Sokka well already, and I know very well he is not the kind of alpha Jet was. But you cannot blame this old man for worrying about you, Zuko."
He stands briefly to fetch another cup for the tea, and smiles at him. "Won't you bring him in? I promise I won't scare him. Much."
"You were right, Uncle. About everything. About my destiny, about choosing my own path, about Father. You were only trying to protect me, but I foolishly thought you just didn't think I was strong enough to handle the world on my own. That you thought I was weak because I'm an omega. I'm sorry. I should have listened."
Zuko's bottom lip trembles, guilt and shame toiling in his chest. He shakes his head, trying to clear it from all the turmoil.
"I'll bring Sokka around soon enough, but right now, I want time with just you, Uncle."
Iroh moves around the table to hug Zuko again.
"Oh my boy. I never once thought you weak, for any reason. I am so incredibly proud of the man you've become. You are strong, and kind, and brave, and you are everything I could have hoped you'd become and more."
He sits back, smiling. "Gladly, nephew. I love spending time with you. But you must tell me how it happened! I want to hear your love story."
Zuko can't help the laugh that escapes him, despite his complex feelings. His uncle was just far too nosy.
"You're such a gossip, old man. Have to know all the details about everything. If you must know, I had realized I developed feelings for him during our time apart, when he was helping the Avatar repair the world while I did my part in the Fire Palace. But I was hesitant to do anything, as I had assumed he was still with Suki. When we reunited, I learned that was not the case, and well... that the feeling was mutual."
Zuko smiles as he sips his tea, looking both bashful and incredibly charmed.
"He took me out on a date around the captial, Uncle. He even insisted on paying for everything, even though I'm the prince. It was so..."
"I just want to know about my nephew's love life! We live so far apart now, I do not get to see everything as I once did."
Iroh smiles softly, letting Zuko speak. "Zuko, that is wonderful. I am so glad to see you so happy and in love. Sokka is a very lucky man, and I hope he knows that too."
"I'm the lucky one, Uncle, really. I never imagined I would have this kind of thing for myself. He's so kind and doting, but at the same time, I know he respects my strength. He's... ah, I can't even say. I'm so honored that he allows me to be with him like this, of all people."
"You deserve every happiness, nephew. To see such joy on your face warms my heart."
He takes Zuko's hand and squeezes it. "He sounds like a wonderful partner,"
Iroh pauses, then delicately says, "I hope you have both been careful. I am happy to tell you again about-"
"Uncle!"
Zuko squawks, his face nearly steaming with embarrassment. He does NOT need Iroh to tell him about what happens when an alpha and omega love each other "very much." He shudders at the thought.
"We- We've only kissed. That's all. Nothing else, so you don't need to tell me about it. Agni knows the maids would never let me be alone with him for that long to do... that, considering my precious virtue as a high-born omega and all that."
Iroh holds his hands up in surrender. "I just want to make sure you are being safe!" He protests, but his eyes are teasing. "It is important. And from the sounds of things, a mating bond won't be very long to wait, hm?"
"Uncle! That's- We've just started dating!"
Zuko protests, hiding his face in his hands. He just started dating Sokka and Iroh was already thinking about a mating bond? Well, it wasn't like Zuko hadn't thought about it, or the he and Sokka hadn't discussed it... but still! He didn't need his uncle thinking that far ahead already. He might as well be asking Zuko when he's going to be getting some grandpups.
Iroh chuckles and pats Zuko's shoulder. "I am teasing you, nephew. I know that won't be for awhile yet."
Though he is looking forward to little pups running around. He misses taking care of little ones, and would be happy to babysit whenever asked.
Zuko just groans, shaking his head and taking another sip of his tea. His mind wanders back to when he worked in this little shop as a waiter, on the cusp of his biggest choice yet. It was much nicer than Pao's no doubt, and certainly much safer. He remembers when Iroh refused to let him be alone with any alpha whatsoever when they were down in the lower ring.
"Uncle... I never really got the chance to thank you for all you did for me. I didn't even notice half of what you were doing to protect me. I didn't understand it or the kind of danger I was in, as an unmated and disgraced omega. You did so much without even asking for anything in return."
Iroh's eyes softened. "I would never have let you be in danger. And I would never ask anything in return for protecting you, nephew. Your happiness is my greatest wish. That is repayment enough."
There's a door where there wasn't one before. Vaguely East Asian in style, simple with only a bit of ornamentation.
From it, the warm smell of fresh brewed tea floats on the air.
There's a sign on the door, carved by hand.
The Jasmine Dragon
( @oldgreydragon )
Confused, Grace stares at the door for a long moment. He could have sworn that door wasn’t there a couple seconds ago— and it was made of wood. There wasn’t any wood here, other than some small pieces.
Cautious, but admittedly curious, Grace stepped over to the door and opened it. The warm smell of tea wafted inside. After years of just eating what was available and had nutrients, the thought of tea made his mouth water.
“Uh— hello?” He called, peeking his head inside, glasses low on his nose.
An old man in green robes is sweeping the floor of a tea shop. Warm sunlight streams through the windows, and the space is filled with the smell of tea and sweet pastries.
He looks up when Grace opens the door and smiles. "Ah, welcome to the Jasmine Dragon, my friend. Come in, come in, have a seat. What can I get for you?"
Grace glanced behind him into his house, then back into the tea shop, checking that he wasn’t just seeing things. Once he was sure of himself, he nodded a bit, pushing up his glasses and straightening, taking a step inside.
“I… uh— alright,” he stuttered out, “I don’t know. What, uh— what do you have?” Grace shuffled inside, looking around at the glow of the windows in slight confusion as he tried to find the best place to sit. He didn’t want to be weird or rude to this nice man.
He smiles and gestures to a table next to a window. "Come, sit. I have many different types of tea, and some pastries. But you seem like you need a hearty meal, I can make some noodles for you. Do you like roast duck?"
He sets the broom away behind the counter, pulling out cups and a tea pot to set over a small burner.
"Ah, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Iroh, but most just call me Uncle nowadays."
Grace slid into the seat of the table the man had gestured to. Looking down at his arms at the comment he made of him needing a hearty meal, he let out a light laugh. Despite his best efforts, he still needed to heal a bit from the nutrient deficiency and starvation from a year-ish earlier.
“I’ve never had roast duck before. I’m willing to give it a try,” he smiled lightly. Something about the atmosphere here was putting him at ease. “Nice to meet you, Uncle Iroh,” he put the names together, just because it felt right to start off. “I’m Ryland Grace. Most people call me Grace, but either is fine.”
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Grace." Iroh smiles as he lights the small burner for the water- no match, no lighter, no click of gas, just a sudden start of a tiny flame.
As the pot boils, he steps through a curtain into the back, returning with two bowls full of noodles and broth, slices of meat and steamed vegetables. He sets one of them in front of Grace with some chopsticks. "There is plenty more, should you want it." He adds.
"What sort of tea would you like? Or would you prefer a recommendation?"
At the odd way the fire was lit, Grace had opened his mouth to ask about it. The appearance of food on the table cut him off, the savory smell drawing his eyes down. It smelled amazing. Grace picked up the chopsticks, glad he had taught himself to use them to when he had ordered Chinese food a lot as a teacher.
“I don’t drink a lot of tea nowadays, so a recommendation would be good,” he smiled, carefully picking up some of the noodles and eating them. His eyes widened, and he spoke up after he swallowed. “This is amazing..! How…? Wow, I missed real flavor in food.”
Iroh beams. "Why thank you! It took me many years to learn to do it well. An old ship cook taught me."
He bustles about, preparing a small pot of tea and two cups. "I will make a rose hip tea for you. It is very tasty, and helps with joint pain."
Grace grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “The work definitely paid off,” he commended, serious but light.
His eyebrow raise in excitement and astonishment at the fact that tea could help with joint pain. It made sense, as medication was made from a lot of plants, but it sounded wonderful to have something ease the ache that also tasted good. “That sounds really good. Joint pain has been a pain in the butt these last few years,” he let out a light laugh. “Thank you so much.”
"Then I will send you home with some. It has been a great help to my old bones." He smiles, setting down the pot and a pair of cups.
"Would you care for some company? I enjoy sharing a bit of conversation with my customers when I can."
“That would be wonderful, thank you,” he smiled, then turning his eyes to the pot and cups. Nice old ceramics, it looked like.
“I’d love some company. I don’t get much of it from, well human people nowadays,” he shrugged. “I’m not quite sure how your tea shop just— showed up here, honestly. Magic or something.” He let out a light laugh.
"Hm, I cannot be sure. I know where my shop is, but I also know that, as of late, my door has opened to many places it should not. A blessing from the spirits, perhaps, that my door appears to those who need it."
He strokes his beard, deep in thought. "My shop currently resides near the city center of Ba Sing Se. But it sounds like this is not where you came in from?"
Grace hummed and nodded. “That makes sense. After the past few years, I wouldn’t put it past this universe to throw something newly supernatural my way,” he laughed lightly, bringing his tea close for a sip. Wow, it was good.
“Mm— no, I’ve never heard of that city,” he confirmed. “I am actually— well, was— on an alien planet before I stepped in here. Trillions of miles from Earth.”
"Earth, so our homes share the same planet. But perhaps, different versions. You could not have lived on my Earth without hearing about Ba Sing Se, even in the far reaches of the poles."
Iroh hums as he takes a sip. "How fascinating. I am not a man of science myself, but a close friend of my nephew is. I am sure he would have many things to say."
“…must be, if everything is so different,” Grace hummed in agreement, setting down his cup on the table delicately. “I’m sure he would, as a fellow person of science.”
“I’m a bit curious, actually, if our Earths are different, just… how they’re different,” he tried. “Like— you lit the fire for the tea without doing anything to spark it. How did you do that?”
Iroh does seem genuinely surprised by this. "Your Earth does not have benders?" He asks. As he does, he holds out a hand, a flame jumping to life in his palm. It dances calmly, under total control.
"Here, the world is split into four nations, and each with its own elemental power. There are people in each nation blessed with the ability to control and wield that element. While I currently live in the Earth Kingdom, I hail from the Fire Nation, and was born a firebender."
Grace’s jaw dropped at the little flame in Irish’s palm, and he tilted his head to look at it from different angles, not quite believing what he was seeing. It looked completely real, though. No trick of the light or anything.
“No, we… we don’t have benders,” he said, a bit distracted. “So, there are people all over your Earth who can just— pardon my wording— magic elements around like it’s another sense? That’s crazy. I assume it’s… fire, water, earth, and air? For the four nations?”
Iroh looks pleased. "Yes, very good. And hm, no, not like another sense. Though, I am aware of at least one earthbender who uses her bending to see, as she is blind."
"But while the ability to bend is something you are born with, it is a skill that must be trained and learned."
"It is said that each of the four bending nations learned from the natural world, and those traditions are passed down, refined, and built upon."
“That is a very smart way to use an ability like that,” Grace said in a hum. “So, it’s more like a muscle in a sense like— gymnasts pass down their skills to their students by teaching them how to strengthen themselves to do— vaults, or whatever.” He nodded to himself, making the comparisons having made it easier to comprehend the whole ‘bending’ thing.
“It sounds like an art form. Learning from the earth,” Grace smiled as he took another sip of the tea.
"Very much so. The original benders observed the world and the creatures around them, and learned how to bend the elements as they do."
Iroh extinguishes the flame by closing his hand. "Bending is a connection to the world, and to our ancestors. Sadly, many people have lost this view, and use bending as a power over others."
“It’s beautiful,” Grace smiled up at Iroh after he extinguished the flame. It was like learning old stories from a grandparent he had never met. This was nice.
“Seems to be a similarity between our worlds. Humans are greedy for power the second they have something that they can use for it,” Grace commented with a light huff.
"I am sure there are others. There are many people who are full of kindness and compassion, and who are willing to learn a better way."
He smiles out the window at the city, sprawling all the way to the horizon. There are clear signs of damage, ash from fires and destroyed buildings. "My world is recovering from war... A war that lasted one hundred years, and was only ended a few months ago. It warms my heart to see people reaching out to each other, helping each other to rebuild."
Grace followed Iroh’s gaze towards the window, looking out at the city, damaged, but being reconstructed. The city was healing, even though it went through a lot, if Iroh’s story was anything to go by.
A small smile grew on his face. “It’s always nice to know there’s still good people in the face of awful events,” he turned back to Iroh. “I’m glad that war ended. Hopefully, the next generations can learn and do better. It’s one of the reasons I liked being a teacher. Teaching them my mistakes so they don’t go on to do them themselves.”
"A most noble profession. I was the one who taught my nephew firebending, and it required a great deal of patience. And calming tea," he adds with a chuckle, lifting his cup.
Grace smiled. “I can agree with that. Kids can get pretty wild or difficult sometimes,” he took a sip of his tea while Iroh did.
“And it pays off. Emotionally, at least. It’s nice to teach the next generation and make an impact on their lives, as small as it might be. Even if it pays horribly,” he let out a light laugh.
Iroh chuckles. "There are sacrifices we all make for happiness. Teaching others may not be my profession, but I do try to be a guiding hand when I am needed. I do not want them to go through the same pain I did to learn my lessons."
Grace hummed in agreement, moving to eat a bit more of his noodles as he thought of what else to ask about.
“So…” he started, swallowing. “Has your profession always been ‘tea shop owner’, or are there any other things you did? Or… maybe any hobbies?”
"Oh no, not at all. I have only been the owner of a tea shop for a few months actually."
"I have been many things. I was a humble tea maker in another's shop, a refugee, a prisoner of war, a retired general- I have lived a long life and taken on many roles."
"Uncle... It's been some time. How has business been?"
@firelord-hotman-zuko - 17 year old Zuko
"Zuko!" Iroh beams with joy and hurries to embrace his nephew. "You did not tell me you were coming to visit. How wonderful to see you again."
"I wanted to suprise you. I hope you're not too busy for some tea together."
Zuko hugs Iroh right back, smiling into the older man's shoulder.
"I am never too busy for you, nephew!"
Iroh guides him to sit at a table, moving to prepare a pot of tea and some cups for them.
Despite his words, it's obvious business is booming. The shop is plenty busy, and he's hired a few people to help him out.
"I hope you have been taking care of yourself as well? Remembering to eat and rest?"
"I've been... doing my best. It's difficult, preparing to be Firelord and all that. And..."
Zuko trails off, fidgeting with his teacup, trying to gather his courage. He wasn't afraid of his uncle, he just... it was different, speaking to him avout stuff like this.
"...I have a boyfriend."
Iroh's smile gets somehow wider and he reaches across to hold Zuko's hands.
"I am so so happy for you, nephew! You must tell me everything, how did you meet, who is he?"
Zuko blushes, feeling bashful about how excited Iroh seemed about this.
"Well, it's- it's Sokka, Uncle. You've met him. We talked for a while and things sort of just... developed from there. He'd like to formally introduce himself as my boyfriend sometime and... well, ask for your blessing."
Iroh nods knowingly, coming back to his tea cup with a twinkle in his eye. "Hm, I had a feeling," he says.
"Well, you certainly have my blessing, both of you. I'm incredibly happy for you, my boy. I hope you bring him around soon, I will need to make sure he properly understands how to treat my beloved nephew!" His words are intimidating, but he says it with a wink.
"Uncle, don't scare him off! He's already nervous about it. Wait- what do you mean you had a feeling?"
(Sokka blog is @/wolftailwarrior btw)
Iroh waves him off. "Your young man is very brave, he won't be scared off. But I want to make sure he knows to treat you right. You deserve someone who will cherish you wholly."
"And, well, it was just a hunch. I've seen how he is around you, the boy has been smitten with you for ages."
"Did he come to Ba Sing Se with you? When will I get to meet him officially?"
"You mean you want to make sure he's not like Jet."
Zuko grumbles, remembering his very first boyfriend and how poorly that relationship ended up. He looked down into his tea, swirling it around in the cup.
"You told me that he was no good for me. I didn't listen. I'm sorry, Uncle. But Sokka will be much better. He came with me. He follows me everywhere, I swear. Protective alpha."
(//this Zuko is omegaverse btw, but nothing nsfw!)
Iroh hums as he sips his tea. "There are some mistakes that must be learned from experience." He admits. "I had hoped to spare you that pain."
"But I know Sokka well already, and I know very well he is not the kind of alpha Jet was. But you cannot blame this old man for worrying about you, Zuko."
He stands briefly to fetch another cup for the tea, and smiles at him. "Won't you bring him in? I promise I won't scare him. Much."
"You were right, Uncle. About everything. About my destiny, about choosing my own path, about Father. You were only trying to protect me, but I foolishly thought you just didn't think I was strong enough to handle the world on my own. That you thought I was weak because I'm an omega. I'm sorry. I should have listened."
Zuko's bottom lip trembles, guilt and shame toiling in his chest. He shakes his head, trying to clear it from all the turmoil.
"I'll bring Sokka around soon enough, but right now, I want time with just you, Uncle."
Iroh moves around the table to hug Zuko again.
"Oh my boy. I never once thought you weak, for any reason. I am so incredibly proud of the man you've become. You are strong, and kind, and brave, and you are everything I could have hoped you'd become and more."
He sits back, smiling. "Gladly, nephew. I love spending time with you. But you must tell me how it happened! I want to hear your love story."
Zuko can't help the laugh that escapes him, despite his complex feelings. His uncle was just far too nosy.
"You're such a gossip, old man. Have to know all the details about everything. If you must know, I had realized I developed feelings for him during our time apart, when he was helping the Avatar repair the world while I did my part in the Fire Palace. But I was hesitant to do anything, as I had assumed he was still with Suki. When we reunited, I learned that was not the case, and well... that the feeling was mutual."
Zuko smiles as he sips his tea, looking both bashful and incredibly charmed.
"He took me out on a date around the captial, Uncle. He even insisted on paying for everything, even though I'm the prince. It was so..."
"I just want to know about my nephew's love life! We live so far apart now, I do not get to see everything as I once did."
Iroh smiles softly, letting Zuko speak. "Zuko, that is wonderful. I am so glad to see you so happy and in love. Sokka is a very lucky man, and I hope he knows that too."
"I'm the lucky one, Uncle, really. I never imagined I would have this kind of thing for myself. He's so kind and doting, but at the same time, I know he respects my strength. He's... ah, I can't even say. I'm so honored that he allows me to be with him like this, of all people."
"You deserve every happiness, nephew. To see such joy on your face warms my heart."
He takes Zuko's hand and squeezes it. "He sounds like a wonderful partner,"
Iroh pauses, then delicately says, "I hope you have both been careful. I am happy to tell you again about-"
"Uncle!"
Zuko squawks, his face nearly steaming with embarrassment. He does NOT need Iroh to tell him about what happens when an alpha and omega love each other "very much." He shudders at the thought.
"We- We've only kissed. That's all. Nothing else, so you don't need to tell me about it. Agni knows the maids would never let me be alone with him for that long to do... that, considering my precious virtue as a high-born omega and all that."
Iroh holds his hands up in surrender. "I just want to make sure you are being safe!" He protests, but his eyes are teasing. "It is important. And from the sounds of things, a mating bond won't be very long to wait, hm?"
"Uncle! That's- We've just started dating!"
Zuko protests, hiding his face in his hands. He just started dating Sokka and Iroh was already thinking about a mating bond? Well, it wasn't like Zuko hadn't thought about it, or the he and Sokka hadn't discussed it... but still! He didn't need his uncle thinking that far ahead already. He might as well be asking Zuko when he's going to be getting some grandpups.
Iroh chuckles and pats Zuko's shoulder. "I am teasing you, nephew. I know that won't be for awhile yet."
Though he is looking forward to little pups running around. He misses taking care of little ones, and would be happy to babysit whenever asked.
From @wolftailwarrior
"General Iroh!! Hi, sorry for disturbing you, but I have something to tell you. I'm in love with your nephew and he loves me back so we're together, but I'd be honored to have your blessing to court him properly and marry him one day."
Iroh claps a hand on Sokka's shoulder with a smile.
"So I have heard! Come inside, have some tea."
His hand tightens just very slightly.
"I believe we have much to discuss."
Sokka can't help but smile back and let out a happy little purr when Iroh invites him for tea.
"Tea does sound divine, thank you."
When Iroh's hand tightens very slightly on his shoulder, the young brunette lets out a curious coo.
"We have and I think Zuko will be very happy to know that we'd had talk. You're very important to him and I cannot slip the opportunity to show you how much I love him."
Iroh smiles warmly. "He is very important to me too. His happiness is what matters most to me in this world, and I will do whatever I must to ensure it."
He guides Sokka inside and gestures for him to sit at one of the tables, before pouring them both a cup of tea.
"He is very taken with you, you know."
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Good news aang built the island.. and went to learn lava bending for heating....
Bad news he's massively sleep deprived
"Oh dear."
Iroh has traveled to Aang's island after receiving an invitation, and finds him nearly dead on his feet with exhaustion.
"Aang? When is the last time you slept?"
( @not-just-avatar )
The avatar accidently sends a burst of wind at iroh before relizing who it was...he looks apologetic as he gets to his feet "I'm so so sorry " he looks shattered
Iroh stumbles back in surprise, but he's well used to keeping his feet grounded. "Oof!"
He waves off Aang's concern. "I am fine, Aang. No damage done. But clearly you are more tired than you realize if you did not remember inviting me to visit today."
Good news aang built the island.. and went to learn lava bending for heating....
Bad news he's massively sleep deprived
"Oh dear."
Iroh has traveled to Aang's island after receiving an invitation, and finds him nearly dead on his feet with exhaustion.
"Aang? When is the last time you slept?"
( @not-just-avatar )
"Uncle... It's been some time. How has business been?"
@firelord-hotman-zuko - 17 year old Zuko
"Zuko!" Iroh beams with joy and hurries to embrace his nephew. "You did not tell me you were coming to visit. How wonderful to see you again."
"I wanted to suprise you. I hope you're not too busy for some tea together."
Zuko hugs Iroh right back, smiling into the older man's shoulder.
"I am never too busy for you, nephew!"
Iroh guides him to sit at a table, moving to prepare a pot of tea and some cups for them.
Despite his words, it's obvious business is booming. The shop is plenty busy, and he's hired a few people to help him out.
"I hope you have been taking care of yourself as well? Remembering to eat and rest?"
"I've been... doing my best. It's difficult, preparing to be Firelord and all that. And..."
Zuko trails off, fidgeting with his teacup, trying to gather his courage. He wasn't afraid of his uncle, he just... it was different, speaking to him avout stuff like this.
"...I have a boyfriend."
Iroh's smile gets somehow wider and he reaches across to hold Zuko's hands.
"I am so so happy for you, nephew! You must tell me everything, how did you meet, who is he?"
Zuko blushes, feeling bashful about how excited Iroh seemed about this.
"Well, it's- it's Sokka, Uncle. You've met him. We talked for a while and things sort of just... developed from there. He'd like to formally introduce himself as my boyfriend sometime and... well, ask for your blessing."
Iroh nods knowingly, coming back to his tea cup with a twinkle in his eye. "Hm, I had a feeling," he says.
"Well, you certainly have my blessing, both of you. I'm incredibly happy for you, my boy. I hope you bring him around soon, I will need to make sure he properly understands how to treat my beloved nephew!" His words are intimidating, but he says it with a wink.
"Uncle, don't scare him off! He's already nervous about it. Wait- what do you mean you had a feeling?"
(Sokka blog is @/wolftailwarrior btw)
Iroh waves him off. "Your young man is very brave, he won't be scared off. But I want to make sure he knows to treat you right. You deserve someone who will cherish you wholly."
"And, well, it was just a hunch. I've seen how he is around you, the boy has been smitten with you for ages."
"Did he come to Ba Sing Se with you? When will I get to meet him officially?"
"You mean you want to make sure he's not like Jet."
Zuko grumbles, remembering his very first boyfriend and how poorly that relationship ended up. He looked down into his tea, swirling it around in the cup.
"You told me that he was no good for me. I didn't listen. I'm sorry, Uncle. But Sokka will be much better. He came with me. He follows me everywhere, I swear. Protective alpha."
(//this Zuko is omegaverse btw, but nothing nsfw!)
Iroh hums as he sips his tea. "There are some mistakes that must be learned from experience." He admits. "I had hoped to spare you that pain."
"But I know Sokka well already, and I know very well he is not the kind of alpha Jet was. But you cannot blame this old man for worrying about you, Zuko."
He stands briefly to fetch another cup for the tea, and smiles at him. "Won't you bring him in? I promise I won't scare him. Much."
"You were right, Uncle. About everything. About my destiny, about choosing my own path, about Father. You were only trying to protect me, but I foolishly thought you just didn't think I was strong enough to handle the world on my own. That you thought I was weak because I'm an omega. I'm sorry. I should have listened."
Zuko's bottom lip trembles, guilt and shame toiling in his chest. He shakes his head, trying to clear it from all the turmoil.
"I'll bring Sokka around soon enough, but right now, I want time with just you, Uncle."
Iroh moves around the table to hug Zuko again.
"Oh my boy. I never once thought you weak, for any reason. I am so incredibly proud of the man you've become. You are strong, and kind, and brave, and you are everything I could have hoped you'd become and more."
He sits back, smiling. "Gladly, nephew. I love spending time with you. But you must tell me how it happened! I want to hear your love story."
Zuko can't help the laugh that escapes him, despite his complex feelings. His uncle was just far too nosy.
"You're such a gossip, old man. Have to know all the details about everything. If you must know, I had realized I developed feelings for him during our time apart, when he was helping the Avatar repair the world while I did my part in the Fire Palace. But I was hesitant to do anything, as I had assumed he was still with Suki. When we reunited, I learned that was not the case, and well... that the feeling was mutual."
Zuko smiles as he sips his tea, looking both bashful and incredibly charmed.
"He took me out on a date around the captial, Uncle. He even insisted on paying for everything, even though I'm the prince. It was so..."
"I just want to know about my nephew's love life! We live so far apart now, I do not get to see everything as I once did."
Iroh smiles softly, letting Zuko speak. "Zuko, that is wonderful. I am so glad to see you so happy and in love. Sokka is a very lucky man, and I hope he knows that too."
"I'm the lucky one, Uncle, really. I never imagined I would have this kind of thing for myself. He's so kind and doting, but at the same time, I know he respects my strength. He's... ah, I can't even say. I'm so honored that he allows me to be with him like this, of all people."
"You deserve every happiness, nephew. To see such joy on your face warms my heart."
He takes Zuko's hand and squeezes it. "He sounds like a wonderful partner,"
Iroh pauses, then delicately says, "I hope you have both been careful. I am happy to tell you again about-"
"Uncle!"
Zuko squawks, his face nearly steaming with embarrassment. He does NOT need Iroh to tell him about what happens when an alpha and omega love each other "very much." He shudders at the thought.
"We- We've only kissed. That's all. Nothing else, so you don't need to tell me about it. Agni knows the maids would never let me be alone with him for that long to do... that, considering my precious virtue as a high-born omega and all that."
Iroh holds his hands up in surrender. "I just want to make sure you are being safe!" He protests, but his eyes are teasing. "It is important. And from the sounds of things, a mating bond won't be very long to wait, hm?"
"Uncle... It's been some time. How has business been?"
@firelord-hotman-zuko - 17 year old Zuko
"Zuko!" Iroh beams with joy and hurries to embrace his nephew. "You did not tell me you were coming to visit. How wonderful to see you again."
"I wanted to suprise you. I hope you're not too busy for some tea together."
Zuko hugs Iroh right back, smiling into the older man's shoulder.
"I am never too busy for you, nephew!"
Iroh guides him to sit at a table, moving to prepare a pot of tea and some cups for them.
Despite his words, it's obvious business is booming. The shop is plenty busy, and he's hired a few people to help him out.
"I hope you have been taking care of yourself as well? Remembering to eat and rest?"
"I've been... doing my best. It's difficult, preparing to be Firelord and all that. And..."
Zuko trails off, fidgeting with his teacup, trying to gather his courage. He wasn't afraid of his uncle, he just... it was different, speaking to him avout stuff like this.
"...I have a boyfriend."
Iroh's smile gets somehow wider and he reaches across to hold Zuko's hands.
"I am so so happy for you, nephew! You must tell me everything, how did you meet, who is he?"
Zuko blushes, feeling bashful about how excited Iroh seemed about this.
"Well, it's- it's Sokka, Uncle. You've met him. We talked for a while and things sort of just... developed from there. He'd like to formally introduce himself as my boyfriend sometime and... well, ask for your blessing."
Iroh nods knowingly, coming back to his tea cup with a twinkle in his eye. "Hm, I had a feeling," he says.
"Well, you certainly have my blessing, both of you. I'm incredibly happy for you, my boy. I hope you bring him around soon, I will need to make sure he properly understands how to treat my beloved nephew!" His words are intimidating, but he says it with a wink.
"Uncle, don't scare him off! He's already nervous about it. Wait- what do you mean you had a feeling?"
(Sokka blog is @/wolftailwarrior btw)
Iroh waves him off. "Your young man is very brave, he won't be scared off. But I want to make sure he knows to treat you right. You deserve someone who will cherish you wholly."
"And, well, it was just a hunch. I've seen how he is around you, the boy has been smitten with you for ages."
"Did he come to Ba Sing Se with you? When will I get to meet him officially?"
"You mean you want to make sure he's not like Jet."
Zuko grumbles, remembering his very first boyfriend and how poorly that relationship ended up. He looked down into his tea, swirling it around in the cup.
"You told me that he was no good for me. I didn't listen. I'm sorry, Uncle. But Sokka will be much better. He came with me. He follows me everywhere, I swear. Protective alpha."
(//this Zuko is omegaverse btw, but nothing nsfw!)
Iroh hums as he sips his tea. "There are some mistakes that must be learned from experience." He admits. "I had hoped to spare you that pain."
"But I know Sokka well already, and I know very well he is not the kind of alpha Jet was. But you cannot blame this old man for worrying about you, Zuko."
He stands briefly to fetch another cup for the tea, and smiles at him. "Won't you bring him in? I promise I won't scare him. Much."
"You were right, Uncle. About everything. About my destiny, about choosing my own path, about Father. You were only trying to protect me, but I foolishly thought you just didn't think I was strong enough to handle the world on my own. That you thought I was weak because I'm an omega. I'm sorry. I should have listened."
Zuko's bottom lip trembles, guilt and shame toiling in his chest. He shakes his head, trying to clear it from all the turmoil.
"I'll bring Sokka around soon enough, but right now, I want time with just you, Uncle."
Iroh moves around the table to hug Zuko again.
"Oh my boy. I never once thought you weak, for any reason. I am so incredibly proud of the man you've become. You are strong, and kind, and brave, and you are everything I could have hoped you'd become and more."
He sits back, smiling. "Gladly, nephew. I love spending time with you. But you must tell me how it happened! I want to hear your love story."
Zuko can't help the laugh that escapes him, despite his complex feelings. His uncle was just far too nosy.
"You're such a gossip, old man. Have to know all the details about everything. If you must know, I had realized I developed feelings for him during our time apart, when he was helping the Avatar repair the world while I did my part in the Fire Palace. But I was hesitant to do anything, as I had assumed he was still with Suki. When we reunited, I learned that was not the case, and well... that the feeling was mutual."
Zuko smiles as he sips his tea, looking both bashful and incredibly charmed.
"He took me out on a date around the captial, Uncle. He even insisted on paying for everything, even though I'm the prince. It was so..."
"I just want to know about my nephew's love life! We live so far apart now, I do not get to see everything as I once did."
Iroh smiles softly, letting Zuko speak. "Zuko, that is wonderful. I am so glad to see you so happy and in love. Sokka is a very lucky man, and I hope he knows that too."
"I'm the lucky one, Uncle, really. I never imagined I would have this kind of thing for myself. He's so kind and doting, but at the same time, I know he respects my strength. He's... ah, I can't even say. I'm so honored that he allows me to be with him like this, of all people."
"You deserve every happiness, nephew. To see such joy on your face warms my heart."
He takes Zuko's hand and squeezes it. "He sounds like a wonderful partner,"
Iroh pauses, then delicately says, "I hope you have both been careful. I am happy to tell you again about-"
A new building has appeared just off the main road, tucked behind the larger, nicer stores, where it can only be found if you happened to look.
An old man with long grey hair and a beard hums a song as he sweeps his front step, dressed in simple green robes.
Sunlight shines off the sign hanging above the door.
The Jasmine Dragon.
( @oldgreydragon )
(OOC: 👀 An Avatar rp blog??? In the year of our lord 2026?! I'm intrigued)
"So remind me why you're dragging me out here?" Goji grumbled as they slipped down the busy streets, hands in his pockets as he followed Viper.
The younger blond glanced over his shoulder, tail flicking carefully as he shrugged, "To look around! See if anything else has popped up, y'know?"
"You do realize that whatever's going on here," He gestured to the both of them, "isn't exactly something we can help with right? Leon said as much!"
Viper bit his lip, a frustrated look in his eyes, "I-! I know okay? I just… I dunno, wanna feel like I'm doing something."
The older blond sighed, nodding in agreement at the sentiment. He'd honestly felt a bit useless too, ever since this all started.
Viper's ears twitched slightly, picking up on the humming nearby. He tilted his head like a dog before looking around, spotting the odd building. The smell of tea reached both of them, having an oddly calming effect.
The duo exchanged curious looks, walking over cautiously. They didn't want to scare the old man because of their uh - unique appearances.
"It probably isn't a spirit," Goji sighed, "just some dumbass scientist playing god where they shouldn't. We definitely have an abundance of those…"
He shook his head, clearing his thoughts, "But thanks. I'm not sure how everyone else is dealing with this, it's been… weirdly calm all things considered."
"Hopefully it'll stay like that," Viper pipped up, "and this isn't the calm before the storm."
"It sounds like a good opportunity to learn from others experiences. Hopefully you will be able to learn more in time. For now, enjoy your peace while it exists, rather than borrowing worry from the future."
"You're… not wrong, I suppose." Goji conceded, leaning back in his chair, "It just… worries me, what all this could mean."
"Even if it is bad news," Viper cut in, "we've got what? Dozens of people to fall back on? I think we'll be fine… hopefully."
"It is good that you have others to help. Many perspectives can make a problem more clearly seen than one or two alone."
"Three, actually. There's a third version of us bunking with me." Goji corrected with a shrug, "But you're not wrong, neither of you are."
Viper gave him a smug grin, like a younger sibling who'd just won an argument.
Iroh nods. "Everything will be fine, one way or another. Working together is how you get the best outcome."
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"Do you have a moment?"
@not-just-avatar
"Always, Aang. Come in, have some tea."
He smiles, opening the door wider to let him inside.
"What is on your mind, my friend?"
"I've been thinking... about the temples....my temples...were things ...taken?" He looks sad "if so...do you know where?"
Iroh gestures for Aang to sit, a grave expression on his face.
"This is something I wished to speak with you about, when things calmed down. Unfortunately, yes, many things were taken from the temples. Either on Sozin's orders, to be kept in his vaults, or by ordinary people acting on greed." His words are gentle, but he doesn't sugarcoat the matter either. It is what it is.
"I know my brother well, and that what was kept in the palace vaults would not be safe from him. After I joined the Order of the White Lotus, I smuggled out as much as I could. It is being kept safe in small, guarded caches around the Earth Kingdom."
"Thank you....then i must be honest...I....have thoughts of hunting sozin,s soul or spirit down " the young boy spoke as the winds would slowly cause things to shiver and jolt "to you all it was a hundred years....but to me..." a lump swelled in aang,s throat he couldn't get the words out... struggling to know how to say it...
"Your anger is understandable, Aang," Iroh says, pouring a cup of tea for them both. "And you are not a bad person for feeling these things. Anger is a part of life, and you must allow yourself to feel it, just as you would your grief or joy."
He reaches out and puts a hand over Aang's. "You have been running and working towards the end of the war since the moment you woke up. Now that things are calm, your grief is catching up."
The boy gently squeezed the elders hand nodding "i-i didn't know what else to do....everything and everyone i know...knew" he corrected himself "is...is gone...and the grief....it's so....thick...and...tight. it feels like it's strangling me..." he looked iroh in the eyes pleadingly "how do I move forward... when everything's so... hot and raw?"
Iroh shuts his eyes, his own grief over his son and wife swelling.
"Slowly," he says honestly. "Grief is a stone in the roots of a tree. It can be small, or very large. And it will not go away, or shrink. But you will grow around it, and learn to live alongside it. You may languish underneath it, and allow it to stunt your growth. Or you can reach for the sun, and live."
His eyes meet Aang's, holding them there. "Make no mistake, it is not easy. It will be hard, and you will find many days where it seems impossible. You will need support from others, and a healthy outlet so it does not twist up inside of you. But it is not futile, and you will be okay."
"I-i understand...I think" aang sipped his tea finishing it before getting up and hugging iroh gently "th-thank you.....grey dragon ..." the avatar let's go of the man..."I've travelled far....may i stay the night?" He requested
Iroh hugs him back, warm and firm and soft. "You are welcome anytime, Aang. Tomorrow, before you go, I will give you what you need to speak to the White Lotus and find the caches. We have been searching for things sold on the black market as well, collecting and preserving what we could. We would love to help you return it to its proper place."
"To do that the temples need rebuilt first " aang chuckled softly as he'd reached into a bag he'd took a sleeping bag and settled into the corner "g-good night shifu iroh "
"Sleep well, Aang." Iroh sits quietly for a little longer, thinking.
Finally he gets up and starts writing down the names and codes used to find and access the caches, including the coded messages to ensure the other members know that Aang is the Avatar, and endorsed by a Grand Lotus.
When the ink is dry, he rolls it up and seals it, then begins his nighttime routine, cleaning up before going to bed on his own cot, still worried for his young friend.
The next morning aang had woken up early to meditate on the roof of the shop having airbended onto it he's deep in thoughts as he thinks about his family his grief ...his anger......he'd let out steam in empty abandoned areas when he could get time to himself
Iroh, as always, wakes with the sun. He notices the absence of Aang, but also knows his friend well enough that he would not leave without a word.
So he waits, meditating for the morning while the tea steeps, then starting to prepare breakfast for two.
When it is ready- a simple meal of rice and steamed vegetables- he sits at the table with his tea and waits patiently.
Aang dropped back into the street his staff acting as a landing slot as he stepped on it gently as he hopped off it landing gracefully and picking the staff up taking it inside with him as he sits down across from iroh "good morning..." he smiled gently
"Good morning, Aang. Join me for breakfast?"
Iroh asks as he serves up the warm meal.
"Of course " the avatar reached for his tea sipping it "I've been thinking what if I let out my anger in...abandoned places?....that have no chance of recovering?"
"This is a good start, though I would say there is nowhere that will not recover in time. You would be better off finding places where the damage is difficult or impossible to do. There is a quarry outside the city that would be a good place to start. Or use your unique abilities to create an island in the ocean, or the East and West Lakes. This way you can let loose fully on your power, without concern for injuring a person or animal that wanders too closely."
"....the island idea would be healthier " aang nodded in agreement "i could possibly make my own sanctuary.... .....I....like that" he smiled digging into his rice "iroh....you're guidance is...great and limitless........ there was an empty island near our temples that was never used...it might finally have some use"
"Many avatars before you have done the same. Most of the avatar temples started as such places. While so many people look to the Avatar as a symbol of peace, it is difficult to remember that they are people too, and feel anger and sorrow just as everyone does."
He laughs lightly. "I am honored by your words, my young friend. But as you will learn, wisdom is simply age and experience. I am learning new things everyday, just as you are."
"That sounds like an excellent idea. It is up to you if you wish to do this alone, to connect with the spirits around you, or if you wish for your friends to help you. I am sure no one will object."
Aang nodded finishing up his rice and tea before walking over to iroh and hugging the elderly man before bowing
Iroh hugs him back tightly, and returns the bow.
"I will always be here to help you, Aang. No matter what you need from me."
He nodded smiling before walking out of the shop as people who got up early... gave him space
Iroh waved goodbye as Aang walked down the road, until he was gone and it was time to start getting ready for the day.
"Do you have a moment?"
@not-just-avatar
"Always, Aang. Come in, have some tea."
He smiles, opening the door wider to let him inside.
"What is on your mind, my friend?"
"I've been thinking... about the temples....my temples...were things ...taken?" He looks sad "if so...do you know where?"
Iroh gestures for Aang to sit, a grave expression on his face.
"This is something I wished to speak with you about, when things calmed down. Unfortunately, yes, many things were taken from the temples. Either on Sozin's orders, to be kept in his vaults, or by ordinary people acting on greed." His words are gentle, but he doesn't sugarcoat the matter either. It is what it is.
"I know my brother well, and that what was kept in the palace vaults would not be safe from him. After I joined the Order of the White Lotus, I smuggled out as much as I could. It is being kept safe in small, guarded caches around the Earth Kingdom."
"Thank you....then i must be honest...I....have thoughts of hunting sozin,s soul or spirit down " the young boy spoke as the winds would slowly cause things to shiver and jolt "to you all it was a hundred years....but to me..." a lump swelled in aang,s throat he couldn't get the words out... struggling to know how to say it...
"Your anger is understandable, Aang," Iroh says, pouring a cup of tea for them both. "And you are not a bad person for feeling these things. Anger is a part of life, and you must allow yourself to feel it, just as you would your grief or joy."
He reaches out and puts a hand over Aang's. "You have been running and working towards the end of the war since the moment you woke up. Now that things are calm, your grief is catching up."
The boy gently squeezed the elders hand nodding "i-i didn't know what else to do....everything and everyone i know...knew" he corrected himself "is...is gone...and the grief....it's so....thick...and...tight. it feels like it's strangling me..." he looked iroh in the eyes pleadingly "how do I move forward... when everything's so... hot and raw?"
Iroh shuts his eyes, his own grief over his son and wife swelling.
"Slowly," he says honestly. "Grief is a stone in the roots of a tree. It can be small, or very large. And it will not go away, or shrink. But you will grow around it, and learn to live alongside it. You may languish underneath it, and allow it to stunt your growth. Or you can reach for the sun, and live."
His eyes meet Aang's, holding them there. "Make no mistake, it is not easy. It will be hard, and you will find many days where it seems impossible. You will need support from others, and a healthy outlet so it does not twist up inside of you. But it is not futile, and you will be okay."
"I-i understand...I think" aang sipped his tea finishing it before getting up and hugging iroh gently "th-thank you.....grey dragon ..." the avatar let's go of the man..."I've travelled far....may i stay the night?" He requested
Iroh hugs him back, warm and firm and soft. "You are welcome anytime, Aang. Tomorrow, before you go, I will give you what you need to speak to the White Lotus and find the caches. We have been searching for things sold on the black market as well, collecting and preserving what we could. We would love to help you return it to its proper place."
"To do that the temples need rebuilt first " aang chuckled softly as he'd reached into a bag he'd took a sleeping bag and settled into the corner "g-good night shifu iroh "
"Sleep well, Aang." Iroh sits quietly for a little longer, thinking.
Finally he gets up and starts writing down the names and codes used to find and access the caches, including the coded messages to ensure the other members know that Aang is the Avatar, and endorsed by a Grand Lotus.
When the ink is dry, he rolls it up and seals it, then begins his nighttime routine, cleaning up before going to bed on his own cot, still worried for his young friend.
The next morning aang had woken up early to meditate on the roof of the shop having airbended onto it he's deep in thoughts as he thinks about his family his grief ...his anger......he'd let out steam in empty abandoned areas when he could get time to himself
Iroh, as always, wakes with the sun. He notices the absence of Aang, but also knows his friend well enough that he would not leave without a word.
So he waits, meditating for the morning while the tea steeps, then starting to prepare breakfast for two.
When it is ready- a simple meal of rice and steamed vegetables- he sits at the table with his tea and waits patiently.
Aang dropped back into the street his staff acting as a landing slot as he stepped on it gently as he hopped off it landing gracefully and picking the staff up taking it inside with him as he sits down across from iroh "good morning..." he smiled gently
"Good morning, Aang. Join me for breakfast?"
Iroh asks as he serves up the warm meal.
"Of course " the avatar reached for his tea sipping it "I've been thinking what if I let out my anger in...abandoned places?....that have no chance of recovering?"
"This is a good start, though I would say there is nowhere that will not recover in time. You would be better off finding places where the damage is difficult or impossible to do. There is a quarry outside the city that would be a good place to start. Or use your unique abilities to create an island in the ocean, or the East and West Lakes. This way you can let loose fully on your power, without concern for injuring a person or animal that wanders too closely."
"....the island idea would be healthier " aang nodded in agreement "i could possibly make my own sanctuary.... .....I....like that" he smiled digging into his rice "iroh....you're guidance is...great and limitless........ there was an empty island near our temples that was never used...it might finally have some use"
"Many avatars before you have done the same. Most of the avatar temples started as such places. While so many people look to the Avatar as a symbol of peace, it is difficult to remember that they are people too, and feel anger and sorrow just as everyone does."
He laughs lightly. "I am honored by your words, my young friend. But as you will learn, wisdom is simply age and experience. I am learning new things everyday, just as you are."
"That sounds like an excellent idea. It is up to you if you wish to do this alone, to connect with the spirits around you, or if you wish for your friends to help you. I am sure no one will object."
Aang nodded finishing up his rice and tea before walking over to iroh and hugging the elderly man before bowing
Iroh hugs him back tightly, and returns the bow.
"I will always be here to help you, Aang. No matter what you need from me."
I hate crying when I'm frustrated, what do you mean I already feel stupid now im abt to bust out in tears?
Crying is a natural release.
Think of it like a lake after a heavy rain. The dam has outlets to prevent itself from overflowing and doing damage to the surrounding areas. Our eyes also have outlets for the emotions in our hearts.
That is why we also cry when we are happy, or angry, or overwhelmed.
Let yourself cry, and you will feel less frustrated, because you have released it from your heart.
"Do you have a moment?"
@not-just-avatar
"Always, Aang. Come in, have some tea."
He smiles, opening the door wider to let him inside.
"What is on your mind, my friend?"
"I've been thinking... about the temples....my temples...were things ...taken?" He looks sad "if so...do you know where?"
Iroh gestures for Aang to sit, a grave expression on his face.
"This is something I wished to speak with you about, when things calmed down. Unfortunately, yes, many things were taken from the temples. Either on Sozin's orders, to be kept in his vaults, or by ordinary people acting on greed." His words are gentle, but he doesn't sugarcoat the matter either. It is what it is.
"I know my brother well, and that what was kept in the palace vaults would not be safe from him. After I joined the Order of the White Lotus, I smuggled out as much as I could. It is being kept safe in small, guarded caches around the Earth Kingdom."
"Thank you....then i must be honest...I....have thoughts of hunting sozin,s soul or spirit down " the young boy spoke as the winds would slowly cause things to shiver and jolt "to you all it was a hundred years....but to me..." a lump swelled in aang,s throat he couldn't get the words out... struggling to know how to say it...
"Your anger is understandable, Aang," Iroh says, pouring a cup of tea for them both. "And you are not a bad person for feeling these things. Anger is a part of life, and you must allow yourself to feel it, just as you would your grief or joy."
He reaches out and puts a hand over Aang's. "You have been running and working towards the end of the war since the moment you woke up. Now that things are calm, your grief is catching up."
The boy gently squeezed the elders hand nodding "i-i didn't know what else to do....everything and everyone i know...knew" he corrected himself "is...is gone...and the grief....it's so....thick...and...tight. it feels like it's strangling me..." he looked iroh in the eyes pleadingly "how do I move forward... when everything's so... hot and raw?"
Iroh shuts his eyes, his own grief over his son and wife swelling.
"Slowly," he says honestly. "Grief is a stone in the roots of a tree. It can be small, or very large. And it will not go away, or shrink. But you will grow around it, and learn to live alongside it. You may languish underneath it, and allow it to stunt your growth. Or you can reach for the sun, and live."
His eyes meet Aang's, holding them there. "Make no mistake, it is not easy. It will be hard, and you will find many days where it seems impossible. You will need support from others, and a healthy outlet so it does not twist up inside of you. But it is not futile, and you will be okay."
"I-i understand...I think" aang sipped his tea finishing it before getting up and hugging iroh gently "th-thank you.....grey dragon ..." the avatar let's go of the man..."I've travelled far....may i stay the night?" He requested
Iroh hugs him back, warm and firm and soft. "You are welcome anytime, Aang. Tomorrow, before you go, I will give you what you need to speak to the White Lotus and find the caches. We have been searching for things sold on the black market as well, collecting and preserving what we could. We would love to help you return it to its proper place."
"To do that the temples need rebuilt first " aang chuckled softly as he'd reached into a bag he'd took a sleeping bag and settled into the corner "g-good night shifu iroh "
"Sleep well, Aang." Iroh sits quietly for a little longer, thinking.
Finally he gets up and starts writing down the names and codes used to find and access the caches, including the coded messages to ensure the other members know that Aang is the Avatar, and endorsed by a Grand Lotus.
When the ink is dry, he rolls it up and seals it, then begins his nighttime routine, cleaning up before going to bed on his own cot, still worried for his young friend.
The next morning aang had woken up early to meditate on the roof of the shop having airbended onto it he's deep in thoughts as he thinks about his family his grief ...his anger......he'd let out steam in empty abandoned areas when he could get time to himself
Iroh, as always, wakes with the sun. He notices the absence of Aang, but also knows his friend well enough that he would not leave without a word.
So he waits, meditating for the morning while the tea steeps, then starting to prepare breakfast for two.
When it is ready- a simple meal of rice and steamed vegetables- he sits at the table with his tea and waits patiently.
Aang dropped back into the street his staff acting as a landing slot as he stepped on it gently as he hopped off it landing gracefully and picking the staff up taking it inside with him as he sits down across from iroh "good morning..." he smiled gently
"Good morning, Aang. Join me for breakfast?"
Iroh asks as he serves up the warm meal.
"Of course " the avatar reached for his tea sipping it "I've been thinking what if I let out my anger in...abandoned places?....that have no chance of recovering?"
"This is a good start, though I would say there is nowhere that will not recover in time. You would be better off finding places where the damage is difficult or impossible to do. There is a quarry outside the city that would be a good place to start. Or use your unique abilities to create an island in the ocean, or the East and West Lakes. This way you can let loose fully on your power, without concern for injuring a person or animal that wanders too closely."
"....the island idea would be healthier " aang nodded in agreement "i could possibly make my own sanctuary.... .....I....like that" he smiled digging into his rice "iroh....you're guidance is...great and limitless........ there was an empty island near our temples that was never used...it might finally have some use"
"Many avatars before you have done the same. Most of the avatar temples started as such places. While so many people look to the Avatar as a symbol of peace, it is difficult to remember that they are people too, and feel anger and sorrow just as everyone does."
He laughs lightly. "I am honored by your words, my young friend. But as you will learn, wisdom is simply age and experience. I am learning new things everyday, just as you are."
"That sounds like an excellent idea. It is up to you if you wish to do this alone, to connect with the spirits around you, or if you wish for your friends to help you. I am sure no one will object."
"Do you have a moment?"
@not-just-avatar
"Always, Aang. Come in, have some tea."
He smiles, opening the door wider to let him inside.
"What is on your mind, my friend?"
"I've been thinking... about the temples....my temples...were things ...taken?" He looks sad "if so...do you know where?"
Iroh gestures for Aang to sit, a grave expression on his face.
"This is something I wished to speak with you about, when things calmed down. Unfortunately, yes, many things were taken from the temples. Either on Sozin's orders, to be kept in his vaults, or by ordinary people acting on greed." His words are gentle, but he doesn't sugarcoat the matter either. It is what it is.
"I know my brother well, and that what was kept in the palace vaults would not be safe from him. After I joined the Order of the White Lotus, I smuggled out as much as I could. It is being kept safe in small, guarded caches around the Earth Kingdom."
"Thank you....then i must be honest...I....have thoughts of hunting sozin,s soul or spirit down " the young boy spoke as the winds would slowly cause things to shiver and jolt "to you all it was a hundred years....but to me..." a lump swelled in aang,s throat he couldn't get the words out... struggling to know how to say it...
"Your anger is understandable, Aang," Iroh says, pouring a cup of tea for them both. "And you are not a bad person for feeling these things. Anger is a part of life, and you must allow yourself to feel it, just as you would your grief or joy."
He reaches out and puts a hand over Aang's. "You have been running and working towards the end of the war since the moment you woke up. Now that things are calm, your grief is catching up."
The boy gently squeezed the elders hand nodding "i-i didn't know what else to do....everything and everyone i know...knew" he corrected himself "is...is gone...and the grief....it's so....thick...and...tight. it feels like it's strangling me..." he looked iroh in the eyes pleadingly "how do I move forward... when everything's so... hot and raw?"
Iroh shuts his eyes, his own grief over his son and wife swelling.
"Slowly," he says honestly. "Grief is a stone in the roots of a tree. It can be small, or very large. And it will not go away, or shrink. But you will grow around it, and learn to live alongside it. You may languish underneath it, and allow it to stunt your growth. Or you can reach for the sun, and live."
His eyes meet Aang's, holding them there. "Make no mistake, it is not easy. It will be hard, and you will find many days where it seems impossible. You will need support from others, and a healthy outlet so it does not twist up inside of you. But it is not futile, and you will be okay."
"I-i understand...I think" aang sipped his tea finishing it before getting up and hugging iroh gently "th-thank you.....grey dragon ..." the avatar let's go of the man..."I've travelled far....may i stay the night?" He requested
Iroh hugs him back, warm and firm and soft. "You are welcome anytime, Aang. Tomorrow, before you go, I will give you what you need to speak to the White Lotus and find the caches. We have been searching for things sold on the black market as well, collecting and preserving what we could. We would love to help you return it to its proper place."
"To do that the temples need rebuilt first " aang chuckled softly as he'd reached into a bag he'd took a sleeping bag and settled into the corner "g-good night shifu iroh "
"Sleep well, Aang." Iroh sits quietly for a little longer, thinking.
Finally he gets up and starts writing down the names and codes used to find and access the caches, including the coded messages to ensure the other members know that Aang is the Avatar, and endorsed by a Grand Lotus.
When the ink is dry, he rolls it up and seals it, then begins his nighttime routine, cleaning up before going to bed on his own cot, still worried for his young friend.
The next morning aang had woken up early to meditate on the roof of the shop having airbended onto it he's deep in thoughts as he thinks about his family his grief ...his anger......he'd let out steam in empty abandoned areas when he could get time to himself
Iroh, as always, wakes with the sun. He notices the absence of Aang, but also knows his friend well enough that he would not leave without a word.
So he waits, meditating for the morning while the tea steeps, then starting to prepare breakfast for two.
When it is ready- a simple meal of rice and steamed vegetables- he sits at the table with his tea and waits patiently.
Aang dropped back into the street his staff acting as a landing slot as he stepped on it gently as he hopped off it landing gracefully and picking the staff up taking it inside with him as he sits down across from iroh "good morning..." he smiled gently
"Good morning, Aang. Join me for breakfast?"
Iroh asks as he serves up the warm meal.
"Of course " the avatar reached for his tea sipping it "I've been thinking what if I let out my anger in...abandoned places?....that have no chance of recovering?"
"This is a good start, though I would say there is nowhere that will not recover in time. You would be better off finding places where the damage is difficult or impossible to do. There is a quarry outside the city that would be a good place to start. Or use your unique abilities to create an island in the ocean, or the East and West Lakes. This way you can let loose fully on your power, without concern for injuring a person or animal that wanders too closely."
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"Do you have a moment?"
@not-just-avatar
"Always, Aang. Come in, have some tea."
He smiles, opening the door wider to let him inside.
"What is on your mind, my friend?"
"I've been thinking... about the temples....my temples...were things ...taken?" He looks sad "if so...do you know where?"
Iroh gestures for Aang to sit, a grave expression on his face.
"This is something I wished to speak with you about, when things calmed down. Unfortunately, yes, many things were taken from the temples. Either on Sozin's orders, to be kept in his vaults, or by ordinary people acting on greed." His words are gentle, but he doesn't sugarcoat the matter either. It is what it is.
"I know my brother well, and that what was kept in the palace vaults would not be safe from him. After I joined the Order of the White Lotus, I smuggled out as much as I could. It is being kept safe in small, guarded caches around the Earth Kingdom."
"Thank you....then i must be honest...I....have thoughts of hunting sozin,s soul or spirit down " the young boy spoke as the winds would slowly cause things to shiver and jolt "to you all it was a hundred years....but to me..." a lump swelled in aang,s throat he couldn't get the words out... struggling to know how to say it...
"Your anger is understandable, Aang," Iroh says, pouring a cup of tea for them both. "And you are not a bad person for feeling these things. Anger is a part of life, and you must allow yourself to feel it, just as you would your grief or joy."
He reaches out and puts a hand over Aang's. "You have been running and working towards the end of the war since the moment you woke up. Now that things are calm, your grief is catching up."
The boy gently squeezed the elders hand nodding "i-i didn't know what else to do....everything and everyone i know...knew" he corrected himself "is...is gone...and the grief....it's so....thick...and...tight. it feels like it's strangling me..." he looked iroh in the eyes pleadingly "how do I move forward... when everything's so... hot and raw?"
Iroh shuts his eyes, his own grief over his son and wife swelling.
"Slowly," he says honestly. "Grief is a stone in the roots of a tree. It can be small, or very large. And it will not go away, or shrink. But you will grow around it, and learn to live alongside it. You may languish underneath it, and allow it to stunt your growth. Or you can reach for the sun, and live."
His eyes meet Aang's, holding them there. "Make no mistake, it is not easy. It will be hard, and you will find many days where it seems impossible. You will need support from others, and a healthy outlet so it does not twist up inside of you. But it is not futile, and you will be okay."
"I-i understand...I think" aang sipped his tea finishing it before getting up and hugging iroh gently "th-thank you.....grey dragon ..." the avatar let's go of the man..."I've travelled far....may i stay the night?" He requested
Iroh hugs him back, warm and firm and soft. "You are welcome anytime, Aang. Tomorrow, before you go, I will give you what you need to speak to the White Lotus and find the caches. We have been searching for things sold on the black market as well, collecting and preserving what we could. We would love to help you return it to its proper place."
"To do that the temples need rebuilt first " aang chuckled softly as he'd reached into a bag he'd took a sleeping bag and settled into the corner "g-good night shifu iroh "
"Sleep well, Aang." Iroh sits quietly for a little longer, thinking.
Finally he gets up and starts writing down the names and codes used to find and access the caches, including the coded messages to ensure the other members know that Aang is the Avatar, and endorsed by a Grand Lotus.
When the ink is dry, he rolls it up and seals it, then begins his nighttime routine, cleaning up before going to bed on his own cot, still worried for his young friend.
The next morning aang had woken up early to meditate on the roof of the shop having airbended onto it he's deep in thoughts as he thinks about his family his grief ...his anger......he'd let out steam in empty abandoned areas when he could get time to himself
Iroh, as always, wakes with the sun. He notices the absence of Aang, but also knows his friend well enough that he would not leave without a word.
So he waits, meditating for the morning while the tea steeps, then starting to prepare breakfast for two.
When it is ready- a simple meal of rice and steamed vegetables- he sits at the table with his tea and waits patiently.
Aang dropped back into the street his staff acting as a landing slot as he stepped on it gently as he hopped off it landing gracefully and picking the staff up taking it inside with him as he sits down across from iroh "good morning..." he smiled gently
"Good morning, Aang. Join me for breakfast?"
Iroh asks as he serves up the warm meal.
"Uncle... It's been some time. How has business been?"
@firelord-hotman-zuko - 17 year old Zuko
"Zuko!" Iroh beams with joy and hurries to embrace his nephew. "You did not tell me you were coming to visit. How wonderful to see you again."
"I wanted to suprise you. I hope you're not too busy for some tea together."
Zuko hugs Iroh right back, smiling into the older man's shoulder.
"I am never too busy for you, nephew!"
Iroh guides him to sit at a table, moving to prepare a pot of tea and some cups for them.
Despite his words, it's obvious business is booming. The shop is plenty busy, and he's hired a few people to help him out.
"I hope you have been taking care of yourself as well? Remembering to eat and rest?"
"I've been... doing my best. It's difficult, preparing to be Firelord and all that. And..."
Zuko trails off, fidgeting with his teacup, trying to gather his courage. He wasn't afraid of his uncle, he just... it was different, speaking to him avout stuff like this.
"...I have a boyfriend."
Iroh's smile gets somehow wider and he reaches across to hold Zuko's hands.
"I am so so happy for you, nephew! You must tell me everything, how did you meet, who is he?"
Zuko blushes, feeling bashful about how excited Iroh seemed about this.
"Well, it's- it's Sokka, Uncle. You've met him. We talked for a while and things sort of just... developed from there. He'd like to formally introduce himself as my boyfriend sometime and... well, ask for your blessing."
Iroh nods knowingly, coming back to his tea cup with a twinkle in his eye. "Hm, I had a feeling," he says.
"Well, you certainly have my blessing, both of you. I'm incredibly happy for you, my boy. I hope you bring him around soon, I will need to make sure he properly understands how to treat my beloved nephew!" His words are intimidating, but he says it with a wink.
"Uncle, don't scare him off! He's already nervous about it. Wait- what do you mean you had a feeling?"
(Sokka blog is @/wolftailwarrior btw)
Iroh waves him off. "Your young man is very brave, he won't be scared off. But I want to make sure he knows to treat you right. You deserve someone who will cherish you wholly."
"And, well, it was just a hunch. I've seen how he is around you, the boy has been smitten with you for ages."
"Did he come to Ba Sing Se with you? When will I get to meet him officially?"
"You mean you want to make sure he's not like Jet."
Zuko grumbles, remembering his very first boyfriend and how poorly that relationship ended up. He looked down into his tea, swirling it around in the cup.
"You told me that he was no good for me. I didn't listen. I'm sorry, Uncle. But Sokka will be much better. He came with me. He follows me everywhere, I swear. Protective alpha."
(//this Zuko is omegaverse btw, but nothing nsfw!)
Iroh hums as he sips his tea. "There are some mistakes that must be learned from experience." He admits. "I had hoped to spare you that pain."
"But I know Sokka well already, and I know very well he is not the kind of alpha Jet was. But you cannot blame this old man for worrying about you, Zuko."
He stands briefly to fetch another cup for the tea, and smiles at him. "Won't you bring him in? I promise I won't scare him. Much."
"You were right, Uncle. About everything. About my destiny, about choosing my own path, about Father. You were only trying to protect me, but I foolishly thought you just didn't think I was strong enough to handle the world on my own. That you thought I was weak because I'm an omega. I'm sorry. I should have listened."
Zuko's bottom lip trembles, guilt and shame toiling in his chest. He shakes his head, trying to clear it from all the turmoil.
"I'll bring Sokka around soon enough, but right now, I want time with just you, Uncle."
Iroh moves around the table to hug Zuko again.
"Oh my boy. I never once thought you weak, for any reason. I am so incredibly proud of the man you've become. You are strong, and kind, and brave, and you are everything I could have hoped you'd become and more."
He sits back, smiling. "Gladly, nephew. I love spending time with you. But you must tell me how it happened! I want to hear your love story."
Zuko can't help the laugh that escapes him, despite his complex feelings. His uncle was just far too nosy.
"You're such a gossip, old man. Have to know all the details about everything. If you must know, I had realized I developed feelings for him during our time apart, when he was helping the Avatar repair the world while I did my part in the Fire Palace. But I was hesitant to do anything, as I had assumed he was still with Suki. When we reunited, I learned that was not the case, and well... that the feeling was mutual."
Zuko smiles as he sips his tea, looking both bashful and incredibly charmed.
"He took me out on a date around the captial, Uncle. He even insisted on paying for everything, even though I'm the prince. It was so..."
"I just want to know about my nephew's love life! We live so far apart now, I do not get to see everything as I once did."
Iroh smiles softly, letting Zuko speak. "Zuko, that is wonderful. I am so glad to see you so happy and in love. Sokka is a very lucky man, and I hope he knows that too."
