Tea

Day 24 – Zutara Month
Tea
Snow fell at a constant, steady pace, a cue to Iroh that the Jasmine Dragon would experience its busiest time of year. It had been just two years since Zuko left the little shop and became the well renowned Fire Lord, and everything seemed quiet. Of course, Zuko rarely talked when he was working with Iroh, but there was still a sense of communication between them. Now, even with a talkative employee, the absence changed the atmosphere. At least he was able to have conversations with his customers, who usually frequented the shop and had developed an acquaintance with him.
A few days ago, Iroh had received a letter from his nephew, stating he would visit. The entire shop had been organized and reorganized again. The excitement Iroh had brightened the entire room with each smile. He even closed the shop early, knowing that, despite his new title, Zuko was still not a very social being.
"Hello?" The bell rang with the person's entrance. Iroh turned in surprise at the feminine voice.
Katara smiled at the sight of him. "Sorry. I didn't really send anything in advance."
"The Jasmine Dragon is welcome to you anytime, Katara, please." He beamed, gesturing for her to sit. Was she really visiting at such a coincidental, miraculous time?
"Thanks."
Loud thunks and knocks announced the great Fire Lord. He burst through the door, a fresh layer of snow on his crown and shoulders.
"Ugh. I still don't like the snow, Uncle. At least it's warm in here." He looked up, expecting an answer, but Iroh was out of sight, probably in the kitchen. Instead he found a girl who had drifted into his mind a lot lately.
"Katara?"
She stood without replying and grinned upon recognizing him. He approached her, and they embraced for just a little too long.
"I didn't expect to see you here," he said.
"And you think I did?" she replied, still grinning.
He sat opposite her, the two of them smiling in what was uncomfortable silence for Zuko.
"So, um—" he cleared his throat—"How've you been?"
"Busy," she answered, letting out a sigh that seemed to have been in her for a while, "I've been rebuilding the Southern Water Tribe, and now that Sokka's trying to become a councilman, it's getting a lot easier to get my word in….You? Mr. Fire Lord!" She pretended to punch his shoulder.
"Well, as you can see, I needed this." He gestured to the shop, with its peaceful lighting and the smell of smooth fire coming from the back room. She giggled at his remark, and he smiled at her.
"What?"
"I haven't heard you laugh in a long time," he said, "It makes me realize how much I've missed it." The last words were said in his teacup as he took a sip to keep his throat from getting so dry. He really just said that.
A small blush rose to her cheeks as she smiled at the compliment.
Iroh turned from the doorway, a smug grin on his face from ear to ear.