Chapter Text
Zuko doesn't tell Azula the day he decides he's going to go see their uncle. He doesn't actually tell anyone, preferring this to be a quiet decision of his own. That's why he's the sole person on the back doorstep to the apartment above the tea shop early that morning, hoping that Iroh still wakes with the sun.
It's been a few weeks since he reunited with Azula, and he's finally reached the point where he feels no resentment towards his uncle. It's time.
He knocks on the door and waits. The sound of someone moving in the apartment is immediately apparent and his shoulders relax with his relief.
When the door opens, Zuko surprises even himself with how he doesn't hesitate to step forward and wrap his arms around his uncle. He buries his face into Iroh's shoulder, smelling him and remembering just how much of a comfort that familiar scent had been when he was younger.
He'd been prepared to apologize for taking so long, but as his uncle's arms tighten around him, he realizes easily just how unnecessary that would be right now. Neither of them have anything to be sorry for right now.
They stay there silently for a while, just taking in the moment in. Then Zuko pulls away gently and quietly says, “It's been a long time Uncle.”
Iroh just smiles softly at him and leads him inside, saying, “Far too long my dear nephew. But oh how sweet it is, being able to reunite after all this time. Would you like some tea?”
Zuko smiles warmly, saying, “Of course Uncle. If you still remember how I used to like it, it hasn't changed.”
“That's good to hear,” Iroh says with a sparkle in his eye. “It appears some things never change.”
…
When Zuko had been a little kid, he hadn't had many friends. He was quiet about it, and he was sure his family didn't realize it, but his beloved Uncle Iroh was his best friend. The only reason he'd figured out his father's abuse was wrong was because of how gently his uncle treated him.
He loved his mother, but by the point in his childhood where he can actually remember anything, she'd become a shell of a human. His father's abuse had beaten the life out of her enough that hearing her speak or even really move was rare.
So on the days when he couldn't stand the idea of going home when he got done with school, he went straight to the small home his uncle lived in. He was always welcomed in warmly, and his uncle's hugs would always be his favorite.
They never really needed to speak much those days, just a soft thank you coming from Zuko when his uncle would give him his tea. He would settle in on the couch in Iroh's office as his uncle quietly completed paperwork at his desk. Often, Zuko would occupy himself with homework, or with a book, content to just be in the room with his uncle.
He could never stay the whole evening, afraid after the one time Ozai showed up with angry eyes when Zuko had lingered at his uncle's place for too long for his liking. But it'd been enough for Zuko then, enough to keep him in a place where he had a safe person.
Despite this safety net, Zuko grew up faster than he should have. He understood the dangers of telling his uncle about the abuse his father put him through, afraid he'd be taken away from his uncle forever.
He'd been right unfortunately. After his uncle had noticed the marks that had come from a particularly brutal beat down the night before, he'd quickly gotten to suing for custody of Zuko and Azula. At first, Zuko had hope that his uncle would win the case and that he'd never have to feel afraid in his home again, but as it progressed, it became more and more evident to Zuko that while Azula would likely get to escape Ozai, Zuko wouldn't be that lucky.
He never blamed Iroh for the loss of the case, he understood too much about the situation to be angry with him. He spent years in a home with just him and Ozai, dreaming of the day he'd be able to be his uncle's beloved nephew again.
All of this is what made it hurt so much when he was told that his uncle didn't want him. All of this is what made him have to take time to really believe his uncle didn't reject him even after being told the truth.
But that connection with his uncle ultimately became more important than his fear of being rejected. And it paid off completely.
Because even though sitting together in Iroh's office in silence isn't what either of them needs right now, they both feel the same peace from being together as they felt all those years ago.
The conversation they have is important, but neither of them feel the need to relay the specifics of it to anyone else after. They had to catch up on years of each other's lives, on years of processing hard events. But that early morning reunion was worth it, for both of them.
…
A few weeks later, Zuko waits in the lobby of Iroh's tea shop, a familiar cup of tea warming his hands. He's smiling faintly, unaware of the barista staring at him dreamily from behind him. After all, he is waiting for a decent sized group of people, he isn't exactly paying attention to the smitten barista.
Sokka and Yue come in first, holding hands and laughing together, as they often do. Sokka and Zuko immediately start talking animatedly as Yue hugs Mai who entered right behind her, along with Azula and Ty Lee.
Zuko eyes Azula's and Ty Lee's entwined hands and grins at his sister as she flushes. He's never seen his sister so red and he's never seen Ty Lee be treated so well. Sometimes Ty Lee loses a bit of her exuberance when she gets into a relationship, and Zuko is happy to see that for once, she seems even more energized than when she's single. They're good for each other.
When Katara walks in, Zuko isn't too surprised when Aang comes in right after. The guy doesn't even make an attempt to hide his longing glances, but as always, Katara doesn't even notice.
Zuko thinks Aang is either a saint or insane, holding onto his feelings for Katara for so long. He hasn't even known the guy very long, but from what he's heard from Sokka, Aang's been like this ever since high school. Zuko's holding out hope for him though, he'd be good for Katara. No matter how much she always goes for the bad boy types, Zuko can tell she needs someone who could calm her down, not make her constantly anxious.
He lets them be, content to watch Aang wait patiently to be even considered an option by Katara. That's when he finally decides that Aang really must just be a saint, because even Zuko can tell Katara is unconsciously drawn towards him.
He's stirred away from his amusement as Suki walks in and he feels his heart skip a beat as she sits down across from him.
“Hey Suks,” he says happily. His smile falters as he realizes she's not focused on him, but on someone behind him. He turns to look at what's going on, completely missing the barista turning bright red and ducking behind the counter and giggling.
Instead he turns back towards Suki, who looks grumpier than usual.
“You good Suki?” Zuko asks hesitantly. “You don't look-”
“Do you want to go on a date with me Z?” Suki interrupts, a look of determination on her face.
Zuko turns pink and stutters out a yes as he nods quickly and grabs her hand shyly.
“I know this is out of order then,” Suki says with a grin, mischief dancing in her eyes. “But can I kiss you?”
Zuko's eyes bug out and he nods dumbly, leaning forward and meeting her halfway. Since he closes his eyes before their lips meet he misses Suki stick her tongue out at the barista.
He definitely doesn't miss the catcalls that fill the air as Suki kisses him deeply. He doesn't really care about them though, he's just happy Suki finally decided to make a move